I Survived the Mexican Stepgrandfather "OCCUPIED STATE" Album Release Party

I drove to San Antonio Saturday night to specifically see the Mexican Stepgrandfather perform at club Limelight. This was the first time I had been to Limelight, located on North Saint Marys Street, and I really had a great time. I would definitely go back again although the sound system could be better. I also enjoyed the eclectic but friendly crowd and the atmosphere was electric.

All the opening artists were great but the Mexican Stepgrandfather ruled the house. He did have full band and DJ support Saturday night although the new album uses more drum beats and live music rather music samples. The message is still political and very pertinent to the current anti-immigrant sentiment, social plight and relationship issues. OCCUPIED STATE has more featured artist than the first album, ESTERE-ERE-O, and less music samples which highlights Mexican Stepgrandfather lyrical skill.

When Mexican Stepgrandfather came out for his set, the crowd was anxious and happy to see him. They were cheering, jumping and dancing. Mexican Stepgrandfather poured out his heart and soul for the crowd that night and they gladly accepted the gift. At the end of the set, the crowd still wanted more. I wanted more. I can say we all left happy and content because we all had shared the same incredible experience. I extended the euphoria by listening to the OCCUPIED STATE CD on the way home.

Check out this video of "Falling Down" at Limelight.



Also check out "The System" off OCCUPIED STATE.

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Mexican Stepgrandfather Album Release at Limelight

I first saw Mexican Stepgrandfather perform about two years ago at the Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas. I instantly liked his music, lyrics and stage presence. After his set, I purchased the then current ESTERE-ERE-O CD and started a conversation with Marco Antonio Cervantes aka Mexican Stepgrandfather (MSG). Marco is a really nice guy. Originally from Houston, Marco has been living in San Antonio for years now. I discovered that he was an Associate Professor at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA). MSG is unique in many ways. He is not your run of the mill 19 or 20-something year old rapper. Liked I said, he is a professor. A master of the English and Spanish language, MSG uses bilingualism to create lyrics that tell a fascinating story. When I listen to his music, I just get it. I've either seen it or have been around that story he is rapping about. I also like the samples of old Mexican tunes he uses and how they're mixed.

I have seen MSG perform on two other ocassions: Una Noche de la Gloria 2009 at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, Texas and at Mi Casa Cantina at Este Vato's CD Release in June 2010 in Austin.

I'm excited, MSG is having an Album Release at Limelight in San Antonio, Texas on November 20, 2010. I will be at the Limelight next Saturday because I want to see MSG perform and I want the new album, OCCUPIED STATE. I haven't asked about the album, songs or any background information because I want it to be new and fresh.

Below you'll see a great sample of MSG in an "Official" professionally produced music video.


The second is a video of an actual performance which gives you an even better sense of MSG in action.


Other artist performing at are:

Mojoe

Diego Bernal

Astex

Scuba Gooding Sr.

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Afrofreque CD Release Party at Momo's

Last night was the Afrofreque CD Release at Momo's presented by Bemba Entertainment. This is the third time I've seen Afrofreque in the last 30 days and still want more. I saw them recently at the Birthday Felabration for Fela Kuti at Red 7 and at the Funk Freak Halloween Ball at ND at Studio 501, also produced by Bemba Entertainment, and last night at Momo's. They just won me over immediately. They are Funk, Soul, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B and more. All the people at Momo's last night were definitely moved to dance, bounce or sway to the music. I purchased Afrofreque's new CD,"Jewels and Gems," so I get to hear them anytime I want.

I do have to thank Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment for continuously producing numerous themed showcases like the Birthday Felabration and the Funk Freak Halloween Ball which have been great events and experiences. Brandon has the knack of selecting the right musical talent, the right venue and the ability to create a unique experience that people want to attend and then look forward to the next event.

The musical line up last night included Dawni McCray, Adam Rodgers, Soulkitchen, Afrofrique and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. I did get to record video of Soul Kitchen, Afrofreque and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. It was an exceptional night for music.







To find out what Bemba Entertainment has planned check out the Bemba Calender.

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The Roots: New CD and Video "How I Got Over"

The Roots new CD "How I Got Over" available June 22, 2010 from iTunes and Amazon.com and other outlets.



Note: Official Video "Dear God 2.0" no longer available