I used to love him

The Seed Of Greatness

2011-01-28T21:01:00.000+02:00

Greatness is something that distinguishes a true artist… They say, champions aren't born they are made. But does it work for Hip-Hop? What does it take to become a Hip-Hop Champion?

Every time artists drop their début album no one really expects a lot from them. If an artist is just nice that will do for critics & fans. Rookies are allowed to make a lot of mistakes before they find their own lane. But maybe that’s the problem?

Hip-Hop is a relatively young culture & it's always been a culture of rookies… of talented rookies tho’. Every rap pioneer was just a rookie of a nonexistent game when he introduced his “invention” to the world. They had no mentors to school them but never the less they succeeded. You'd ask why? Simply cuz they had no right to be “just nice”… they had to be great right from the start & treat every verse like it was their last verse & every battle/cypher like it was their last chance. The competition was so crazy that only chosen ones could survive & those chosen ones had “something” that made them Hip-Hop Champs.

That “something” is a “seed of greatness” that is destined to grow into a real urban legend. Did Nas need time to find his own lane? Nah, he just put his heart into his very first album & gave the world one of the most classic Hip-Hop albums of all times. And even tho it took him some time to become a heavyweight, “Illmatic” made it clear for everyone that Nas wasn't ya average rapper.

Some people say that the game has changed & it will never be the same but I beg to differ cuz certain things never change & great will always be great just like wack will always be wack & average will always be average.

Lemme introduce to y'all an up-and-coming New Jerz emcee who goes by the name of Andrew. His music is something breathtaking: so simple & so complex, so real & so surreal, so old school & so new school at the same time… some things never change so great is still great.

Check out Andrew's song called “Anyone”.

For more Andrew check out his official website & follow him on twitter.

Motown Pride... the journey

2011-01-28T20:48:00.001+02:00

Money, cars, clothes & hoes… that’s the image of success that mainstream Hip-Hop gives us. A lot of cats play this game just to get all that but how many of them would give it up in order to win the right to change the game instead of being changed by it?

Daniel “Motown Pride” Jefferson is the living proof that there’s thin line between being a “dreamer” & a “believer” and this line is drawn by courage, unique vision, hard work and burning desire to live ya dreams. How can you possibly know that you can’t fly if you never even tried… crawling your whole life?

Q: Who is Motown Pride? Introduce yourself to those who don’t know you.

Daniel: Well, the name Motown Pride pays tribute to having been born in one of the most influential cities in musical history. My family was good friends with Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown in Detroit. I grew up surrounded by musical history as my uncle used to do hair for all of the Motown greats: The Temptations, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, etc... As many know, Detroit has had a troubled financial history with high crime, unemployment rates and a depleted economy. But like most Detroiters, I still find pride in being born in a challenging environment. And I would not change my hometown for anything. I've used that to inspire my music and my business career in entertainment. That's Motown Pride in a nutshell.

Q: You are a man of many talents; I’m afraid I might miss one of ya talents enumerating them…So what exactly do you do?

Daniel: Foremost, I classify myself as a spoken word artist. However, my origins are deeply rooted in Hip Hop. As a child I managed to attend many of the Fresh Fest in Detroit that showcased greats like LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, The Fat Boys and RUN DMC. I've been an emcee for as long as I remember. As an artist, I think that more than many… I do a good job of bridging both of the styles together to create something unique. When I am not acting as a performer, I am the owner of my own entertainment company called Got Jokes? Entertainment.

We specialize in doing unconventional events that bring together diverse artists in a harmonious manner. Most of our notoriety has come from our nationally touring improv troupe, the Got Jokes? Improv All-Stars which is a blend of Who's Line Is That Anyway meets In Living Color / SNL. So, to summarize… I am a full fledge entertainer whose goal is to unite the masses through thought provoking music, creativity and the universal language of laughter

Q: As I know, you’d come a long way before you found ya passion for performance poetry… at least professionally? What was that “journey” like?

Daniel: It was tough. I grew up poor in inner city Detroit having moved over 14 times as a child

For a long time my mission in life was simply to get out of my financial situation and live a life that my family had never experienced… one where my family would never have to want for basic needs… to that end, I worked hard, went to school and had a successful six figure career in the computer industry. Unfortunately, I realized that it wasn't all about the money. It was about being true to myself and sharing my spiritual gifts with the world, which is to connect with people. So after the death of my real life hero, my grandfather, I decided it was time to move away from being comfortable and follow my dreams. I became a full-time artist. Humbled my lifestyle and rebuilt myself from scratch. Two toned jaguar became a used car that required a lot of work to still function. Big house became an affordable apartment. And I had to become a budgeting wiz just to make ends meet. After 4 years of hard work it is all starting to pay off now

Proof that if you work hard and pursue your passion anything is possible and we can rise above our financial struggles more than once

Q: Originally you are from Detroit but reside in Tampa, FL. Which city influenced you more & why?

Daniel: Hmmm... Well, my immediate answer is that Detroit has had the biggest influence on me. It's where I grew up and built my foundation. It's where I learned the art of hustling to survive. It's where my fashion sense and sense of humility stem from. And when I close my eyes and think of home, I see Detroit in my heart. But if you are really living life then you are always searching for knowledge and growing. And as an artist, your art should grow as well. So with new experiences shaping all of my work from day to day most of the artistic motivation you see today is going to be influenced by the Tampa, FL culture. It is here where I became a father, had my most meaningful relationship with a woman and discovered myself as an artist and an entrepreneur. So, let's go with it being a tie. (Laughing)

Q: Tell me more about “Got Jokes?”

Daniel: Got Jokes was born because during my journey as a spoken word/hip hop artist I was not really happy with the opportunities that existed for indies. I knew that people were making money of art, but the young underground artists typically did not reap the benefits. So I explored different ways to bring what I do to a bigger audience after meeting a traveling comic, Rahn Hortman. I was brainstorming ideas for us to work together and I came up with Got Jokes?

Got Jokes? is an interactive experience where I've taken performers from all genres: poets, actors, comedians, radio personalities and by taking suggestions from the audience we play games that showcase our quick wit and ability to make people laugh… completely unscripted so no show is the same. The response for it was so great in a short period of time we were doing sold out shows of 350 plus at the top comedy venue in the Tampa, FL area that expanded into a comedy tour and that morphed into me creating a full fledged entertainment company where we do unique events and I work as a booking agent for over 14 different performers.

Q: How did you become involved in Hip-Hop?

Daniel: I fell in love with Hip Hop after seeing RUN DMC for the first time in concert. My godmother worked for the radio station so she would give me tickets even though I was underaged I would battle people every day in the school yard and when I was in high school I competed in various different talent shows. I worked with many legendary Detroit Hip Hop influencers like DJ House Shoes and Benny from a group called A.W.O.L that had one of the hottest singles out in the city at the time. I took a break from Hip Hop but came back to it when I started working with different producers from all over the country who had the opportunity to hear some of my spoken word. I feel really blessed to have worked with such a diverse landscape of real Hip Hop heads throughout the world and I'm very excited about my new projects on the horizon.

Q: What do you love most about hip-hop & why?

Daniel: I think what I love the most about Hip Hop is its story and its affect on people. Watching Hip-Hop develop from what some thought was a passing fad to worldwide phenomenon it is today is breathtaking. As emcees, we truly have the ability to move the crowd at a level so high that it leaves chills in my spine. And the art continues to grow to morph and shows no signs of slowing down. Till' this day, I can't think of a better feeling than hearing a beat that moves your soul and spittin' just right where the crowd can't help but nod their head and say the words with you. Best time I've ever experienced that was when I opened for Little Brother magical moment.

Q: If you could change one thing about Hip-Hop what would it be?

Daniel: If I could change one thing, it would probably be who has owned Hip Hop historically. I think that it's tragic that many of the pioneers have not experienced the financial security they deserve and that many of the decisions that affect how profitable an artist becomes in this industry are controlled by those who don't have a spiritual connection with the culture.

But such, is the development of any genre, I guess. As popularity increases, it becomes less about originality/genius and more about shock and awe/simplicity

Q: Old school or new school, where goes your preference?

Daniel: Old School all day long. Although I do enjoy many of today's artists… there is something about the nostalgia of hearing Big Daddy Kane's “Ain't No Half Steppin” or Rakim's “Microphone Fiend” or even K-Solo's Your Mom's In my Business that just takes me to a special place though

Q: I know that you influenced/inspired “Femcee” by Dynasty… This song is a true anthem of all the Ladies of Hip-Hop & esp femcees so I gotta say it was a big surprise to me. How did it happen? Tell lil some about it.

Daniel: First off, I love Dynasty! Let me say that. DY is something special and I look forward to releasing our first single together soon. As far as the femcee moniker is concerned… at one of my Got Jokes shows where we typically showcase different local performers every show in a pure improvised moment I just threw the two names together while introducing her the name stuck, and she decided to write a song about it. She made a point to say that not only was she one of the baddest female emcees in the game but one of the baddest emcees period regardless of gender and you know what... I have to agree with her.

Q: Who are your favorite up-and-coming artists?

Daniel: I'm a bit biased but two artists come to mind… Dynasty, for obvious reasons and my good friend, Laws, who recently signed with the Justice League last year. Not only am I big fans of their work but I find there growth to be inspiring. When I saw Laws performing on the BET Cypher at the BET Hip Hop Awards it was great to watch a fellow performer that I respect getting his shot what could be more inspiring than that?

Q: Are there any people whom you consider to be your mentors?

Daniel: Yes, but ironically most of them are not artists. They are street philosophers, political activists, inventors and teachers. I am inspired by knowledge and revolutionary thought

I had the opportunity to meet 2 Pac's dad when I was touring the prison system for Black History Month. I was able to spend some time with him and left incredibly impressed. I also was blessed to meet and have an incredible discussion with Maya Angelou. My conversation with her has shaped my life dramatically. Biggest mentor would have to be my deceased grandfather though… so much so I named my first album “Joe Strut” to honor his memory

Q: What do you think makes you different as an artist?

Daniel: So many things... (Laughing) I would probably say the way that I attack subject matter really makes me stand out. My lyrics typically have multiple meanings that reveal themselves after the 10th and 12th listen, so it makes for great replay value as a lyricist. But above all, I think it's really my life experiences, my ability to connect with others and my willingness to let people in to personal feelings that most would not feel comfortable sharing with others. I'm also not afraid to experiment and I completely create music for the love of the art and for self therapy.

Q: What song by Motown Pride is the most significant to you & why?

Daniel: I have a song called "The Best" that talks about my relationship with my son. It's hard for me to perform it without getting emotional because he is my best friend in the universe. He makes a cameo appearance at the end. I think I will always hold that song close to my heart because it will always feel relevant to me and take me back to the feeling I had when he entered this world.

Q: How do you see the future of the Hip-Hop culture? What it’s gonna be in maybe like 10 years?

Daniel: Unrecognizable. As time goes on and it continues to get more diverse, I see international influence having a bigger impact on global Hip Hop culture. It doesn't scare me though because the type of Hip Hop music that we enjoy will always exist. Where there is a need, there will be a voice.

Q: What’s the difference between Rap & Hip-Hop in your book?

Daniel: Outside of Rap only being one of the elements of Hip Hop... the simplest way to distinguish the two is that Hip Hop is a way of life and Rap is simply a form of expression.

Hip Hop is so diverse that it can sound any way it wants as long as it is authentic, real and comes from a place of free expression.

Q: What is it that most people would be surprised to know about you?

Daniel: They would be surprised to know how diverse my musical tastes are. I love classic TV theme songs from the 80's. Best of Queen is on steady rotation. I'm a former Tetris Champion

Umm... I think Elizabeth Montgomery from that old TV Show Bewitched is sexy. Oh yeah,

I've never had a drink before in my life.

Q: What are your upcoming projects? What should we expect from you in the near future?

Daniel: Well, I just had one of my singles released internationally, "Elevator Music" on Sci-Fi Stu's debut album can be picked up everywhere. So, I'm excited about that. I am working on new projects with Rieces Pieces, Dynasty and many up-and-coming producers that will make your head spin. I will also be releasing my first music video, a milestone for me, this summer. I hope for my second album to be released by the end of the year and I will be making cameo appearances on over a dozen albums from some high profile artists that should help bring my music to new listeners everywhere. On the Got Jokes front, I am scheduled to open 4 new comedy clubs before the end of the year and we are finalizing our first national college tour.

I am also working on some TV pilots that have an excellent chance of being picked up. Stay tuned!

Q: Any shout outs?

Daniel: I want to shout out my girl, Eugenia. Also want to thank my son for being an inspiration

And last, I'd like to dedicate all I accomplish this year to the memory of my father who just lost his bout with cancer 3 months ago. Love you Dad. Superheroes never die.

Special thanks to Motown Pride for taking time out for this interview!

For more Motown Pride check out Got Jokes? official website & Motown Pride's Facebook page

Lights... Camera... Action...

2011-01-12T22:39:00.000+02:00

Lights… Camera… “This is how we roll… Spielberg directed the flick... guess who played the lead role… ATG the hero… the rest of y’all are just supporting actors…” Action...

When it comes to Apollo The Great & Verb Spielberg, it’s always a different kind of action cuz it involves no acting. Who needs that if you got Hip-Hop in your DNA? That’s when you can touch the mic & turn a verse into an epic visual… kinda like a real movie that comes to life every time you press play.

There’s prolly no such song concept that hasn’t been used before but if you can take an “old” concept & turn it into something unhearda that’s what makes you a true lyricist. And once again Apollo & Verb proved that their lyrical game ain’t no joke. When was the last time you could play the same song again and again & every time find there an ill metaphor you didn’t notice before?

Ill production by one-man-band-man YFame became that missing puzzle piece that turned the song into a real masterpiece.

Hip-Hop ain’t dead… it just move to New Jerz!

Shout out to ThoroBredBoyz, Verb Spielberg, Apollo The Great, YFame, Eddro, Big Breezy & Sheron Barber.

www.ApolloIsHim.com | www.VerbSpielberg.com

The Feeling

2011-01-12T22:19:00.003+02:00

What makes a song classic? Lots of songs are released every day. Some of them become hits; they are hot for a while & then no one even remembers about that song cuz a new record took over the charts & that new record is what's hot now. But nevertheless some songs manage to remain relevant for decades. What makes those “some songs” different? Think of your favorite songs of all time… you might not remember their chart position, what radio station played it most or how many times it went platinum but you do remember the feeling it gave ya when you heard it for the very first time. Somehow those songs became a soundtrack to your life & you come back to them again & again to experience that feeling…

Check out another song that w/o a doubt will become a soundtrack to your life. “The Feeling” by Floco Torres is not your average Hip-Hop track. Floco’s music is always outta this world. While other artists are following trends Floco keeps on experimenting & eventually brings to the table something so special & so unique that it’s impossible to ignore the talent…

"Floco’s Modern Life" coming soon... For more Floco Torres go to

http://www.hiimflocotorres.ning.com/

& http://www.theflocotorres.com/

Cos... The interview

2010-12-25T00:15:00.001+02:00

They say Hip-Hop is the voice of the youth… I say Hip-Hop is the voice of the truth. But ain’t nothing like an artist who can be both: the voice of the youth & the voice of the truth.

Check out my interview w/ an up-and-coming New Jerz indie artist Cos…

Q: Let’s imagine that a person has never heard of Cos… Introduce yourself to those who don’t know you.

Cos: The names Cos representing South Jersey. I'm 20 years old and a freshman to the music industry.

Hip-hop artist in the making brought to you by The Society Entertainment.

I live through my music, what you hear is what you see when it comes to me. I'm a fan before I'm a music artist so I'm always around music even when I'm not recording. Got a movement coming through The Society Ent. (TSE) that's going to be making waves in this industry sooner than later.

Want to know more check out www.ThisTheWakeUp.Com

Q: What’s your background? Where do you come from?

Cos: Well I was born and raised in Queens, NY and moved to Vineland, NJ when I was 13 years old. Been living in South Jersey since. I had started out doing writing poems and people thought they were rhymes so the transition to music wasn't that hard as compared to others. This past summer I was headed to a minor league baseball contract but, elbow problems and a few uneventful situations came up, and now I'm here recording this good music for the people to tune into.

Q: Where did you get the name “Cos” from? What’s the meaning behind it?

Cos: Choosing my stage name was not as hard as I thought it would be. It just kind of came to me as soon as it was time to pick a name. Someone in high school use to call me Cos, short for Marcos, so I guess that’s where it originated from. No crazy story behind the name.

Q: How did you become involved in Hip-Hop?

Cos: Always been a big fan of hip-hop artist like Nas and Eminem. They had seemed to catch my attention the instant I listened to their music. From there on out it was just seeing what other artists were about and listening to more and more music. I used to write poetry and kept a journal so I always wrote about everyday life. What I thought was poetry sounded more like music to people. I started taking my music seriously back in August when E. (my manager) came to me with a plan and ever since things just took off.

Q: What do you love most about hip-hop & why?

Cos: Hip-Hop’s a special genre and just when fans want to pronounce it dead or not the same, it sparks back up giving you things to look forward too. Of course not all hip-hop artist are going to be the same or equally talented, but that’s what it is. Every artist brings something different to the table. Hip-hop is always evolving and will continue too, I just hope I'm part of that movement that brings it up to that level where it once was.

Q: What do you think makes you different as an artist?
Cos: What makes me different as an artist is pretty simple to be honest. Just being me when it's all said and done. Doing what I expect of myself, not what others expect from me. Many artists these days live a programmed lifestyle just to put out the “right image”. Being yourself makes you diverse enough since everyone has something about them that makes them different from the next person. People think that they don't have much to write about, but everyday is something to write about. Ice Cube made a classic about talking about one day in his shoes with "Today was A Good Day''. Originality will always sell, so it can’t be any easier than just being you at the end of the day. The frauds always get their cards pulled eventually.

Q: How would you describe your music? How would you define your style/genre?

Cos: I always just say my music is simple, everyday life and situations. Things I’m sure many of us go through but still not all of us have the way to express it and tell our story. My music’s most important recipe is honesty and keeping it real. If I didn’t live threw it you won’t hear it, and if I don’t have it I won’t claim it. The genre I would classify myself under as would be Hip-hop as previously stated. Wouldn't catch me singing emo songs with the auto-tune you know.

Q: What does Hip-Hop mean to you? Could you define “Hip-Hop” somehow?

Cos: Well I can say hip-hop’s a lifestyle you live. It’s a trend it’s forever changing, alternating and most importantly growing. Hip-hop is everything to me. It's the center of my music and growing up in New York you couldn't escape it. Hip-hop is in us all, even if it’s a small portion. Also, if people don't necessarily claim hip-hop as their premier genre of music, there is always a song or artist that they can relate a song too or a chorus that they know.

Q: What emcees influenced you as an artist?
Cos: Since my early days listening to music and growing up in NY my surroundings had a big role in introducing people like Nas, Jay-Z, DMX and Eminem. Then I started listening to local radio stations around the time Fabolous was buzzing big time. Still the one that I was most tuned into and grew on was Fabolous. His whole persona and how he carries himself as a lyricist, you have to appreciate it as an artist and equally as a fan.

Q: Today you’re performing life… How do you feel on stage? Do you like performing live?
Cos: Performing is definitely one of the best feelings knowing all eyes are on you. I still remember my first performance, I was nervous thinking of all the worst things that could happen, but as soon as I hit the stage it was just natural instinct . You always learn a lot about yourself on stage by watching footage of yourself after the show. I love performing live; the feeling knowing that everyone's eyes are on you is enough within itself. Once I'm on stage and the lights are on, I just start clicking on all cylinders and deliver a show that people like to see and would want to see in the future.

Q: Freestyling vs. songwriting… which one is your thing?

Cos: Songwriting hands down. It’s just much different when I’m sitting down listening to a beat, and taking my time putting my every thought into play. Now and then I mess around freestyle to something I hear over the radio while I’m driving which can help sometimes too. I personally feel that songwriting lets you organize your thoughts properly and really get your message across. Rather than freestyling, just spitting out random thoughts with no meaning or purpose. I'll still kill a quick sixteen if need be though.

Q: What Cos song is the most significant to you & why?

Cos: Which song is most significant to me? That’s a tough one because every track I do has a meaning and every line is more than just a line. It has to be between two new tracks of my latest project “Let Me Dream” or “Open Heart Surgery.” Both are very deep songs with insights of things I’m going through currently or in the past. Each song I write has a meaning and relates to a situation that people like me have come too or a situation that someone you know went through.

Q: Let's imagine that you could record a song w/ any artists… dead or alive… Who would that be? Name your dream team: a few artists & a producer. What kind of record would that be?

Cos: I would probably say a household name in Jersey. Would be nice to do a track with Joe Budden and Nas. My dream team would just be a track with Jay-Z, Nas, Lil-Wayne, T.I. and myself. The record would be produced by Boi1da. The type of song would just be a go in track, just spit your best sixteen bars and see who got the hottest verse. There are a few others I would like to work with but this would be the cream of the crop for me personally.

Q: What do you like about being an indie artist?

Cos: Best thing about being an indie artist is just the advantage of being able to choose what type of records you want to drop. We have the overall decision of everything we want to do. Being on a major label has its perks, but you are told what type of songs your going to do and they have control over your image and all the business tied into it. Being an indie artist is freedom but has it downs like everything else in life. You need that distribution army that the majors provide but they sometimes ask you to change who you are for a dollar and that's not something I'm willing to do. My manager backs me up with my decisions and were going to choose which course is best for us to set sail on. It’s all about finding that right wave and riding it.

Q: How do you see the future of the rap game? What it’s gonna be in … maybe like 10 years?
Cos: The rap games seen better days but as of lately the worst is hopefully behind us. There’s a lot of talented young artist making their name known in the industry. With artist like Drake, J-Cole, Wale and B.O.B leading the way, bringing good music back to hip-hop. The rap game is on a big come up and like I stated previously, I hope I'm part of that movement bringing hip-hop to that elite level it once was.

Q: How do you see yourself in the rap game? What are your goals?

Cos: I would like to see myself reach the pinnacles of my dreams. Getting a deal with either an indie or major, whichever situation that gives us the most flexibility most importantly… main goal is to make it to the top but still remain the person I was during the grind. I just want my name mentioned with the greats when I'm all said and done for. I'm 20 years old and just started in this game, but my team and I feel like we have something really to offer to the table and the people all over the world. We all have different upbringings, but virtually have the same stories wherever you come from.

Q: What are your upcoming projects? I know that you’re working on a new mixtape right now. Tell us about it. What should we expect from it?
Cos: Well my latest project that I’m currently working on is my first solo mixtape with no features at all titled “Journal Of A Dreamer”. In this project, the fans and listeners will come to learn Cos on a more personal note. From the first track “I Been Dreaming” to songs like “Running Out of Time”, listeners will be able to step into my shoes and understand everything that comes with chasing a dream. Should be something to look forward too set to drop first thing this New Year (Jan. 1,2011).

Got a lot of good records but I don't want to spoil it, but I will have the mixtape cover and track list up soon within the next few days for the people to checkout at ThisTheWakeUp.com

Q: Any shout outs?

Cos: First off want to thank you Gina for setting this up, I really appreciate it. I want to shout out ThisTheWakeUp.Com (my personal Website). Shout out to my manager E and web editor Noel. Shout outs to my engineer Bird, to Whiteout, T. Diz and the whole South Jersey. Also, some producers I received production from such as Genius Boy, Kajmir Beats, Kustom Beatz and Ephrem , but again ThisTheWakeUp.Com – Cos

Special thanks to Cos for taking time out for this interview!

For more Cos check out his official website, facebook & twitter pages.

Young princess of Hip-Hop canvas

2010-11-09T22:14:00.000+02:00

Hip-Hop… it’s prolly one of the most controversial phenomena. People love it; people hate it. Everyone knows the word but still no one can say what exactly it is. There are lots of definitions & everyone goes with their own. Some say that Hip-Hop is a culture, a movement, a music style, an art form, a lifestyle but most of all Hip-Hop is a mindset… I would even say “a soul-set”… cuz Hip-Hop is not just a form but substance… Cupid’s arrow that shoots you right through your heart & leaves a mark that never goes away… Hip-Hop is everything & nothing; it’s everywhere & nowhere. And even tho’ there’s a common opinion that Hip-Hop is restricted to its four main elements: Emceeing, Break Dancing, Graffiti & DJing; this phenomenon is much bigger than just that. Hip-Hop is self-expression of an individual who reflects the whole world in a piece of art… it’s so common & so unique… so brand new & so familiar… so revolutionary & so classic. It’s a voice that says things others might be afraid to say… a rebel who breaks the rules to make a difference & change the world… voice that says “I am” but means “We are”. It’s a spirit that knows no boundaries… spirit that lives through prose & rhymes, melodies & beats, paintings, moves... It doesn’t matter what exactly you are doing or how you express yaself; as long as you do it in unison w/ the spirit of Hip-Hop you are Hip-Hop…

Now lemme introduce to y’all a young princess of Hip-Hop canvas, up-and-coming artist, Vanessa Cabarloc. When the illest lyricists create metaphors w/ the help of words, this girl paints them saying things that can’t be put into words but nevertheless can’t remain unsaid. A lot of things can be said about Vanessa’s art but Imma let it speak for itself. Welcome to the world of Vanessa Cabarloc…

Follow Vanessa Cabarloc on Twitter

The Somebody-ish Nobody

2010-11-05T17:53:00.001+02:00

They say, life is what chu make it. But how can you make it when you're a Nobody surrounded by Somebodies… or maybe you’re just a Somebody surrounded by a bunch of Nobodies? What if you are a Nobody who’s destined to be a Somebody… or maybe even thee Somebody? That’s something people ask themselves at a certain point in their lives. The wrong answer to those questions can break you but the right answer can make you… make you all that you can be & even more.

Ya favorite one-man-band-man YFame once again blesses the world dropping a mixtape called “The Somebody-ish Nobody”. W/ his previous projects Fame has already proved that he’s something the world has never seen or heard. YFame’s unique & authentic style always influences his music in every possible way both musically & lyrically. But this time he took that “style” to a whole 'nother level. Fame’s lyrical game is off the chain… every verse is so well written that it makes real hard to believe that he’s only an up-and-coming artist. While some other cats are down for whatever to be under the spotlight YFame walks his own walk staying authentic & never questioning the artist that he is. I don’t care how many records you sold… what really matters is if people will remember your songs over years. And something tells me that people are gon play “The Somebody-ish Nobody” not only today or tomorrow but even 10 or 20 years from now. Without a doubt this mixtape is a point-of-no-return in YFame’s career.

So who’s YFame? A Nobody or a Somebody? If you asked me I’d say, “He’s nobody to Nobodies; and thee Somebody to Somebodies. Real recognize real… nah mean?”

Shout out to everyone who contributed to the project: Apollo The Great, Floco Torres, Haiti Da Poet, P.M., Traxx Trigga, Dewinwade, JSmooth, The Incredible Stro, MUTE, Philly The Boss & the whole WondaMuzik Fam.

DOWNLOAD “The Somebody-ish Nobody” HERE

Built For More: The Journey To Tears & Triumphs

2010-11-01T19:28:00.000+02:00

The moment I heard Young Scolla’s music for the very first time I thought that I couldn’t have been impressed more but every time Sco drops a new mixtape or single he proves me wrong again & again. This artist manages to master his game & bring something new to the table w/ every new project.

“Built For More: The Journey To Tears & Triumphs” is not your average mixtape. It’s an unforgettable experience of getting in touch w/ your biggest dreams & fears… an experience of getting in touch w/ a believer that lives within every one of us... or maybe even w/ the real you. As gifted writer Scolla turns a feeling into a story that is so fresh & so your own at the same time. It’s the kind of experience that feeds not only your soul but also your mind… the kind of experience that influences & inspires to be the best that you can be.

Having teamed up w/ the best of the best Young Scolla created such a perfect & unique vibe. This vibe is so Hip-Hop & so soulful that you just can’t get enough of it.

Without a doubt “Built For More: The Journey To Tears & Triumphs” is the journey you don’t wanna miss so catch up w/ Sco & his “Built For More” movement.

Download the mixtape here

Yung Juggz | Vice Versa

2010-09-23T19:43:00.004+03:00

These days a lot of people call themselves “artists” but how many of them can say, “I am music & music is me”? Yung Juggz is definitely the one who can say that. Having started his journey in the world of music at pretty young age Juggz has already achieved a lot. Taking over only one field ain’t enough for him & that’s why he became an accomplished emcee, singer, musician & songwriter. A multiple threat, Juggzy mixed different lanes & different styles to give the world the kind of music that has never existed before. Whether it’s Hip-Hop, R&B or Reggae Yung Juggz always adds something so unique that having heard his music once you’ll become a fan forever. An authentic & unique vibe mixed w/ a "real talk" message is what his music is known for.

Recently Yung Juggz dropped his highly anticipated mixtape “Vice Versa”. The mixtape is a killer from the very first to the very last track. Being known as Mr. Versatile, Juggz didn’t concentrate on one theme for his album having turned the life itself into an album theme/concept. This mixtape is as diverse as life. Here you can find all kinds of records so no matter what you’re going through or what kind of mood you are in you’ll definitely find a record or too that will make you say, “That’s my ish!”.

Get familiar w/ my boy Yung Juggz >>>>>>>> Official Website | RSNY Music | Twitter |

Download VICE VERSA here

Blow Up

2010-09-16T22:56:00.001+03:00

Every time Apollo The Great touches the mic it’s a straight murda. This time Apollo is killing J. Cole’s “Blow Up”. I always anticipate Apollo jumping on somebody’s track cuz this cat knows how to make you forget that it’s just another version. There’s only one version. Apollo The Great version. And he ain’t lying. He IS about to blow up… Check out the song & don’t forget to visit www.ApolloIsHIM.com I don’t know if y’all are ready for this but Apollo is taking over the game…

Apollo- Blow Up (Freestyle) by WondaMuzik

Gimme A Sign

2010-09-16T22:01:00.001+03:00

Hip-Hop… different people put different meaning into this word. To some people it might be music or culture, to others – best friend who’s always there for ya, way of living or even just a job… but if you look at a bigger picture you’ll see that Hip-Hop is nothing but a sign. A sign that nothing is impossible. A sign that you can get from nothing to something. A sign that good things come to those who wait, but great things come to those who go ‘n’ get ‘em. A sign that the truth can survive everything & live forever cuz it’s immortal. A sign that we all are destined to be great but only those who work hard & stay true to themselves reach the top.

Hip-Hop gave us millions of signs through out its history. Sometimes those signs remained unheard at first but real classic songs became classics not only cuz they used to be hits but first off cuz they had the power to make a difference. And even tho’ the message was lost in time it reached people & finally made the difference that it was destined to make. Unlike any other culture Hip-Hop is the force that impacted the world tremendously having given the voice to the illest poets & masters of the word who managed to touch so many hearts & to give birth to a new nation… Hip-Hop nation… a nation of passionate dreamers & real achievers.

Long time ago Hip-Hop became our best friend… the one we can holla at when we’re going through something good or something bad… the one who never fails us. And every time you feel like saying “Lord, give me a sign!” you just gotta open up your heart and be ready to hear the answer… the message… the higher calling

Check out & enjoy “Gimme A Sign” vid by Detroit’s finest Young Scolla Ft. Boaz & S.Money.

Long live Tupac’s soul

2010-09-13T23:22:00.000+03:00

In my death, people will understand what I was talking about. – Tupac Shakur

During the history of Hip-Hop a lot of artists grabbed the mic… some of them came & gone; some of them left an irreplaceable mark and stayed in the game forever. 14 years ago on this very day Tupac Amaru Shakur’s heart stopped beating.

Rebel of the underground… if there’s one word to describe Pac then the word is “genuineness”. One of the truest artists who have ever touched the mic, he ain’t never been afraid to be himself. Hip-Hop became not only his own reflection but also the reflection of the whole generation, of every ghetto boy & girl, of everyone who been thru’ struggles & survived, of everyone who knows how to win having lost, of everyone who knows the true meaning of T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. Son of Black Panthers & the streets… intellectual thug… Tupac Sharuk never bit his tongue & spitted nothing but reality. His songs became real confessions of a “rose that grew from concrete” & even tho’ the society wasn’t ready to hear the truth Pac never stopped doing his thing cuz that was the only way of living for him.

Machiavelli never followed trends, he chose eternal over temporary instead. A lot of people might call him contradictory but he simply wasn’t scared to be real. His every song has raw emotion/soul to it. “Before I write I let my mind go blind and let the Lord do His thing”. And if you let ya heart do the listening you’ll hear universal messages in Pac’s songs. He never preached & said/did some mad stuff a lot of times but all the mess he been thru helped him to see further than most people could. He told stories that were based on his own experience but at the same time when you listen to those songs you got the feeling like “this is my story”.

“If we're all saying that rap is an art form then we gotta be more responsible for our lyrics. If you see everybody dying because of what you're saying, it don't matter that you didn't make them die, it just matters that you didn't save them.” And without a doubt Tupac’s lyrics impacted a lot of people & their lives. Pac’s influence is undeniable. He managed to become a lot more than just a Hip-Hop icon; he’s inspired millions of people all over the world and he still does. He was the definition of Ride Or Die; he lived by his beliefs & every minute of his life he was ready to die for those beliefs. “Never surrender, it's all about the faith you got don't ever stop, just push it til you hit the top and if you drop, at least you know you gave your all be true to you, and that way you can never fall.” Tupac became a lot more than just an icon, role model… he was a true leader who showed the whole world that “reality is wrong; dreams are for real” and no one but us can turn our dreams into a better reality.

It’s been 14 years since he passed away but today Tupac Amaru Shakur is still one of the most influential Hip-Hop artists of all times.

There are lots of lessons taught by Pac but the most essential one… at least for young emcees & for the whole Hip-Hop community… is treat ya new song like it’s ya last song cuz another day ain’t guaranteed. Artists’ attitude is supposta be like “if I die tomorrow, will I be proud of my legacy? Did I give the world a piece of my heart through the songs I recorded?” Cuz at the end of the day no one will remember how many records you sold, how many Grammy’s you won, how many times you were on the cover of this or that magazine, how much money you made… it’s the feeling ya music gives that will be remembered forever.

“A coward dies a thousand deaths... a soldier dies but once”… but the truth never dies and Tupac is gon live forever thru his legacy. His music has already raised a generation & I’m sure that it will inspire people even in 20 or 50 years. And that’s why today I don’t feel like saying “R.I.P.”… just “Long live Tupac’s soul!”

Team Prolific: the stars of the game

2010-09-13T23:04:00.005+03:00

In the beginning Hip-Hop was more about unity… less beefs more cyphers. A lot of Hip-Hop acts were represented as Hip-Hop groups such as Public Enemy, Run D.M.C., N.W.A., Wu-Tang Clan, Funky Four Plus One More and many others. Those groups represented Hip-Hop in its essence, its diversity & versatility. Every group member was a star in his/her own right but when they came all together the illest magic happened. Even tho’ those days are over, there are still some people who know how to bring that magic to life. Flamez, Neme, Zin O.D. and Exile the Experience are the stars of the Orlando based Hip-Hop group named Prolific.

Check out the interview w/ Neme of Prolific & download their latest mixtape “Now Or Never” in case you haven’t heard it yet. The mixtape is definitely a must have.

Q: Who is Neme? Introduce yaself a lil.

Neme: What's up this Neme 1/4 of the hip hop collective Prolific, representing for the 407 and the 404.

Q: Where do you come from? What’s your background?

Neme: I come from the O (Orlando, Fl) by way of Brooklyn, New York to Jamaican parents.

Q: How did you “meet” hip-hop? What song or artist introduced it to you?

Neme: Hip Hop was always around me growing up in NY, you can hear it on the block on subways so it’s hard to escape it. I remember hearing LL, De La and stuff like that from my older brother and his peoples, but if I had to say for me when I got hip to this thing called Hip Hop, I would have to say GZA of Wu Tang "Liquid Swords" and Nas "Illmatic" I head both albums at different times in my life, but they had a big effect on me and changed my perception on how I look at Hip Hop.

Q: How did hip-hop impact your life?

Neme: As cliché as it may sound, it made me who I am, my walk, my talk, everything I do its Hip-Hop. Even if I was not an MC I still be knee deep in this Hip-Hop shit. I am hooked, it’s like a addiction and I can’t shake it.

Q: What do you love most about hip-hop & why?

Neme: Originality, it’s not just with music but with everything we do. Look how we dress, we took a regular Nike shoe like the air force one and made that a shoe of the culture. Some people paint them different colors and shit to match their gear, even down to how we rock the laces in our shoes, we don't want to be like nobody else we want to stand out we Hip-Hop.

Q: Originally you come from BK but grew up in Orlando. How did it impact your style? How would you describe your music?

To answer the first question moving to The O was a benefit to my whole style, my whole progressing as a MC. Coming to the South introduced me to a bunch of artist that I was not aware of from the UGK's to the Trick Daddy's. It let me know there were other types of Hip-Hop out there beside what was going on in NY and the West Cost. And if I had to describe Prolific music I would have to say we sound like 2095, and what I mean by that is we sound like that "Vintage New New" What all four of us bring to the table nobody out there is doing, from our slag to our song concept its all fresh, and we also have that classic golden era sound. Not to be confused with those retro niggaz coming out with the high tops and all that, we don't do that over here. We not trying to go back in time, we are bringing back that realness that the golden era had that feeling you got when you heard Big Pun for the first time.

Q: What is it that most people would be surprised to know about you?

Neme: That’s a good question.... I don’t know I guess something people might not know is that I am all about my fam and my peoples, what I got they got. And I like all kinds of music. "Under The Bridge" by The Chili Peppers is one my favorite tracks.

Q: Tell lil some about the group “Prolific”.

Neme: Prolific is a group of four MC's with four different styles that come from four locations that meet up in The O with a common goal to do this Hip-Hop shit. We are more than a group were family those are my brothas. A lot of people say that but this is the real deal, we do this.

Q: You are a part of a rap group... These days unity is something that the rap game needs real bad. What are your thoughts on unity in the game? Is it hard for you to be a team player?

Neme: Can’t really answer how I feel about unity in game per say, different people have different motives. But as unity pertains to me and my group we are all about that. When we say Team Pro it means something like my nigga Flamez says "Strong niggaz and all of us equal". We all play our roles and our positions for the better of the group.

Q: Freestyling vs. songwriting… which one is your thing?

Neme: For me songwriting but their is nothing like a good cipher

Q: What emcees influenced you as an artist?

Neme: There has been a lot of artist that influenced me. You can say I’m a student to this thing called Hip-Hop. But all the greats Nas, Slick Rick, BIG, always have to say Wu Tang, Bone Thugs, Jigga, Pac, Snoop, Pun, Scarface, LL, Kool G Rap… there are way two many names I could go all day with this.

Q: How do you see the future of the rap game? What are your predictions?

Neme: Hip Hop will keep growing. I don't know where the game will be in five or even ten years, all I know the Pro will be there. The rap game changes everyday with out any rhyme or reason; it’s hard to predicate the future.

Q: How do you see yourself in the rap game? What are your goals?

Neme: I am trying to take this as far as my feet take me. I am not in it for the 15 min. You can keep that, me and my crew are here for the long haul. I want classic under my belt, I want something you can go back to years later and play that shit and it still hits you like when you first got it. Like all the greats that came before me I strive for greatness, if you ain’t trying to be the best, then what the fuck you in for?

Q: At what point did you make the decision to be a professional emcee?

Neme: That is not a decision you make, you either are a PROfessional or you’re not, and always been a Pro...pun intended.

Q: Name the industry people (artists and/or producers) you’d be privileged to work w/.

Neme: All those names I mentioned as influences all those dudes will be a privileged to work with. On the production tip Alchemist, No I.D., Justice League, Shawty Redd.

Q: How do you feel about ghostwriting in hip-hop?

Neme: I don’t feel any way about it, there has always been ghostwriting in Hip-Hop, shit if you know somebody that need 16 tell them to holla, we can work something out.

Q: Old school or new school, where goes your preference?

Neme: Good music is my preference old, new what ever feel me. I can ride around and listen to Slick Rick first joint all day, then turn around and put Kid Cudi in with out losing a step. There is no method to my madness as long as it’s hot I’m with it.

Q: Not so long time ago Prolific released the mixtape called “Now Or Never”. How did y'all come up w/ it? What should people expect from it?

Neme: With our last mixtape "Now Or Never" we wanted to make statement; that’s why we chose that title. It’s more than a title it’s a frame of mind. Like all our projects the people should expect that heat that 2095 music, that Prolific sound. There is no other combination like when the four kings get on the mic and do what we do.

Q: What’s your favorite song on the mixtape & why?

Neme: That is a hard questions cause all the tracks bang on the tape but I love "My Life" that is one of my favorite songs on the tape

Q: What inspired y’all to record “My life”? I must say that it’s my favorite Prolific song so far. It simply stole my heart.

Neme: That’s what up! I am glad you love the record. "My Life" was orchestrated by my nigga Flamez. Sometimes we write as group or by ourselves, with that one… he came to the lab with it. When he spit the first couple bars I was in, that shit hit me it was so real "I wake up everyday one in the afternoon pass out, every night two hours pass two, this is My life who the fuck ask you, a nigga trying to live does what he has too" It don’t get know realer then that. So we are taking you on a trip thru our lives, and I say trip literary for my verse cause am using car/driving metaphor to explain my situation, to answer the question our lives was the inspiration behind that one.

Q: What are your upcoming projects? Where should we expect to see y’all?

Neme: Look out for a lot more Pro coming up. We have a EP called " The Movement" coming out at the end of the year that we are working on right now and we might drop another mixtape before that to feed the people. And look for us on the road soon we working on something trying to get a little trip going, so all our people in the states and overseas we see you we coming, let them know its a Pro Movement.

Q: Any shout outs?

Big Ups the whole squad, Flamez, Exile, Zin O.D. Big Shouts to Hindsite, San Calo you know what it is, the whole 407 and 404, all our people back home in NY my brother Holding it down for Holding it down, Sutta Caine whats up, our German connect DJ Decane good looks my dude, Danny T and Double L much love, the homie DJ Rok, DJ MLG, DJ Ten what it is, always have to Big up homie Kid Twist Pro till he fitted for his casket, Rick at Rymatica, all the Blogs, DJ's and radio out their that show the Pro love and help us with this Pro Movement, and big up to you for this interview it’s much appreciated.

Special thanks to Neme for taking time out for this interview!

Rockstar Society: the stars who’ll rock your world

2010-08-28T20:17:00.008+03:00

They say, “Real recognize real” & w/o a doubt that’s the formula of Rockstar Society. This group of young talented hip-hop individuals from Queens, NY represents the best of the best in the game. Creativity, mad talent, true love for music & hip-hop culture… Rockstar Society members ain’t chasing fame cuz they are on the way to greatness & instead of creating hits they creating classic material gradually taking over the game & turning RSNY Films, RSNY Music Group & RSNY Mag into certified quality mark.

On July 30^th, Rockstar Society launched a series called “Welcome to the Society” to let the world witness their journey from the bottom to the top on the way to the glory road. Check out the episodes & get familiar w/ The Heartbreak Kid, Yung Juggz, G-Swagger, Fly Guy Nyks, Drugzzy, Rockstar R3MX, HStyler and others aka the stars who’ll rock your world.

For more RockStar Society click here

Songs of Freedom

2010-08-27T21:27:00.003+03:00

“Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men…” but hip-hop managed to take freedom to another level… to the level where only sky is the limit. And New Jerz own Haiti Da Poet decided to test this “limit” w/ his latest mixtape “Songs of Freedom”. Haiti had already raised the bar really high before the mixtape was even released so the expectations were really high. But the young artist surpassed all expectations & brought his listeners something beyond great. “Songs Of Freedom” is a killer from each and every possible p.o.v. The mixtape blows your mind right from the start. And every next song you listen to lets you know how official his game is in terms of lyricism, flow, production & energy. "Music is life changing" says the artist & proves it w/ every song he makes. Being an ill lyricist and a true artist Haiti Da Poet tried his pen in every subgenre of Hip-Hop, R&B & Reggaeton bringing something new to the table each and every time. For this mixtape Haiti teamed up w/ New Jerz finest artists & producers like Verb Spielberg, Apollo The Great, Fasha El Probo, Greeph, YFame, Jimmy Newtrone, Elz and many more having created a piece of work that is gon be considered a milestone in the history of music one day. This mixtape is something your mind & soul have been fiening for for a long time… don’t miss the chance to experience the “Songs Of Freedom”.

Download "Songs Of Freedom" here

Number One

2010-08-06T21:23:00.004+03:00

In hip-hop there's no such thing as being last cuz your only option is to be number one.

I remember the day I saw Apollo The Great in action for the very first time. It was ‘bout a year ago… in Oct '09 right after his Desert Storm Showcase. I listened to a few songs and the first thing that came to my mind was “What the hell them other cats were doing there? Messin’ w/ this guy is kinda suicidal”.

Well, I guess I was kinda wrong cuz if messing w/ Apollo in 2009 was suicidal then what about now? During this year Apollo The Great stepped up his game to the level where sayin’ “I'm number one” ain’t being cocky, it's simply a fact that no one can deny.

Check out Apollo's latest vid and enjoy the greatness of New Jerz hip-hop cuz C.M.D. is in the building!

For more Apollo The Great visit www.ApolloIsHIM.com

East Coast Hip-Hop... The Resurrection

2010-06-26T22:58:00.004+03:00

1970’s… somewhere in the Bronx a “ghetto secret” was born. In the beginning the whole movement was all about the East Coast. Philly, New Jerz & of course NYC originated everything that's considered to be “Classic Hip-Hop” today. It doesn't matter what part of the country you rep cuz I bet that there's at least one East Coast “Golden Boy” on your list of Top 10 MCs. It's almost impossible to overestimate East Coast's impact on the culture. New York ruled the game for decades establishing traditions & canons of the culture being the “East Coast” in the rap game for a long time. 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s & even early 2000’s… everyday a star was born. “Five boroughs” gave the world the biggest stars in the history of Hip-Hop. But as time passed the situation changed & the East Coast started losing the “boss status” due to all the tribulations, inner rivalry, commercialization and some other processes. All of a sudden the great past became less than enough to be the ruler… A lot of people claim that the East Coast ain’t as influential as it used to be. Well, if you turn on TV or the radio you'll hear the same voices you heard a few years ago. The “new blood” ain’t making noise like it's supposta & the “veterans” don't always keep up w/ the game. But does it mean that “the great past” has no “future”? Or maybe Hip-Hop is simply cooking a new “ghetto secret”… a “secret” that went underground to make the illest comeback & shake the whole world again? I'd been asking myself this question for a few years till the day when I ran into a stranger who looked so brand new & so familiar at the same time & that stranger was none other than New Jerz Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop's finest traditions mixed w/ honesty, free rebellious spirit, true love for the culture, mad talent, innovation, and hunger for greatness, success & recognition… “Don't talk about it, be about it” is the formula of New Jerz Hip-Hop. If 1970’s can be considered as the date of birth of Hip-Hop then late 2000’s be the Resurrection… the Resurrection of the East Coast Hip-Hop in its purest essence cuz while the industry is just getting ready for the next level NJ artists & producers like Verb Spielberg, Apollo The Great, YFame, O-Skeez, Floco Torres, VeloCitY, Haiti Da Poet, SneakerBox Chock, Greeph, Doochie Bass, Money Carsin, Prince Of Da Piff, ILL Gates, Eddro, Traxx Trigga, White Mike, Shizz Beats and many others already play the game on that level raising the bar not only for the East Coast but for the whole Hip-Hop community. Good ol’ Hip-Hop w/ absolutely new & sometimes even unexpected flavor is the bomb that's about to explode & put the new capital of Hip-Hop on the map.

"Call It Quits"

2010-06-26T13:51:00.011+03:00

*Writing the illest bars even in his sleep*

The rap game is a game that never stops. It's a 24/7 competition where even the sky ain’t the limit & perfectionism is the driving force that gives birth to the illest Hip-Hop legends. The moment one thinks that he is the King of the game & decides to rest on his laurels, a new cat comes to the game & takes over the crown bringing to the table something absolutely unhearda. The rap game is prolly the only game where only one moment separates a rookie from a legend…

A few days ago Camden's very own Apollo The Great dropped ~~his debut vid “Call it quits”~~ a message for those who take Hip-Hop as a joke clowning on BET, MTV & the radio cuz Apollo is about to remind the whole world what Hip-Hop is all about…

And visit ApolloIsHIM.com to witness how a “rookie turning into a legend” takes over the game

Young Solomon...New School Artist w/ Old School soul

2010-06-11T13:45:00.013+03:00

When do you know that an artist is outstanding? If I was asked this question I would say, when his music can talk to my heart in such unknown but still so familiar “language”. And most definitely Young Solomon is one of those artists whose music & voice can do something amazingly crazy to your soul. New School artist w/ Old School soul, he carries on his family’s legacy with such a grace bringing R&B to another level. Being driven by true love for music, Solomon has mad work ethic & never stops perfecting his craft. His every performance takes you on a journey to another world… the world created by the soulfulness & honesty of his voice. Incredible vocalist, performer, songwriter, actor… without a doubt Young Solomon is one of thee most promising R&B artists of our time.

A few days ago Young Solomon & I had a chance to talk and here some highlights of our interview…

On who Young Solomon is…

“He is an aspiring artist trying to change the message being placed in the world of music… still having lil fun w/ it …he’s a hardworker and dedicated to his craft… a student of the game before one day being not only a teacher but the principle”

On his style…

“I’ve heard that I’m a Mario mixed w/ Usher. Younger I was compared to John Legend or stuff like that cuz I had a lil bit scratchy voice… but as far as what makes me different from other artists I feel like I’m a lil bit more humble & realistic when it comes to being natural… I got the drive from above that just makes me stay dedicated to having my own voice… I have stickism. I can stick to it. I’m not a quitter”

On choosing music as a career…

“God gave me a gift so I feel like He gave me this gift to use it to draw people in it … I can add to it. I can start playing instruments, I can be a poet. I feel like singing in the music business is just another avenue & my music is an instrument… music itself is just a tool; it depends on how you use it… To change the world is one thing that I wanna do”

On his biggest influences…

“His fam: Solomon Burke (grandfather), Melanie Burke (mother), Novel (brother);

Michel Jackson, John Legend, Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful, Babyface, Joe, Trey Songz, R.Kelly, Jodeci…”

On the qualities that make an artist outstanding…

“Stickism, just being “stick to it” kind of guy; insanity… just rehearsal, performance is key; just being yourself. An outstanding artist to me is somebody who doesn’t mind doing whatever he wanna do on stage… just going out there & feeding it to the people & giving it to them & making them like it; having great voice, of course… gorgeous (voice), being able to deliver very well. You gotta be your own person”

On his dream track w/ dream team…

Young Solomon feat. Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Trey Songs, Beyonce prod by Quincy Jones and/or Babyface, Tricky Stewart and, of course, Novel… “w/ that kind of team it can be anything”

Old School Vs. New School…

“I’m an Old School R&B kind of person… Trey (Songz) brought it back to ladies but I feel like it’s not the same cuz growing up it was more about keeping a lady or being dedicated to her, now it’s just about… it’s more about sex & that’s cool and everything but you wanna tell her how much you wanna mean to her & not how much you wanna do it to her… the Old School is definitely better”

On if music is his love or passion…

“I would say passion cuz you can’t have passion without having love…”

On Hip-Hop…

“I listen to a lot of Hip-Hop... I grew up listening to Hip-Hop… which pretty much expresses… you know stories… you know Biggie, Tupac… those guys told stories and influenced the world & that always had something to do w/ me.

Hip-Hop is doing its thing right now… you can’t stop a poet.. poet is gonna attack hearts constantly

Before I actually came out as a singer I was rapping…”

On his goals…

To learn more about the game… “I’ve got a goal without knowing what’s behind it right now… I don’t really have a plan… but I wanna be maybe like A&R or something… I wanna be the big man”

On his debut album…

“Last summer me & Novel got together & worked on a few records w/ Cristyle, Paulina Citzman, Infinity… so we’re working hard… it’s coming, it’s coming. It’s gonna be Pop & R&B of course… little Soul”

On his type of song aka “comfort zone”…

“Anything that gives a message… I just wanna let people know that it’s alright to be yourself”

On longevity in the music business…

“I think the thing that gets people to bounce or just not last is they don’t have stickism… I think you gotta love it to stick w/ it becuz when you love something it’s just like being a part of a family. Like, of course, your family is gonna do some things to piss you off but if you love them you look past that & look at that ultimate thing that there’s love there… people lose love for the craft… people don’t know why they are doing it or they are doing it for the wrong reasons”

On the best advice on how to make it in the game…

“Just stick to it. (I was told to) Always work my heart to sing my every song like it’s my last song…”

You can listen to the full interview here

Imma leave y’all w/ my favorite performance by my boy Young Sol. It’s a cover version of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn't she lovely”. I truly believe that if you can sing a classic song better than the original performer that’s when you got what it takes to be the best of the best. And Sol definitely added something so special to this song. He simply killed it…

You can also catch Y.Sol singing and acting in on Friday June 18th 2010 at Methodist University's Reeve's Auditorium called "Grandma's Cabaret" to raise for money for abused and forgotten children.

For more Young Solomon check out his myspace, twitter & youtube pages.

Dynasty The DreamPusher

2010-06-07T23:37:00.005+03:00

Y’all know the official elements of Hip-Hop culture… but to me “dreaming” has always been the most official one since in the beginning it was all a dream… a beautiful yet wild dream that became reality despite all the hate, criticism & obstacles. Hip-Hop nation is a nation of dreamers whose self-belief changed world’s understanding of what’s possible & what’s not.

Carrying on this tradition D~Y introduces to the world her first but already classic mixtape called “DreamPusher”. No matter how much of a skeptic/non-dreamer you are, this mixtape will touch your soul in so many different ways. Even tho’ it’s D~Y’s very first mixtape this girl ain’t no rookie. It’s safe to call her a true veteran cuz she reps Hip-Hop to the fullest. Her unique style lies somewhere in between “Old School” & “New School”; instead of following trends Dynasty sets them. And “DreamPusher” is the best proof. The mixtape breaks all the stereotypes & lets the world know that females got their own story to tell. Soulful yet sick flow, incredibly deep lyrics, genuine & charismatic personality are among the things D~Y brings to the table. But what makes this mixtape really special is mad support from male artists, producers, DJs, etc… cuz eventually we’ve got “her truth”, “his truth” and “thee truth”, which is “DreamPusher”. So who said that your yesterday’s mad dream can’t become your tomorrow’s reality? “...pushin' til the air is no longer within my lungs... cuz the one who keeps it movin' is the one who overcomes”

DOWNLOAD "DreamPusher" HERE

TheFemcee.COM

O-Skeez... How real is this?

2010-05-25T02:22:00.003+03:00

What happens when ill talent goes hand in hand w/ unique vision? Well, the answer is easy… take a look at O-Skeez. This young artist is something this game ain’t never seen. Without a doubt “unique” is thee word to describe this emcee. No matter what it is he does it his own way bringing to the table something outstanding…

Q: Who’s O-Skeez? Introduce yourself to those who don’t know you yet.

O-Skeez: O-Skeez is basically ya average young go-getta with a big dream, that has a talent of using words to make music & relate to people life. To him its all about dominating anything he gets his self involved in to the highest level. Family, friends, & loyalty is the thing you can say he cherishes the most, more than money (laughing)

Q: Where’d the name O-Skeez come from? What’s the meaning behind it?

O-Skeez: It’s just like a name a childhood friend gave me, it’s not really nothing behind but me. Like I feel as tho I didn't need a name that was already known as something to describe who I am cause honestly who gone tell who I am better than me! So I looked at it as branding something that nobody knew of so if I did reach a certain plateau. It can only remind them of one thing & one person only

Q: How did you become involved in Hip-Hop?

O-Skeez: Umm ma brother. He had picked it up first & was real good wit it but me, I couldn't rap for shit!! (laughing) And since we was so competitive I wouldn't stop tryin till I was better than him. And not jus a lil better, I wouldn't to be waaaay better than him! (laughing) As I got older I became better and eventually a rapper from around the way that was already doin his thing put me under the wing... RIP Hectic

Q: What do you love most about hip-hop & why?

O-Skeez: I like everything about hip hop really. The culture its self to me is jus "Dat Shit"! basically... I’m talking from the clothes to the music, from the slang to the hairstyles, I mean like allll dat. Its movement by its self. And if you stamp that movement & become a part of it ya life personally becomes a beat. Its a creative art and like that.

Q: What are your views on the current state of hip-hop culture & its future?

O-Skeez: I'm not one of those people that think hip hop musically is dead. I personally feel hip hop is well alive & kicking but I do feel as tho the business aspect of it sometimes overshadow musically creativeness. For instinct, a artist can hear something on the radio & feel as tho that's what he/she gotta imitate to get recognition when realistically that ain't the case. As a artist I feel that its our job to build our lane & have our own sound. People in general love something new that’s different from the rest. Like a DMX and 50 or a Soulja Boy and them niggaz that made Stinky Leg… They might have had a similar style but sound and flow is totally different. And for the future of hip hop I feel as it’s looking quite healthy rite now, especially if I ain't breakthrough yet. So even if it is dead or bouta die I'm that confident in my music that I can bring the shit back & if you don't have that mentality as a artist you need find a new career feel me cause you done put ya eggs in the wrong basket. Straight like that!

Q: What do you think East Coast Hip-Hop needs to run the game again?

O-Skeez: Unity! That’s it. Ain't like we don't have the talent. It’s just everybody want to be the captain and nobody want to be the role player. Cut that jealousy shit out for real that's a weak emotion.

Q: How would you describe your music?

O-Skeez: Wow, hmm I would say if I had five boxes and the five boxes each had a different title on them and I had to place a ball in each of the boxes to describe my music?? Every single last box would be full... (laughing) I say that because I try to give my music no boundaries just in case they did try to box me out, it would always be another audience that would want to hear O-Skeez. Some think just because I'm from the hood & I know what it feel like to be the man in the trap I should talk only about that! But I won’t cause that's not the only thing that describe me. In my music is where you can find my personality. I always said if I was to die today and people still wanted to find out who I was and how I am they should go to my engineer (YFame) dat nigga kno everything!! (laughing) But yea my music leaves the listener to the point where they cant put me in a box and say oh ok this is what he about, nah cause I can relate to a lot of different situations so that's what I make sure I put in to my music to do.

Q: What message are you trying to convey with your music?

O-Skeez: It’s not really a message I'm trying to give off, it’s really a feeling. Me personally when I'm listening to a song or album I always try to feel out the feeling it gives me. Whether its a party vibe, a get -high vibe, relationship vibe, basically just the feeling I get off of the track. And that’s the same way I go-in on creating my material, trying to set a mode on what the production gives me. So I a track got me feelin bouncy I mite take the direction of it to the club or if its kind of laid back I’ll jus direct it to real life situations. And that's what people love, when they can listen to a freestyle or a song and it seem like I wrote it for them or I was talking to them without even knowing them.

Q: What do you bring to the table? What do you think sets you apart from other artists?

O-Skeez: What’s set me apart?? I don’t know, honestly… I wish I did tho so I can bragg!.. .(laughing) j/p I jus take the feedback from my day one fans and that's what I build off of. Some say it's my lyrical ability, my voice, the way my flow differ on every other beat, but me personally I jus do me. That's the one thing I know I can do that everybody else can’t. What I bring to the table tho that a lot of hip hop artist can’t do is probably my ability to mix reggae with hip hop and make it a fusion. And I’m type nice with the melodies!! (laughing)

Q: In terms of Hip-Hop subgenres, what’s your comfort zone?

O-Skeez: I mean nothing really gets me out my comfort zone but a bad beat! Other than that I’m comfortable rappin either one. My music is based on how I'm feelin the day I create it. So whether it's gansta or conscious it's true emotions. Some fabricate in their music but at the end of they day by a person detail and attitude in a song you can tell if they authentic or not. Especially if you don’t kno nothin bout it! Y do it?? That shit ain’t cool. But stupidity is a ma'fucka cuz if you find ya self stuck in that environment one day you done set ya self up.

Q: What emcees influenced you as an artist?

O-Skeez: DMX, Beanie Sigel, Kanye, Jay-Z,The old 50 cent (laughing), Jadakiss, Weezy, Styles P, Eminem, Cassidy. These is just some it's prolly a lot more but this all that had a big influence on me as of rite now.

Q: What’s real Rap/Hip-Hop to you?

O-Skeez: True feelings. Just staying true to who you is. I tip my hat off to Soulja Boy cause he got a lot critics thrown at him but all did was stayed in his lane. I respect that, obliviously he was prolly one of those club junkies to always make club bangers so that was his way of expressing who he was & what he bout. So true feeling make real hip hop. To me anyway!

Q: What O-Skeez song is the most significant to you & why?

O-Skeez: Wow, Prolly "Pen To The Paper" I guess cause that was actually one of my first songs I ever did! And it came to be a banger! I created it as a fusion with hip hop verses but a reggae hook. And once I dropped that joint it took off. From winning competitions to being on DJs mixtapes, to gettin played on the radio. So to me I think that song was significant on what it did for me as a artist and what it stood for in general. That's the one song I'll say explain O-Skeez well from the hook to the 3 16 bar versus it had on it.

Q: At what point did you make the decision to be a professional emcee?

O-Skeez: When I graduated high school. That's when I really decided I was gon make it legit. Cause after "Pen To The Paper" did its thing I had people coming to me asking was I goin to drop a mixtape & ma boyz tellin me I should keep it coming so I had all the time in the world now that I was out of school to focused and build upon the fan base I already had off of that song.

Q: What is it that most people would be surprised to know about you?

O-Skeez: I be strapped!! (laughing) nah for real tho!!... (laughing) I thing people would be most surprised to know about how down to earth I am, like with the type of feedback I get and the way people react to my music when I perform and niggaz not being able to wait till I drop anotha mixtape you would think I’ll be cocky as shit! Especially cause I don't associate with everybody. But to keep it 100 my head never get big. Unless I'm in a situation that person try to stunt on me like I don't bring the heat, the same heat they bring times 10!! Then you would never know.

Q: What’s WondaMuzik? How did you join the movement?

O-Skeez: WondaMuzik is a label founded by YFame as a group of Independent artists that share the same talent and same goal. And that's to be the best of each musically ability and make hella money!! Every artists that's on the label is craaaazy talented and I mean each every single one of us!! How I joined was Fame (the head of the label) was going to the same school I was at. And when I first start branching into music I was dealing with somebody that was mutual friends with him. The mutual friend took a break from music I carried on with fame & I guess he got tiered of hearing me rip down industry beats and wanted to hear on one of his productions. So I did a few joints afterwards we just kept working together. I was there so much it was like I was already down so made it official ever since then it been all day WondaMuzik.

Q: How do you see yourself in the rap game? What are your ultimate goals?

O-Skeez: Honestly I want to be the biggest artists ever!! And that's just me being me, that's jus the thought ma fire burns on. If I thought any less than then that I don't think I would be able to go so hard. So to sum up that question, just picture Hov status, now keep his status there remove his pic and put O-Skeez there. Beanie Sigel said "Play ya cards go against all odds, shoot for the moon if you miss you still amongst those stars" That's how I look at life...

Q: Let’s imagine that you could record a song w/ any artists … indie or major…dead or alive…Who would that be? Name your dream team: a few artists & a producer. What kind of record would that be?

O-Skeez: Rite Rite...Well I def have Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Sanchez, & Marvin Gaye Prod, By Kanye!!! Dat Shit Would Be Epic!! And the song wouldn't be a subject as "we are the world" but it would be something as BIG AS THAT...Maybe BIGGER!! (laughing)

Q: What are your upcoming projects? What should people expect from them?

O-Skeez: I got a mixtape dropping end of June called "Behind The Barz" It's gon be a lot gullyier from my previous mixtape, but its def gon have great songs on there toughing songs, meaningful song, what’s going on to date songs. Cause a lot of rappers still talking about money and jewels and all that which is cool but still you would've thought by their music America economy was in the greatest shape ever!! So yea Ima bring the beat back wit this one.

Q: Who are the artists & producers you’re working w/ on this mixtape?

O-Skeez: I’m bringing a lot new aspiring artist to the face front my fans I got artists like Scorp Da Boy (Philly Native), Young Vet, Rugaa Woo, of course WondaMuzik artists and who ever else draws my attention that I feel as if they hot and I want do something with them is on there.Production wise I got SapTheBeatMan, YFame, JhalilBeats, GT, and that's pretty much it. By the way, I do need some new bangers by my in house producer Fame I got to get him out his bag with this one!!

Q: What kind of music are you listening to right now?

O-Skeez: Disco!! (laughing) j/p I been playin a lot of old DMX lately and I got my boy Jeezy new mixtape on deck.

Q: Do you have any other passions besides music & hip-hop culture?

O-Skeez: Gettin Money & Basketball ..I kno how to ball real good…Like the dude Lebron I taught him!! He just ain't cut me my check yet, but it's all good….(laughing) Nah but you catch me on the courts Ima do my thing...

Q: Any shout outs?

O-Skeez: Shout out the whole WondaMuzik squad!, C.M.D. all day!, & ma gurl G for doin interview!

Special thanks to O-Skeez for taking time out for this interview!

For more O-Skeez check out his myspace & twitter pages.

H.E.R. name is Dynasty

2010-05-17T22:08:00.009+03:00

Hip-Hop… Essence… Realness… There are the words that come into my mind every time I listen to Dynasty's music. This girl is thee definition of a “femcee”. Her music is a perfect combination of the best Hip-Hop traditions w/ something that the world has never witnessed before. And while most artists are trying to drop a hit, D~Y gives the world one classic song after another…

Q: Who is Dynasty? Describe yourself in 6 words

Dynasty: Lets see... crazy, driven, gifted, playful, thoughtful... dope.

Q: Being born in NY & living in Tampa, FL. How did it influence your style? Do you consider yourself to be an East Coast artist?

Dynasty: I def do.. I identify with the east coast sound…but I love grimy east coast beat. Love my hard drums.

Q: When did you first realize that music was your true calling?

Dynasty: I realized it was my calling in high school... that’s when I realized that I loved performing... but I realized that it was my TRUE calling around 2001 when I opened for Mos Def.

Q: You collabo’d/ performed with legendary people like KRS-1, DJ Premier, Wu-Tang to name a few. What did you learn from that experience?

Dynasty: I learned that anything is possible... months before each of those occurred, I would not have believed it if you told me. If you said, D~Y... Primo is going to play “Femcee” on his show... I’d say.... right, that’s a dream... but... the one that really changed me is rockin with KRS. They are all incredibly significant... but KRS really moved me.

Q: What's your most memorable or significant collabo to date, and why?

Dynasty: Actually... my most significant collabo to date is one that I can’t mention just yet... because it is not finalized and I don’t want to speak on it before I have it in my hands. Sorry!! But the cat will be out of the bag on June 5th when the mixtape drops.

Q: Is it safe to say that Dynasty is your alter-ego? If yes, then what’s the difference between D~Y & D. Maria-Eva?

Dynasty: That's safe... D Maria Eva is the day to day Diana… while very much the same as Dynasty... there are slight differences. D Maria E puts on a dress and punches a clock daily. Has a good corp job… (Laughing) …all that. Sometimes holds back to avoid conflict… loves easily... and oftentimes cares too much. Dynasty is a beast. (Laughing) The similarity is that both are passionate, strong and silly. But when I'm in D~Y mode, I'm a bit more aggressive. I say what I want in my music. And I'm in your face when I'm on the stage w/ little concern about what people think.

Q: How did you get the name “Dynasty”?

Dynasty: Dynasty was given to me by a family friend when I was about 14... I needed a name. I was just "big Dee" (I had graduated from baby Dee... (Laughing). And he came up w/ Dynasty the "bounty huntress"... naturally, we got rid of that part.

Q: What is it that most people would be surprised to know about you?

Dynasty: I think people would be surprised to see that I'm a softy and sometimes overly sensitive when it comes to those who I really care about.. I'm so aggressive on the stage...it surprises people when they get to know me and see that side of me… But I'm showing more of that in my music lately.

Q: What do you love most about hip-hop & why?

Dynasty: I love that it transcends all boundaries. There are still some who think its one dimensional... but it’s quite the opposite... look at us connecting from across the world. Hip hop has put me in a position to say what I feel and talk about my life to people from all walks of life.

Q: How did you become involved in hip hop?

Dynasty: Das EFX made me start rapping. I just loved them when I was a kid. And me and a couple of my lil homegirls started saying their verses and switching it up a bit. Before you knew it I was writing my own stuff and spitting in the cafeteria.

Q: What does hip-hop mean to you? Could you define “hip-hop” somehow?

Dynasty: Well, we know the technical definition and the elements but for me, it is my outlet. My definition is: hip hop is a form of expression which allows Dynasty to keep her sanity…(Laughing). I could not imagine not being able to express in this way.

Q: Old school or new school… where goes your preference?

Dynasty: You know what… I'm in the middle. I'm not an ol' school head. There are joints that I love and appreciate and as I chill w/my team more I'm learning so much but I got into hip hop a lil later than many. I was a Black Moon, Smif n Wessun kind of girl. Then I was all about method man for a lil while, then Blackstar, M.O.P., late w/ Jay and Biggie...but I have favorite albums of theirs. But I wasn't really into hip hop when for instance Eric B & Rakim were huge, you know? I'm a lil later in the game.

Q: How long have you been emceeing professionally?

Dynasty: Hmm… how long have I been actually getting paid (laughing) …about a year and a half now. But I've been rocking crowds for years.

Q: I know you took a little break after college. Tell me ‘bout your lil’ hip-hop retirement?

Dynasty: I know right (laughing) unsigned emcee retires... Who did I think I was? You know... I was just going thru some things. One of them being rollin' w/ a crew who didn't really believe in me and I was jaded. Thought I could just leave it behind and move on. But, when I opened for little brother a couple of years ago it lit that fire again.

Q: Being a female emcee in the men’s game… is it an advantage or a disadvantage?

Dynasty: Most would consider it disadvantageous. And I understand why. I'm not naked, spittin about what I'm gonna do to a dude if he gives/buys me this and that (laughing). I'm in a different lane. And when they hear the music they say "that's dope…what does she look like?"...it’s not like that for a dude trying to get on... but I have some strong dudes in the game supporting the movement. So I can't complain. I haven't yet felt any serious pressure from the male dominated industry. I earn my respect through the music. Perhaps one day I'll feel some kind of way about it but right now, while I'm heavy on the grind I'm indifferent and focused on the bigger picture.

Q: Female rappers aren't as successful as they used to be in terms of album sales, why do you think that is?

Dynasty: In my opinion, once we got introduced to female rappers who were all about sex and money the game changed. Those rappers were wildly successful... between that and male rappers talking about women in a sexual manner most of the time I think most label heads feel that if its not sexed up to appeal to men its not worth pushin. And that's not to take anything away from these ladies. I respect their lane. But I see a change on the horizon.

Q: How do you feel about ghostwriting in hip-hop?

Dynasty: I'm not really feeling having someone writing your songs. I’d view you as more of an entertainer than an artist, which is cool but I don't think that you can claim to be an emcee if you're not writing your own material. Collaborating is a diff thing.. "Son, I'm stuck right here on this 13th bar… you have any thoughts?" Is different than..."Son, can you write me a song?" (Laughing)

Q: Do you think that freestyling is an essential skill for an emcee?

Dynasty: I don't think so. Some emcees are dope freestyle emcees. I'm a lyricist. I like to get a track and vibe with it. That’s my process. Never been the one to freestyle. My strength is in performing my songs.

Q: What do you think about where the rap game is right now?

Dynasty: I think it’s in an interesting spot. Seems that people are seeking something more right now… substance… not just entertainment which is great because it opens the door for an artist like me who doesn't come with a gimmick.

Q: How do you see yourself in the rap game? What are your ultimate goals?

Dynasty: My ultimate goal is to be able to write and perform for a living. That’s my dream...that's what I'm supposed to be doing. I wanna be the reminder. The one that makes them say... "Oh yea, I remember that there were dope chicks in hip hop who weren't always naked..." (Laughing). The one that makes it without compromising self and its been done before, so I know it can happen.

Q: Name industry people (artists and/or producers) you’d be privileged to work w/?

Dynasty: Man... I’d love to work w/ Mos, Talib, Erykah Badu, MOP... as for producers I’d love to work w/ DJ Khalil, Premier...to name a few off the top of my head.

Q: How would you describe your music?

Dynasty: Genuine... I'm just a girl w/a gift. I’ll say whatever’s on my mind but you'll always be able to tell that its real, whether its about killin an emcee or love gone wrong it’s all me.

Q: What message are you trying to convey with your music?

Dynasty: My music encourages you to be who you are...period. That’s all I plan to be and it’s workin' for me. It’s best conveyed thru my motto...keep pushin and a line from my song "pushin"... "It ain't what you got its what you do that defines you"

Q: What are your upcoming projects?

Dynasty: My 1st mixtape drops June 5th! I'm so excited about that. Its called “Dreampusher” and it really touches on who I am as a person… not just as an artist.

Q: So as far as this mixtape, what should people expect from it? What’s your mind state? What kind of songs are you doing?

Dynasty: Its everything from your cocky emcee flow to a personal song about love to a song about how dudes should approach me. My mind state is all over the place. It’s a glimpse into who I am.

Q: Who are the artists & producers you’re working w/ on this mixtape?

Dynasty: I'm workin w/local artists who I really like and admire... Jinx, Aych, Mike Mass. Another local artist who has recently been signed and doing huge things by the name of Laws and I also have a collab w/ Tek of Smif & Wessun.

Q: Do you have any other passions besides music & hip-hop culture?

Dynasty: Theater. My associates is in theater arts. I def plan to get back into that one day. I've been an entertainer since I could walk and talk. (Laughing) It’s just who I am.

Q: Any shout outs?

Dynasty: Shouts to team D~Y for holding me down. I love my team. My DJ Sandman, Deacon, Jinx and several others who have been and remain in my corner. And shouts to everyone who supports me in any capacity from DJs to hip hop lovers like yourself worldwide. I have so much love for all of you. You motivate me to keep pushin.

Special thanks to Dynasty for taking time out for this interview!

The mixtape will be available for download on www.thefemcee.com on June 5th.

Till then enjoy D~Y's new single "Magnificent" available on iTunes & Amazon.

Prophecy...The voice of the streets

2010-05-03T22:07:00.008+03:00

Despite the fact that Detroit Indie Hip-Hop scene is probably the most underrated one, without a doubt it has its own unique flavor & a galaxy of truest stars. One of those stars is an up-and-coming emcee Prophecy. Being the self-proclaimed "voice of the streets", every time he grabs the mic he tells another side of the story… the true story of a real g… the story of the one who comes to the game to change it. After several years of being lost between his love & his passion (Hip-Hop & basketball), Prophecy finally chose music & he ain't gonna stop till he reaches the top.

Artist's latest album “Hidden Chapters” is another confession of the streets. Being a student of school & the street, Prophecy managed to mix these two “worlds” & created something that everyone can relate to… of course if they know what "hustle by any means" is all about. This album is a story of one man's glory & his way to the top through all the blessings & tribulations that life can bring.

Mad lyrical game, substance & delivery that touches your heart be something that makes every song on the album so special that you just wanna play it again & again.

For more Prophecy check out his twitter, myspace & official website

Yung Juggz' B-Day Party

2010-04-30T21:18:00.004+03:00

If you live anywhere near N.Y.C. come & show some B-Day love to one of the hottest East Coast artists, Yung Juggz, during his B-day party. RockStar Society is in da building!

Young Scolla "Decisions"

2010-04-22T21:47:00.006+03:00

“Man doesn't simply exist, but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become in the next moment” ~ Viktor Frankl

Ghostwriting: the game is over… or just a new level of the game

2010-04-18T20:45:00.001+03:00

Hip-Hop community has always been a secret society w/ its own code. But ever since the culture stopped being a ghetto secret, a lot of “laws” have been questioned. Eventually, today we've got lots of controversy in the game. Without a doubt ghostwriting is one of the most controversial phenomena. Discussing this issue has been like some kind of taboo for years. A lot of people still argue if ghostwriting is a positive or negative phenomenon in Hip-Hop.

First off, there are two totally different “types” of ghostwriting. The history of Hip-Hop knows lots of cases when a successful artist ghostwrote songs for others, either to prove his lyrical skills or to express himself differently participating in “unique” projects. Emcees like Nas, Jadakiss, The Game, Jay-Z, Mase, Smitty, T.I., The D.O.C., Royce Da 5’9” & many others ghostwrote “a song or two” in their careers. This kind of “collabo” can also be a great way for up-and-coming artists to become well connected & well respected inside of the industry, since sometimes the rap game is more about who you know than who you are & being supported by heavyweights can play a huge role in artist’s career.

But every medal has its reverse & the music industry often creates a mirage. It takes a person w/ certain “star qualities” like marketable face & personality, nice delivery and creates a “star” when in reality that “artist” has nothing to do w/ emceeing.

This “Poet vs. Entertainer” issue is exactly what bothers Hip-Hop community so much. Hip-Hop culture… and rap music in particular is a lot more than just entertainment. Emcees have always been ghetto poets, people who could make a difference using the power of the spoken word. Emceeing is all about being a multitalented player… real MVP. You can't be just a good performer or just a good lyricist or just a “natural-born star”. Nah, it's not the case. The rap game is a survival of the illest. Only chosen ones came to the game, changed it & stayed there forever.

So who's a ghostwriter? Is he a friend or a foe? At this moment, ghostwriters indisputably are the warriors of the invisible front called lyricism. The rap game doesn't recognize being #2; it has no mercy for everything fake. That's why rappers come & go but emcees stay forever and ghostwriting is just a new level of the game called ”Hip-Hop Vs. The Industry”. I bet y'all already know who's gonna win…

Apollo The Great... History Is Made

2010-04-08T22:02:00.004+03:00

Making history is not about being “big” at a certain point in time; it's about making a difference that will live through decades & centuries. And this is exactly what Apollo The Great managed to do w/ his latest mixtape “H.I.M. (History Is Made)”. Being a “rap clone” ain't an option for him, that's why Apollo invented his own Hip-Hop flavor & w/ every new mixtape/album this flavor gets only better. Spitting nothing but realness, Apollo The Great is definitely one of the best storytellers in the rap game. He always reflects life through the lenses of Hip-Hop culture & turns every song into a real anthem for those who know what life is all about.

“History Is Made” is a new chapter in the history of Hip-Hop culture told by the young emcee. It's one of those projects that represent Hip-Hop in its essence. When was the last time you had a chance to listen to a mixtape packed w/ songs that could make your soul shiver?

It's Apollo THEE Great, mothafakas, & history is made cuz Hip-Hop is more alive than ever & it ain’t going nowhere!

Download "H.I.M. 2" here

Joose Castone... Standing Out

2010-04-03T20:37:00.002+03:00

The rap game is known for having no rules. There's no formula of success & longevity in Hip-Hop. There’s only one direction that is a must-follow: “Be yourself & do you”. W/ every new step you take you gotta be “transitioning from fitting in to standing out” & this is exactly what an up-and-coming artist from Huston, Joose Castone, is proving w/ his latest mixtape called “Standing Out”. This mixtape shows to advantage Joose’s style which is a perfect mixture of mean Southern swag & mad rapping skills. On this project J. Castone strips down to his soul & gets really personal almost on every track. Lyrical content of the mixtape won't leave anyone cold cuz its concept is something everyone can relate to… at least if you know what “being a work in progress” means.

The strongest joints on the mixtape are “Standin’ Out”, “Bulletproof Mimix”, “Aaron Out”, “I Want It (I'm On)”, “Slow”, & “Errands”.

Joose Castone… remember the name cuz this artist is ready to take over the game.

Download HERE

For more check out blogger, twitter & myspace.

G-Swagger... that Swagg from New York

2010-03-29T17:41:00.007+03:00

“You can spot us out of town by the way that we walk, the way that we talk, cocky the state of New York” ~ Diddy

New York City is known for being home of a lot of mad talented emcees & RockStar Society‘s own G-Swagger is definitely one of them. This artist managed to combine everything you'd expect from an NY emcee w/ his charismatic individuality & to bring something brand new to the East Coast Hip-Hop scene. Queens representative, G-Swagg has been rapping ever since he was 12. Even tho’ he started taking music seriously only in ’06 – ’07, G-Swagg’s sick flow has already gained him respect & recognition within Hip-Hop community. G-Swagger is a known perfectionist. He always shows what he can really really do w/ every move he makes. His goal is to live forever through his accomplishments, to make history & G-Swagger is definitely the cat to do it.

Download G-Swagg’s music here

For more G-Swagger check out his myspace & twitter page.

The Anti Valentines Day Color Is STILL Green

2010-03-27T21:29:00.004+02:00

Heartbreak is one of those things that can make you or break you & you're the only one who decides what it's gonna be. Floco Torres has already made up his mind & turned it into a win/win situation. His "The Anti Valentines Day Color Is STILL Green" mixtape is a reflection a raw emotion which is something that music lacks so much these days. This project is a sequel to “The Anti Valentines Day Color” & without a doubt it shows artist's immense growth. What can you expect from this mixtape? As usual… nothing but uniqueness & genuineness cuz these are the words to describe Floco’s music. Floco always manages to create a new reality through his music. This time he brings us a confession of a broken heart. Do you really think that you've already heard everything about it? Well, then this mixtape will prove you wrong cuz it's definitely a one-of-a-kind project. Floco’s lyrical versatility combined w/ incredible energy & undeniable charisma makes "The Anti Valentines Day Color Is STILL Green" a must-have-mixtape.

Download "The Anti Valentines Day Color Is STILL Green" HERE

For more Floco Torres check out his myspace, twitter & official website

Allow me to introduce... Haiti Da Poet

2010-03-14T16:24:00.010+02:00

Hip-Hop culture has been hated on since the day one. Critics don't stop talking about its death & lack of potential. I must say that every time I turn on the radio I kinda feel like believing them… but when I come across true artist who make that really real music I can clearly see the future of Hip-Hop which is nothing but greatness.

Haiti Da Poet is one of those artists who prove them haters wrong on a daily basis. Forget about any clichés when it comes to Haiti's music. This young up-and-coming singer/songwriter/emcee/producer from New Jerz is a real trendsetter in his own right. Having blended Hip-Hop, R’n’B & Reggaeton, he came up w/ a brand new sound that doesn't leave anyone cold. His lyrical game ain't no joke too. Haiti doesn’t waste his verses & brings to the table nothing but realness. Without a doubt, Haiti Da Poet is the artist to look out for cuz a talent like his will definitely bring him to the top of the game.

Currently Haiti is working on his new EP "Songs of Freedom" which is gonna be out in spring 2010. And I had an opportunity to ask him a few questions ‘bout it…

Q: So you are a singer/songwriter/emcee/producer. Let's imagine that you had to pick only one occupation, which one would it be?

Haiti Da Poet: If I had to pick one thing to be my main occupation it would have to be song writing. I've been writing since I was 8 and in my mind my creativity at first ear shot is 30 years older then I am now.

Q: How would you describe your music??

Haiti Da Poet: I'd describe my music as the part of yourself that your missing. Once you find it you never want to lose it again. It'll be like losing the ability to breath.

Q: What motivates you to write & record the music you make?

Haiti Da Poet: What motivates me to write and record music is my love for life. I see my music has the ability to motivate and uplift people, and when you have the power to change the world all you need is life to motivate you.

Q: What can we expect from your new EP "Songs of Freedom"? What is its concept?

Haiti Da Poet: What can be expected from "Songs of Freedom" is a positive uplifting vibe. I feel like people need that now and days. The concept arose from the late and great Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" I heard it and it had such an impact on my state of mind that it inspired me to create "Songs of Freedom".

Q: Who are the artists & producers you work w/ on this EP?

Haiti Da Poet: I've worked with a few producers on this project including myself, I've worked with Young Fame, Jimmy Newtrone, and Elz. As far as artist I have collaborations with Verb Spielberg, Apollo The Great, Fasha El Probo, Greeph, and many more.

Q: What are your future plans & other up coming projects?

Haiti Da Poet: My future plans are to push not only myself but my fan base to a new height and to continue doing lots of shows and making many public appearances. I'm also in development of a new project titled "The Myth Behind The Music" that will show case the harder yet still highly lyrical side of Haiti Da Poet.

Under Dogg ♫

Super Hero ♫

I'm About My Business ♫

For more Haiti Da Poet check out Twitter, Myspace & his website

To be continued....

Kid On The Bus

2010-03-01T10:00:00.005+02:00

They say that the new generation is totally lost… that the new school artists have nothing new to bring to the table… I bet they've never met that one kid… the Kid On The Bus… Who is he? He's no one & everyone; he's the spirit that keeps hip-hop alive… And this time he invites you to take a ride w/ one of the most promising hip-hop artists of our time...

YFame's latest mixtape “Kid On The Bus” is a journey of a young individual who's looking for the place where he belongs in this world. Every song is a new step that he takes on his way “home”… a new lesson he has to learn. He goes through a lot of up & downs on his way cuz unfortunately we always learn the most essential lessons the hard way.

Deep lyrical content combined w/ amazing production turns this mixtape into a real masterpiece. YFame is a known lyricist & storyteller but this time he surpassed himself. “Kid On The Bus” is definitely Fame's best work so far. This is a mirror where everyone can see his/her own reflection.

What's the last stop of the bus? It's something you have yet to find out…. So are you ready for the ride?

Download here

Apollo The Great...History In the Making

2010-02-23T23:26:00.008+02:00

I remember the very first time I heard the name “Apollo The Great”… I was like, “Either this cat is that cocky or he’s that good”… but when I heard “History In the Making” I had no doubt… Apollo is simply that great! Lyrically gifted individual w/ unbelievably deep understanding of what hip-hop really is… Apollo The Great is the artist to look up to. If he doesn’t make it in the rap game then I don't know a thing about hip-hop.

Who is Apollo The Great? Name 5 words that describe you.

5 words that describe Apollo The Great = Way ahead of his time!

Artists usually claim that their “on-stage persona” & who they are in everyday life differ a lot. Does it work for you? If yes, then what's the difference? Can you call Apollo The Great your alter ego?

My on-stage persona isn’t THAT much different from me in everyday life… The only major difference would be my energy level. It’s just something about being on that stage, I feel elevated!! And not in the sense of literally being higher up on the stage, but actually HI. Other than that it’s pretty similar. I dress the same way I would chillin posted on the Ave or something... (Laughing) I’m not trying to impress nobody with flashy cloths n jewelry… just my words...that’s Hip-Hop.

How did you get the name Apollo The Great? What's the meaning behind it?

The name "Apollo The Great" came about after another CORNEY rapper got signed with my original nick name "Ace". So with that I changed my name. In Greek/Roman history they have many Gods, and Apollo was the God of music, and poetry.... need I say more? (laughing) That’s who I am. I plan to prove that more and more with every letter, of every word, of every bar, of every verse, of every song I do! So that’s what my name means...its Showtime with Apollo!!!

How would you describe your music/style?

My music is Hip-Hop. REAL HIP-HOP. No gimics no games just real shit! Don’t get it confused, by "real" I don’t mean "Murda murda kill kill" in everything I say...I mean Honesty. I speak about what I live, see, or what I’m going through. I speak about how I feel. My music has an emotion tied to it.

What makes you different from the other artists?

Unlike OTHER "ARTISTS" who make any kind of song to make a few dollars and sell ring tones or records… I attempt to make my listeners think at least a little bit when they hear my music. Now n days you can hear a new song on the radio for the first time, and by the end of the song you know the words. That’s because these "rappers" don’t put any thought in to their songs or verses its "bubble gum rap" you know. A,B,C,D, 1,2,3,4 simple shit! THEY CANT RAP! I’m a MC! (Mic-Checker, Mic-Chemist, I Move the Crowd) that’s what I do, because I CAN RAP! (Laughing)

How did hip-hop impact your life? What do you love most about hip-hop?

Hip-Hop is life. It’s not just the music, it’s a culture. We live this shit! (Lauging) So it impacted my life on a 24/7 everyday basis. What I love most about it is its ability to make you feel that way only Hip-Hop can. Like back in the day the feeling of being in a battle or a cyfer was soo exciting! That rush it gives me. There’s nothing like it.

When did you realize that you had a talent for rapping? How did it happen?

I realized I could rap I guess in the 6th grade that must have been the year 2000, or 2001 I don’t know. But on my birthday my moms got me this little karaoke machine and I would write verses and record myself on cassette tapes of there lol.

Are there any people whom you consider to be your hip-hop mentors?

I don’t feel as though I have any "mentors", but my cousin Verb Spielberg is always there to lend a helping hand or give advice when needed… As he would say "Ace flow is water, I just showed him were to swim!" (Laughing) That’s my big Bro though so yea him if anybody. That’s it.

Do you remember you first time in the booth?

(Laughing) I do remember my first time in the booth. The guy who is now my manager had a studio in his house waaaay back then. He had a group of guys whom he was working with at that time and they recorded there. I heard about their studio and wanted to come check it out. They told me I couldn’t come unless I battled somebody. So I had to earn my chance to record. The day I went over I had two of my boys with me, and all of these other guys were at the studio. So of course they put their best guy up against me. I had to start the battle of since I was the "no name new kid" so I spit a verse and all his boys went CRAZY!!!! (Laughing) The guy I battled was so pissed but he had nothin for me! Dig this (laughing) He was so desperate to attempt to shut me down that he pulled out his notebook in the middle of the battle and read me his newest rap! (Laughing) That was a good day… so from then on I recorded there for free guess I earned my spot.

What emcees influenced you as an artist?

My influences were Nas, Tupac, Big, AZ, Wu-Tang, Jay-z (reasonable doubt) and last but definitely not least Verb Spielberg!

Being an emcee ain't easy… esp if you make that gimmick-free music. What motivates you to be the artist you are?

I’m motivated to be the artist I am by all of these here today gone tomorrow rappers being the artists they are! The more wack shit the industry puts out, the harder I go with this real shit! So they motivate me. It ain’t easy but somebody gotta do it, and who better then the God of music!? (Laughing)

What do you like about being an indie artist?

I like being an indie artist because of the freedom to do and say what I want. Making my music. If anybody wanted to sign me, and DIDNT want to give me my creative freedom the deal would never be made.

Do you have a song that can be characterized as “if you dig this song, you dig what Apollo The Great is all about”?

If I had to pick a song that depicted what I’m about it would probably be either "Return of the real" or "This is hip-hop"

What are your views on the current state of hip-hop & its future?

It’s pretty sad in Hip-Hop right now on the mainstream anyway.. Actually for the most part there is no hip-hop on the mainstream its POP but they callin it hip-hop cause black people making the music! *smh* but I’m not worried about its future though. Not at all...I finished my last album H.I.M II (History Is Made) and it will be out by the end of this month early next month so that’s a start. There has always been a young cat to change the way everybody was rappin, a guy to step in and raise the bar. Rakim, Nas and so on....But you know what they say about history? IT REPEATS ITS SELF!! *hint hint* (laughing) Don’t be surprised if that’s my next album title…oh shit I’m giving away too much! (Laughing)

How do you see yourself in the rap game in the next 10 years? In terms if hip-hop, what's your ultimate goal?

10 years from now I expect to have changed the game! Became a major influence on hip-hop culture. I expect to be one of the greats. A legend that’s my goal.

How do you feel on stage? Do you like performing live?

I fiend for a live performance! (Laughing) I love being on the stage. It’s a natural hi! I don’t wanna say its "better" than sex, but its almost the same level. (Laughing) When I perform it doesn’t feel like me though, it feels like an out of body experience. Like I’m hovering over top of my body and watchin myself perform. It’s kind of hard to explain the feeling, but something like that. (Laughing)

“H.I.M. II” is about to be dropped. What can we expect from it? What's its concept?

H.I.M II is dropping in a few weeks and you can expect real music. You can expect real lyrics, the kind you need to rewind a few times to try and learn them. (Laughing) There’s something for everybody on the album though. All I can say is experience it for yourself. (Laughing)

What are your other upcoming projects?

I’m workin on "Apollo's Creed the mixtape" and a few other mixtapes. My next album. I’m always workin so just be on the look out for anything with Apollo The Great on it and go get it! (Laughing)

Production-wise, who do you work w/? What does it take for a producer to make you wanna work w/ him or her?

I work with a select few producers mainly YFame. My other guy is DJWhiteMike. Also Fel Sweetenberg. For me to want to work with a producer they have to be original! Most producers make the same kind of beats they hear on the radio and that’s it. I hate that! If you don’t make your music from the heart and soul most likely WE wouldn’t work out together because you can NEVER mix something real with something fake...its like oil and water. (Laughing)

What's WondaMuzik? How did the whole movement start?

WondaMuzik is a collective group of young indie solo artists who all are working toward a common goal: to be the best at what we do. The Movement started soon as I got there!!! (Laughing) Naa but its a working progress we grindin.

Let's imagine that you could record a song w/ any artists… dead or alive… Who would that be? Name your dream team: a few artists & a producer. What kind of record would that be?

If I could do A song with anybody it would probably be THE BEST HIP-HOP RECORD OF ALL TIME! AN EPIC SONG! with DJ Premier on the beat, Apollo The Great featuring Nas, Biggie, and Jay-z the song would be called "East Coast Kings", and I’m dead serious! (Laughing)

Do you listen to other indie artists? If yes, name a few… besides WondaMuzik artists (Laughing)

Ummmmm well besides Verb, Fame and WondaMuzik artists I don’t listen to much else. Unless its golden age hip-hop (90's hip-hop).

Do you have any mottos/models you live by?

I guess a motto I live by is..."Everyday I wake up is another chance to make History" so I try to live everyday like I’m trying to make history. (Laughing)

Any shout outs?

Shout out to Gina for the interview, and just bein as dope as you are! Shout out to my Bro’s Verb, Harp, Chap, the whole fam. Shout to my boy Fame! My manager Johnny Agg, DJ Deuce, Radio, WondaMuzik! Shout out to everybody who took the time to read this interview! And last but not least shout to CAMDEN county NJ Westfield Ave 38th street!! You already know PEACE!

Special thanks to Apollo The Great for taking time out for this interview!

For more Apollo The Great check out his myspace & twitter pages.

Escaping Reality

2010-02-16T19:15:00.008+02:00

Reality is merely an illusion... ~ Albert Einstein

One of those things I love so much about Scolla’s music is that he always takes you on a trip to another world… the world that makes you experience déjà vu cuz even tho’ Sco talks about his own life experience somehow he makes you feel like saying, “Yeah! I’ve been there too! That’s my story!”. This time Detroit’s finest Young Scolla decided to take a walk on the edge between a dream & reality. Are we always cool w/ our “reality”? Have you ever wanted to escape it… to run away to a better one? I bet everyone has felt this way once or twice in his/her life. “Escaping reality” is a philosophic journey of a soul that is looking for some peace & harmony in this crazy world. This soul goes through a "series of metamorphoses" before it finally realizes that only one step separates your dreams from your reality & you’re the only one who defines what your reality is.

Download Here

United Street Regime TV

2010-02-14T20:56:00.009+02:00

What does it take for an indie hip-hop artist to win? When the majority of unsigned people be looking for a deal w/ a major record label, true artists enjoy their freedom & get creative. The Internet has already become #1 promo platform & it's one of the best creativity tests for artists and/or their team since there are no limits to self-expression.

Check out the official Pilot Episode for USR (United Street Regime) TV & get familiar w/ the hottest artists from Detroit: Young Scolla, K-Bunz, Jay-Cro & others.

To be continued…

Verb Spielberg...The Interview

2010-02-01T00:13:00.016+02:00

Some people were born to follow; some people were born to lead. Verb Spielberg was born to make a difference & change the game. When other rap cats talk their talk, Verb Spielberg walks his walk and lets his actions speak for themselves. Mad talent that sends chills down your spine mixed w/ deep inner world makes Verb Spielberg one of the most outstanding artists in the rap game.

Q: Let’s imagine that a person has never heard of Verb Spielberg… How would you describe/introduce yourself?
Verb Spielberg: On the mic, just a dynamic, creative individual who loves the Art of Hip-Hop somewhere in between a Nas and Kanye West. Off the mic, just a laid back individual that likes to analyze things, a realist, and a believer. Complicated but simple.
Q: Verb Spielberg… Where did you get this name from?
Verb Spielberg: Well my favorite movie is The Usual Suspects. And it was a character in there named Verbel Kint. And at first, I took that name. But then I guess EVERYONE seen the movie and a bunch of VKs started appearing. I wanted to be original so I just kept the Verb because that's what everyone calls me. And Spielberg CREATES the best Motion Pictures. I Speak Motion Pictures. Verb Spielberg. Action!
Q: Where do you come from? What’s your background?
Verb Spielberg: I'm from 38th Street and Eastside Camden New Jersey. It’s on the borderline of Camden and a town called Pennsauken. Grew up wit good parents so I was luckier than most. Loved rap all my life.
Q: How did you “meet” hip-hop? What song or artist introduced it to you?
Verb Spielberg: Well my older cousins used to play NWA in there rooms when I was little and would tell me and my younger cousin to keep out because we was too young to listen (laughing). So when they left, we would sneak in their room and just soak it up. Later down the line I heard The Chronic (Dr Dre). And I said to myself, the way this makes me feel is how I wanna make other people feel that's when I started actually writing rhymes. I had to be 11 or 13, I forget the exact age.
Q: How did hip-hop impact your life?
Verb Spielberg: Tremendously. When everything else fails me, I always have Hip-Hop. It’s motivation, a way of life. "Rap is something u do, Hip-Hop is something u live" KRS-1
Q: What do you love most about hip-hop & why?
Verb Spielberg: Its many, many artistic forms of expression. Its evolution is something to watch. It’s also a form of therapy. Music is therapeutic. And its how my people express themselves.
Q: Do you remember your very first verse? What was it about?
Verb Spielberg: (Laughing) First line went something like "Leon Freeman, lyrical demon, rap beyond rhyme and reason" (laughing). It was absolutely about NOTHING! Just trying to say the coolest stuff possible...*smh*
Q: You’ve recorded a lot of songs so far. Do you have a perfect verse… a verse that represents Verb Spielberg to the fullest?
Verb Spielberg: All my songs have a piece of me in them but right now as we speak...I would say that unreleased Verb Spielberg freestyle I got is my mind frame nowadays. "Verb about the cream that’s it....maybe one day, for now ain’t nothin’ blowin’ but the green that's lit". That whole song sums me up right now.
Q: How would you describe your music?
Verb Spielberg: Dynamic and Creative
Q: What do you bring to the table? What do you think makes you different as an artist?
Verb Spielberg: People may say, well either you’re Kanye or you’re Nas. They never seen someone who's in between that so that makes me different right there. But sometimes they can't understand how I know so about the streets AND the other side of things like school, and whatever else in the world. So my "different" is good and bad. But it really is who I am. I bring Dynamics to the table. The streets and the "nerds" can listen to me. I'm wit all that.
Q: These days, hip-hop has a lot of different subgenres. Some artists prefer to record club bangers, some love gangsta rap songs, some tend to make conscious or political hip-hop… What’s your comfort zone?
Verb Spielberg: I also bring imagination, and creativeness....I'm comfortable in ALL of them. I just talk what I know about and seen from each subgenres. And it’s more than people would think I knew. So I like that. But I'm never really uncomfortable writing about anything. The Key Word today is...DYNAMIC (laughing)
Q: In your songs you cover a lot of different topics. Is there anything you’ll never talk about on a record?
Verb Spielberg: No. (Laughing) Like I said, it’s definitely therapeutic (for me at least). When it’s real you doin’ this regardless. I try not to be limited. Sometimes people get confused but it’s no need because I can tell u where every single one of my rhymes came from.
Q: Do you always rap about your own life experience or do you prefer to tell other people’s stories? Are you good at writing “personal” songs?
Verb Spielberg: I don't prefer to tell other peoples stories unless that's what I WANT to do. But sometimes when I write street shit, it’s best I NOT say a persons name who inspired that line (laughing). But 95 percent of the time it’s my own life experiences. I'm great at writing personal songs. If that was a genre that would be my most comfortable. Sometimes I can write it better than I can say it in a regular conversation.
Q: What inspires you when you write a song? Can you describe this process somehow?
Verb Spielberg: The world inspires. Like everyday you learn something different. The longer I don't write....the more Ima have to say when I start writing. And I can't go too long without writing (laughing). Then, sometimes lines just come to me outta thin air. On certain days more lines come to me than others (laughing). I swear. Thursdays, lines just come without me even thinking. I prefer that then to turning it off and on when I want. Even tho’ I sometimes do that when I gotta write on the spot or being rushed.
Q: Do you like freestyling? What’s easier to freestyle or to write songs?
Verb Spielberg: When I was younger freestyling was easier. Then as I got into writing more, freestyling gave way to writing. I used freestyling most to battle other people.
Q: A lot of people believe that beefing is an inevitable part of hip-hop culture. How do you feel about beefing? Have you ever had a beef w/ any rapper…any diss songs?
Verb Spielberg: Oh yeah (laughing) it’s only inevitable if somebody gets out of line. I had. My share of diss songs to other artists coming up. It’s a real crabs in the barrel mentality where I'm from. Terrible.
Q: Today a lot of people misuse the word “emcee”. Entertainers like Diddy or Jermaine Dupri don’t even rap. It’s a known fact that other people ghostwrite for them, but at the same time they call themselves “rappers” or “emcees”. In my opinion, “emcee” is an honorable title & one must earn it. Who do YOU call “master of ceremony”? Can you define the term “emcee”?
Verb Spielberg: MC...Master of Ceremony, Mic Controller, Move the Crowd, Microphone Commando (laughing) My Creations....all the greatest are MC's...to name a few, Nas, Eminem, Jay-Z, Biggie and Tupac... Somewhere in the long list is Verb Spielberg
Q: What emcees influenced you as an artist?
Verb Spielberg: Redman, Dr Dre (Death Row), Wu-Tang and Nas… in that order. Redman is my favorite rapper.
Q: What do you think of female rap?
Verb Spielberg: We need more Lauren Hills less hoes (laughing)
Q: Every year artists come and go; some of them come back… some don’t. As a matter of fact, not a lot of cats manage to stay in the game for more than a decade. What do you think of artists’ longevity in hip-hop?
Verb Spielberg: Some people are just a part of the times and the ones that last have made some timeless music at one point or another. But just being able to be in the timeline at all is a blessing.
Q: You’ve been on the grind as an independent artist for a while…have you ever regretted the path you chose? Have you ever felt like “If I had had a record deal w/ a major label, my way to the top of the game would’ve been a lot easier”?
Verb Spielberg: Nah cause I love this shit. "When its real u doin this without a record contract"-Nas- Illmatic. If I had a major deal it would be easier but every victory ends up being severely tested. And if I never get a major deal, my just do will manifest itself in a different way.
Q: What do you like about being an indie artist?
Verb Spielberg: I do what I want, when I want, however I want.
Q: It’s a known fact that Detroit doesn’t show its artists love till they make a big break. Does New Jerz… Camden to be more exact… show you love? What kind of challenges does an indie East Coast artist face?
Verb Spielberg: It’s divided up here. I get more love than most, but at the same time everybody not gonna like you. For every one person that likes you, two people hate you. I think you gotta fight a little harder to be recognized over here. But that's just my opinion.
Q: How do you see the future of the rap game? What it’s gonna be in 10 years?
Verb Spielberg: It’s gonna evolve into other genres of music. Like more rap and rock stuff. Which is cool. I think lyricism will ultimately be relevant again in due time. And the next Great Ones will keep it going if they're let in the building..."Hip-Hop ain’t dead its just the dopest shit is Underground" ~ Joe Budden
Q: How do you see yourself in the rap game? What are your goals?
Verb Spielberg: Now I'm just primarily focused on Ghostwriting...I wanna get into this writing game and inject real hip-hop in where I can so it never dies. My little cousin Apollo The Great is coming up and I wanna make sure his path ain’t as rough. Cause he gonna make it. So that's my goal. I’ll do my stuff on the side but WRITING is what I love at this point. I’ll get it soon.
Q: Outsiders/fans usually have lots of misconceptions ‘bout the rap game. What were your misconceptions? How have your ideas (of what the rap game is) changed since you became a professional emcee?
Verb Spielberg: "As I watch it go up in smoke...I'm thinkin’ Damn?, the game look ugly when you up this close" ~ Verb Spielberg
Q: Name industry people (artists and/or producers) you’d be privileged to work w/.
Verb Spielberg: Nas, Jay, Eminem, Pharrell, The Alchemist, Diddy, Alicia Keys, Lupe, Jay Electronica, etc. List goes on and on...
Q: Do you listen to other indie artists? If yes, name a few.
Verb Spielberg: Yeah I listen to anything from WondaMuzik...Ali Vegas (they won't let him in neither *smh*) my boy Doochie Bass, and that’s about it on the indie side for now...that I wanna mention (laughing)
Q: How many official albums/mixtapes do you have out? And where can people find them?
Verb Spielberg: Aww man...(laughing) I got about 7 mixtapes. Some u can't find anymore unless u see me personally. Others like Probable Cause u can find on myspace.com/VerbSpielberg. PR Erv mixtapes on Datpiff.com. My album Written & Directed by Verb Spielberg is on itunes.com/VerbSpielberg and my newest mixtape the NFC compilation can be downloaded at zshare
Q: Tell about N.F.C. & “Survivor Babies” (mixtape).
Verb Spielberg: That's a compilation mixtape that me, my boy Shizzbeats, and Doochie Bass put together showcasing some of the talent in the city while carrying the compilation. It’s more geared to the streets but the streets are a part of the world so it must be touched on every now and then. My boy Doochie Bass got shot in the process of making this mixtape but he's still alive. So this mixtape goes out to him. Survivor Babies! One Love.
Q: What are your upcoming projects?
Verb Spielberg: Writing songs for others and hopefully getting placements, I'm workin’ on a new mixtape (not definite on a title yet) and Apollo The Great’s new album H.I.M 2 is coming soon. I'm featured on that.
Q: Who are the producers you work w/?
Verb Spielberg: Shizzbeats, Young Fame, Jimmy Neutron, BlazeArsin. Those are the main culprits. I always look for others tho’ but they're some of the best around these parts.
Q: Do you have any other passions besides music & hip-hop culture?
Verb Spielberg: I like WRITING (laughing) all my other passions sort of dwindled off. Music and Writing remained. And of course gettin’ money is a passion.
Q: Do you have any mottos/models you live by?
Verb Spielberg: Books like The 48 Laws of Power, The Alchemist, African Proverbs, Warrior of the Light, The Bible, and Message To The Black Man are all models I live by. I even take notes, go back and re-study them just to stay sharp.
Q: Any shout outs?
Verb Spielberg: Shoutout to Apollo The Great and the whole WondaMuzik Fam, shoutout to Team 16 (my writing team), shoutout to my supporters, to all my nonbelievers, thanks for the inspiration, and lastly shoutout to Gina (laughing) for being so dope (very rare nowadays).
Special thanks to Verb Spielberg for taking time out for this interview!
For more Verb Spielberg check out his myspace & twitter pages.

“The 808 Experiment Vol.2”

2010-01-18T16:34:00.010+02:00

One of the characteristic features of Hip-hop is absence of rules & boundaries. That's why Hip-hop never stops to amaze people. The moment you think you figured it out, it shows you an unexplored side of it. You thought that it was all about “Me, me, me!”? Well, the latest mixtape by SMKA called “The 808 Experiment Vol.2” is out to change your mind. This mixtape is a collaboration of more than 30 gifted individuals & even tho’ every artist is a star in his/her own right, they don’t even try to outshine one another. “The 808 Experiment Vol.2” is a musical collage of different individual styles… a collage that represents Hip-hop's essence – diversity. It doesn’t matter what sub-genre of hip-hop you prefer cuz this is the project where everyone can find a song that reps his/her inner world to the fullest.

Download “The 808 ExperimentVol.2” (for free) here
For more SMKA check out their myspace, twitter, & official page.
<a href="http://smka.bandcamp.com/track/what-it-seems-young-scolla">"What It Seems" - Young Scolla by SMKA</a>
<a href="http://smka.bandcamp.com/track/let-me-go-brittany-street">"Let Me Go" - Brittany Street by SMKA</a>
<a href="http://smka.bandcamp.com/track/spotlight-tom-p">"Spotlight" - Tom P by SMKA</a>
<a href="http://smka.bandcamp.com/track/aine-given-up-pill-ft-young-scolla">"Aine Given Up" - Pill ft. Young Scolla by SMKA</a>
<a href="http://smka.bandcamp.com/track/p-o-n-nappy-roots">"P.O.N" - Nappy Roots by SMKA</a>

Spotted at "Scolla's Word"

ALPH-A-BIT

2010-01-13T20:13:00.015+02:00

Even though the majority of people think that the rap game is for youngins, I believe that “30 something” is the most interesting stage of any artist's career cuz on the one hand an artist is still young & ain’t afraid to make some crazy/revolutionary moves, but on the other hand this artist has already walked “a few miles” and you can see if this is a "sprinter" or a "long-distance runner". But what really excites me is finding a youngin who has that raw talent & dedication to make a difference in this game… someone who makes you think, “Damn! This cat might be a long-distance runner!” One of this diamonds-in-the-rough is up-and-coming emcee/producer/writer ALPH-A-BIT from L.A. "My main goal in music is to open people eyes to something different. Something that hasn't been in the game for a long time. I want to let people know who I am as a rapper, producer and an artist as a whole" ~ ALPH-A-BIT. Get familiar w/ his music & feel free to visit his myspace & twitter pages.

Download "The Music" by ALPH-A-BIT here

If hip-hop is dead, who killed it?

2010-01-07T18:50:00.003+02:00

During the last years a lot of people have been talking about hip-hop's death. And today more and more people start believing this “Hip-hop is dead” campaign. So is that right? Did we let this happen? If yes, then who killed it? Who's the one to blame?

First off, what's hip-hop culture? What do we mean by “hip-hop is alive” & “hip-hop is dead”? If we had a time machine, we could go back to 1970s and see the roots of the culture: the block parties & on-the-corner performances, people who spoke their minds cuz hip-hop was their only way to escape the rough reality of the ghetto. Hip-hop was that special place in the universe that you could call home; place where you could reach the craziest dreams and be safe & sound. Hip-hop was a ghetto secret… a secret code young hip-hop nation lived by. And now, let's go back to 2010. Has anything changed? Has HIP-HOP changed? …to be more exact. Nah, it’s still the same. The only problem is that people are looking for it in all the wrong places. Who told y'all to look for hip-hop in the music industry? The word “industry” can’t have anything to do w/ hip-hop cuz hip-hop is art and art can’t be a manufactured product. Any industry works according a certain scheme making its product, but is there any scheme one can use in order to create an art masterpiece? Na-a-aaah! Every masterpiece is unique, it’s something unseen or unhearda. So how come fans are looking for hip-hop watching MTV, BET or listening to the radio? The industry clones each & every successful move and turns it into a joke.

If you take a look at the greatest artists’ life-stories (and I’m talking about the greatest artists of all times… not only ‘bout hip-hop people), you'll see that the greatest of the greatest lived underground life. They all struggled for a right to express themselves. They became recognized, famous, & successful posthumously. So why do people consider their artworks to be masterpieces? What makes their heritage so special? The feeling. The universal, real feeling their works carried through centuries. They were the people who hit the bottom & their only option was to succeed. But since they lived in a “caste society”, they created another reality … they lived art. The same goes for hip-hop. Do you remember DMX's “To live is to suffer, but to survive, well, that's to find meaning in the suffering”? Real hip-hop cats didn’t talk about “money, cash, hoes”; they dug a lot deeper. They were rebels without pause. Their each step made a difference. And then big money came & killed artists’ longevity. Usually an artist's first album is raw and dope, but after a few albums all this artist has to say is “money, cash, hoes”. But is it hip-hop? Nah! It has no feeling in it. It ain’t art anymore.

So is hip-hop dead? Nope. It’s still alive. Then where is it? Right where it’s supposed to be … it’s rocking its underground mic. From the p.o.v. of culturology, one of the main features of art is “elitism”. Pure art is supposed to be understood by a few, not by mass. Perception of art requires special training. So if they failed Prof. G.O.D.’s & Prof. Life’s classes, they ain’t ready for hip-hop realness. This form of art is only for the members of elite society called hip-hop nation… society of people who don’t simply bob their heads to a hot beat… they dig hip-hop on a deeper level. Their heart can create a beat of its own, cuz hip-hop runs through their veins. Hip-hop is the truth & the truth is immortal. And just because the mass doesn’t see the underground movement that carries on tradition, it doesn’t mean that hip-hop is dead. Who's dying then? The music industry. Should we be sad about it? Nah, cuz the moment it dies, underground movement will come out of the industry's shadow. This is a take ova; no Jay Hova….

Ra-The-MC

2010-01-07T11:47:00.011+02:00

Even tho’ there are lots of different ways to promote an artist, it seems that the music industry still has no clue about it, especially when it comes to female emcees. Unfortunately, every lady who wants to be an emcee has only two ways to the top of the game. She uses either “sexy” image or smart yet feminine, tomboyish image. But since the “sexy” image is the easiest way to reach “success”, the majority of females chooses it. I remember one of No I.D.’s interviews where he criticized Drake for being a heartthrob. He said that using that kind of image was a dangerous game. At the same time he says that a chick has to rhyme about a d*ck in order to make it in this game. Well, the first part is understandable, but the second one … I don’t think so. This is exactly what destroys the reputation of female rap. There have been hundreds of female rappers in the history of hip-hop. Some of them had their temporary buzz & were gone in a minute; some of them became legendary artists. So what's the difference between an outstanding femcee and a one freak hit wonder? What do emcees like Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Sha Rock, Missy Elliott, Eve, Salt ‘n’ Pepa, Jean Grae, Mae Day, & Dynasty have in common besides substance & deep lyrics? They all brought something new/special to the game. They ain’t afraid to be themselves & represent their beliefs.

Now lemme add one more outstanding femcee to the list. Her name is RaTheMC & she reps D.M.V. According to Ra, a female emcee has to be much more than a rapper to succeed in the rap game & Ra has a lot to bring to the table being emcee/ singer/ song writer/ photographer/ fashion consultant & having undeniable charisma. Rashea ain’t concentrating on the “gender” problem & simply tries to establish herself as an emcee respected by both camps (male & female). Her goal is to change the way female emcees are viewed in the industry, to be treated as equal. In Ra's book, emcee is supposed to be a good storyteller and she is definitely good at it. Her songs have both, storyline & very special vibe created by her charisma, flow and vocals. On top of that RaTheMC has her own style/image: she doesn’t accept trends, she creates trends of her own.

Download “Are You Not Entertained” (for free) here

Download “A Mixtape About Something, I think” (for free) here

For more RaTheMC check her myspace, twitter & blog.

Old School Vs. New School… What’s beef p.3?

2009-12-28T20:33:00.003+02:00

“The media does play a big role in destroying the hip-hop culture movement, but many of you in the hip-hop community are the biggest enemies of hip-hop and you will be the ones who will help the enemies of hip-hop to destroy it, or to bring it back underground, because of your ignorance of knowledge of hip-hop. This has started the difference between "old school" and "new school".

To myself there is only one school and that's the learning, evolving, going through the different phases or cycles school of hip-hop. That is the real hip-hop school. A lot of you in the world of hip-hop better start looking at the problems in your own backyard as well as the world, because while you are enjoying yourselves etc. there are many plots being sprung to destroy hip-hop in the world”. ~ Afrika Bambaataa

Generation gap has always existed & will always be, it ain’t a surprise that hip-hop is facing this problem. Usually thought thrives on conflict, but this time the conflict is so “ungrounded” that no thought can thrive on it. All they do is nothing but criticizing each other. And what's really interesting is that they don’t criticize the content…if you look closely, you'll see that they are talking about the form; when hip-hop is about the substance. As a matter of fact, I can’t even say that the beef is between old school & new school cuz there's no such a movement as new school. Old school is a unity, when new school is a bunch of people trying to do themselves. So, in fact, the old school artists criticize the industry. I would rather call this beef “old school vs. the music industry” aka “pioneers vs. the people who messed up the culture”. Anyway, it surprises me that pioneers talk about the form, when the substance suffers the most. In my book, old school represents the deep lyrical content, rebellious nature & new school represents mastered sound, world's recognition. So why are we talking about “skinny jeans”…like for real?!!!

Hip-hop pioneers have priceless experience of going “from nothing to something”. They started the culture & the game from the scratch. They didn’t need major labels & media to gain respect and make a difference. There are a lot of interesting “moves” contemporary artists can learn from the old school colleagues in order to be free to create real music without being industry's “puppets”. So called “new school” generation is good at making money. Now imagine what it would be if they collaboed w/ each other… Will “new school” generation listen to the old school? Just like I already said, the “new school” movement isn't homogeneous: we have a mainstream movement & an indie/underground movement. Mainstream artists have already tasted so called “good life” and I’m not sure if they are ready to stop the “clownery” they participate in, to make a difference. In order to change the game, a person must go through thick (the way to the top) and thin (being on the top) & unfortunately not a lot of people proved that they can handle the “thin” part. Indie & underground artists would definitely learn from the hip-hop pioneers, but the old school people gotta be ready to stop all this mockery & work together as a fam. Otherwise, all these inner beefs will lead to self-destruction & the next generation will have to reconstitute the culture from the beginning. So if y'all wanna be loud & make noise, go ‘head! …but your ACTIONS are supposed to be loud & not only your mouth…do something!

Take a look at what an indie artist Floco Torres has to say on this issue. I cosign his p.o.v.…almost completely.

Dynasty The Femcee

2009-12-23T20:23:00.017+02:00

So while radio stations and TV keep on playing songs by wannabes like Nicki Minaj, hip-hop community is still struggling to bring true femcees to the game. Recently a lot of hip-hop veterans have stated that female rap had to be revived in order to revive the whole hip-hop movement. But as y'all know, talk is cheap. I've been waiting for one of those veterans to make some real moves & this move has been finally made by the one and only DJ Premier. He mixed a track for an up-and-coming femcee Dynasty aka D-Y & this track called “Femcee” is heavily promoted by Primo. Dynasty has been grinding in the rap game for a while & she finally has a chance to show the world how much of a true artist she is. D-Y has everything to change the game and murder them candy-coated chickenheads & Barbies: mad flow, substance, understanding of what true hip-hop is, dope personality and swagger. Feel free to check out Dynasty's music on her myspace & youtube pages and keep on watching for her, cuz this is only the beginning.

Download “Femcee” & "On that microphone(Freestyle)" by D-Y.

Nneka...let the madness begin

2009-12-21T13:48:00.007+02:00

They say that Hip-hop is dying, but I believe that R&B is in even worse situation. These two genres has always walked hand in hand like a brother and a sister; they co-influenced each other … R&B tracks were used as samples for hip-hop songs, while “hip-hop beat” influenced the sound of contemporary urban R&B; they even blended into so called hip-hop soul. But recently R&B became such a cliché genre…all singers look and sound the same…everytime you watch BET or MTV, listen to the radio, it looks/sounds like some kind of parade of clones. Well, hip-hop has a powerful underground/indie scene. Even though they haven't made much noise, they are there and they are about to blow the industry up. But when it comes to underground R&B …well, the only decent artist I can name is prolly Mayaeni … at least I thought so… and I’m really happy to admit that I was wrong. Maybe underground R&B scene is less loud, but it’s waiting to be discovered & introduced to the world and there are lots of real diamonds in the rough: people w/ true talent and pure love for music.

One of these diamonds in the rough goes by the name of Nneka. Her name means “Mother is supreme, mother is the best” and she reps her name to the fullest. Nneka is a mixture of different cultures: a daughter of an African father and a German mother…born and raised in Nigeria, she had been influenced by a lot of cultures and eventually became a voice of the ghetto we all live in … the ghetto called “The Earth”. She is not one of those “hot”, candy coated, “ghetto”, half-naked “divas” … nah, it’s not the case. Her music is a lot deeper than that. Nneka’s lyrics reflect her life experience, journey from Nigeria to Germany, issues of the Third World countries, moral values of our time and other things that are beyond the material world. Her style reminds of Erykah Badu & Lauryn Hill. Nneka has a unique raw sound as a singer and a soulful flow as an emcee. Even though she sings more than raps, it’s safe to call her a singer/femcee cuz Nneka is a true artist.

This month Nneka has had a mixtape called “The madness” out. Her true talent amazed a lot of your favorite artists like Talib Kweli, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Jay Electronica, and Damien Marley …just to name a few. They were impressed so much, that they made guest appearances on the mixtape. I guess that such list of guest appearances speaks for itself. So let the madness begin…

Download "The Madness" (FOR FREE) here

For more Nneka check out her myspace page & twitter.

Prelude to Perfection

2009-12-17T21:01:00.007+02:00

What's the most essential feature of the rap game? What makes emcees step up their game everyday? What motivates them to be better? I believe that it's competition. Hip-hop culture is one of the most competitive cultures in the world. Emcees manage to compete not only w/ other emcees, but also w/ themselves. And this "inner" competition is exactly what defines a legendary emcee. This lyricist grows as a person & as an artist day by day on the way to the perfection. But since only sky is the limit, every new step an artist takes is only another prelude to perfection...

“Prelude to perfection” is a mixtape by an 80's baby, young talented emcee/producer/entrepreneur from Detroit…Young Scolla. One of those things that single out the hip-hop generation born in 80's is that these “kids” are either “lost” or “found”. The 80's babies, who keep on listening to what the industry wants them to listen to, are definitely “lost” cuz they've been brainwashed, they have no idea of what real music is. The “found” generation escaped to the world of old school hip-hop, they know their roots, they carry on tradition & they are hip-hop enough to make a difference. Without a doubt, Young Scolla belongs to the “found” generation. He knows how to combine a hot sound w/ a deep lyrical content. When asked about his outlook on the rap game in general he had this to say: "There's been a lot of controversy over the Hip-Hop is Dead campaign. I say Hip-Hop is in a coma. Not to knock any music that's coming out but there is an over saturation. No depth in the music anymore. People aren't saying much. Until there is a balance, rap is going into a pit fall..." They call him “Scolla” cuz he aims for excellence with everything he aspires to do and reach for. This mixtape introduces to the world his inner growth. Scolla talks about hip-hop, success, love, relationships & other things we all go through everyday.

There are all kinds of songs on the mixtape, but the brightest one is “Maybach Music 2” (Remix). He took Rick Ross’ track and showed what a real lyricist could've done w/ J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League's dope beat. I’m sure y'all remember the original track…hot beat, catchy chorus, and a bunch of bragging…typical “ringtone rap” song. But real rap/hip-hop track has nothing to do w/ that, so Scolla shows how hot 16’s…a hot verse…can turn a "fake" song into a real masterpiece.

<a href="http://youngscolla.bandcamp.com/track/maybach-music-rmx-ft-s-class">Maybach Music (Rmx) Ft. S Class by Young Scolla</a>

I must say that I checked a few “old” tracks by Young Scolla and I was really impressed, cuz he definitely stepped up his game in terms of content and flow. So if this mixtape is only a “Prelude to perfection”, then what's perfection?

For more Young Scolla check his twitter, myspace, youtube, blog & official web-site. You can also sign sp on www.youngscolla.fanbridge.com for exclusives from the emcee.

Download “Prelude to perfection” (FOR FREE) here or via sharebee.

A star to stars & nobody to nobodies

2009-12-15T21:39:00.008+02:00

Yesterday I realized that I was wrong thinking that everyone knew Alonzo “Novel” Stevenson. So allow me to introduce him one more time. Novel is a multi-talented artist. He is a producer/singer/emcee and occasional music video director. He is a star to stars & nobody to nobodies. Novel ain’t some kind of rookie; he is more like a veteran. Being a hip-hop savior is in his blood. All his family members are gifted musicians and he carries on traditions of Solomon Burke’s dynasty. He has been in the music game for almost a decade & that didn’t change him. A true lyricist and hip-hop lover, Novel doesn’t allow the industry to break him. Regardless any “label troubles” he keeps on giving the world nothing but real music. Alonzo Stevenson has already blessed us w/ three great mixtapes “Chapter One” (2008), “808's and Mixtapes” (2009) & “Suspended Animation” (2009) and great production for artists like Talib Kweli, India.Arie, Monica, Stacie Orrico, Leona Lewis, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Slaughterhouse, Sammie, Lauryn Hill and others. Right now he is working on his first studio album & a mixtape w/ Joell Ortiz. What can y'all expect from the mixtape? Nothing but greatness! And to prove that, Novel decided to show y'allindie how he cooks his “Blue Magic”… Welcome to the “Internet novelties”…
#1

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To be continued...

Love Songs For Losers & Ballads For Ballers

2009-12-10T20:37:00.005+02:00

What comes to your mind when you think of a “rap/hip-hop love song”?… Now wait a minute! Before you start quoting all those cliché lines from mainstream rap songs, lemme remind you that all those songs have nothing to do w/ hip-hop and love. In my book, rap is an art form & hip-hop is essence/content. A form with no essence is empty and senseless. The same thing goes for all those so-called “love songs”. What's hip-hop? What's rap? This kind of music is about self-expression. And since every person is unique, every song is supposed to be a journey to another world…especially when it comes to love. Now think one more time… Oh, do you really think that everything has already been said and done? Well, then allow me to introduce a Phenomenal Hip-Hop Individual Living Through His Years aka P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.!

P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.’s EP “Love Songs For Losers & Ballads For Ballers” is something everyone can relate to. He decided to talk about an eternal issue: love. And the EP shows his own approach to love…to the kind of love that is a lot more than just kisses, hugs & beautiful words. The emcee doesn’t try to preach…nah, it’s not P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.’s style. Young man talks about his own experience and it’s up to you if you wanna learn the lesson or not. This is one of those things that make him so original. He is known for practicing what he preaches. Talk is cheap, that's why P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. walks instead of talking. He's not afraid to be himself, even though he is not a typical rapper. P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. is original in every way. And “Love Songs For Losers & Ballads For Ballers” is just another proof. Just take a look at the concept of the EP: "What's love radio". Intros are presented as listeners’ calls on the radio-station. Every listener speaks on a love issue he’s dealing w/ and the next song is dedicated to that issue. The lyrical content reflects P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.’s deep inner world. When the majority of male rappers are on that “big pimpin’ thing”, he ain’t afraid to be a gentleman and to show the world his beliefs. This EP breaks all the myths you've heard about man’s love and shows that “love is what chu make it”.

Download “Love Songs For Losers & Ballads For Ballers” (FOR FREE) here

Or Via rapidshare

For more P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. check out his Twitter, Myspace & Blog.

In other words, welcome to the world of a Phenomenal Hip-Hop Individual Living Through His Years!

Heaven for your ears...From the Sol

2009-12-06T21:20:00.006+02:00

Small Eyez is tomorrow, Marty Mcflying the Delorean left behind by his predecessors Common, Mos Def, & Talib Kweli. Like those that came before him Small Eyez has an uncanny lyrical ability to weave positivity & consciousness into accessible music for the general public to absorb. A solo emcee, independent artist, & Mind Musk Ent. Founder, music is something that has coursed throughout Eyez bloodstream ever since he was a youth in Ohio.

Small Eyez was told at an early age that he would never be capable of playing a musical instrument due to birth complications that left him with the use of only one arm. Rather than dwell on the restraints and limitations put on him by others Eyez began to use Hip Hop as a way to channel his creative energy. Eyez first officially appeared on the scene with the critically acclaimed Debut "Vipassana (The EP)", Released in April of 2006. Vipassana garnered rave reviews within the press from noteworthy publications such as Okayplayer.com, RapReviews.com, Groundlift Magazine, & SOHH.com to name a few. Small Eyez has performed alongside the likes of Hip Hop Legends like Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, & Monica. (Via his myspace page)

Download Small Eyez' new EP "From the Sol" (for free)

For more Small Eyez: Myspace, Twitter

Change is us…

2009-12-03T14:48:00.007+02:00

Everyday more and more people complain how wack music is today. Despite all this complaining, major record studios and artists keep on blaming recession for that & people keep on listening to what music industry calls “music”.

Frankly speaking, I don’t really get why people consider recession to be some kind of evil. It’s only a moment of clarity. It’s only a wake up call and nothing more. It’s a moment when a customer becomes the hustler. Cuz customers don’t have enough of money to buy everything they want, so they have to choose what's important and what's not. Every time they buy something, they give that product/company a chance to live. And every time they stop buying something, they sorta kill the product/company. So at the end of the day it’s a survival of the illest and only the best companies stay in the game.

But it seems that music industry refuses to recognize the rules of the game. They act as nothing’s going on; they don’t apply any changes… when the system is yelling, “Help me! I’m dying!” The industry keeps on living in an imaginary reality. And I must say that their “imaginary reality” affects a lot of people outside of the industry. It creates a scary illusion. When you watch TV, listen to the radio or visit a record shop, it seems there are only a few artists in the game and they are so wack, but you have no alternative and have to listen to those “artists”.

However, in reality, there are thousands of great artists who struggle on their way to their potential fan-base. They have unbelievable work ethic. They don’t try to be a “one hit wonder”; instead they keep on experimenting and making real, unique, genuine, meaningful, and soulful music.

In the beginning, big companies came to hip-hop artists asking ~~begging~~ them to advertise their products, today major artists are enslaved by those big companies. But since we DO go through recession, WE can CHANGE the situation. And when I say we, I’m talking ‘bout FANS. WE made hip-hop universal. WE crowned the “kings” and the “queens” of the game. That's why WE can RESTART the system.

Actually, the “restarting” has already begun. People stopped buying albums, cuz at least 50% of material on an average album is wack, so they simply download those albums for free. As a result, album sales decreased and industry bosses lose their money every minute. But what's really important at this point is fans’ reaction. Y'all can ask me, “What can WE do? We have no power, no influence…” Sorry, but I beg to differ.

As I said earlier, there's an alternative to “ringtone ~~crap~~ rap” and this alternative is independent record labels. They have everything to prove that hip-hop has always been alive…everything but big fan-base to be world wide. So what can we do?

First of all, you have to look around and check for some indie artists in your area code or online. I’m sure that you can find at least a few dope artists. Once you found those artists, show them some love: buy their mixtapes/albums/songs or visit their shows. In order to do that, you can visit their web-site or ask them in person. In this case, every fan invests his/her few dollars and eventually an indie artist/label has a budget to work with (fact: recording songs and performing requires some money).

Also, you can call on local radio stations and request your favorite songs. Radio stations and their sponsors are into ratings. If they know that this or that artist attracts audience, they play his/her music. So if YOU let them know that WE ALL wanna hear REAL MUSIC, eventually that will have to play what WE want…maybe not today, but tomorrow they will. After all, THEY are supposed to entertain US. And they don’t wanna lose listeners, cuz in their world listeners = $$$. We are valuable.

The next step is “spread the word”. If you know a great indie artist, tell your friends about this artist. “Promote” him/her via twitter, myspace, facebook or any other social network. Play this music everywhere you can. In other words, make sure that all the people you know heard of this artist.

There’s one more step for real hip-hop junkies. You can join your favorite artist's street/web team and help them. As a matter of fact, a lot of people think that artists owe their success to their talent. It’s not quite true. Artist's talent creates material, but artist's success is a creation of his/her team. Music is a product of collective contribution. Some of y'all have no idea how many people had to work hard to give you an opportunity to hear the song you call your favorite. The music game is a team game. So if you feel that this or that artist has potential to make a difference in the music game and you care enough about hip-hop, then what are you waiting for?

I’m sure that there are a lot of other ways to make a difference. What are they? Well, it depends on your situation… Just be creative!!!… Be hip-hop!!!…

In the words of Malcolm X, “Power never takes a back step — only in the face of more power”. So why can’t WE be that stronger power? Why can’t we remind the industry that it was invented to please US? Some of y'all might ask, “Who are us?”… We are hip-hop nation… a nation of dreamers who proved the world that nothing was impossible. How many people believed in that “hip-hop thing” in the beginning? That's right! Hip-hop is a “self-made phenomenon”. So maybe it’s time to tell the music industry, “Take a step back!”…

Mae Day…The wake up movement

2009-12-01T16:19:00.012+02:00

I remember the very first day I “met” hip-hop…it’s been a while since that day…almost 10 years. I remember the feeling it gave me, or used to give me cuz these days not a lot of artists make that real music. The kind of music that makes your heart beat faster. The kind of music that touches your soul & gives you goose bumps… Damn, I miss those days! That's why there's nothing better than discovering an artist who can bring you back in the day when rap was real and not commercial.

One of those artists is an up-and-coming female emcee Mae Day. Earlier this year (on Feb. 3, 2009 to be more exact) she dropped her second album called “Cherish The Day”. This project compliments her talent perfectly. She has a very powerful flow. It’s able to fit any kind of track; it’s very soulful & hard-core at the same time. She is a real MC (Master of Ceremony). The moment you start listening to her songs, you just can’t stop; you wanna press “rewind” really bad. Her music takes over your heart and mind. She is undeniable.

The whole project would've been way too risky for a lot of artists; they would've preferred working with “big” producers who create “mainstream” tracks than trying something new and fresh. But word “cliché” ain’t in Mae Day's vocabulary. As a huge fan of good ol’ music from 80-90s, Mae knows what real music is. “Cherish The Day” is a Sade-themed concept album produced by De Notes (who used to be a part of SickNotes production team) and mixed by DJ Mick Boogie. The two Detroit natives created a new inimitable sound w/ the help of their chemistry and true love for hip-hop. The most impressive part of the project is that while Mae Day is talking to the listener via lyrics, De Notes talks via beats. Beats complete lyrics & lyrics complete beats. It’s a perfect combination. When it comes to lyrical content, it ain’t hard to tell that Mae was influenced by legendary old school MCs and she carries on tradition. As a matter of fact, she is a friend of MC Lyte…you know they say, “real recognize real”. Deep lyrical content is an essential feature of Coiya “Mae Day” Renee's style. Today, the majority of rappers focuses on a memorable/catchy hook and forgets about messages. Their verses sound horrible and eventually the whole song makes no sense. But it’s not the case. There's no bragging or “blah blah” in her songs…nah, it’s a straight real talk. Coiya touches upon a variety of topics: love, life, success, determination, dreams, and hip-hop. Every human being can find a Mae Day song to relate to. But you won't hear any explicit sexual lyrics from her; her style is what Mia Michaels calls “sensual innocence”. Unlike some other so called new school femcees, Mae Day doesn’t try to create that “sexy ~~hoeish~~ image”. She stays feminine, but at the same time Mae is strong/skillful enough to compete w/ any male MC; baby-girl can punch w/ rhymes.

The strongest joint on the album is … well, I must say that each and every joint is a classic one… each and every song is a masterpiece. There’s something special about every song.

But besides incredible rapping skills, Mae Day has an outstanding personality. She is not your average girl. She has her own philosophy and she lives according to that philosophy every day of her life to the fullest. When the majority of artist are down for whatever to “be on top” and get them $$$, Coiya Renee does everything her own way and stays true to the culture; she ain’t looking for “temporary fame”, her every move makes her classic & legendary. Even though being an indie artist ain’t that easy, Mae keeps on going this way & after 7 years of hustling on hip-hop scene she has already accomplished a lot. Despite the fact that Detroit doesn’t show its artists love ‘till they make a big break, C. Renee repps her city to the fullest and doesn’t forget to give Detroit the first crack at whatever she's doing. But at the same time she ain’t trynna take over Detroit. Her mindset and set of goals are bigger than a city, she was born to be a world wide known artist…and she will be…

In other words, Mae Day is the total package: form & substance; unbelievable rapping skills & a deep personality. She has that “it” factor. You simply can’t deny her. So feel free to get to know Mae Day and watch history in the making, cuz Mae Day's way to the top is a birth of a new legend.

For more Mae Day check out her on Twitter, Myspace, & Imeem

You can download “Cherish The Day” through www.maedaymaeday.com (FOR FREE)

Mae Day is more than just an emcee …she is a wake up movement! You just can’t sleep on her! It’s a no no!

Game time!!!

2009-11-28T18:56:00.011+02:00

First of all, lemme say that Game is one of my favorite MCs. He has always been special to me…since the day one. So I’m really happy that he decided to postpone his retirement. Frankly speaking, I never believed that he would retire. Hip-hop is way too addictive. And Game is the artist who put West Coast Hip-hop back on the map. In my book, he is the realest thing since Tupac passed away.
I must say that I’m excited about the Game/Pharrell collabo. Technically, they haven't worked together yet. They have a few unreleased tracks from “The Documentary” session, but those tracks didn’t appear on the album. One of the reasons why Game is “game” consists in his ability to adjust his flow to any beat/other MC’s flow. Now picture an album executively produced by Doc (Dr. Dre), Pharrell and Game: three ill minds working on the same project. I truly believe that R.E.D. will prolly be another classic rap album.
Check out the interview below. Game speaks on R.E.D., D.O.C. (Diary Of Compton), Dr. Dre, his collabo w/ Pharrell, 50 Cent and many other things.

R.E.D. in stores 16/02/2010

Hip-hop is...Kid On The Bus

2009-11-11T18:50:00.005+02:00

What's hip-hop? Some people say that it’s a culture. Other people say that it’s a music/fashion style. I say that it’s a way of life. It’s the way you talk, walk, dream, act, see, breath, hear…live. Hip-hop ain’t restricted within rap, graffiti, break dance & deejaying. It defines the absence of limits as long as you keep it real. It’s about self-expression & experimentation. It’s about being free to be everything you can be. It’s your heartbeat, your inspiration. Hip-hop is…nah, words are way to shallow to express what hip-hop is. So lemme show you…

Wondamuzik is back in the building!

Another side of the story

2009-11-11T18:11:00.007+02:00

Female rap…a lot of people think that it doesn’t even exist, but at the same time a lot of people think that it is something this game really needs. Ladies have always been a part of this movement…since the day one. Do u remember The Funky 4+1? The hip-hop group was formed in 1976 and was the first one to have a female MC, Sha Rock. Old school rap raised a generation of great female MCs. They could rap, they were great role models, entertainers, professionals aaand they challenged men. They didn’t diss them, but ladies raised the bar everytime they held the mike. You can ask me “How?” Well, they say “there's his truth, there's her truth & there's THE truth”. So everytime a female touched the mike and battled w/ a male MC it was kinda cross-examination. It has always been so and will always be…men and women have different vision. Even the same thing is gonna be interpreted in different ways by a man and a woman. So when a man rapped his verse, she was like “Excuse me, but I beg to differ!!!!” and she spitted her 16 bars. Thereby, we had his truth, her truth and eventually the truth. But what happened to that generation of ladies?

I remember in one of his interviews, Notorious B.I.G. said that the biggest problem of female MCs (those days) was that they tried to be like men. At first I was kinda offended by that remark. Why can’t I be like a man? Well, simply cuz I ain’t one. A man is a man, and a woman is a woman. This is the way it's supposed to be and since hip-hop reflects the world/society, it’s the way it’s supposed to be within the hip-hop community. The new school generation of female MCs is more commercially successful, but they lost the essence of being a female MC. The new generation is nothing but a copy-cat. They do what men do. They tell us the same story using the same expressions, the same vocab. In my opinion, the situation is even worse…they do what MEN WANT them to do. They don’t represent sisters anymore. What they do is nothing BUT a gimmick. It’s okay w/ record labels (as long as they get their $$$), it’s okay w/ male rappers (note: not MCs) cuz they ain’t challenged, they can just relax and get their paper…but is it okay w/ the culture? I don’t think so. The culture is losing one of its powerful voices…in mainstream area. There are a lot talented ladies trying to make their way on top. I’m sure that the bomb called “Female Underground Hip-Hop” is gonna blow up this industry one day just like bebop. It used to be some funky music played by some geeks in New York night clubs, but that funky music took over the whole jazz game and was really influential for a while.

Another “interesting” point is that females shouldn't be around hip-hop becuz it’s disrespectful to them. Oh, yeah? The last time I checked rejection was the best motivation. You wanna call me a “bitch”…well, go head, daddy. I understand you, for real. You have nothing to say, so you try to bring me down, but…it doesn’t mean that I can’t bury you 16 bars under... in the most gentle way, cuz I’m an “L” to tha “A” to tha “D” to tha “Y”. If you treat me like I ain’t ish, I’m gonna prove you that I’m THE ish in the flyest way.

So I truly believe that female rap is exactly what hip-hop culture needs to get back to being a real thing and to stop being a joke. Ladies of hip-hop challenge gentlemen to be stronger, wiser, more consistent, thoughtful, and real. Since this challenge is gone, all we hear is ringtone rap, commercial crap about fashion brands & trends and wanksta rap. That's why I say that we need that Ladies First thing back. Even though ladies ain’t never run this game, they showed the right direction for years. And look what hip-hop turned into when female voice became less influential…Are you proud of this state of hip-hop?

Message to my rapping sisters (from Queen Latifah):“Grab the mike and get dumb!!!”

What doesn't kill u, makes u stronger...Godfather Exhumed

2009-11-08T17:49:00.007+02:00

“THE DEPTH OF YOUR STRUGGLE DETERMINES THE HEIGHT OF YOUR SUCCESS” Robert Kelly

31 years ago a Belizean boy was born. His name was Jamal Michael Barrow and no one could predict how crazy his life would turn out to be. At the age of 13 he immigrated to the USA, where he got familiar with hip-hop culture and gang banging. In 1998 Jamal “Shyne” Barrow was discovered by Clark Kent in a barbershop. Shyne’s unique voice and flow impressed the producer and Shyne was introduced to Bad Boy Ent. The rapper appeared on a few tracks and was about to release his debut album. But life had something totally different for Shyne in store. On December 27, 1999 Jamal Barrow was involved in a high-profile incident at a Manhattan club which left three people injured and the 21-year-old rapper facing charges of attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment. On June 1, 2001, Shyne was sentenced to ten years in prison.

However, Jamal managed to release 2 albums: “Shyne” (2000) & “Godfather Buried Alive” (2004). Living according to the street code, his gangsta music, and his charisma gained him l.o.v.e. & r.e.s.p.e.c.t. among hip-hop fans and criminals. So even though Bad Boy didn’t really support the debut album, it sold moderately well, and eventually went Platinum. Unlike the debut self-titled “Shyne”, his second album “Godfather Buried Alive” had a lot more guest artists and famous producers on it, but it went only Gold. Anyway, the both studio albums revealed young man's talent and gained him loyal fan-base.

Having served over nine years of a ten year sentence, Shyne was released from jail and on Wednesday October 28, 2009 he was deported to Belize. Some people would be broken & defeated after all that drama…but not Jamal Michael Barrow. He proved to be a stand up type. Serving his time, Shyne got closer to God and decided to change his name of Jamal Michael Barrow to Moses Michael Leviy. Moses revised his lifetime experience and built a character to become a better person.

On Monday, Nov. 2^nd, the Belizean rapper held a press conference at his former high school, Wesley College in Belize City; where he talked about his enlightenment and future plans.

"In life, you are what you are and this is what I am. I don't want to be like Michael Jordan. I want to be like Moses or King David or King Solomon. Those are the guys I aspire to be like. I didn't want to be like the kingpin on my block; I wanted to be like the guy who parted the sea, that's why I chose that name."

"I came up on the streets with guys that gangbanged and were into criminal activity, and those tools never worked. Those tools, you either end up spending the rest of your life in prison or sleeping in a grave. But with the tools that you are getting here as far as education is concerned, that is the ultimate tool and with that tool you can transcend any situation because I am just like you, you dig. I grew up on Curassow Street. When I was coming up we didn't even have toilets. But one of the things my Uncle Finnegan and my father, Prime Minister Barrow, implored upon me was education, education, education, education."

"Look what gangster roll got me. Look where it led me. And I am not telling you what to do because I am not a preacher and I am not everybody's father, but I am exhibit A of what's going to happen if you don't stay in Wesley College, you dig? If you don't go to that sixth form, if you don't try to go to the university you're going to spend the rest of your life in the cooker or you're going to be in the grave. That is what this is about."

Shyne also revealed he's planning to return to music and will not censor his message. "I make music about life. One of the greatest musicians was Bob Marley. There was nothing misogynistic about him. But his music, he talked about some harsh realities some time. He was tough. I would like to make that type of contribution, that kind of Marvin Gaye contribution, you dig? But at the same time we curse, at the same time life is violent, life is troublesome sometimes — so don't expect my music to be sanitized. I am just going to talk about what's going on in the world."

If Robert Kelly is right (& I do Believe that he is right), then we are witnessing birth of a new international leader who will become one of the brightest stars on hip-hop scene. In the words of Malcolm X, “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time”. And I’m sure that Moses learned his lessons well.

Currently, Shyne continues to fight for residency in the United States.

What more can I say? Oh, yea…HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOSES!! WE LOVE YOU!!

What's beef? P. II

2009-11-03T18:41:00.004+02:00

Yea, this Beanie Sigel vs. Jay-Z beef is old news…but what still surprises me the most is some people's reaction. A lot of people didn’t see this coming. And I wonder why…I mean, name the artists who became “the sh*t” w/ the help of Roc-A-Fella. The only people who created the buzz on this label are Jay-Z and Kanye West. Actually, the label was created to release Jay's “Reasonable doubt” and as one of the founders (Roc-A-Fella was founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon Dash & Kareem "Biggs" Burke) he always made sure to get the best. So there's no surprise that he succeeded. Kanye…well, hate him or love him, but no one can deny that he is a musical genius. He controlled his own “project” as much as it was possible. By the moment he started his rap career he had already been known as a hot producer and songwriter. So I don’t think that Kanye owes his career exclusively to Roc-A Fella. And what about other artists? Roc-A-Fella was founded in 1996…13 years ago. It has signed/discovered a lot of different artists, but they either stayed in the shade of Hova, or got dropped. Those people who had a name before the Roc simply left the label. The same thing goes for the founders. Kareem Burke was the first founder who left the fam. Today not a lot of people even remember his name or know that he was a part of the Roc. Dame Dash didn’t stay for too long either. So why is everyone soooo surprised? This label has never actually helped to build any artist's career except for Jay-Z’s. Yes, Beanie Siegel stayed w/ the Roc for a while, probably he had certain hopes, but it wasn't hard to tell that this situation would occur. As any other artist, Sigel wants to be recognized, he doesn’t want to be under someone, he wants to have his own voice. He has been riding with this crew for a long time, so he wants his dividends. Is it a crime?

But what's actually interesting…is that major labels run by artists don’t have artists brighter than the “CEO”. Bad Boy Records (Entertainment) is another bright example. The label gained its popularity w/ the help of Notorious B.I.G.’s success and (since Christopher Wallace departed) Diddy remains the only “star”. During its 16 year history, the label has had a lot of artists, they created some buzz, but they never had a chance to become stars of the show. And I can’t say that former Bad Boy artists are wack. As a matter of fact, the Lox is living proof that they were the sh*t during the Bad Boy era and Sean Combs didn’t give them enough of opportunities.

Are Jay-Z and Diddy fools to lose good artists? No, they are only businessmen. They got their minds on their money, money on their minds. On the one hand, they want to make money, but on the other hand, they don’t want other artists to outshine them.

Am I judging them? No, I just wanna say a word to young artists. When something like this is going on, be smart enough to take notes. A lot of rappers love to say “Somehow the rap game remind me of the crack game”…translation: it's business and nothing personal; if you are sure that you belong to the rap game, be ready to watch your back. Hip-hop lives in the streets, the moment the contract is signed it turns into business…And who told ya that business was a fair play? “I'm a hustler homie you a customer cronie”…do you remember this? I'm not saying that you have to betray your business partners…it's a no no, but I do say that you have to be business educated to know what's going on behind your back. In the words of Malcolm X, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. Think about it…

P.S. A few words from Joe Budden on the situation: “Bottom line is... i'm a fan of both dudes music & will always be... i just dont care to know the person behind the artist, IT NEVER MATCHES”... I think that it's a good point/advice.

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

2009-10-31T20:17:00.006+02:00

This time Imma let the music speak for itself.

Can u say "CLASSIC"?!!!

Allow me to introduce...Wondamuzik

2009-10-31T19:29:00.018+02:00

Even though major record labels run the music market, we still have many different independent labels. A lot of them come and go, but some were created for a special purpose: to change the game. What do u usually expect from an independent hip-hop label? Something u ain't ever seen/heard? Unique stile? Hunger? Realness? Incredible music? Interesting production & promotion? Breaking of the "rules"? Bye-bye to clichés? Whatever your answer is, Wondamuzik is exactly what hip-hop scene has been missing. It has everything to become one the most influential hip-hop movements...ever!

The label was founded by Young Fame in 2005. Today it contains 7 gifted artists: Young Fame (CEO), Apollo The Great, O-Skeez, Mikey Santos, Ava Michele, Dj Deuce, & Noonie.

Unlike any other young artists, Wondamuzik members have their own unique voice & style. So if your ears have missed some real Hip-hop, R&B, Soul, &/or Reggae music... Wondamuzik is the supplier u need. In my book, real music is the music that has power to make your heart beat faster & your mind think clearer. So are u ready to hear something really real?

Ready or not...here they go!

It's only the beginning...stay tuned!