Good music and artists
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Interview with Creative Genius: Nikki Giovanni, and Web Page designer Dan Petruzzi

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If you would like to contact me please e-mail me at the following address: tara.r.jiles@csun.edu
The purpose of this page is to feature some of the most creative  music artists, poets and painters that I think are out there.  I hope that you will enjoy my picks and if you think there is something that I should add please e-mail me and let me know. 

 

Kelis  is one of the most talented yet under exposed artists that is out there.  She is the prodigy child of the beat makers The Neptunes and she has a sound that it very unique.  Her music is a mix of so many styles such as: hip hop, R&B, rock and much more.  If you ever get the chance pick up an album or watch her latest video.

"Trumpet Man"

Justin Bua

I have never really been into art until one day I saw a Justin Bua painting called: "The D.J."  and ever since i have been a true fan.  For over a decade, artist BUA has been making a mark on popular culture with his unique style of Distorted Urban Realism, single-handedly spearheading a new genre of art. Born and raised by a single-mom in NYC’s untamed Upper West Side, BUA was fascinated by the raw, visceral Manhattan street life and found himself absorbing the essence of the burgeoning culture at places like Rock Steady Park and the Douglas Projects. BUA studied visual art at the High School of Music and Performing Arts (“Fame”) and complemented his education on the streets by writing graffiti and performing worldwide with break dancing crews such as The New York Express and The Dynamic Breakers. At 16, BUA performed with The New York Express in a show created by famous choreographer Julie Arenal (“Hair”). The show toured all over the world including the Spoleto Festivals in Charleston, South Carolina and Spoleto, Italy where he performed with Rudolf Nureyev. After high school, BUA went on to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California where he earned a B.F.A in Illustration. There, BUA learned the technical skills that allowed him to unleash his creativity.  I originally wanted to interview him for my creative genius project but his assistant said that he is a very busy man and would not have been able to help me.  But it turned out just great because i was able to interview Nikki Giovanni instead!

Saul Williams

His poetry has been heard on the albums from many hip hop artists as well as his own.  Many say that to thousands of youth across America, Saul Williams has defined and redefined poetry as an accessible, living art form.  His poetry has served as the archetype for a new generation of poets and spoken word artists.

 

 

Ursula Rucker

One of the premiere spoken word recording artists in the music industry today. As a poet and performance artist, Ursula has enchanted critics and fans across the globe with her diverse repertoire, captivating vocals and accessible poetic verse.

Since 1994, Ursula has shared her songwriting talent and mesmerizing voice with an array of recording artists and producers including King Britt, 4 Hero, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Josh Wink and The Roots. Each was drawn to the soft spoken eloquence and undeterred honesty which have become Ursula’s signature.


Common

I have been to a number of his shows, album signings and i have even seen him on the streets of L.A. (maybe I will work on putting up some of my pictures that i have taken with him).  Overall this cat is one of the most down to earth people in the business.  His music what you would call conscious or "common sense."  He talks about issues that are going on today, in the past and in the future.  Lyrically he is one of the most nimble MCs that there is.

Mos Def

 

This is another artist that I have seen in concert and he puts on one of the best shows there is.  His energy is upbeat at all times.  Not only is Mos Def a hip hop artist he is also considered to be a spoken word artist.  In addition to his hip hop credibility he hosts the HBO series: Russel Simmons presents Def poetry jam

Sade

She is my absolute favorite musical artist of all time.  I have literally listened to her for almost my entire life.  Her liquid voice oozes a sultry and romantic feeling.  Her songs are absolutely beautiful and so is she.  I haven't seen her in concert yet but the next time she goes on tour you can bet that I will be there.