Celebrate the Difference. Check out our homegirl Lauren — in this work with Flying Lotus for Adult Swim on TV.

Karen Civil is one of those really doing it, being on top of her social media game, she provides a relevant insiders look into the hip hop, entertainment and music industry.

I had a chance to catch up and meet with her at Gaby’s, getting her thoughts on Civil and the industry. In addition to covering the music industry, Karen has also helped bring awareness to stars like Drake, Nicki Minaj before the advent of their popularity.

Also Karen is a supporter of Civil Clothing, be on the lookout for Karen Civil and Civil Clothing later this year. =)

Kabob combo with Garlic sauce, chicken, roasted and grilled onion and tomato, basmati rice.

This visual guide shows the connection between Dilla, Flying Lotus and Beat movement heavily associated with Low end theory for those in confusion.! Giving new meaning to the phrase, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Civil on Live- Elevated, check it.! Thanks to Gheren for the press love!

Some friends and I were having a discussion about what makes an artist relevant with respect to their skill level and virtuosity. We simply agreed, how technical an artist is a secondary notion when it comes to how much their craft moves on a human level. What sets a transcendent artists from a good or a great one, is the ability to illuminate the human element in their work, that intangible that causes people to feel and relate to their work. Your work can be genius and great, but if its too odd and obscure sometimes your records find themselves dusty.

Roy Ayers is the quintessence of this example. Necessity is the mother of invention, that is why at age 71, contemporary and new fans alike find reason to attend the special concert that was put together not to long ago where he played alongside Jrocc, Thundercat and other greats.

“If I didn’t have music I wouldn’t even want to be here,” Ayers, 71, said. “It’s like an escape when there is no escape. An escape for temporary moments.” Over the years his escape came in many forms: hard-bop, psychedelic R&B, disco, afro beat, hip-hop and house music. But no matter what, an audience always finds him.

Once dubbed by Erykah Badu, as the King of Neo Soul, Ayers has woven himself subconsciously into the annals of hip hop, jazz and music with sampling by 50 Cent, E rule, and a plethora of hip hop royalty, its unquestionable what his influence has bore.

The crossover savant of jazz funk returns to his hometown on Thursday to headline “Homage,” a tribute concert in Ayers’ honor at Exchange L.A., backed by revered hip-hop polymath Pete Rock with support from psychedelic funk bassist Thundercat and Stones Throw DJ J-Rocc.

Much of what today’s music fans know about Ayers comes subliminally through hip-hop. In addition, those would argue his profile got a major second wind when sample-minded emcees of hip-hop’s Golden Era decided to excavate his catalog in the 1990s. It’s easy to see Ayers’ multigenerational influence by looking at the “Homage” lineup of DJs rappers and musicians who have been affected by his music.

Ayers says at least 60 songs have sampled his music and become hits for rappers and producers like Redman and Snoop Dogg, who were infatuated with refitting his warm, jazzy haze of analog sound to the parameters of hip-hop.

“I’m happy to say that I never had to go to anyone to ask them to sample me,” Ayers said. “They just started doing it. It’s been wonderful hearing people put their own spin on my sounds.”

Here are some recap pics of the show I went to recently.

Thundercat Opening, appropriate.

Jrocc taking center stage. always a good sign.

Roy honored with an Award from the City of Los Angeles.

Photo Credit to Tiana Mandriguez, Civil’s guest photographer.

Madlib Celebrating Cultural Diversity. If you watch the cinematography, there’s definitely a deeper message in the meaning. The struggles of having a diverse upbringing but making a career in the arts. Its a struggle many can relate to.

Celebrate The Difference.

Friday:Civil X Revolutionary Minds Presents The Mix up on Melrose!

Open bar and sounds provided by DJ MARK MARCELO and DAME 55.

Giveaways, gift bags by Civil!

Al Harrington of the Denver Nuggets Rocking Civil’s Rebel Flag Tee at Crooks Sunset! S/O to Crooks, Mink and Al!

You can cop the Rebel Flag on Karmaloop!

I had a chance to shoot Vyal this weekend while he was painting some private work.. He had a chance to tell me about his journey and progression as an artist, from graffiti to his development as a fine artist. See how Vyal Celebrates The Difference with his unique style and blend of metal influences into something amorphous, yet familiar.

Fishe gettin down’.

SART.

Vyal Couch.

Two legends in the span of two days, Rest in Peace Heavy D.