Highlights of CTR2, Part 4: Ebbony Davis & POES

Check The Recipe 2 is my latest mixtape which features 18 musical talents from the 781 area and beyond. I'll be giving some background info on two of the people involved in CTR2 in this entry. Sit back and take in some insight on the Recipe.

At just over 18 years old, Ebbony Davis, who sings Air to Breathe on CTR2, has proven that she is a youth with ambition. She first began recording songs under the tutelage of G. Jonz and Thright Hook about 7 years ago, but she's been singing since she could talk. Since then, Ebbony has been honing her craft with voice lessons and has become a more well-rounded entertainer by joining Runna's ITM Step Squad. As of this writing, she has already sung with one of Berklee College's Music Groups at Boston's former Mayor Menino's retirement party. Below is footage of Ebbony with others on the first of Berklee's "Corner Spot" video-bio series.

The man known as POES (People Only Envy Strength) has worked with Sunspot for years. He first made waves with the Sunspot team by performing on the first Check the Recipe project, blessing us with lyricism for "You Like It" and "Huntin For The Game". Later, he impressed the masses again with his production skills by composing 8 out of 13 songs on One Night Stand, Sunspot's first R&B/pop album. Since moving to New York, POES has not slowed down as he has linked up with Perfect Connect and other notable names in the music industry. While in New York, he was still able to help out G. Jonz by laying down lyrics to the CTR2 song, "Nobody Has To Know". He's a talent who won't let anything stop him from his goals. Below, POES takes a Moment to Speak in the heart of the city.

2012: Most of the Year In Review, Part 3

December 19
ITM Performs at the Halftime Show for the Boston Celtics
As some of you may know, Sunspot's original R&B crooner, Runna, is the Director of the In The Mak'n (ITM) Step Squad and Dance Team. ITM has been relentlessly practicing and rehearsing their performance for weeks. I, G. Jonz, had the honor of putting this mix together. I've done this many times in the past for countless ITM shows, but I could see the fire in these young dancers eyes. For many of them, this was the first time they'd perform in front of an audience -- an audience of 18,000+! The young lions had something to prove. The veterans of the team knew what to expect and gave it 110%, like they do every time they step foot on a stage. Everyone did an amazing job! Here are a few pictures from that night. (Also, as an added bonus to the night, the Celtics won this game against the Cavaliers and this is also the game where Paul Pierce scored 40 points!)

December 24
DJ Seth Chaos Releases Volume 1 of his Certified Mixtape Series
This was actually a nice Christmas surprise to us on the Sunspot team. Seth Chaos, who has worked with us on a number of different projects, has taken songs from many Sunspot releases and mixed them into a unique experience. Chaos has also included the very first S.O.U.L. Music/Sunspot collaborative track as a bonus. You can take a listen below.

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December 28
Last Friday with Sunspot

Yep, this isn't happening until tomorrow night, but it's been mentioned it in the other two parts of the Year in Review, not to mention Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, texts, LynnHappens.com, smoke signals and Morse Code. It will truly be a night to remember and a great way to kick off the last weekend of 2012. Thanks for reading this series. To close out, I'd like to paraphrase a quote by Shawn Michaels:

"We will give you a show like you have never, ever seen before. Why? Because we can."

Year In Review, Part 1
Year In Review, Part 2

2012: Most of the Year In Review

This is the time of year where everyone takes time to reflect on the past calendar year. What was good? What wasn't so good? How many epic fails did I commit? How many Facebook pictures did I like/share because if I "ignored" them it showed that I didn't care? (That one's for you, Thai.)

I figured I'd take the time to give my opinion on some of the things Sunspot has been a part of in the last year. I should have time to bang this out before this week's show.

February 21 - July 31
The Photo Shoot and Making of "Check The Recipe 2" This is actually could've been two different sections. "The Making of" started in February while "The Photo Shoot" started in the last week of July... but they're intertwined. So there you go.

If you've Liked my Facebook page (and if you haven't, you're really missing out on some (high?) quality quips), you noticed a series of photographs featuring the Sunspot crew and other musicians that promoted my second mixtape. The photo shoot was a lot of fun. It's one thing to put in work to promote your work, but when you're surrounded by friends and family, it really doesn't seem like work at the end of the day. It was also a bonus that I knew the photographer from my previous job and the graphic designer from high school. I can't thank them enough for all their hard work, especially when they had to race against the clock!
If you need photography or videography, hit up KKS Photography.
For graphic design of any kind, Wendy Carmona-Florencio - Illustration & Design.

As far as the making of the actual mixtape, I couldn't possibly fit every detail in one entry, which is why I started this. However, I will say that Check The Recipe 2 was more successful than I ever thought. To everyone who was involved in the making of it: artists, producers, writers, loved ones, fans, affiliates, associates and anyone else that doesn't fit into one of those categories, I say THANK YOU.

August 22
KAYA Lynn Out Loud Talent Show (or as I call it, The LAWL Show) Sunspot staples G. Jonz and The Right Hook assisted KAYA behind the scenes in putting together this 2nd annual showcase. Runna also helped in making the show a huge success as ITM's Step Squad and Dance Team both performed that night. The entire process was something I wouldn't trade. The youth involved were so inspiring and incredibly gifted. During practices, they supported each other and gave helpful tips. The other advisers, Lynda and Lyna, offered great insights to the performers. The pressure was on for many reasons, but once the music hit and the lights were on bright, it was showtime and positive energy overpowered everyone in attendance. New friendships were definitely made that night. KAYA Crew, if you're reading this, thank you for the opportunity. I can not WAIT to do it again!

The good people at LynnHappens.com has the entire show on video. Here's the link: http://lynnhappens.com/?p=5932

I looked at my list at what I wanted to write about. I realized that, while I didn't plan to make this a mini-series of blogs, that's ultimately what this will become. All 3 parts will be done before the new year. And possibly before Sunspot's show this Friday.

All We Needed Was One Night

In two years, we've given you 4 albums/mixtapes: Check The Recipe, One Night Stand, Hood Certified and Clearly Outspoken.

After promoting them on the streets, Facebook, Twitter and through videos, the next move HAD to be to give you a live show!

I worked with almost everyone who has worked with us on those 4 projects to cook up A Night Out with Sunspot and I must say that the night was incredible! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

To fans, old and new: We will keep bringing you the music and entertainment that you love. Thanks for ridin wit us. Also, I wanna give very special shout-outs to DB, EP and the Twin Peaks and Pie crew for coming thru!
G. Jonz (in red) & Runna (in blue) Turning It Up for the crowd!

To the management staff at Tatiana's Restaurant & Lounge: I think I can speak for the entire Sunspot team when I say that we cannot thank you enough! Thank you for opening your doors to us and making us feel at home.

Right Hook reppin that cool spot in the heat - you know what it is!

To everyone who brought cameras/video equipment: THANK YOU! We probably should've taken a few ourselves, lol. (Shout out to Kevin D. for the pics in this blog entry!) Also, MASSIVE SHOUT-OUT TO BOSSLADYTEE FILMS. The video from the show is at the bottom of this entry. Subscribe to her YouTube page!

To ITM: Thanks for having that incomparable energy that you always bring! The dancing was great and we loved having you there! This won't the last time we link up!

Two hot Mamacitas from ITM join Right Hook on stage to give the show some added sizzle.

To everyone who brought home souvenirs, mixtapes, albums, etc: Enjoy yourself, especially with J-Dub's first mixtape, "Clearly Outspoken". He's only asking for 20 minutes of your time to listen. It'll be time well spent!
Pockets On Froze featuring Runna

Right Hook & Runna performing "Player" from One Night Stand.

All we needed was one night to show people that Sunspot can light up the stage and give you a great night of entertainment. A Night Out with Sunspot was the FIRST time that we've all performed together at our own show. On behalf of the entire Sunspot family, thank you for making it a success!

Now that that's behind us, things will go back to normal and we'll be working on new albums and new projects.





And another show...?

From left to right: J-Dub, G. Jonz, C.Luk, Runna, Right Hook, and DJ LT - toasting it up to A Night Out with Sunspot!

A Night Out with Sunspot

On July 16, the summer will get even hotter as Sunspot will host a live show at Tatiana's Restaurant & Lounge at 70 Market St in Lynn MA!

Songs from Check The Recipe and One Night Stand will be performed as well as brand-new music from C. Luk, J-Dub, Runna, and Right Hook!

The ITM Dance Team will be our special guests and we'll have other surprises as well! It's a 21+ event and you won't wanna miss it!!

Directions to Tatiana's From North I-95 South, Merge onto I-95 North/128 north via Exit 37A (towards Peabody) Take the US-1 North/RT-129 East Exit- (Exit 44B- toward Danvers) Take the RT-129 East ramp toward Lynn/Swampscott Enter next roundabout and take 1st exit onto MA-129 East Turn RIGHT onto Boston St. Turn LEFT onto Franklin St. Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto City Hall Sq. Turn RIGHT onto Market St. From South I-95 North, Merge onto I-93 North/US-1 North via Exit 12 toward Boston Take Exit 20 toward I-90 / LOGAN AIRPORT / WORCESTER / South STATION Merge onto I-90 Eeat/MASS PIKE/MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE via the exit on the LEFT toward Logan Airport/South Station Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/WILLIAM F MCCLELLAN HWY/EAST BOSTON EXPY. Continue to follow MA-1A North Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/BEACH ST. Continue to follow MA-1A North Pass through 1 roundabout Turn LEFT onto MA-1A / Market St. Continue to follow Market St. From West I-90 East/MASS PIKE/MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE via the ramp on the LEFT toward Boston Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/WILLIAM F MCCLELLAN HWY/EAST BOSTON EXPY. Continue to follow MA-1A North Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MA-1A North/BEACH ST. Continue to follow MA-1A North Pass through 1 roundabout Turn LEFT onto MA-1A / Market St. Continue to follow Market St.

Hit up our Facebook Event page to RSVP. Not on Facebook? Then you can RSVP in the comment section.