Simon Maxwell Eason and his new-found Family

Throughout my whole life I have done so many things. I have played almost every sport, Soccer, Football, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Track & Field, Tennis, I used to Film all the time, write poetry all the time, play video games very heavily, want to be a Chef, and many other things that I used to always do, or want to do. All of these things have ended the same way; I either quit, or just stopped doing them. But I feel like finally I have found two passions that I don’t think I’ll let go of until the day I pass, Dancing and Djing.

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever felt so much drive in the two activities, though like everyone we have our moments of laziness and disinterest. I try all the time to think of the reason why I love these things so very much, and just haven’t really been able to come up with an answer. It could be because within these two art forms, I have found something more than just “something to do” I have found a whole entire culture I never knew existed while I was sitting on my butt in Frederick. I also have found a love for music, a loving friend and mentor, and best of all a group of friends and family I can honestly say I love, and I don’t say I love very many things. CAB Crew and Urban Artistry have helped me not just within dance but also within life, because so many people within these groups have so much wisdom at their disposal. I feel so grateful that these people share this information with me because like I said, it has helped me so much in life.

While being a part of UA and CAB I have met dancers nationally and internationally and I have only been coming around for a year. I have traveled to many different states, California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, and we always go together just like a family does, and it provides me with such a sense of belonging and happiness. I had the good fortune of being a part of last year’s Soul Society and saw so many things that just made me smile and enjoy myself so much. I can see why so many wonderful members have gravitated towards this group and stayed around for as long as they have.

I ask one thing of everyone, to never let me quit! Because if I did, there wouldn’t be a day that goes by that I wouldn’t think about Dancing or Djing. I feel that with all these supportive and loving people around me I will never even think of quitting, because I don’t have much else that I have a passion for. I look forward to many more accomplishments and opportunities I have to come with my Crew and Company. Thanks to everyone for EVERYTHING! And I mean that with every ounce of my being. Michael McClain I’m very grateful that your introduced me to UA because you put these wheels in motion.

Inside the Headphones w/ DJ Mate Masie

Join us for this week's blog featuring a video from Artistic Director, Russell Campbell aka DJ Mate Masie. In today's blog Russ gives us a look and a listen as to how it sounds to be:

INSIDE THE HEADPHONES...

http://youtu.be/cT5sDVVWE64

DJ Baronhawk Poitier - Baaad Assssss!

Every time I post a mix publicly I want my audience to be surprised as to what they will hear. I never upload mixes back to back that are the same genre. The titles never hint at the genre of the mix. The name might be something I think has a little ring to it or its just an inside joke I've come up with during the process for my own amusement. I usually don't share any information about my mixes at all! However.. you're in luck. You get some background behind this mix (yay).

This mix serves three purposes. First of all its a promo mix for my monthly funkebration (yes, funk and celebration had a baby) called Bad Ass! Secondly, I wanted to mix music that I don't hear being spun very often in a way that I don't ever hear it spun. Most of the tracks are sped up to increase their intensity and power. Lastly, I wanted to tribute something to Rashaad and Ryan with a Strutting mix.

Check out the mix here: DJ Baronhawk Poitier - Baaad Assssss!

Check out the fan page: http://www.facebook.com/DJBaronhawk

Check out the event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/131671616943022/

A Musical Journey with Russell Campbell

The torrential rain storm could not keep Russell Campbell’s fans from attending his set at 18th Street Lounge (ESL) this past Sunday evening. Also known as DJ Mate Masie, his entire two hour mix compelled us to feel as if we were all dancing on the edge of our own record. A record that Russell had brilliantly created with music he chose to play - or music that chose him.

One thing you should know about Russell is when you first see him on the dance floor, he exerts a radiant energy that puts you in a trance. Allowing for the music to move him, his motion is fluid. Once he stops to take a break and you have the chance to talk to him, you realize that not only is there deep sincerity, but patience and understanding as well. This appropriately explains Russells’ choice for the name Mate Masie, which originates from the West African Adinkra symbol and is interpreted as, “You understand what you hear.”

Much like a composer creates a story with her score Russell has created his own, bridging two of his many passions: music and dance. Humbly, he realizes that he was not alone in this creation; who he is today stems from his true roots.

Born in 1983 and raised in Silver Spring, MD, Russell was exposed to music from all genres at an early age. Coming from an extensive, talented musical family, Russell’s grandfather, Bill Campbell, played tenor with the legends (– The Intruders, James Brown and Etta James, to name a few), his grandmother, Pauline Campbell, sang at the Good Hope Methodist Church and also played the Hammond B-3 organ, and his father, Vincent Campbell Sr., is a vocalist who plays bass guitar.

Though Bill Campbell would not all allow for Russell to take part in his band (Russell recalls a conversation where Bill told him, “You aren’t old enough”), when it came to music, he was Russell’s greatest inspiration. A WWII veteran, he spoke very little and the two were able to communicate through music. Both playing the saxophone, his grandfather would play notes or patterns which Russell would then mimic. This was one of many lessons that Russell learned from his grandfather, and mimicking sounds would help him much sooner than he thought.

After learning from his grandfather that he was not allowed to play with his band, Russell was determined to make music a personal goal. He spent many hours in the family room, which was set up like a small studio, where he would play the piano, drum set and saxophone. In middle school he auditioned for the school band and for two years mimicked the sounds from those around him. He finally confided in his conductor that during all of this time he could not read sheet music. Instead of being upset, his conductor only challenged him more, asking him to play the bassoon. During his high school years, Russell was not only an incredible athlete on the field but simultaneously played percussion in the drum core.

Once Russell turned 16, he hit the ground dancing. “Music and dance, that’s what I did.” With his collection of records expanding along with an interest in becoming a DJ, Russell was soon introduced to house music. House music is a style of electronic dance strongly influenced by disco with elements of soul and funk. It originates from a Chicago nightclub, otherwise known as The Warehouse which was popular from 1977 to the mid-80's.

Russell received his first house record from DJ Black Caesar and being a B-Boy from Silver Spring who usually danced to funk, he assumed he would not care for it. However, when the needle hit the vinyl and the sounds of ‘We Lift Our Hands in the Sanctuary’ played by Una and DJ Oji and ‘Love and Happiness’ by India MAW rattled his eardrums, he was hooked.

In his early twenties, Russell started spending more time at Club Red, where the party ‘Underground Soul Solution’ was held. Each night, Club Red was a new experience for Russell. He was overwhelmed that there was a room full of people who were moving together and no one was stealing the spotlight, as b-boys have a reputation of doing. He suddenly felt the need to experience this feeling more and more – to see how other people lived their lives and why they danced the way they did. He soon came to accept that breaking was not the only dancing style. Those moments triggered a new energy in him, and soon he too was dancing with the wave of others. He was able to release his emotions through dance and accept his feelings, as well as accept what others were feeling. After all, the mentality of dancing with an open mind and spirit are vital to growth in the musical and dance world.

It was here at the Underground Soul Solution where Russell first met the infamous DJ Sam “The Man” Burns. Through the years, Russell had been influenced by Sam by watching and listening to him mix. Russell quickly learned that Burns had the musical ability to emotionally release those who were open, thereby allowing the music to take them for a ride.

The more time he spent listening to DJs and dancing, the more he learned how a crowd reacts to music. He now knows how to take control of the room and how to tell a story differently each time, even if the same track is played. Russell explains that house music is a way to express yourself and allows you to keep yourself in a place of understanding, hence DJ Mate Masie. As he explained, “the people are counting on you to keep the energy up and to keep them engaged.”

Advice Russell gives for those in the musical industry is that it is essential for musicians to do their research. “It’s your goal to actually be the researcher so you can play the songs or the tunes that people can feel parallel to.” This research will provide the knowledge that eventually helps musicians relate to the crowd as well as the ability to keep themselves in a place of understanding - that way, they are not solely playing but also teaching.

Russell embraces change. He sees this not only in the beat of music, but also in plants, animals, people and life. How fitting his response, when I asked him what his favorite season is and he replied with, "fall".

Russell has evolved since the beginning of his musical and dancing career and continues onward. And I for one am excited to watch this evolution – a man who not only lives a legacy but shares it.

A sample of DJ Mate Masie's music from last Sunday at ESL....

Russell Campbell is an acting artistic director, teacher, performer and producer of films with Urban Artistry.

-mea

Roosee from the SLEEPWALKINGZ Crew visits Urban Artistry in Washington DC

Urban Artistry was pleased to welcome Bulgarian Bboy, Dancer and DJ; Roosee (Rusi) Yusifov of the famous SLEEPWALKINGZ CREW, http://www.kination.com/Welcome.html to the United States for the past three months. The folks at Urban Artistry met Roosee and some other members of his crew at one of the local events held by UA called THE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, during their visit to the States in 2008.

The jam made history that night as members of the Sleepwalkingz Crew decided to call out the judges for battle. This particular night the judges chosen happened to be some of DC's BBOY Legends including, Brent "VORTEX" Talley of Natural Elements Crew; Sonny "GHOST" Tran of Lionz of Zion and Joe "FATRAWK" Nguyen of Arrive to Defy. This battle would be one of the first and only times Sonny and Brent had battled together since they were both in Natural Elements over 10 years ago! For those of us who have been around the scene for awhile or have simply been fans of the bboy scene in DC, this night will be remembered for a long time!

(Judges Call Out Battle Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuIeQ2BElYE

(Judges Call Out Battle Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaiADLhrEoo

In September 2009 the Sleepwalkingz got together with the United States Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria to bring Urban Artistry to their Annual Hip Hop Festival JAM ON IT.

http://www.jamonit.bg/

During the festival Urban Artistry members:

Junious, Rashaad, Russell and Rizqi all gave workshops in various urban dance styles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FbbYp6OuEg

Russell and Gabe judged the bboy footwork battles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmvs1hIyMnI

Rashaad won the 1 vs. 1 popping battle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLo8zZBIGI

The group performed of their popular piece "ONE DREAM."
http://www.youtube.com/user/SofiaPAO

Attending this event allowed the two groups to continue growing the urban artist exchange program they have been developing between Bulgaria and the United States over the past few years. Bringing Roosee here to the States was part of a series of exchanges we hope to get funding for in the future.

Next, Urban Artistry Founder/ Executive Director Junious "House" Brickhouse will visit Sofia again in February 2010 to give a series of workshops on urban dance and culture in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Bulgaria and their efforts to educate the Bulgarian community on the importance of Black History Month in American Culture.

The two crews hope to find funding to bring the Sleepwalkingz Crew out for Urban Artistry and Rogue Squirrel's Annual Urban Dance Festival www.hiphopsoulsociety.com which takes place throughout the DC Metro Area the weekend of April 15th-18th in 2010.


In October 2009, Roosee obtained a work VISA to visit the States and work with Urban Artistry as a fellow, dancer, performer and musician (DJ). During his stay he participated in several shows and performances with the members of UA. He also served as a International Guest Judge alongside, DC's own Ironman (CAB CRU) and PAULSKEE (Rock Force Crew, MIGHTY 4, OUT FOR FAME) from the San Francisco Bay Area at THE ILLEST INGREDIENT, a local 2 vs. 2, Odd Couple bboy/bgirl battle held in Dupont Circle on December 12, 2009.

(Illest INGREDIENT GROUP PAGE)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=342309905332

(JUDGES SHOWCASE- BBOY)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ekfcxw0YK4


During his visit to DC, Roosee also collaborated with:

DJ Obeyah, http://twitter.com/obeyah
DJ Mate Masie, http://www.myspace.com/ironmancabcru
Halfstep http://www.myspace.com/bboyhalfstep
DJ Baronhawk Poitier http://twitter.com/DJBaronhawk


on several music projects, including an International Guest DJ spot presented by YEAH CLASS at GAZUZA, a well-known Hooka Bar and Lounge in Dupont Circle. He also helped as a DJ at the Artist in Residency Preview Celebration for Urban Artistry's Open House at their new home in Columbia Heights, The Dance Institute of Washington. http://www.danceinstitute.org/

Throughout the month of Janaury 2010, Roosee taught often during the Urban Artistry Open Practice Session which takes place every Sunday at The Dance Institute of Washington. This free open practice is funded in part by a Hip Hop Initiative grant from the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities. http://dcarts.dc.gov/dcarts/cwp/view,a,3,q,638459,dcartsNav,%7C31624%7C.asp

In December 2009 he taught a beginners workshop in the Urban Artistry Education Program presented by Emily "Incognito" Wessel and Russell "Ironman" Campbell at their past home in Tenleytown, The DC Dance Collective. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2mwsjlHICE

Roosee also placed in the TOP 8 at the 3 vs. 3 battle at the Breakers Delight Jam, "WHO'S HUNGRY 2010" along side Russell "Ironman" Campbell and Emily "Incognito" Wessel, which took place at The hearts in Motion Dance Studios in Springfield, Virginia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kw_d6YJQX4 (PRELIMS)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtY9CRwEQWE (TOP 8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stYyq3gu_J0 (HD Version TOP 8)

For his last weekend here in DC, Roosee will enter Schoolin' Sessions II, a local 3 vs. 3 battle with friends Russell "Ironman" Campbell and Carlendra "Shyrock" Frank both members of the Maryland Chapter of CAB CRU before heading up to NYC on his way back to Sofia, Bulgaria, 2/10/2010.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=239568581895&index=1 (Facebook Event Page)

From all of us at Urban Artistry, we want to take a moment to thank Roosee for visiting us to share his gift of art, dance, music and culture. We will see you in the cypher again very soon my friend...

- The Urban Artistry Family-