Wiretap Reviews Ruby's Miss Universe

Head on over to Wiretap Mag where Anika Brown has reviewed Ruby Veridiano-Ching's book of poetry and prose, Miss Universe. If you aren't familiar with Ruby, then get so. She is 1/4 of the dynamic Oakland-based spoken word collective iLL-Literacy, and is featured on the cover of the latest issue of OakBook. In her book Ruby references Oakland throughout, making it a must read for any Oaklander looking for a fresh new voice celebrating The Town. In "Home" she begins:

"The Park Blvd. exit lets me know that I'm not far away from home. Driving down 580, every single time I look over to the left of my window, breathe in and am sure that I must live in the most beautiful place in the world. I am madly in love with Oakland."

Win your free copy of the Miss Universe book and Miss Universe Earrings (Made Jewelry) by submitting a poetry piece (no longer than 1 page) to Miss Crew’s website, and Ruby (aka Miss Universe herself) will be reading over the entries and helping pick the winner. Come onnnn…you know you got a poem handy already! Plus, it would make such a wonderful holiday present. Hint Hint. CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST

Contest via iLL-Lit

Ruby of iLL-Literacy covers Oakbook

Check out iLL-Lit's Ruby Veridiano-Ching on the cover of the 5th issue of the esteemed local zine- Oakbook. Again, I defer to Adriel.

There are three things that Ruby could possibly be doing with that shovel over there:

1. Posing as the Virgin Mary for a nativity scene–except one where Mary is Filipino, Christmas is in the fall, and Joseph is a farming tool (it’s not blasphemy if you’re talking about the Son of God’s dad…)

2. Reflecting on a date that ended really really really really really badly.

3. APPEARING ON HER FIRST MAGAZINE COVER EVERRRRRRRRR!!!

Sure it’s a local Oakland magazine, but Oakbook is a hella fresh magazine at that, and who knows what other magazine covers this might lead to…Vibe? Fader? Martha Stewart Living?? The possibilities are endless.

If you’re the O, pick up an issue at one of these fine locations. Otherwise, wait for Oakland to take over the world, and hopefully one will end up on your doorstep.

The Yay’s iLL-Lit Crash the Mansion in NYC

I’m running a bit late, but I caught a dope show by Oakland based spoken word/ hip-hop collective iLL-Literacy this past weekend out in NYC. iLL-Lit’s Dahlak Braithwaite, Nico Cary, Ruby Veridiano-Ching, Adriel Luis and their band The Hi-Lifes tore down Manhattan’s Crash Mansion with a vaudevillian fusion of poetry, hip-hop, comedy, rock, oratory and soul. If you’re familiar with the Bay’s performance scene, think of their Natural Electricity Tour as one part poetry slam, one part Tourrettes Without Regrets, one part Ashkenaz jam session and one part La Peña hip-hop showcase. Put it all together and you have an amazing bouillabaisse of underground Bay splendor.

The foursome transitioned easily between Ruby’s searching soliloquies, Dahlak’s riffs on race, Nico’s witty musings, Adriel’s poignant social commentary and the Hi-Life’s versatile musicianship. That said, they also came together for rumbling jam sessions, cuts off Dahlak’s new mixtape Commencement (available for free download!) and group pieces like the scroll unraveling crowd favorite “Fuck You List.”

iLL-Lit is one of a few up-and-coming crews that have grown out of Youth Speaks’ farm system of dynamic young writers and performers. All four of them are extremely accomplished and their iLL-Literate empire encompasses albums, mixtapes, books, plays, and much more. Though this leg of their tour has just ended, I just received word that they will hit the road again in the spring to help thaw yall out with a little hotness.

Below is a little promotional appetizer of iLL-Lit's solo stylings.

Reviews of Ruby's new book Miss Universe by Oh Dang! & Venuszine

Venuszine review of NYC show by the esteemed Niema Jordan

Miss (Uni)Verse: Ruby of ill-literacy

"'This is my life,” Ruby Veridiano-Ching says of her debut book Miss Universe. “This is my heart scripted on paper. I didn’t want it taken apart and sewn back together to where it doesn’t fit me anymore.” Her voice is soft, yet urgent. . ."

Full article here

Check out his article by my girl Niema Jordan and peep her blog on women in hip-hop entitled Flow. Also check out ill-literacy, a dope spoken word collective of which Ruby is a part.