Shanti Christensen is a designer, photographer and writer who has traveled the world discovering and capturing what touches the human soul. One of the great wonders that she has been currently documenting is one that has always been a passion of her own…food. Originally from the Bay Area in California but now living in China, Christensen began meeting various families around the country who graciously started teaching her their old family recipes and dishes. She transformed those amazing experiences into her latest venture ShowShanti, a website and forthcoming book that shares these sacred findings and brings the taste of Asia into the homes of millions.

AJ-Explain the concept of ShowShanti and what sparked the inspiration to create it?

SC-ShowShanti started off with my passion to eat, travel, and create. Given everything I knew how to do and loved learning more about, I would travel China and learn how to cook. Family is paramount in my life; my parents inspired me with their stories of travel, injecting me with the passion to travel and live new experiences. The idea of learning how to cook for my future family from other families seemed brimming with stories I could collect and tell.

AJ-What have been a couple of your favorite family dishes that you have discovered during these journeys?

SC-I really love making the famous Sichuan dish Twice-cooked Pork 回锅肉, stir-fried pork belly and chili peppers spiced with chili broad bean paste. Another is Sand Ginger Chicken, easily made in a rice-cooker and never dry.

AJ-You have done a fair amount of traveling for years. Which cities and cultures have provided soul touching moments?

SC-You’d have to have been touched by a certain city yourself, in order to know that question. I always remember my one month in Buenos Aires. I traveled there at a pivotal point in my life when I had much to regret and anticipate. I learned how to travel solo after that trip. Everyday was a poetic existence with the canopied tree-lined streets and deteriorating Parisian architecture. The other place that touched my core with a great sense of accomplishment and independence was my 15-day trek through the Nepal Annapurnas. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but as I scaled the mountains, the air became thinner and clearer. I crossed the Thorung-la pass at 5,416 metres (17769ft) above sea level, queasy with both knees shot, but my tears couldn’t stop flowing from pure amazement.

AJ-There are some recipes that have been in families for generations. Has there ever been any hesitation amongst certain families to want to share some of those recipes that may almost be treated in a sacred manner?

SC-The families I’ve met have been forthcoming with their recipes, most wanting me to share with the world more about Chinese food. One woman in Shandong gave me a multi-paged Word document, password protected of recipes from her friend’s restaurant in Sichuan. It’s all in Chinese, so it’s still a secret to me! I was touched being honored with safe-keeping of the secret recipes. I’m not supposed to share them with anyone or even post them online.

Photo-Gregory Boyd

AJ-For the man or woman who is always on the go, what dishes can they actually make to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds of taste and convenience? Is that actually possible?

SC-For people on the go, I strongly suggest starting with fresh ingredients and stir-frying with few spices. Stir-fries, when done properly retain the nutrients and natural flavor of the ingredients. They’re both quick and healthy.

AJ-In relation to the topic of fast and convenient, in countries such as the United States, it has definitely been transformed into a sort of “fast food nation” of wanting everything quick and in a hurry. How hurtful is that mentality in relation to the value of what we eat?

SC-Convenience has sadly become the deepest pitfall of health in many ways, not just food. When it comes to the time we have and what we put into our bodies, many people prioritize time to health. Instant noodles are quick, but high in sodium and mono-sodium glutamate. A quick meal at a fast food chain is loaded with processed cheese, savory animal fats, and if it’s flaky, it has lard! Once in a while, indulge! Sadly, busy lives, bare budgets, and time constrained by necessity force people into the habit of depending on the “value meal.”

Photo-Gregory Boyd

AJ-You are currently based in China. What are some of the not so publicized wonders that you have discovered during your stay there?

SC-I have been amazed how in addition to what the media reports about China’s pollutants and environmental disasters, the people I have met are concerned with quality of food, obtaining organic produce, and do not support genetically modified foods. At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for our families. It’s just tragic that in every country, no matter the political ideology, the common man’s sacrifices are the foundation of progress. The more I meet families who care about health and environment, the more I feel the presence of an international community.

AJ-I know a ShowShanti cookbook is soon coming, however I’m sure many people are curious about a possible syndication.

SC-For now I’m focusing on the food blog, but reserving the recipes for a future cookbook. Interest has stirred with regards to a television show, which I believe would be a lot of fun. September, I will be hosting courses and events at a local Beijing restaurant specializing in vegetarian and organic food, Paper Beijing. (More about this later.)

AJ-Finally, what have you discovered about yourself during all these magical experiences and joyous moments from the many people and families you have encountered?

SC-I have discovered how much I love interacting with people. I’m endeared to the warmth of people offering their homes and food in exchange for the sheer pleasure of learning more about my own culture and wanting to share theirs with whomever I reach through the ShowShanti website. No matter how little a family has, they are generous with the experience they give my team and I. I’ve netted fish at a family fish farm, witnessed a sheep killed and prepared for meal, bought snake in a market and sautéed it, eaten a tragic meal of Black Bear (unknowingly), harvested meat from hairy crabs, made countless dumplings, and eaten wild mushrooms from Yunnan. Everyday, I discover how lucky I am to have met all the people I have who have given me such amazing stories.

Check out more information on http://showshanti.com/

Stylist and fashion blogger Tiffany Lee Kim is constantly up on the latest styles and trends globally. Her site “Funky Fraîche” provides current information on what’s hot and what’s not in the fashion world.

AJ-What is your definition of style?

TK-I don’t know, but its a reason why people think i have a split personality disorder. One minute I’m Goth, next day I’m hippie grunge teen, following day I’m funky fresh in neon colors, crazy.

AJ-What current fashion trends have caught your eye in a good way?

TK-Bras, bras, bras, let em show!
And Navajo print. I’m currently looking for the perfect pair of Navajo print shorts
Ohhhh, and anything with leather sleeves…i just bought a green utility jacket with black leather sleeves. I’m loving the mixture with leather right now.

AJ-Do you feel that many people fall victim to the idea that style is based on a name brand and not the mixture of individuality with the clothing?

TK-Yes. Don’t get me wrong i am obsessed with designer name pieces, but a lot of people completely disregard everything else they are wearing by assuming, that one brand name item will take over and make them look awesome, WRONG. It’s all about the presentation and the way you rock your shit. Sometimes I feel more confident in my $3 boyfriend jeans from Salvation Army, paired with an old dingy cropped shirt i cut up, then when I’m wearing my classic $300 BCBG blazer.

AJ-Who are some of your favorite designers and why?

TK-Alexander Wang -I love HIM as a person. I own two of his purses, the Diego, and the Rocco, and its more like a collectors item for me, like the way people collect coins, and comic books.
Rag & Bone-Awesome jackets and every piece is always bold in the simplest way possible.
Helmut Lang-I love his combination. Example, Leather and stretch Denim.
I need to stop right here because I can literally go on forever… this is why i can never be a full on designer with my own label (minus the fact i have no funds right now). I appreciate a variety of designers. I want to be a supporter.

AJ-In your opinion, what makes a stylish guy or woman?

TK-Taking risks. Being obsessed. You HAVE to be obsessed with clothes.

AJ-Tell me about your Funky Fraîche blog.

TK-Letters to my best friend about my addiction with clothes, shoes, accessories, and boys. Every girl needs to vent right? Fashion is my cheating boyfriend that I’ll never leave and my blog is my best friend.

AJ-I know you’re also masterminding your own pieces and designs. What type of clothing can we look forward to?

TK-Vinatge cut-off denim shorts with vintage leather back pockets. Tanks, lots and lots of rayon blend slouchy black and white tanks, the most basic piece in my closet.
Cuffs…tough sleek steel cut cuffs, with me and my partners brand engraved, LEE & DAVID…layers and layers of our cuffs on peoples wrist, that’s my dream…
Black and Off White Rubber Band bracelets…we’re bringing them back!!
And lastly, we’re working with leather tassels…

AJ-Finally, what entertainer, artist, politician, ect…do you feel can use serious styling!?

TK-Hmmm, there’s way too many…but who am i to judge, everyone has their steez, right?

Visit Funky Fraîche

E Reece Interview-ColoRising from ColoRising Arts & Media on Vimeo.

E Reece returns with a high powered album titled “Concrete Steppin” available on Elevated Mental/Hipnott Records. While many artists boasts of gun, drug and finanical tales in today’s oversaturated Hip-Hop market, E Reece keeps it straight forward with, what was always a blueprint in Hip-Hop…high lyrical content and heavy hitting beats. With production from Kev Brown, Proh Mic, Oddisee and more, E Reece speaks on subject matters that reaches anyone on a day to day basis. “Concrete Steppin” proves that there are still artists willing to not compromise their sound nor soul.

Christopher “Kid” Reid for ColoRising from ColoRising Arts & Media on Vimeo.

Ghetts, previously known as Ghetto is considered to be one of the earlier pioneers of the “technical” style of lyricism in the UK Grime scene. While many emcees were happy with simple one liners, Ghetts attacked the mic with multiple syllables and metaphors something more reminiscent of someone such as Black Thought, than a young London Grime artist. As the scene transformed into a more lyrical battled sport, three cds under his belt and multiple clashes with artists ranging from Wiley to the more current P Money, Ghetts is back with his release “Calm Before The Storm”, a mixtape scorcher before the release of his album. Still clinching the title of one of the most lyrically complex artists, at this point in the UK, “Calm Before The Storm” is packed with Ghett’s signature “over hyped” delivery and dark, grimey bassline filled music with features from artists such as Griminal, Devlin, Maxsta and more. While many UK Grime acts have been more content with releasing music to top the charts, Ghetts seems to be in a place of peace with releases such as the current “Trained to Kill” featuring Dot Rotten, who sings on the hook. Overall “Calm Before The Storm” should satisfy those grime fans who have complained about many staple acts who have left the scene to soften there sound and who craves for the music that turned them to it in the first place.

For years many Grime and Hip-Hop fans alike have been wondering when London emcee Durrty Goodz would officially release the album titled “Born Blessed”. With highly acclaimed releases such as the “Axiom e.p.” and “Ultrasound”, listeners patiently awaited with musical hunger for the Blessed cd. However with almost a hiatus from any media attention over the last year, recently Durrty Goodz simply just “released” it with no promotion at all not to mention that it is actually available for free on his official website. This seems to be a strategic move by Goodz, who is considered to be one of the best emcees to emerge out of the U.K. You can download the “Born Blessed” album from his website.

The Roots-How I Got Over (Island/Def Jam)

In a fast food nation of the music industry, where albums are more disposable than ever, artists are manufactured in bulks by labels trying to force a hit and the attention span of the fans are shorter than the shelf lives of the records themselves, what is a group, who has been releasing records since 1993, to do? Simple…they do what has brought them this far, which is do what has made them revered and respected by so many. This is what Philadelphia Hip-Hop band The Roots have done with their latest release titled “How I Got Over”. Brilliantly crafted to the point where each song beautifully meshes to the next, the mood of the album starts almost with a dose of a sadness of reality as rapper Truck North rhymes, “Tapped, no shield, no sword/The unbeaten path got my soul so sore” over moody piano playing in the track “Walk Alone”. The song titled “Dear God 2.0″ featuring Monsters of Folk continues to take one into a deeper feeling of almost a point of gloom, but in the most beautiful fashion. Frontman Black Thought is respected as one of the best emcees in Hip-Hop but rather than continuing to try to prove how great of a lyricist he is as demonstrated in the past, he chooses to speak on today’s current affairs of the world. Long time Philly affiliate Dice Raw sings many of the hooks for the songs of the album and as strange as it may sound, it actually works as he eerilly croons “Everything’s changing around me and I wanna change to” in “Now or Never” featuring Phonte of Little Brother fame. “How I Got Over” is the musical nourishment that music lovers have been craving for and what better group to go against the grain and provide that fulfillment than The Roots.

Since the early days of Wiley’s “Eskimo” track and raves that entailed many young London emcees striving to get “reloads” off of catchy lines or clashing at youth clubs, the Grime scene has ultimately changed. While many officials in the U.K. squirmed at the music of Grime with fear that the lyrics were too violent and only perpetuated more violence in London’s poorer areas, the Grime artists were considered the new voice of young inner city Londoners. However, with anything that starts underground, eventually it will rise to the surface. U.K. Grime artists began making songs that were radio friendly and soon the major record companies began sniffing out and signing many of these emcees. Artists such as Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk became household names and reached number 1 on the charts. While there still remains die hard Grime artists, North London’s Untitled expands pass simply a “genre”. With a variety of lyrical content that many people inside and outside of London boundaries can relate to, stardom is knocking at the door of Untitled.

AJ- It seems that for the past few years, North London emcees have been consistent with releasing quality material and many of them have moved on to acquire massive success. Talk a little bit about the scene in North London.

Unt- There’s a lot of emcees that are doing well that have come from North London. You have Chipmunk that’s signed and now Scorcher to major labels. Skepta is doing well in the charts so it’s a good look. I expect that a few other people will get signed too in the near future.

AJ-.Around what age did you start emceeing and what motivated you to want to emcee?

Unt- I started emceeing at 16 with my mates in 6th form. Honestly, I had the right concepts but my flow was all over the place. I liked poetry beforehand as it allows you to express yourself so emceeing was a natural progression.

AJ- How did you get the name Untitled?

Unt- I didn’t want an M.C. name so I went with Untitled. It’s only recently that I have found more meaning to my name. Untitled has many different faces. Sometimes I’m happy, sad, moody, crazy etc. When people see one of my tunes they don’t know what they are gonna get and that’s what my name is all about.

AJ- When I first heard your album “Misconceptions”, I noticed that you had many songs with really great messages. At a time when many grime emcees were rhyming about war and road topics, what made you decide to write songs that leaned more towards more positive topics?

Unt- Generally, I am a positive person. As I said before I have a love for poetry and story telling and I wanted to continue the story telling in my music. I get a buzz when people tell me they can relate to something I have made. The whole war thing is boring and played out.

AJ- Lately many grime artists have been doing more club songs or straight Hip-Hop songs. How do you currently see the state of grime?

Unt- At the end of the day, artists are artists. True artists do not stick to using the same canvases and same paint brushes. You have to try different things in order to progress within yourself. Grime is reaching a wider audience but we first need to do some mainstream music to grab people’s attention. In time people will accept the sound. Rescue me by Skepta is a perfect example. Playlisted on radio 1, it’s set to do well.

AJ- Major labels have also been signing many UK artists that originally came from the grime scene. Do you think that is one reason why many grime artists are changing the sound? If so, is it a good or bad thing?

Unt- I can’t really comment on what everyone else is doing and if it’s good or bad but like I said artists should be free to experiment and try different things to gain a larger fan base. If a lot of grime fans actually bought the stuff, maybe they wouldn’t stray in the first place.

AJ-. Talk about the show on Axe Fm. How long has that been going on?

Unt- I’ve been off of axe for the past few months. Been too busy with a lot of projects but big up Pabz and the management team for keeping it going.

AJ- Explain the importance of radio stations such as Axe Fm to the scenes of UK music.

Unt- I feel like all forms of media are important. Internet stations are slowly dying out and being replaced by Ustream and other mediums that artists can use for free. Long live pirate radio. We need some fm stations back. I don’t see myself going back to internet radio to be honest. There’s so many other free ways to promote yourself online.

AJ- Many emcees are also recording more UK Funky tracks lately. How do you feel about the Funky scene? Will you be doing any Funky songs?

Unt- I know next to nothing about the funky scene but if a beat come my way and I liked it I would do it. I don’t restrict myself to any genre.

AJ- Since you cover various topics in your songs, one topic I wanted to get your opinion on is the rise of knife crimes in the UK. What do you think have attributed to so many cases?

Unt- Bad parenting, no community projects, slack sentencing…

AJ- What projects are you currently working on and who are some of the people you have been working with lately?

Unt- Well I’m working with my group called Behave Yourself. That’s me, Messy, Evolver and Rogue. I released a mixtape last year called Mind Warp and 2 singles earlier this year called Getting Older and Left Me. I’m currently working on a free e.p. series while looking to release my next single in September.

AJ- Finally, what would you like the people to ultimately know about Untitled?

Unt- I want people to know that I’m different in terms of the way I approach music. I can only stress that they check it out and judge for themselves.

Untitled Official Site
Untitled Myspace
Untitled’s Twitter Page
Untitled Facebook
Behave Yourself Clothing

E Reece Behind the Scenes from ColoRising Arts & Media on Vimeo.

Photo-Art Jefferson

Maryland emcee and actor E Reece is ready to take the industry by storm with his fourth album “Concrete Steppin’”, released on Hipnott Records. No stranger to the business, his resume includes appearing in the 2008 Live Mechanics campaign, an appearance in Floetry’s music video “Say Yes”, a role in the 2003 indie film “Claims” as well as a slew of other credits. His music has been licensed to various film and television projects as well as the 2K Sports College Basketball ‘08 video game.

E Reece official website

The Mic Saberz-ColoRising from ColoRising Arts & Media on Vimeo.

photo-Art Jefferson

Coming together from various groups as well as the art, music and dance collective S.W.A.R.M Councilman, The Mic Saberz have arrived to reinstall the elements of education, inspiration and uplifting lyrical content into the music of Hip-Hop. Comprised of Bin Grim of Wes Fog, Yeski and Ravage Beats, the Saberz are soon to release their debut album in 2010.

Mic Saberz Myspace page