Nikewomen NFR Blog

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: AC Newman

SarinaMorales — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:55 GMT

He’s what the doctor prescribed. He paints a picture, he tells a story. AC Newman puts you in a place where you are “Just out of the woods and yelling down the mountains...” It’s carefree, it’s not going to weigh you down and puts you in healthy thought and contemplation.

AC Newman is such a delicious taste of pop music, that once you have one bite you’re going to want the whole plate. His music is pure substance. You’re getting your veggies, carbohydrates and proteins all on the same track. If you dare listen to the whole album, I’d say you’re much healthier than you were yesterday.

My favorite song on his solo album is Like a Hitman, Like a Dancer. I listen to it when I go on my long runs in the morning.

Like a hit man,
Oh, Like a dancer
All muscle.

In his cozy Brooklyn apartment, books wrap the walls, paintings bring color to the not so sunny days and his guitars are ready to be picked up to drown out the sound of busy traffic. I sat with him, sipping coffee realizing; I’d never had to leave his apartment to find inspiration. The shelves all have small pieces of art that shined from the light of the big windows. I felt at home. This calm and peaceful life comes through his music.

His latest album Get Guilty involves the sounds you want to hear when you ride your bike down by the river on a sunny day. He sets the tone for that time when you indulge in ice cream after a good softball game in the summer. He whistles, sings and plays with fun upbeat tunes that just get you in that perfect mood. Do yourself a favor and Get Guilty with the fun and lighthearted sounds of AC Newman.

-Sarina

For a limited time only download "Prophets" by A.C. Newman for free right here on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Kid Sister

SarinaMorales — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:02 GMT

All of the kid sisters I know, are always taking their older sibling’s things, trying to mimic their older sibling’s style and really annoying. This is at least, how I was when I was a kid sister. However, don’t let this Kid Sister’s name fool you.

She’s the trendsetter of trendsetters. She’s coming up in the rap industry and she’s already making changes. Unlike the kid sisters we typically see imitating others; she’s rocking a style everyone will soon be trying to follow, both fashionably and musically.

She makes her own rules to the game. She’s bringing back a style I didn’t think would make it back. She rocks those acrylic long nails you can only get done at the salon and puts tiny objects on them. She puts electric purple in her hair. At one point she was platinum blonde. Chunky bracelets, hats, sunglasses, short overalls with bright belts and leopard skin shoes. She has every decade in her closet.

Her music, which also gives flavors of many different tastes, spurred from growing up in a family where music had a strong presence. It was actually her brother, DJ Flosstradamus’ success as a DJ and his traveling, which led her to dabble in the industry herself. Although she’s a late bloomer to the game, she has enough good people around her leading her to the road of success. Her biggest single, “Pro Nails” was a hit two years before her first album was released. She’s really excited about her first album. It’s a new side to rap. Her music encompasses quick beats you can dance to and lyrics about nails and beepers. It’s fun, it’s young and it’s fresh!

My favorite part about Kid Sister, a.k.a Melisa Young, is she’s real, fun and has skills outside of music, especially in dog training! Although she does have some kid sister tendencies; taking influences from different places and looking to her brother for advice, it seems like she’ll be paving the way for the next group of young women.

-Sarina

For a limited time only, download Kid Sister's "Right Hand Hi" right here on Nikewomen.com. Also be on the look out for Kid Sister's album "Ultraviolet" when it drops November 17th!

Drop Like Confetti!

SarinaMorales — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:18 GMT

They are bright. You can decorate them with glitter, but usually, they come already decorated. Find them in a variety of colors; sometimes with painted designs on. And I’m most positive; they are found at parties and other social gatherings. They seem to decorate our everyday lives. Yay for Vistoso Bosses! Wait you thought I was describing confetti?

The ladies of Vistoso Bosses are all over the place and landing in some spots in the music industry, I don’t think confetti could reach...for obvious reasons. As the girls dance their way to the top, you should note there’s no stopping them. They are literally, dropping like confetti. Can you tell “Confetti” is my favorite song of theirs? The single, “Confetti” is fun and upbeat, much like the girls themselves.

I’m not sure if it’s the music or maybe their style. They have one of the most unique styles because they are not scared to push the limit. In fact, “There are no limits,” the girls say. They believe, “Fashion should be fun. Save an hour of scrambling for clothes to go out, and just put on whatever you pick up.”

You want freckles, put them on yourself! What was makeup created for? Stickers, go for it! Sounds wild? Check their website, they have tons of fans who are already following their style.

They dance, they sing, they rap, they dress...they’ve got nothing but good things going for them and they’ve covered all the holes. Bright with style and energy, decorated with glitter, colorfully designed and spicing up your next dance party… pop on some Vistoso Bosses! I think we can all add some Vistoso to our lives.

-Sarina

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Esser

AudreySchnur — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:09 GMT

Esser reminds me of my younger brother, Jason; cooler than me but understated. He takes chances yet he’s still so familiar.

And they both have great hair.

Esser is one person – not a band. Ben Esser, Brit-pop songster, just finished his first U.S. tour. His new album, Braveface, features melodramatic lyrics accompanied by fresh electric beats that make for tunes one can‘t help but move to. We caught up with the 23 year-old Essex native who was nice enough to answer some questions for the NikeWomen.com team.

“Touring in the U.S. is completely different – it’s so huge...there are so many different ways to get your music out there,” Esser said.

Yes, the U.S. is huge and overflowing with music. Good and bad. That is why the small, simple things Esser does make him stand out. Before touring, Esser’s MySpace page featured a paper-fan giveaway. Send two envelopes to a provided address and Esser (or, I suppose, his “people”) would send you back a paper fan with his face on it to use at one of his summer concerts. I love free stuff! But what I love more is when musicians really try to connect with their fans.

He told a story about a concert he once played that was so crowded that everyone couldn’t get in. Solution? The band went outside and played on the street. It’s refreshing when artists don’t lose sight of the big picture. And it’s nice to know there are musicians out there who are willing to inconvenience themselves for their fans.

In the spirit of “the big picture” and Esser’s simple lyrics, I’ve created a guide to liking the U.K. kid. Cheers!

Guide to Esser:
Latest Smash Hit: “Headlock.” This also happens to be Esser’s favorite song to dance to. “We sort of build up to it,” he said. Dancing is the only sport Esser can really claim. Although he tried cross-country and basketball when he was younger, he “realized he was useless at it,” he said. “About as much of a workout I do is dancing – badly.”

My Personal Pick: “Work It Out.” Check out the music video for this track. It’s out of this world.

His Videos: Not just the one’s depicting his songs but also footage of the band on tour. Very endearing.

Favorite Line: “Love is no excuse for bad art,” (from the song “I Love You”). This line is just so perfectly put. I wish more people took that thought into consideration.

Why you should like him too: The boy has style. He rocks a hi-top fade, adorns spacesuits in music videos and appreciates the art of photography. He’s making all the rights moves and acting like a gentleman along the way. Question is, what’s not to like?

-Audrey Schnur

P.S. I didn’t make one reference to the Beatles, the British invasion or even a “you better run, Paul Revere.” You’re welcome.

P.P.S For a limited time only download Esser's "This Time Around" for free!

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Florence and the Machine

SarinaMorales — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:50 GMT

“What do I love? I love cycling, staying up and watching the sunrise, having an adventure and somehow changing clothes. I love a good wedding, choirs and cut flowers. I love jewelry, junk shops and painting, postcards and Billy Holliday.” Florence Welch loves many things, but it was actually her love for the boys that lead to her success.“

When I was younger, I wanted to impress boys. I liked guys in boy bands.” Florence, who always had an itch for music, found writing lyrics was a great way to impress the men. Go figure, she now has more than men impressed with her music. She has millions of fans, men and women, boys and girls all over the world in love with Florence and the Machine.

In a calm and mellow voice, she admits, “I seem to be singing all the time.”

Her soft and flowing voice floats when you hear her sing. She has a strong voice that carries over the sounds of the instruments, without being over bearing. It’s bliss. The best taste of her voice is in the song; I’m Not Calling You A Liar.

“I’m always getting in trouble for singing out loud… I don’t realize I’m doing it. I can’t help myself.”

Beyond her voice and music, there is her fashion.

“A good t-shirt is like gold dust.” Florence, who admits to spending her life dying her hair, is a woman who has no limitation when it comes to fashion.

“My hair is red and I’m dressed like a Victorian, 60’s, Goth.”

A mixture of fashion unknown to many, but it’s who she is, and from the sound of it, she’s quite content with how things are turning out.

Florence and the Machine sell a number of uniquely designed tote bags and shirts on their website and let me not forget…have been nominated for the very prestigious Mercury Prize. Although the group is London based, you can find Florence in the streets of New York. Her mother is American, and is happy to say she has family in New York City.

“I always have somewhere to stay.”

The energy in New York City will keep Florence international for quite sometime. Make sure you check Florence and the Machine’s tour schedule. They may be hitting up your area soon!

-Sarina

For a limited time only download "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)" by Florence and The Machine right here on Nikewomen.com

Music Is Power

MaryCatherineHolcomb — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:22 GMT

Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t run that last mile? Complete that last pushup? Or squat that final rep?

But when you hear one of your favorite ‘pump-up’ lyrics, you feel like you could do your routine all over again?

I know I do.

Sure, running outside or hitting the weights from time to time minus music can be refreshing.

But honestly, I need more than the sounds from a couple of mother nature’s creatures to push me through my four-mile run or the barely-audible tunes from the gym’s sound system to get me through that last set.

However, dependent upon my mood or what stage I’m in during my routine, my choice of music varies widely.

For instance, I am a member of a gym only a couple of blocks away from my home so instead of driving there and burning unnecessary gas, I use that time as my warm-up and jog there.

During my jog, I may listen to a slow tune, such as a country hit or a slow rhythm and blues beat.

But once I enter the weight room, my taste in music quickly switches to upbeat tunes like rap — old school and new school — pop hits or a couple of hard rock hits from the 80s, 90s and today’s.

And as cliché as it may sound, the girl empowerment songs never fail to get my Nike shoes moving.

There’s just something about a song that screams girl power that makes you not want to throw in the towel — and at the same time, makes you feel like you let down yourself and other females if you do give up.

Whatever works, right?

Not only is music a free personal trainer, but it can also step in as a clock when no watch is available.

Recently, I was visiting some friends, and of course I still had to go on my daily run, but no watch and unfamiliar territory left me in the dark when it came to figuring out how long or how far I had run.

But, my trusty MP3 player came in handy as I was able to use the length of the songs to estimate how long my run lasted.

About 10 songs later, my run was a success.

To put it bluntly, I’m not a happy camper if my batteries die during a workout.

So, think about it.

What does music do for you?

-Mary Catherine Holcomb

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Au Revoir Simone

MorganRagan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:48 GMT

Don’t you just love when you find a new artist that you can add to your iPod list? I do! I love hearing new and thrilling sounds from different artists, especially when they have that certain spark and/or unique way of presenting their musical talent. After listening to the pop musical trio, Au Revoir Simone, play some beautiful upbeat music, I knew I had a new favorite band to put at the top of my playlist.

Recently, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to ask band member Heather D'Angelo a few questions about her band. Au Revoir Simone’s music was described as “melody laden loveliness” by a well known music magazine. Compliments and rave reviews like these make Heather feel “like it’s my birthday everyday.”

Heather told me that when she and her band mates first started out they didn’t have any goals. They were just getting together as an after-work keyboard club, so their success and popularity came rather unexpectedly to them. However, even though the project was supposed to be just an extracurricular thing, they ended up spending all of their time doing it because it brought them so much happiness. In the end, she said, it came down to the old saying that fortune favors the prepared mind.

The band members of Au Revoir Simone spend a lot of time in their van, which doesn’t give Heather much time to workout as she would like. She never felt as good in her life than when she was at the gym three times a week running on the treadmill, climbing the Stairmaster, and lifting weights with her trainer. Understandably she misses those days! All they can do on tour is try to eat healthy and squeeze in whatever jogging and hotel room yoga they can. When asked if they listen to their own songs on their iPod while working out, Heather laughed and said, “No. That would be weird.” Heather does have her own songs downloaded to her iPod but only so she can play songs for other people and only when they ask to hear them, of course!

If you ever get the chance to see Au Revoir Simone perform you'll see that the ladies have a very cute and unique sense of style. She doesn’t get inspired by music when it comes to her fashion sense and if anything, she’s more influenced by films. Heather recently saw the classic, Bonjour Tristesse and was so inspired by that early 60s nautical flavor so perfectly emulated by the star, Jean Seberg, that it made her want to run out and get the perfect cigarette pant and sailor shirt!

If you haven’t looked up Au Revoir Simone on iTunes yet, be sure to do so. Some of their songs will put you in the mood to hit up the gym while others will inspire you to put up your feet and relax. Au Revoir Simone has an electric sound that everyone can enjoy!

-Morgan Ragan

For a limited time only download for free "Shadows" by Au Revoir Simone right here on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: All Time Low

SuziTheodory — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:00:19 GMT

If these Nikes could talk...they might dish on the antics of pop-punk rocker Zack Merrick. Actually, they just might dish on the antics of his entire band, All Time Low. That’s because the bass player tells me he’ll wear a pair of Nike’s for an entire concert tour, before retiring the sneaks and saving ‘em as a relic (of many miles of fun times had).

In fact, all the members of All Time Low say they’re huge fans of Nike. Lead vocalist and guitarist Alex Gaskarth, guitarist Jack Barakat, drummer Rian Dawson, and of course bassist Merrik, say on their tour bus it’s “ALL Nike” from head band to low top. Yep, these guys have Nike duds “pouring out of their closets” (even a raincoat!)…and the Nike Frees are their latest obsession (“it feels like you’re not wearing shoes!”). And their best rock star disguise may be the matching Nike track suits the band and their crew all rock when they go to the airport...the band says “people think we’re a sports team!”

The rockers hail from Baltimore, with a sound they say is inspired by other big name rock bands. They signed their first major record deal on Valentines Day in 2006 (the same year they finished high school), and have had an apparent love fest with the public (and Nike!) ever since. Check out their new record “Nothing Personal”– it came out earlier this summer. Their favorite songs from the album are “Therapy” and Weightless.” And judging by their love of playing every sport under the sun (volleyball, tennis, golf, football…), they sweat-it-out in real life to experience both.

And really, the workout obsession is all for their fans. As Zack says of staying in shape, “the more ugly and disgusting you look, the more bummed out your fans are.” Well, I don’t think fans will be bummed...especially with a Fall headliner planned. And if you can’t make it then, well, you at least know how to spot them in the airport.

-Suzi Theodory

For a limited time only download All Time Low's Weightless right here on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Maluca

SarinaMorales — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:00:05 GMT

Growing up in the Bronx, I can tell you first hand, New York City is an experience you can’t obtain over night. However, if you’ve ever experienced the flow, the style and the sound of music artist Maluca Mala, I’d say you’re off to a good start. I look at her and I think… this chick was my friend in high school. She embodies the true culture of a lady from New York City. She’s classy with the vigor and attitude to take down a borough.

It’s a dance party everywhere she goes. I just sat with her on a stoop in Brooklyn and I felt like I needed to tap my feet. Maybe it was her energy that bled onto me. I could feel it. Here I was sitting somewhere in Brooklyn, next to Maluca, and all of a sudden we are both chasing after the ice cream truck. Wait till you hear her music.

Her music is described as a mixture of tropical, house and ghettotech. “Its a dance party,” she says. “I lived in a lot of different places in the city, so I took a lot of different styles from each scene and kind of created my own style out of it.”

She’s the next level Latino who draws from her roots for sounds and lyrics. Her single, “Tigeroso” tells the experiences of a Latina walking the streets of Washington Heights, New York City. She has a pure love for music. She recalled getting caught singing Bob Marley in the bathroom.

Her mom screams, “What are you doing?”

“Oh nothing, just washing my hands,” she said.

Maybe her mother would believe her if the water was running. Keep an eye open for this woman! She could be taking over your neighborhood next!

-Sarina

For a limited time download "El Tigeraso" right here on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Elizabeth and The Catapult

SuziTheodory — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:00:59 GMT

Most people get their exercise by going to the gym, playing sports, and even taking a jog or a run in a public place. On the other hand, the band Elizabeth and the Catapult stay active in a much more unique way.

It starts with finding an empty parking lot. Once the perfect lot is found, the band parks their tour van and turns the volume knob up to the loudest. Then the exercise part comes in play. The band members jump out of the van and start dancing! Yes, that’s how they get their exercise, through a dance party! Fun, right? But, no they don’t listen to their own music. They say, “It’s like wearing your own band shirt.”

Singer Elizabeth Ziman grew up in New York and met her band mates at Boston’s Berklee College of Music four years ago. Combining sounds of jazz, pop, and funk, this New York based band creates memorable melodies that can successfully embrace all types of audiences.

And ladies you’ve got to listen to Elizabeth and the Catapult’s newly released album “Taller Children.” All their songs are amazing and extremely relatable. My favorite is Mommas Boy. I think every girl will find that song relevant to a pass relationship. Now if you want a work out song…Race You is perfect, trust me!

While on the road, Ziman says it can be hard to find something healthy to eat. Her secret to getting all her nutrients includes three things: a juicer, a zip-lock bag, and veggies. Ziman and her band mates admit they put all the veggies that are put out for them by clubs before their performances in a zip-lock bag and juice them after their shows to stay healthy.

Staying on the subject of being on tour, if you’ve ever seen these band members in concert, you may have thought Ziman has tattoos…especially up and down her arms. Well you want to know something funny? Those tattoos are actually art by her fellow band mates. And no they are not done with a needle and ink. Try a sharpie marker! I thought that was pretty interesting!

Elizabeth and the Catapult’s future plans include traveling, meeting some great people, eating some good food, and writing as much good music as possible.

-Suzi Theodory

For a limited time only download "Race You" by Elizabeth and The Catapult right here on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Walter Meego

SarinaMorales — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:35 GMT

You know that rhythm you get in your legs when you're walking down the street, feeling good and rocking out to your ipod? The moments where you feel on top of the world and all it will take take is an abrupt trip over a rock to bring you back down to earth. Yes, it's that sensation I get rocking out to the jams of Walter Meego. The latest pop/experimental group from Chicago, brings a new feel for pop music, straying away from the more traditional 90's pop feel. “Pop has such a large umbrella; you can sound like so many different things and still be considered pop music,” says the group.

Indeed, I don't know many pop groups that prefer to record their music in the middle of nowhere. Walter Meego just finished recording in the desserts of Southern California and hopes to record another in Sierra Nevada, “Like in a cabin. It seems fun; the idea is to get away.”

Despite deserting themselves to record their album, you can find them back on tour this winter. “We are going to move on to the next phase of recording. We have a lot of songs going and we just want to get more, and then we are going to go on tour in the winter and put out the album next year.” In the meantime, I suggest you listen to my two favorite tracks off their latest album, Voyager, “Forever” and “Girls.” With lyrics like, “Everything I do, I do it for a girl,” could you really argue with these guys? Ah, if only my ex-boyfriends thought this way.

S: I have got 5 random questions for you and you have to spit out an answer. First, peCawn or pecan?

WM: PeCawn (the first one)

S: What is your take on 80’s one hit wonders?

WM: I think they are good as long as the song is good.

S: If you had to get a new haircut would it be party in the front or a party in the back?

WM: Probably the front.

S: Do you guys sing in the shower?

WM: Yeah I do, and I Hum.

S: What’s like a pet peeve that you can’t stand?

WM: The saliva sound of radio announcers like on NPR. I don’t like when people try to explain themselves and don’t do a good job of it, kind of like I am now.

-Sarina

For a limited time only you can download Walter Meego's "Girls" on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Ra Ra Riot

SarinaMorales — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:00:20 GMT

So some people are good at sports and others at music, for Ra Ra Riot...it's both. Yes, they took all the good genes and proved to me that I need to step up my tennis game in a recent outing I had with a couple of the band members. They not only dish out great music, but recently kicked my butt in tennis and gave me a few pointers for my next attempt at ice hockey.

Although they are in the midst of finishing up their next album and preparing for concerts and tour dates, I was fortunate enough to meet up with violinist, Rebecca Zeller, and bass guitarist, Mathieu Santos. Don't underestimate this band.

They are the perfect example of what hard work and a itch for creativity can make. They deliver a unique taste of rock and tranquility; a little bit of drum, a little bit of bass, a dash of violin and a sprinkle of cello. Off stage, the group's family-like relationship transcends into their performances...trust me I've seen them perform live in London. They put so much energy into their concerts, “We feel like we don't need to work out after,” says Santos.

I'm excited to see how far the group takes their next album. Ra Ra Riot's current album, The Rhumb Line, offers listeners hits like “Can You Tell” as well as songs like “Ghost Under Rocks,” which I feel could make for a great power song for the gym.

Three years and going strong, you can Ra Ra Riot performing throughout the month of September in cities throughout the U.S.

Hey, one more thing, Becca and Matt, please keep it on the low how terrible my tennis serve is!

-Sarina

For a limited time only download "Can You Tell" for free on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Caitlin Crosby

SarinaMorales — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:00:06 GMT

A couple of my friends asked recently,“Dude, why are you interviewing music artists, you work for Nike?” “Yeah, you're right, I do work for Nike. Sports and music never cross paths.” (Please recognize my sarcasm.) It was music that got me hyped before my softball games. It's the songs stadiums blast that get the crowd pumped!

Singer, songwriter and actress, Caitlin Crosby, may not be your typical musician to hear at sports arenas, but she rocks! She has one of the more unique voices I've heard...more soulful. Her latest album, “Flawz” focuses on themes many young people deal with, especially in the hills of Hollywood.

Despite her own career in movies and music, where appearance is normally a priority, many of her lyrics on the album encourage people of all shapes and sizes to embrace their imperfections and flaws. A healthy lifestyle is what Caitlin finds most important. It's more than keeping physically healthy, but mentally as well. She matches her glowing personality with a soulful style. This growing pop artist definitely has some jams on her album that will get you feeling good, whether it's on a treadmill or on a road trip.

-Sarina

For a limited time only download Caitlin Crosby's "Today" for free now on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Sean Bones

SarinaMorales — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:00:22 GMT

Oh Mr. Bones, if only that was your real name. For such a thin man, Sean Bones sure has a lot on his plate: A fashion line, a movie and an album. Surprisingly, he's hungry for more. In the midst of the mellow streets of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, Sean likes keeping busy. He's a local artist with international appeal, having traveled to Jamaica to film his movie, Wah Dem Do.

I caught up with him in a small park a couple blocks away from where he lives in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. His single “Dancehall” is featured now on Nikewomen.com and can be found on his latest album, Rings, as well. Although “Dancehall” has a very laid back and unique sound to it, my favorite song off his album is “Easy Street.” It's has a very happy mellow sound you can easily envision yourself jogging to on the boardwalk somewhere in the Caribbean. I've been listening to the song on repeat since I first heard it. I'd just suggest grabbing the album...it gives off a very calm yet unique vibe. Great for popping into a stereo while lounging with your friends.

Sean is a great example of a person who sets no boundaries. I asked him, why the swim suit fashion line? “Because I don't like the swimsuits out there.” I asked him, why the movie? “Why not the movie, because they asked me to be in it.” I had to ask then, what about this reggae album? Sean is already in another band, Sam Champion. “Yeah, I just wanted to try something different.”

Despite his music being a top priority, I am most impressed with Sean Bones' as an actor! His movie, Wah Dem Do, really shows Bones in a new light. He's never even taken an acting class, and now he's the star of the independent film. Lucky Bones even got to co-star with Norah Jones, who plays his girlfriend in the movie.

Being he is pretty spread out with projects, I'd suggest keeping updated with it all on his blog. He keeps a pretty fun one on his MySpace page. Keep up the good work Mr. Bones!

-Sarina

Free download of Sean Bone's "Dancehall" available now for a limited time on Nikewomen.com

Nikewomen.com Featured Artist: Rhymefest

meghanbrennan — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:42:58 GMT

Ernesto Che Guevara (CHAY GUWAY-VAR-A) was an Argentine revolutionary, born in the late 20’s and commonly known to his followers as “El Che.”

Che Smith is a native Chicagoan hip-hop artist, born in the late 70’s, and better known to his fans as “Rhymefest.”

Although a ten-year time period separates the death of one, from the birth of the other, the two men share an abundance of similarities.

For one, Rhymefest was named after Guevara and is leading a revolutionary front with his style of rap. His lyrics address the struggles of everyday life and leave the commonly used “cars, cash and cognac,” themes aside.

Guevara was a well-known lover of poetry and writing. Rhymefest combines witty and humorous lyrics to create tracks that flow as easily as a Shakespearean sonnet, a true poetic genius.

Upon his death, Che Guevara became a symbol of political opposition worldwide. Rhymefest became a symbol of creative genius in musicality when awarded a Grammy in 2005.

Two men, one whose term as revolutionary and political leader has ended and the other whose reign as king of hip hop, has just begun.

Here’s a track from Rhymefest’s sophomore album, appropriately entitled “El Che.”

-Meghan