Ann Arbor needs a skate park. And there are at least 30 reasons why. Right now Ann Arbor skateboarders need to travel to neighboring communities like Westland, the Meijers skate park in Brighton, or the Modern Skate Park in Royal Oak in order to get their vertical fix. It does no good for the city of Ann Arbor when its citizens need to travel out of town in order to have fun and get some exercise when the city could instead be drawing skate tourists to itself. And how is it that a city like Ann Arbor doesn’t have its own skate park? There are many good reasons to build a skate park in Ann Arbor with reason number 30 being “If a city doesn’t have a skatepark, it is a skatepark.” Words to live by.

Even those of us who don’t live in Ann Arbor should support an additional skate park in Metro Detroit as a cost effective way to make Detroit a more livable place while improving its image and attracting a few more tourists. This Friday, May 15 you can have some fun and support this cause at the same time by attending the Ann Arbor Skatepark Benefit Art Show at the Vault of Midnight comic book store in Ann Arbor at 219 S. Main St from 7 to 10 p.m.

“For this free, public event, fifty artists will be custom designing and painting skate decks to be judged by a panel. Artists include Jim Mahfood, Triston Eaton, BLOKT, AZK One, Corryn Jackson, Jeremy Bastian, Jay Brant and many more! The winners will be selected on both youth and adult categories. All decks will be available at via live and silent auction, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the AASAC.

Free food will be provided by Trader Joe’s, and live music will be played throughout the evening by Mogi Grumbles, Charles Trees, and DJ Ornate.

All of the decks will be displayed at Vault of Midnight for two weeks before moving to the Ann Arbor Art Center as a touring exhibit. The Art Show will be part of a weekend of free events aimed at raising awareness about the AASAC and the construction of a free, public skatepark in Ann Arbor for the use of its residents.”

And just to get you in the mood here are some Detroit skate videos from Youtube:

Detroit City Skateboards - Team Montage, lots of Hart Plaza and downtown Detroit footage

City Skateboards Demo at West Bloomfield Skatepark

Skate Detroit - one percent skateboards, featuring locations in Midtown, Downtown, and on the river

So it looks like we have a new mayor again, this time Dave Bing, the former NBA star and industrial magnate. So who is Dave Bing? Although not a native son of Detroit Bing was born in the poor neighborhoods of Washington, DC in 1943. It wasn’t until in 1966 when the Detroit Pistons failed to get their first choice and got Bing instead that Bing and Detroit’s destinies became entwined. He turned out to be a pretty fortunate pick for the Pistons, becoming the NBA Rookie of the Year and then scoring the most points in the NBA the next year, and eventually ending up in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Not only was he a successful athlete who overcame two major eye injuries, he applied what he learned about teamwork and leadership to become a successful entrepreneur. He spent the down time during his years in the NBA by learning about business and finance both by reading books and by working for the finance and manufacturing industries. He got a job at the National Bank of Detroit (now part of J.P. Morgan Chase) after going in just to apply for a mortgage. After two years working in the auto industry for Paragon Steel he was ready to start his own business, Bing Steel. This would later become a part of the Bing Group and employ over a thousand people.

Not only was Bing employing Detroiters, he was serving as a positive African-American role model, raising money for schools, funding charities, spending 15 hours a week doing volunteer work, and redeveloping Detroit’s riverfront with upscale condos (until running for office). He’s been widely recognized for these merits.

“The easiest thing to do is quit on Detroit.” - David Bing

Detroit gave David Bing an opportunity to become an NBA star and then gave him an opportunity to make his riches and he’s been giving back ever since. He’s invested a lot of time, sweat, and money on improving Detroit instead of taking the easy route by quitting on Detroit.

Bing has already won the election so this isn’t an endorsement for the man. But he’s now our mayor. It would be easy for anyone to give up on Detroit’s $200 to $300 million budget deficit just as a would be for President Obama to give up on tackling the economic mess that he inherited. Here’s hoping that the team Mayor Bing puts together combined with his business community relationships and experience successfully leading companies and also his dedication and love for Detroit will turn out to be the best chance that Detroit has. At least until September when we have to elect a mayor again.

Chicago-based photographer/videographer James P. Morse followed Ghostly International artist Randolph Chabot, aka Deastro, around Detroit for a day and edited the footage into “Ghostly Presents: Deastro” with visits to his home and even John King’s Bookstore. You can catch him for a night in Ann Arbor at Necto this Sunday before he leaves for a UK tour.

Now may be the time to take advantage of the Detroit real estate market. Units at The Ellington Lofts at the Mack and Woodward could be had for as low as $95,000 for a one bedroom condo and units at the Riverfront could be had for as little as $60,000 for a one-bedroom new condo conversion. This is up to 69% below the previous asking price. To get access to these deals you need to register for an accelerated marketing partners option which will take place Saturday, May 9 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.

For more information on the Riverfront auction, please call (313) 393-5111 or visit www.auctionriverfront.com. For more information on The Ellington auction, please call (313) 309-0099 or visit www.auctionellington.com.

Talk about great deals for everyone except maybe those who already own units although this is better for current residents than leaving the units vacant. They could also take advantage of this deal and rent them out. And this is certainly a better option than those scams for Detroit homes on eBay.

If you search for Detroit real estate on eBay you’ll find some crazy cheap houses for sale. It’s true that if you look at particular neighborhoods in Detroit you’ll find incredibly cheap real estate. But if you’re just a speculator looking to buy cheap property expecting to be able to flip it fast you have to consider that the property may not be inhabitable and require some investment to get it up to code. There are also may be liens against the house, maybe water bills left unpaid. There are also going to be city property taxes to consider.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cheap place to live for a while it might make sense for you to find a cheap house in Detroit especially if you’re a bit of a fixer-upper. You could also set up a business in the storefront at 15125 W Seven Mile Rd for less than $30,000, no liens or back taxes.

Some of the deals on eBay aren’t even for the actual house but rather just a down payment. For example one such deal is actually for: “The purchase price of this home is $22,000 with financing at $350 a month, with a 10% interest rate for 89 months.” As interest rates are pretty damn low right now paying 10% for the lifetime of the loan is just another trick. There are many of these listings and it’s clear that the current owner is a speculator who hasn’t had anybody live in these places before.

Then there’s this house: Tim Burke’s Art House on Heidelberg Street in Detroit, starting at half $1 million. As you might guess from the address it’s part of the Heidelberg Project.

“Many of my sculptures are made from metal, wood and other materials removed from demolished historical buildings throughout Detroit. This includes granite from the walls of Detroit Institute of Arts, wood timbers from the burned out Studebaker Automobile Plant, Travertine from the Detroit College of Law, Pewabic tiles from the Lucy Thurman YWCA, decorative terra-cotta embellishments from the J.L. Hudson Building and Rivera Theater. Much of the slate I use came from the roofs of various historic churches including Saint Patrick Cathedral, St. John’s-St. Luke’s, First Unitarian Church, St. Matthew’s Schoolhouse. Other materials incorporated in my are came from the Fisher Mansion in Palmer Woods, the Hiram Walker Mansion which became a part of Doctors Hospital, the Alexander Blain Clinic on Jefferson, the Historic Sibley House (circa 1847), the Detroiter Hotel to name a few.”

It’s a pretty famous house / piece of art. I’m a bit skeptical that it’s actually for sale.

As Proof’s third death anniversary approaches, the CEO of NBG Records contacted me and sent me an unreleased track that I will have the pleasure to review for all of you before its public and official release date, on April the 11th, 2009.

NBG Records wanted to present an emotional tribute to D12’s Proof, not a sad one, though, but rather a celebration of Proof’s short presence on planet earth.

As the song opens on flute sounds that recall some ancient Asian melodies, the strong spirit of the NBG emcees will break the wall of hidden memories, unveil Proof’s lifeand character.

“I am the living definition of the visual proof”, that’s actually how one could define Deshaun Holton, one of Detroit’s finest syllables architect.

Deshaun Holton was a man who lived for hip hop and who managed to communicate his passion and pride for Detroit, his hometown.

God loves the D, He gave us Proof, He gave us Dilla, He gave us Blade: how many gifted fallen soldiers has Detroit lost during the last years?
NBG Records will pay tribute to their memories.

In their song, Proof’s personality and dedication come to shine. Gossipers and haters’ words are ruined by the evidence of the visual proof.

Whoever witnessed Big Proof in concert, heard him address to the crowd would barely doubt the emcee’s sincerity and dedication. Proof lived for hip hop-literally. He put music above all.

Therefore, we will not focus on the tragic circumstances of his death, but embrace NBG Records’ vision of a charismatic man who incarnated Detroit hip hop like no other.

Moreover, and more than any other Detroit rapper, Big Proof aimed at reassembling all Detroit emcees despite their differences and make them work together. He symbolized unity, love and dedication to the genuine art of hip hop.

NBG’s Living Proof song is like an open book, a celebration of a genuine artist’s life. Things did not end on April the 11th, 2006: it was just the beginning. Proof’s music is meant to stay forever, let’s celebrate its perennity.

Admire the instrumental composition, the emotional voices and the truth that is revealead through this very emotional song.

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Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
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Global rating of the product:5 stars ( outstanding piece of work)

After his autobiographical The People Vs, Trick Trick is back with The Villain. Back to the Detroit slums, Trick Trick will give you the realest definition of a villain you could ever get. Hood as hell, accompanied by his Goon Sqwad crew, Christian Mathis always serves his dishes raw. The talented emcee belongs to the kind of emcees who don’t rap to please the masses. Authentic in his speech, rich of more than a decade of rapping experience, Trick Trick introduces you into his Edgar Poe alike universe where guns are laws.

Loud, orchestral sounds mixed up with keyboard sounds, rhythmic beats will smash internet thugs with no mercy. Trick Trick and his crew have made a name and are notorious in the D.

U Can Get F***** Up: electric guitars introduce the song, hanging over the sky like a bad omen of dark clouds before the tornado. Trick Trick and Goon Sqwad are warning you: if you go to Detroit, you should be very careful. Don’t play the fool with true Gs.
The song is rhythmic as well. I enjoyed its dark atmosphere, its menacing words, the roughness of its voices.

Who Want It features Eminem. Instrumentally, the song is a various composition and a contrasting balance between dark and light. Contrabass notes that suggest drama are intelligently married with organs, light bell sounds and electronics. The offensive spirit that is carried here is quite obvious.

Trick Trick’s part is wonderfully rough, scurillous. It is mastered with dexterity from the beginning to the end. I am a little bit disappointed by Eminem’s ways too light register that does not really fit into the darkness of the subject. I would have wished more aggressivity from Eminem’s side too.
It is interesting to note that the highly talented Luis Resto has been working on this song too.

Definitely Detroit based, Can’t F**** With My City includes Marwvon and Guilty Simpson’s collaborations. The light piano sounds will add to the tension of darker chord sounds. I like the spirit of the song. Made in Detroit, by Detroit lyrical emcees. Wonderful!

Sumthin 4 Da Hataz opens the curtain on Goon Sqwad’s Diezel, Fatt Father and Paradime’s talents. What I really appreciate is the swinging jazzy- soul instrumental background, the humorous and conquerror spirit of the Detroit emcees. Definitely a must hear.

Let’s Work is already a Trick Trick classic that should belong to any Detroit hip hop lover’s library. Don’t miss the video for the song. It is a perfectionist’s work.

Hold On again has that beautiful soul spirit mixed up with some very raw elements in which Trick Trick gets real as can be.
I like the biographical elements the talented emcee presents to his public.

Wow…Let It Fly includes heavyweight Westcoast master Ice Cube…you gotta love the song, that enlightens both emcees’ talent. Lil Jon also participates to the song.

All Around The World will impress real hip hop lovers. Royce da 5.9 and Trick Trick manage to mix up a gospel, soul, blues spirit in which vocals do matter. Tuba sounds add a quite comical elements. It is beautifully managed from the begiining to the end.
Loved it!

2Getha 4 Eva features Esham, Kid Rock and Proof. It is hardcore as hell.

Get It Cracking enlighten Trick Trick’s raspy voice, his rough spirit. He is truly killing it. Pleasure your ears with pure, raw Detroit sounds.

Globally speaking, The Villain is an amazing piece of work. Straight ghetto talk, mastered instrumentals, excellent local Detroit collaborations. Don’t sleep on the album, it is the living proof that hip hop ain’t dead yet.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Detroit underground emcee Mu kindly accepted to get interviewed by me. Mu has been doing some tremendous work all over the years. He has collaborated with Proof, Dina Rae, Journalist 103 and many other Detroit underground artists. Mu teaches you the meaning of the raw. His unique style and instrumental composition totally reflect the Detroit hood. Listen to what the outstanding emcee has to say!

For more info, check Mu’s my space account:

http://www.myspace.com/Mu2u

1. What motivated you to become a rapper?

I was introduced into Ali Baba’s music in the late 80’s. Ali Baba is an outstanding African musician who was born in Garoua, North Cameroon in 1956. He seemed to be a character taken straight out of the Thousand and One Nights and his music symbolises a mixture of African warmth, Fulani and Islamic tradition.His sound and voice chemistry will transport you into a landscape of baobab trees where people will discuss their businesses. It will make you cross Fulani beauties’ steps, feel the kids’ laughters and smell nature’s autenticity.

Not only does Ali Baba talk about African traditions, like young girls getting married early like in Bingel Debbo Baledjo in Fulani language ( which I have a little understanding of), he also relates about traditions, joy and Cameroonian unity. Bingel means kid, debbo spouse and baledjo means black…the song relates the story of a young oh too young little black spouse baby girl.

I like the intensity of the artist’s voice, his genuine way of telling things. Ali Baba, who died in 2004, also happened to sing in French, like in his song Africains, Africaines Dansez, a very melodic song that will entertain any African music lover.
He was often accompanied by a dancer called Dodo Etoile.

I was very surprised to find Ali Baba again on the following blog.

It will allow you to dowload a few songs of the brilliant artist who deserves to be known better all around the world. You will discover his instrumental diversity, the dynamic rythm and his vocal flexibility.

Check out Ali Baba. He is definitely worth it!

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

His voice has some dark Ice T accents, his instrumentals are an astute combination of jazzy-soul feel. He’s got that wonderful old school sounding hip hop to please you ears. You got that right to call him awsome, because Awesome Dre he actually is called.

Awsome Dre is one of Detroit’s most precious secrets. You Can’t Hold Me Back is a clever mixture of guitar and saxophone and lyrical punchlines. Rhythmic, interrupted with scratches, the song will make you move in a cadenced way. Bounce, bounce to the gangsta sounding rhymes made in the D.

Follow me into my descriptive ride, dive into the rhythmic sounds and the sinking rhymes: I know that this artist won’t disappoint you.

In Sackchaser, Awesome Dre will punch a “golddigga” lyrically. Take you time to appreciate Awesome Dre’s incredible flow. The talented emcee’s extraordinary lyrical creativity definitely needs to be underlined.

Frankly Speaking: listen to Awesome Dre’s dark and real description of the D-town. Scratches amplify the pressure of the song. Let the brilliant artist offer some criticism against the society’s correctness. Awsome Dre doesn’t rap to please the media, he’s telling the truth.

Master Of Philosophy is powerfully smashing words against the wall. Awesome Dre is taking over with high confidence, blessing the mic.

If somebody impacted Detroit hip hop history, it is certainly Awesome Dre with his original old school style.

Check him out here.

Pay him some attention: he is really worth it!

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved