Boome Jamz

Boome Jamz

Charlie Vann

Staff Writer

Local hip-hop artists Boome and The Skywalkers are back with a new album. Just a year after “Space Jamz 2” was released, fans can now sit back and enjoy “Space Jamz 3.”  The artists are excited about the third edition of the “Space Jamz“ album saga.

“Man, super, super excited. It’s pretty much a one-year anniversary since Space Jamz 2,” Boome said.

“Space Jamz 2” came out Nov. 19, which was also the release date of “Space Jamz 3.”

“The fans can expect something different and new. They can expect newer energy and something to carry them through this year and next year,” said Boome.

CAPTiSM, the producer and DJ on the album, considers working on “Space Jamz 3” a learning experience.

Image courtesy @Kiddclo

“On the other albums, I was just the DJ, and this time I definitely took a bigger role in the production and vision of this album,” he said.

The DJ/producer said fans can expect to hear more electronic vibes from his side of the music.

“This album is going to have a different feel with the electronic vibes,” he said.

The release of the new album adds to what has already been an exciting year for Boome and The Skywalkers.  Boome was named rookie of the year for MrDreamz magazine and was on the cover.  And though it has only been a year since the release of “Space Jamz 2,” Boome wanted to give his fans some new material.

“This year alone we have done over 100 shows with ‘Space Jamz 2’ and ‘Space Jamz 1’. We’ve played those songs over 100 times in performances.  So it was kind of time to give the fans something new. Newer music, better music,” he said.

For next year, Boome added that over the past year they have been going through different experiences, and that it was time for them to put their experiences into the music and get it out there to the fans.

As far as what singles from this new album have already been getting buzz, both “Loonatics” and “Drunk Astronaut” have gotten good feedback.

Boome and The Skywalkers have set a big goal.

“A goal of ours is to make that XXL Freshman cover next year,” Boome said. “It’s just a big deal for hip-hop. We deserve it. The hard work we put in should be showcased on that cover.”

For more updates on Boome and The Skywalkers check out the Boomemusic.com website.

I’m thankful for: Student Media gives thanks

I’m thankful for: Student Media gives thanks

“I’m thankful that I can spend this holiday with my husband and his family and for all the freedoms that we enjoy in this country.” – Joyce Jackson

“My friends here at the newspaper and for my family that loves me.” – Isai Diaz

“I’m grateful for the paper and all the people I have been able to know and work with.” – Terry Blend

“The opportunity to spend time with old friends and family and see new lives emerging into what they will become.” – Larry Ratliff

“The experiences and hardships I’ve been through thus far in my adult life and for my family and friends who have helped me through it all.” – Melanie Brandow

“I have a happy healthy son who is my reason to open my eyes every day, good friends and school” – Blanca Reyes

“The health and well being of my wife and son.” – Jack Fletcher

“The time I spend with my brother Christopher as well as my furry friends Spunky, Fuzzy and Sadie as well as my family, friends and the never-ending tapestry of movies I get to review.” – Ricky Miller

“My family and girlfriend.” – Quan Tran

“Family and friends, without whom, nothing else much would matter.” – Tim Jones

“For lots of things; my love of words and the many exceptional books I’ve read, as well as the many I have yet to read, but most of all, I’m thankful for my friends.” – Doris Brogan

“For my sweet children and the strength of their hearts.” – Kim Sanders

“For the support from my family, friends and girlfriend.” – Charlie Vann

“For my parents.” – Antina Sneed

“A country that’s war-free, for safety and security.” –Muneer Washah

“The year’s challenges and opportunities and the people – colleagues and students alike – who have graced the path.” – Erica Edwards

“My radio show.” – Raymond T. Pronk

“The virtue of patience.” – Kisten S. Chetty

“For the job I have.” – Kimendran Chetty

“Having a job!” – Alexander Taylor

“For my family, my friends and for my accomplishments so far.” – Yolmar Gonzalez

“For my success in college so far.” – Jonathan Johnson

“The opportunities I’ve been given, with this new chapter of my life” – Audrey Morton

“For a day off.” – David Goodloe

‘Constantine’: Something old, nothing new

‘Constantine’: Something old, nothing new

Charlie Vann

Staff Writer

NBC has another supernatural show that viewers can tune into on Friday nights. “Constantine,” starring Matt Ryan, is about John Constantine, a man haunted by his past and forced to defend our world from dark forces.

You might remember the 2005 “Constantine” movie starring Keanu Reeves.  Constantine is a comic book character from the DC Comics universe. The character first appeared in a 1984 issue of  “The Swamp Thing.”

After watching the first three episodes of “Constantine,” I do like Ryan as Constantine. He is very believable, and I might even say he is a better fit for the character than Reeves.  I do have mixed feelings about this show, though.

Image courtesy hashtagstudios.com

Although I am excited to see more comic book-based TV series on network television, “Constantine” doesn’t stand out like newer DC comic shows such as “The Flash” and “Gotham.”

I don’t really see anything different with this supernatural show that I haven’t seen before.

I know the Constantine comic is intense and maybe I am just waiting for more intense creatures of the darkness to appear.

In Episode 3, we saw a dark force trapped inside an old vinyl record. I think that was an interesting concept, but it just didn’t put me on edge. I feel the show could do better with the struggle of the evil beings that he has to face. I feel like the fight between him and the dark forces is not much of a challenge.

If you watched the movie version, which goes in its own direction from the comic, you see more of a struggle. When I watch a supernatural show like CW Network’s “Supernatural,” I feel there is more of a battle with the lead characters and the dark forces they are fighting.

I do think this show has good substance. I just want to see more excitement in it.  Some shows like this, however, don’t pick up until mid-season.  I wonder;  will we see something big happen that will draw you in more?

“Constantine” could be a great show if it delivers more shocking or edgy beings from the otherworld. Of course, they might not be able to make it too edgy on NBC.  For now, this show is average.

Welcome to the Freak Show

CHARLIE VANN

Staff Writer

The hit FX series “American Horror Story” is back, and this season it has become  a freak show. The season is based around a freak show in Jupiter, Fla., in the 1950s. It’s run by Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange), who wants to showcase her abnormal talent to the public. The characters have different traits that make them unusual and, well, freakish. Elsa, however, wants to give them a chance to be in the spotlight.

Elsa ends up recruiting the Tattler sisters (Sarah Paulson), conjoined twins, to help headline the show to gain more fanfare.  The sisters are a little timid, because of their sudden opportunity for fame, but know it’s a place where they can finally feel normal.  “American Horror Story” doesn’t just focus on Elsa’s freak show, though. It also follows a creepy homicidal clown who is lurking around Jupiter to murder those in sight. So, if you have a fear of clowns, this season might not be good for you to watch.

What I like about this season is that the writing is really well done. I like that the show takes place during the ‘50s. I think the setting is perfect. I also really like the eerie music throughout the show. It’s a constant tone-setter in each episode.

What stands out about “American Horror Story,” compared to other shows, is you don’t have to follow each season to get into the next. Each season is a different story with different characters, but uses the same cast.

I have not watched the past seasons, but thought I’d start with “Freak Show,” which is Season Four.  I know last season the episode titled “Coven,” was a big hit for the series and was even nominated for several Emmys.  I believe this season will be a hit as well.

Two well-known actors joined the cast this season;  Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”) who plays Dell Toledo, the strong man. Toledo comes in as the emcee. The other is Angela Bassett (“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”) who plays Desiree Dupree, Toledo’s three-breasted wife.

The show touches on the theme of being different and wanting acceptance. You even see, in Episode Two, the talent of the freak show, eat in a local diner and are met with stares and judgment because of their physical appearances.

After watching two episodes of this season, I believe creator Ryan Murphy already has another hit on his hands.

Who is America’s team? Not so fast, Cowboys

Who is America’s team? Not so fast, Cowboys

Staff illustration Quan Tran

Charlie Vann 

Staff Writer

I have to disagree with the poll crowning the Denver Broncos as America’s team.

Just recently the annual Harris interactive poll asked Americans to choose their favorite NFL franchise. Since 2006 it has consistently been the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, however, are no longer the team Americans choose to favor.

I am not overlooking what the Broncos have accomplished during the past few seasons, especially with Peyton Manning as the quarterback.

But, I don’t think they are the right choice to hold this title, like the Cowboys did for so long.

When I looked at the Cowboys, it made sense to me why they would be considered America’s team. They have such a well-known history with legendary coach Tom Laundry.
I mean, if you watch sports-related movies, you are bound to see one where the featured team is playing against Dallas, or some player has aspirations to be a Cowboy one day.

Of course, you can’t overlook the team’s five Super Bowl wins.
I have to admit, it is a bit of a surprise to me that Dallas isn’t No.1 again, but with that being said, I don’t think it should be Denver. If anyone else is deserving of being called America’s team, it is the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers have a pretty iconic history, too. After all, the Super Bowl trophy is named after their legendary coach, Vince Lombardi. One factor I think makes sense for this team to be favored is they are the only NFL franchise to be owned by their fans and not some businessman. The Packers, also have a great quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

I remember when Rodgers stepped in for an injured Brett Favre during a Dallas Cowboys home game, and he didn’t back down under the pressure.

Rodgers has this cool, calm demeanor about him. Everyone knows Favre made that team his, so to even think about someone else taking over as quarterback sounded silly.

However, Rodgers took over after Favre left, and I believe made the Packers his own team.

Rodgers even helped lead the team from a horrible 0-5 start to their 2010 season to carrying them to the playoffs and on to a Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Super Bowl XLV.

Rodgers has accomplished a lot in his career. One of his biggest highlights is that he’s the only quarterback in NFL history to have a career passing rating over 100.

He also has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the league. I think with what Rodgers has done with this team and the team’s history, they should be America’s favorite.

Staff illustration Quan Tran

GABRIEL FLORES

Staff Writer

Move over Cowboys. Step aside Denver Mannings (Broncos). Enter New England.

The Patriots for the better part of a decade and a half have been one of the most winning franchises in NFL history since the player- coach tandem of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick was forged in 2000.

The two have combined to bring the Patriots unparalleled success.

The Patriots have finished atop their division, the AFC East, 11 times in the past 14 years.

New England also boasts nine appearances in the AFC championship game, representing the AFC in the Super Bowl five times with three victories in the same 14-year span.

What I am getting at can be described in one phrase: sustained excellence.

Sustained excellence, ladies and gentleman, is the name of the game. America has almost always provided a model for developing nations in terms of what a functioning self-sustainable nation is supposed to be.

The same can be said for the Patriots, from the owner Robert Kraft to Belichick as coach and de facto general manager.

NFL franchises around the league have striven to emulate the “Patriot way.”

The Patriot way is “work ethic, unselfishness, guys who put the team before themselves, guys who bought into the system,” said former linebacker and Super Bowl champion with New England, Willie McGinest on NFL network’s “NFL Total Access.”

This buying in is key to the team’s success as well as the no-nonsense attitude adopted by players and most famously Belichick, whose post-game interviews are synonymous with ambiguity.

The front office has the same mentality in regard to personnel decisions and letting players go who did not buy in or players who they felt they could supplement on the field while benefiting financially.

Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy and, more recently, Logan Mankins are just a few examples.

The Patriots embody what America is all about; a melting pot, a place where individuals and their families can come and seek refuge or simply a change of scenery.

The Patriots also exemplify professionalism, integrity and community, all of which are principles that any American can identify and appreciate.

A patriot, according to Webster’s dictionary, is “A person who loves and strongly supports or fights for his or her country.”

In my mind, there is no team, fan base or group of players past or  present have personified the values held by their country better than the New England Patriots.

Zonana mellows Metroplex

Zonana mellows Metroplex

CHARLIE VANN

Staff Writer

Staff photo Yolmar Gonzalez

Sammie Zonana woos the audience at Crooked Tree Coffeehouse.

One of the beauties of the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the music you can find in any city in the Metroplex. Up-and-coming artists can be found jumping at the chance for their music to be heard. These artists are filled with potential, waiting to be discovered.

One particular artist that didn’t even get involved with music until college, Austin native Sammie Zonana, is an artist to look out for. Zonana is currently a senior in college, studying film at the University of Texas at Arlington.

On Oct. 4 Zonana performed at the Crooked Tree Coffee Shop in Uptown. The performance was part of her coffee shop tour in the area.

“I started thinking about the stepping stones of your performance, growing as an artist. And I was like, ‘I ‘m not sure. I’m ready for bars yet.’  So I thought a coffee shop is a really warm, welcoming environment. Be a good place for me to grow as an artist,” Zonana said.

The coffee shop was actually a perfect spot for Zonana to showcase her music. Her soulful voice, along with her acoustic rhythm lit up the shop, as customers who were just coming   in for some good coffee, sat and watched an upcoming artist, perform with so much passion in her voice.  Zonana’s style really fit with the mellow atmosphere of the shop.

Zonana, who mostly performed her own songs, even mixed things up by performing her own version of Bill Withers golden hit “Lean on Me.”

“That was the first time I’ve actually ever, sort of meshed my lyrics with someone else’s, and sort of the same melody,” she said. “I think it’s always a challenge to make a song unique. I think it’s special to make a song your own.”

Zonana even gave the audience a taste of new material and a song “Get Out of My Dreams,” that she covered.

One thing that stood out about Zonana is her engaging personality, cracking jokes and just enjoying the moment. Though she will tell you she still gets nervous the day of a performance, you couldn’t tell it when she was performing.

“When I get up there and I start to sing my music, there’s something about the music that transforms me and loosens me up,” she said. “But I’m always myself, and that’s my main thing I want people to know. I want to be authentic; I want people to know me, and not some plastic version.”

So what’s next for Zonana? She will be competing on Nov. 1, in the Chevy Music Showcase, at Queens City Hall in Fort Worth. The grand finale is on Nov. 8, and the winner gets a cash prize of $1,000.

“I feel so excited for this opportunity,” Zonana said. She is excited for all the possibilities that could happen if she wins the competition.

The future looks bright and promising for Zonana. She is definitely an artist to keep an eye on.

                                          

Setting the tone for ‘V’ time

Setting the tone for ‘V’ time

Image courtesy blogspot.com

Maroon 5’s new album “V” is out.

CHARLIE VANN

Staff Writer

Maroon 5 is back with their fifth studio album, “V.”  Of course, “V” is fitting for the title, since it represents the number five in Roman numerals.  The “V” on the cover of the album really stands out, lit up in eye-catching neon red.

One thing about album covers is that they can set the tone for what you are about to hear. Sometimes, they are just random art work, hoping to stand out to the listener. I’m not entirely sure what the band really wanted to accomplish with this cover, other than the fact the “V” stands for five.

I like the style they went for. If you look in the background, you can see the words Maroon 5 across a mountainside. That was kind of cool, almost like the Hollywood sign. They might have done that because they are from Los Angeles.

As for the album itself, “V” doesn’t stray too far from that familiar Maroon 5 sound. You still feel that you still get that pop rock tone with this album.  Whether or not you are a fan of the band, lead singer Adam Levine always delivers vocally.

What really helps with any Maroon 5 album, and with this one in particular, is Levine’s voice.  He has a soulful tone when he sings, which reels in the listener.

With “V” it doesn’t come across like they   are trying to experiment or trying something too different.

Some artists by their fifth album will try something new, to either branch out, grab more fans or bring some kind of evolution to their legacy. It doesn’t always work out for the best.

“V” is not one of those albums. Maroon 5 fans  will be satisfied with this new album.         

There are still love-driven, passionate songs that are so common with the band.  The band’s last album, “Overexposed,” might have been a little over-the-top pop, as it was considered to be one of the band’s “poppiest.” “Overexposed” also got mixed reviews after it was released.

Overall, “V” is a lot of fun. Most Maroon 5 fans will enjoy it, maybe a little more than casual fans.

Maroon 5 knows who their fans are. They know what they like to hear from them.

Fans won’t be shocked or surprised by what they hear, and I mean that in a good way. People who are not fans might enjoy this one, too.

Like I said before, the music is fun. Give it a listen.

Image courtesy sd.citytimes.com

Adam Levine, lead vocalist for Maroon 5, delivers another smooth performance on “V.”