By Raphael Dunn |Staff Writer| This past Memorial Day weekend, I was given a ticket by Insomniac Events to cover their event RARE at the National Orange Show (NOS) Events Center here in San Bernardino. The event took place on May 24 and was designed, curated, and executed by DJ Carnage in partnership with Insomniac. The event had a massive turnout, which led to me waiting in a packed line for almost two hours with a slew of bass and trap heads, which is a blend of rap, hip hop and electronic sounds. Once inside, I could already hear engaging, booming sounds coming from one of the first acts, which was Brillz. He immediately set the tone for the night when he brought out … [Read more...] about RARE Socal Coverage
Raphael Dunn
Hip hop and Classic rock albums
By Raphael Dunn | Staff Writer | From the golden age of hip hop to classic rock, there is something for everyone. There are albums that someway, somehow have left a lasting impression on CSUSB students. Everyone has their opinion on what albums are most impressionable. These are some that CSUSB students can agree on. Hip hop has been around since the 80s and really grew into popularity during the early 90s with many artists coming out with new sounds and rhymes from both coasts of the country. The iconic rapper Nas released his debut album "Illmatic" in 1994, which is revered to be one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. It contains themes concerning desolation, … [Read more...] about Hip hop and Classic rock albums
The Growlers will leave you growling for more
By Raphael Dunn |Staff Writer| The Growlers made a triumphant return to the West Coast last week performing at The Observatory North Park in San Diego, Calif. on May 9. The band formed in 2006 in Costa Mesa, Calif. and are known for their heavy fusion of rock and psychedelic sounds; a genre they call Beach Goth. The band is composed of Brooks Nielsen (vocals), Matt Taylor (lead guitar), Scott Montoya (drums), Anthony Perry (bass), and Kyle Straka (keyboards) who all bear a striking resemblance to The Doors, a rock band from the late 60s. My night began with standing in line outside of an abandoned building for almost two hours. I found myself surrounded by young fans with … [Read more...] about The Growlers will leave you growling for more
Mumford & Sons lose banjo
By Raphael Dunn |Staff Writer| Mumford & Sons known for the foot stomping and heavy banjo riffs, have gone in a completely new direction with their third studio album, “Wilder Mind.” The English Rock band, led by Marcus Mumford, has gained worldwide recognition for the revival of the “Folk-Rock” sound with their previous albums “Sigh No More” and “Babel.” The band released “Wilder Mind” on May 4, and it is currently No. 1 on the iTunes purchase charts. Before its official release, rumors fluttered about abandonment of the banjo and implementing more electric instruments to their sound. “None of us had any interest in doing Babel 2. It was always … [Read more...] about Mumford & Sons lose banjo
John Singleton drops out of Tupac Shakur biopic
By Raphael Dunn |Staff Writer| Oscar-nominated director John Singleton has chosen to drop out of the new upcoming Tupac Shakur biopic. After previously leaving the project and then returning after a two-year hiatus, he has finalized his decision to abandon the project claiming there is a lack of respect between the legacy of Shakur and with the Morgan Creek Production company according to a personal Instagram he posted one week ago. "The reason I am not making this picture is because the people involved aren't really respectful of the legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur," stated Singleton. Singleton, who has gained notoriety for films such as Boyz in the Hood, Baby Boy, and Higher … [Read more...] about John Singleton drops out of Tupac Shakur biopic