Meet Me @ The Crossroads

So I'm sure that there comes a time in everyone's life (I hope I'm not the only one) where you've finished school, you've gotten that job, you get to a certain point and then...nothing. The traffic light gets stuck on red, the universe has pressed the pause button on your video game called "Life" and it seems as though no progress is being made. This is currently my place of residence and I NEED to get out of my lease...ASAP. Funny enough, it's when I get to this point in life that my most pivotal breakthroughs occur. The last time I felt like this, I was sent to West Africa for a month, doing what I absolutely love. Need I say more? So...since limbo WILL NOT be seeing me for too long, I need y'all to get your glasses ready (I'll bring the bubbly...cheapskates, Lol) to toast to this new phase in my life, whatever that may be. Signing off...Tune in next time, same Blaize blog, same Blaize channel. Peace

I'm Back...Hehehehehe

What up folks? It's your boy OMNI Blaize aka Edson Sean. Its been a minute and A LOT has changed in my life. Some of which I have allowed to knock me down for a bit. Hey...it happens. The most pivotal of those events was the passing of my dad, Ronald Gerald Edson Trotman, on October 25th. Can you say complete blind side? All in all what I've learned from this (and always knew in the back of my mind) is that life is way too short to be wasted just existing. Live!! Play in the snow (cause u know its coming), play hookie from work. Find a freaking hobby! LIVE!! Signing off for now...I'm out. Peace

Street Team

OK folks. so I'm really trying to get on my grizzly out here and make this music spread like Country Crock or I Can't believe It's not butter...which ever you prefer, lol. So I need YOUR help. Under the date of July 16th of my blog, next to my list of followers, you will see a a red widget where you can place your email to be on my mailing list. At the bottom of the aforementioned widget there is a box to click if you want to be apart of my street team. It's not hard work if that's what you are worried about. Its just a way for you to help me promote my music that I know you all love so much. (am I right?...I said am I right?) So become apart of a musical movement at the ground floor. Those that join the street team will get a special gift. Aight people...TTFN. I don't have to spell that out right? We ALL grew up on Disney. PEACE

Successful Soul Sessions...

To say that Soul Sessions at Bowery Poetry Club was a success is an understatement. I don't know the numbers or the $$$ figures but I was truly rejuvenated last night. There are musicians, MCs and songwriters that are not only concerned with uplifting of their pockets but also uplifting those listening to their creations. I was touched most by a young man who goes by the name of Jay Cabassa. His music was so inspirational and we WILL be collaborating in the very near future. Shout out to my cuzzo Kristen and all others that came out to support me. Those that tried and couldn't I still got love for you because your 'intent' was to support. LOL. Stay tuned for the upcoming August show info. I'm out. See you next time, same Blaize time...same Blaize channel.

P.S. I will soon be going under the stage name E. Sean...part of my government. It's a little more universal.

Check The Bottom of the Chalkboard

You still have time! Come join us. Parkside Lounge 317 Houston Street, NY, NY.

OMNI Blaize and 2 Shades Darker Live!!

Performing Live at Parkside Lounge (317 Houston St. NYC, near Ave. B) on Thursday, April 23rd is yours truly, OMNI Blaize and my crazy ass band, 2 Shades Darker. Show time is at 11pm. It's going to be a great show. Come out and support.

The Economist

The Rhythm Road has been an amazing experience that I am so blessed to have been a part of with my Vice Verse Allstar family. Check out the video article about diplomacy through music on 'The Economist'. You might recognize someone. ;)

I'm tired of the up keep

Yup...I cut it! Lol

New Friends

So so far our favorite places have been Mauritania, and now Cote d'Ivoire.  I am so grateful to have met such wonderful people in both places.  Unfortunately we were not able to make as many connections in Togo but I must give a shout out to Pretty Nyce's girl Sonya for taking us around when we needed it.  Check my boy in blue.  Crazy b-boy skills.  I am telling you guys that I am definitely making another trip to West Africa. More pictures to come y'all.  Stay tuned.  Same Blaize time...same Blaize channel.  Peace.

G

PS.  Check out my facebook page for more pics.  If you are not a friend already look me up using my email, omniblaize@yahoo.com

Ivorians Know How To Party...In The City of Abidjan

So me and my people (Chris Rel,Denny Jackson and DJ Pretty Nyce) had this crazy performance at this club called K.fe Viera. We had a decent turnout. Even some of the USA embassy staff showed up and had a great time. Afterwards, we are taken out by some of the embassy staff. That's when the real fun began. We originally start out at this little lounge where the boss served us these coffee liqueur shots that were on fire and we had to drink it while it was burning!! Crazy!! Then at this same spot we run into Mark the Regional Security Officer (RSO) of the embassy. This little Cajun white boy from New Orleans knows where the parties are out here! So we all head over to this Reggae bar where the band is SICK! By the way, for those who don't know me that well we are drinking the whole time. Lol. Last stop was Le Mix. This club was out of here!!! The DJ played American hip hop and R&B and some local records. It didn't even get packed until like 1 am. We had a table, bought bottles (pop champagne, ooooo...lol) and danced the whole night. We left at 5 am and barely had enough room to leave! Ivorians really know how to party. Needless to say, I will be back here. I love it out here. Till next time...Same Blaize time, same Blaize channel.

Don't Talk About It...

Be about it. So we are in Cote D'Ivoire after spending a wonderful time with the Togolese in Lome. Now...the people were wonderful and the Beach was gorgeous. It was just a heart tugger for me to see the amount of Togolese who had nowhere to stay but on the beach. My plan y'all, for real, is to become more involved in supporting countries like Lome, Togo and Kaedi, Mauritania in whatever way I can. It was just hard as a human being to see people without access to water, knowing that in a few weeks I may take that NECESSITY for granted. I will also try to make it a point to stay in touch with the Ambassador of Togo just to see what efforts are being made to help those in need. Now don't get me wrong, I am not being naive and thinking that all can be fixed in a year or 2. I think I just might feel a little more comfortable knowing what the plan of action is because it seemed as though some folk has a habit of dwelling on how bad the situation is instead of looking for the silver lining. By the way...Togo has some REAL hip hop y'all. Shout out to my boy Eric MC aka baby Shaba. Signing off again y'all. Peace
G

Count Your Blessings

So we are on the last leg of our Mauritanian visit. It has been an eye opening trip.  A trip of highs and lows. A trip that I will never forget.  We went to a poor town that was 5 hours outside of the city called Kaedi.  The children in this town were so cool. They were so happy for us to perform for them for free.  They came from everywhere.  There had to be at least 1000 people and the energy was crazy.  I am definitely planning another trip here.  They love hip hop here and I am glad we came here and were able to get rid of some of the misconceptions many of them had of our music. Signing off again until next time, 

G

I should have studied harder in French class...

So I am here with my people in Nauokchott, Mauritania.  It is beautiful here.  We were treated like royalty.  The hotel is 4 star.  It's a lot better than what I expected or should I say led to believe.  The only obstacle I even have to overcome is the language barrier.  For example, this morning before our trip to the embassy I wanted to take a shower.  However, G had a hard time getting the shower to work.  So I flag down the housekeeper and realize that I have not translator to convey my problem.  So for a good 2 minutes we are in a stalemate.  I end up using some obscure sign language to even get her to come my way.  Then I have to practically walk her into the bathroom to show her that I need help working the shower.  Lol.  I felt like a baby trying to tell my mommy that I need my diaper changed.  Crazy! I AM AN IMMIGRANT! I should've studied harder in French class. Catch you guys later.  Pics to follow later.  Holla :)

2 days to go

So I am about to experience some very new things. First thing is this blog phenomenon. I am not a big blogger but I think that is about to change. Second, I will be experiencing West Africa for the first time. I am travelling with one of my best friends and 2 new ones as the Hip Hop conglomerate,Vise Verse All Stars, to West Africa to do some music out reach concerts and workshops. To say the least I am excited. I will take TONS of pictures and will keep you all posted during my travels. Until then, au revoir. :)