Taking Hip-hop ‘Beyond Paradise’
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With the intent to take his hip-hop beyond Hawaii’s shores, I.A. releases his third album, Beyond Paradise, under Hawaiian Punch Productions and Dis-N-Dat Entertainment.
“This album is where I take my music beyond Hawaii,” says I.A. “The content is more relevant and caters more toward the Mainland and mainstream listeners. As always, though, I still put a little bit of Hawaii’s lingo, but this time in more ways for the mainstream to understand and vibe with.”
The album features Keak Da Sneak, Angry Locals, Slapp Symphony, Creed Chameleon, Papa T, J Wiz, Kwalified, Bless’d Child, Wun, Sheila Marie, Kutmaster Spaz, Tailz, Mic3, Slick Vic, San Quinn, Osna, Krystilez, Mox and Mush Mouf.
“Most of the artists that are featured on the album are the artists who I wanted to collaborate with, that I haven’t got to work with yet,” adds I.A. “Collaborating is actually one of my favorite things to do, because the creativity comes from more than one or two angles.”
Creed Chameleon adds to the mix a sample of his powerful lyrics in the song I Be On That, which, he says, “summarizes how I’m on that constant hustle, and how persistence and determination can overcome the biggest obstacles. It also talks about being the better man, and walking away from all the trash talking and hatred that people may try to smolder you with. Never let that hate get you down. Just elevate.”
He adds: “It’s been a long time coming for me and I.A. to jump on a track. I felt that doing this song would crush the ongoing segregation that Hawaii hip-hop faces today.”
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In the four years since the release of his first album, The Kamaaina Classic, I.A. has built up his performance resume. He’s opened for national acts such as Chris Brown, Drake, Lupe Fiasco, Neyo, Baby Bash, E-40, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Paul Wall and more.
But his biggest accomplishment, he says, has been “having my name in XXL Magazine as one of Hawaii’s hottest artists. I grew up reading XXL, and to see myself on the same pages as artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne was truly an honor for me.”
Saturday, I.A. celebrates the release of his album with a party at Next Door. Everyone age 21-and-over is welcome. Doors open at 10 p.m. Enjoy guest appearances by Keak Da Sneak, Creed Chameleon, Kwalified MC, Angry Locals, Papa T, J Wiz, Dru Singer, Bless’d Child, Wun and many others ...
Music and art collide as Loft in Space and Fresh Cafe Hawaii present “Mutants, Misfits, & the Mighty” Jan. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Fresh Cafe Hawaii.
Lightsleepers and a few friends are heading down memory lane to revisit their favorite childhood cartoon and comic book characters. The artists will showcase art featuring their renditions of the animated figures of their youth.
“Basically, the concept is when you were a kid you always drew the things you loved, but now, as people have grown and developed their artistic skills, to revisit their childhood favorites and give it their twist and artistic style they possess now,” says Lofa, event coordinator.
The group show will showcase works from artists listed here in alphabetical order: Angel179, Angry Woebots, Aryo, Brisk, B-WARE, Beak03, Carlos Aguilar, Chris Rohrer, Kara Akiyama, CkaweekS, Clito, Choni, Cryptonauts, DavesAction, Dez Einswell, D.KING, Dr. Wiz, Dzine, EdyG, ENDEMIC HI, Escape, Fybes, Greg Pilimai, Haynmade, iKandy, Ion, Jaba One, Jacie Katsuda, Jack of All Trades, Jason Kama, Jesse Garcia, Jessie Domingo, Justin Sama, John Hook, Jon Murakami, Joshua Giraffe, Kavet the Catalyst Kenski, KRAZYone, KRES1, Leila Peterson, Lofa, Lucky Olelo, Melonjames, Mike Bam, Miss Behayv, Moedigliani, Nalumon, neeonFox, Nicole Naone, Nicole Shun, Obake, Ohana, Omega Cix, Pacster, Pancho Abalos, Phatees, Prime, Quest, Reak, Resco, Rival’e, Romali, Rzone, Sharks & Rays, Shaun Castro, Skarz, Spel Oner, Spetz1, The Starfish Guy, Styles, Takumi10, THNK, Tonk, John Hook, Voltz, Wizdom2 and more.
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Music will be provided by DJ Bumblebee, DJ Observ, Kavet the Catalyst and Vezzen.
“We’re also trying to get some performing acts as well, and maybe an open-mic session,” adds Lofa.
All ages are welcome. Cover is $2 at the door. Art pieces will be available for purchase. For more information, e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 222-9284 ...
The accomplishments of Hawaiian composers Charles E. King, aka the Father of Hawaiian Composers, and Johnny Noble, aka the Hawaiian Jazz King, will be celebrated Saturday at Hawaii Theatre with performances by Kawika Trask and Company and special guests Robert Cazimero, Cathy Foy, Kealoha Kalama, Mary Kama’i, Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, Les Ceballos and the Kamehameha Schools Concert Glee.
“One of my favorite experiences is getting together in the garage with music and someone doing hula,” says Burton White, artistic director and general manager of Hawaii Theatre. “One place we do that often is at Kawika Trask’s house, so I asked Kawika to do this concert.”
Kawika Trask and Company includes Trask as musical director and on ukulele, Dwight Kanae on guitar, Alden Levi on bass, Jeff Au Hoy on steel guitar, Iwalani Apo on piano and the Kawika Trask Dancers.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and are on sale at the Hawaii Theatre box office or online at hawaiitheatre.com
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