2011 Honours: Lioness - A Hot Chick with BITE....

Outside of the ESP family, there are quite a few highlights that have made my first year memorable. It wouldn't be right if I didn't pay homage to those that stood out the most so, as the year draws to a close, I'm bringing you my '2011 Honours List'.

First up: Lioness - A Female Allstar...

Lioness - Photo courtesy of Butterflyphoto.co.uk

In my best GHETTS impression; "Izabelle is a Gelle" that if you don't already, you should really get to know.

First introduced to the works of Mz. Fender by her Manager, Radio 1Xtra DJ and Presenter Ace, I remember how he gushed about these two amazing talents he was working with (the other being Bianca Monet - more about Miss M coming soon); and how he couldn't wait for the new year to put his plans for both into action.

The first time I saw Lioness perform was at a North London University showcase. Catching the tail-end of her set, she was talking to the audience between songs when I arrived. Unimposing and not half as scary as she sounded in her recordings, I actually mistook her for hype support; scanning the stage for the real artist, who obviously had to be out of sight from my 'back of the room' view. Then she launched into 'Black High Heels' and set me straight...

Entranced by her confidence and skill, it wasn't until the song's end that I realised; she had so swept me up in the story, I forgot that she was dominating with her club night tale, in baggy blue denim dungarees, a white tee and some kicks...she literally performed magic I have not forgotten to this day.

So hypnotic were her style and delivery, that Lioness' sex appeal had every eye in the room fooled. What they saw was everyday, casual street style, but what they heard was matching La Perla sets and untold Secrets kept by Vicky. By the time she wrapped 'Good For A Girl', I remember thinking "Good? Girl? Your talent isn't even human, love!"

Introduced afterward, Izabelle was sweet, charming and not nearly as braggadocious as five minutes prior! The following day I jumped onto her website, downloaded 'Loch Ness Monster', and got my late self up-to-speed on exactly who Ace had been schooling me on. Class was now in session.

Loch Ness Monster - Lioness

A few months later at the Female DJ Takeover launch, I didn't actually recognise the gorgeous Glamazon who turned up for her set. Once again, the almost shy, friendly Izabelle disappeared on stage and a fierce Lioness sent an already hyped crowd to the funny farm; only to retract her claws 15 minutes later.

Running into one another at event after event, I soon learned that whilst the stage persona - larger than life, devouring   competitors like endless plates of 1/2 Peri Peri chicken and rice from her favourite establishment - is an apt one; behind it is really just an extremely talented, funny, highly intelligent young woman, evolving and perfecting her craft.

Roarness (download)

By early September, with a new EP and HUGE launch event, came a fresh outlook. By her own admission, she was now taking her grind more seriously and her immense talent found a new playground as a result.


'RoarNess' is a literal work of art that left 'Mona Lisa's' critics looking a bit silly, really.


Full-to-brimming with infectious tracks, it has that 'album feel' that I so love amidst today's mixtape madness. With an overall flow as shapely as her "BlackBerry figure", Lioness brought her friends and family along for the ride in such a way, that she still remains front and centre. Each artist compliments their track, no-one overshadows anyone. Instead she celebrates her talented circle and their obviously close relationships with support that is unmistakable, and it clearly inspires the creative output.


With features from In'sight, Lady Leshurr, Amplify Dot, AL, Julie Iwheta and the earlier-mentioned Ghetts, to name but a few, RoarNess really IS big enough to justify the goal of a music video for each track (check her out in this one, rockin' a lil deer oh deer ltd swag...). 

'Don't Tell Me' - Lioness

She has raised the bar so high for herself, that her Star is literally shooting. In the last three months alone, there was that 'Neva Soft' remix for SoulCulture Co-Sign; with the legend that is Ms. Dynamite, and Ness' bonafides Amplify Dot & Lady Leshurr...

Followed by collaborations with the likes of Tanya Lacey (Letter To My Ex Remix), Jareth (Pathway) and most recently Lea-Anna, Ce'cile and Lady Leshurr (Murder - First Degree Remix)...

Stages have been shredded everywhere. You would have had to have been surviving under the Rock of Gibraltar if you haven't heard about her headline shows, that Biggafish Tour, or the UK Female Allstars at November's 1Xtra Live show, with a handful of her fellow UK Top 10 female MCs (RoxXxan, Baby Blue, Mz. Bratt and of course Leshurr and A.Dot).

After such a huge year, I for one cannot wait for that April album release. I'm sorry...but competition, I ask you - is it even worth your turning up next Spring?

Izabelle 'Lioness' Fender: you are so sick that you are a Gray's Anatomy Illness - #iSaluteU.

Muzikality Performances and Interviews: Drassick and Lekhem

Drassick and Lekhem both took the Muzikality stage by storm at the event's recent relaunch. If you were unlucky enough to miss it, watch the videos here:

Drassick and Tneek Femcee - 'Knock Knock':

Lekhem and Krome - 'Love of Hip Hop':

Interviews from press in attendance will be coming as and when we receive the footage. For now, check out what happened when Lekhem and Krome caught up with NotSignedTV:

Keep up to date with both of the ESP Boys by subscribing to their youtube channels: Drassick / Lekhem.

The First Lady LDN First Anniversary Christmas Fayre

deer oh deer, Lekhem and myself all enjoyed a FAB May Sunday in this year's 5-minute Summer window - courtesy of Tamu and Kenema Girl at The First Lady LDN Fayre.

Welcomed like extended family from our first contact, the Summer Fayre was one of those rarities that operated more like a fun day out, as opposed to typical work event where the ESP family were out in near full-force! More about that later...

The SuperTeam are back to do it again for their First Anniversary and, in honour of the event where deer oh deer have some exclusive twists to The Heritage Collection ONLY available at the event; Tamu had a fun, 'get-to-know-you' chat with Lekhem in advance of his set.

Tickets to The First Lady Fayre are available from Eventbrite (£5)

Not just a stellar shopping opportunity, excellent learning curve through the inspiring workshops and opportunity to make waist-room for your impending plates of Christmas Crimes at the Zumba workshop; The First Lady are all about highlighting the lesser known causes that aren't granted as much of a popular spotlight.

Shopping, music and entertainment are all good and fun, but The First Lady team have a bigger picture in mind. The May Fayre raised enough to secure Secondary school education for two young girls in Sierra Leone and with the aid of the Inspirational You Social Enterprise, many more works are being done, starting right here on our own doorstep. It's works and dedication of this kind that inspires the ESP Family to donate time and services. More on that will be coming on that in 2012 so watch this space; but in the meantime I urge you to get in contact and do the same.

Going back to that 'Summer Second'; deer oh deer experienced a very successful day at the May Fayre. We spent some great time interacting with new fans of the brand and made some great lasting contacts:

On the musical front, Lekhem dropped a track or few in a MONSTER set that included a then exclusive debut of Ladies Favourite, 'Thoughts of Her'...

We're VERY grateful to Tamu and The First Lady for ALL the support they've shown us over the past seven months. You're an excellent cause, an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with. See you Sunday!


£5 tickets are available NOW via Eventbrite - come and say hello!

ONE TO WATCH: Claira Hermet - 'Weak 2 Week' (Teaser)

If you're familiar with Grime Daily / 1Xtra's resident brunette beauty, you know she just so happens to be a bit of a madhatter...and the teaser for new weekly webshow 'Weak 2 Week', following Claira Hermet's daily antics, does nothing to make her days appear any more normal!

Follow the Hottie on her hosting travels; from radio shows, to artist interviews, to backstage shenanigans at some of the biggest tickets in town...

'Weak 2 Week' launches December 5th.

**PRESS RELEASE** Unsigned Hype UK Vol. 3 - Xmas Special 1 Dec 11

The other midnight launch on 1 December is the 3rd monthly compilation from the Unsigned Hype UK Team. This hardworking bunch have done an original, innovative LOT in a very little time, to create a much needed platform for artists without the 'big show backing' that they deserve.


Alongside ESP's own Drassick and Lekhem, a mix of UK and US artists appear; including FlashmanMC, Graffiti Fresh, Dray Delta, Natalie Ferrol, Coinz, May Day and others.


Expect to hear much more from this tenacious team - they're definitely a movement on the rise!

______________________________________________________________________________

Unsigned hype UK, Vol. 3

Unsigned Hype Ltd.

www.UnsignedHypeUK.co.uk

"The UK's Most Supportive Music Company"

Press Release

Unsigned Hype Ltd are proud to announce that the caption they dreamed is finally becoming reality, The news is spreading and the views are doubling! The Team have tripled and are working as hard as ever! Unsigned Hype arent your normal Promotional Team they create Partnerships with individuals all over the world.

Unsigned Hype began with one woman, a big idea and no idea of how to get the ball rolling! Robyn Adams known as MsRea started her music career in 2010 being a Solo Artist Singer Rapper and Songwriter. She soon realised how difficult it is to break into the Music Industry with little support for Unsigned Artists like herself. She then decided to make a difference and came up with her Promotional Company Unsigned Hype.

Robyn quotes "Here at Unsigned Hype we aim to make a positive difference to the Music Industry, we are a force to be reckoned with! My Team are incredible they work hard and have their own dreams to pursue. Its about time Unsigned Artists got the support they deserve!"

Unsigned Hype have achieved over 1,200 Twitter Followers, 2600 Website Views, 4 Fully Booked Mixtapes, Over 50 Artists supporting and Many up and coming Partnerships in just over 8 weeks! This is an achievement unlike no other!

Help us spread the word please put a write up on your blogs and support the Unsigned Hype movement!

Want to be apart of the movement? Then simply contact Unsigned Hype! They're always looking for New Partnerships, Promoters, Daily Bloggers, New Artists, Producers AND MORE!

Robyn Adams & Ricardo Reid

Unsigned Hype Ltd CEO

BB: 23A70DC8

Email: unsignedhype@hotmail.co.uk

Muzikality Relaunch & Compilation Release - 1 & 6 Dec 11

If you're an avid Twitter follower or 'liker'of Facebook, then you'll know that the ESP menfolk; that is Drassick and Lekhem, both appear on TWO mixtapes dropping at midnight.

'Muzikality' Compliation CD featuring Drassick and Lekhem

'Muzikality' is the first release under the brand and features 24 cross-genre artists all hailing from the British Isles. Available exclusively from the NJM Events website at midnight, the selection is DEFINITELY one that needs to make your iPod / Smart Phone selection!

In addition Drassick and Lekhem, appearances also include:

In'sight, Tneek, Kimba, Randy Valentine, Syaman, King Kash, Wyen Solo, Jedi, Kedesha, 2 Amplified, One Da, Andrea Galaxy and Jaye Parson to name but a few...







In addition to the mixtape, 'Muzikality' returns with a full to overflowing relaunch show, taking place at Juno Bar in Shoreditch next Tuesday, 6th December, where you can see both fellas performing their mixtape tracks with some special guests.














Drassick - @drassickuk

Limited tickets are still available at £6. You CAN pay on the door, but be assured it will be more!

Come down, meet some of the ESP family (including Yours Truly) in person and enjoy what promises to be an event that relaunches the monthly event with a bang.

Lekhem - @LekMuziq

**PRESS RELEASE** Lekhem - 'The Raise EP'

NEW MIXTAPE RELEASE – THE RAISE EP

BAKABOI ENTERTAINMENT

Released 31 October

Label: Unsigned

‘The Raise EP’ by Lekhem, a Soulful blend of old-school Hip Hop and R&B, with his trademark Reggae infusion, is a project all about transition. “The Raise, for me, was made to show growth as a lyricist, producer and an overall artist. I only established myself a short while ago, but with so much change and progression along the way, it felt only right to document it in the best way I know how”.

The second release from West London’s self-entitled ‘Alien Resident’ is an 8-track audio notebook from a true creator at heart. A crucial ingredient in his recipe for life, environment weighs heavily in Lekhem’s work. Mixing the diverse cultural influences of an American and West Indian childhood, with his mid-teen to adulthood in the United Kingdom, no lyricist or producer sounds quite like him. Having learned far more than the basics from his Father’s studio sessions with musical legends, coupled with the ins and outs of television production from his Mother; Lekhem, meaning ‘Bread Maker’ in Hebrew, is never far from a kitchen. Whether edible or audible, the BakaBoi Entertainment Founder is forever cooking up delights.

‘Str8 Out Da Oven’, Lekhem’s debut mixtape in 2010, garnered him interest from several publications, including Essential Pop and Niji magazine. Joining forces with EricaSharlette Promotions at the start of 2011, the two worked diligently to build up an impressive social media portfolio and the Lekhem/BakaBoi brand, through regular appearances on the performance circuit and a significant visual catalogue. Releasing music videos for signature track ‘Baker Boy’, ‘Magie Noir’ and interim track ‘Worth It’; the anticipation for ‘The Raise EP’ became apparent when the mixtape notched 3,150 downloads in its first week of release, based purely upon Word of Mouth, Twitter (tagged #TheRaiseEP) and Facebook promotion. The gamble on the reputation Lekhem has built paid off, as download figures continue to soar at an unprecedented rate.

‘The Raise EP’ is available now for download via http://bit.ly/TheRaiseEP.

Praise for ‘Str8 Out Da Oven’:

“AMAZING!! This guy is talent!!!”

Miss_sb26 - Mixtape Madness

"His flow is too fresh!"

Andrew Ayim - Mixtape Madness

“Lekhem is a really talented individual whom creates music that has both commercial appeal and a unique sound which draws on his musical inspirations. Lekhem is one of Essential Pop’s ‘Ones to Watch’ in 2011.”

Editor's Note - Essential Pop

“the magnificent beats stamp this as an official article!!!!! ... Keep doing your thing kid, sounds good.”

Magnificent Beats - Mixtape Madness

“Overall, the self proclaimed ‘baker boy’ is about ready to go in and do something truly special. This is definite iPod material. Finally, straight hip hop to put a smile on your face! With an eclectic blend of musical influences, Str8 Out Da Oven, feels polished and almost Pharrell-like at times, with a unique recognizable voice, this is less a mixtape and more a testament. With tunes like the instant bangers ‘Hip Hop Music’ and ‘Magie Noir’, much of this mixtape harks back to the Good Ol’ Days of US hip hop.”

DJ Kris Flava - Pass The Mic UK

“I was just back stage of a big show out here with one of my favorite groups in America Black Eye Peas, you have a voice similar to one of the members (Apple D App), but a lil more hood :) keep up da good work”

Self Suffice - ReverbNation

“It's hot yo!!!!!! Keep it up”

Darcia - Mixtape Factory

“His variety in style, pace, lyrical content and delivery is oh so real -and, in ya face!! Lekhem in Hebrew means 'bread' and this lead to his alter image, Baker Boy. He is always cooking up some riddims mixed in with some stinging lyrics! Best served hot!”

Sandra Rose - Coco Notes

“Makes me proud to see what he is doing, keep it up!”

Junior Dan - Hi Try Records

For further press information please contact:

EricaSharlette Promotions 

**PRESS RELEASE** deer oh deer AutumnWinter11

Future Fashion inspired by a Decadent Past…’deer oh deer’ return for AutumnWinter11 with the lavish ‘Heritage’ Collection.

In complete departure from the candy pop acrylics of SpringSummer11; the new 12-piece collection of brass, (faux) fur and tweed blissfully marry decorous Victorian Country manors, with gritty Dickensian streets, in roguish Noughties style.

Label Founder and Designer Charli-Anne strove for authenticity throughout: “The antiquing may be an effect, but a lot of love and passion is contained in each piece, so their history is not disingenuous.” From the jewellery’s ‘antiquing’ appliqué, to the namesake of each piece - the Crawford Earrings so named for Jane Austen’s Mary, the Dawkins Chain for Charles Dickens’ Jack - better known as The Artful Dodger, or the Sinclair Necklace heralding a family name - deep historical roots swathe the collection in treasured British heritage.

Reviving their long-time partnership for the handmade Lux Hunter Hoods and Hampton scarves; Stitchin Business’ elite Couturier, Andy Piccos (official Tailor for Gok Wan’s Roadshow), and production partner John Reid so vividly brought Charli-Anne’s designs to life, that the limited edition hoods sold out in advance of the line’s official launch.

And the boutique brand only continues to grow. ‘Lady Sinclair - the Equestrian Doe’ and ‘Lord Hampton, the Equestrian Stag’ are exclusive to the Sweater apparel, marking Charli-Anne’s first collection-themed additions to ‘The Herd Family’.

The Heritage Collection is available now exclusively at deerohdeer.co.uk.

Notes for Editors:

• Charli-Anne ‘The Creative’
• AW11 Look Book

______________________________________________________________

Contacts:

• EricaSharlette, Marketing Manager - marketing@deerohdeer.co.uk

• Charli-Anne, Founder & Designer - charli.anne@deerohdeer.co.uk

  
  

  Pssst...Look Book is over there >>> To the right, to the right!

What a difference 365 (and change) makes....

It's slightly belated, but if you know the way the 'ES in the P' runs, you know I always put the spotlight on everyone BUT me first! I've been quiet on the public front of late, but that's because a LOT has been going on behind the scenes...that's about to change though, the noise is returning!

Before I get into any of that though...A certain somebody that I shall mention shortly wouldn't allow me to let a recent "moment" pass without proper recognition, forcing "She who HOLDS the camera" in front of it, to "properly" wish my metaphorical child a Happy 1st Birthday!

ESP IS 1!

It's been a PHENOMENAL start to an adventure that I had no idea I would find myself on. This company has completely changed my life. ESP has brought me into contact with people who have taught me life lessons, and enriched my knowledge in more areas than I can name. 

The 'ESP Family' has changed a little during it's short time, but I'm happy to say that I wouldn't change them or the experiences for the world. Charli-Anne, Melody Kane (Female DJ Takeover), Lekhem, Drassick; each one of you make me want to attack another day. My shenanigans with you lot are once in a lifetime! Thank you for making this the most amazing year of my life. Your talents literally give light to my days. It's an honour to help the world see you all the way I do and be a part of your journeys. I love each and every one of you!

Happy Bornday to ALL of us! Here's to another 365 (and some change)....

Happy Bornday #CharStar!

Well this is a moment of moments.

Were it not for this Lady, ESP would not actually exist. Even though I knew her for almost 5 years before we actually became close, it wasn't until a certain tweet on September 9th 2010, when Charli Shirley adopted the stray that was Moi, that  I was Blessed enough to learn what an amazing, awe-inspiring woman she truly is.

ES and Charli-Anne, November 2011

The essence of the 'ESP family' started right here, with the way Charli-Anne welcomed me into her own. In addition to being one of the most talented people I've EVER had the pleasure of meeting; she inspires me in more ways than I can list and I am SO grateful to her for everything that she's taught me.

For helping me get through everyday, for challenging me, making me challenge myself and believing in me when I don't always believe in myself...Chica, just for being YOU:


THANK YOU.

PS. Looking forward to the 'Fourth of July' in November...Only TRUE Divas can create their own 'Holidate'! The countdown to the REAL #CharStar Weekend begins now; when Barley & Delores reign SUPREME! ;o)

Happy Bornday

xxx