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02.25.2015
’15 Bonnie and Clyde: Jahzel Steals His Own Album Artwork In “The Vision” Video, Premiered By RedEye Chicago

Press Release

’15 Bonnie and Clyde: Jahzel Steals His Own Album Artwork In “The Vision” Video, Premiered By RedEye Chicago

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Video: Jahzel – “The Vision”

Premiered by Chicago’s RedEye, the Windy City Rapper Follows the Release of His Album, The Wake Up, With a Captivating Visual

02.25.2015

Critical Praise for Jahzel:

“Jahzel’s first impression is a solid one.” – The Smoking Section

“This is music with few hang-ups…perfect for a summer hip-hop playlist.” – PrefixMag

“Jahzel’s future brightens with every new release… we’re excited to hear more.” – HotNewHipHop

The Video:

Every man needs a partner in crime. Luckily, Jahzel finds his in the video for “The Vision” from his recently released album, The Wake Up. The video, which premiered via RedEye Chicago, is set on a snowy day in the Windy City where Jahzel and his leading lady play the 2015 version of Bonnie and Clyde. “Jahzel and a partner become hardened criminals as they attempt a dangerous art heist on Chicago’s streets,” states the RedEye. “While it’s a somewhat gritty clip, Jahzel’s prowess behind the mic and his adventurous ear for beats manage to be both intense and accessible.”

Like a hip-hop version of the DaVinci Code, Jahzel is tasked with securing a prized piece of art. Unknown to the viewer, what the conniving duo are actually stealing is the cover art to Jahzel’s project, The Wake Up. Interspersed throughout the narrative is Jahzel rapping on a cold corner as he and his partner plan and execute the raid of a warehouse. Both the video and song represent the two sides of Jahzel. “The Vision” is both a lyrically dense narrative mixed with a knack for Jahzel’s commercially appealing hooks over hypnotic beats. Through a chopped and screwed drawl Jahzel spits on the chorus, “Windows down, music bumping, we’re just chilling, feeling epic, coastin’.” The Chicago rapper mixes a Houston indebted flavor to the hook, while still keeping his roots to the Chi clear.

Jahzel and his team have an on-going webisode series, The Collective, that’s being presented by HipHopDX and shows the conflict and struggles that happen behind-the-scenes of an up-start indie label. Jahzel’s project The Wake Up maintains his tradition of beautifully composed projects, as he seeks to provide a worldwide awakening to the complexities of growing up in the inner city of Chicago, complete with its snares, daily moral challenges, and overall limited options. Whether it’s the autobiographical “Faithful” premiered by HotNewHipHop, or the crew anthem “Who Is You?!” debuted by 2DopeBoyz, Jahzel has delivered quality content in the lead-up to his second album. Like his track “John Stockton/Radio Raheem,” which dropped via XXL, every song from his album plays upon his past growing up in Chicago and the bright future he has charted for himself.

Watch “The Vision”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQtdWIogcCQ

Check out the premiere: http://www.redeyechicago.com/music/redeye-jahzel-the-vision-video-20150223-htmlstory.html

Listen to The Wake Up: https://soundcloud.com/jahzelmusic/sets/the-wake-up

Purchase The Wake Up on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-wake-up/id959982460?ls=1

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Jahzel – The Wake Up, tracklist:
1.Wake Up!
2.Who Is You?!
3.John Stockton / Radio Raheem
4.The Vision
5.Trapt
6.Crazy
7.Seedlings
8.No Tears No Tissue
9.Scriptures
10.Faithful

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Jahzel.

Jahzel Background:

Only a true Chicagoan can fully understand the city’s hustle mentality – simultaneously holding down multiple jobs while going to school, taking care of our families, and being active in our communities, all while pursuing our dreams and goals. It’s the Chicago way. Chicago-born musician Jahzel, eats, sleeps, and breaths that mentality: “We [Chicagoans} are hustlers in general; we get it done,” he says proudly. “I am telling the story about Chicago that hasn’t been told – that along with the bad things that are happening, there are plenty of positive things going on. This is the real story of Chicago and I think people can relate to it.” Jahzel has always been a proud Chicagoan, and his most recent project, The Wake Up, is an ode to the city he holds dear.

Multi-Platinum Producer Tommy Brown Is Joined By Travi$ Scott, Eric Bellinger On His Debut Single, Premiere via The FADER

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MP3: Tommy Brown ft. Travi$ Scott & Eric Bellinger – “Trippin’ On Me” (Prod. by Tommy Brown)

Multi-Platinum Producer For Ariana Grande, T.I., Meek Mill Stays Behind the Boards, Also Steps To Mic On New Single, Premiere via The FADER

02.25.2015

The Song:

Multi-platinum producer Tommy Brown remains behind the boards, also steps to the mic on his contagious debut single, “Trippin’ On Me,” which features Travi$ Scott and Eric Bellinger, and was premiered by The FADER. Earlier this month, Tommy Brown was spotlighted in the Pittsburgh City Paper for his work on Grammy-nominated albums by Ariana Grande and Chris Brown.

“Trippin’ On Me” shows the trio’s take on girls, honesty, and trust, though anyone can chime along to the catchy hook. Along with producing the track, Tommy Brown raps the opening verse and harmonizes on the song’s chorus, getting listeners to think about complications around trust issues in relationships. Brown previously worked with Travi$ Scott on GOOD Music’s “Sin City,” a song that they co-produced, and was a primary contributor to the production on Eric Bellinger’s early work. “Being around them both early in their career and knowing they were both artists starting from ground zero, focused on what they were doing, but coming from opposite worlds, I thought it would be cool to bring those two together and work on an idea that would mess people up,” Tommy Brown tells The FADER.

In addition to working with the aforementioned Ariana Grande and Chris Brown (“Drunk Texting”), Tommy Brown has produced records for T.I. (“New National Anthem,” “Stay”), 2 Chainz (“36”), Meek Mill (“When You’re Around), B.o.B. (“Lean On Me”), and Black Eyed Peas (“Just Can’t Get Enough”), Tommy Brown is ready to take on a new branch in his musical career while still staking his claim as one of today’s top producers and most influential tastemakers. “Some people are so creative they don’t even know how to get it down,” Tommy Brown explains. “I’m somebody that an artist could bring their ideas to and we’ll take it to the limits, to a place you never thought it could go.”

Listen to the “Trippin’ On Me” ft. Travi$ Scott & Eric Bellinger: https://soundcloud.com/tbhits/trippin-on-me-feat-travis-scott-and-eric-bellinger/

Check out The FADER premiere: http://www.thefader.com/2015/02/24/tommy-brown-ft-travis-scott-and-eric-bellinger-trippin-on-me-premiere

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Tommy Brown.

Tommy Brown Background:

Tommy Brown wants to rewrite the music industry rulebook. The super producer, who has supplied marquee artists like Ariana Grande, T.I. and Chris Brown with boundary-shifting tracks, spent the past few years surveying the scene and witnessed how difficult it can be for up-and-comers to connect with more notable writers and producers. His solution: create the Facebook of the music community, where newer musicians can pay various price points and access exclusive instrumentals and get their music heard by a wider audience. In 2012, he signed with BMI, which in turn led to an independent production deal with Sony ATV. Since then, he’s become one of the hottest producers across genres, helming T.I.’s “New National Anthem,” G.O.O.D. Music’s “Sin City,” and four songs on Grande’s chart-topping sophomore album My Everything.

Links:

twitter | instagram | soundcloud

“Trippin’ On Me” ft. Travi$ Scott & Eric Bellinger: https://soundcloud.com/tbhits/trippin-on-me-feat-travis-scott-and-eric-bellinger/

For bio, pics, and more: http://www.audibletreats.com/tommy-brown/

END

), LoveRance (“Up”), and more. Producer P-Lo (of The Invasion) has the driving force behind the West Coast’s current, radio-dominating sound; he’s produced singles for Yo Gotti (“Act Right”), Wiz Khalifa (“‘Bout Me”), and more; Sage The Gemini has been equally prolific, with the above-mentioned single, “Gas Pedal” and now “Red Nose,” which was certified gold and is charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. The rest of the crew includes members Skip, Rossi, CJ, Jay Ant, and Kool John, who were all featured on the recently released crew mixtape, Gang Forever.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | bandcamp | soundcloud | last.fm
Eyes On Me: https://soundcloud.com/iamsu-4/sets/eyesonme
“Hella Good”: https://soundcloud.com/iamsu-4/iamsu-hella-good-feat-tyga-prod-by-iamsu
“T.W.D.Y”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFI-M8kB-IQ
“T.W.D.Y. Behind the Scenes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJEk6-tOhV0
“Stop Signs”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VI1FyM0Snk
“Love My Squad”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGl0rS-ZcV4
“Only That Real”: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/iamsu-only-that-real-feat-2/
“Never Goin’ Broke”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paGPMjyp-nI
“Quit Cattin'”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAFXo5JYVok
“Hipster Girls”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8emZMYkkwk
“Go Crazy” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KP9yxahwKA
Gang Forever: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/23289/hbk-gang-gang-forever.html
“Go Crazy”: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/go-crazy-iamsu-skip-p-lo-feat
“STU Freestyle”: http://youtu.be/3In8mkFo6Ug
KILT 2 Deluxe Edition: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kilt-ii-deluxe-edition/id667633453
“The Realest” Ft. Problem: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/the-realest-feat-problem
“Father God”: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/iamsu-honors-his-faith-in-father-god-premiere-20130702
“Rep That Gang” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohxFESLrT4A
KILT 2 Mixtape: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/22185/iamsu-kilt-2.html
“Rep That Gang”: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/iamsu-rep-that-gang-from-kilt
“100 Grand” Video: http://www.trillhd.com/video/3242/iamsu-feat-juvenile-problem-kool-john-100-grand-remix
“Goin Up” Ft. Wiz Khalifa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bds_z1jXIJw
“Losin” Ft. CJ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiaNsDc4mNQ
“Don’t Stop”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_1Iy7ITC4
“Mobbin” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAnWhrjt0iE
330 Ritch Recap Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKWjTNnzEfs
“On My Mind”: http://noisey.vice.com/music-video-premieres/iamsu-on-my-mind-official-video
$uzy 6 $peed: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/19377/iamsu-uzy-6-peed.html
“Don’t Stop”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_1Iy7ITC4
“Mobbin’” MP3: http://www.soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/mobbin
Stoopid Mixtape: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bds_z1jXIJw
KILT Deluxe Edition Mixtape: http://klp.virb.com/kilt-iamsu-karmaloop-music-deluxe-editio
“Over”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzNgN4jxIAo
“2 Milli”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFRd-p_dkjY
KILT Mixtape: http://t.opsp.in/1D4C2
“Cancelled Plans”: http://tinyurl.com/cancelledplans
“HBKJoe Beat” Ft. P-Lo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbRIpDcxOjY
The Miseducation of Iamsu!: http://t.opsp.in/17cAC

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/iamsu/
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02.24.2015
Premiered by Billboard, Iamsu! Releases His Latest EP, ‘Eyes On Me’

Press Release

Premiered by Billboard, Iamsu! Releases His Latest EP, ‘Eyes On Me’

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Mixtape: Iamsu! – Eyes On Me + Tour

Iamsu! Drops His Most Mature Effort to Date With His Latest Mixtape, Premiered by Billboard

02.24.2015

Critical Praise for Iamsu!:

Best New Artist – SPIN

“Iamsu! is gifted with melody and also emotion” – The New York Times

“…[Iamsu! is] not just an underground rap star, but an artist with emotional range” – Rolling Stone

“[Iamsu!] is making some of the catchiest and most pleasant music in all of rap right now.” – Stereogum

“Iamsu!’s confident and fluid rhymes shine.” – Complex

“[Iamsu!] asserts himself as a hip-hop tour de force with fluid, confident rhymes.” – The FADER

“…a standout in the Bay’s young, emerging pool of talent.” – HipHopDX

“[Iamsu!] is very easy to like, and…he flashes an intensity to match.” – Pitchfork

“It truly seems that Iamsu! is incapable of making a bad song.” – VICE

“[Iamsu! is] the biggest star to come from The Bay since E-40 and Too $hort.” – The Source Magazine

The EP:

Iamsu! hit the ground running in 2015. After a huge but turbulent year in 2014, Iamsu! is an artist reinvigorated. “I’m at a very exciting time in my career. A challenging time, I’ve had some amazing high moments and some moments that made me want to give it all up, but it’s a test of my drive and I’m ready to takeover,” says Iamsu!. On his new mixtape Eyes On Me, which debuted via Billboard, Iamsu! is a man possessed. His newest effort proves his rhymes tighter, concepts more developed, and overall musicianship refined.

On Eyes On Me, Iamsu! revels in his newfound artistic clarity. When asked about the album Iamsu! says, “I’m creatively free on this project experimenting with different styles different flows expanding as far as production. I think its an exciting ride.” Eyes On Me is darker, more mellow, and more urgent than any release we’ve seen from him. Songs like “They Say” and “Cartier” sound like they could have been made just as easily on Mars than in the Bay. Iamsu! has evolved into an artist that is bigger than the new Bay sound he ushered into the public consciousness a few years ago.

In The Fader‘s premiere of “Nothing Less” produced by DJ Mustard, Iamsu! explained, “The song is about progression. It sounds like being on the 90th floor in a high-rise building as you’re about to step into a meeting…I want to give kids bigger things to aspire to. I talk about owning companies and employing people, I want to be a boss and an artist like Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, or Master P.” The song is an aspirational anthem for one of the Bay’s most inventive characters and current architects. Iamsu! continues the mixtape’s progression with “Hella Good” featuring Tyga and premiered via Stereogum. On “Hella Good” Iamsu! takes the producer reins and crafts a grimy and sinister banger. The hook is hypnotic and sees both Iamsu! and Tyga creating a song that is infectious enough to be the breakout anthem of the spring.

In March, Iamsu! begins the Eyes On Me tour, tickets and dates here.

Stream Eyes On Me: https://soundcloud.com/iamsu-4/sets/eyesonme

Read the Billboard premiere: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6480341/iamsu-eyes-on-me-listen

Tour dates here: http://www.hbkiamsu.com/

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Iamsu!.

Iamsu! Background:

The proud Richmond rapper Iamsu! has made it clear that his musical capabilities extend far beyond his beloved Bay Area. Apart from his thorough MC skills, the 25-year-old has also proved himself to be a talented producer. Furthermore, Iamsu! is a part of the popular hip hop collective, The Heartbreak Gang (aka HBK Gang), that he co-founded in 2008.

Since the start of his career, Iamsu! has sold over 100,000 albums and singles. His debut album, Sincerely Yours, was hailed one of the top hip hop albums of 2014 by Rolling Stone. Iamsu! has been featured on a number of successful singles including Sage the Geminiʼs “Gas Pedal,” LoveRanceʼs “Up,” and other notable tracks with Wiz Khalifa, Problem, Tyga, YG, Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Mustard, French Montana, Too $hort, E-40, and 2 Chainz. Due to his early successes and the continued hype around his talent, Iamsu! earned himself a spot on Wiz Khalifaʼs 22-city “Under the Influence of Music Tour” in the summer of 2014 alongside Young Jeezy, Ty Dolla $ign, Sage the Gemini, DJ Drama and Rich Homie Quan. Wide recognition as a Bay Area powerhouse also brought Iamsu! to support G-Eazy on his “From the Bay to the Universe” tour at the end of 2014. The impressive following that has continued to back his talent has gained the young rapper performances on various national TV shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Arsenio Hall Show, and The Late Show with David Letterman. This remarkable recognition has allowed Iamsu! to be featured in multiple music, fashion, and editorial outlets such as The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Fader, EBONY, Complex and many more. It is without doubt that the young rapper is ready to continue to make his impact on music and the culture surrounding it.

HBK Gang Background:

If you haven’t yet heard of the HBK Gang, it’s time to get acquainted. Producer and rapper Iamsu! is considered one more of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful young independent artists in rap with his hits with E-40 (“Function”), Wiz Khalifa (“Bout Me”), 2 Chainz (“Livin'”), LoveRance (“Up”), and more. Producer P-Lo (of The Invasion) has the driving force behind the West Coast’s current, radio-dominating sound; he’s produced singles for Yo Gotti (“Act Right”), Wiz Khalifa (“‘Bout Me”), and more; Sage The Gemini has been equally prolific, with the above-mentioned single, “Gas Pedal” and now “Red Nose,” which was certified gold and is charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. The rest of the crew includes members Skip, Rossi, CJ, Jay Ant, and Kool John, who were all featured on the recently released crew mixtape, Gang Forever.

Links:

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/iamsu/

END

02.24.2015
Detroit Rapper MAHD Turns A Ballad To A Banger On “Can’t Believe/Road Trip,” Debuted By PotholesInMyBlog

Press Release

Detroit Rapper MAHD Turns A Ballad To A Banger On “Can’t Believe/Road Trip,” Debuted By PotholesInMyBlog

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MP3: MAHD – “Can’t Believe/Road Trip”

In Preparation of His Next Week’s 13 Album Release, the Motor City Rapper Turns a Ballad to a Banger On His Latest Single, Debut via PotholesInMyBlog

2.24.2015

Critical Praise for MAHD:

“…equipped with a rapid fire flow and a sharp delivery.” – DJBooth

“The up-and-coming Motor City MC makes a city known for it’s blight beam bright.” – The Smoking Section

“Like the city he hails from, MAHD’s work represents stark contrasts: grit and beauty, aggression and vulnerability.” – NYLON Magazine

The Song:

With his concept album, 13, releasing March 2nd, Detroit rapper MAHD has continued his #MAHDMondays series of releases with “Can’t Believe/Road Trip.” The album’s fourth single finds the rapper delving into a personal and emotional story, starting in the middle of an argument, telling how and why things have gone bad and how he can’t believe he’s finding himself in the situation he’s in. “‘Can’t Believe’ takes place in the beginning of the story,” explains MAHD, adding that it’s “telling what happened that caused me to leave town and clear my head. It’s the start of the 13 story.”

As PotholesInMyBlog describes it in the premiere, “‘Can’t Believe’ transitions from the piano-laden, organ-driven ballad into a moaning, boom bap banger ‘Road Trip’ as MAHD snarls a triumphant verse.” The former is produced by Original Foreign, while Mister Crowe produced the latter half of the track. “Can’t Believe/Road Trip” follows album singles “Hello Detroit,” “Gorgeous Chick,” and “Out.” In addition to releasing those official singles, MAHD has shared several loosies, including “Rap Better,” which The Smoking Section praised, stating “Quality lyricism in hip-hop is a rare commodity. Yet, MAHD looks to break that mold.”

With #MAHDMondays building anticipation for the forthcoming album release, MAHD is kicking up his game in 2015. His sharp, gritty style has him hot on our radars as one of Detroit’s most innovative voices. Having been featured on VIBE, 2DopeBoyz, NYLON, XXL, and other music publications, MAHD is ready to make waves with the March 2nd release of his album, 13, a project about his journey and hustle to success.

Listen to “Can’t Believe/Road Trip”: https://soundcloud.com/iammahd/cant-believeroad-trip-prod-original-foreign-mister-crowe

Check out the PotholesInMyBlog premiere: http://potholesinmyblog.com/potholes-premiere-detroit-rapper-mahds-impressive-single-cant-believeroad-trip/

Pre-order MAHD’s album, 13, on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/13/id962862105

MAHD Background:

Hailing from Detroit, the city’s newest artist MAHD is gaining momentum after releasing his first EP, MAHD ALMIGHTY. Previously, he released numerous songs and videos including “Lotus,” a cover of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Otis.” MAHD recently released videos for “HWPO,”“Foundation,” and “Red Lipstick,” from the MAHD ALMIGHTY EP. “Red Lipstick” has garnered positive attention from major music websites and online radio shows. MAHD has been featured on VIBE, 2dopeboyz, Kevin Nottingham, and other music publications. MAHD’s musical background stem from his talented family where he has learned the inner workings of the industry.

After writing and making songs the last several years for other musicians and himself, MAHD broke out with his single “Pretty Ladies.” The song dropped online to great reviews and the official video is featured on World Star Hip Hop. MAHD created another statement, releasing“Detroit’s Savior” in August 2013. In 2014, MAHD earned his first featured on SiriusXM’s Shade 45 radio station with the song “Godfather Favors.” MAHD is valued as a versatile artist, as witnessed by the release of MAHD ALMIGHTY and his latest music videos. MAHD often performs with his band, Fresh Londre, which includes two bass players, a saxophonist, keyboard player, and drummer. Be on the look out for MAHD’s debut album in the first quarter of 2015.

Premiered by Earmilk, Wasiu Spins a Tale of Racism, Rage, and Prejudice on His Latest Single “Stereo Type”

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MP3: Wasiu – “Stereo Type” (Prod. Nez & Rio)

Montreal’s Newest Rookie Gets Reflective On His New Single, Premiered by Earmilk

02.23.2015

The Song:

At 24 years of age, Montreal-based rapper Wasiu is young, but he speaks with a wisdom beyond his years on “Stereo Type,” which debuts via EARMILK. Over a creeping, predatory beat supplied by Grammy-nominated duo Nez & Rio, Wasiu presents his reaction to the injustices of race alongside rappers such as Killer Mike, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, and Lupe Fiasco. As the son of first generation Haitian and Nigerian parents growing up in Montreal, Wasiu used a combination of his own experiences and general stereotypes to spit racist lyrics from the first person perspective of a racist white man.

“All I could think of were the reports of police in Ferguson using rubber bullets and shooting at innocents,” Wasiu says about the rage and overwhelming frustration he felt from the Mike Brown case. He added, “I played the beat, and I ran the events in my mind, and I matched it with the rage I was feeling from all of that shit.” “Stereo Type” sounds like a feverish nightmare as Wasiu uncovers racist stereotype after racist stereotype with equal parts righteous fury and emotional vulnerability. Wasiu never claims to have all the answers but he is willing to use his art as a catalyst for conversation.

“Stereo Type” follows Wasiu’s first video single, “Physical,” which was produced by Kaytranada. The track premiered with HotNewHipHop and its accompanying visual released via Noisey. “Where I grew up made it so I’m able to understand things or view things from a lot of different perspectives,” says Wasiu, who raps with the dexterous singsong cadence of Mos Def and the cultural omniscience of Nas. His forthcoming debut album funnels his life experiences into a culturally defining opus that balances both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives on human themes. “I’m showing what people view as both the good and the bad,” he says, “and how without the bad, you can’t have the good, and so you start to appreciate the bad… for the good.”

Listen to “Stereo Type”: https://soundcloud.com/w-a-s-i-u/stereo-type-produced-by-nezrio/

Check out the Earmilk premiere: http://www.earmilk.com/2015/02/20/wasiu-breaks-all-stereo-type-with-his-newest-track-premiere

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Wasiu.

Wasiu Background:

For Wasiu, being a pariah has always been a constant. A child of divorce from a Nigerian Muslim father and Haitian Protestant-Christian mother, he was torn between worlds, seen by both communities as impure, and a “mixed breed”—not entirely Haitian, not quite Nigerian. Even though he’s Québecois (a Québec native), his immigrant parents tainted his claim to the province. Raised by his mother after his father moved to Toronto, he felt obliged to fit in with her side of the family. Resentments towards his father’s beliefs and culture led him to drop his father-given middle name—Wasiu—so that he wouldn’t be teased in his predominantly white school, where he battled black stereotypes by pushing his intellect past expectations.

”I wanted to fit in and didn’t want to feel like a stereotype, so I’d force myself to excel but make it seem like it was no sweat,” he says, “In a sense, I was assimilating myself to white Christian standards, and dropped my middle name to evade humiliation. That same name now is the one I use to represent myself, and it empowers my blackness due to its African origins.”

Overcoming adversity and using those lessons as lyrical fuel is Wasiu’s strongest suit. He is preparing his debut album which funnels his life experiences into a culturally defining opus that balances both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives on human themes. “I’m showing what people view as both the good and the bad,” he says, “and how without the bad, you can’t have the good, and so you start to appreciate the bad… for the good.”

Black Milk Announces “Play Like Hell” Tour

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News: Black Milk Announces “Play Like Hell” Tour

Producer/Rapper Set to Tour U.S. This Spring and Summer With His Live Band, Nat Turner

02.23.2015

Critical Praise for Black Milk:

“Black Milk’s solo career represents a constant cycle of adopting and mastering new production styles and then abandoning them before they become crutches.” – Pitchfork

“His samples are elegant, his rhythms challenging and his drum kits tight.” – NPR

“Cross has no need for these extras; in his world of soul-tugging productions and machinegun-as-velvet delivery they are merely distractions. On this realization, and in the moment, it was hard not be floored by the obvious: this is what talent with genuine poise really looks and sounds like.” – Dallas Observer

“Striking an impressive balance between being rehearsed and spontaneous, he proved his chops as a multitalented artist once again.” – Okayplayer

“It feels like Christmas every time Black Milk blesses us with a new record.” – FreeOnSmash

The Tour:

Critically acclaimed rapper and producer Black Milk will be touring the U.S. this spring and summer on his Play Like Hell Tour. The tour, which features live band Nat Turner (keyboardist/vocalist Aaron “Ab” Abernathy, bassist Malik Hunter and drummer Z Horton), stops in multiple U.S. cities with more dates to be announced. Select shows will include performances by Mos Def, Fashawn and Lyrics Born.

With more than a decade of industry experience and a rich catalog of recordings, Black Milk has transitioned from one of hip-hop’s young rising stars to a veteran with a uniquely well-rounded pedigree. His most recent works include collaborations with Bun B, Danny Brown, Black Thought, Robert Glasper, Adrian Younge, Pete Rock, BadBadNotGood, and Blu. He released his fifth and latest solo album, If There’s A Hell Below in October 2014 via his own record label Computer Ugly. “I’m never one to say which album of mine is the best, that’s for the fans to decide,” says Black Milk, “but at this point I feel like I’m making the best music of my career on a creative level and on a technical level. I think you’ll hear that in this new album.” Black will perform songs from If There’s a Hell Below and previous albums.

Black Milk “Play Like Hell Tour” with live band Nat Turner

Tickets: blackmilk.biz/tours

3/19 Dallas at Three Links
3/20 Austin at SXSW
3/22 New Orleans at Gasa Gasa
3/23 Atlanta at The Basement
3/24 Charlotte at Snug Harbor
3/25 Asheville at Asheville Music Hall
3/26 Little Rock at Stickyz
3/28 Boise at Knitting Factory (Treefort Music Fest)
3/30 Denver at Cervantes’ Other Side*
4/01 Phoenix at Monarch Theatre
4/03 Las Vegas at Beauty Bar
4/04 Fresno at Catacomb Party
4/09 Albuquerque at El Rey Theater**
4/10 Los Angeles at Los Globos
4/11 San Francisco at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
4/12 Sacramento at Harlow’s
4/14 Salt Lake City at Urban Lounge
4/16 Portland at Alhambra Theatre (Soul’d Out Music Festival)***
4/18 Detroit at Hello Records
6/16 Washington, DC at Rock & Roll Hotel
6/17 Philadelphia at Johnny Brenda’s
6/18 New York at The Studio at Webster Hall
6/19 Boston at Church of Boston
6/20 Detroit at TBA
6/21 Chicago at TBA
6/22 Minneapolis at 7th St Entry
6/24 Missoula at The Real Lounge
6/25 Calgary at TBA
6/27 Vancouver at Fortune Sound Club
6/28 Seattle at TBA

* with Fashawn
** with Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def
*** with Lyrics Born
^ Black Milk Solo Beat Set

Stream and purchase digital and physical versions of If There’s A Hell Below: https://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/album/if-theres-a-hell-below

Purchase the album on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/if-theres-a-hell-below/id917026740

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Black Milk.

Black Milk Background:

As one of the most celebrated producers and rappers of his generation of hip-hop artists, Black Milk has conditioned fans and critics to expect the unexpected with each release. Few producers have earned the notoriety and respect he has as a musician, and when that is coupled with commanding talent as an emcee, it’s no surprise that his solo releases are met with exalted anticipation. His new full-length album, If There’s A Hell Below, continues Black’s trend of releasing material that maintains his signature sound while pushing it into new territory.

With more than a decade of industry experience and a rich catalog of recordings, Black Milk has transitioned from one of hip-hop’s young rising stars to a veteran with a uniquely well-rounded pedigree. After scoring his first production credit for Slum Village as a teenager in 2002, he eventually worked closely with the group and co-produced much of their two following albums. His self-released, full-length project Sound of the City (2005) led to his first record deal, and he began to gain international attention for the soul-sample driven style on his proper solo debut Popular Demand (2007). With five solo rap albums (Popular Demand, Tronic, Album of the Year, No Poison No Paradise and Glitches In The Break), an instrumental album (Synth or Soul), numerous collaboration albums (Caltroit with Bishop Lamont, The Set Up with Fat Ray, Black and Brown with Danny Brown, Random Axe with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson and Burning Stones with Mel), and 2 singles with Jack White behind him, Black Milk remains one of hip-hop’s most consistent artists.

Links:

“What It’s Worth”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL5G-Kal7FQ
If There’s A Hell Below: https://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/album/if-theres-a-hell-below
“Scum” ft. Random Axe: https://soundcloud.com/blackmilkofficial/scum-ft-random-axe
“Gold Piece” ft. Bun B: https://soundcloud.com/blackmilkofficial/gold-piece-ft-bun-b/
“Detroit’s New Dance Show”: https://soundcloud.com/blackmilkofficial/detroits-new-dance-show
“What It’s Worth”: https://soundcloud.com/blackmilkofficial/what-its-worth
No Poison No Paradise stream: http://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/
Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/black-milk

END

), LoveRance (“Up”), and more. Producer P-Lo (of The Invasion) has the driving force behind the West Coast’s current, radio-dominating sound; he’s produced singles for Yo Gotti (“Act Right”), Wiz Khalifa (“‘Bout Me”), and more; Sage The Gemini has been equally prolific, with the above-mentioned single, “Gas Pedal” and now “Red Nose,” which was certified gold and is charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. The rest of the crew includes members Skip, Rossi, CJ, Jay Ant, and Kool John, who were all featured on the recently released crew mixtape, Gang Forever.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | bandcamp | soundcloud | last.fm
“Hella Good”: https://soundcloud.com/iamsu-4/iamsu-hella-good-feat-tyga-prod-by-iamsu
“Nothin’ Less” (Prod. by DJ Mustard): https://soundcloud.com/iamsu-4/nothin-less-prod-by-dj-mustard
“T.W.D.Y”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFI-M8kB-IQ
“T.W.D.Y. Behind the Scenes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJEk6-tOhV0
“Stop Signs”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VI1FyM0Snk
“Love My Squad”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGl0rS-ZcV4
“Only That Real”: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/iamsu-only-that-real-feat-2/
“Never Goin’ Broke”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paGPMjyp-nI
“Quit Cattin'”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAFXo5JYVok
“Hipster Girls”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8emZMYkkwk
“Go Crazy” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KP9yxahwKA
Gang Forever: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/23289/hbk-gang-gang-forever.html
“Go Crazy”: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/go-crazy-iamsu-skip-p-lo-feat
“STU Freestyle”: http://youtu.be/3In8mkFo6Ug
KILT 2 Deluxe Edition: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kilt-ii-deluxe-edition/id667633453
“The Realest” Ft. Problem: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/the-realest-feat-problem
“Father God”: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/iamsu-honors-his-faith-in-father-god-premiere-20130702
“Rep That Gang” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohxFESLrT4A
KILT 2 Mixtape: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/22185/iamsu-kilt-2.html
“Rep That Gang”: https://soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/iamsu-rep-that-gang-from-kilt
“100 Grand” Video: http://www.trillhd.com/video/3242/iamsu-feat-juvenile-problem-kool-john-100-grand-remix
“Goin Up” Ft. Wiz Khalifa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bds_z1jXIJw
“Losin” Ft. CJ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiaNsDc4mNQ
“Don’t Stop”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_1Iy7ITC4
“Mobbin” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAnWhrjt0iE
330 Ritch Recap Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKWjTNnzEfs
“On My Mind”: http://noisey.vice.com/music-video-premieres/iamsu-on-my-mind-official-video
$uzy 6 $peed: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/19377/iamsu-uzy-6-peed.html
“Don’t Stop”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci_1Iy7ITC4
“Mobbin’” MP3: http://www.soundcloud.com/thehbkgang/mobbin
Stoopid Mixtape: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bds_z1jXIJw
KILT Deluxe Edition Mixtape: http://klp.virb.com/kilt-iamsu-karmaloop-music-deluxe-editio
“Over”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzNgN4jxIAo
“2 Milli”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFRd-p_dkjY
KILT Mixtape: http://t.opsp.in/1D4C2
“Cancelled Plans”: http://tinyurl.com/cancelledplans
“HBKJoe Beat” Ft. P-Lo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbRIpDcxOjY
The Miseducation of Iamsu!: http://t.opsp.in/17cAC

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/iamsu/
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02.20.2015
Iamsu! and Tyga Team Up for the Hypnotic “Hella Good,” Premiered by Stereogum

Press Release

Iamsu! and Tyga Team Up for the Hypnotic “Hella Good,” Premiered by Stereogum

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MP3: Iamsu! (Feat. Tyga) – “Hella Good”

Iamsu! and Tyga Are Feeling Hella Good On their New Single, Premiered by Stereogum

02.20.2015