Discover ‘Luck or Favor’ : Aisha Ellis’s Debut Album Blending Hip Hop, Jazz, Soulful Rhythms

 

 

Released: May 2023

About the Project:

We Found Hip Hop in conjunction with Hipnotech Records presents the debut solo Ep release “Luck or Favor” from drummer and percussionist extraordinaire Aisha Ellis, A Detroit native who has toured internationally as the drummer for recording artist Les Nubians, Mahogany Jones, as well as the co-drummer for Jessica Care Moore’s “Black Woman Rock Collective . 

Aisha Ellis’ signature style revolves around playing in the pocket while capturing the essence of the moment.

​This album highlights her skills, and journey in collaboration with seasoned Detroit Musicians whose foundations are rooted in Jazz, R&B and Funk. This medley of musicians which include William Pope, Jon Dixon,(UR/Timeline) Deusx Christian, James Shelton, De’Sean Jones (UR /Timeline) and Andres Hernandez aka DJ Dez (Mahaghoni Music), with the production guidance of P-Gruv (Hipnotech Records/UR.)

Aisha’s debut album embodies a blend of Hip Hop, Jazz, and soulful grooves. Her style draws inspiration from the explosive energy of Art Blakey, technical prowess and innovative approach of Max Roach, complex rhythms of Tony Williams, and the soulfulness of Karriem Riggins. Her album, titled “Luck or Favor,” captures the essence and timeless vibe reminiscent of Roy Ayers mixed with the impeccable groove of Questlove.
 

On “Luck or Favor,” Aisha Ellis‘ drumming doesn’t take up the space of center stage, but rather serves as the driving force behind the album’s infectious rhythms and captivating feel that allows all of the instruments to be heard and felt with equal measure. Aisha’s ability to play in the pocket is her signature, effortlessly locking in with the bass, providing a solid foundation, and creating an irresistible groove that moves the listener. Her flawless sense of timing and control allows each note and rhythm to breathe, ensuring a tight and cohesive musical experience.
 

Incorporating elements from various genres, Aisha’s drumming effortlessly transitions between Hip Hop-inspired beats, jazzy syncopations, and soulful accents. Her use of the hi-hat and ride cymbal creates a shimmering texture, while her snare drumming provides precise and powerful backbeats that make heads nod and feet tap. The bass drum adds depth and weight, punctuating the rhythm and driving the energy forward.

Luck or Favor” captures the spirit with its laid-back and infectious atmosphere. The album resonates with warm and inviting melodies, soulful grooves, and a sense of optimism that brings joy to the listener’s ears. Aisha Ellis’s drumming serves as the heartbeat of the album, infusing each track with a sense of rhythm, groove, and musicality that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

Available Now:
Digital Download
Order Vinyl

WHAT WE DO

We Found Hip Hop (L3C)

Mission:
We provide educational opportunities to the community, specifically women and youth, in the areas of Multidisciplinary performance and visual arts. We focus on building leaders and influencing the perceptions of women.

    What We Do:

Media:

  • Mixtape  of Women’s Voices
  • Podcast

Event Production:

  • Women in Hip Hop Conference
  • Women in Hip Hop Concert
  • Women in Hip Hop Retreat
  • Quarterly Showcase
  • Monthly Forums

Services:

  • Artist Development

  • Artist Consultation

  • Performances

  • Presentations

  • Workshops

  • Young Adult Mentorship

Celebrating Dilla Youth Day 2017 Featuring thestudioArena Mobile Maker Space at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

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For the third year in a row The Foundation of Women in Hip Hop is partnering with The Charles H Wright Museum to celebrate Dilla Youth Day.  This year I have received a $50k Knight Foundation matching grant award for which I am seeking match funds.

This day is a highlight during African American History Month for young people to become excited about exploring the S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) disciplines through the process of participating in and leading hands on engagement in fun educational activities while recognizing a modern homegrown figure in Hip Hop.

J Dilla is a significant African American Musical Producer who created the genre Neo-Soul and revolutionized the sound of 90’s Hip Hop, which accelerated the careers of successful Artists such as Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, DeLaSoul, Janet Jackson, and influenced many others up to our current generation.

There is no cost to youth groups who choose to participate. It is a wonderful opportunity to support Michigan young people and it is a wonderful opportunity to promote the work of various community youth groups doing great work in the city to a very receptive audience of parents, educators, artists, community, and of course youth.

Participation can include but is not limited to one or more of the following:

Hosting a hands-on open workstation
Providing in-kind support
Providing financial support
Providing materials such as computers, arts supplies, sound equipment
Attending with your youth group.

Link to PDF package with event Details.
Link to mp3 file http://bit.ly/CJAMRadio_DillaYouthDay
of our interview with Murad Erzinclioglu, Music Director, CJAM 99.1 FM
from 2015’s event.
(He starts talking around 1:15 and i start talking around 2:39.)

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5th Annual DILLA Youth Day Detroit 2016 at The Charles H. Wright Museum

Dilla Youth Day Flyer

DILLA YOUTH DAY DETROIT 2016

PRESENTED BY: The Foundation of Women in Hip Hop

SPONSORED BY
The Charles H Wright Museum, Whole Foods, Foundation Management LLC, Allied Media ProjectsThe Detroit Digital Justice Coalition,

Art + Culture + Education + Technology + Fun = #DILLAYOUTHDAY

Celebrating Black History Month @ The Charles H Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Det, 48202

This year we are honored to celebrate our 5th annual event on DILLA’s actual birthday (February 7th, 1974) and acknowledging the 10th Anniversary of his passing (Feb 10, 2006).

YOUTH WILL LEARN HOW TO MAKE BEATS!

Sonic Maker Space: In keeping with the DIY spirit of the Dilla style of Music Production, the culture of Mechanical Ingenuity of Detroit, & the removal of Arts & Culture from Public Education, How do we give more opportunities to young people to become makers and learn practical skills that can be applied to their own creative process? This event, based on the Disco Tech model is a fun, compelling hands-on program that will inspire young learners in the STEM disciplines.

(STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) by connecting youth to technologies in order to help them realize the creative potential of cutting-edge hardware and software tools. Also, we’re connecting Detroit’s Best Music Producers & Community Leaders with youth to teach them not only the techniques and equipment but also the history of the Dilla Production Style in order to preserve this culture of Hip Hop.

FREE
Sun Feb 7 2015

Registration 12pm-1pm
Workshops 1pm-5pm
Performances 6pm-8pm

Last year, over 900 youth attended DILLA Youth Day. Detroit Join youth and community from all over SE Michigan

Participation can include but is not limited to the following:

•Hosting a hands-on open workstation

•Providing in-kind support

•Providing financial support

•Providing financial support to provide safe transportation for youth to and from the event..

•Providing financial support to compensate workshop facilitators.

•Providing materials such as computers, electronic components, arts supplies, sound equipment

•Attending with your youth group.

Info + Details: http://bit.ly/DYD2016

#WageLove Support #WomenInHipHop Purchase a T-Shirt

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TheFoundation of WomenInHIPHOP stands in Solidarity with the #WageLove Movement.

We created this t-shirt as a means to raise awareness around supporting life affirming images Women of Color and Black Women in particular. The slogan or motto #WageLove originated with our Martyred Comrade Mama Charity Hicks who, despite the upheaval of various forms of opposition she faced, insisted that the solution to combat oppression is to #WageLove on our communities with conviction and effort.

In our work, we utilize Hip Hop as a tool for civic engagement, community organizing, and social change.

Our work involves Uplifting Women’s Voices in all the Elements of Hip Hop, Showcasing Women Talent, Conducting Healing Workshops, and Expanding Opportunities for Women Artists.

The design of the shirt is an adaptation and ode to the work of graphic artist Emek from his iconic cover art featuring an abstract portrayal of Erykah Badu, reflecting on various topics, including music, religion, governments, and economics to depict American culture and modern society.

Proceeds from the purchase of this shirt go towards sustaining our organization.

Available right now: thefoundationofwomeninhiphop@gmail.com & online Tuesday May 26 from alliedmedia.org

Price: $25

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Designer Melody Powell (@omsoul) at the #AfrikaBambaataa show at Bert’s Warehouse in Detroit.

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#AntoniaLittle + @drdestiny + #BreneRobin at the #AfrikaBambaataa show at Bert’s Warehouse in Detroit.

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Filmmaker & Media Technology Strategist Naeemah Martin + Professor of Women & Gender Studies Kellie Hay + Food Justice Organizer, Farmer, Emcee Kadiri “Sirius” Senefer + Arts Awareness, Community Engagement & Youth Organizer Gregory “GMack” Mackenzie + Writer, Poet, Global Community Organizer Tawana “Honeycomb” Petty at the #AfrikaBambaataa show at Bert’s Warehouse in Detroit.

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Our very first patron @made.in.detroit at African Liberation Day 2015 at The Charles H. Wright Museum (@TheWrightMuseum) in Detroit.

 

 

 

This May is the 6th Anniversary of TheFoundation of WOMENinHIPOP

Support WOMENinHIPHOP

This May is the 6th Anniversary ofTheFoundation of WOMENinHIPOP

Click on the images below to link to a few ways you can support our mission and our cause.

 

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(Click image above to learn more)
Women in Hip Hop as Resistance and Expression
Crowdfunding Campaign to send Youth to The Allied Media Conference #AMC2015
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(Click image above to link to watch video) 
After 5 years of running a Successful Transformative Truly Open-Mic / Open Cipher Space in Detroit dedicated to Uplifting Women’s Voices, Showcasing Women Talent, Conducting Healing Workshops, and Expanding Opportunities for Women Artists, The Foundation has been selected to produce a WOMENinHIPHOP Track at #AMC2015.
BGIRL BATTLE
(Click image above to link to event details) 
The Foundation of Women in Hip Hop, Studio One and B-Girl Ma-Ma’ present:
~~~~~LADIES’ CHOICE BONNIE & CLYDE ALL STYLES FUNDRAISER BATTLE FOR $200~~~~~
This is a fundraiser event to support the ‘Women in Hip Hop as Resistance and Expression’ Allied Media Conference track. This will encourage empowerment for Women in Dance/Hip Hop/Life.