Pebbles Amongst OUR Diamonds

What’s up people, I’m here for your weekly dose of keepin’ it real! So get ready for some reality checks. Here we go!

What’s up with these 30+ never gonna get there rappers? Seriously, I’m not trying to crush your dreams; I’m trying to make you open your squinted eyes. If you’re past the age of 25 and your tunes aren’t spinnin’ in the club, or playing on the radio; TIME TO PACK UP THE MIC AND STICK TO KARAOKE NIGHTS.

Not to say that some of these dudes can’t throw it down on the mic. That’s not the point though....If a woman is 67 years old is she gonna start stripping cause she did it when she was younger?? I highly doubt it, and the ones that do, have a serious problem to pay for. Get it? You may have some talent, but you need to start channeling it into ANOTHER direction. Find talent, mentor talent, but please STOP trying to be the talent. We get it. You were hype in 1992, and then your career died in 1993, and 20 something years later you’re still trying to revive your DEATH. Only God can give you life again, and it’s quite evident, that he agrees with your rap death; so CHILL…..

Now there’s nothing wrong with getting together with your people, and drinking, coolin’ out, having great times, and freestyling for fun and all of that. That is one of my most favorite pass times. If you want to record for fun, just for something to do: I’ll bring the drinks baby, rock on! But at the end of the day: That’s all it’s gonna be. Was Snoop still grindin’ to get noticed at age 24?? NO! The man was already deep, deeep in the game by that age. If you start young, make it, and are still cruisin’, by all means keep your booty doing shows, and keep your booty in the studio. You’ve obviously got something going on. MORE POWER TO YA

It sickens me when the REAL talent gets interrupted. These dudes are the PEBBLES AMONGST OUR DIAMONDS. Stick to writing, stick to producing, but stick a fork in it, because your delivery does not shine. If anyone is offended then I’ve done my job; because maybe it will let you evaluate your own rappers delight situation and see where you’re at.

It sucks because the ones that are confident in themselves, know this article need not apply to them….For the rest, I’ve written a rhyme: “But then we have the ignorant, desperate- to- be’s, won’t give it up at the age of 43. Lookin’ with they puppy eyes, with you tryin to plea: ‘Please, please, please just see the rapper in me.’ I swear that I’m legit, how else I roll with posses?’ They the baddest in the city, no like they suck literally. Don’t call me the dream killer; just refer to me as lady reality, giving you the truth, a piece that everybody fears to see”. Now that I’ve put this in rhyming, y’all look out for my cd reaching in 2020! So I’ll be about 39 when it drops. I already rhymed earlier on in this article, so I’m a rapper now, and I will die reaching for it.


Truthfully Yours,

Saphira Daenyx

Do you agree with Saphira??...Let us know

Admin@diamondsinthecity.net

When the 80's had the rope chains, British Knights and Kangol hats, fresh was an understatement. Fast forward to the 90's where rugged Timb boots and baggy jeans were fashion must haves in hip hop, now is the new millennium everything goes. Freedom of speech has been taken to another level, what you are and where you wanna be. Designer names and the Internet influence are visible in almost every artists wardrobe.
So is only right the Bronx's next generation, 950Plus, staple themselves as the Flyest Dudes on the planet.
Having over 300, 000 hits on www.myspace.com/950plus, features on Bridgez and E2K magazines, a European tour and over 350 shows under their belt, all at the tender age of 22, Prince "F.Ezzy" Suarez and Sean "Young Duse" Barrero are a product of this fresh era. They clearly state they are swagger and in the bronx is where it all started.
Their ear candy music has touched fans from Venezuela to Czech Republic, but it is the new wave of technology, myspace.com, responsible for half the shows they have under their belts and for just as much for their success. "If I wanted to sell a 950 Plus CD to a young boy out in the most rural area in Africa, I can", states The Ave Records Co-CEO and 950Plus Co-Manager, David "De-Kutz" Aviles. This is the kind of power technology has breaded.
950Plus does not find it difficult at all to relate to fans because, just like the fresh gear they sport, they stay relevant. Whether is blaring out constant bangers out the studio or sporting the new gold foil Coogi hoodie in stores, the power they behold and how they have used it to their advantage is something no one would've ever predicted at the time Biz Markie was saying hes just a friend.
950Plus has surrounded themselves with some of those responsible for paving the way for the new generation they now represent. They proudly name A.G. from DITC (Diggin' In The Crates) Crew as one of their earliest influences, and now being signed to his Tha Ave Records is icing on the cake. They keep themselves grounded with a circle of people who share the same ambition and that is to make it. Surrounding themselves with entrepreneurs has resulted them to adapt a recipe for success. This to them is to be themselves, do as you believe and never quit.
This is the same drive visible in Jonathan "J.O." Molina, Label Associate for The Ave Records. being a product of the Bronx himself he feels a duty to make 950Plus a staple in hip hop. Having just 2 years experience in the promotions world, his parties and events have snowballed into over 13,500 hits on his myspace page and over 2000 Facebook friends. This has helped him establish a network for himself major labels would love to formulate. Walking in the room with his own set "estilo"(swagger) at hand and his hunger for success in the other, he knows how important the sacrifices are to complete his goals. Staying present in all meetings, communicating ideas clearly and getting online is how he promotes 950Plus. "Do what you know, do what you learn and find a theory", he says. 950Plus is what he knows and the era of cyberspace is what he learned.

950Plus new single "WOW" has been doing just that. WoWing fans from Bridgeport, CT, 116th Festival to Red Bull and Kokonuts events thorughout New York City. The Flavour Flav sampled master piece is making this platinum number offical and like the great JayZ said, "numbers dont lie", this means 950 is the truth.

Hip Hop is not avoidable. It can be tampered with and shifted but it will always fall back into where it started. In this case the Bronx would've never thought it would birth such power, where technology, fashion, talent and knowledge unite in a form of entertainment. 950Plus is just that. A lot of artists have broken barriers but not many have marketed this business the way 950 does. After 7 years strong, no show is a bad show because to them someone will always be watching. Whether is the Puerto Rican Day parade or a college performance, the show doesn't stop there. They are determined to brand themselves and have you listen. Either through your speakers, computer, television or print, they gonna bring you that breath of FRESH air.

Shout out to the Bronx!

Check out the new 950 Site
www.950plus.com

New Single "WOW"
http://www.imeem.com/people/OZicdl2/mus ... 04_wowwma/

http://www.myspace.com/950plus
http://www.myspace.com/950plus2


admin@diamondsinthecity.net

Feel like having a gourmet meal in the privacy of your own home??? Romantic dinner for two?Intimate dinner for four? Appetizers and champagne? Whatever the occasion, you need to call on Intimate Gatherings Catering.

Sherrisse Davidson, I had the privilege of going to a dinner party catered by one of Ottawa’s best kept secrets. Sherrisse is 26 years old, the sole operator of Intimate Gatherings Catering and she comes to your place of comfort.

Young, hip, and boy can she whip….up a mouth watering meal.
She caters appetizers and canapés for small parties up to 50 persons; and full course meals for parties up to 15 persons.

The flavors just erupt in your mouth. You never want it to end.

One of my favorite things was the vanilla-mint dip for the fruit platter.Not to mention the curried shrimp in filo with a delicious cinnamon-cilantro sauce on the side. And the chicken stuffed mushroom caps.

Her combinations are different, but never lacking of delicious. I never heard so many “mmmmmmmms” “oooohs”, and “aaahhhhhhs” in my life. I started to wonder if I was at a dinner party or “another” kind of party. (wink!)

The only way to truly appreciate her cuisine is to try her out for yourself. Don’t miss out on this culinary experience. I know that I will be regularly checking in with my fair lady. I did some shopping around and her prices are excellent, and worth every penny.

I was so impressed that I asked for her business card and phoned her for a mini interview.

N: So what made you get into the whole cooking thing?

S: Well, I was off of school for seven years, and I wanted to go back, but didn’t know what I wanted to do. Then culinary hit me. I was always cooking for my family and friends anyway, so I decided to get educated and get paid to do what I loved doing anyway. It was either cook, or sing, I dabbled in the singing for awhile, but decided to stay with the cooking.
N: So we can call you the Singing Chef then?

S: haha..yeah add it to my list of nicknames.

N: Where do you usually get your recipe ideas from?

S: I don’t usually like to use recipes. I just throw things together and they usually turn out for me..haha I love being creative and playing around with food…Trial and error is how the best dishes come about anyway!

N: Has anybody ever not liked your food?

S: So far, I haven’t had any complaints, which I’m thankful for; funny thing though when I was younger, my sister would never eat anything. that I would make….she didn’t trust it (lol) and now she can’t wait when I go over to her place and cook for her. So that in itself is a compliment.

N: Are you enjoying Intimate Gatherings Catering?

S: I am so loving it! I feel empowered. I’m young, I’m doing my thing, and I’m confident in what I do. I could have chosen to take a very different and dead end road, I’m just glad I snapped out of it and realized my potential.
There’s too many people out there talking about doing things, and they never really do it. I’m most defiantly doing Intimate Gatherings Catering. This is my
baby….

N: So glad you chose this path!

N: So, can I hire you for life?

S: Deal! I’d LOVE to be a personal Chef, so anybody interested hit me up!

N: You are sooo hired! Thank you for letting me grill you today (no pun intended).

S: lol..thanks for wanting to grill me, I’m flattered.

N: Do you mind if we do this again…..maybe in person… with a side of canapés to join the party??? ..Hint-hint…

S: Most definitely, I can make you my official taste tester, hot does that sound?

N: HAPPY TEARS.

It is imperative that everyone tries this girl out at least one or twice. You will not regret it. Your bellies will love you, and your taste buds will absolutely adore you.

Sherrisse is now accepting Fall/Winter reservations; so make sure you call to book at: 613-322-2714, or message her with inquiries at:intimategatherings@hotmail.com.

Where do I go to get my catering from? From here on out: Intimate Gatherings Catering.

~ Nicole Davids

A HIP HOP DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

The city of bridges is what Pittsburgh, PA stands for, with 446 of them to call their own. But for me there has been one bridged gap Pittsburgh has connected with us here in Ottawa. The extradition of Jay ”Cashtro Crosby” Williams. Son of a local record store owner (Reggae Emporium) and ClearChannel Music Director, I can understand why music saved him whenever he had a bad day.

We rarely meet hidden stars like Cashtro in this city. The ones who’s real reason for being on earth is to entertain and enrich us with their music. Having branded himself in his high school days after the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, is only right we follow his lead. His style is hereditary, the kind so unique rappers from throughout will try to jack it. “I stick out like a sore thumb because of my accent, it sticks,” he proudly states. This is why nothing about Cashtro is ordinary. He listens to everything from B-More to Electro, Reggae to Techno, from Justice to Amy Winehouse to our very own leader Maestro Fresh Wes.
All this flavor boxed up in a CD is what his most anticipated mixtape brings you. The Crosby Show is set to unleash in Ottawa with 27 songs formulated with style, skills and swagg backed up by some of the best production your ears will hear. This is all because besides, being his own best manager the Cashtro Crosby Show contains 70% of Mr. Cashtro’s own production.
“Im tying to make my own name, Im not gonna do what you heard. I plan to make the music people wanna hear.” With that said he and DJ Mes got to work on the Triple B Project. The B’s represent the best of both borders and for sure bridges together his rap extraordinaries, from here to Pittsburgh.
Check him out October 9th at Babylon for the Crosby Show Release Party. He’s got everyone from DJ Drastik to his partner in crime DJ Mes bringing you a Crosby night.

He’s been bombarding your Facebook message box for a reason. He acknowledges and understands why 60% of his buzz is because of the internet. “Im such a big nerd. I read a lot, blogging is the most informational thing to do today. Is not a dread for me to type something about music,” these are the words of a MC who knows what it takes to withstand this business. “Nothing is wrong with hip hop, I just think I haven’t been exposed to the world.” This is why if you heard of Cashtro was at any show, he was there, cool and collected but ready to rip the MIC and bridge you to the sounds he is and represents.

Some of us children of Hip Hop may argue Hip Hop is dead, but if it is, then this is just because Cashtro Crosby hasn’t been let out the box yet!

http://www.googlecrosby.blogspot.com/


admin@diamondsinthecity.net

Aiyara Thai Cuisine

A new Thai Restaurant located at 1590 Walkley Rd, Ottawa. LUNCH: MON-FRI 11:30am-2:00pm...DINNER: MON-SUN 5:00pm-10:00pm. They don't use MSG in their food!

You’d never expect a gem like this to be found at this particular location. It is most definitely a DIAMOND IN THIS CITY

I went two weeks ago, for dinner, with a friend and I’m still drooling. The food tasted homemade and the price was amazing. I believe my meal was 11.95, and I was filled right up for the rest of the night. There’s enough on the plate for two; but come on, who really wants to share when the food is that good?

The atmosphere was warm and intimate. Décor was lovely and the plate presentation was beautiful; it came decked with an elephant carved out of radish and a beautiful bouquet of vegetable carved flowers; and I just have to add that I loved the aprons that the servers were wearing..Hmmm..I’m getting excited about aprons; can you tell that I’m a cook???

If you already have had the pleasure of dining here, then dine again! If you haven’t tried this Diamond in the City yet, make a reservation (613-526-1703). Reservations aren’t necessary, but this quaint spot fills up fast. While I was enjoying my chicken with veggies and cashews over rice…I kind of felt bad for all the suckers that were anticipating getting a seat. While I was indulging, they were hoping that there would be a table with their names on it.

I’ll most definitely be making many more dining excursions to Aiyara.

Does anybody know Thai translation for YUMMY?

~ Nicole Davids


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