The Nice and Easy---- TMZ, A.N.D Proposal of the Summer (YOU MISSED!!)

6/3/2016

Ms. NeNe Leakes' recent stand-up gig in S.C. was interrupted by a guy (Slick The Ruler owner of the Nice and Easy Lounge in the A.N.D. aka Anderson) who decided to bust out a seriously one of a kind marriage proposal ... for his girlfriend (Key), not NeNe. This dovetails perfectly for an earlier article I wrote back in January to honor this special comedic businessman on the opening of his lounge entitled Nice and Easy--The Blueprint Of How Loungin Can Turn a Dream into Reality!    
 

The 'Real House Wife's Of Atlanta' star was performing at The Comedy House in Columbia, SC when the smooth audience member (and also my good friend) handed NeNe a note asking if he could borrow the stage to pop the question. Of course if you know Slick like I do- well as it is often said "The Rest Is History" click on the video below to see this TMZ moment for yourself. CONGRATS TO BOTH KEY AND SLICK FOR LETTING THE WORLD KNOW IN A "SLICK COMEDIC FASHION" THAT LOVE IS TRULY STILL ALIVE IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN URBAN COMMUNITY.

   Dj Tuc da A.N.D. Representa

Nimrod---Return Of The Hustle, Return Of The Real!!

A.N.D. Rap Veteran Nimrod recently released his long awaited independent mixtape project entitled “Still Countin” and unleashed it on the streets of the city of Anderson, SC last month in May 2016. This brother is not new to the music scene if you are unfamiliar with him or his contributions in the A.N.D., simply read my earlier article that I wrote about his legacy by clicking right here. His better half Amber appears to be his biggest fan and best promoter, because that’s how I was put on notice about his newest mixtape effort.  

Of course after having a week to listen and properly vetted the project as I am known to do with a lot of local artist before giving my thoughts in literary fashion on my site. I have arrived at this monumental conclusion, after reviewing this fourteen track fusion of hard lyrical mayhem laced with a sizzling conflation of music production. The mixtape stamp sorely under values this project and can be deceptive to potential consumers who may have never heard of Nimrod or may be on the fence about giving him a solid listen. In my opinion this joint is nothing short of a full fledged album and by calling it a “mixtape” is really a misnomer. Please don’t let that deter you- - -‘’GIVE IT A LISTEN’’ it goes harder than most commercial rap hits you may have heard the Dj play recently when you were last at a party or club setting. It’s a damn shame that more local Dj’s and people in general don’t show hard working local artist some love in the A.N.D., but are quick to spin records from outta town artist who come here and do numerous shows yet never help our many talented local artists get on!! THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!!

His last full length project to my knowledge was entitled “Shop Closed” pressed by Electric City Records in the earlier part of the 2K millennium on ‘’Black Reign Entertainment.’’ His flow on that slept on album was top notch and the music production geared toward that head nodding real hip hip boom bap sound of the late 90’s and early 2000’s.  ‘’Pop that Top’’ and ‘’Player Player’’ are still for the most-part relevant for any true A.N.D. hip hip head like myself. His newest installment was long awaited and well worth it from the onset of the first track as he delivers the intro. He pulled the surprise “Power Move” of the year when I read that “Go Hard Studios” the brain child of fellow music veteran Prafessa engineered the mixing, mastering and while compiling a portion of the music production. I expressed verbally to Nimrod when he visited my place of business that after I discovered  chopps was involved“I knew It Was On!’’ The “Crazy Town Remix” is the first track setting the tone of the project, lyrically anchored by Prafessa and rapper Time I$ Money.

It’s an autobiography expose’ of personal struggles and tragedies they collectively had to overcome in their personal lives living in the A.N.D. in earlier years. Producer “Boogie” grabbed my ear on track four immediately with the booming bass soundscape of the song entitled “Classic” while appropriately titled because it meshes perfectly with Nimrod’s Classic verbal flow. At times in that track Nimrod’s flow is reminiscent of Andre 3000 when he raps about being a “Biggie Small Classic” and how a lot of rappers ‘’ain’t trapping these N!gg@z acting!’’ That verse was so Pac like and one of the “truest verses I have heard an A.N.D. rapper spit in a while!’’ On the song ‘’Middle of The Stage” the Southside A.N.D. veteran lyricist slash producer “Correseptic’’ lends his talents on music production using an ingenious dope Gorilla Zoe sample on the hook. Sept is so under-rated as a producer I keep reiterating and Time I$ Money delivers another solid performance with his verse complimenting Nimrods’ heated verbal’s again so perfectly.

Track eight is a reminder by Nimrod to any and all listeners from outside the city of Anderson that the streets of the A.N.D. can be frightening in certain areas on the song called “Scared” produced by and featured on the hook---non other than Prafessa himself. Nimrod warns on how some kats from his hood and on the streets can “get dumb as if straight off a mini bus!’’ Metaphorically it’s genius because we all remember those special needs buses while in school. Come on don’t front, yall remember! [Ha! Ha!] 

The Westside’s veteran lyrical bomber finished up this project super strong with tracks like “100 Bands” utilizing a commercial Drake like feel on the hook that is sure to attract not only trap music listener’s but also mainstream consumers alike.  The heavy soulful bass laden melodic track  “No Options” draws you into a suspended world Nimrod describes as Black Bottle Poppin  meaning when it’s time to Ball its really no other option when an individual is on his or her hustle. King Blonka and Doot Byrd serve up dope lyrical performances figuratively and literally, worthy of 5 mics in my opinion on the last record of the disc titled “Pressure.’’

 For instance, Doot Byrd makes a reference to hydrobonic plants so strong you couldn’t kill them with round up. If you are confused that’s A.N.D. street lingo.  If puzzled simply wait until you hear the turnt-up surperb pumping chaotic mayhem sounds of this track produced by Shawty Redd. Once you here it everything becomes clear trust me! King Blonka appears to be putting in a lot of work these days lyrically, though I haven’t met him personally, his hard work proceeds him. Meaning he’s a very sought after brother that I’ve heard featured on many other artist records that I’ve listened to and not to negate the fact he always holds his own. Salute goes out to King Blonka. 

 On his verse in Pressure he speaks [Blonka] street dialectic making it clear, when on the hustle you gotta “always look out for the “Noon People” translation twelve N!gg@! Impressive because these kats seem to really write and then recite, hard work really shows when they step in the booth to lace a track. All real ill spitters have this quality where as they make you rewind their verse several times and make you say “damn I didn’t catch that the first time I heard it.’’ I must confess I had to do it on the Pressure verses several times being they were straight fluid fire.   

Overall my last thoughts are “Still Counting” is a quality sounding dope project in the truest since of the word. Creativity, lyrical prowess, conceptual poetic ordered thoughts aligned and the most important ingredient originality is what I look for. I’m proud to say it had all those qualities and then some. Nimrod would say Khackilac Bounce Back, but DJ Tuc says A.N.D. Bounce Back, simply because the Carolinas never respected us or supported our music until as of late. But the A.N.D. has always repped the Carolinas with our music when no other city in S.C. would show us any love. How Do I know? Because I was there in 96 shouting I’m from the A.N.D. and no one heard us. Now 20 years later they hear me say it to an audience of tens of thousands all over the upstate on the radio thanks to the supportive Kelly Mac. I am the da A.N.D. Representa still supporting those from my city and I salute you and the growth I hear in your music. Hey Nimrod---- there's nothing left to say except keep grinding. Haters nor twelve can stop a man or woman who is focused and determined. KEEP APPLYING THE PRESSURE..

For Bookings And Contact Info:
Fb-Nimrod Artist Page
Twitter- @NIMRODPICKENS

Instagram-@NIMRODPICKENS
EMAIL-PICKENSNIMROD@GMAIL.COM

Please feel free to share what you think about Nimrod by posting a comment below…

 *About the author: Dj Tuc is a well known legendary respected ground breaking dj, producer, promoter, remixologist, writer, freelance photographer, emcee,businessman from the city of Anderson,SC and is the founder and publisher of  djtuc999.com the website and djtuc999 the mobile apps which are available on Google Play  and the Apple app store.

Time To Salute The New Ice Cream Man In The A.N.D.---- Do You Know Why?

 Please note disclaimer: This article is being republished on the sole basis to inform the readers of this site in the Anderson Urban Community of those special individuals contributing positive works with the sole intent to inform and educate. I take no credit for the content written below in the article and no intent was meant to infringe on WSPA's nor Krystyne Brown's copy rights. Dj Tuc webmaster and Owner of this site.

ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) – From doing time for his crimes to handing out ice cream on the streets, an Anderson man has turned his life around and is now working with the city and police to better the community.
While Lakeside Middle School Students enjoyed their free chocolate ice cream Monday from Jimarcus Mattress, he tried to teach them about respect and doing the right thing.
“Understand, I might not know you but I care,” he told the students behind tears. “Because I went down the wrong path and I don’t want ya’ll to go down the wrong path.”

Every day he drives his ice cream truck to low-income communities. From the small window he gives away treats and tells kids his story to encourage them stay in school and out of crime.
“Everyone can change. It is up to you and it starts within yourself,” Mattress added. “The only way you can get change is if you distance yourself from the problem. I show these kids a better way.”

Jimarcus got out of jail in 2006. He spent more than 7 years behind bars for drug and assault related crimes that stemmed from his past as a gang member.
“You don’t know who is coming into your house. You don’t know who is going to do something to your kids or family, I lived that life,” he recalled.
After that, he decided he wanted a better life for himself and his own 6 kids. He started a local business, a hookah smoke shop, but he decided to shut it down because he didn’t think it was a positive environment for change.
“If I am still hanging with guys that are destroying my community, I can’t help my community,” he said.

So he started the non-profit with his cousin last year called Reach One Teach One. Along with the ice cream truck, the group holds events and works with city police to teach children about the life of crime, how to interact with law enforcement and encouraging them to get jobs as adults.
This all began after the Anderson Police chief reached out to Jimarcus to join him in helping the community. Chief Jim Stewart invited him to a community meeting for a city lead group called the Dream Team. Now he’s helping them lower crime and improve police community relationships by reaching people they weren’t able to before.
“I think it is a good thing,” Dr. Beatrice Thompson, the founder of Dream Team and city council member, said. “There were things we didn’t know about that we should know about. He helped bring that to the table.”
“I gave them my word. I said I will help them change my community,” Jimarcus said. “I will die helping change my community.”

The Dream Team is also known as the Law Enforcement and Community Relations Task Force. It stemmed from a dream Dr. Thompson had after seeing the reaction and turmoil in Ferguson in 2014.

Thompson says it is growing every month and earning two awards for diversity and their success in lowering crime in the city.
The group targets students in middle and high schools around Anderson, to improve their outlook on law enforcement and teach them about police roles in the community. Thompson says the group is all about opening a conversation between people in different parts of the community as part of the “bigger picture” to make Anderson a safer, better place to live.
The Police Chief of Anderson says in recent years crime has gone down 16% and they think that group helped make it happen.

Favor Brings Back The Flavor ---With Authentic Soul Food Cooking in Anderson!!!

Whenever there’s a new independent small business that opens that I’m particularly impressed with in the Southeast-Anderson area. I tend to attempt to do my part to let others in the community and also statewide know about either the great food and or services or both that I received after my experience. Favor Home Cooking is one such establishment and might I add, that ever since my first visit I’ve been constantly singing it praises when I encounter other people around the city of Anderson. Call me old fashion but word of mouth marketing was always effective even before the Facebook era.

Some of the Lovely Ladies at Favor Home Cooking...

Favor home style cuisine is not new to those who may have patronized the Anderson County Country Club over the last year or so on Sunday evenings. This newly independent home cooking matriarchal up-start gained much notoriety with their affordable tasty meat and three soul food dishes. Of course when I employ this type verbiage images of delicious sides like mashed potatoes with gravy, cheesy macaroni, black-eyed peas, flavorful collard-greens and delectable steamed cabbage should have danced in your head. But if they didn’t by any chance, then I suggest you head on over to Favor’s immediately after reading this article, because its obvious you haven’t had a down home soul-food meal in a while. But I digress!!

Located in the Sunny South-East Anderson section of downtown Anderson..

They offer up a variety of meats Wednesday through Sunday, for starters like smothered pork chops, their crispy signature fried chicken, fresh flounder fish, beef stew and barbecue ribs are present on any given day. Upon my first dinning experience with them I’m happy to report they made me feel welcomed and the servers I encountered were friendly and all smiled as they filled my order. Nothing like a warm greeting when you order your food and receive a down home good old-fashioned taste of southern hospitality. Recently while there, it was said I resembled or “favored” (no pun intended) the comedian/actor Deray. Don’t know if that was a compliment just yet folks or just flattery, the verdict is still out? (LOL)

Side note to all the fellas, a couple of the food attendants are really easy on the eyes for what its worth, just thought to specify that small observation for whom it may concern but the focus of this article is the fabulous food and service. Let us keep that in mind for all my A.N.D. brethren! You can visit them at their new location in the downtown area of Anderson nestled between McDuffie St. and South Main St. right at 117 East Franklin St. Most may remember the building formerly as a Cuban restaurant and lastly it was known as a New Orleans themed location.

Brother Horace Alexander of Anderson's own Radio Station mywlas 95.3 FM and the city's famed photographer Dante Holloway checking in at Favor.

Favors has a nice relaxed dining room area, that seats a small to large party of patrons from up to 25 to 30 people at a time should you decide to bring the family out. But if you’re cramped for time during a lunch break no problem, because they offer carry-out during all their business hours of operation. In my opinion the prices are very competitive compared to other similar home-cooking restaurants in the downtown district of the Electric City. I won’t disclose any names nor indict other restaurants who claim to offer soul food around the city. But the Favor Home Cooking diner plays second fiddle to none by any means when it comes to great taste and value.

The Beautiful Dining Room Area at Favor

Business operating hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Oh yes, before I forget to mention, they are also open on Sunday should you decide to dine with them for a post church meet and greet meal either with family, friends or clergy.

Service with a Smile folks....

In conclusion I have frequented Favors Home Cooking quite a number of times and enjoyed the first class service, the unique southern atmosphere they cater to, and of course the fabulous soul food aroma emanating from the kitchen. As they continue to grow, I hope in the near future to see them add a morning breakfast bar, featuring perhaps a choice of turkey bacon on the menu. Let’s keep our fingers crossed shall we? Outside of that small recommendation, I have nothing but great admiration and expectations for this small independent start up. Favors you are a welcomed addition to the South-East Anderson business landscape and the urban community as a whole. This is Dj Tuc wishing the staff and cooks at Favor Home Cooking nothing but success one delicious meal at a time.  

If you would like to leave a comment about your own experience while dinning at Favor Home Cooking please feel free below.

Signing off! Da A.N.D. Representa-   “djtuc999 the mobile app is now available on Google Play and the Itunes app store for all your mobile devices.”

Another A.N.D. Diva Salute- - - GO LADIES!!!

Anderson native Kimberly McDaniel (pictured on the right) this past fall was featured along side the super-talented actress and R&B soul songstress Jill Scott. The event was hosted by Charlotte’s Urban Adult Contemporary station  V 101.9 FM based in Gastonia.. Kimmy as I refer to her at times is a proud A.N.D. native and a good friend of whom I’ve known since my early middle school years here growing up in the city of Anderson. I was extremely over joyed for her when she shared the fantastic news with me semi-reluctantly (not one to toot her own horn) by phone adding to the intrigue with a dash of suspense as I recollect. She said “ you won’t believe who I’m pictured with on the V 101 website as of today”?

 She didn’t tell me initially of course (building the suspense LOL) but suggested I surf over to the V101 site and afterward call her back. Following her instructions I promptly called her back and we both shared a good laugh because I replied “I would have never guessed you were hanging out with Jill Scott” you got me! Many reading this may ask why is Tuc sharing this? My reason is simple, because it’s hard to find people in this life that will support positive undertakings, and show it by their actions other than just paying lip service. Kimmy is just that, a sincere sista who supports what I do, without expecting any self motivated returns. Hard to find proverbial needles amongst the envious hay stacks of well wishing down-low smile in your face haters. Yes she and I both know and realize  it comes with the territory.  But we still keep it positive nonetheless.

Kim celebrating with Kelly Mac at one of the Mid-Day Mommies annual Birthday Bashes.

It’s not about the cloths one wears nor the car they profess to drive, its about the substance they possess and the direction they are traveling. As most of us reading this have heard many times over,”Real recognize Real” and Kim never forgets about her roots and definitely knows the real from the rest. Though she’s been known to frequent high profile events in tandem with the Mid-Day Mommie aka Kelly Mac of 1073 Jmz. She continues to stay down to earth and remains humble in most all of her undertakings, so I know many wonderful things await a good soul like hers in the immediate future.

Hanging out with Jill Scott is just warm up material for this home grown A.N.D. diva. Hey Kimmy hope I didn’t reveal to many embarrassing details, my intent was merely to celebrate you in addition to showing my gratitude and immense respect for you by sharing this one small experience with the rest of the city.

 Best Regards, I Salute real men and women making a difference such as yourself from Anderson!

...Dj Tuc, Da A.N.D. Representa

P.S.A.- To the whole A.N.D. From Promoter Dom Vlad of The Columbia Record Pool...

Experienced and professional promotions marketeer manager Dom Vlad of the Columbia Record Pool Street Team and Marketing department got at me recently being he's an advocate of my platform and work. He's calling all A.N.D. City wide Dj's and artist or those who wish to become a Dj to attend this upcoming industry symposium and be recognized. If you want to contact him personally for more details send him an email at domvlad1@gmail.com or Twitter: @Dom_Vlad.. Click on Flyers Below or leave a comment to share your thoughts.

Dj Tuc da A.N.D. Representa

Columbia Record Pool Promoter Dominic Vladimir aka "Dom Vlad"

A.N.D. Native Sheba Foxx--- Returns Back On The Boxx @ 1073 Jamz!!

Ladies and gentlemen I’m very elated to report the talented quintessential A.N.D. diva Sheba Foxx has made her return back on the boxx,  bringing her vibrant  personality to the air waves of the upstate again on the urban soul station 107.3 Jmz. Since meeting her over 10 years ago I remember this magazine spread she conceived and spear-headed while working at the time with Anderson’s own popular entertainment businessman Prafessa of GO HARD ENTERTAINMENT.

 I recognized back then that she was something uniquely special in the making, due to the fact that no other woman at that particular time was thinking on that level around the A.N.D., thus I was immediately impressed.  At least not any sista that I had the pleasure of meeting on the Anderson entertainment and media scene during that time period.  For those that would argue the contrary must I remind those reading this present article, that it was I that shined the spotlight on her achievements in a small blurb the first time around when she initially joined the 107.3 jmz staff as a radio personality? Just click here and read for yourself on this page! 

Some of the work ethics Sheba has learned to  employ traveling the road to life, love and success.

Sheba is as beautiful as she is talented and when you talk with her in person one can tell instantly, her beauty emanates from the inside out and makes her very approachable when in the public eye. In my opinion, that can be the proverbial “Gift and the Curse” no matter male or female, dependent upon the level one may be at in any given career.

 Meaning you can be perceived as a threat erroneously at any given moment in this fickle competitive society, that most have been forced to adapt to especially when you are immersed in the cut-throat business of the entertainment industry or any other profession for that matter. Thus ones intentions can be easily misconstrued, when they are only attempting to perform at their apex in order to be the best they can be. Isn’t that what most of us have been taught and or teach our children to date? Sheba overstands these harsh realities quite well, being experience is the best teacher.

Sheba has always been active when engaging others in her community..

Highly important and intangible knowledge to have in such a presumptuous social media driven society, due to the fact there’s a huge probability you are mostly going to be  judged by sanctimonious folk who seemingly permeate the entertainment industry in my opinion, who can air grievances to  hundreds of Facebook friends and Twitter followers in an instant.Truth is truth or as the young folks like to phrase it nowadays "it is what it is"! That's why I so missed the 90's because life was so much simpler. No grown folk beefing and carrying on like high-school kids on social media platforms back then, duly because aforementioned platforms didn't exist as most of my old skool readers already know.  Whether true or not it doesn’t seem to matter in this brave new world, a lot of people seem to thrive off drama and sensationalism.  Like many people who have found success in life, it goes without saying that Ms Foxx  has had her own personal struggles and hurtles to over-come just like anyone else.

 Sheba carries such a remarkable resilient positive attitude every time we have conversed, one would never suspect any of the hardships she endured in her personal and public life on her road to becoming the renowned businesswoman and radio personality she has blossomed into today.

Sheba's brain-child  known as Foxxy Shoetique located in the Anderson Mall..Stop by and get ya Shop On!!

She is an organic hard working proud Anderson native that won’t hesitate to let you know what city she hails from. She owns her own business located in the Anderson Mall by the name of "Foxxy Shoetique" with some of the hottest trendiest styles in stiletto foot apparel in the city. And oh how Mr. Tuckie loves him some sexy pedicured feet in a pair of stylish sultry pumps. Word to Vicky James! ( yes the Lovely Ms 7 O'clock Jmz personality  be looking good in her heels, been wanting to say that ever since we met at the 2014 Black Party LOL) A.N.D. we should support Sheba because she exemplifies home grown talent enveloped in success, dedication, hard-work, perseverance, elegance and a seemingly endless relentless zeal in her pursuit of excellence. We the sincere "congratulators"and not the haters in the A.N.D. salute you Ms. Sheba Foxx for your accomplishments past-present and future. 

You’ve shown us all a blueprint of how to handle adversity when it appears the odds are stacked against us, and the importance of humility set by the sterling example you display when in the public or on the air. Thank you so much.

  Dj Tuc da A.N.D. Representa and I approve this message. Peace