Category: Uncategorized

 

A few days after his 25th birthday extravaganza and his “Sail Your Soul” video shoot in Miami, Curt Cohiba released the sequel to his “Frutti Di Mare Freestyle” he dropped on New Years day. The Quarter Century Freestyle (Will) speaks on his angle of life up to this point. He wants to teach in ways that might be subliminal. Life gems and lessons are jam packed in this track if you truly listen.

The surprise track speaks on his journey to 25 and later a play on the word “Will.” Towards the end of the song he speaks about his niece and nephew and his living will. Wanting privacy and properties for his niece and how his nephew will inherit if all if he has the “will” to take it all over. The ending is actually a play on Godfather 3 when Michael Corleone eventually grew old and had to put his nephew Vincent in charge. Also,  Calling  his nehphew, his “Will” as if Cohiba will be an Uncle Phil life figure in the future. As usual, another Cohiba track that is a little too deep for the times.

The clever Quarter Century Freestyle was engineered by Goo Kaliq, mixed down by Jay-El of the Freshmen in Atlanta, and produced by Jay B who screwed the 7 minute Jay-z and Big L freestyle instrumental that was screwed and slightly chopped for the sequel.

 

Listen, Like, Share, Comment….. #GetUnderTheUmbrella

Attention All Sneaker Heads!!!

Arman Anderson (@thatshoeguy23) is a D1 athlete, scholar, and educator. Anybody who knows him will tell you that he is an encyclopedia when it comes to foot wear.

This guy has been apart of the movement since the birth of the L.O.T.T.O. Society. He has turned his love for sneakers into a growing successful business.

We all have that one pair of Mikes (Jordans) that need to be brought back to life or maybe some Timberland boots that talk when you walk. @thatshoeguy23 is here to save you money and revive your kicks. Here is some of his work below.

 

Email: rasul.arman@yahoo.com for prices and inquiries

#GetUnderTheUmbrella

We are going to start the new year off with a positive social perspective for all the single queens. Meegan Jumfouh wrote a letter to all the ladies who bare a heavy head due to their crown. With a Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois, Meegan has some advice in this heartfelt letter below.

Dear Queen,

I am penning this open letter to you and any individual who is sad, upset, or angry over the idea of entering 2016 single.

Two words: DON’T BE.

Always remember that what is for you, will ALWAYS be for you my Queen. When the timing is right and the chemistry is real, there will never be a single doubt that this is the right man for you. Period. Now remember, a love so great will take time, Queen, but just know that YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH.

The man that God has prepared for you will never judge you from your past or previous mistakes. He will not “nit-pick” or break down your character in an attempt to change you into something that you are not. Lastly, He will not manipulate you into thinking that your love will never be good enough. Instead, He will be your light in a world full of darkness. He will be your shield during the moments when you cannot even shield yourself. He will be the warmth you have always needed when your heart had felt so cold and empty after so many let downs and disappointments.

You see, my Queen, this type of man will not devalue you as a woman when you express your feelings by labeling you a “drama queen” “argumentative” “crazy” or “emotional.” In contrast, he will value your feelings and will also appreciate your expression for you both share the common end goal of having a beautiful, peaceful, long lasting relationship. So as you prepare to achieve your goals and elevate your standards in the New Year continue to radiate your beauty, intelligence, cunningness and kindness for your King will naturally gravitate towards you with an open heart, mind and spirit.

Find more Dear queen letters in the future here: http://xonecole.com/dear-queen-an-open-letter-to-women-frustrated-for-being-single/

Or email your own to Dear Queen letter to editor@xonecole.com

In Curt Cohiba’s latest record released “Frutti Di Mare Freestyle” the 24 year old MC dates himself back again rapping over the Jay-z and Big L 7 minute freestyle instrumental from the mid 1990’s. Cohiba touches on numerous topics in the freestyle from bumping into his anonymous hometown lady MC crush, being arrested in college, and the 21st century Jim Crow.

 

Jackpot is the All-Star Umbrella Band featuring professional musicians from some of the dopest bands in the Chicago-land area. They are like the Super Friends of instruments. If you have had the pleasure of attending a Curt Cohiba show then you know that when the members of Jackpot step away from their own projects to assemble and jam you get what you paid for with extra mild sauce.

Members of Jackpot

Pb: Bassist and Drummer of Sky Machine

Pb usually plays the drums but is a true bassist at heart. He is a being who is fully and solely driven from his love of music. He plays and speaks from the heart at all times and has a plethora of talent that anyone with an open ear and a will for knowledge can learn from. Pb has known Cohiba since he was 5 years old. They have been brothers since. From playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 to playing at sold out venues.

Lex Miller: Acoustic Guitarist

Lex Miller is a jack of all trades when it comes to pleasing a crowd. From stand-up comedy and improv to singing in a packed venue on his acoustic guitar, Lex specializes in entertaining the masses.     He is cracking jokes as we set up on stage and cracking jokes when we break down the set. But the man can play the guitar and can sing. That is no joke.

Jack “Juice” Holland of Sneezy

Juice is a free spirited cat with soul who can play the electric or acoustic guitar in a blizzard in a thin sweater with his eyes closed. Cohiba and Jack use to jam in college together for years before L.O.T.T.O. was even a thought. If he is feeling really freaky, he will break out the harmonica on you and take it away. He is in the band Sneezy a long with his day 1 homie Chops “The Larry Bird of Bass.”

Chops of Sneezy: “The Larry Bird of Bass”

Chops “The Larry Bird of Bass” is simply the man. The guy has nerves of steel and doesn’t say much. But you give him a bass and a couple cigarettes and he will play you his life story. Playing with Juice every other weekend, the two kill the stage and you can literally feel the chemistry in the bass/electric guitar duo.

Max “The Sax” Meador: Any Brass Instrument and The Piano

Rumor has it that Curt Cohiba gets slightly jealous (just slightly) of Max the Sax when they perform Lisa together. That’s only because he steals the show every time with his solo. HE IS THAT GOOD. And just when you think he gave you too much with the sax, he pull out the piano for desert. And if he is feeling funky that day, he will play both at the same time! Maxophone is one BAD man. Jackpot wouldn’t be Jackpot without him.

 

 

   

 

Curt Cohiba pays tribute to one of the legendary originators of Hip Hop, Kool G Rap, with “IL Street Blue.” No hook, no bridge, no intro, just the old fashion Cohiba “Fat Face Franky” flow.

The original instrumental is from Kool G Rap and DJ Polo’s first single “Ill Street Blues” from the 1992 album Live and Let Die. Cohiba’s influences were influenced by Kool G Rap.

Thus, Cohiba pays homage with IL Street Blue.

“I was downtown on Illinois Street. Everything was Blue.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Dr. Charm’s first single “Try” featuring Curt Cohiba, the Jackpot physician displays superb vocal skills while making what few in the music industry seem to create these days…..a love song.

It’s that time of year. Back to school. Books, supplies, parents, last minute registration ect. But for incoming freshman about to experience their first year of college, it could be a very difficult transition for some. Fret not, Brian Thomas of Thomas & Co. Publishing has put together a guide for college students of all levels and most helpful for incoming freshman. The book is entitled “The College Life Guide.”

 

Brian is studying for his Master’s degree at the University of St. Mary’s in Minesotta and knows all about the ups and downs of being a college student. Not only that, he is a good friend of The Umbrella and has our stamp of approval. To learn more click the link to his blog Thomas & Co. Publishing