Pretty Dope Sh*t: @SwaggerOnTheMic Monthly Artist Showcase

I showed up to the Swagger On the Mic artist showcase "curling this hair and crossing this bridge" late, but I'm hoping to make the 10.22 show in time ;) Last time, I was just in time for the freestyle cypher which, appropriately, starts of the night. It took a round or two before we got something that wasn't written from a dude named Pharaoh - luckily for him because his music didn't play when he was supposed to go up. Fun Fact: Written freestyles will always be my pet peeve, forreal. I suppose this isn't a stab at anyone unless someone feels it. I'm not yet amazing at the freestlying thing, so it's always impressive to see anyone who is. The most brilliant part about showcases like this is that the public gets to see what the underground is cooking, but as an artist you also get to meet talent striving for the same as you. The most difficult part of participating in and attending showcases is that everyone is an artist. You are undoubtedly in the midst of your competition, and your time on the mic is the only #fact up for discussion. The most beneficial things I gained from attending this open mic were the feedback... and the opportunity to analyze the field and gauge which steps I need to take next.

It's funny how facts can sound like hate, depending on your level of confidence. My favorite thing about the Swagger On the Mic showcase is that there's a panel of people listening to give the artist feedback. & that means everything to a recovering poet like myself, who wishes she could have a Q&A session after each performance. Artists are judged on stage presence, song quality and a couple other areas of performance. Meanwhile, the crowd participates in raffles & supports the bartenders. When it comes to what the artist desires, the good folks who set up the Swagger On the Mic showcase do a very decent job at giving you what you need. While I earned straight A's *brushes shoulders off* I took that as a failure --I'm ungrateful, right? I believe there's always room for improvement, whether someone takes the time to tell you about it or not. For example, I could do without hitting my teeth on the mic and going to war with the mic cord. I'm so awkward on stage... I never understand why no one sees it. It's the confidence... that's it. "Confident" is always the way people describe my performances, and it was written on my reviews. I'm not sure how to take that. Some people are confident and terrible, so you sit though it to be "kind". I don't particularly like to be kind... only because I'm involved... I wish there were more honesty in these shows, but I have no idea what was written on the other sheets. On one hand, I wish people would give 1000000% real feedback... on the other hand... it's the "love" and "support" thing. This is important for atmosphere... you don't feel like you're going to get boo'd off stage at Swagger On the Mic, but it also isn't a poor line up, so you don't have much to be mad at. & I hate hatin'. The artists selected to perform are an eclectic group, featuring a variety of music, but Hip-Hop thrives. I can't complain... I guess what every artist wishes to see written a paper are instructions to blow, for you and only you. Where they do that at? lol

I wonder if becoming the artist is the best part? Having Swagger on the Mic is certainly the only way. I'm obsessed. I appreciate every single opportunity to touch the mic. It's an amazing feeling, because no matter how large the rapper's ego is, he/she can improve. I'm reminded of the Solange interview on Hot 97 where she admits that she would go on stage and pretend to be as brave and courageous as her fans thought her to be. What's most amazing about showcases is that everyone in there is human... and this is just the beginning. On September 8th, I didn't know anyone in the building and those are always my favorite events. I love to introduce new people to my art, so I'm excited about the show tomorrow. My EastBrookFamilia will be in the building, my actual familia might make the trek to Brooklyn as well *crosses fingers*. We should be able to get some videos up for you to judge & enjoy. & I actually finally have music on my soundcloud and business cards in my pocket so... Hope to see yall there! #BtchImBoutToBlowUp!!!

Xo,
Ella

Swagger On the Mic - Artist Showcase

Tuesday, October 22nd

7pm

$15 Cover (includes one free drink)

Amarachi Lounge

325 Franklin Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11208