Ebizimor Anthony Ogbe (born April 5, 1988), better known by his stage name, Egbezi is a highly unique and creative hip-hop recording artist, song writer, and an occasional music producer from Warri, a popular city situated in the southern province of Nigeria. Egbezi's musical career began in his undergraduate school days in late 2011. However, he first gained recognition when he dropped his ‘No chorus freestyle’ in early 2012, which later appeared on his critically acclaimed debut mixtape, street motivation (2013).
Early Life
Ebizimor Anthony Ogbe was born on April 5, 1988 at a Government central hospital in Sapele, Delta State, to Mr. & Mrs. Ogbe, both of Ijaw decent from Burutu LGA of Delta State, Nigeria. A couple of months after his birth, his parents moved to Warri, where he was raised. He grew up in a multi-ethnic sport and music loving environment, where he developed great passion for music across various genres. Egbezi started rapping at the age of 13, listening and miming the songs of a host of artistes; from Ja Rule, to Nas, Eminem, Fat Joe, Tupac Shakur. He however wrote his first song at the age of 17, and becoming serious with his music only at the age of 23. Till date, the MC has released quite a number of impressive musical projects, with the most recent being his 2016 double releases: a "zero feature" mixtape titled S.A.G.A.R (Setting Aside Guidelines And Rules) and the second installment of his EP sequel, MA Heart: With a Pen & Paper II. Making him the first Warri MC to have released four hip-hop projects.
Following the early release of his “no chorus freestyle” (2012) which gained a healthy dose of airplay on various radio stations across the country, the rapper was forced to combine his tedious and time consuming academics with music despite being an unsigned MC with lots of upsets and setbacks. During that same year, he dropped a couple of singles including 'screaming please', 'dying to live' (which featured A-Q), and the street anthem 'all join', whose visuals was later shot the subsequent year. Egbezi released his debut mixtape in April 2013, titled “Street motivation” which became a trending topic on various entertainment and social media sites across the country.
As a follow up to his street motivation mixtape, Egbezi released his second musical compilation on June 27, 2014, an EP (extended play) titled MA Heart: With a Pen and Paper, which gained positive reviews . And this would go on to become one of the best hip-hop projects with fewer features to be ever released as far as hip-hop in Nigeria is concerned. <ref name=":0" />
Artistry
Influences
Egbezi has cited several MCs in Influencing his style of rapping, including Tupac Shakur, Fat Joe, Eminem, Fugees and Nas. He mastered the arts of rhyming, wordplay and storytelling through his lyrics, which in his own words are a reflection of "normal everyday happenings of our society, the streets to be more precise." <ref name=":1" />
Collaborations
Although Egbez's track record of features has narrowed in recent times, he has worked with various producers and artists such as Beats by Jayy (BBJN), P-fizzy (the Producer of yung6ix's OMG), Wolexly, A-Q, Boogey, Adol, Malyna, Lil P, StrawBoiz, and Str8 money GT (a US based female rapper).
Discography
* Street Motivation (2013)
* MA Heart: With a Pen & Paper (2014)
* MA Heart: With a Pen & Paper II (2016)
* S.A.G.A.R (Setting Aside Guidelines And Rule) (2016)
Early Life
Ebizimor Anthony Ogbe was born on April 5, 1988 at a Government central hospital in Sapele, Delta State, to Mr. & Mrs. Ogbe, both of Ijaw decent from Burutu LGA of Delta State, Nigeria. A couple of months after his birth, his parents moved to Warri, where he was raised. He grew up in a multi-ethnic sport and music loving environment, where he developed great passion for music across various genres. Egbezi started rapping at the age of 13, listening and miming the songs of a host of artistes; from Ja Rule, to Nas, Eminem, Fat Joe, Tupac Shakur. He however wrote his first song at the age of 17, and becoming serious with his music only at the age of 23. Till date, the MC has released quite a number of impressive musical projects, with the most recent being his 2016 double releases: a "zero feature" mixtape titled S.A.G.A.R (Setting Aside Guidelines And Rules) and the second installment of his EP sequel, MA Heart: With a Pen & Paper II. Making him the first Warri MC to have released four hip-hop projects.
Following the early release of his “no chorus freestyle” (2012) which gained a healthy dose of airplay on various radio stations across the country, the rapper was forced to combine his tedious and time consuming academics with music despite being an unsigned MC with lots of upsets and setbacks. During that same year, he dropped a couple of singles including 'screaming please', 'dying to live' (which featured A-Q), and the street anthem 'all join', whose visuals was later shot the subsequent year. Egbezi released his debut mixtape in April 2013, titled “Street motivation” which became a trending topic on various entertainment and social media sites across the country.
As a follow up to his street motivation mixtape, Egbezi released his second musical compilation on June 27, 2014, an EP (extended play) titled MA Heart: With a Pen and Paper, which gained positive reviews . And this would go on to become one of the best hip-hop projects with fewer features to be ever released as far as hip-hop in Nigeria is concerned. <ref name=":0" />
Artistry
Influences
Egbezi has cited several MCs in Influencing his style of rapping, including Tupac Shakur, Fat Joe, Eminem, Fugees and Nas. He mastered the arts of rhyming, wordplay and storytelling through his lyrics, which in his own words are a reflection of "normal everyday happenings of our society, the streets to be more precise." <ref name=":1" />
Collaborations
Although Egbez's track record of features has narrowed in recent times, he has worked with various producers and artists such as Beats by Jayy (BBJN), P-fizzy (the Producer of yung6ix's OMG), Wolexly, A-Q, Boogey, Adol, Malyna, Lil P, StrawBoiz, and Str8 money GT (a US based female rapper).
Discography
* Street Motivation (2013)
* MA Heart: With a Pen & Paper (2014)
* MA Heart: With a Pen & Paper II (2016)
* S.A.G.A.R (Setting Aside Guidelines And Rule) (2016)
Insticator Inc. is an ad tech company based in New York City, whose product, the Insticator Widget, is an interactive publisher tool that provides publishers with interactive content experiences for site visitors, such as curated quizzes and polls and suggested stories, along with viewable ad units.
History
Insticator was founded in 2012 by Zach Dugow, and originally produced an app that operated on a B2C platform that allowed people to make predictions on major television events in the hopes of earning rewards. However, in 2014, Insticator pivoted from gamification to digital advertising and began concentrating on a B2B platform that focuses on providing interactive content while serving digital advertisements.
In June 2017, Insticator was awarded the 2017 Red Herring North America award and was featured on the 2017 Display LUMAscape created by LUMA Partners.
Funding
Insticator has secured over $8M in funding, with $2.2M in a first round angel investment in March 2015, $2.66M in venture funding in February 2016. In July 2017 Insticator acquired $5.2M in Series A funding led by Associated Venture Management and Mintz & Co. Dugow appeared on the live Post-Cable Network Cheddar TV to discuss the July 2017 Series A funding.
History
Insticator was founded in 2012 by Zach Dugow, and originally produced an app that operated on a B2C platform that allowed people to make predictions on major television events in the hopes of earning rewards. However, in 2014, Insticator pivoted from gamification to digital advertising and began concentrating on a B2B platform that focuses on providing interactive content while serving digital advertisements.
In June 2017, Insticator was awarded the 2017 Red Herring North America award and was featured on the 2017 Display LUMAscape created by LUMA Partners.
Funding
Insticator has secured over $8M in funding, with $2.2M in a first round angel investment in March 2015, $2.66M in venture funding in February 2016. In July 2017 Insticator acquired $5.2M in Series A funding led by Associated Venture Management and Mintz & Co. Dugow appeared on the live Post-Cable Network Cheddar TV to discuss the July 2017 Series A funding.
NoTime is a Canadian pop punk band formed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1999. They are known for their heavy, upbeat songs, twin guitar solos, and incorporation of friendly banter and ridicule into their live performances.
History
NoTime was formed in 1999 from the remnants of Red Fish Dead Fish band Trash Can (and various other extreme metal groups). Their career began with the playing of small church/legion shows. The hit song "Small Town Blues" had many downloads in the first few months.
They have played countless shows around the Ottawa area in the city's premier venues such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, Babylon, Barrymore's and even the brand new Capital City Music Hall. Competing in the 2004 Emergenza International Battle of the Bands, No Time made it to the final round and placed 7th out of 74 bands in Ottawa. Shortly afterwards they took 1st place at the Supernova "Last Band Standing" competition.
In 2004 NoTime participated in "Band Together - The John Laplante Benefit Concert". The show was designed to help raise support for John and to help SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) raise awareness after John was hit by a drunk driver.
Musical style
NoTime's musical style includes:
*Frequent use of multi-tracked backing vocals
*Unorthodox guitar-playing methods and on-stage tricks
NoTime sees themselves being rocked in different directions. While maintaining their punk rock roots, they find their influences being drawn from all over the rock and roll spectrum, from Weezer to U2, and Coheed and Cambria through 311. No Time keeps a heavy, upbeat pace throughout their work.
Members
*Chris Rayburn - Bass guitar & Lead vocals
*Pat Maloney - Drums & Backing vocals
*Jeremy Bortot - Lead guitar & Lead vocals
*Jay Carson - Lead / Rhythm guitars
Discography
* Like The Present (2000)
* As Is (2002)
* ' (2004)
History
NoTime was formed in 1999 from the remnants of Red Fish Dead Fish band Trash Can (and various other extreme metal groups). Their career began with the playing of small church/legion shows. The hit song "Small Town Blues" had many downloads in the first few months.
They have played countless shows around the Ottawa area in the city's premier venues such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, Babylon, Barrymore's and even the brand new Capital City Music Hall. Competing in the 2004 Emergenza International Battle of the Bands, No Time made it to the final round and placed 7th out of 74 bands in Ottawa. Shortly afterwards they took 1st place at the Supernova "Last Band Standing" competition.
In 2004 NoTime participated in "Band Together - The John Laplante Benefit Concert". The show was designed to help raise support for John and to help SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) raise awareness after John was hit by a drunk driver.
Musical style
NoTime's musical style includes:
*Frequent use of multi-tracked backing vocals
*Unorthodox guitar-playing methods and on-stage tricks
NoTime sees themselves being rocked in different directions. While maintaining their punk rock roots, they find their influences being drawn from all over the rock and roll spectrum, from Weezer to U2, and Coheed and Cambria through 311. No Time keeps a heavy, upbeat pace throughout their work.
Members
*Chris Rayburn - Bass guitar & Lead vocals
*Pat Maloney - Drums & Backing vocals
*Jeremy Bortot - Lead guitar & Lead vocals
*Jay Carson - Lead / Rhythm guitars
Discography
* Like The Present (2000)
* As Is (2002)
* ' (2004)
Co-operative living arrangements occur when three or more biologically unrelated people choose to live together and share a common residential structure.
Typically, in these co-ops, several people occupy a single dwelling unit, such as a large house, with each person (or couple) having a private area, including a bedroom and, often, a bathroom. In addition, the common areas of the dwelling usually include a shared kitchen, dining room and living room plus, at times, recreation or outdoor spaces.
Arrangements
The residents of the shared dwelling generally establish some agreements as to what contributions, in terms of time and money, are required from each person. Commonly, the total expenses of maintaining the dwelling, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities, repairs, etc., are allocated on a per capita basis to each resident. At times, it may be agreed that some residents can provide labor, such as housecleaning or yard care services, in lieu of financial contributions.
In addition to agreements dealing with the allocation of basic household expenses, co-op residents often develop arrangements regarding daily activities, such as food acquisition, meal preparation and clean-up. Frequently, residents will choose to eat at least some meals (e.g., dinners) together in the common dining room. Plans are usually agreed upon specifying duties for each member of the co-op. A common model is to have some sort of rotation in which each resident takes a regular turn in cooking meals for everyone.
Co-operative living arrangements may be developed for many other aspects of life in the shared dwelling. Social/recreational activities, use of common areas, and admission of new residents are topics for which agreements among the co-op members are commonly made. Generally, there is some established process in which members meet, discuss issues/proposals, and reach some decision as to what the policy of the co-op should be. Since most co-op residential groups tend to be egalitarian in nature, the decision making process is often consensual, with a preference for obtaining agreement from everyone before implementation begins.
Members of a co-op living unit tend to have shared values, often based on similar demographics (e.g., all may be university students, retirees, etc.,). As a result of common interests, living arrangements for the group are often easier to establish and maintain than would be the case if the residents were more diverse in terms of age, socioeconomic status, etc. Disagreements over arrangements inevitably occur, however, and most co-op living groups find it necessary to have some sort of conflict-resolution process available when agreement cannot be reached.
Policies and procedures
For most people, co-op living entails some restrictions on personal freedoms in order to accommodate to the needs and rights of others. Playing loud music in the living room may not be a problem if one is living alone in one's own home but it could be a concern in a co-op residence if others want to have quiet time there. The primary way the wishes of the group get expressed is in the co-op living arrangements that are agreed upon. Members essentially contract to abide by these "house rules" for everyone's benefit.
Agreed-upon arrangements are sometimes informal and based on tacit understanding by the members. Alternatively, arrangements may be codified more formally, into a kind of "policies and procedures" manual, with sign-off agreement required by all members. Most co-op living groups find it necessary to have at least some kind of documentation, such as schedules showing who is to do what, and when. Written statements of operational guidelines are also helpful to inform prospective new members of what is expected of them.
Many city, state and local governments will have restrictions/requirements for changes in land use. Be sure to check with your local governing authorities to make sure you meet all necessary requirements in opening your home to rentals.
Positives, negatives and challenges
Although the limitations on individual freedom of expression may be perceived as a downside, the trade-off for co-op living members is the enhanced social interaction and support that can be realized in the shared residence. The arrangements themselves create a social structure that often promotes cohesion and bonding among the co-op residents. Joining with housemates in shared meals, clean-up crews, party-planning, etc., can provide interactive opportunities not available to those living independently.
Some co-operative living situations emerge more or less spontaneously. Others are carefully planned with a specific vision in mind. Co-op living units are often created by a core group of people who want to form a kind of voluntary or intentional family in a shared living environment. Start-up decisions must be made regarding how to allocate personal space, what activities to share, what form of tenancy or ownership to adopt, etc. Coping with restrictive local regulations or opposition from neighbors may be issues. A common challenge is to fill vacancies with new members who have prosocial values, interests and abilities which are compatible with the existing group.
Co-operative living is a kind of alternative lifestyle. It represents an option different in significant ways from the traditional model of independent living in which single individuals or couples live alone, each in a fully self-contained dwelling unit. One of the primary motives prompting people to explore the co-op living alternative is the perceived loneliness, isolation and disconnection from others experienced in the nuclear family and by many who live alone, even in a coupled relationship. By creating a family of choice and sharing a residential unit with that intentional ohana, individuals and couples hope to develop a home base of support and social security.
Related concepts
Although co-op living arrangements can exist at any size, those involving larger groups are often referred to as intentional communities. Co-op living arrangements are generally thought of as occurring within a single dwelling unit, shared by all. Other group-living alternatives, such as cohousing or ecovillages, typically involve multiple dwelling units with some shared structures also. Collective housing is another arrangement where members might live in one dwelling, but they pool certain resources such as groceries and utilities to simplify daily chores. A commune may be seen as a special type of co-op living arrangement in which there is often less personal space and more communal ownership of property. Co-op living arrangements need not be based on any specific ideology or purpose other than to share the social and economic benefits of living together with others who are supportive and compatible. A gaming house is a co-operative living arrangement between members of a video game team, frequently one that competes in professional or esports events.
Millennial Co-living companies around the world
* Common - USA
* WeLive - USA
* HubHaus - USA
* YouPlus - China
* Mofang - China
* CoHo - India
Typically, in these co-ops, several people occupy a single dwelling unit, such as a large house, with each person (or couple) having a private area, including a bedroom and, often, a bathroom. In addition, the common areas of the dwelling usually include a shared kitchen, dining room and living room plus, at times, recreation or outdoor spaces.
Arrangements
The residents of the shared dwelling generally establish some agreements as to what contributions, in terms of time and money, are required from each person. Commonly, the total expenses of maintaining the dwelling, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities, repairs, etc., are allocated on a per capita basis to each resident. At times, it may be agreed that some residents can provide labor, such as housecleaning or yard care services, in lieu of financial contributions.
In addition to agreements dealing with the allocation of basic household expenses, co-op residents often develop arrangements regarding daily activities, such as food acquisition, meal preparation and clean-up. Frequently, residents will choose to eat at least some meals (e.g., dinners) together in the common dining room. Plans are usually agreed upon specifying duties for each member of the co-op. A common model is to have some sort of rotation in which each resident takes a regular turn in cooking meals for everyone.
Co-operative living arrangements may be developed for many other aspects of life in the shared dwelling. Social/recreational activities, use of common areas, and admission of new residents are topics for which agreements among the co-op members are commonly made. Generally, there is some established process in which members meet, discuss issues/proposals, and reach some decision as to what the policy of the co-op should be. Since most co-op residential groups tend to be egalitarian in nature, the decision making process is often consensual, with a preference for obtaining agreement from everyone before implementation begins.
Members of a co-op living unit tend to have shared values, often based on similar demographics (e.g., all may be university students, retirees, etc.,). As a result of common interests, living arrangements for the group are often easier to establish and maintain than would be the case if the residents were more diverse in terms of age, socioeconomic status, etc. Disagreements over arrangements inevitably occur, however, and most co-op living groups find it necessary to have some sort of conflict-resolution process available when agreement cannot be reached.
Policies and procedures
For most people, co-op living entails some restrictions on personal freedoms in order to accommodate to the needs and rights of others. Playing loud music in the living room may not be a problem if one is living alone in one's own home but it could be a concern in a co-op residence if others want to have quiet time there. The primary way the wishes of the group get expressed is in the co-op living arrangements that are agreed upon. Members essentially contract to abide by these "house rules" for everyone's benefit.
Agreed-upon arrangements are sometimes informal and based on tacit understanding by the members. Alternatively, arrangements may be codified more formally, into a kind of "policies and procedures" manual, with sign-off agreement required by all members. Most co-op living groups find it necessary to have at least some kind of documentation, such as schedules showing who is to do what, and when. Written statements of operational guidelines are also helpful to inform prospective new members of what is expected of them.
Many city, state and local governments will have restrictions/requirements for changes in land use. Be sure to check with your local governing authorities to make sure you meet all necessary requirements in opening your home to rentals.
Positives, negatives and challenges
Although the limitations on individual freedom of expression may be perceived as a downside, the trade-off for co-op living members is the enhanced social interaction and support that can be realized in the shared residence. The arrangements themselves create a social structure that often promotes cohesion and bonding among the co-op residents. Joining with housemates in shared meals, clean-up crews, party-planning, etc., can provide interactive opportunities not available to those living independently.
Some co-operative living situations emerge more or less spontaneously. Others are carefully planned with a specific vision in mind. Co-op living units are often created by a core group of people who want to form a kind of voluntary or intentional family in a shared living environment. Start-up decisions must be made regarding how to allocate personal space, what activities to share, what form of tenancy or ownership to adopt, etc. Coping with restrictive local regulations or opposition from neighbors may be issues. A common challenge is to fill vacancies with new members who have prosocial values, interests and abilities which are compatible with the existing group.
Co-operative living is a kind of alternative lifestyle. It represents an option different in significant ways from the traditional model of independent living in which single individuals or couples live alone, each in a fully self-contained dwelling unit. One of the primary motives prompting people to explore the co-op living alternative is the perceived loneliness, isolation and disconnection from others experienced in the nuclear family and by many who live alone, even in a coupled relationship. By creating a family of choice and sharing a residential unit with that intentional ohana, individuals and couples hope to develop a home base of support and social security.
Related concepts
Although co-op living arrangements can exist at any size, those involving larger groups are often referred to as intentional communities. Co-op living arrangements are generally thought of as occurring within a single dwelling unit, shared by all. Other group-living alternatives, such as cohousing or ecovillages, typically involve multiple dwelling units with some shared structures also. Collective housing is another arrangement where members might live in one dwelling, but they pool certain resources such as groceries and utilities to simplify daily chores. A commune may be seen as a special type of co-op living arrangement in which there is often less personal space and more communal ownership of property. Co-op living arrangements need not be based on any specific ideology or purpose other than to share the social and economic benefits of living together with others who are supportive and compatible. A gaming house is a co-operative living arrangement between members of a video game team, frequently one that competes in professional or esports events.
Millennial Co-living companies around the world
* Common - USA
* WeLive - USA
* HubHaus - USA
* YouPlus - China
* Mofang - China
* CoHo - India