Hometown Blogger Sparks Discussion At Trenton Library

TRENTON-- Marcus Garvey once said that a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. It was in this tradition that area residents and activists alike met at the Trenton Public Library Wednesday night for Anwar's Reflections First Ever Black History Panel Discussion.

During the nearly two hour discussion, a variety of topics were explored and addressed. Members of the audience were invited to ask questions as well.

From education to black leadership, to President Obama and social problems afflicting communities in Black America, the panel covered a lot of ground.

Panel members included hip hop artist Big OOH, businessman Tracey Syphax, New Black Panther Party spokesman Divine Allah, Garvey School principal Baye Kemit, community activist Darren 'Freedom' Green, and Today's News NJ's Daryl Brooks.

Baye Kemit said that leadership does not have to be monolithic, it does not have to be one person, our leaders are our parents and grandparents. Darren Freedom Green said that President Barack Obama needs to 'stand up and just be a man on some issues' as it relates to problems afflicting the black community. In his analysis of President Obama, Daryl Brooks said that the president has bailed out Wall Street but failed to mention the word poverty in any of his State of the Union speeches.

As a blogger or citizen journalist, I thought it was important to carry on the tradition of the words of the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, by inviting a variety of different community leaders and activists to come to the table and have a discussion that would illustrate the diversity of Black America on a local level here in Trenton, New Jersey.

As a viewer and reader, I invite you to determine if the discussion reached that goal.

Please see footage of the event below:

Anwar's Reflections Hosts Black History Panel Discussion

TRENTON-- Anwar’s Reflections, a cutting-edge local blog, will be holding its first ever Black History Month panel discussion Wednesday, February 08, 2012 at the Trenton Public Library, from 6 to 8 pm. The event is scheduled to be held in the library's Community Meeting Room.

Panel members include hip hop artist Big OOH, businessman Tracey Syphax, New Black Panther Party spokesman Divine Allah, Garvey School principal Baye Kemit, community activist Darren 'Freedom' Green, and Today's News NJ's Daryl Brooks.

Discussion topics will include Black Business, Black Entertainment, Black Politics, Black Education, and Black Philosophy.

Guests are invited to ask panel members questions.

Refreshments and a light snack will be provided during the discussion.

For more information, contact Anwar Salandy at (609) 968-6114. You can also reach Salandy by email: anwarsalandy@ymail.com.

From Underdog to Overlord: Longtime Trenton Recording Artist Releases New LP

TRENTON-- Hometown emcee releases new album. Anwar's Reflections--a Trentonian affiliate-- met up with  longtime hip hop recording artist Libz Saturday afternoon at the Trenton Transit Center.

During the interview, Libz, an East Trenton native, discussed his latest project, From Underdog to Overlord, along with other issues surrounding his life and career in hip hop.

The hometown emcee started his career by selling CD's out of his car. Nowadays, the independent rap artist promotes his music online through Facebook, YouTube, MySpace and other websites.

Libz is not your 'typical' gangsta rap or party rap type of emcee. He is known for his reality based lyrics that people can relate to. Most of his rhymes are true stories. In his own words, he wants to use his music to "bring peace" especially in communities like Trenton. The new album is scheduled to be released in late January.

During his 15 years in hip hop, he has worked with many different Trenton artists, DJ's, and producers. On nine previous albums, he has collaborated with Big OOH, DJ Juice, Black Collar Biz, DJ Fatha Ramzee, Feko, Dirty Game, Doe Easy, Mitchel Hennessy, Heaven, DJ Ra Lee, among others.

In 2006, he created A Starvin' Artist Productions (A.S.A.P) Entertainment, a record label designed for independent artists on the come up.


During the course of working on this article, Anwar's Reflections came across a number of Libz's friends and colleagues that were willing to share their thoughts on his music and career.

Feko, a recording artist and producer, said that the East Trenton native's latest project is a classic. He went on to say that this LP is Libz best work yet.

One of Libz close friends and promoters, who goes by the name, IMFEELINDAT, said that the independent emcee "makes you think and reflect, not just dance. Most rappers don't give you the kind of substance that Libz does".

Recording artist Dirty Game worked with Libz on his upcoming album and said that the East Trenton native speaks for the youth. He went on to say that his music is like poetry. He doesn't beat around the bush, his music is all about each one, teach one.

Artist and producer Black Collar Biz said that with all the negativity in hip hop, Libz positive message is needed today.

Recording artist, Heaven, worked with Libz on a previous project called No Hook. She said that his music is extremely powerful and uplifting. She went on to say that Libz breaks barriers with his music because both kids and parents can listen to his album together.

BCS Records Marketing Exec, Jonathan Davis, also known as DoeEasy worked with Libz on the track No Hook with Heaven. He said Libz is really passionate about his craft. He went on to say that nowadays everybody raps about sex, but not everyone gives the audience a positive message with true meaning, the way Libz does.

For more information on Libz and his work, contact him via Twitter: @iamlibz.

Please see Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with recording artist Libz below along with his new track Blessings Come Down:

Trenton Hosts First Annual Entertainment Summit

TRENTON-- Just last week, the First Annual Trenton Entertainment Summit, a networking and informational gathering, was held at ‘Studio City New Jersey’.

Area artists and entertainers came out to support the summit.

Trenton Recording Artist Big Ooh! and Social Activist Will “Deshair” Foskey organized the groundbreaking Entertainment Industry Seminar to boost morale and promote Inner-City Unity in a town where talent often  goes abroad and never looks back, in order to become successful.

Trenton, home of the well-known hip hop group, the Poor Righteous Teachers, was proud to be the venue for the Trenton Entertainment Summit.

The purpose of the summit was to inform and advise local entrepreneurs of new ways to brand their business, while teaching people the art of professional networking. Panel discussions focused on Brand Development, Business, & Music and Film Production.

Special Guest speakers, Darren “Freedom” Green and Tracy D. Syphax, both success stories from the area, opened and closed the 4 hour event with inspiring messages of defying all odds and strength of mind. And the event sponsor, Wells Fargo Bank, talked to attendees about business accounts and how to fund their projects through unsecured lines of credit.

Attendees walked away with valuable information on how to construct proper business cards, networking techniques, music industry contracts, publishing, production, social media branding, and so much more. 

Moderator, Remix Mafia’s DJ Slowjam Powell brought pure energy and over 20 years of Music Industry knowledge to the table, asking the right questions to pull answers from panelists the audience could use in their everyday business dealings.

Championed by Big Ooh! and Deshair, the Trenton Entertainment Summit was organized and brought to fruition in just 12 days.

150 people attended the event, including one of Trenton’s Treasures, the Legendary DJ Juice. Panelists included Cardiak (Producer For: Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Jadakiss, 50 Cent, Kanye West, etc.), Money Malc (Universal/Motown Recording Artist) , Dj Radio (Shade45 Radio Personality), Nyticka Hemingway (Singer/Songwriter),Eric (DonDiva Magazine), Flash Kilogram, Flash (Former SRC/Universal & Ruff Ryder Recording Artist), ReddPen Media, Alamaj (Underworld Entertainment), Hellfire (Producer), Rugg (Producer), Tone Trump (New Single “Afghan” featuring Young Jeezy), &; Brad Fulton (in-house engineer at Studio City New Jersey).

The Trenton Entertainment Summit will re-air on www.JahYummy.com in the coming weeks.

For more information about this event and the “Trenton Going Global” Campaign, contact Will “Deshair” Foskey at TrentonGoingGlobal@gmail.com.

Please see video below:

Interview With Trenton's Own BIG OOH

TRENTON-- Today, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- was fortunate enough to interview well-known Trenton rap artist, Big OOH. During the interview, OOH discussed his passion for rap music, the artists that have inspired him and much more. OOH, a hometown favorite, has appeared on Power 99 with Cosmic Kev along with other well-known radio stations. He has performed everywhere from Boston to Trenton.


OOH takes pride in making what he calls "timeless music". He has worked with artists the likes of DJ Wes Will, Meek Mill, and others. His newest project, God 1st, All I See Is The Money is currently in circulation. Be on the lookout for OOH, he's on a quest to put Trenton on the map in a real way. Below you will find Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with Trenton's own BIG OOH:

BIG OOH by anwarsreflections

Artist Name: BIG OOH

Artist Latest Project: God First: All I See Is The Money

Artist YouTube Page: www.youtube.com/bigoohtv

 Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/BIG-OOH/128794113823070

Contact Information: bigooh609@gmail.com