Autumn Update

YASU has been enjoying “new” Motherhood. Her son is now 5 months and healthy! Though she has spent the last year with her family, she has still worked on a few projects…

Music

She is featured on “Afterlife” by D.C. MC Enoch 7th Prophet, produced by King Cee. It was the first single released from his 4th  album, Data Frequency (available online). Enoch is the host of Mental Salvation Radio which won Podcast of the Year **2008** respectively.  An independent artist, Enoch’s pod cast introduces its audience to Independent Artists from singers to authors to emcees. If you tune in, you will not only hear some of Indie music’s hottest rising artists, but you will have the opportunity to chat as you listen to the cast, call in, and also comment on the show. The topics range anywhere from how music affects children to relationship issues, and the business of independent music. Check out his Myspace page to see where you can hear him Live. To purchase his album please email enochtones@gmail.com. Check out the video below and feel this moving story.

Enoch 7th Prophet “AfterLife” feature Yasu & Lucille (Produced by King Cee) from Enoch 7th Prophet on Vimeo.

YASU has also collaborated with local MC Elevated Thinkin’, DJ Sid Deluxx,  and Producer Reed Russell to form the new group IndieSol Rey.

They have been recording since last summer and have a few songs in their catalogue. They introduced themselves in a live performance for SOUL-OH, a musical experience, showcasing Northwest Ohio’s Independent Soul Music artists, which YASU also hosts once a month @ The Ground Level CoffeeHouse. You can listen to “Perfect” written by MC Elevated Thinkin’, recorded locally. Mc Elevated Thinkin’ is the kind of emcee that speaks to the heart of any matter, whether it be social issues or the love of music. There isn’t an emcee who can illustrate a lyric as he, and you have to see him live to witness it for yourself.  The music of Producer Reed Russell is heard throughout the region and is contrived manually. He is a musician and demonstrates his skills from song to song. His data base is vast and he still creates new music daily! He is passionate about his work and is diligent in seeing things to its end. DJ Sid Deluxx has the respect of his listeners! Currently in Columbus, OH, he is spinning throughout this region! His timing is perfect! He captures his audience from the first sound that is projected from his hand! If DJing was a fine art, and it is, he would be displayed in a museum.  Also a producer, Sid has created some of the hottest tracks ET and YASU sing and rhyme to. Stay tuned to hear more from them.

Business

YASU also writes a column, The Solo Culture, for Reversed Ink Magazine. This online entity highlights The Hottest in Indie Recording Artists, Filmmakers, Authors and Models.

Let’s mention that since YASU has spent much of the last year on the home front, she has taken on the hobby of jewelry making. She is revamping her other website, but some of her first works can be seen and purchased here.

Last but not least, YASU is the resident host for Toledo’s SOUL-OH! A showcase for local independent artists, held once a month as a concert series. She has welcomed local gems, Leigh Ashley, Aye Dee, Darron Scott (all of UGE); Jesse Coleman Sr. (saxaphonist) Poets Naki Akrobettoe, and Melvin Douglas Johnson and IndieSol Rey.

An extension of SOUL-OH! is The Soul of Music Faith Edition which has showcased Toledo’s rising stars in the Gospel music Industry. Tymara Spears and Brotha Al of Project360 Records were recent features as well as Apphia and Heart Musik, MC/Poet Eternal Fiyah and Open Mic. The next Soul of Music Faith Edition will be Friday October 9th @ 8pm. Featured artists will be MC Kelsey Heard, Phillip Jay, Tiffanie Campbell, Monnie Soul, Poet Levarine, Pastor Bryann Rogers and Open Mic. You don’t want to miss this event!

This is all possible as YASU has taken on a role with  the events team for The Ground Level Coffee House co-owned by her husband Imani Lateef and Jesse Lipman. Lipman and Lateef are poets who have been featured throughout the region, Lipman making an impact in Hawaii and Chicago. Lateef has been host to local ciphers for over 10 years. The Ground Level serves locally roasted coffee, produce and pastries. Open Mic is on Mondays and Thursdays. The event room is available for meetings, reuinosn, Cd releases, theatre and more. Call for information 419.671.6272 or Visit them online www.groundleveltoledo.com.