NHARO: Home to Indigenous Art (Www.Nharo.com)

Via: NHARO.com Click Photos to Enlarge!



I was on the Danforth (543 Danforth Ave) in Toronto earlier today and I came across a gem in the city that sells Indigenous Art from all across Africa, with a uniqueness to specific cultures that they trade with exclusively for items that you wouldn't typically find in a store of similar fashion. NHARO just seemed to carry items that were crafted, carved and woven by master artisans, and the quality spoke to me.



The customer service was phenomenal (her name was Irene) she was extremely friendly and rendered historical information about the pieces, there qualities and materials, I was impressed and enlightened about what I was buying.

You walk in and immediately you see this mother and child.



You step in and your eyes dart around the place, the art is phenomenal.



Almost Life Like Quality







The piece that interested me was a piece carved by the Shona of Zimbabwe, more specifically carved by an artisan named Gabriel Tigere Tandi of Zimbabwe, its made of Serpentine stone. She's made in the likeness of a Zulu Warrior, her head dress conveys a status. The material is a very hard stone that's confirmed to come from a 6 million year old quarry of mountain stone. It's absolutely phenomenal!





Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

OB Obrien - heads a Canadian label that's slated to be the next big thing: Funny Colour Money

The dude goes by the name "O.B" (and he often says: It's OB Baby). Matt O'Brien: a native of Hamilton Ontario (that's Steel City - in CANADA) and he's a consummate music producer, song writer and artist who I think is poised to do great things for the Canadian Music scene and for Hip Hop in general. I've known of his music for awhile and I've witnessed his progression and I can't say that I'm not a fan of his work, I think he's uniquely talented and his business acumen has garnered him a label deal that enables him to have his own label called...Funny Colour Money. Look out for him and his team.

NOWHERE - OB (OFFICIAL TRAILER)



BEAUTIFUL - OB OBrien & Samm Rawthstein



OB - Funny Colour Money Freestyle









Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Who is Sep - Allergy Pills and Alcohol - VIDEO (remix) entitled NO MORE (Directed by Andre Rehal)

We worked incredibly hard on this project, this is the 2nd video from Toronto Rapper SepTo, as he gets on the Adam Bomb and Tona joint called "No More" for 32 bars of flow, wordplay and metaphors, incredibly dope!!! (Rich Kidd on the original production, he makes incredible beats)

Sep: "I feel like filming a video of me killing you, then viewing it for the niggaz that live with you in your living room ... Biggie sample: All you heard was pappa don't hit me "NO MORE"

Off of Sep's "Allergy Pills and Alcohol" [Available Now] Directed by the amazing Andre Rehal [AndreRehal.Com]

Connections:

Twitter: @WhoIsSep
Facebook.com/WhoIsSep
Youtube.com/WhoIsSep
Myspace.com/WhoIsSep

Download The Mixtape: Who is Sep - Allergy Pills and Alcohol

Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Event: Designs by KATIYA by Katiya Babakhani (Spring 2012 Launch)

Click picture to enlarge flyer


In Toronto: Join us as we celebrate KATIYA‘s Spring 2012 Launch.

RSVP to Attend: The Launch of Katiya.Ca
Unveiling the new collection, don't miss it!!!

Goodnight Bar: 431 Richmond St West, 06.29.2011
Time/Duration: 7pm to 11pm

Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

The Weeknd: Rolling Stone

The track is titled “Rolling Stone” One Word...Dope!

Download: The Weeknd: Rolling Stone

Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Who is Sep - Allergy Pills and Alcohol - VIDEO entitled Dot City (Directed by Andre Rehal)

Via: Who is Sep.com



Our team here at I AM IN DEMAND and the staff of WHOLE WHEAT BROTHERS MUSIC went exceedingly hard on this project. All independent musical efforts are not possible without the help of the many people who'll believe in you (especially the members of his crew which Sep calls NevR - a statement of defiance against those who would tell him that his music would NevR happen).

Great things we're accomplished and we've got an amazing mixtape (Drops May 29th) and many more videos to show the public. We didn't want DOT CITY to look like your typical Music Video...so there were no fancy rented cars, nothing spent out of our hard earned money to personify a lifestyle that isn't Sep, all we wanted to do was capture the real candid everyday illumination of the downtown Toronto night. Just him and his boys in the broken down Toyota Corolla coasting through the city streets. We wanted images of Sep that would be more cinematic in nature and that was beautifully captured thanks to the directional eye of Andre Rehal and his crew.



MAY 29TH...


Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Toronto Dollar: President Glen Alan is implementing an alternative currency for Toronto

Via: TorontoDollar.com



I frequent a particular bookstore downtown and while I was in there I overheard a conversation taking place between one particular gentlemen and the store owner; and they were talking about an alternative form of currency (another form of money used outside of the Canadian National Dollar known to us as the Loonie lol and it surely is crazy). This particular man was Toronto Dollar president Glen Alan; shown here in the video above; speaking about how we can make Toronto a more sustainable city; this interview also includes author and monetary theorist Thomas H. Greco (via: Skype) who talks about "reinventing money" and the solution to the current economic situation worldwide. It was an honor to meet such a man who is pioneering a grass-roots movement that can help insulate Torontonians from a potential financial crisis and the dependency it can create.



My thoughts: One of the biggest problems with the current economy is the inherent inequity built into the system. We can all create value, but a privileged few can create money, literally from nothing. They use that privilege to control the monetary system and they take value from those who create it. We are moving out of an industrial age economy and into an information age economy. Yet our information technology carries those same inherent power imbalances. Many believe this is necessary, just as they believe it is necessary for a privileged few to control our monetary system. But what if something very different is possible?

We will not have an equitable nor a healthy economy in an information age, until we have information technology which empowers us equitably -- that is decentralized, peer-to-peer and operates by mutual agreement. I couldn't believe it when I heard that someone was doing just that within my own community/city of Toronto, and that the network has grown to a number of 150 cooperating businesses, all of them using an alternative currency, accepted and recognized as valid by all mutual participants. I was amazed that such a program exists here in Canada and that it was already being popularly implemented.



The Toronto Dollar is a local currency that brings businesses, community groups and individuals together by encouraging people to shop locally and reinvest in their community. 10% of every Toronto Dollar purchased goes directly to support local community groups and causes. The Toronto Dollar has generated over $110,000 which have been distributed in over 40 different grants to community groups and charities since it began in 1998.



“Paper money as such is alright, provided that our authorities are perfect and the kings are of divine intelligence“
- Aristotle

Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Who is Sep: Allergy Pills and Alcohol - Dot City Prologue (Spoken Word by Sep)

Via: Who is Sep.com





"I try and write for the fans, but I'm more prophet than man"

"...and this son of a Queen has Hip Hop in his genes, like I pocketed a Pete Rock"

- Sep

Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Who is Sep: Allergy Pills and Alcohol - "Back from Exile" feat Ashton Martin

This track is one of many downloads, in fact every Sunday one can hear something new from Sep, also known as Septo. This track is entitled "Back from Exile" feat Ashton Martin. Every Sunday between now and May 29th and possibly beyond; ALL FREE songs (and most of what's leaked is not gonna be on the mixtape) which drops on May 29th. Stay tuned for "Who is Sep - Allergy Pills and Alcohol"



Download: "Back from Exile" - feat Ashton Martin

Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Diddy Dirty Money: Coming Home Tour (Toronto Concert)

I personally would like to thank Dirty Money and Diddy for the tickets they gave us, and we're excited to be in attendance when they perform here in Toronto. I grew up in the Bad Boy Era, and I'm sure they'll play the current hits plus all the tracks that have made Bad Boy a music industry giant.

Event Details
Date: Sunday, April 17, 2011
Time: 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Diddy Dirty Money!!! in Concert



KOOL HAUS / Venue Details: Kool haus is architecturally stunning. Designed as the live concert extension to the neighbouring Guvernment club, this venue plays host to numerous special events and concerts. The renovated space has a larger technologically-enhanced stage accompanied by a newly designed DJ booth with the ultimate in sound. Kool haus has three rooms and two patios, including a patio on the roof. Order Tickets HERE:

Address: 132 QUEENS QUAY EAST, Toronto Ontario / Canada



Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Restaurant Review: Five Doors North (In Toronto Canada)

Www.fivedoorsnorth.com



I'm very particular about where I like to dine, as I'm sure most people are unless your a regular frequenter of McDonalds and consider that food. In Toronto, a small but cozy Italian spot is now one of my personal favorite places to dine. It's a relaxed atmosphere, yet very efficient service, and fabulous food. I like a place that has great fresh bread, and the creme brule is excellent. Depending on what time of day you go, it can be really laid back or really loud, bustling and bursting at the seams with laughter and conversation everywhere, so if your uptight and you like your dining places to be quiet, go a little earlier in the afternoon.

Many different dishes were ordered in our party of 6, everything was aesthetically pleasing and very tasty, well presented. Of special interest was their thin crust Pizzette appetizer (a pizza), and for the main course I usually have the Gorgonzola Gnocci Pasta in a white sauce and the Rack of Lamb with Caramelized Onions, simply heavenly. I found the prices to be in line with what you're getting. The wine list was interesting, but mostly younger wines (recent vintages) that need to air before drinking. But Recommended!"



Cuisine‎: European‎, Italian‎
Setting‎: Casual Dining
Attire‎: Casual
Meals Served‎: Dinner
Dress Code‎: Casual

Reservations Policy‎: Suggested (Highly)
Year Opened‎: 1997
Neighborhood‎: Midtown (Near Yonge and Eglinton / 2088 Yonge Street, Toronto)





Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

#Nowplaying - The Moment by Safiya Oni - Unedited Genius (Studio Session)

Shout out of the Day! Goes to my homie @Safiya Oni, and this track is entitled 'The Moment' which is to be featured on her upcoming release Acoustic Therapy Vol.1 which already sounds like it's gonna have an organic feel to it, and while it's still in it's conceptualizing stages, what she has allowed to leak shows promise and a real rawness that I think listeners would appreciate. The Guitar melody is played by Zel G.

Check out Safiya Oni's Youtube Channel




Follow @Iamindemand and join the conversation on Twitter Right Now!!!

Interview: Big K.R.I.T. Speaks On touring with Wiz Khalifa and about Toronto

Be careful in Toronto...they bust there fuckin guns out there? lol



Follow @Iamindemand on Twitter Right Now!!!

New Video: Remo Da Rapstar & Richie Sosa - Let Me Know

Latest release from Remo Da Rapstar's 'Sweet 16' Mixtape. Remo & Richie Sosa team up on 'Let Me Know' in lieu of Sosa's latest release 'The Never Ending Beginning'. Video captured in both Toronto & New York, directed by Brian from CreAction Media Group.


Follow @Iamindemand on Twitter Right Now!!!

Fashion: DBK - Designs by Katiya (versatility, and elegant materials)

Via: dbkcollection.blogspot.com



These bracelets were custom made when I got them recently; designed by DBK "Designs by Katiya". The jewelry line is a celebrity favourite and started out with a few custom pieces (now worn by the likes of Model Amber Rose and Hip Hop's A-Listers like Drake). Katiya Shirin Babakhani is a style aficionado whose collection pieces embody a quality and luxury made from materials like silver, gold, bronze, organic wood, recycled wood and gemstones such as jasper, black onyx, lava rock, natural corals and turquoise.

The ones I'm wearing are from a new collection not yet released. Toronto Representatives like me get it first; big up to the homie Katiya for keeping me accessorized like a ROCKSTAR!!!



Follow @Iamindemand on Twitter Right Now!!!

The Most Improved Right Now: Richie Sosa “The Never Ending Beginning”

Richie Sosa on Twitter



I'm not the one to post music right away, so you can frequent any one of your other favorite blogs for all of the up to date (on the second, every second) viral content. I prefer to actually listen to the artists I've taken notice of over the years and STUDY there growth and development. Apparently it's been 2 and a half years since anyone's gotten a mixtape from Toronto's Richie Sosa (and let's keep it real, there's more to life than rap music sometimes, the dude just had a baby, congrats!!!).

THIS FUCKING MIXTAPE THOUGH IS FIRE; and i'll tell the god when I see him personally that this tape's been in my whip since my boy handed me a copy. Good beat selection, and the mixtape is a comfortable 45 mins or so long (never skipped a song once) so it was crafted just right in my opinion in terms of length.

Download: Richie Sosa “The Never Ending Beginning”

Follow @Iamindemand on Twitter Right Now!!!