Black Diamonds Shining Collective Spreads Love at Oakland's Rock Paper Scissors Gallery

    When I walked into the Rock Paper Scissors Collective gallery in Oakland last Friday, the word that kept running through my mind was affirmation. It was what I felt when I looked at the intricate murals and installations that covered the walls from top to bottom. It was the work of Black Diamonds Shining, an "Oakland based afro galactic black arts collective" comprised of artists Ras Terms, Safety First, Deadeyes, Antjuan Jones, Brooks Golden (Be Golden), and Larry Dobie.

    The best thing about gazing upon the work of these artists is that it serves as a reminder of our humanity and our beauty as people. I can't tell you how many times I stumbled across their work and it caused me to hold my head a little bit higher, or put a smile on my face and remember where I came from. The message they deliver is a powerfully positive one.

     The way that BDS transformed this space truly has to be seen to be believed. There are messages and images in every corner, and they all come together to form a beautiful narrative.

    Another wonderful thing about this collaborative work is how seamlessly it is woven together in this space. It's hard to tell where on artist's contribution begins and another ends.

 Iconography of the African Diaspora and the message of ancestral reverence is strong throughout the mural, as evidenced by an area dedicated to elder and ancestor movers and shakers  like Octavia E. Butler, George Clinton, and Malcolm X.

The Bay is home to some amazing graffiti and street artists, and they definitely have a unique aesthetic that celebrates the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the Bay Area. There are giant wheat pasted drawings of owls and foxes done with intricate detail, stencil pieces of cowrie shells and legendary afro beat musician Fela Kuti (shout out to ESU), and writing urging people to rise up and take a stand.    

You can keep up with the work of Black Diamonds Shining Collective on their Tumblr page

You can view more graffiti and murals by Bay Area artists on Endless Canvas . And if you're in the Bay, don't miss the show at Rock Paper Scissors, 2278 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. They're open Weds. through Sunday, 12-7pm 

Black Diamonds Shining Collective Spreads Love at Oakland's Rock Paper Scissors Gallery

    When I walked into the Rock Paper Scissors Collective gallery in Oakland last Friday, the word that kept running through my mind was affirmation. It was what I felt when I looked at the intricate murals and installations that covered the walls from top to bottom. It was the work of Black Diamonds Shining, an "Oakland based afro galactic black arts collective" comprised of artists Ras Terms, Safety First, Deadeyes, Antjuan Jones, Brooks Golden (Be Golden), and Larry Dobie.

    The best thing about gazing upon the work of these artists is that it serves as a reminder of our humanity and our beauty as people. I can't tell you how many times I stumbled across their work and it caused me to hold my head a little bit higher, or put a smile on my face and remember where I came from. The message they deliver is a powerfully positive one.

     The way that BDS transformed this space truly has to be seen to be believed. There are messages and images in every corner, and they all come together to form a beautiful narrative.

    Another wonderful thing about this collaborative work is how seamlessly it is woven together in this space. It's hard to tell where on artist's contribution begins and another ends.

 Iconography of the African Diaspora and the message of ancestral reverence is strong throughout the mural, as evidenced by an area dedicated to elder and ancestor movers and shakers  like Octavia E. Butler, George Clinton, and Malcolm X.

The Bay is home to some amazing graffiti and street artists, and they definitely have a unique aesthetic that celebrates the diverse cultures and natural beauty of the Bay Area. There are giant wheat pasted drawings of owls and foxes done with intricate detail, stencil pieces of cowrie shells and legendary afro beat musician Fela Kuti (shout out to ESU), and writing urging people to rise up and take a stand.    

You can keep up with the work of Black Diamonds Shining Collective on their Tumblr page

You can view more graffiti and murals by Bay Area artists on Endless Canvas . And if you're in the Bay, don't miss the show at Rock Paper Scissors, 2278 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. They're open Weds. through Sunday, 12-7pm 

Funk and Soul from Coast to Coast

Okay folks, I hereby declare July Funk and Soul Month on both coasts! We're gonna kick it off early because the festivities are already getting started. And watch this space throughout July as we continue the Black Butterfly Funk and Soulabration. So what's happening in July?

For all you Brooklyn funk fans, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and The Ohio Players (!!!!) will take the stage July 12th for a FREE Concert at Wingate Park in Brooklyn, park of Wingate's Martin Luther King Jr. Free Concert Series. I have a feeling this show is gonna be EPIC. For more info. check out their website:

http://www.brooklyn.com/modules.php?name=Wingate_Field

Meanwhile, Guerilla Cafe continues to add soul to the Left Coast...

Guerilla's game was already tight, but they just keep stepping it up. Over the past year this Berkeley, California favorite has extended its hours, going from the prime spot for coffee and brunch (Waffle of the Day, anyone?) to including an evening menu with scrumptious appetizer plates, wine, and sangria. And they are always throwing fun events (get on their mailing list so you don't miss out). This month the house of art, coffee, and vibes debuts Bay Area Funk & Soul Legends, an art exhibit celebrating the anniversary of Ubiquity Records, and the reissue of music by their Bay Area funk and soul artists on the Luv N' Haight label.

The exhibit will feature the work and inspiration of Darondo, Eugene Blacknell, Sugarpie Desanto, and Twilight.

Opening reception is Friday, June 25th from 5-9pm and the show will be up until August 29th, 2010 with special events featuring DJ sets and guest appearances by the musicians throughout the summer. For more info, check out:

http://www.guerillacafe.com/

Funk and Soul from Coast to Coast

Okay folks, I hereby declare July Funk and Soul Month on both coasts! We're gonna kick it off early because the festivities are already getting started. And watch this space throughout July as we continue the Black Butterfly Funk and Soulabration. So what's happening in July?

For all you Brooklyn funk fans, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and The Ohio Players (!!!!) will take the stage July 12th for a FREE Concert at Wingate Park in Brooklyn, park of Wingate's Martin Luther King Jr. Free Concert Series. I have a feeling this show is gonna be EPIC. For more info. check out their website:

http://www.brooklyn.com/modules.php?name=Wingate_Field

Meanwhile, Guerilla Cafe continues to add soul to the Left Coast...

Guerilla's game was already tight, but they just keep stepping it up. Over the past year this Berkeley, California favorite has extended its hours, going from the prime spot for coffee and brunch (Waffle of the Day, anyone?) to including an evening menu with scrumptious appetizer plates, wine, and sangria. And they are always throwing fun events (get on their mailing list so you don't miss out). This month the house of art, coffee, and vibes debuts Bay Area Funk & Soul Legends, an art exhibit celebrating the anniversary of Ubiquity Records, and the reissue of music by their Bay Area funk and soul artists on the Luv N' Haight label.

The exhibit will feature the work and inspiration of Darondo, Eugene Blacknell, Sugarpie Desanto, and Twilight.

Opening reception is Friday, June 25th from 5-9pm and the show will be up until August 29th, 2010 with special events featuring DJ sets and guest appearances by the musicians throughout the summer. For more info, check out:

http://www.guerillacafe.com/

Spoken Truth: The Art of Talia Taylor

It is hard to put into words what a treat it is to witness Talia Monique Taylor aka Klassiq bless the mic. Her poetry washes over you like colorful waves, the beauty and light of her message is powerful, her delivery intoxicating. Talia steps to the stage, grabs her audience, and draws us upward to the heavens.


The Oakland, California based poetess and emcee has been writing and performing for over 10 years, and has performed alongside artists like Janelle Monae, Mystik, and Ursula Rucker. One pf her most recent performances was at Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen in the Bronx.

As of late, Klassiq has been rapping, transforming her poetry into lyrics and laying down tracks with beats by Bay Area producers Gavin Grant, Nick James, and Bicasso. Talia has talent for days, and even sings the hooks on some of her tracks.
photo by Ian Davis

A graduate of the Creative Writing and Africana Studies programs at San Francisco State University, Talia has also started a scholarship fund, the FLOW Scholarship, to assist students interested in traveling abroad, an experience that enriched her own life.

We'll definitely be hearing a lot more from this talented wordsmith.

Here are some ways to keep up with Talia's offerings:

Hear her tracks on myspace music: http://www.myspace.com/taliawashere
Follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/eyekneeduhname
Her blog: http://since84.wordpress.com/
Her youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Klassiq84

Spoken Truth: The Art of Talia Taylor

It is hard to put into words what a treat it is to witness Talia Monique Taylor aka Klassiq bless the mic. Her poetry washes over you like colorful waves, the beauty and light of her message is powerful, her delivery intoxicating. Talia steps to the stage, grabs her audience, and draws us upward to the heavens.


The Oakland, California based poetess and emcee has been writing and performing for over 10 years, and has performed alongside artists like Janelle Monae, Mystik, and Ursula Rucker. One pf her most recent performances was at Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen in the Bronx.

As of late, Klassiq has been rapping, transforming her poetry into lyrics and laying down tracks with beats by Bay Area producers Gavin Grant, Nick James, and Bicasso. Talia has talent for days, and even sings the hooks on some of her tracks.
photo by Ian Davis

A graduate of the Creative Writing and Africana Studies programs at San Francisco State University, Talia has also started a scholarship fund, the FLOW Scholarship, to assist students interested in traveling abroad, an experience that enriched her own life.

We'll definitely be hearing a lot more from this talented wordsmith.

Here are some ways to keep up with Talia's offerings:

Hear her tracks on myspace music: http://www.myspace.com/taliawashere
Follow her on twitter: http://twitter.com/eyekneeduhname
Her blog: http://since84.wordpress.com/
Her youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Klassiq84