If you are not familiar with social networks such as Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and others, then you might be wondering why there is a number sign in the title of this blog. In the social media world, the number sign is called a “hashtag.” Hashtags are usually used as an organization tool to make it easier for those interested in a specific topic to browse what others have shared using that same hashtag. For example on Twitter, if you search #JustinBieber,  you will find endless tweets about Justin Bieber. On Instagram, if you share a photo of your favorite football player then an appropriate hashtag to use could be #football or #FavoritePlayer. Facebook has now incorporated the use of hashtags for users to include in their updates and they will have the same result as they do on Twitter, Instagram or other sites that have been using hashtags for a while.


Some people do not know how hashtags are used and nothing is wrong with that.  “Etiquette note for those using hashtags on Facebook… Please, no more than three hashtags per post. This actually applies to Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ as well. #facebookhashtags #etiquette #socialmedia.” This Facebook status update, from business consultant Tony Gates, gives a perfect example of how hashtags are supposed to be used. Gates used hashtags for key terms in his status update that others can click on to view what is being said about etiquette or social media from users all over the world.

Now, if you decide to use hashtags on Facebook or other social networks, #do #not #hashtag #every #single #word. This is really annoying and pointless so just try to limit the hashtag use to short phrases or key terms. In order for a hashtag to work properly you must put the hashtag before the term or phrase. For example, #NewBlog is the correct way to hashtag a phrase, NewBlog# is incorrect. You can separate different hashtags with a space like #NewBlog #InterestingTopic. If I were to write #NewBlog#InterestingTopic no one will be able to click on the hashtag to see what others are saying. Personally, I like to capitalize the first letter of each word in a hashtag phrase like I did with #NewBlog because it is just easier to read; however, this is not necessary. Hashtags will work just fine even if all letters are lowercase.
One more thing to keep in mind, if your settings are set to “friends only” on Facebook, “Protect Tweets” on Twitter or “Private” on Instagram then public will not have access to your posts. So if you try to participate in contest that requires the use of a specific hashtag then you will not be able to do so if your settings are on private.
Technology and the Internet are changing rapidly every day and they are becoming a bigger part of our lives. With every new idea we come across we can make many uses of it. There are many other ways hashtags are used and this blog was only introduction. You may now #HashtagAway!

Joanne Serrieh is a kssu.com DJ.
Twitter: @JoanneSerrieh

Fat Tony’s new album opens with, wait for it…Smart Ass Black Boy.  A short track, but the beat definitely can hook you in.  The first single to be released by Fat Tony is BKNY – a solid track that fuses Fat Tony’s southern rap style with the east coast flavor in the beat. But even more upbeat than BKNY is Hood Party.  As we say here in the bay of California, the beat from that song just slaps so hard!

I must say, however, that the most surprising song I heard on the album was Father’s Day.  Often times, rappers will have one or more songs about their mom.  Seldom, however, do you hear a song about their dad.  Most who do rap about their dads don’t have much nice to say (i.e. Drake - “And my father living in Memphis now he can’t come this way over some minor charges and child support that just wasn’t paid.  Boo-hoo, sad story, black American dad story”).  But here is Fat Tony, who also doesn’t speak of great stories of his father but sings about how his dad didn’t really like him rapping, but Fat Tony recognizes a lot of his looks and more he gets from his dad and he even feels happy to admit it.  Wait, what?  Great song.  It is one of those things that plagues the hip-hop and rap community but goes unnoticed (subordinate to the genre’s love of explicit lyrics, poor messages, images, and role models, and its blatant disrespect for women).

Fat Tony’s rapping style is deeply rooted in how southern rap has established itself – slow, hard hitting, but clear enough for you to capture every word said.  It is really reminiscent of Ludacris’ explosive enunciation.  I do greatly appreciate Fat Tony’s conscientious, witty, “real” lyrics included in most songs.  And teaming up with Tom Cruz adds the musical flavor to put together a masterpiece.  I recommend listening to track #4 BKNY, track #7 Hood Party, and track #10 Sleepover.  However, I do recommend listening to the whole album to see if you may like more tracks.

Check more out from Fat Tony:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fattonyrap
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fattonyrap
Website: http://www.fattonyrap.com

Check out DJ Mappquest on Facebook, Twitter, and on KSSU.com – Tuesdays 6-7 PM for sports talk, plus Wednesdays 5-6 PM and Fridays 6-8 PM for music!

Quadron is one of those artists you are not listening to, but definitely should (if you are listening to them, fantastic).  “Avalanche” is the group’s second foray in the music world, following their equally solid effort in their self-titled album.  Perhaps this review is biased since one of my personal favorite genres currently happens to be neo-soul, but I digress…

“Avalanche” doesn’t skip a beat from Quadron’s self-titled album.  It still holds they very smooth, very soulful sounds from great tracks like “Average Fruit” and “Slippin.” Many of the tracks from “Avalanche” hold the same catchy-ness from their first album.  The accompanied music still holds to be on-point as well, came that same old sound that long time listeners fell in love with originally.

Coco Malaika’s voice is beyond amazing.  Though there are many great singers in the world, Malaika captures the extra flavor to set her apart – the soul of singing.  It is hard to listen and not feel what she is singing.  It is hard to listen and not be moved by her voice.  She’s accompanied by Robin Braun who strings together wonderful musical pieces.  Braun fully sets the tone in every track.

“Avalanche” also features a track featuring Kendrick Lamar – a surprise collaboration I didn’t expect.  In my personal opinion, “Avalanche” is a step away from Quadron’s self-titled album in that their new tracks are a departure from the “pop” feel their first album had on some tracks.  Still, a nice evolution and sign of growth as musicians.

“Avalanche” is slated to hit physical and digital shelves on June 4th, 2013.  The whole album is pure amazing neo-soul and R&B.  But if you need to give a few early listens, check out “Better Off” (the track featuring Kendrick Lamar), as well as “Hey Love.” Then go ahead and buy the album (or just the tracks you like, though I truly recommend the entire album), and put it into your personal circulation of tracks you listen too.

Check out more from Quadron:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/quadronmusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/quadronmusic
Website: http://quadronmusic.com

Check out DJ Mappquest on Facebook, Twitter, and on KSSU.com – Tuesdays 6-7 PM for sports talk, plus Wednesdays 5-6 PM and Fridays 6-8 PM for music!

In February of 2013, I had no idea who or what Capital Cities was. I’m sure I saw their self-titled EP sitting on the hot shelf of KSSU. But I glazed over it on to other things. In late March, however, I would, coincidentally, see Capital Cities perform live at SXSW. Now don’t get it twisted, I did not go to Empire Automotive to see Capital Cities, nor did I go for Dead Sara who followed Capital Cities, but I went early since I couldn’t get in to a few other venues before I ended up seeing Wallpaper. close the lineup at Empire Automotive. Their performance at SXSW got me hooked. I would later play quite a few tracks off their Capital Cities EP during March and April. My issue was, five songs wasn’t enough.

On June 4th, 2013, Capital Cities will release “In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery” – their debut album. “In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery” features their five tracks from the Capital Cities EP plus seven fresh tracks for you to enjoy.

Capital Cities summons in their album, and live, a great deal of energy. Their lyrics are catchy, and their songs captures a disco-reinvented sound that is amazing. I’ve had a great appreciation for artists in today’s day and age that blends raw, beautiful instruments with their tracks. Capital Cities features great trumpet play through most, if not all, of their songs. It is simply amazing and wonderful while still capturing an air of pop and a pinch of electronic beats, hopefully captured by a keyboard from the 80′s, in the background. Essentially, it recaptures “Saturday Night Fever.” “Safe and Sound” fully demonstrates what I am trying to explain. One of the most unique tracks on the album is “Farrah Fawcett Hair” which features Andre 3000, with narration from Frank Tavares from National Public Radio (NPR). As stated in the song, “it’s good s#!*”. If you still need to hear more, Capital Cities posted a sampler for your audio pleasures – check it out.

“In A Tidal Wave of Mystery” has this great vibe from start to finish that might make it just become your album for summer. So go forth my fellow humans, and purchase the album on June 4th. If you still rock a CD player in your car, get the CD. If you have upgraded to other means, get it digital. Push play and enjoy your summer with your friends.

Check out more from Capital Cities:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capitalcities
Twitter: http://twitter.com/capitalcities
Website: http://capitalcitiesmusic.com

Check out DJ Mappquest on Facebook, Twitter, and on KSSU.com – Tuesdays 6-7 PM for sports talk and Fridays 6-8 PM for music!

Aside from having one of the coolest album covers I have seen in ages, Seth Sentry’s debut album, “This Was Tomorrow,” overall, is a piece of a work.

In today’s day and age, most people listen to songs individually from iTunes, Google Play, or via any other source out there.  But I am still old school and listen to an album start to finish.  My issue is, some albums struggle to have a solid first track to keep me interested.  “Campfire” did the trick though.  The beat starts of down tempo, and Sentry’s gentle rap eases you into the lyrically conscious and charged song that it is.  Soon enough, for the strong hip hop beat bursts out and you are bobbing your head.  Any hip hop enthusiast can enjoy it.

I enjoy hip hop for the message it can send, but it seems that many artists these days send all the bad messages.  “My Scene,” however, sang to me deeply, as it should for everyone.  In it, he raps about trying to find a place you can hang out; find a clique where he will feel at home.  And we all are on the search for that often times.  Everyone wants to fit in.

“This Was Tomorrow” is filled with classic hip hop beats and some of the best lyrics I’ve heard in hip hop in ages.  Instead of just rapping about money, women, cars, and their lifestyle, which is all manufactured, Seth raps at the things we all know and thing about – from breakups to  why science hasn’t brought us hover boards and flying cars; you know, all the things we think about and random times of the day, week, and year.

This album is a solid classic and I hope everyone gives it a chance.  Hear songs from “This Was Tomorrow” and more on KSSU.com!

Check out more from Seth Sentry at:
http://www.sethsentry.com/
www.facebook.com/sethsentry
www.twitter.com/sethsentry

Check out DJ Mappquest on Facebook, Twitter, and on KSSU.com – Tuesdays 6-7 PM for sports talk and Fridays 6-8 PM for music!

But in all seriousness, I have been a Sacramento Kings fan all my life.  I know of nothing else.  Now yes, I am awful and have yet to go to a Kings game, but forgive me as I am a poor, starving college student with no time.  But if money and time permits, I’ll go at least once next year.

I don’t hate Seattle, nor am I mad about this entire situation.  True Kings fans deal with this on an annual basis it seems.  I feel sorry for Seattle for not having their storied team back.  However, it would be an even worse day if the Sacramento Kings left.  I love basketball but it would be hard to watch knowing my team is somewhere else in different colors. And David Stern did not close the books on Seattle.  Interestingly enough, he mentioned that during or after the next TV deal is done, which is in a year or two, give or take, there will be a possibility of expansion teams, if so desired.  Also interestingly enough, I did not know Vancouver and Las Vegas were interested in having a basketball team.  Many people may have heard of Anaheim’s interest in a basketball team, and Virginia Beach’s, but Las Vegas and Vancouver eluded me.

Hopefully Seattle will not lose their drive, motivation, or spirit for basketball.  These upcoming years seem great.  Sacramento gets to keep the Kings (for now at least), and soon-to-be Commissioner Adam Silver gets to usher in the next exciting time for basketball with possible expansion.

But as happy as I am, I will not be 100% happy until the Maloofs are no longer major stockholders in the Kings.  I don’t hate the Maloofs, but I do distrust them with a team that is very much ingrained in this community and very much apart of the way of life here.  If the sale of the team goes to the Ranadive group, I will finally be able to rest happily for a few years.  Until then, my heart will forever be braced for bad news.  I am happy, however, that the Sacramento Kings did not go in any tragic manner as the Seattle Supersonics went.  Huge shout out to Mayor Kevin Johnson and everyone who had a part in making this day happen.  Here. We. Stay.

Catch Josue “Josh” Alvarez Mapp (a.k.a. DJ Mappquest) for Sports Madness, every Tuesday at 6 PM PST, and relationship advice every Friday at 8 PM PST, on KSSU.com or use the TuneIn Radio App and search for “KSSU DOTCOM”!

     It is very exciting when important novels like The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, are made into Hollywood movies, especially when you can compare how close what you imagined while reading the book is to how the director sees it. I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of The Great Gatsby before its official release, May 10th, 2013, and I absolutely loved it. The movie captures the themes that we all had to analyze in our high school English classes, such as the difference between the lives of the newly rich and those who are born rich and even the significance of the green light that is a symbol of J. Gatsby’s high hopes of getting Daisy, the love of his life, back. I do not want to spoil the movie for those who have not read the book so I will focus more on the production aspect of the film.

While watching the movie, some parts really stuck in my mind and made me want to write this review as soon as possible. The sound track on the film was absolutely brilliant. The director, Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet) infused the movie with songs from the soundtrack in a slick way which made it hard not to enjoy the songs. Usually while watching a movie you do not really pay attention to the music or songs playing in the background but that is not the case in The Great Gatsby.

      The director made sure the songs got the spotlight they deserved. With a soundtrack that includes huge artists like Jay-Z and Beyonce to rising stars like Emeli Sande, who covered Beyonce’s Crazy In Love in the film, it was hard not to fall in love with the songs. The soundtrack also includes songs by Will.I.Am, Fergie, Lana Del Rey, Bryan Ferry, Florence + The Machine, Coco O., The xx, Gotye, Jack White, Nero and Sia.

Personally, I am obsessed with “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey and it has been on repeat for a few days now. The song is great as a single and it being on The Great Gatsby soundtrack makes it even more perfect. Since watching the movie I can not listen to the song without remembering the passionate love scenes that accompanied it in the movie.

The character of J. Gatsby is played by the oh-so-charming Leonardo DiCaprio who was perfect for the role. His slicked back hair and those mesmerizing blue eyes had Gatsby written all over them. DiCaprio easily pulled off the role of the suave confident man who then turned into a nervous little boy when he was about to be reunited with the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan, who has great on-screen chemistry with Dicaprio. This is really important because if the chemistry is not present between main characters in a movie then the roles will lose value and meaning.

Tobey Maguire playing the narrator Nick Carraway is a great choice because he effortlessly portrays the character of a young guy trying to make it big during the roaring twenties. The roaring twenties included those extravagant parties that Gatsby had in hopes that Daisy would show up. The parties portrayed in the film can take up a blog on their own. It was all extravagant, from the costumes, the dancing, and to the music. It all kept drawing me in and it definitely kept me entertained. These parties can make a great theme for your next New Year’s party.

I wish I can describe how Dicaprio looked on the screen but I just can’t seem to find the words, maybe because he is indescribable in his character. I highly recommend this movie to those who enjoyed reading the novel while in high school. If you were one of those students who refused to read because you were told to read, like myself, I promise you will enjoy the movie, especially because you will be watching it for pleasure with no analysis or essay attached.

Leaving you with some last thoughts, I do not think any high school student will ever have to read the actual novel from now on, thanks to this movie. Also, if you fell in love with Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, then you will fall in love all over again in The Great Gatsby. 

Joanne Serrieh is a kssu.com DJ. 

All The Latest With Joanne Wednesdays at 12!
-Listen live at kssu.com or tunein.com search: KSSU

Twitter: @JoanneSerrieh

About four years after the release of their debut full-length album, Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do, Major Lazer (a project from DJ and producer Diplo) released the sophomore album called Free the Universe.  Although house DJ Switch worked on the previous album, he left in 2011, leaving Diplo in charge of the second album.

The album’s lead single, “Get Free,” features vocals from Amber Coffman of indie rock band Dirty Projectors. It is a laid-back track with influences from reggae, especially regarding its instrumentation.  The following single, “Jah No Partial,” also takes cues from reggae influences, while picking up the pace from the previous single and adding EDM influences, notably house and dubstep with some trance-like synth chords added in.  “Watch Out for This (Bumaye),” the third single from the album, cranks up the heat with some dancehall influences by infusing it with house and electro tinges.

In addition to the three singles, there are some other highlights that make this album worth listening to.  “Scare Me” shows some influences from electro pop with Timberlee singing and Peaches rapping.  “Jessica” is another reggae-influenced track with vocals from Ezra Koenig who you might recognize as the lead singer of indie pop band Vampire Weekend.  “Mashup the Dance” is a house track that can keep the party going.

In conclusion, this album is worth checking out.  If the aforementioned songs are satisfying enough upon listening to them, I recommend the entire album, thus making this my album pick for May 2013.  That about wraps up my article for Aerrow Shapiro’s Record Club, which, unfortunately, is going to be the last article for this feature.  Until then, this is Aerrow Shapiro saying, “Let’s fly.”

Aerrow Shapiro is a KSSU.com DJ who hosts a weekly hour-long alt/indie show called Aerrow Shapiro’s Hour of Power, which currently airs on Wednesdays at 2 PM PT.  The show’s run is expected to be finished at the end of the Spring 2013 semester.  For more information you can check out the show on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/HourOfPowerKSSU) and follow the DJ’s feed on Twitter (@KSSUShapiro).

     Why not record videos to capture memorable moments instead of only taking photographs? My friends and I are almost always recording videos of the most random parts of our day throughout the semester then we cut and edit all the videos together to make something we call a Semester Video. So far we have made three videos and I can honestly tell you there is not a better way to capture all of the memories other than by recording videos. When you watch a video you are not only looking at a still picture but instead you are looking at the memory in action.

     New apps are released every single day, and some become huge and others fade away. Vine is one of those apps that will stay around for a while. A lot of people are familiar with Instagram, the photo app that uses different filters and allows people to follow, like and comment on what others post. The best way to describe this new Vine app is by saying it is just like Instagram but for videos instead of photographs but it does not include camera filters. Something that will probably change soon.

Vine is currently the third top downloaded free app in the Apple App Store after it was number one for a while. Now for those who are not familiar with the app, this is how Vine works. The screen must be pressed if you want to record using the app and you just release the screen when you want to pause the recording of a clip then you press again to continue recording for the same clip. You record a series of short video clips that are then automatically looped into one 6-second video clip with audio. You then can preview the video before you share it with your followers.

When you share your videos on Vine you are given options to share your content on other social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Because of this connection, not only do those on Vine watch your videos but your Facebook friends and Twitter followers can also enjoy your posts. Just like Twitter and Instagram, people who subscribe to your account are called followers and they can “like” and leave comments on your videos.

If you have not yet downloaded the Vine app then you should definitely download it and check it out because it is a lot of fun. Vine videos are entertaining, creative and are easy to make. I am predicting this app will be the next big thing in the social media market and everyone will be enjoying it sooner or later.

Joanne Serrieh is a kssu.com DJ. 

All The Latest With Joanne Wednesdays at 12!
-Listen live at kssu.com or tune in.com search: KSSU

Twitter: @JoanneSerrieh