Rapture Events Boston

Monthly Newsletter
Its been a good month for Rapture Events Boston. Weve been planning with Justin Springer and Ahmed on future music conferences for artists, and have been showing face and attending some of the best events that Bostons and Massachusetts Hip Hop and night life scenes have to offer- most notably the excellent listening party for Bakari JB, in which many of the underground artists and acts either performed or showed love at the door. M.I.N.T. Enterprise Group put on a large scale Fright Night at UMass Amherst, Lawanda Monique of L.M.E. hosted at least three great events this month two Underground Hip Hop Chronicles at Church Boston and the Middle East respectively, and a Gentlemans Night at Slades Bar and Grille, Arafat of Lightspeed Entertainment hosted his showing of the film 12 Years A Slave at Hibernian Hall, V.C.R. continued the longest running poetry event in Boston, Verbalizations, at Hibernian Hall, with the sleek and talented Neiel Israel. Pretty Face Posse held their monthly A.L.L. Good Costume Party edition at Good Life (which was bonkers). The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Boston held a BBQ and a Halloween party at Cambridge Community Center and the good folks at GOT SOLE had a pretty fly fashion showcase at their Grove Hall location. MUSO held New Boston: Hip Hop Showcase at Wildcat Den. The legendary Ed OG held XXLs Future of November 14, 2013

Highest of the Lower Worlds natural food is fruit

Boston Showcase at the Middle East and Dutch Rebelle opened up for Millyz album release at Naga. On the young professional side of the spectrum there was a great conference for young professionals held by the Young Professional Network of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Thursday 11.21.13 Jha D Williams of If You Can Feel It You Can Speak It is hosts her 4th year anniversary (congrats), Art Is Life Itself will continually offer artists a platform to perform, DJ Nomadik will be hosting her weekly Friday night Grab the Mic series, V.C.R will host Verbalizations with the legendary the legendary Askia Toure, Wednesday nights at Emerald Lounge is a nice location to flirt, dance or network. Your downtown, Boston, Cambridge and Central Square hang outs (Zuzu, Breezeways, Dublin House, Cantab Lounge, Lizard Lounge, Middle East, Middlesex, etc) will be there. The Ebony Winter Gala will be hosted by the National Association of Black Accountants and Im sure Bostons elite will be in full regalia. That being said, I hope you enjoy some of the updates that we have and hope that you are doing something this holiday season. Give thanks for your blessings and, also please do something to share your fortune with those in need. Enjoy Rapture Events monthly newsletter and enjoy your Thanksgiving. E. Hegeman

Method Man Takes the Stage in Lawrence, MA

The Method Man Show in Lawrence on October 25, 2013 was BANANAS (east coast slang). I arrived as Jonathan Gates was hyping everyone up in a WU (TANG!) WU (TANG!) call and response. The venue, Club Centro in Lawrence, MA, was not fully packed; however, it was not empty by any stretches of the imagination. There were probably 150-200 people in a space that could reasonably fit 400-450. There were two levels in the club with a large staircase and balcony overseeing the main stage. There also was a cushioned elevated platform about 10- 15 yards in front of the stage where some very sexy women in cats suits were dancing on each other warming up for the show (some folks were in costume). One person had to be carried out on a stretcher before the event started due to complications. The paramedics escorted the gentleman out on a foldable wheeled stretcher. I hope he is well. DJ Bobby Bangers was warming the crowd up and playing classic after classic, mixing modern songs with some Wu Tang Killer Bee hits. I like Bobby Bangers understanding of true school Hip Hop ethics while still feeling the crowd out and catering to what gets people excited. He doesnt cater to the crowd too much to the point where he loses credibility as a real rap/ hard core Hip Hop DJ, yet he doesnt let that keep him from doing his job as a DJ who keeps the party live. About 45 min after I came in Method Man and DJ Mathematics took the stage. The crowd started to pile on top of each other and get closer to the stage for the show to begin... and it did. Whats that S** t ya been smoking? Tical... .. .. Tical.. pass it over here then would you.. Tical.. Tical.. Method man opened up his set with the intro to his first solo album Tical to November 14, 2013

whet the crowds appetite. He got everyone into his set and vibe wearing a camouflage hat, a camouflage Tommy Hilfiger sweater and camo fatigues revving up the crowd with his crowd control and mic control- representing like a veteran. About 10 minutes into the set DJ Mathematics dropped the needle on what turned me out to raw core Hip Hop music ..the Rza, The Gza, Master Killer, Cappadonna, Old dirty Bastard- Old dirty Bastard- Old dirty Bastard! (Crowd: OLD DIRTY BASTARD!!)- Old dirty Bastard! (Crowd: OLD DIRTY BASTARD!!)Inspecta Deck Raeqwon the Chef, UGod, Ghostface Killa and the Method Man...Hey You get off my CLOWD! You dont knowww me and you dont Know my style. The crowd went into frenzy and the whole club sang every line to each other to the air and to the stage. Street Life helped out doing adlibs and getting verses off and a short 1-2 verse showcase. Method Man dedicated about 10 min to ODB as Buddha Monk (ODBs brother) delivered Shimmy Shimmy Ya, Shame on a Nigga (with Meths assistance) and Brooklyn Zoo to a live audience singing along throughout. Meth performed What the blood clot saying Im performing album cuts for yall. He did a crowd favorites Youre All I Need and of course Bring the Pain. The stage was packed with Wu Affiliates and Jimmy Kang, head of Wu Tang Management was walking around the audience with his Sean Price-esque goons as well. Meth kept the ladies and audience satisfied through and through. He is truly a captivating performer who puts work into his set and energy into his show. He shouted All the ladies say oawww... Now say Ticaaaaal (Ladies:)***Ticaaaaal. Player. He brought a ton of showmanship, personality and presence. However, the sound on stage was terrible and he complained (respectfully) that the sound for Hip Hop acts are not taken seriously or respected compared to Rock and Roll bands- I agreed- but he kept the show rolling.

3
perked for what shows Hater Proof Entertainment LLC are bringing to Mass. Until next time. Peace! Roderigo De La Hegboned.

LME Bring Underground Hip Hop Chronicles The Crossover to Church Boston
For me, the highlight of the show was when Meth walked into the audience dapping up fans as he was led by security to the bar, that he hopped up, on and then murdered his verse from How High. He then jumped FROM the bar to a 20 ft long 2ft wide drink table (still rapping) then dropped into the crowd, again being escorted by security back to the stage. He did more classic tracks and rocked out for about another 15 min. He thanked the Lawrence Police Dept. for allowing him to continue his show after usual closing time as Im sure most of them grew up listening to Mr. Meth as I did growing up. The soundman kept giving the audience poor quality and the mics tons of feedback. Meth said Damn this is Massachusetts. Yall are ratchet as hell. Thanks sound man. The soundman was garbage and made life difficult for the performer and crowd. The show ended with the sound man cutting the mics and DJ sounds OFF as Meth was closing with a final call and response to the audience. The crowd booed the soundman and awwwed as Method said peace to everyone, exited stage left, and drained the club of every vagina from the dance floor to the upstairs bathroom. When I went outside, state troopers, Lawrence police and what looked like SWAT were in full gear and force keeping parking lot pimping to a wink and a smile. A few brothers chatted afterward about how great the show was as they rolled out. Several media teams, most prominently, 617Live were in attendance filming and photographing one of the best shows that Ive been to in the past 12 months. ` Check out the details about what happened inside at http://617live.tv/ and http://www.exfailures.com and keep your ears November 14, 2013 On the night of Monday, October 28, 2013, Lawanda Monique (Entertainment) put together an awesome line up of talent and entertainment for Boston at the Underground Hip Hop Chronicles Pt6 The Crossover at Church Bostons Motivate Mondays. Bakari JB and Wazir Gray held down the mic as co-hosts and blessed us with verses throughout the show. DJ Daz-one held down the wheels of steel and handled business like a professional. When I arrived at Church Boston, people were shifting around, at the bar and at the pool table, and window shopping products from Kulturez Dynasty and Olas Afrodesiacitys brands.

The crowd got focused when O.F.A.T.S. stepped on stage. He brought a high level of swagger and stage presence. All of his rhymes were delivered on time and crystal clear, and he had support from the crowd in his call and response for his hook on Yum Yum Eat em up

4
Yum Yum- Eat em up!! He was very comfortable on stage and knocked his set out of the park. Up next was a stand out performance from the sexy, young, fly mistress of the mic Ms Jack - Daaayymn its hot as sh*t up here! She came to the stage and got comfortable after a few songs. Once she started letting out her passion for performing she started stomping, jumping and growling on the mic, captivating the attention of the crowd. week or so prior and Mark Merren, who was politicking and collecting props as usual. I missed Kiki Breevlifes performance, but she was in the crowd mixing it up with people and moving back and forth through the spot. I hit the bar and had a very fair priced Budweiser ($4.00) and made conversation with people there to support their family and significant others that night while Bakari JB and Wazir blessed us with flows, and acapella verses. The crowd started to get thicker as Strobe and Essex took the stage. At that point the sound started to seem weaker and strange. The beats were too low and the vocals sounded almost karaoke like. They used a few instrumentals and overall had a good set. I spoke to the soundman and asked him to tweak the sound, but he said it was up to the DJ to make adjustments. I did leave after Notoriety (composed of emcees Vital and Incredible Chuck) were wrecking the stage donned in a very dapper wool hat and business causal style dress. They sounded like educated emcees getting open on stage. While leaving I caught Chronic Tone. He had the angst and fury of Onyx with some rhyme schemes similar to Eminem (but he was definitely more thug than Em). He was a super talented emcee and is also a talented producer and visual artist as well. He exhibited one of his paintings, holding it up like Rafiki did Simba and giving a roar before he jumped off stage from the front- gold grill shinning and all- wild and free. From what I could tell, everyone brought a solid level of writing, performing and character to the stage. I give a nod to Lawanda Monique, Mark Merren, Church Boston and all of the performers, sponsors, vendors, staff and supporters & patrons that made, Underground Hip Hop Chronicles 6 The Crossover at Church Boston a swelling success. Come support their next event- you will see some up and coming talent honing their set and stage performance to get ready for the major leagues. -Peace and prosperity- Eddie Felix

Next to the stage was the lyrical Oblivious. He came prepared plugging his partner Justice Borns brand Wreck Shop movement. They lead a great cause which donates one hoodie to the homeless for every one hoodie sold. I hope to see their work grow in the near future. Oblivious beats and rhymes were content driven, conscious, and tactful. I enjoyed hearing an emcee that is focused on lyrics and I respect a performer that gives the crowd their all. He gave his performance 110% and left the stage visibly spent after a hard, high energy show. Miss Lawanda Monique was a great hosts, stepping on stage to honor Church Boston throughout the night and acknowledge other events like Grab the Mic Fridays hosted by DJ Nomadik at the Patio in Malden and Rapture Events For the Love event which was held at Church Boston Oct 19, 2013. Wazir, Bakari and I taught her what a bar was, and she even gave me a chance to hop on stage to plug Rapture Events and our volunteer drive AND gave me a chance to spit a verse. I definitely had a good time and appreciate the love from acts and patrons who enjoyed my verse. In the crowd I saw African Man Born who murdered his performance at the Haley House a November 14, 2013

M.I.N.T. Entertainment brings Trinidad James to UMass Amherst for Fright Fest October 26, 2013
The Trinidad James Show at UMass Amhersts Fright night was a bazaar of colorful characters. The mix of cultures and people at the event helped to serve up a heaping helping of turn up, sorority/ fraternity bashment party, beautiful multi-cultural women, and a general young UMass Amherst vibe all trying to catch a wave to anyone at the Mullins Center. DJ RenSelect was on the twin tables taking care of business, playing a mix of top 40 hits, trap beats, hard core trance and techno songs, some Katie Perry-esque pop and a blend of what Boston party goers call mash ups. The sound system was decent and the stage set up was amazing. RenSelect held down the crowd for an additional 40 minutes or so as DJ Envy was quite late. Envy pretty much played the same music that DJ RenSelect played causing some party goers to leave early. I heard many people complain that there was not enough dancing, the sound was shaky and the people in the crowd were just kind of wack. I dont blame anyone for this, but the party was missing some kind of umph to take it to that next level. I think, for me, thats where Trinidad James stepped in. He brought a high level of energy and general Atlanta Crunk-ness that I feel a crowd like UMass Amherst wasnt familiar with or didnt know how to respond to. He was very comfortable on stage with his hype man jumping up and rocking out as they performed his remixes, hits and album cuts. November 14, 2013

His jheri curl, however, was killing me. But he brought that Campbelton road, Cascade Ave, Bankhead hood look with a bit of Lenox mall swagger to the stage (a somewhat Dungeon Family, Third Generation feel/ look for sure). I appreciated seeing some of Atlanta style in the back woods of New England, but in all honesty, I dont think they get it or got it. You might need to live in Atlanta or the South (or just maybe be ready to party) to really get an artist like Trinidad James, because he is SOo A-T-L. A very creative and sensitive brother (hes not a player, he has home girls), he was stunting on the audience with a hand full of rings, gold teeth and of course all gold chains swanging. By the time he performed his hnit All Gold Everything he had a thinner audience, but they were cranked up and ready for the song. He called several beautiful girls, a belly dancer, some fraternity looking strong men, and some of the dancers from a dance team named The Elites, as well as a few of the event promoters on stage to rock out for my favorite song of 2012/ 2013. I had a good time. For me the highlight of the night was when a female partygoer who was coming down from a molly invited me and my homeboy over to her place to do shrooms. We didnt make it, but it was an eye opener to what UMass Amherst, the school the Huffingtonpost.com ranks as one of the top five party schools in the US, is all about. Turn Up! It took me back in time to see the crowd leaning and rocking out. Some twerkage was going on, but I just noticed (compared to Atlanta) that twerking is a new thing there. Its

6
still taboo, still kind of a dubious ground to walk on. In Atlanta, its all in good fun and its generations old (back to Uncle Luke and prior). M.I.N.T. Enterprise Group definitely did a great job in making this event happen. In the coming years I hope to see Fright Night become an institution at UMass. It can and will be if executed as well or better than it was October 26, 2013. Shalom. -Edweirdo grooving Bakari called out O.F.A.T.S. for being late to the set, but showed him love and asked him to come on stage anyway. It was all smiles throughout the night in celebration of Bakaris project and the Hip Hop scene in total. Lots of heads were out to support the cause and the project. Bakari did a great job, wisely releasing his video for a melodious single Laid Back Smooth shortly before holding his listening party which personally inspiring me to step out for the night. Next to the stage after Bakari was Wazir Gray and company who had a 10 min set of unique, raw bass beats and hard core flows. People stayed in the front and rocked out with Wazir as he put on a quality show. I ran into the talented and beautiful Dutch Rebelle and gave her big love as she drifted through the crowd conversing with heads and checking out the show.

M.I.N.T. Enterprise Group

Bakari JBs Listening Party

The event held Monday, November 11, 2013 at Church Boston was a great mix of faces on the rise, established gate keepers, promotion and entertainment groups and a ton of talent at Bakari JBs Fear and Desire listening party. When I arrived Bakari JB was getting busy on stage in front of a packed house. Ola was in tow selling her brand and product and many faces and players on the scene were drinking, talking and enjoying the music. Bakari JB was holding down the stage commanding the mic like a lecturer track after track. He calling up C Roc Smooth of Its Juicy Entertainment to perform what looked like a crowd favorite Soul Cats. Many people sang the chorus and that was a high in the overall performance. For me I was waiting to hear the single and video directed by Royal Clapp Laid Back Smooth with guest appearances by Catch Wreck (who courageously stage dove after his verse) and Tech Mic of DWreckin Crew who brought a high level of energy and intensity to the stage. That song was very well received as well. As I was moving and November 14, 2013

The highest point of energy, for me, was when Retrospek took the stage. These dudes love to rap! You could feel the fun that they were having on stage from the bar. I was drawn into what turned into a baby mosh pit of Catch Wreck, the talented sultry soul singer April Stanford and a few other party goers. Retrospek brought the ruckus and the audience gave it back to them. Their songs were lyrically sharp, they had hard core Hip Hop production provided by Rah Intelligence and the chemistry between Spnda and JuneLyfe was natural and seamless. Theyve been putting in a lot of work and it shows. Support their new work as theyve been shown in the XXLs top 15 rap artists to look out for in Boston. Definitely check out their live performance if you can. I tipped my hat to these

7
brothers on my way out and support their movement.

Rapture Events Partners with Pro Labore Dei

Working with Pro Labore Dei has been an extremely fulfilling experience. We at Rapture believe that giving back is essential to the success of any upcoming business, organization, institution, or individual. By investing in people and their betterment, you are making an investment that may or may not show financial returns. However your spirit is enriched and your community and in general humankind is better off for your work. We have been working with Pro Labore Dei and have thus far helped to package and/ or serve over 1000 meals to men and woman in shelters and on the street. Our goal is to put in 100 man hours between Nov 1,2013 and December 25, 2013. Thus far we've contributed 26 hours to the cause.

Next to the stage was the man behind all of this scenes development, the committed Mark Merren. I just recently learned that this brother makes beats and raps, and hes good at both! He held down the mic with clear delivery, technique, storytelling, introspection, and presence. I had to tear out early, but copped Bakaris CD before I left. Please support his music or listen to it at www.BakariJB.bandcamp.com. All of the acts were top notch, the ladies were looking lovely, the soundman did a great job, and the crowd was highly energized and engaged. What was really amazing about Monday, was the fact that there has never really been a galvanized Hip Hop scene in Boston as long as Ive lived here (or from what I could see). However, on Monday, November 11, 2013 great producers, great singers, emcees that have been putting in work for years, promoters, vendors, and artists of all kinds (poets, visual artists, jewelry makers etc.) were all under one roof, enjoying the vibe and fellowshipping. It was church (at Church Boston). Needless to say, I had a great time and am looking forward to what this scene comes with in 2014. Edward of Hegeman

Most recently volunteers Luis Berros, Sadie Barbosa, Cassandra Coplin, Lawanda Monique and Sandy Morris have given their time and effort to show support to those in need. Pro Labore Dei (Which in Latin means For the labor of God) is an organization started in Nigeria by Sister Stella-Maris who received a calling from the creator to feed the hungry. Today there are over 26 chapters worldwide and eight branches in the United States. They have been operating in Boston for eight years and are genuine and dedicated to serving men, women and children in need. We saw the women

November 14, 2013

8
handing out food from the back of their van downtown near Park Street train station, spoke with them briefly and knew immediately that these people were sincere- not looking for the big grant money and photo opportunity- but were simply serving from the heart. Those are the traits of organizations and people that we look to partner with. If you would like to get involved or help please contact Maria at 857719-5884. For more information or to confirm a specific time to volunteer, please call 617-388-4247 or email [email protected] Rapture Events Boston [email protected]

For more Boston Events check out www.wepartyboston.com

Hello All! Thank you for reading. If you are interested in our community service endeavor with Pro Labore Dei please email us at [email protected] or sign the sheet below and resend us at least two (2) times that you would be available to volunteer one (1) or more hours to Pro Labore Deis efforts to prepare food and distribute food to the men and women in shelters throughout the city and those in need downtown. Thank you! Much Love

Sign in Sheet for Volunteer work should be emailed to [email protected]

Saturday, November 16, 2013
November 14, 2013

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Monday, November 18, 2013

9 2p-6p (preparing sandwiches and hot dogs for one or more hours) Name: 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name: 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Saturday, November 23, 2013 2p-6p (preparing sandwiches and hot dogs for one or more hours)

Saturday, November 23, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Monday, November 25, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Name:

Saturday, November 30, 2013 2p-6p (preparing sandwiches and hot dogs for one or more hours) Name:

Saturday, November 30, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Monday, December 2, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Saturday, December 7, 2013 2p-6p (preparing sandwiches and hot dogs for one or more hours) Name:

Saturday, December 7, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Monday, December 9, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Saturday, December 14, 2013 2p-6p (preparing sandwiches and hot dogs for one or more hours) Name:

Saturday, December 14, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Monday, December 16, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Saturday, December 21, 2013 2p-6p (preparing sandwiches and hot dogs for one or more hours) Name:

Saturday, December 21, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

Monday, December 23, 2013 7:30p-830p (distributing sandwiches, hot dogs, pastries to homeless of downtown Boston) Name:

November 14, 2013

10

November 14, 2013