The Soulcialista: Ear Candy Live

::RECAP:: EAR CANDY FEAT DONTAE WINSLOW & THE WINSLOW DYNASTY

Post by Nakera Lee

Photos by Nick Fullen

As the saying goes, “You never know where you’re going, until you know where you come from.” That statement was resonated in a room full of enthused fans, long time friends, and family members who all anticipated the soulful, sultry, and centric sounds of Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty with host MonokiaNance and DJ Lil Mic.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Teavolve located in scenic area of Harbor East in Baltimore, MD, Gypsy Soul Entertainment hosted it’s signature event Ear Candy series. From the beginning to the end, Dontae Winslow and his beautiful wife Mishica Winslow captivated the audience with their Hip Hop Jazz ensemble taking the crowd back to the days when feel good Baltimore house music was in full effect.

For those who are not sure, we’re here to help you #GetFamiliar. The WinslowDynasty group is a music group from Baltimore, MD with a mission to change the world and inspire a renaissance in creative art. Dontae Winslow is a featured member on trumpet/production and vocals, while Mashica Winslow is a featured member who lends her angelic vocals/songwriting and stellar arranging abilities. Their formidable alliance comprises styles of Jazz, Soul, Urban Poetry (Hip-Hop) and Rhythm and Blues music.

Between the versatility in their artistry and the relatable content in their musical projects, it is safe to say that Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty is creating an atmosphere that allows individuals of all kind to cultivate their inner being and that creates a sense of appreciation for self in the same breath.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came as the Winslow’s performed their track Blaxploitation and Revolution. This particular song not only reached the masses for it’s up tempo beat, but touched all onlookers in the room who could sincerely relate to the message behind the track.

With a Harlem-Renaissance feel and Dontae Winslow on trumpet, the crowd was quickly moved to their feet in celebration and appreciation of their ancestry. This dynamic duo has truly brought back the essence of real jazz to modern music so we can only imagine the powerful forces they become with the addition of their son.

To say that Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty did a great job is not enough to amount to the sparks and flames that they left on the dance floor and in the hearts of the crowd even after their set was complete. Born and raised in the City of Baltimore has truly helped to set the tone for the Winslow’s and one thing that remains tried and true is that this dynasty is just getting started.

I would be remised if I didn't mention the awesome Urban Ballroom dance workshop lead in the beginning of the event by Milton Kent. He is working hard to bring back a sophisticated sexiness to the dance floor and the audience and participants loved it.

For more information on Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty, please visit their website.

Enter The Dynasty can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

To view more photos from the event please click HERE

::GET FAMILIAR:: BOP ALLOY
by Daniel Harris

Hip-Hop is a constantly evolving genre. As new generations begin to develop their voice and sound through Hip-Hop, new ideas and concepts start to become prominent within the genre. One concept that can never change for Hip-Hop purists is an element of "real."

Classic acts like De La Soul and NWA to newer acts like Kendrick Lamar and HISD, all prove that the "real" should be present no matter the style. For Bop Alloy, the real is a defining element to their sound.

Individually, emcee Substantial and producer Marcus D can hold their own in Hip-Hop. Substantial, a native of Maryland, crafts honest, sage-like lyrics. Lyrically, Substantial is very reminiscent of an era in Hip-Hop where emcees actually had something to say. Substantial creates lyrics that are both witty and thought provoking.

Seattle producer, Marcus D is a master at blending smooth melodies with hard hitting Hip-Hop beats. What sets Marcus D apart from other producers is his ability to blend at the most simple level. There aren't tons of effects in his productions, a sort of throwback to Hip-Hop's early days of dope samples and straightforward beats.

Together as Bop Alloy, Marcus D and Substantial combine the best of what makes them great as individual artists ( fluid flows, and honest lyrics over hypnotic melodies and pounding drums) to create a sound that is all their own. And while their sound make evoke thoughts of Hip-Hop days gone by, the group says they "haven't set out to be the next group with a throwback sound, but to "make quality music that anybody, from any walk of life can enjoy."

You can hear Bop Alloy LIVE in Baltimore, this Tuesday (April 29th) at Ear Candy Live!