Concrete Loop: Celebrating Five Years In The Making

Five years ago, somewhere in Jacksonville, North Carolina, a 21-year-old female decided to start blogging in the bedroom of her parents’ house to relieve the everyday stress of going to work and attending school full-time. What started out as her favorite pastime has now morphed in to one of the most successful black entertainment blogs in America. Enter Angel Laws. The creator and editor of Concrete Loop, an online community featuring everything from music and entertainment, celebrity interviews, news, education, history, politics and issues affecting African-Americans today.



After experiencing a few setbacks, including almost losing the blog in 2006 (due to a hefty amount of money owed for web hosting services], Angel was able to move past that dilemma [along with the help of her fans] and partner with BuzzMedia, Inc. a multi-million dollar social media publisher powerhouse. The partnership allowed Laws the opportunity to move to New York City and receive direct access to top tier talent agencies and music companies, which she would utilize to provide exclusive coverage to her readers. It also allowed Laws to move out of her parents’ house and into her own office space.



Fast forward to 2010, and the staff at Concrete Loop are fortunate enough to celebrate their fifth year anniversary and re-launch of their website. On Thursday, November 11, some of the most elite group of black individuals in music and digital media took over New York’ City’s Hiro Ballroom to show their continued support and appreciation for their favorite bloggers. Sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and SoKodak, artists such as twin sisters Coco & Breezy, Dawn Richard of Diddy’s Dirty Money Crew, Que Mosley of Day 26, Jim Jones, J-Harris, Def Jam’s Karina Pasian, upcoming male-R&B group “718”, former G-Unit First Lady Olivia, and singer/songwriter Wynter Gordon were some of the many talented people who walked the red carpet.



DJTigerLily was behind the 1’s and 2’s keeping up the crowd’s level of excitement before Neo-Soul/R&B singer and songwriter, Goapele performed. The 33-year-old singing-sensation looked absolutely stunning as she performed her hit single “Closer” and a few other ballads and mid-tempos that were very pleasing to the ears including: “Love Me Right”, “Right There” and “Tears On My Pillow”.



Shortly after, the host for the night announced that there would be a special guest performance and before you could blink Keri Hilson takes the stage by surprise. Although I thought it was a dead give away as soon as I saw DJ TigerLily leave the stage and DJ Mars take over the set. Performing her second single “Pretty Girl Rock”, she looked absolutely beautiful in person; sporting all-black everything -- a black brassier, a black lace top, black leather pants, biker gloves, black knee-high leather boots, and a black motorcycle jacket with cheetah print sleeves, along with the matching shades. The folks at PETA would have a mouth-full to say with the amount of leather and fur that was in the building that night.



Exiting the stage after performing just one song, I must say the night felt a bit short and empty. This was due to the lack of presence of some other confirmed guests including Ciara, Cee-Lo Green, Cassie, Ciara, Estelle, Drake, Nick Cannon, Swizz Beatz, Lupe Fiasco and rapper Twista who was supposed to occupy the 4-hour time slot from 8p-12a. However, the night progressed with appearances from Terrence J of BET’s 106 & Park and former B2K front man Omarion.

Nevertheless, Concrete Loop’s Fifth Anniversary and Re-Launch Party was a success and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The sweet sounds of DJ TigerLily kept the crowd moving and the complimentary drinks courtesy of Belvedere, was a definite plus. But my review would not be complete without some constructive criticism. First, please hire people that are friendly and approachable to handle your guest list. There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON why anyone should have an attitude when working the lines at the door. If I recall, as part of your job it is your responsibility to set the tone for the night. But what do I know? I’m just a college graduate turned freelance journalist from Brooklyn. Lastly, for future reference: try not to utilize the inside entrance to the ballroom as the red carpet area where photographers and other journalists are taking pictures and conducting interviews, while other people are walking in and out – it wasn’t the brightest idea if you ask me.

Salute to the entire Concrete Loop staff: Angel, Brian, Christine, J. Dakar and Taj. I sincerely appreciate you having me and I look forward to celebrating many more years with you!!

Photo Credits: Street Anthem, KiddUNot and Next2Shine.