To most people, Ryan Spicer was a typical seventeen-year-old, Cleveland native, who attended St. Ignatius High School. However, over the past few months, he has caused quite a buzz that is starting to give him recognition around the city. Keep reading.
We decided to get inside of the super star’s head and give our readers a taste of what to expect at the meet and greet with Chip on Thursday, at the Akron store. I had the honor of sitting down and asking him few questions:
1. What’s it like now, returning to Cleveland, after you’ve moved out to California?
::: Being in Cleveland always feels good. It feels like the old TV show “Cheers”. It’s all love for the most part.
2. What are your earliest musical memories from your childhood?
::: Earliest memories: Going to club “Möda” waiting for DJ Chicago to play my jams. Then goin HAM when he’d finally spin em. Lol. Those were the days.
3. How do you gain inspiration for new music?
::: I gain inspiration for new music by just living & observing life. The small things are the things that make us. The small things that ppl can relate to no matter what age, color or culture.
4. Aside from Cleveland, what is your favorite city, and why do you love it so much?
::: Aside from Cleveland, California is the best place I’ve ever been, and I’ve been almost everywhere on earth. Weed is legal, weather is great and it’s just beautiful. Malibu is unreal.
5. When it comes to fashion, what’s your go to style?
::: All black. Favorite denim is Dior. I love their cut. Louis Vuitton of course. Nothing too crazy. Jordan’s. Maison Martin Margiela’s.
6. Since ‘The Cudi Life Tour’, you have really started branding yourself as a musician. Looking back on the past year, how has your life changed?
::: Every year things get better. Fans want to hear good stuff. According to feedback, people are starting to realize that my music is not only fresh, but my views are new & innovative. I always try to out-do my last work. It’s a gift & a curse.
7. What can we expect to see from Chip this summer?
::: This Summer hopefully Chip will be the go-to guy for flawless jams. As I listen to mainstream rap, I hear music that is good but not as good as some of my overlooked material. I’d rather be on the rise then at my peak though. Chuch.
Come see Chip @ NEXT Akron on Thursday, April 26th from 4-6 PM. In the mean time, download the newest project, “Tell Ya Friends“. See you, Thursday!
Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150791368186648&set=a.10150791365216648.471943.20281766647&type=3&theater
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival began the past Friday, April 13th, in Indo, CA. As music fanatics know, Coachella kicks off festival season, which means summer is almost here 
The beautiful scenery, ornate sets, and impressive lineup at the festival made it really hard to narrow down my favorite moments of the first weekend, but I tried my best.
Here are a few highlights from Coachella 1:
1. Swedish House Mafia’s Finale
SHM was the perfect way to kick off the celebration, and as the first set of the festival, this dynamic trio set the tone for the weekend. This club banger from back in the Fall sounded better than ever and the light show was mesmerizing.
2. Azealia Banks’ US Debut
Coachella is known for transforming young artists into superstars, and Azealia Banks is my top candidate, this year, for a post-Coachella success story. It’s official; she has finally arrived and is about to blow up this summer.
3. Childish Gambino’s Saturday Afternoon Performance
As another rookie in the game, Childish Gambino’s perfect performance is definitely going to gain him respect. Gambino’s calm demeanor and interactive performance makes you forget he entered the music scene only a few months ago.
4. Eminem and Dr. Dre’s Collaboration
Even after over a decade of stardom, Eminem still knows how to put on one hell of a show. His stage presence and energy is electrifying, even when watching him perform on a computer screen.
5. Tupac’s Reserection
Coachella is notorious for pulling off big stunts, and I thought last year’s LED beach ball drop during the Arcade Fire’s performance was mind blowing. That was until I saw the video from the last set on Sunday night. All I can say is, this $100,000 masterpiece is going to be nearly impossible to beat, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s surprise! I get chills every time I watch this video:
Can’t wait for Weekend 2!! Stay tuned…
Think you have what it takes to be a model? Think your Next’s flyest customer? Submit your flyest pic to NextCleveland@gmail.com for your chance to win a $100 Next giftcard and an appearance in our next video shoot. One picture only please. More details below…
Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150415769874107&set=a.439163569106.234569.21010144106&type=1&theater
The 27th Anual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is coming home to Cleveland on Saturday, April 14th, and I for one am very excited!! This years’ inductees are as admirable as ever and consist of the following performers, early influencers, and sidemen:
If you missed out on getting a ticket, there are still many ways to participate in the festivities. Special events will be happening downtown at the Rock Hall from April 5th-14th including the grand opening of the Library and Archives, tours of the Museum’s revamped interior, free concerts, and more. For those of you who want to truly get in on the action, enter to win a free balcony ticket to the sold out show. All you have to do is submit your information on the Museum’s Facebook Page (which also includes a list of events leading up to the big night) before the end of the week- good luck!!
I recently stumbled upon a website dedicated to street art, and I was instantly in awe of the artists’ raw talent. Check out some of the most innovative, ingenious art that’ll make you do a double take on the street!
Photo Cred: http://nextwd.com/street-art-3/
Photo Cred: http://www.shefinds.com/2012/nicki-minaj-for-opi-is-here-shop-colors-like-super-bass-and-pink-friday-now/
Niciki Minaj‘s collection for OPI encompasses her vivacious personality, daring lyrics, and quirky style. Although the product hit stores in January, I just encountered it, on Friday, at Dino Palmeri Salon & Spa at LaPlace in Beachwood.
Obviously, I couldn’t make it out the door without buying ‘Save Me‘.
Cleveland is known for Rock ‘n’ Roll but one man is adding Rap to its resume. His hard lyrics and gritty attitude make him stand out in the local music scene. You may have seen him performing at clubs in Cleveland or have heard his track “Something’s Gotta Give” streaming on the internet.
He goes by the name FAME and with his mixtape dropping this Summer, it’s time for the world to get familiar with him. His mixtape titled Freshman Year: Class of 2012 features the unique rap style of FAME mixed with vocals from Cleveland singer LyricstheSinger. I got the opportunity to ask FAME a few questions and here’s what he had to say…
Musiq Soulchild is a veteran in the music industry. With his most recent album MusiqInTheMagiq being the sixth of his career, Musiq has proved that his soulful sound can survive the ever-changing music scene.
As if I wasn’t already impressed with Musiq’s recorded albums, his live show simply blew me away. His vocal range and stage presence were quite unexpected. Not because he isn’t talented, but because his vibe is so mellow. I didn’t expect him to be so high energy during his live show. He even apologized to the crowd, in case he got carried away on stage. Keep reading to see more pictures, in case you want to live vicariously through them. Haha.
You may recognize him from the Avant concert, on iTunes, or from the various posts on RuleofNext.com, local artist Antoine L. Dunn is definitely making a name for himself in the Cleveland music scene. Last night, he made our city proud when he opened up for Musiq Soulchild at the House of Blues. I got exclusive access to the band’s sound-check, got to hang out in their green room, and enjoyed their set from the front row. With the music industry’s recent trend of overproduced sound and excessive use of techno beats, it’s refreshing to hear a musician like Antoine L. Dunn who has an authentic sound and plays REAL instruments.
Keep reading for more…
Marsha Ambrosius, formerly half of the group Floetry, has been making quite a name for herself as a solo artist. One of the things that distinguishes her as a power player in the industry is her controversial, yet powerful music videos that speak on social issues. The video for her first single “Far Away” touched on the issue of bullying and hate crimes on homosexuals. It’s refreshing to see an artist whose message runs deeper than the music. In her latest video for her single “Late Nights & Early Mornings,” Marsha Ambrosius makes a statement about the importance of safe sex. Enjoy!
