Meet the Musicians of Redress Raleigh's 2012 Benefit Show

The Redress Raleigh 2012 Benefit show is a couple days away and we can barely contain our excitement! This year’s show was artfully curated with feel-good hip hop music that is sure to get you onto the dance floor and showing off a few signature dance moves. The show’s featured artists are internationally recognized musicians with a passion to inspire others through their work. The benefit show helps raise the funds needed to put together our annual eco-friendly fashion show, taking place Friday, April 20th at CAM.  Here's a little more information about the awesome musicians who will be performing this Saturday, March 24th at Kings Barcade in downtown Raleigh, tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

CHARLIE SMARTS

Performing since 2001, Alexander Thompson is the man behind Charlie Smarts who presents positive strength of mind through his music. Charlie Smarts, inspired by all of his senses, believes music is therapy for both listeners and creators. You may know Charlie Smarts from his projects with Kooley High and Inflowential and as an opening act for Little Brother, Ghostface Killah, J. Cole, Wyclef Jean, Flo Rida, Dead Prez, Doug E Fresh, and Colin Munroe, to name a few. Charlie Smarts is known for his witty wordsmith skills and refreshing lyrical message which has attracted the attention of many hip hop industry professionals. Recently Charlie Smarts linked up with producers Black Jeruz and Marshall Law to take a new wave of music genius at the right time to stamp his unique thumbprint on the hip-hop genre.

MR. INVISIBLE

"Mr. Invisible is a team of two MC/producers based in Charlotte, NC. Known for their energetic live shows infused with demonstrations of high technical proficiency, Mr. Invisible has been rocking crowds with their brand of progressive hip-hop music since 2005. Up-tempo beats, fast raps, and B-boy inspired breaks are the backbone of the group’s sound. Mr. Invisible has toured with artists DJ Vadim and One Self. They have performed with Atmosphere, Astronautalis, Dead Prez, EPMD, J-Live, Little Brother, Mac Miller, and Wu-Tang Clan among many others. They’ve also rocked massive crowds at key electronic and hip-hop music events such as Low End Theory in Los Angeles and the A3C Hip-Hop Festival in Atlanta." (via https://www.facebook.com/mrinvisiblehiphop/info) 

SKYBLEW

Mario Farrow (SkyBlew) moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 2008, leaving behind the pollution of drugs, gangs, and violence in Auburn, AL. Although he transitioned into various foster homes and was surrounded by negativity, SkyBlew chose to use music as his escape, means to soothe his soul, and the medium to paint colorful dreams. SkyBlew has been performing as a solo artist for three years and a year ago he met his “partner in rhyme” Azon Blaze and together they formed the two man group, Blaze the Sky. SkyBlew’s solo work has been his outlet to express himself and make light of his dark past. He’s been influenced by Common, Blu, Lupe Fiasco, Amy Winehouse, Blue Scholars & Scapegoat Wax, his late grandmother and everything that goes on in his world. His music is meant to “inspire the listeners to go for their dreams”, whatever they may be. SkyBlew has a unique, uplifting, powerful and positive message in hip-hop. As for his style, SkeyBlew states “it’s not always about what you wear, it’s how you wear it!”.

THE BALANCE

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, The Balance blends styles such as Fusion, R&B, Jazz, Rock, Soul, Latin, Classical, and World and that’s not all. The band is known for their “stellar musicianship, live improvisation, crowd participation, witty, and socially conscious rhymes, and dynamic live shows; the real experience lies within one of our shows”. To them music is “The New Ish Schnizzle Bop” which you should interpret to be their sound. Rockin’ since 2004, what started out as a four person group morphed into an 8 piece band that is currently on its 8 years and counting run. Along the way The Balance has had opportunities to open for several national acts and has performed in over 40 venues across the Triangle. The Balance draws inspiration from “everybody, everything, everywhere” - music, art, dance, and architecture are at the top of the list. The Balance delivers music from the politically motivated to the conscious to some party tracks.While they promote a positive spin on reality they also understand that everyone has a bad day or two. In their words: “we give a smorgasboard of topics and vibes.” The same can be said about their style - with a band of 8 no one person has the same look, but when they come together it’s all very... balanced. The band is currently in the studio working on their 1st LP and they also have their music on iTunes and Reverbnation so be sure to check them out!

DJ K STONES

Many of you know of Kristen Stoneman or DJ K Stones and even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ve likely still danced to her tunes at many of clubs across North Carolina. DJ K Stones started her music career at age 17, initially running a radio show and then expanding into other areas,  and has always been “interested in the culture as well as the artistry” of DJing. Her music is influenced and inspired by “seeing the crowd dance, smile, and laugh.” She tries to make every event special, spreading a positive message and showing her fans how diverse music is and “when it hits, you feel no pain”. As for her style, DJ K Stones lets the location and type of music she’s playing determine her outfit which often ecompasses sexy/classy/business attire with a touch of hip hop dress as well.