A Miami hip-hop and B-Boy legend, Rudi Golben will be performing his one man show “Insanity Isn’t”, tonight (Friday) at the The Light Box, at 8:00 PM.

Both written and performed by Rudi himself, the show includes a story of Acey Sickly who is plagued by facing the realities of a life he never really wanted. It includes B-Boy movement, beat boxing and rhyme woven together to the tapestry of Acey’s life while he slowly embarks on a journey back to insane sanity.

I’ve been told that reservations have been met, but there will still be some seats available on a first come first serve basis. So get there before 8 PM. Don’t miss this!

For those that don’t know, this party goes down every Wednesday @ Jazid, No Cover, live music downstairs courtesy of Latin funk maestros Xperimento, and all the good vibes in the upstairs lounge with classic joints and music you will hear nowhere else, movies on the big screen and weekly drink specials.

The last Wednesday of the month is always a special jumpoff, with myself, Mr. Brown & DJane currently holding down the early month sessions. MCs are welcome as we’ve had cats like LMS, Protoman PFM hold down the mic and all of your favorite local DJs on the decks. Peep the Grand Groove Myspace page , for mooore.

MENTION FRESH BASIL TO THE BARTENDER AND GET A FREE DRANK WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!!

If you haven’t already checked out Kanye West’s latest video for “The Good Life” featuring T-Pain, then do it now! Video is nice! Very fresh idea that has never been done before… or has it?

If you don’t know already, Kanye’s video is just another masterpiece from acclaimed video director and graphic design artist SO-ME. He’s been putting it down for a while on the video scene, and was actually on stage at the Europe MTV Awards show last year when Kanye stormed the stage after his video lost to Justice vs Simian’s “We Are Your Friends” video.

Although SO-ME didn’t direct that video, he did direct another Justice video for their hit single “D.A.N.C.E.”. After watching, you can clearly see where Kanye got his inspiration from.

Here is another SO-ME classic, which doesn’t contain as much animation, but has one of the freshest video ideas I’ve seen in a while. This is the video for “I Am Somebody”, which is by DJ Mehdi featuring Chromeo.

Don’t be fooled. The Fresh Basil movement does not only consist of hip-hop. Here at Fresh Basil, we encompass many styles and many cultures. So don’t be surprised by the selection of videos.

Digitalism - “Pogo”. Straight out of Germany, Digitalism is a duo making a big splash in the indie/electronic scene. This single comes from their 2007 album “Idealism”, which has plenty of great tracks. The video is even more amazing. A nicely directed stop motion concept, the video keeps you focused in and makes it hard to look away. Also, check out a nice Bmore mix of this track made by Miami’s own Deuce Crew.

Armand Van Helden - “I Want Your Soul”. This video is fresh, taking it back to ‘92. The song has an ill vibe, and the video suites it perfectly. Check out all the ill clothes and combos worn by peeps. Seems like this style has been making a comeback though, with lots of different colors and flamboyant outfits being “cool” again recently. Although the video says ‘92, looks more like 1989, on some Spike Lee “Do The Right Thing” type shit. Doesn’t it? Same colors and same feel to it.

RJD2 - “Work It Out”. I don’t even know how to describe this video. Check out RJD2’s explanation in the youtube page. Basically, some shit you’ve never seen anyone do before. A man on crutches busting some ill moves. And all done in one continuous shot. Damn! Wonder how many times they had to do it over…

Poetry lovers from all over the tri-county area congregate inside Yuca Lounge on Lincoln Road every single Wednesday. like religiously.

Many people are unaware but the Bohemia Room has been providing a stage and a mic for spoken word & recording artists for years. In fact, i got my first peek at Janelle Monae when she performed there and I must agree with Anonyms-she ripped it. So you should def check her out.

Every week, hosts Ingrid B and Alex T. Proctor do it up big by giving exposure and support to a scene that most South Floridians only see on HBO Def Poetry. The BR fam includes Miami Masters Will da Real One, Asia, Poetic Vibes, & Anomaly and house poets Evita, Gookie (haha me, of course, suckahs!), Angelique, Da Youngsta, Nytaina, Truth, Godus, Vernon, Analogy, Honey Bee & Barbara Howard. (poet listing taken directly from their myspace page..so don’t get mad at me if you ain’t mentioned! i know for a fact there more regular poets but there’s wayyy too many to name!)

Here’s a tiny taste of the talent that performs at the Bohemia Room:

Every week, there is a different theme–monthly slams, erotic night, “it’s a man’s world”..so sign up to the email list and add them on myspace so you know what’s going down.

You can also stop by Workmens on Washington & Espanola to get complimentary admission passes..good before 8:30 so get there early..doors open at 8pm, poetry starts at 9:30 but I guarantee you by 9:15..you’ll be struggling to find a place to sit. So..be smart. either get there early (and for freeeee) or contact Ingrid for table reservations! Also check out Ingrid’s blog to find out additional events and news on thangs you should know about!

-Gookie-

How can i describe Janelle Monae and her music? Thats kinda tough….but those who are familiar with her sound know that she has incredible energy and brings something different to the table. Making notable appearances on Big Boi’s Got Purp Vol.2 and Outkast’s Idlewild album, this ATLien has developed quite a following.

Aside from her natural talent and array of styles, her live show is bananas! If you missed her the first time around at The Bohemia Room where she tore it down a couple months back your in luck! Janelle will be performing September 28th at The Fifth (1045 5th St. in South Beach) courtesy of Courvoisier. This will be a free event but you must RSVP! Make sure to check the site later this week for additional info….freshbasilbitch!

Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 27th, The Light Box in Biscayne will host 4 consecutive nights of art and music displays. All great nights, but check out Rudy Goblen’s “Insanity Isn’t…” on Friday! Must watch!

Hip-Hop Karaoke returns to Purdy Lounge!! The last event was ridiculous, and this one promises to be better. Drunk people rapping to O.D.B. deserves to be witnessed.

The infamous Sneaker Pimps party is back, this time with a special Slick Rick performance!! Come out with your hot kicks. Fakes will get stepped on!

305 Magazine team up with Chop Shop to throw a fresh Block Party event. Expect special guests, and go network!

Whatup Fresh Basil Famalam-
Ya’ll are in trouble now that Vega gave me an account to the site, its on!

The DJ battle scene and turntablism overall has definitely died down a bit over the past few years be it dance music taking over or no room left for innovation. However, leave it to the X-Ecutioners Rob Swift, Total Eclipse & Precision who are bringing the funk back with their new super-crew, Ill Insanity.
Rocking parties, battle routines and an album on the way, shit is about to get heavy again.

Peep the video of one of their recent shows, cott damn!! This is Ill Insanity performs live at NYC’s The Knitting Factory.

And the Myspace page ,make sure to listen to the first track on the music player, “Ill Insanity at Halftime Radio”, where Rob Swift kills the cuts replicating the bars from a live band!

All the excerpts are also from one of the freshest hip-hop shows on the radio/internet, Halftime Radio out of NYC hosted by DJ Eclipse of Non Phixion, which is on live every Wednesday night from 10:30pm-1am on 89.1 FM in New York or www.wnyu.org, check the archive section to listen to the most recent show and playlist for all the tracks.

Get on Up!!

This video came out of nowhere, literally! I have no idea when they pulled this off, but you can check Chris Brown dancing his ass off (pause) on multiple locations in FIU’s South Campus, University Park. Locations include the radio station’s studio, the Green Library, the Gold and Blue parking garages, inside the Golden Panther Arena, and a few other spots.

Whats funny though, is that I didn’t even know I attended a “black” college. At least thats how they tried to portray it in the video. Nonetheless, its interesting to watch for those that been on campus.

Medeski, Martin & Wood will be performing 2 consecutive nights at the Culture Room. This group is crazy!! They on some dope jazz, soul, funk shit. This will definitely be a great show.

DJ Craze’s Thanksgiving Birthday Bash. Featuring DJ Klever, DJ Laz, & Tittsworth. Don’t miss this!!!

Prefuse73 will be performing at Studio A. This is rare for Miami, and I heard he puts on a dope show!