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Best of RVA Missed Connections: October 9 – October 15

RVA Staff | October 16, 2018

Topics: Central Virginia, missed connections, richmond, River City, RVA, RVA missed connections, virginia

What a week for those tenacious lost souls looking to touch fate and spark intrepid romances.

One never knows where Cupid’s Arrow might find them: At a convenience store, at the tractor supply, or perhaps as the manager of Red Lobster makes sure “everything is operating smoothly.” Smooth, indeed.

Into this week’s dance with destiny, you’ll find a little something for everyone — notably for the handsome farm and country boys, especially the “awfully cute” ones playing some “dope country music.”

Also be on the look-out for Josh and Jordie (What up, bruhs!). Someone needs to exchange some photos with you guys from a recent brewery tour.

7-11: Forest hill

“You: blonde, white vehicle getting gas, you work/volunteer with fine arts. I keep seeing you everywhere, and am taking it as a sign from the universe to post this missed connection. Grab a drink or dinner together? I am a SWM.”

Blond Woman at Flagstop Car Wash: Parham 

“You were detailing your Beamer on Saturday around 5:30… Love the way you look and your attention to detail is sexy. Great eyes and…”

Red Lobster Manager

“I was eating out at red lobster with my family and saw you walking around, making sure everything, was operating smoothly.

You had reddish brown hair and cute ears that stick out from your head and thick, thighs and a voice that says I don’t put up with peoples shit. 

I’d like to get to know you and I’m not in it for free food or nothin. I’m 25, male, have a full time job with a college degree, 6’1 190 pounds.”

Wawa: Forest hill

“Polite younger gent in line that put out a welcoming vibe. My transaction after you was slower than I would’ve liked. I was hoping to spark up a conversation in the parking lot but, you vanished. 🙁 Message me if this was you. Maybe we could hang out as early as tonight?”

We Met Leaving Farm Fresh – f4m (E Main) 

“You helped me with my groceries after one of my grocery bags broke. I really appreciated the help and you were really cute and I didn’t even get to hear your name. You were a good-looking gentleman wearing sunglasses. If you’re on snap or qwikmeet tell me what name you go by.”

Went Brewery-Hopping With Josh/Jordie: Richmond, VA

“I went brewery hopping with Josh and Jordie in Richmond on October 11th. I lost my phone on the way back to where I was staying and was not able to text them and say I made it safely. If you get this please reach out via email to exchange photos… all my photos were lost with the phone. Or you can try texting the number in a week and a half, as I should have a replacement by then.”

Country Boy at Tractor Supply: Powhatan 

“Saw you over and over throughout the aisles and in the parking lot at the Tractor Supply in Powhatan. You’re awful cute. Love the hat and boots, and your truck isn’t too shabby either. You: white, not too tall, dark hair, clean face, seemed kind of quiet, shy. Me: short, white female in jeans, cowboy hat and boots buying chicken feed. Would love to talk farming…..”

Light Skin Curly Hair Girl Cooking at McDonalds: Hopewell McDonalds 

“You were working around 5 this evening at McDonalds next to 7-11. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you while waiting for my order. Being that you were in the back I didn’t get a chance to talk to you. Let’s go out for dinner sometime.”

Country Boy: Glen Allen, VA

“To the country boy I was going to walk past and didn’t because I consciously decided to turn and walk a different way; and then you pulled up at the 7-11 with some dope country playing…I wanted to go up to you and say it’s not that I don’t think you’re attractive I just didn’t want it to be awkward. I’m sure you’re an awesome guy and, just to let you know, I felt bad about the missed interaction the entire rest of my day. (Plus anyone who knows me knows I’m country as fuck.)”

You Checked Out In Line Behind Me: Aldi on Boulevard

“you were tall handsome, blue eyes and wearing a blue t shirt. Looked like you were on a break from work. I was in line right in front of you and had made eyes with you while we were shopping. You drove away in a white work van/truck.

I thought you were incredibly hot and I hesitated hitting on you because you looked so good 

I hope you see this and respond”

Tuesday Morning Home Depot: Short Pump

“You were looking good. Pretty smile and we laughed at the other employee. Just wondering if you were single? If by chance you see this, tell me what color dress you had on and what I was picking up. I know your name by the reciept [sic].”

“Awareness” by Bigal Harrison feat. Michael Millions Needs Your Attention

Hip Hop Henry | October 4, 2018

Topics: Awareness, Bigal Harrison, hip hop, Michael Millions, music video, rap, Rapper, richmond, River City, RVA

Here’s the new clip from VCU Track Star and RVA rhyme kicker, Bigal Harrison, for his buzzing single “Awareness,” off of the forthcoming album Bintage. Joined on the track by veteran emcee Michael Millions, the two take a trip down Grace Street and wax poetics. With a vintage production feel to match the street vibe of the visuals, the young gunner and the man with the mural are setting the fall season off correctly.

Tucker Carlson Goes Mental Over Stormy Daniels Performing in Richmond

Landon Shroder | September 14, 2018

Topics: Fox News, Michael Avenatti, President Trump, richmond, River City, RVA, Stormy Daniels, Tucker Calrson

Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, the scourge of liberals everywhere, got into a heated exchange with Stormy Daniels’ lawyer, Michael Avenatti, on Thursday, disparaging Richmond’s strip club, The Papermoon; and thus disparaging all of Richmond in the process. The conservative blowhard, in the exchange with Daniels’ lawyer, said, “Stormy Daniels was to perform in Richmond, in a depressing strip club, this hero that you say you are protecting…why  you are on television wearing expensive suits…why is she doing that?”

Damn, things just got real.

Regardless of Carlson’s whataboutism, Avenatti spoke truth to power and simply replied with, “Because she wants too, Tucker. This is America, and guess what, if a woman wants to perform in a strip club she does so, even though people like you demean her.”

Damn, things just got real, real.

The exchange only gained velocity from there with Carlson throwing everything but the proverbial kitchen sink at Avenatti including calling him a “moralizer” – which is hilarious when  your job is to defend President Trump on a daily basis – he also claimed that the lawyer cheated on his taxes – before eventually returning to shame Daniels’ once more by saying, “Your client is not thriving. For you to look me in the eye and say she wants to perform in strip clubs with people throwing stuff at her is insulting.” He went on to say the only women who strip are people who lack choice, or, ever the arbiter of a women’s moral character, because, “she likes it.” But the really outrageous bit in this whole tempestuous tete-a-tete is when Carlson doubles back to the River City to make that point, saying, “…I know she’s working in a strip club in Richmond.”

Avenatti, never one to miss a good rhetorical gut punch then asks Carlson, “Do you have that big of a problem with porn? When’s the last time you’ve [seen] porn?” Uncomfortable giggles abound before Avenatti, dead to rights, looks Carlson in the eye and asks, “Do you believe people who view porn should watch your show? Do you?”

Damn, things just got real, real, real.

At this point, the conversation has taken such a glorious turn for the salacious that Carlson finally admits, “I don’t even know how to answer that,” right before telling him that he is a fake feminist hero who should be ashamed for exploiting Daniels. Never to miss a chance to self-aggrandize, Carlson also makes it clear that the other channels might let Avenatti get away with this fake feminism, but Fox News never will.

This is #Murica2018. Live in it, love it, and just go with it.

Why Richmond Still Rules Virginia

Landon Shroder | August 27, 2018

Topics: richmond, River City, RVA, Weekend, Weekend Events

A lot happened in Richmond this past weekend, all of which showed that the River City still rules the Commonwealth. There are obviously great things going on all over Virginia, but none quite stack up to what Richmond can pull off in the course of 72 hours.

Just a quick list of what went down this weekend: Activists stood in solidarity with the national prison strike at the Richmond City Jail, there was the 16th Annual Happily Natural Day, the ever-eventful Cultural Crawl RVA,  Thank You, Aretha Franklin: A Life Celebration with Gallery 5, the start of Black Breastfeeding Week, Wing Chow’s opening exhibit “Flux” at Artspace, and Full Moon Fever at the Broadberry – just to name a few that we can remember (hint, hint).

And no doubt, the squad missed something rad because we can only manifest our physical presence at so many places at any one time. Yet, this is RVA Mag so we clearly threw our Saturday in the direction of Vinyl Conflict and the Rest in Pieces Appreciation Day Block Party featuring bands like Nosebleed, Slump, and of course, Richmond hip-hop giant Nickelus F. We also dropped in on the 7th Episode of Lyricist Lounge at Strange Matter, where Radio B, Illa Styles, BC Music and other artists performed and competed to be the live cypher champions.

The collaboration between scenes in Richmond – the punk and rap scene – is as inspiring as it is essential, and proves that the River City is one of the few outposts in the Commonwealth that is still looking towards the future in both substance and style.

Some of the best photos from these events can be found below:

Vinyl Conflict Customer Appreciation Day 

The One and Only Michael Millions #legend
The Wild Bunch
Nosebleed
Glorious
Nickelous F, aka, Horace Hardbody
The Firm
Slump
Righteous

Lyricist Lounge: 7th Episode

Your Host, Radio B
TR3DEMARK
Illa Styles
Yung Sums
Gold, Oil, and Drugs. Radio B and Illa Styles
Franciose Hamilton
Stretch
Butta Leather. Illa Styles
Zhe’ Aqueen

The Conqueror Returns

John Donegan | August 20, 2018

Topics: hip hop, Nick F, rap, richmond, River City, RVA, shows, Tour

We were already knocking back our second shot of whiskey when Nickelus F walked into Commercial Taphouse, the prolific rapper just returning to Richmond after his first national tour. Sliding into the booth alongside us with a worn backpack and noticeable jet lag below his eyes, you wouldn’t suspect that he is one of the most dominant rappers on the east coast. 

That’s Nickelus F.

At 35, Nickelus F, carries himself with a casual humility, one that is both sly and confident. “I’m a master of names. Like…I’m Nickelus F, but I’m also Sweet Petey, I also go by Jellyfish Jones, Nick Fury, Bison Beckford…” He names a few more, his hands gesturing for each. “Rufus Ogelthorpe, Gomez Garfunkel, Horace Hardbody…it’s my thing.” His grip on the name game starts with MF Doom, one of his top inspirations and a mentor in rap aesthetics, telling us, “You got MF Doom, but you also got Madvillain, you got fucking King Gidora.” 

Settling in for what was obviously becoming a boozy interview, we ordered another round of whiskeys, clinking glasses to his successful tour. When asked how it went, Nick popped out of his seat full of energy bringing to life the atmosphere of being on the road.

“The shows, that’s what it was for me,” Nick said, telling us that his fanbase has always been diverse which adds to the energy of the shows. Watch any of the Instagram videos Nick posted during the tour and it is not hard to see that kinetic energy on full display. Yet he also acknowledged how his verse adds to the accessibility of his music. “I feel like a lot of things I talk about are human truths. So doing those shows, I love the energy.”

While no stranger to performing, this was his first continuous tour and while Richmond is always close to his heart, he said the tour stops in Memphis, New Orleans, Houston, and Atlanta were some of his favorite shows, describing Philly as “fucking insane.” 

 “It was very eye-opening. It is hard to see it all if you are not getting out there touching people in these different cities. That was the powerful part for me,” he said. 

Pointing out how intense some of the shows could be, he said, “I tapped myself out early! I lost my voice from performing way too hard after my third show and my knee was still sore from stage diving.” That’s not hard to imagine if you’ve ever been to one of Nickelus F’s shows. His presence on stage is confrontational, visceral, and totally engaged with the audience.  

Recently heralded by Pitchfork as a leading figure of Richmond’s rap scene, Nick is seeing some major airtime and rightfully so. The veteran rapper, who dropped his eighth studio album, “Stuck” back in May,  has cultivated a strong following from nearly two decades in the scene and is quick to admit that everyone is talking about Richmond. “This is the place. Even if you go anywhere else, even in the 757, Northern Virginia, they’re all talking about the Richmond scene.”

Yet success doesn’t happen in a vacuum and according to Nick, collaboration is key for artists and something they need to embrace in a small city. “[I want] to grow this city, to grow the culture. I want to work with more people, do more collaborations, I love brainstorming and throwing ideas around,” he said. The rapper said he’s been in talks with Richmond metal band Division of Mind about a potential collaboration. “We talked about it on the tour, I really fuck with what they’re doing,” he said.

That’s the River City grind which is putting Richmond on the map.

Joining Nickelus F on tour was fellow Richmond native and hip-hop heavyweight, Lil Ugly Mane. Back in 2015, the two joined forces to release a joint album, “Trick Dice,” which was distributed as a cassette throughout Richmond and sold out in almost an hour.

“Ugly Mane is like a crazy genius, he’s well versed and he comes from the punk scene, he’s a pure dude with a high integrity level in the music he creates,” he said. “When we did ‘Trick Dice’ together, none of those songs sounded the way they did when I initially recorded them.”


Comparing Ugly Mane to Frankenstein, Nick described him as “the doctor who created the monster.”

While many artists from the River City look elsewhere for the break, striking out for New York or Los Angeles, Nick still loves the grit of Richmond. While he was quick to mention some of the other scene pioneers like Slapdash who created Epic Fest, he also talked about how culture acts as the connective tissue for the entire rap community. “What’s going to blow people up from out of here is light being on the whole scene, that’s what makes it special. It is not just going to be one person. People are going to fall in love with the culture of the city the same way they did with Atlanta, Houston, and the Bay Area. The culture blows an area up.”

Yet its not just the music that keeps Nick grounded. Being a father to two sets of twins is only one of Nick’s accomplishments. Add that to eight studio productions, an induction into the 106 and Park Freestyle Friday Hall of Fame, and a recent degree from VCU in strategic advertising and Nick is well placed for what’s next.

And even though he just got off an intense tour, Nickelus F isn’t ready to relax just yet. He said he wants to tour more often, but wants to fly solo for his next trip on the road. For this, he made another investment shortly after graduation – an investment in himself to better market his brand. “I took what I have and what I learned about websites, made an LLC, I got Illustrator and Photoshop, I made shirts. With what I have now, I feel much more liberated and less worried about the future.”

With the growing rap and hip-hop community starting to extend past the creative confines of New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles, more eyes have been put on smaller communities to enrich the market with genuine originality.

And with few cities able to compete on the grounds of tension and controversy, Richmond has the resources to incubate the next wave of artistry. Few know this better than Nick, who has articulated his challenges into the narratives and verse he is now known for.

“Before I went back to school, I went through dead-end warehouse jobs,” he said. “I’ve always worked hard jobs where I was easily replaceable – they could chop me and fill somebody else in – and it happened, right after I had my babies.” All of his hard work has started to pay off though and for the first time, Nick has started to see a return on his rap career, telling us, “It’s amazing because I’ve made more money since graduating [last May] than I have in a long time – like, since ever.”  

After several more drinks and some off-the-record banter, we got up to leave. On the walk, a person or two would break away from their tables to shake Nick’s hand. Some simply wanted to congratulate him on a successful tour, while the bar owner told Nick the next time he came in the first round was on him.

A short time later we rendezvoused at the house of our managing partner to bullshit over some more whiskey and a joint. I gave him one more question, asking him what’s next?  

He answered confidently, “A whole lot of ruckus.” 

In the meantime, catch Nickelus F at Vinyl Conflict’s upcoming Customer Appreciation Day concert Sat., August 25 alongside hardcore punk bands Bib, Nosebleed, Deviant, and Slump.

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

 

Photos by Landon Shroder

Tank Tweets and other Tank News from Richmond

Landon Shroder | June 6, 2018

Topics: APC, M113, National Guard, richmond, River City, RVA Tank, State Police, Tank

There has been a lot of tension in Richmond recently. Everybody can feel it, everybody knows why. This city has a mess of critical issues to deal with right now: how the police apply lethal force, rapidly accelerating rents and housing costs, and public schools that lack essentials like toilet paper and soap. From a certain perspective, things could and should be a lot better.

Yet in times like these, we look for those things which help ease the feelings of discouragement that come from a city system that never quite seems to work for the everyday person.  Last night was just such a thing. Thank you, RVA Tank.

At around 750pm, a National Guardsman out of Fort Pickett, near Blackstone, Virginia, stole an armored personnel carrier (APC) and led police on a merry chase that eventually ended on Broad Street in Downtown Richmond. The vehicle appeared to be a M113 fully tracked armored vehicle, which was first deployed with mechanized infantry units during the Vietnam War. According to Stars and Stripes, the military’s newspaper, the police began to pursue the APC as soon as it left the base, clocking it at a top speed of 40 mph as it made its way down routes 460 and 95.

By 930pm, the APC could be seen driving down Broad Street in the Fan with the police in pursuit. One trending video by Parker Slaybaugh shows the vehicle powering past the intersection of Meadow and Broad.

RVA Mag arrived on the scene by 1030 pm to speak with the State Police, who had an area around the APC cordoned off from the Children’s Hospital to the Library of Virginia. “He did stop on his own accord and got out of the vehicle and got on the ground,” said a spokeswoman for the State Police. “He failed to comply with numerous orders from the trooper and at that point, he was tased. It was repeated commands and he failed to do so.”

Shortly thereafter, men in military uniforms could also be spotted on the scene with the State Police. Asked if he was an active duty service member, the spokeswoman confirmed for RVA Mag that he was indeed National Guard.

Nonetheless, while the facts were unfolding on the street, Richmond had already taken to Twitter in a bout of epic tweeting, setting the context for what will surely be the cocktail chatter of choice for many weeks to come. Below are some of the best tweets of the evening:

Tankman Fan Account did not disappoint, expressing the sentiment everyone in the city was feeling at the time; a true statement that captured the selflessness of RVA Tank and what he meant to the River City.

Yes, Moody. We are all of those things (and more).

RVA Coffee Stain is right. #NeverForgetRVATank

We heart RVA Dirt.

The truth, finally.

It was only a matter of time (and a stolen APC).

Of course, it is (was, for like five minutes).

Like, what half the people in Richmond were thinking (hoping for).

Things that did not happen in neighboring West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, or Kentucky last night.

Life goals, city goals. How do we move on from here?

We’ve all seen (and lived) this movie now.

Last night regrets.

Who is playing this weekend?

You certainly did, condolences.

Photos by Landon Shroder

 

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