"I could rage against the machine or stay calm like a bomb..."

I recently caught this next artist at a show where he was said to have "a voice that sounds like his mom fed him glass as a kid". I couldn't have painted a more graphic image of this dude's sound myself. And I friggin LOVE it.

A well-known figure among the local rap battle circuit since he was 15, Parable MC is still a staple in the national rap battle scene 10 years later. I could go on and on about his accomplishments, but I'd rather talk about what I saw first-hand and let you visit his fanpage for the bio.

So I'm at the show to check out the potential rapper for my own show, when Parable took the stage alongside his newest partners-in-rhyme, a band called Llama Beats. From beginning to end, them boys had the crowd at their will - hyped & jumpin one minute, mellow & vibin the next.

Parable's rhymes remind me of that old, relaxed, just lay-back-and-listen school of rap with just the right touch of grit. More than just a distinct voice, he's smart, too! Don't expect the same tired lines about cash & cuties the game's used to hearing lately... homeboy's about deeper, seamlessly-woven and colorfully painted stories instead. Oh yea, and he's pretty easy on the eyes, too, ladies (see below!) ;)

The Llama Beats' groovy vibe combined with Parable's edge make for a delicious combination that made an instant fan out of me... and everyone else in the room, for that matter. You can most definitely find me at their next show this Sunday .

And of course, you can catch Parable MC at MCPG's Launch Party next month!

For now, meet the artist and hear him talk about his plans with the Llama Beats in this interview I found:

"Ol' skool playas to new school fools..."

This next group of artists that will be appearing at the MCPG Launch Party is very near and dear to my heart. I have worked with them for years, and from the start it has always been a "familia". Careful, anyone who messes with me, a.k.a. "Momma D.A.D.E." will have to answer to my band of big brothers!

Down and Dirty Ethics is a local brand gone international. Recognized by their notorious D.A.D.E. stickers on your nearest bumper, window or street corner, they rep the county of D.A.D.E. and it's streetwear scene to the fullest. Their designs are one of a kind and inspired by graffiti, skateboarding, politics, and pop culture alike. Nowadays, you can find people rocking D.A.D.E. everywhere from South Beach to South Korea!

Visit their shop at DADEwear.com and follow the familia along on their blog: DADEfamilia.com

Here are just a few samples of this season's D.A.D.E. designs:

"I yelled quiet on the set, and then called action!"

In preparation for the launch of the company, my faaaavorite artist/designer/genius Pedro Claveria (profile on him coming in the next few days) and I are working on a lookbook of all the company's offerings.

For that, I got to assemble some wicked photoshoots with the help of Photographer & "Tattoo Artist" Pedro Claveria, Stylist Vanessa Llambes, Production Assistant Yaneys Sotomayor, Hair stylist Lysa Rodriguez, and Makeup Artist Kristina Caruso! Salon time was generously donated to us by Qiu Hair Salon and Too Sharp Barber Shop.

For the final pics, you'll have to wait until after the launch party - don't forget it's Feb 13th! For now, here are some flicks from the camera behind the camera :)

Daisy Otero - Photographer

I met this lovely lady a few years ago at a job we both hated. In fact, I'm pretty sure she hated me too because I was always late and she had to cover for me (Sorry, D!!!). Since then, I'm happy to say she seems to have made great strides in the job likeability arena, and I've made slight improvement on my punctuality also :)

In the following years, Daisy was contracted by Dolphin Stadium - it'll always be Joe Robbie to me! - to cover their events. She's compiled a sick collection of sports action photography, so if you're a Miami sports fan, I highly recommend it.

Daisy also has her own photography company that is available for all types of events, portraits, art shows, etc.

Here are some samples of her work; you can see the rest at daisyoterophotography.com. Also, if you're a facebook afficionado, check out her fanpage.

"If you weren't real, I'd make you up..."

For a while now we've been working on a craaaaazy awesome launch party. We're still in the planning stages, but I'm very excited!

So far we have Saturday, February 13th from 9pm-12am at the beautiful Klutch Nightclub in Miami!

The event will be a night full of "Magic City" themed art, including painters, photographers, fashion designers, florists, dancers, musicians, caterers, make-up artists and OPEN BAR! :) There will be a cocktail hour set for enjoying all the visual arts, food and drinks, followed by a little dance time, and then an ultra fab performance art showcase. Entry is set at $20.

We have many artists confirmed already, but I plan on dedicating a post to each of them from now until Feb. 13th so that they all get their own (much-deserved!) time to shine.

Stay tuned! Hope to see you there!

"I'm a put-on-a-show kinda girl..."

So, by now I've been asked a million times what I intend to do with my company, why I started it, etc. Time to set the record straight...

Basically, I have 3 main hobbies: dancing, socializing and writing. After years trying to fit them all into my life separately, I discovered I am happiest when I can combine them all and enrich people's lives while doing it. Also along the way, I noticed I've collected a neat little group of VERY talented friends who all lack one thing: organization (typical artists!)

Enter Magic City Productions.

The objective is to combine my experience with choreography and creative directing with Sabor Latino at UF and dance teaching at Salsa Caliente to offer dance lessons and performances.

During my 3 years at H2O Films, I earned my producer title and learned the intricacies of production and managing a business and happened to love it :) After their relocation to NYC, I decided to expand my production experience by dabbling in party planning with Nery's Flowers and SMAC Entertainment. While doing that, I got to work with a lot of my friends and their many talents, and it proved to be quite smooth and successful. Gooooood stuff!

Meanwhile, I've always been a closet poet, and began taking writing seriously while studying at FIU. I constructed my own blog, and later contributed to dadewear.com, H2OFilms.com, and built Smac Entertainment's blog.

In conclusion, life's many experiences have brought me to this wonderful place in my life where I can fulfill my dream of LOVING my job. Hopefully you guys will love my job too!

"Welcome to the greatest show on Earth"

Hi helloooo!

Welcome one and all to the Magic City Productions journey! Along the way, I will update all of the activities that the company is involved in... and look forward to your feedback!

Hope to hear from you soon!
Tati