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05.21.2015
Premiered by SF Weekly, Oakland Trio Down 2 Earth Drops “Powers” Visual, Set to Re-Release Wildfire Mixtape on CD and Vinyl

Press Release

Premiered by SF Weekly, Oakland Trio Down 2 Earth Drops “Powers” Visual, Set to Re-Release Wildfire Mixtape on CD and Vinyl

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Video: Down 2 Earth – “Powers” ft. Simmi (Prod. by Kuya Beats)

Premiered by SF Weekly, the Oakland Trio Drops “Powers” Visual, Set to Re-release Debut Wildfire EP on CD and Vinyl With Bonus Tracks

05.21.2015

The Video:

Oakland trio Down 2 Earth, which consists of DJ/rapper Azure, Clyde Shankle, and Dayvid Michael, dropped a harrowing visual for their “Powers” single, which features singer Simmi and production from Kuya Beats. The video premiered on SF Weekly, who said “… on ‘Powers,’ Down 2 Earth stand tall and come correct without any additional HBK support… it’s the poise and piercing gaze that Azure and Clyde Shankle add, along with the effect over Dayvid Michael’s voice on the hook, that really drive home the bone-chilling, not-to-be-fucked-with feel of this track and video.”

“Powers” is from Down 2 Earth’s debut mixtape, Wildfire, which debuted in February via Complex, who called it “a banger of a project… [that will] make you want to head over to the West Coast immediately.” Unlike many of their Bay Area peers, there’s an edgy, battle rap influence that’s immediately evident in Down 2 Earth’s distinct sound. “’Powers’ was one of the last songs to come out of the Wildfire sessions. We recorded the song with Kuya Beats and an up and coming bay area songstress Simmi,” Down 2 Earth explained. “We got together in what we dubbed ‘Kliff’s Cabin’ in Pinole, California, and started the record from scratch. We were thinking to ourselves, ‘this hook could use a female voice,’ but instead of singing we had Simmi chant. Once we decided to go in that direction, we knew the production had to be a bit mobby and aggressive.”

Crew member Azure, who just got off a 35-city tour handling DJ duties for Iamsu!, is also prepping for the release of his debut solo project, Leap Year, slated to release this summer. His first video single, “Nine Nine,” premiered via Okayplayer, who said “Azure’s rhyme work here is strong, but with a definitively laid-back air…expect the track to feature prominently in your favorite DJ’s next big set.” Down 2 Earth will be re-releasing Wildfire on CD and vinyl with several bonus tracks, including “Powers.” Physical issues of the project will be available at D2E3D.com.

Watch “Powers” ft. Simmi: https://youtu.be/kBlv_C-vwrs

Check out the SF Weekly premiere: http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2015/05/20/moment-of-truth-video-premiere-down-2-earths-powers-ft-simmi

Listen to “Powers” ft. Simmi: https://soundcloud.com/down2earth/powers/s-6owON

Listen to Wildfire: https://soundcloud.com/down2earth/sets/wildfire

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Down 2 Earth.

Down 2 Earth Background:

Down 2 Earth is a new trio hailing from Oakland, California, consisting of HBK Gang artist/producer Azure and CaliMade collective members Clyde Shankle and Dayvid Michael. The rap pack presents music reminiscent of the West Coast sounds by household names like Hieroglyphics and Zion I. Down 2 Earth’s goal is “to preserve Bay Area music, specifically alternative hip-hop that a handful of groups in the Bay Area started decades ago.” Having already received praise from the likes of The Source, Free On Smash, HipHopDX, and DJ Booth, the three emcees have the pedigree to make a giant splash in the hip-hop world with their debut LP, Wildfire, a coalition of three stories and personalities tied together by thumping beats and production.

From Radiohead to Parliament Funkadelic, Down 2 Earth takes influence from a diverse range of artists to vibe out soul-oriented tunes. De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Kendrick, Jill Scott, Hieroglyphics, and Digital Underground are among their biggest influences apparent in their work. Down 2 Earth is evolving the art of collaborative rap, establishing their artistry and making a fresh style all their own.

Migos Join West Orlando Rapper Woop For Hard-Hitting “Go Away” Remix, Rapper Announces #IDGAF Mixtape, Premiered by Complex

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MP3: Woop – “Go Away” Remix Ft. Migos (Prod By Haz On Da Beat)

Preparing For the Release of His #IDGAF Mixtape, the West Orlando Rapper Teams Up With Migos For Hard-Hitting “Go Away” Remix, Premiered by Complex

05.21.2015

Critical Praise for Woop:

“Florida’s most talented prospect…” – HYPETRAK

“[Woop is] a fluid and stylistically interesting rapper, one as likely to confront his own paranoia on his songs as he is to trumpet his successes” – Stereogum

“Woop’s nimble verses weave between [Zaytoven and Sonny Digital’s] plodding beats in a way that few other rappers ever attempt.” – Pitchfork

“Woop’s delivery is somewhat reminiscent of Young Scooter, and his recent Woop Nation tape is impressive for a relative newcomer” – The FADER

The Remix:

West Orlando rapper Woop is gearing up for his #IDGAF mixtape release on June 26th, and is kicking things off with a Migos remix of “Go Away.” The song dropped back in 2013, and with nearly 2 million YouTube views it remains one of his biggest hits. “It’s a song that people can relate to,” Woop said. “You can’t help but vibe to it. They singing it word for word at all the shows.” The remix debuted via Complex, who said “the already intense vibe of the record is only increased with the addition of the Atlanta trio, who provide three stellar verses.”

Earlier this year, Woop dropped the video for his loose single “Drugs” with an interview via Noisey, who said that the West Orlando rapper’s music “serves to illuminate his impoverished neighborhood’s ills by slipping in those pains within colorful melodies,” adding, “what’s notable about ‘Drugs’ is its matter-of-factness.” Describing his music, Woop said “it opens your eyes up to what the people in Disney World don’t want you to see.”

In 2014, Pitchfork named Woop’s Woop Lingo, which boasts production by Sonny Digital and Zaytoven, as one of the most overlooked mixtapes of the year. “Woop proves being a nerd with words is crucial to the rap craft,” The FADER raved. Woop has already performed more than 30 shows around the nation in 2015, adding to his resumé of more than 150 gigs over the past two years, proving himself to be one of West Orlando’s most prolific rappers. His mixtape, #IDGAF, is slated to release on June 26.

Listen to “Go Away” Remix ft. Migos: https://soundcloud.com/liftoffmanagement/woop-go-away-remix-ft-migos-prod-by-haz-on-da-beat

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/05/woop-new-song-premiere-go-away-remix-feat-migos

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

Woop Background:

It’s been said before that “it takes a village to raise a child” and to say that Chuck “Woop” Ford’s West Orlando neighborhood has influenced both his music and outlook in life would be a tremendous understatement. “My neighborhood, well our part of the neighborhood, it’s like its own world,” Woop explains. His breakthrough hit “Pussy Nigga” paved the way for 100+ paid shows throughout the entire Bible belt, and popular follow-up’s “Go Away,” “HMC,” “Solo Dolo Lonely,” and “Fuck Nigga Fee” have kept his music bubbling ever since. Industry co-signs and cameos have come rolling in as Woop’s constantly growing list of collaborators already includes the likes of Migos, Yo Gotti, Kevin Gates, Plies, Bobby Shmurda, Ca$h Out, Young Scooter, PeeWee Longway and more.

As “Pussy Nigga” traveled from the car stereos to club sound systems, popular rapper PI Bang reached out to Woop and would connect him with Lift Off Management and CSR Promotions. Studio sessions with proven hitmakers such as Zaytoven (Gucci Mane, Usher), Luney Tunez-N-Yo Area (Rihanna, Future) and KE On The Track (Rick Ross, Chief Keef) followed and Woop’s audio output has taken on a life of its own. Woop will continue to hone his homegrown talent and culture for the world to see. Woop’s takeover-mindset is bigger than just himself. “I wanna show people what Orlando is really like, not their idea. This keeps me outta trouble. I want to own a label to, get my people out of the streets.”

California Producer Duo Crush Effect Share Remix of ODESZA’s “White Lies,” Premiered by Indie Shuffle

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MP3: ODESZA – “White Lies” (ft. Jenni Potts) [Crush Effect Remix]

05.20.2015

The Remix:

Southern California Electro Soul/Future Funk duo Crush Effect has remixed ODESZA‘s “White Lies” with a glittery, synth-soaked coating. This remix is Crush Effect’s first release of the year, following last year’s Until the Next EP. The dreamy track, which features singer Jenni Potts, premiered via Indie Shuffle, who said “It wasn’t too long ago that ODESZA remixes were a dime a dozen. Fortunately, enough time has passed to still the waters, setting up the perfect opportunity for Crush Effect to rise from the mist and take our eardrums by storm…the bass line reminds me of something out of an Air song; the saxophone seemingly taken from Radiohead. Coupled with the beautiful vocals of Jenni Potts, the combination comes together to hash out one of the best remixes I’ve heard in days.”

Pulling from the infectious influences of jazz and soul merged with modern bass-heavy EDM, Crush Effect have created something truly special. Fans of Pretty Lights, Flume, and Rustie will feel cozy with both the visceral and buoyant sounds throughout. In addition to their success with their Until the Next EP, Crush Effect has achieved multiple placements, including a Kia commercial with Blake Griffin and a Southern Comfort commercial. Stay tuned for more infectious track from the eccentric Southern California duo.

Odesza – “White Lies” (ft. Jenni Potts) [Crush Effect Remix]: https://soundcloud.com/crusheffect/white-lies-ft-jenni-potts-crush-effect-remix

Check out the Indie Shuffle premiere: http://www.indieshuffle.com/odesza-white-lies-ft-jenni-potts-crush-effect-remix/

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Please contact Michelle or Rory for more info.

Premiered by Pigeons & Planes, L.A. via Sacramento Singer/Songwriter Victoria Monét Shares Tommy Brown-produced Single, Announces Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II EP

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MP3: Victoria Monét – “High Luv” (Prod. by Tommy Brown)

Premiered by Pigeons & Planes, the L.A. via Sacramento Singer/Songwriter Shares Dreamy Single, Announces EP Release Date

05.20.2015

Critical Praise for Victoria Monét:

“Victoria Monét proves that she clearly knows how to make a hit.” – Pigeons & Planes

“You may not know her name yet, but that’s about to change.” – Rap-Up

“Victoria Monét’s musical situation is improving with every new release” – HotNewHipHop

The Song:

Singer/songwriter Victoria Monét has penned songs for several notable acts, with Ariana Grande calling her her “favorite writer.” Now, she’s ready to step into the spotlight with her forthcoming EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II, slated to release June 16. Yesterday, Victoria shared her second single off the EP, “High Luv,” via Pigeons & Planes, who said the track “blurs the lines between R&B and pop—making it feel like the perfect song to take over the airwaves this summer,” adding that “Victoria Monét proves that she clearly knows how to make a hit.”

The dreamy, infectious track is produced by Tommy Brown, whose credits include T.I., Travi$ Scott, and 2 Chainz, with additional production by Travis Sayles and Mr. Franks. “We always start off small, with minimal sounds,” Victoria Monét explained of her recording process to Pigeons & Planes. “Tommy Brown has all these lasers in the studio so it was really vibed out. And that’s just the idea that came to mind. Once the little reference was done, they want back and re-produced everything and added all these sounds, and drums, and little extra things that made it feel special to me.”

Earlier this month, Victoria celebrated her birthday with the release of her nostalgic “90’s Babies” visual, which debuted via V Magazine. The L.A.-based artist was also recently featured in Machine Gun Kelly‘s “A Little More.” Proving her writing talents with work on Ariana Grande’s debut and sophomore album as well as tracks for Nas, Chrisette Michele, and Fifth Harmony, Victoria Monét is ready to shine through as a singer in the forefront. Her forthcoming EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II, is dropping this summer on June 16.

Listen to “High Luv”: https://soundcloud.com/victoria-monet/victoria-monet-high-luv

Check out the Pigeons & Planes premiere: http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2015/05/premiere-victoria-monet-high-luv/

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Victoria Monet.

Victoria Monet Background:

From her toddler days spent growing up in Sacramento, California, R&B singer Victoria Monet has used various creative mediums-dancing, singing, poetry-to express herself, using lessons gleaned from relationships and her interpretations of the world around her to find her niche as a sensual vocalist with unparalleled songwriting skills and, most importantly, a message that people can relate to.

Fans may recognize Monet from features on hits from T.I. and Machine Gun Kelly, but it was with her 2014 debut EP Nightmares & Lullabies – Act 1, which touts guest appearances from B.o.B and Ty Dolla $ign, that her artistic vision crystalized. Monet’s music may be intensely personal, but it’s relating to her listeners that keeps her motivated. “I feel I want to share my own story,” she says. “There’s a girl out there who was shy like me, who maybe didn’t know how to express herself any other way. I want to represent that person, the underdog that no one thought would make it and would just be submissive and not be heard.”

Following the Release of Their Self-Titled Collaborative Album, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper Duo RJD2 & STS Release Smooth Loose Single Premiered by Complex

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MP3: RJD2 & STS – “Good Guys Anthem”

Following the Release of Their Self-Titled Collaborative Album, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper Duo RJD2 & STS Release Smooth Loose Single Premiered by Complex

05.18.2015

Critical Praise for RJD2 and STS:

“The album shuffles between moody, soulful beats and triumphant, horn-anchored tracks” – Rolling Stone

“RJ’s well able to inject spirit and spontaneity into tunes new and old in the live setting, certainly better than most beatmakers and producers out there” – Philadelphia Weekly

“[STS is] unique in style, creative in approach” – Red Bull Sound Select

“STS has the best of both worlds as far as what he offers as an MC: consistent bars, dazzling wordplay, and a Southern bravado” – HipHopWired

The Song:

Earlier this month, Philadelphia-based producer/rapper duo RJD2 and STS released their triumphant self-titled collaborative album with a premiere via The A.V. Club, who raved “…simultaneously raucous and melodic, the record takes rap and tips it on its head a bit, blending everything from Ludacris to The Impressions.” The duo is sharing more of their eccentric sound with their latest loose single, “Good Guys Anthem.” The track, which premiered via Complex, has STS rapping about making mistakes in relationships and getting caught by his girl, with lines like “She know I’m a good guy/My kryptonite’s a bad bitch.”

In an interview with Complex, the duo spoke on the process of creating RJD2 x STS and working together to become a musical force unlike anything else in hip-hop today. “You take the rap style, the way that I rap, you put me on a beat and I could just go all day ’cause I can rap. That’s what Philly is and that’s what rappers in Philly do: They rap,” STS explained. “There was no thinking: This is the best work to date that I have ever done! As soon as we started doing the music, I was like, yeah, this is it… Basically, yes this is the best joint ever. I’m smiling ear-to-ear. This is crazy. It’s a work of art. That’s what it is, a great work of art.”

RJD2 and STS first met through singer Khari Mateen when the three worked on “See You Leave” for RJD2’s 2013 album, More Is Than Isn’t. “I thought, ‘Man, I had so much fun making music with this guy. I don’t want the relationship to end there,” RJ explained. “STS meets a number of criteria for me. For one, he has a great voice. His sense of rhythm is really great. He’s a funny guy – that’s a plus. And the other thing is that he has a way of taking a thought that has deep meaning to it, and making it seem innocuous.”

Listen to “Good Guys Anthem”: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/sts-x-rjd2-good-guys-anthem

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/05/sts-rjd2-new-song-premiere-good-guys-anthem

Check out the Complex interview: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/05/interview-rjd2-sts-new-album

Buy STS x RJD2 on iTunes: http://radi.al/STSRJD2

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with RJD2 and STS.

RJD2 Background:

RJD2, a transplant via Ohio, has a history spanning back to the late 90’s indie hip-hop scene. After notable stops on both the Definitive Jux and XL labels, he ventured forth with his own label in 2009 (RJ’s Electrical Connections, which brings you this fine piece of work today). With a catalog of albums running back to 2002, he likely qualifies as an underground vet at this stage of his career. With the tunes“Ghostwriter” and the “A Beautiful Mine,” aka the Mad Men theme making their rounds on TV, his reach has continually spread beyond the sold out club dates and festival appearances of the last decade+.

STS Background:

STS, aka Sugar Tongue Slim, is an Atlanta transplant who found himself amidst the orbit of Dre andVidal, Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, and the cast of players that were in and out of Larry Gold’s “The Studio.”This led to being a writer on Ciara’s “Oh,” working intimately with Def Jam. He was first introduced to the public on The Roots‘ Grammy-Nominated release, How I Got Over, where he was featured on the cuts, “Right On” and “Hustla.” Later that month he released Demand More II featuring the underground hits, “The People” and “In For The Kill.” He soon brought his G.O.L.D act to stage, setting off sold out shows for acts such as Travis Barker, 50 Cent, J-Cole, Big Sean, B.O.B and The Roots among others. That buzz resulted in a spotlight on MTV2’s Sucker Free Sunday as the featured act for XXL’s Show & Prove segment.

East Palo Alto Duo The Hoodstarz Explores Their Most Exotic Fantasies In Eccentric “Contagious” Video

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Video: The Hoodstarz – “Contagious” ft. Clyde Carson

The East Palo Alto Duo Explores Their Most Exotic Fantasies In Eccentric “Contagious” Video

05.18.2015

The Video:

Exotic creatures and beautiful women surround The Hoodstarz in the visual for their latest single, “Contagious.” The track has the East Palo Alto, California duo of Band-Aide and Scoot rapping about women they simply can’t forget. “Contagious” features Clyde Carson and is from their 56 Months album, an 18-track project which includes features from Ty Dolla $ign and Too Short.

The eccentric visual features scorpions, snakes, and tarantulas crawling around a lizard-eyed woman’s body and face as Hoodstarz rapper Band-Aide flashes his gold chain and confesses his affection for irresistable women. With the song’s infectious hook, the duo shares their most exotic fantasies. “This song represents the moments when you see or think of a sexy chick and she stays on your mind,” Band-Aide and Scoot Dogg explain. “You can’t stop thinking about her. Her look, her style and her beauty is ‘contagious’ and you can’t get enough of her.”

Hailing from East Palo Alto, California, the duo has released hits such as “Can’t Leave Rap Alone,” which features Keak da Sneak, paving the way for several more hyphy-era hits. In 2006 they released their first full-length album, Hood Reality, on their self-owned Lawless Records. Warner Bros. distributed their second album, which led to more local radio hits and growing recognition for the prolific duo. Amidst their music successes, The Hoodstarz created a non-profit housing program for local elderly in need and often hold fundraising and donation-driven events for their community. Having collaborated with hyphy producers Traxamillion and Droop-E, along with artists such as Ty Dolla $ign and Too Short for 56 Months, The Hoodstarz are proud to release another album for the streets. “56 months is a top to bottom story about real life issues,” the duo explains. “The last 56 months has been full of controversy, good and bad, so every song is based off of our personal experiences.”

Watch “Contagious”: https://youtu.be/Rr_6U7Hd_Ok

The Background:

Rappers Band-Aide and Scoot Dogg make up the duo The Hoodstarz, a top-tier rap group in the California Bay Area hyphy scene. The two were friends since grade school, but also were cohorts hustling in the streets of their East Palo Alto, CA, hometown. After Band-Aide finished serving a five-year bid in San Quentin State Prison around 2002 (Scoot previously had spent 18 months in a juvenile correctional facility), they each wanted better lives for themselves and decided to commit to music full-time. One of their first singles, “Can’t Leave Rap Alone” (2004), featuring Oakland, CA, veteran Keak da Sneak, started to put things in motion for the duo, paving their way to become local favorites. The Hoodstarz’s released their first full-length album Hood Reality in 2006 on their self-owned Lawless Records. Its favorable reception, in addition to the hyphy phenomenon spreading nationwide and translating onto the Billboard charts, garnered them a distribution deal with Warner, who issued their second album, Band-Aide and Scoot, later that same year.

Premiered by Mass Appeal, Slim K From Houston Legend OG Ron C’s Chopstars Crew Remixes 23-Year-Old Rapper Maxo Kream’s Acclaimed Release

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MP3: Maxo Kream – #MAXO187 (Chopped Not Slopped by Slim K)

Premiered by Mass Appeal, Slim K From Houston Legend OG Ron C’s Chopstars Crew Remixes the 23-Year-Old Rapper’s Acclaimed Release

05.15.2015

Critical Praise for Maxo Kream:

“This new Maxo Kream project might be one of the best things 2015 currently has to offer.” – HYPETRAK

“Over the last couple years, Maxo Kream has established himself as one of Houston’s most exciting young rappers by way of being one of Houston’s least traditionally minded artists.” – Noisey

“A sinister and visceral portrait of Houston street life.” – Pitchfork

The Mixtape:

Houston rapper Maxo Kream just wrapped up a U.S. tour with Joey Fatts, which he followed with several Texas dates alongside Father last week. While he was busy on the road, Slim K from the Houston legend OG Ron C‘s Chopstars crew put his Chopped Not Slopped touch on Maxo’s #MAXO187, which released in March. The Chopped Not Slopped project premiered via Mass Appeal, who said “the Chopstar crew always manages to add unique blends over slowed versions of tracks, manipulating them in unimaginable ways, and this project is no different.”

“I personally love the dark street vibe that [Maxo Kream] brings to the current generation of rap out of the city,” Slim K explained to Mass Appeal. “The majority of people are still rapping about the high life or cars, clothes, and hoes, so it’s good that he came along to give balance to the force to show the world what’s going on in Alief aka the SWAT… It’s my job and my bros the Chopstars’ job to help shine the light on the scene out here more, so be on the look out for many more Texas artists hosted by myself and the rest of the Chopstars coming soon.”

Maxo Kream was one of the breakout stars of this year’s SXSW, linking with Awful Records rapper/producer Father for performances and A$AP Rocky, who’s been a long-time supporter. #MAXO187 includes features from Joey Bada$$, Lamb$, The Sauce Twinz, Father, LE$, and Fredo Santana. “The record is a sinister and visceral portrait of Houston street life,” said Pitchfork in their review, while Passion of the Weiss named it their Album of the Month in March. “Maxo Kream has established himself as one of Houston’s most exciting young rappers by way of being one of Houston’s least traditionally minded artists,” stated Noisey in their premiere of #MAXO187. “This tape is a perfect encapsulation of the sound of hip-hop’s rapid synthesis of styles in the Internet era and the way the genre’s new underground heroes are bridging aesthetic and regional gaps,” Noisey said, adding, “more importantly, it is also fucking cool.”

Listen to #MAXO187 (Chopped Not Slopped by Slim K): http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/34024/maxo-kream-maxo-187.html

Check out the Mass Appeal premiere: http://massappeal.com/premiere-maxo-kream-maxo187-chopped-not-slopped-by-slim-k/

Listen to #MAXO187: https://soundcloud.com/maxo-kream/sets/maxo-187

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Maxo Kream.

Maxo Kream Background:

Upon meeting him, gangsta rapper isn’t the impression that most would get from buzzing Houston emcee, Maxo Kream, age 23. He has a surprisingly goofy and playful demeanor, often cracking self-aware jokes and displaying a smile with showcases either his gold grin or his trademark gap in the upper row of this teeth. But, make no mistake, Maxo’s backstory is a tale consisting of crime and death that would catch the attention of the most jaded followers of gangsta/trap rap.

Inspired by his college trip to SXSW and the fact that other street cliques throughout Houston such as FDAB (founded by late rapper T.O.Y, a childhood friend and Crip associate of Maxo) and MashMode (which has now resulted in the buzzing careers of Houston rap duo, The Sauce Twinz) were transitioning into music as a form of expression, Maxo and his younger cousin Lyndon (rap moniker Lyndo C), jumped into music. Now, front and center is Maxo Kream’s sophomore project, #Maxo187. With big name features and outstanding production, Maxo intends to show that he can compete with any emcee in the game.

New York Rapper Dylan Owen to Release Latest Installment of Coming-of-Age Story On June 8th

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News: Dylan Owen Announces There’s More To Life EP, Re-Releases “Everything Gets Old” & “Sail Up The Sun”

The New York Rap Artist to Release Latest Installment of Coming-of-Age Story On June 8th

05.15.2015

The Project:

New York rap artist Dylan Owen is releasing his highly-anticipated There’s More To Life EP this summer on June 8th. The album comes as the latest installment of Dylan’s coming-of-age journey following previous releases Keep Your Friends Close and Senioritis giving listeners a peek into his life with his confessional storytelling and fast multisyllabic rhymes. “Everything Gets Old” and “Sail Up The Sun” are the first singles off There’s More To Life, both piano-laden tracks uplifted by Dylan’s emotionally-charged lyrics.

“This is the story of me transitioning into young adulthood and letting go of who I used to be. Struggling to find my identity in this huge world, I reflect on the psychological adventures of my childhood and teenage years to discover why I am who I am,” Dylan explains. “I wrote all of these songs over the past few years, living between my solitary small hometown and the stress of NYC. I experienced a lot in that time: my friends and relationships changed, my parents changed, the hometown neighborhoods I grew up in changed. I started to come to grips with the things I won’t be able to do in life. There’s a lot of fear in that, but ultimately, I encourage myself and others who relate that there will be more to life than what we’ve known.”

The 22 year-old has seen over 25k downloads on his 2012 EP, Keep Your Friends Close, while being featured in Huffington Post, Newsday, Time Out New York, and more. In 2012, Billboard elected Dylan a top-15 “Next Big Sound” artist based on his swiftly growing online buzz. Gaining influence from a diverse set of artists like Atmosphere, Bright Eyes, Eminem, and Talib Kweli, There’s More To Life holds an organic, hip-hop-meets-indie rock sound with boom bap drums, live guitars, live violins, real antique pianos, and vintage lo-fi keyboards all in the same setting. Stay tuned for the EP, slated to release June 8th.

Listen to “Everything Gets Old”: https://soundcloud.com/dylanowenmusic/everything-gets-old

Listen to “Sail Up the Sun”: https://soundcloud.com/dylanowenmusic/sail-up-the-sun

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Dylan Owen.

Dylan Owen Background:

Dylan Owen is a rap artist from New York. With his own brand of heart-on-sleeve, confessional storytelling, he has built an undeniable fan following at a young age. His wordplay and multisyllabic patterns prove his proficiency as a rapper, while his writing feels more like that of a young storyteller who can also rhyme. Dylan left Cornell University in 2011 to develop as an artist in New York City.

In late 2012, Billboard elected Dylan a top-15 “Next Big Sound” artist based on his swiftly growing online buzz. Dylan has opened for Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf, Chiddy Bang, Mac Lethal, Grieves, George Watsky, The Metermaids, Logic, Skizzy Mars, Asher Roth, and many others. Dylan will be releasing music and videos leading up to a new project, There’s More To Life, the next installment in his coming-of-age story.

With Production From A$AP P, Montreal Rapper Wasiu Explores Hardships and Superficial Smiles on “Picture Imperfect,” Debuted by Exclaim!

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MP3: Wasiu – “Picture Imperfect” (Prod. by A$AP P On The Boards)

With Production From A$AP P, the Montreal Rapper Explores Hardships and Superficial Smiles on “Picture Imperfect,” Debuted by Exclaim!

05.14.2015

Critical Praise for Wasiu:

“Wasiu is the hip-hop voice of Montreal.” – i-D

“The young Montreal rapper has been working steadily to make a name for himself and it looks like he’s on the right track.” – Pigeons & Planes

“Wasiu is another one to look out for this year.” – Complex

“Many rappers twice his age would be wise to take notes…” – Okayplayer

“Wasiu is pretty much the embodiment of Montreal’s cultural shift.” – Noisey

“Wasiu has exhibited a desire to creatively tackle a variety of topics, and he raps about them in a way that proves he’s a more-than-formidable emcee.” – HYPETRAK

The Song:

A child of divorce from a Nigerian Muslim father and Haitian Protestant-Christian mother, Wasiu explores suppressed anger, frustration, and other turmoil in “Picture Imperfect,” the latest single from his yet-to-be-titled debut album that’s slated to drop this summer. “The two main characters in this song are forced to smile for the camera while baring the weights of being in an abusive relationship for one and battling addiction for the other,” Wasiu explained to Exclaim! in their premiere post. “The overall theme of masking your pain in order to preserve face really hits home. Growing up in a divorced home it seemed like the number one goal was to make sure that everyone on the outside thought that everything was great on the inside, even if it killed us.”

First introduced in January with his Kaytranada-produced video single “Physical,” Wasiu has gone on to show a range of politically-charged, socially conscious, and self-confident rhymes. His hard-hitting single “Bout 02 Blow,” which features production by V X N Y L, premiered via Pigeons & Planes, who stated, “There comes a time in every young artist’s career when it feels like the stars are finally beginning to align and making everything fall right into place. It’s right when their name is starting to create a buzz and they know their time to shine is rapidly approaching. Wasiu’s ‘Bout 02 Blow’ is the result of just that.” The 24 year-old rapper has also been hailed “the hip-hop voice of Montreal” by i-D.

With his visceral, aggressive, in-your-face music that speaks on both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives of human themes, Wasiu is coming up as one of Montreal’s most eccentric voices. “My music is empowerment, and defeat. It’s the whole spectrum,” he explains. “My music is a reflection of the human experience and condition, the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, the ugliness behind what’s beautiful, the beauty behind what’s ugly, or just the duality nature of the universe.”

Listen to “Picture Imperfect”: https://soundcloud.com/w-a-s-i-u/picture-imperfect-produced-by-aap-p-on-the-boards/

Check out the Exclaim! premiere: http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/wasiu-picture_imperfect

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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.”

Premiered by Complex, California Rapper KYLE Shares New Party Anthem Featuring Iamsu!

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MP3: KYLE – “It’s Lit” ft. Iamsu!

Premiered by Complex, the California Rapper Shares New Party Anthem

05.13.2015

The Song:

Ventura, California-based KYLE might be the most charismatic, uplifting, and authentically fun rapper out there. Since he burst onto the scene two years ago with his debut project, Beautiful Loser, which sold almost 2k copies its first week totally independently, KYLE’s made it his mission to spread his infectious love for life and “just be yourself” gospel. Following a string of national tours opening up for G-Eazy and Watksy, and songs with Kehlani and Chance The Rapper, KYLE is gearing up for his next release due out this summer. In the meantime, he teamed up with fellow feel-good rapper Iamsu! to release the loosie, “It’s Lit.” The track premiered via Complex, who said “between the catchy hook, the infectious production courtesy of M-Phazes, and the memorable verses, it seems that KYLE has another potential hit on his hands.”

“This song captures the essence of the party, the essence of being in the moment I feel like,” KYLE explained to Complex. “It’s every good feeling you’ve had on a night out with your friends. I haven’t really made a record like this before so it was cool trying something new. This is also the first time I had met M-Phazes, and the energy when we started working on this was amazing.”

On the road, KYLE has become known as a high-energy performer who brings his unique brand and sound to the audience. Catch KYLE on tour, dates here.

Listen to “It’s Lit”: https://soundcloud.com/lovekyle/its-lit-ft-iamsu

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/05/kyle-its-lit-new-song-premiere-feat-iamsu

Catch KYLE on tour: http://www.superduperkyle.com

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

Debuted by VIBE, 5x Platinum Producer-Turned-Rapper Tommy Brown Shares Voluminous New Single

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MP3: Tommy Brown – “Habits” ft. Nastasia

Debuted by VIBE, the Acclaimed L.A. via Pittsburgh Producer/Rapper Shares His Addictions On Latest Single

05.13.2015

The Song:

Following the Travi$ Scott and Eric Bellinger-assisted “Trippin On Me,” 5x platinum Pittsburgh-bred, L.A.-based producer/rapper Tommy Brown further exemplifies his knack for crafting trendy, topical songs with “Habits.” The beatmaker-turned-rapper boasts about his addiction to the finer things – money, jewelry, cars, designer clothes – while vocal effects and samples accompany layered synths for a voluminous production. The track, which features singer Nastasia, premiered via VIBE, who said that the “intricate instrumental mixed with a weighty bass will fit perfectly on your playlist for those late summer nights or as your new pumped-up anthem.”

“Pressure bust pipes or makes diamonds and I’m in the diamond business,” Tommy Brown told VIBE. “I’ve always done trendy music but I always want to put something in the song that makes it different. When the video for habits drop everybody will see!” Tommy Brown is taking on a new branch in his musical career as a rapper while still staking his claim as one of today’s top producers and most influential tastemakers. In addition to some recent studio sessions with Ariana Grande, Tommy Brown produced the latest single from Machine Gun Kelly, “A Little More,” which features singer/songwriter Victoria Monét and hit #1 on Billboard‘s hip-hop singles charts. These latest collaborations follow last year’s work on Ariana Grande’s My Everything, T.I.‘s “New National Anthem” and “Stay,” and Chris Brown/Jhene Aiko‘s “Drunk Texting.”

Listen to the “Habits” ft. Nastasia: https://soundcloud.com/tbhits/tommy-brown-habits-ft-nastasia

Check out the VIBE premiere: http://www.vibe.com/2015/05/premiere-tommy-brown-nastasia-habits/

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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.

Main Attrakionz Announce 808s and Dark Grapes 3, The FADER Premieres Kreayshawn-Directed Video

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News: Main Attrakionz Announce 808s and Dark Grapes 3, The FADER Premieres Kreayshawn-Directed Video

Cloud Rap Originators to Release Project on June 30th via Neil Young’s Vapor Records

05.12.2015

The Album + Video:

Oakland, California’s Main Attrakionz is prepping for their first official release in almost three years with 808s and Dark Grapes 3, starting with a visual for their latest single, “Ain’t No Other Way.” Directed by Kreayshawn, Squadda B and MondreM.A.N. wander during a “nice little night” in San Francisco’s Chinatown while vibing out with production duo Friendzone. 808s and Dark Grapes 3 is slated for release on June 30 via Neil Young‘s Vapor Records.

“Ain’t No Other Way” is a smooth offering from the forthcoming project, with delicate keys complementing wavy melodies and rhymes from the North Oakland duo. “Shit was nice,” Mondre M.A.N. told The FADER. “Shout out to Kreayshawn for showing support, shooting the video for us.” 808s and Dark Grapes 3 follows a stream of solo and collaborative releases in 2011, including I Smoke Because I Don’t Care About Death, The Shady Bambino Project, Dope Since ’91, and their most definitive statement to-date, 808s and Dark Grapes II, which received critical praise from Pitchfork, Complex, SPIN, Fact Magazine, and more.

Squadda B and MondreM.A.N. of Main Attrakionz have been rapping together for most of their lives, cultivating a passionate sound that is all their own, combining opaque atmospherics and lived-in reality rhymes. Squadda B, who doubles as both producer and rapper, has a distinct production style that draws from Bay Area hyphy and mobb movements, while incorporating booming 808s and melodic, floating vocal clips. After nearly three years without releases, the duo is ready to bring their refreshed sound back to audiences. Stay tuned for 808s and Dark Grapes 3, which is set to release this summer on June 30.

Watch “Ain’t No Other Way”: https://youtu.be/1xo3jrjK7U4

Check out the FADER premiere: http://www.thefader.com/2015/05/11/main-attrakionz-aint-no-other-way-video-kreayshawn

Catch Main Attrakionz on tour:

Sunday, May 17 – Portland, OR Hawthorne Lounge
Tuesday, May 19 – Salt Lake City, UT The Loading Dock
Thursday, May 21 – Denver, CO Lost Lake Lounge
Saturday, May 23 – Phoenix, AZ Rebel Lounge
Monday, May 25 – Los Angeles, CA School Night @ Bardot
Tuesday, May 26 – San Diego, CA Soda Bar
Thursday, May 28 – Oakland or SF, CA (TBD)

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Main Attrakionz.

Main Attrakionz Background:

Hailing from North Oakland, California, Squadda B and MondreM.A.N. of Main Attrakionz have been rapping together for most of their young lives. Early on, a shared love of rap music led them to put school on the back-burner and focus on producing music with a talented crew of local artists. Over the ensuing 7+ years, (and with an added assist from the world wide web and social media) Main Attrakionz have cultivated a unique and passionate sound, combining opaque atmospherics and lived-in reality rhymes, that stands as one of the most interesting and refreshing in the crowded and fractured world of today’s rap underground.

A relentless stream of solo and collaborative releases in 2011, including I Smoke Because I Don’t Care About Death, The Shady Bambino Project, Dope Since ’91, and their most definitive statement to-date, 808s and Dark Grapes II, have turned heads not only among those with an Internet connection and an interest in rap music, but have landed them acclaim from publications such as Pitchfork, The New York Times, Complex Magazine, The Fader, SPIN, and Fact Magazine.

22 Year-Old New York Rap Artist Dylan Owen Releases Emotionally-Charged Track From Forthcoming Album, Premiered by EARMILK

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MP3: Dylan Owen – “The Best Fears of Our Lives”

The 22 Year-Old New York Rap Artist Releases Emotionally-Charged Track From Forthcoming Album, Premiered by EARMILK

05.12.2015

The Song:

In his latest single “The Best Fears of Our Lives,” rap artist Dylan Owen lays down his emotionally-charged rhymes over delicate drums and guitar to create a wavy yet pronounced sound unlike any other. The single, off his forthcoming There’s More To Life EP, premiered via EARMILK, who said “the young artist’s emotion-laden talent bursts through it all, proving that this artist has a lot on his mind.”

Honest and introspective, Dylan Owen raps about the realities that come with growing up. “The so-called best years of our lives, the time during our late teen years and early twenties, isn’t a reality for many people,” he says. “I talk through the various realities that are striking me currently and during these foundational years: a childhood friend passing away, old flames that never went anywhere, friends who left me to move to Los Angeles, and my grandfather being sick.”

Dylan Owen previously released Keep Your Friends Close and Senioritis, which features underground rap sensations Mac Lethal and Symmetry (of Symmetry x Ryan Lewis). The 22 year-old has been featured in Huffington Post, Newsday, Time Out New York, and more, while in 2012 Billboard elected Dylan a top-15 “Next Big Sound” artist based on his swiftly growing online buzz. He has opened for the likes of Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf, Chiddy Bang, Logic, Grieves, Mac Lethal, Skizzy Mars, and Asher Roth, among others, showcasing his clever wordplay and multisyllabic patterns to audiences around the nation. His forthcoming album, There’s More To Life, is slated to release on June 8th.

Listen to “The Best Fears of Our Lives”: https://soundcloud.com/dylanowenmusic/the-best-fears-of-our-lives

Check out the EARMILK premiere: http://www.earmilk.com/2015/05/11/dylan-owen-resonates-hard-in-best-fears-of-our-lives-download/

Buy “The Best Fears of Our Lives” on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-fears-our-lives-single/id990676100

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Dylan Owen.

Dylan Owen Background:

Premiered by i-D, DMV via Lagos, Nigeria Rapper Ikey Shares a New Single Loosely Inspired by James Earl Jones

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MP3: Ikey – “Return Of King Jaffe”

Premiered by i-D, the DMV via Lagos, Nigeria Rapper Shares a New Single Loosely Inspired by James Earl Jones

05.11.2015

Critical Praise for Ikey:

“His delivery is cool and calm with a bite… Ikey takes this shit to the next level.” – Pigeons & Planes

“…continuing to impress hip-hop fans all over the globe with his melodic and confident flow.” – Okayplayer

“A bubbling MC you should definitely keep an ear open for” – HipHopWired

The Song:

“We fell instantly in love upon first listen of newcomer Ikey‘s ‘Return of King Jaffe,’” i-D said in their premiere post of the Maryland rapper’s latest single. “Return of King Jaffe” features Ikey’s lyrically aggressive yet uplifting flow above the deep bass reminiscent of ’90s era Drum N Bass records. When asked by i-D if the song was inspired by James Earl Jones’ character King Jaffe in the movie Coming to America, Ikey responded: “It’s kinda dedicated to James Earl Jones. I used to rock a dope fur hat back in the day that kinda looked like the hat James Earl Jones wore in Coming to America. Since I’m African, people used to call me King Jaffe… James Earl Jones is definitely the Gawd tho.”

Ikey released his Green Card EP at the top of the month via Complex, dissecting the American dream with his experiences as a Nigerian-American. “Green Card is a metaphor for anything that leads you to your dreams,” said Ikey, who came up with the idea when he was trying to get one for his mother. “To people in Third World countries, a Greed Card means an escape from a life of poverty an achieving the American Dream. Since everyone is looking for that one come up, I felt like they’d be able to relate to this theme.”

“I’m just a young kid straight out of Lagos,” Ikey says. “When I see people like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie being sampled on Beyonce records, it makes me feel people want that true African story. I just feel there are a lot of Nigerian-Americans trying to tell that story, and I’m trying to tell it the right way.”

Listen to “Return of King Jaffe”: https://soundcloud.com/i-d-online-1/premiere-ikey-return-of-king-jaffe

Check out the i-D premiere: https://i-d.vice.com/en_gb/article/premiere-ikey-return-of-king-jaffe

Listen to Green Card: https://soundcloud.com/any-means-necessary/sets/green-card-ep/s-IclnV

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

Ikey Background:

For Ikey, it’s all about the story. Born in New York, with roots in both Spanish Harlem and Lagos, Nigeria, Ike Obioha connected with music at an early age. The diverse palette of his father’s music collection painted a musical canvas that pays homage to everything from Elton John and Journey to the Neville Brothers and Igbo Nigerian highlife singer Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe.

Ikey’s unique, 1.5 generation immigrant experience influenced both the subject matter and creation of his music. Despite pressure to embark upon a more scholarly career, Ikey would ultimately find himself opening for the likes of Big Sean and have his music covered in the Washington City Paper. He balances his penchant for music representing all aspects of the human experience over tracks representative of hip-hop’s golden era while maintaining his unique Nigerian-American identity. “I’m just a young kid straight out of Lagos,” Ikey says. “When I see people like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie being sampled on Beyonce records, it makes me feel people want that true African story. I just feel there are a lot of Nigerian-Americans trying to tell that story, and I’m trying to tell it the right way.” Ikey’s Green Card EP is out now.

Premiered by Noisey, Bay Area Rapper A-1 Reflects On the Crack Era of the 80’s in “Invisible Man” Video

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Video: A-1 – “Invisible Man” (Remix of XXYYXX’s “About You”)

Premiered by Noisey, the Bay Area Rapper Reflects On the Crack Era of the 80’s, Juxtaposing the Highs and Lows of Drug Culture

05.08.2015

Critical Praise For A-1:

“A-1′s style has a similar kind of funny, free-for-all feel as post-Mac Dre rappers like [Roach] Gigz, but has a sly rap style that is distinctly his own.” – The FADER

“Easily one of the illest emcees I’ve heard over the last few years.” – OkayPlayer

“…something that sounds so vital and absolutely hyphy that it pretty much had to come from the Bay.” – Noisey

The Video:

San Francisco’s A-1 has to be one of hip-hop’s most introspective writers. Premiered by Noisey, the David Dutton-directed video for “Invisible Man” “shows what life is like in the city for someone who grew up before the city became a playground for dudes with too much money.” Remixing XXYYXX‘s “About You,” A-1 juxtaposes the highs and lows of an individual that’s over-exposed and ultimately engulfed in drug culture. “The beat is low and steady, a perfect platform for A-1’s rhymes to creep and hit from verse to verse,” Noisey added. “A-1 manages to keep his rhymes succinct and meaningful without making his tracks corny or overwrought. The perfect track ti bump, no matter where you’re at.”

“I wanted to set the scene for the late 80’s, but as I was writing I sort of drifted off into another tangent,” A-1 explains of the single. “It went from being a song about my situation growing up, to a commentary about the crack era, and how that affected the people who were young adults in the 80’s. I tried to draw a parallel between then and now, how we easily could’ve been crack addicts had we grown up in that time. I grew up hearing a lot of folks my age making judgments on homeless folks or people with addictions, I wanted to make it clear that any one of us could have found ourselves in that situation had the circumstances been different. Once the first line gets written it sort of just takes on a mind of it’s own and in a weird way it writes itself.”

On his recently released Thurlian album, A-1 remixed some of music’s most forward-thinking producers – Mr. Carmack, Ryan Hemsworth, Sango, Stwo, BEAR//FACE, Sango – in addition to taking on original production from Mikos Da Gawd and ATG. “I’ve been listening to it since April,” praised Stereogum, “and my verdict is: You should listen to it!”

Watch “Invisible Man”: https://youtu.be/AhnCg-KzSbo

Check out the Noisey premiere: http://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/blog/a1-invisible-man-music-video-premiere

Listen to Thurlian: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/sets/thurlian

Check out A-1’s newly launched website: http://www.a-1music.com/

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with A-1.

A-1 Background:

Born Adam Traore, a first generation US citizen to West African and Italian parents, A-1‘s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self awareness. After the release of After School Special, a mixtape based on 90s television shows, he gained a fan base through internet buzz while still living on his friend’s couch. Soon after, he released his follow-up The Book Of Adam which was received so well, he quit his day job the day after the listening party. With 2012’s The Thurl Tape, A-1 has been acknowledged by publications such as the FADER and Complex. Equipped with a heart filled with passion, an insatiable desire for creativity, discerning eyes and ears for quality, and a plan to spread his music to as many people as possible, A-1 is poised to be the first name in music lover’s iPods in the very near future. A-1’s Thurlian mixtape released March 5, 2015.

Taylor Gang Rapper Chevy Woods Celebrates His Rise To the Top With “Now That I’m Up”

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Video: Chevy Woods – “Now That I’m Up” (Prod. by Sledgren & RMB Justize)

Following His Gangland 3 Mixtape and Surprise SXSW I Love Texas EP, the Taylor Gang Rapper Continues His Busy Year With A Boastful Visual

05.08.2015

The Video:

Co-produced by fellow Taylor Gang representers Sledgren and RMB Justize, the trunk-rattling trap beat for “Now That I’m Up” complements Chevy Woods‘ boastful auto-tuned raps. Filmed just south of Pittsburgh, blue and red coloring detach Woods from the grayscale backgrounds of a construction yard and vintage car garage, which bares a TGOD graffiti tag. Having been bubbling as a mixtape king in the streets of Pittsburgh several years prior to joining Wiz Khalifa on the Waken Baken tour in 2010, Chevy Woods’ legacy is well-renowned in his hometown as he’s continued to make waves abroad with the Taylor Gang.

Chevy Woods previously surprised fans with the release of his five-song SXSW I Love Texas EP. Produced entirely by Ricky P, SXSW I Love Texas has the Pittsburgh rapper showing love for all things Texas, Chevy Woods raps about a friend being imprisoned in Fort Worth, his adoration of bad girls from San Antonio, stories of mobbing with his crew through the southern state. “This EP is what I would wanna hear in my ride if I lived here,” Chevy Woods stated as he prepared to perform at several SXSW showcases. “Salute to all the pioneers from Texas!” Chevy Woods’ SXSW I Love Texas EP followed his DJ Holiday-hosted Gangland 3 mixtape, which released in January and included features from Taylor Gang cohorts Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, and Ty Dolla $ign, in addition to production from Zaytoven and Sonny Digital.

Watch “Now That I’m Up”: https://youtu.be/i_vYfiQoCKA

Check out the Taylor Gang Ent. premiere: http://taylorgangent.com/premiere-chevy-woods-now-that-im-up-prod-by-sledgren-official-video/

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Chevy Woods.

Chevy Woods Background:

Chevy Woods has been building up momentum with his mixtapes Red Cup Music, The Cook Out, and the Gangland series, progressing his sound with each release. After years of writing and recording in his home studio, Chevy traded in his keyboard for cash to pay for studio time. In 2004, while recording at Pittsburgh’s I.D. Labs Studios, Chevy encountered Wiz Khalifa and the two instantly formed a bond. “Me and Wiz, we always had each other’s backs. Since we were both recording at I.D. Labs at the same time, we would hold each other down,” Chevy has explained. “Even if it was just picking up Wendy’s for the other one on our way to the studio.”

The Bay Area’s Los Rakas, HBK Skipper, and Rey Res to Perform at Slim’s In San Francisco On May 8th

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News: Los Rakas, HBK Skipper, and Rey Res to Perform at Slim’s On May 8th

The Bay Area Artists Will Hold the Show at Slim’s With Special Guest DJ Amen

05.06.2015

The Show:

Fresh from their performances at Coachella, the Bay Area natives with Panamian roots, Los Rakas are teaming up with fellow local artists HBK Skipper and Rey Res for a show on Friday, May 8th at Slim’s.

Known for their mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae, and dancehall music with Spanish and English lyrics, Los Rakas represent the cutting edge of Pan-American flows, single-handedly moving the Latino hip-hop capital of the U.S. to the Bay Area. “As their music switched among hip-hop, reggaetón, and dancehall beats, their fast rhymes proclaimed solidarity across the hemisphere,” stated the New York Times, while NPR added that “it’s beautiful to remember what true love for music feels likes.” San Jose rapper Rey Res is also no stranger to the game, having opened up for legendary artists including Souls of Mischief, Bone Thugs N Harmony, and Hieroglyphics. Kicking off 2015 by landing the cover of this hometown newspaper, the San Jose Metro, Rey Res also released his latest project, Heart of the City, in January.

Catch Los Rakas, HBK Skipper, Rey Res, and special guest DJ Amen this Friday at Slim’s in San Francisco.

Los Rakas, HBK Skipper, Rey Res, & DJ Amen
Friday, May 8th at Slim’s
333 11th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Doors: 8:00PM
Show: 9:00PM

Tickets: http://tickets.slims-sf.com/events/488292/Los-Rakas

Please contact Michelle or Rory for more info.

Los Rakas Background:

Los Rakas is comprised of cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, pioneering Panamanians by way of the Bay Area on the frontier of a new Latin urban sound. Known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music with both Spanish and English lyricism, Los Rakas represents the cutting edge of Pan-American flows. Taking their name from the Panamanian word “Rakataka,” a negative slur used to describe someone from the ghetto, Los Rakas have set out to both inspire fellow “Rakas” by empowering them to become successful despite their circumstances, turning the current Latin hip-hop world on its head. In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. Their debut album on Universal Latino, El Negrito Dun Dun y Ricardo, released in 2014.

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.

Rey Res Background:

California rapper/producer Rey Res comes with a smooth laid back style over a combination of original compositions, nostalgic samples, and heavy drums and synths. Rey Res has been on the move lately, making a lot of noise in the States and beyond. Paying homage to the old classic golden era sound, while moving forward with a new twist, he dubs his sound “Old Rust New Bang”. While simultaneously strengthening his internet buzz, Rey Res has recently toured with the Hieroglyphics crew on the Hiero Imperium 2012 Summer tour, and Los Angeles recording artist Bambu on the Rent Money Tour, Fall 2012. Rey has also independently released projects in conjunction with The Bangerz (JBWKZ Records), Nima Fadavi, Cukui Clothing, Breezy Excursion Clothing & Clout Graffiti Magazine.

Premiered by SFWeekly, Lyrics Born Releases Real People Album Recorded Entirely in New Orleans

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Album: Lyrics Born – Real People

Premiered by SFWeekly, Lyrics Born Releases Real People Album Recorded Entirely in New Orleans

05.05.2015

Critical praise for Lyrics Born:

“Far-reaching flows over throwback electro soul, or street-wise synth-pop for the 20-10… whatever labels you need to apply to it – at day’s end, it’s just good fucking music.” – Okayplayer

“…if Lyrics Born has one defining strength it’s his ability to get structurally and rhythmically adventurous in his flow while still remaining perfectly simple to follow linguistically.” – Pitchfork

“God bless Lyrics Born.” – PopMatters

“The Second Album is life-affirming, with a force few artists in any genre can match.” – NPR

The Album:

Bay Area hip-hop legend Lyrics Born released his triumphant eighth album, Real People, via his Mobile Home Recordings label today. The album was premiered by SFWeekly, who raved “Real People is nothing like we’ve heard from him before… his funkiest, most soulful — and perhaps most ambitious — effort to date.” The Tokyo-born, Berkeley-bred rapper/producer set to New Orleans for two weeks to record the project, recruiting the city’s most talented musicians including Trombone Shorty, Ivan Neville, Galactic, Corey Henry, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Corey Glover (Living Colour), David Shaw (The Revivalists), Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin & Wood), and more.

Produced by Robert Mercurio and Ben Ellman of NOLA jazz-funk band Galactic, the album explores a diverse set of themes with Lyrics Born following the ethos he has maintained for over 20 years: doing things that neither he nor anyone else has done yet. “I think it’s the most honest I’ve ever been on album about who we are as people,” he explains. “I talk about emigrating to America as kid and how that affected me… I celebrate adulthood and excitement I have for living the rest of my life despite the victories and losses I may have had up until this point. I talk a lot of foolish shit and cuss my ass off and explore my darker side on certain songs.”

Speaking on the New Orleans music scene, Lyrics Born said “It might be the last true ‘music town’ in America, maybe in the world… As an artist and a person, I identify with the culture, the sensibilities, the lifestyle, and the people. I wanted to do something really soulful, organic, earthy, and with an honest, unpretentious funk feel. That’s basically New Orleans.” Taking influence from The Big Easy and fusing it with his Bay Area roots, Lyrics Born has arrived at a well-rounded sound that is classic and yet futuristic. He hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings, but he’s never been afraid to look to the future, either. “The fact that I’ve been able to do this for so long as an independent artist and still maintain my vision and standard of quality and have that continue to connect with and help people is a blessing. Maybe 1 in a billion can say that. I don’t take a minute of it for granted. I’m very thankful.”

Listen to Real People: https://soundcloud.com/lyricsborn/sets/lyrics-born-real-people-private-stream

Check out the SFWeekly premiere: http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2015/05/04/premiere-listen-to-lyrics-borns-new-lp-real-people

Buy Real People on iTunes: radi.al/LyricsBornRealPeople

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Lyrics Born.

Lyrics Born’s Background:

The first words of Lyrics Born‘s eighth album speak volumes about where the legendary MC stands these days: “Real people do real things. Yes we do.” The Bay Area resident born Tom Shimura has stood at the peak of high-minded underground rap, explored the far reaches of interstellar synth-hop, and blazed trails galore. The Tokyo-born, Berkeley-based artist has owned his career each step of the way, ever since a radio gig at UC Davis’ KDVS put him in the same room as Shadow, the mighty Blackalicious, and his Latyrx partner Lateef the Truthspeaker. As co-founder of the Solesides and Quannum Projects labels, LB was vital in pushing independent hip-hop music into the limelight, dropping a minted classic, The Album, with his duo in 1997. The Same !@#$ Different Day set followed in 2005, rounding up the likes of KRS-One, Dan the Automator, Cut Chemist, E-40, and Morcheeba for a series of radical remixes.

He expanded his palette again with 2008’s Everywhere at Once on historic punk label Epitaph Records. The instrument-heavy LP spawned a Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance with “I Like It, I Love It.” Now, Lyrics Born is proud to officially launch his very own Mobile Home Records with Real People. The new album’s strong focus is a compliment to the wild range of Latyrx’s 2013 return, The Second Album, which featured collaborations with folks from tUnE-yArDs, Decemberists, and Anticon, among others. As always, Lyrics Born remains committed to delivering the unexpected and outdoing himself with ease.

Premiered by The A.V. Club, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper RJD2 x STS Duo Release Self-Titled Collaborative Album

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Album: RJD2 & STS – STS x RJD2

Premiered by The A.V. Club, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper Duo RJD2 & STS Release Self-Titled Collaborative Album

05.05.2015

Critical Praise for RJD2 and STS:

“The album shuffles between moody, soulful beats and triumphant, horn-anchored tracks” – Rolling Stone

“RJ’s well able to inject spirit and spontaneity into tunes new and old in the live setting, certainly better than most beatmakers and producers out there” – Philadelphia Weekly

“[STS is] unique in style, creative in approach” – Red Bull Sound Select

“STS has the best of both worlds as far as what he offers as an MC: consistent bars, dazzling wordplay, and a Southern bravado” – HipHopWired

The Album:

Eccentric Philadelphia-based producer/rapper duo RJD2 and STS has released their self-titled collaborative album, STS X RJD2. The triumphant, feel-good project released via RJ’s record label, RJ’s Electrical Connections and was premiered by The A.V. Club, who raved “…simultaneously raucous and melodic, the record takes rap and tips it on its head a bit, blending everything from Ludacris to The Impressions.”

The duo met through singer Khari Mateen when the three worked on “See You Leave” for RJD2’s 2013 album, More Is Than Isn’t. “I thought, ‘Man, I had so much fun making music with this guy. I don’t want the relationship to end there,” says RJ. “STS meets a number of criteria for me. For one, he has a great voice. His sense of rhythm is really great. He’s a funny guy – that’s a plus. And the other thing is that he has a way of taking a thought that has deep meaning to it, and making it seem innocuous.”

The album features diverse subject matter, from tracks like “Tennessee (Whiskey Revival),” which is inspired by STS’ drink of choice as well as his birthplace, and “All I Wanted Was a Caddy,” which notes how STS’ family had Cadillacs back in the day. On the flip side, STS values East Coast hip-hop, resulting in lyrically introspective songs like “Monsters Under My Bed,” where he deals with regret over some incidents in his past. “You don’t get a name like ‘Sugar Tongue Slim’ unless you’ve been in the streets,” says STS. “But I’m conscious, too, because I’m conscious of what I’m saying.” STS x RJD2 finds the artists at their most versatile, with RJ’s genre-defying production and STS’ prolific rhymes, making the project a soulful, timeless project unlike anything else in rap today.

Listen to STS x RJD2: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/sets/sts-x-rjd2

Check out the A.V. Club premiere: http://www.avclub.com/article/stream-new-album-sts-and-rjd2-composer-mad-men-the-218914

Buy STS x RJD2 on iTunes: http://radi.al/STSRJD2

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with RJD2 and STS.

RJD2 Background:

STS Background:

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube

STS x RJD2: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/sets/sts-x-rjd2

“Hold On, Here It Go”: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/hold-on-here-it-go // https://youtu.be/1V7NVtHwRYI

“420”: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/420-1s

END

Victoria Monét is featured on hits ranging from T.I.’s “Stay” and Machine Gun Kelly’s “A Little More,”but it’s with her debut EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act I, that her artistic vision crystalized. The five-track project, which has features from artists such as B.o.B and Ty Dolla $ign, saw the pure-voiced singer at her most versatile moments. Victoria has worked on Ariana Grande‘s debut and sophomore album as well as tracks for Nas, Chrisette Michele, and Fifth Harmony. “If people can hear me and relate to me and be inspired by me, that’s the point,” she said. “Everybody has their own ups and downs, and if everyone can make music to express it, we’d probably have a lot better understanding about each other.”

Watch “90’s Babies”: https://youtu.be/BH1CXFPkGxA

Check out the V Magazine premiere: http://www.vmagazine.com/site/content/4180/90s-vibes-with-victoria-monet

Buy “90’s Babies” on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/90s-babies-single/id989391388

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Victoria Monet.

Victoria Monet Background:

From her toddler days spent growing up in Sacramento, California, R&B singer Victoria Monet has used various creative mediums-dancing, singing, poetry-to express herself, using lessons gleaned from relationships and her interpretations of the world around her to find her niche as a sensual vocalist with unparalleled songwriting skills and, most importantly, a message that people can relate to.

Fans may recognize Monet from features on hits from T.I. and Machine Gun Kelly, but it was with her 2014 debut EP Nightmares & Lullabies – Act 1, which touts guest appearances from B.o.B and Ty Dolla $ign, that her artistic vision crystalized. Monet’s music may be intensely personal, but it’s relating to her listeners that keeps her motivated. “I feel I want to share my own story,” she says. “There’s a girl out there who was shy like me, who maybe didn’t know how to express herself any other way. I want to represent that person, the underdog that no one thought would make it and would just be submissive and not be heard.”

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram | soundcloud

“90’s Babies”: https://youtu.be/BH1CXFPkGxA

Nightmares & Lullabies – Act 1: https://soundcloud.com/victoria-monet/sets/nightmares-lullabies-act-1

Bio, photos, and more info on Victoria Monet: http://www.audibletreats.com/victoria-monet
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05.04.2015
Premiered by V Magazine, Singer/Songwriter Victoria Monet Brings Back FUBU and VHS For “90’s Babies” Visual Off Forthcoming Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II EP

Press Release

Premiered by V Magazine, Singer/Songwriter Victoria Monet Brings Back FUBU and VHS For “90’s Babies” Visual Off Forthcoming Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II EP

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Video: Victoria Monet – “90’s Babies”

Premiered by V Magazine, the Singer/Songwriter Brings Back FUBU and VHS For “90’s Babies” Visual Off Forthcoming Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II EP

05.04.2015

Critical Praise for Victoria Monet:

“You may not know her name yet, but that’s about to change.” – Rap-Up

“Victoria Monet’s musical situation is improving with every new release” – HotNewHipHop

The Video:

Singer/songwriter Victoria Monét throws it back to the days of FUBU and VHS tapes with her “90’s Babies” visual, which premiered via V Magazine. “…everything about the video might feel nostalgic and bring back some memories of the music of a couple decades back, but the actual sound is modern, progressive, and showcases Monét’s forward-thinking artistic mindset,” HYPETRAK raved. “90’s Babies” is the first single from her forthcoming EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II.

The video, which was filmed with a Panasonic VHS camcorder, presents a sense of nostalgia for the era Victoria was raised in. “When you’re watching the video I want you to say ‘ooh shoot, remember the Easy Bake Oven,’ or ‘oh, I remember I had the roller skate shoes,'” she explains. “I want people to recall a time when we were outside playing before the street lights came on. Whatever the memory is for you, just to go back and smile about it.”

Victoria Monét is featured on hits ranging from T.I.’s “Stay” and Machine Gun Kelly’s “A Little More,”but it’s with her debut EP, Nightmares & Lullabies: Act I, that her artistic vision crystalized. The five-track project, which has features from artists such as B.o.B and Ty Dolla $ign, saw the pure-voiced singer at her most versatile moments. Victoria has worked on Ariana Grande‘s debut and sophomore album as well as tracks for Nas, Chrisette Michele, and Fifth Harmony. “If people can hear me and relate to me and be inspired by me, that’s the point,” she said. “Everybody has their own ups and downs, and if everyone can make music to express it, we’d probably have a lot better understanding about each other.”

Watch “90’s Babies”: https://youtu.be/BH1CXFPkGxA

Check out the V Magazine premiere: http://www.vmagazine.com/site/content/4180/90s-vibes-with-victoria-monet

Buy “90’s Babies” on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/90s-babies-single/id989391388

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Victoria Monet.

Victoria Monet Background:

Premiered by Noisey, 24 Year-Old Montreal Rapper Wasiu Invades the Underground With His Crew In Intense Visual For “Bout 02 Blow”

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Video: Wasiu – “Bout 02 Blow” (Prod. by V X N Y L)

Premiered by Noisey, the 24 Year-Old Montreal Rapper Invades the Underground With His Crew In Intense Visual For “Bout 02 Blow”

04.30.2015

Critical Praise for Wasiu:

“Wasiu is the hip-hop voice of Montreal.” – i-D

“The young Montreal rapper has been working steadily to make a name for himself and it looks like he’s on the right track.” – Pigeons & Planes

“Wasiu is another one to look out for this year.” – Complex

“Many rappers twice his age would be wise to take notes…” – Okayplayer

“Wasiu is pretty much the embodiment of Montreal’s cultural shift.” – Noisey

“Wasiu has exhibited a desire to creatively tackle a variety of topics, and he raps about them in a way that proves he’s a more-than-formidable emcee.” – HYPETRAK

The Video:

Shedding light on the issues of racism and media coverage of minorities in North America, Wasiu and his crew invade the Montreal underground and in an intense visual for “Bout 02 Blow.” In the video, which premiered via Noisey, Wasiu covers himself with a Haitian flag while laying down his forceful, clever rhymes over the harrowing beat by V X N Y L. “People were scared. They were staring. They were giving us attention. We had the power,” he explains. “Bout 02 Blow” is Wasiu’s latest track from his yet-to-be-titled debut album.

“When I say ‘Bout 02 Blow’ I’m talking about a couple things,” Wasiu explained to Noisey. “I’m about to blow up in the rap game, I’m about to explode in a blind fury because I’m not getting the props I deserve, and I’m about to blow, like a terrorist. And when I say terrorist I’m referring to the way media builds this fearful image of Blacks, Muslims, and minorities, and it gets fed into the minds of the masses. But what we as people don’t realize is that this also empowers us and we just have to realize what we possess.”

The 24 year-old rapper is putting his city on hip-hop’s radar with visceral, aggressive, in-your-face music that speaks on both optimistic and pessimistic perspectives of human themes. In their premiere post of “Many Dreams,” i-D hailed Wasiu “the hip-hop voice of Montreal.” “My music is empowerment, and defeat. It’s the whole spectrum,” he explains. “My music is a reflection of the human experience and condition, the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, the ugliness behind what’s beautiful, the beauty behind what’s ugly, or just the duality nature of the universe.”

Watch “Bout 02 Blow”: https://youtu.be/PAVLFO8_qe4

Check out the Noisey premiere: http://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/blog/premiere-wasiu-bout-02-blow-video-2015

Listen to “Bout 02 Blow”: https://soundcloud.com/w-a-s-i-u/bout02blow/

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

Wasiu Background:

Premiered by VICE, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper RJD2 x STS Duo Release Heartwarming Visual Off Forthcoming Project

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Video: RJD2 x STS – “Hold On, Here It Go”

Premiered by VICE, the Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper Duo Release Heartwarming Visual Off Their Forthcoming RJD2 x STS Album

04.28.2015

Critical Praise for RJD2 and STS:

“The album shuffles between moody, soulful beats and triumphant, horn-anchored tracks” – Rolling Stone

“RJ’s well able to inject spirit and spontaneity into tunes new and old in the live setting, certainly better than most beatmakers and producers out there” – Philadelphia Weekly

“[STS is] unique in style, creative in approach” – Red Bull Sound Select

“STS has the best of both worlds as far as what he offers as an MC: consistent bars, dazzling wordplay, and a Southern bravado” – HipHopWired

The Video:

Money can buy the finer things in life – shoes, clothes, a dream car, and most importantly – a home. In the visual for their debut single “Hold On, Here It Go,” RJD2 and STS, aka Sugar Tongue Slim, team up with director Pat Murray to tell a hard-hitting story relatable to millions of households across America today. The video, which premiered via VICE, shows an eager teenager dreaming of those finer things with a humble shoebox of his savings, only to sacrifice his desires to support his family in an ultimate act of selflessness. “Hold On, Here It Go” is off their upcoming RJD2 x STS album, which releases May 5th.

The audio for the single was premiered by Rolling Stone, who said the duo’s “jubilant first single, ‘Hold On, Here It Go,’ recorded with classical collective Bohemian Dub Orchestra, provides an euphoric counterpoint to STS’s politically-minded lyrics.” Describes RJ, “Rarely do I cut a track and get the goosebumps, slam dunk type feeling RIGHT away, but it happened on this one. The chorus was fly, with the horns and the drums in the pocket… The only way to go for the verses was to take it all the way down-no rhythm section at all. To give it some momentum, the chord changes keep shifting up octaves every 8/16 bars or so. Definitely one of my proudest moments ever making rap music. This was one of the first songs that we cut where I stood back was like, WOW, this cat Jordan can sing his ASS off!”

RJD2 has long been recognized for his versatility and genre-blending abilities. His credits include the theme for Mad Men and commercials for Wells Fargo, the Washington State Lotto, J&B whiskey, movies such as Wimbledon, and much more to hold down his track record, proving himself as one of Philadelphia’s most eclectic producers. STS has also taken on wide-ranging roles, from writing on Ciara‘s “Oh” and having cuts on The Roots‘ How I Got Over LP. The duo is prepping the release of their soulful, timeless project unlike anything else in rap today. STS x RJD2 releases on May 5th via RJ’s record label, RJ’s Electrical Connections.

Watch “Hold On, Here It Go”: https://youtu.be/1V7NVtHwRYI

Check out the VICE premiere: http://www.vice.com/read/vice-exclusive-watch-rjd2-and-stss-new-video-for-hold-on-here-it-go-111

Listen to “Hold On, Here It Go”: https://soundcloud.com/officialrjd2/hold-on-here-it-go

Pre-order STS x RJD2: http://radi.al/STSRJD2

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with RJD2 and STS.

RJD2 Background:

STS Background:

Til Infinity Documentary To Screen At New York City International Film Festival on May 1st

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News: Til Infinity Documentary To Screen At New York City International Film Festival on May 1st

Souls of Mischief Documentary To Screen At Helen Mills Theater In NYC

04.28.2015

The News:

Til Infinity is an in-depth documentary on the legendary Bay Area hip-hop group Souls of Mischief, featuring the crew’s journey to their landmark ’93 Til Infinity album. Til Infinity will be making its New York screening debut at the New York City International Film Festival on Friday, May 1, having been previously screened at events such as the Pan-African Film Fest, while being the winner of Best Local Film at the San Francisco Black Film Festival last year.

Directed by Oakland filmmaker/life-long Souls of Mischief fan Shomari Smith, Til Infinity celebrates the 20-year anniversary of ’93 Til Infinity, offering a retrospective look at the famed project with commentary from hip-hop notables such as A Tribe Called Quest‘s Phife Dawg, Dilated People‘s Rakaa Iriscience, Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Robert Bobbito Garcia, award-winning writer Thembisa S. Mshaka, Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg), A&R rep Dante Ross, radio and television icon DJ Sway, and more. Til Infinity shows Souls of Mischief in a way never seen before, with the members discussing their early creative process and sharing personal stories about each track on the album, as well as the decision to go independent as one of the only hip-hop groups to walk away from a major record label while owning their publishing rights.

“I have spent a great amount of my life following hip-hop culture as a fan and supporter of the music,” says director Shomari Smith. “It only made sense to feel a connection to the music of a group of guys who grew up in my neighborhood in East Oakland, California and attended my same schools. This group was the Souls Of Mischief.” As part of the larger collective of MC’s, producers, and DJ’s known as Hieroglyphics, Souls of Mischief continue making strides in the Bay Area hip-hop scene with a style and energy all their own. Their story is one of brotherhood, loyalty, perseverance, and innovation. Til Infinity captures that essence, inspiring audiences to stay course and follow their passions. Catch the New York screening debut on Friday, May 1 at Helen Mills Theater.

Watch the Til Infinity trailer: https://vimeo.com/82755755

Til Infinity Screening:

May 1, 6:00PM – 10:00PM
HELEN MILLS Theater
137 West 26th St., New York, NY.

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in attending.

Souls of Mischief Background:

Starting with their landmark debut ‘93 ’til Infinity, Oakland’s four-person rap group Souls of Mischief has blazed the trail for hip hop’s evolution. Members Tajai, A-Plus, Phesto, and Opio have left their mark sonically, lyrically, and stylistically on Kanye West, Just Blaze, Big Sean, Big K.R.I.T., P. Diddy, Vampire Weekend, John Mayer, and many more who have cited them as cultural icons and influencers. Souls is also credited as having pioneered the independent label movement when they started Hieroglyphic Imperium Records in 1997 following their departure with JIVE Records, creating the infrastructure blueprint for other successful independent hip hop labels. Co-founders of the Hiero label also include emcees Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, and producer Domino. Souls’ also forged hip-hop’s relationship with the skate, surf, and snowboard communities after iconic skate brands included their music in their VHS videotapes in the mid-90’s. The group’s creative output and legacy as a whole continues to thrive, and they show no sign of stopping. In 2013, Souls celebrated the 20 year anniversary of ’93 til Infinity, prepped a documentary film, embarked on a 50-city “Still Infinity Tour,” and released a joint 20th anniversary limited edition tee shirt capsule collection with Ecko Unlimited. They are now prepping for the August 26th release of their sixth studio album, There Is Only Now, a cinematic collaborative effort with renowned producer Adrian Younge on Adrian’s newly launched Linear Labs record label.

Debuted by VIBE, Alternative RnB Singer/Songwriter Marc E. Bassy Releases East Hollywood EP

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EP: Marc E. Bassy – East Hollywood

Debuted by VIBE, the Alternative RnB Singer/Songwriter Releases East Hollywood EP

04.27.2015

Critical Praise for Marc E. Bassy:

“It’s time we all get better acquainted with the one they call Marc E. Bassy.” – Okayplayer

“Marc E. Bassy is a fresh voice and one of LA’s own. He fits comfortably in the space between Frank Ocean and Mac Miller.” – LA Music Blog

“His bouncy flow channels the manic energy of Chance The Rapper; the animated style and tempered synths of “Cigarettes” could comfortably fit as a b-side to Acid Rap” – SPIN

“We were able to give Marc his first ever solo performance at our SXSW Showcase, and it exceeded all expectations.” – Good Music All Day

“A very unique artist, you’ll want to tune in for 2014.” – Hypnotic Hippo

The EP:

LA by-way-of-the-Bay Area RnB singer songwriter Marc E. Bassy has released his second project, the East Hollywood EP, on his Soundcloud page for free download. Described as “smooth” by The FADER and a “fresh voice” by LA Music Blog, Marc’s unique blend of boozy, bass-heavy, sexy storytelling takes listeners through a recent period in which he went through a series of major transitions. Having written for artists such as Chris Brown, Usher, Akon, Skizzy Marz, Prince Royce, Allen Stone, HBK Gang, and more, Marc’s experience in the music industry is obvious upon first listen.

Named after the downtrodden area of LA where he spent most of his time creating this project following a break-up with his band of 10 years and also his girlfriend, Marc found the strength and inspiration to cope by going through a period of self-medicating and non-stop partying followed by a period of binge reading. Inspired by American authors Charles Bukowski and Henry Miller, Marc felt an especially strong connection to their writings this time around, as the area he was staying at was literally the same as where they also stayed at in East Hollywood. “The energy there fueled me to create. LA and Hollywood specifically, is wild because you can look down the street and see the wealthiest of the wealthy mingling with superstars and look the other way to see a homeless couple and their dog begging for money. Having been in this industry for 10+ with my former band and writing for people, it’s easy to get sucked into the scene with all its addictions like alcohol, drugs, chasing women, but I’m inspired by Henry Miller; he was living amongst prostitutes, gamblers, alcoholics, right in the belly of the beast and reporting how it feels to be there. With the East Hollywood EP, I’m reporting live from the center of all the beauty and the bullshit.”

Proud of the work he put in during an especially difficult period of his life, Marc says, “This is my best work to date. I love getting my heart broken. It’s the best – it makes you pick yourself off the floor and do better.”

Listen to East Hollywood: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/sets/east-hollywood-ep-1

Check out the VIBE premiere: http://www.vibe.com/2015/04/premiere-marc-e-bassy-east-hollywood-ep/

Download Marc E. Bassy’s East Hollywood EP here: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/33913/marc-e-bassy-east-hollywood-ep.html

East Hollywood Tracklist:

1. “Intro” (Prod. by Count Bassy, Billion Coast, Marc E. Bassy)
2. “XX” (Prod. by Nikhil)
3. “On Top” (Prod. by Nikhil)
4. “Livin In the City” (Prod. by Count Bassy)
5. “Some Things Never Change” (Prod. by Blended Babies, Count Bassy, Billion Coast)
6. “Faded” ft. PIA MIA & Wynter Gordan (Prod. by Achal)
7. “Free Love” ft. P-Lo (Prod. by Michael Keenan & Jacob Olofsson)
8. “Good Money” (Prod. by Kuya Beats & Count Bassy)
9. “Drunk And I’m Drunk” ft. Bobby Brackins (Prod. by NicNacBeats)

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Marc E. Bassy.

Marc E. Bassy Background:

San Francisco-born Future RnB singer songwriter Marc E. Bassy is an artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. Inspired by the Bay Area rap he grew up with as well as traditional Soul/RnB music, Marc has always found himself balancing between the two. Not only has Marc written songs for 2 Chainz, Sean Kingston, Allen Stone, Rince Royce, Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa but he has also found success with his former Rap/Rock group 2AM Club, whose 2010 debut album What Did You Think Was Going To Happen? reached #3 on the Billboard Heatseekers charts. His debut solo EP Only The Poets, was released the summer of 2014, marking the beginning of the next phase in his career. He will release The East Hollywood EP on April 27th.

Links:

facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud

East Hollywood: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/sets/east-hollywood-ep-1

“Some Things Never Change”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/marc-e-bassy-somethings-never

Only the Poets: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/sets/only-the-poets-ep

“American Dream Life”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18ZUcgaIybU

“Stick To Your Guns”: http://vimeo.com/108444561

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/marc-e-bassy/

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

“All I Want”: https://youtu.be/OUJgRKLbZ_4
“They Say”: https://youtu.be/yvC_Mvn5L_Q
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
Gang Forever: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/23289/hbk-gang-gang-forever.html
KILT 2 Deluxe Edition: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kilt-ii-deluxe-edition/id667633453
KILT 2 Mixtape: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/22185/iamsu-kilt-2.html
$uzy 6 $peed: http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/19377/iamsu-uzy-6-peed.html
Stoopid Mixtape: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bds_z1jXIJw
KILT Deluxe Edition Mixtape: http://klp.virb.com/kilt-iamsu-karmaloop-music-deluxe-editio
KILT Mixtape: http://t.opsp.in/1D4C2
The Miseducation of Iamsu!: http://t.opsp.in/17cAC

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/iamsu/
' data-instagram='' >

04.27.2015
Premiered by Complex, HBK Gang Members Rossi and Iamsu! Collaborate For Infectious Track, “All I Want”

Press Release

Premiered by Complex, HBK Gang Members Rossi and Iamsu! Collaborate For Infectious Track, “All I Want”

Go to Post

Video: Rossi ft. Iamsu! – “All I Want” (Prod. by De’La of Traknation)

Premiered by Complex, the HBK Gang Members Collaborate For An Infectious Track

04.24.2015

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 Video:

HBK Gang singer Rossi and co-founder Iamsu! met through mutual friends nearly a decade ago at Contra Costa College. “When it came to actually making music together it was a seamless transition,” says Rossi. “One day I sang on some production of his while he was in Texas. He heard it and called me on the phone and asked ‘are you HBK or what?’ This was in, like, 2007 or ’08. So he kind of debo’d me into the group.”

Rossi and Iamsu! released their visual for “All I Want” via Complex, who said that Rossi “brings an extra layer of smooth to a crew that is best known for its Bay Area bounce.” The visual finds the singer delivering sweet melodies and an infectious hook while laying down slick dance moves. Iamsu! joins the party, offering to fly his lady out to the Bay and introduce her to the squad before taking her to Hollywood. “I wanna know whatchu like, whatchu into/ talk kinda slick, I got game like a pimp do,” raps Su. “All I Want” is the latest single from Rossi, who says “this is the first domino of much more content to come.”

Iamsu!, one of the main architects of the new Bay Area sound, hit the ground running in 2015. “I’m at a very exciting time in my career,” he explains. “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.” Speaking about his latest project Eyes On Me, debuted via Billboard, he 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.”

Catch Iamsu! on his Eyes On Me tour, tickets and dates here.

Watch “All I Want”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUJgRKLbZ_4

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/04/rossi-new-video-premiere-all-i-want-feat-iamsu

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

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

04.24.2015
New Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174 Features RJD2 x STS, Los Rakas, Zion I, Ikey, and Vokab Kompany

Press Release

New Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174 Features RJD2 x STS, Los Rakas, Zion I, Ikey, and Vokab Kompany

Go to Post

Podcast: Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174

New Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174 Features RJD2 x STS, Los Rakas, Zion I, Ikey, and Vokab Kompany

04.23.2015

The Podcast:

Starting off Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174 is Philadelphia-based producer/rapper duo RJD2 x STS with their first single, “Hold On, Here It Go.” “Rarely do I cut a track and get the goosebumps, slam dunk type feeling RIGHT away, but it happened on this one,” RJ explains. The duo is releasing their self-titled album, STS x RJD2, on May 5th via RJ’s record label, RJ’s Electrical Connections. Next up is the West Coast’s hip-hop, electronic, and indie-blending Vokab Kompany, an MC/singer duo prepping for the release of their most anticipated project to date, The Good Kompany. The album’s first single, “Kaleidoscope,” premiered via EARMILK, who said, “different is good, and this one is beyond funky… get ready to feel sweet vibes.” Third on the podcast is Maryland via Lagos rapper Ikey with “Story, Story,” which features a hypnotic piano sample loop underneath the 64 bar onslaught from Ikey, whose vocals are embellished by a variation of effects including a speakerphone filter. “Story, Story” is the final cut from his Green Card EP, which released earlier this month. Following Ikey is Zion I and fellow Bay Area lyricist Locksmith with “Culture Freedom,” where the MC’s strive to keep hip-hop’s progressive spirit alive. “Just seeing the way that society is so twisted, we as artists struggle with tackling the real issues at hand.” Zumbi says. “Hip-hop is a tool to empower us, not to limit us and put us back into whatever our oppressor wants us to be.” Concluding the podcast is Oakland by way of Panama duo Los Rakas, who gave energy-filled performances at this year’s Coachella. Their thumping, dance floor-ready single“Dale” premiered via EARMILK, who said “‘Dale’ is no hands barred down and dirty dance music that will get even the most conservative out onto the dance floor.”

Listen to Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174: https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-174

Subscribe to the Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast/id111088410?mt=2

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Links:

Subscribe to the Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcasts:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast/id111088410?mt=2

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 174 – RJD2 x STS, Los Rakas, Zion I, Ikey, and Vokab Kompany:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-174/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-174

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 173 – Black Milk, Chevy Woods, ProbCause, Down 2 Earth, and Wasiu:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-173/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-173

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 172 – Montana of 300, Ikey, Tommy Brown, MAHD, and Maxo Kream:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-172/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/hip-hop-podcast-172

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 171 – Bobby Brackins, A-1, Opio x Free the Robots, Iamsu!, and Wasiu:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-171/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-171

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 170 – Zion I, MAHD, Ikey, Rey Resurreccion, and ZRO FOX:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-170/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-170

END

04.23.2015
Premiered by The FADER, Alternative RnB Singer/Songwriter Marc E. Bassy Announces Upcoming Release of East Hollywood EP Along with Glimmering Single

Press Release

Premiered by The FADER, Alternative RnB Singer/Songwriter Marc E. Bassy Announces Upcoming Release of East Hollywood EP Along with Glimmering Single

Go to Post

MP3: Marc E. Bassy – “Some Things Never Change”

Premiered by The FADER, the Alternative RnB Singer/Songwriter Announces Upcoming Release of East Hollywood EP Along with Glimmering Single

04.23.2015

Critical Praise for Marc E. Bassy:

“It’s time we all get better acquainted with the one they call Marc E. Bassy.” – Okayplayer

“Marc E. Bassy is a fresh voice and one of LA’s own. He fits comfortably in the space between Frank Ocean and Mac Miller.” – LA Music Blog

“His bouncy flow channels the manic energy of Chance The Rapper; the animated style and tempered synths of “Cigarettes” could comfortably fit as a b-side to Acid Rap” – SPIN

“We were able to give Marc his first ever solo performance at our SXSW Showcase, and it exceeded all expectations.” – Good Music All Day

“A very unique artist, you’ll want to tune in for 2014.” – Hypnotic Hippo

The Song:

Prolific R&B singer/songwriter Marc E. Bassy is back with a soulful new single, “Some Things Never Change,” from his forthcoming East Hollywood EP which he announced will be released next Monday, April 27th. The San Francisco native, LA-based artist previously released his Only The Poets EP in the summer of 2014, receiving praise by the likes of Billboard, Complex, SPIN, and more. “Some Things Never Change” premiered yesterday via The FADER with Marc delivering an infectious hook, showcasing his wide-ranging vocal skills accompanied by a wavy, vibed-out beat.

“I was coming up with soul feels but trying to find modern twists and bouncing flows over the guitar,” Marc explained to The FADER. “When I say ‘money, fame,’ it’s not really just about that, I’m trying to convey that once you’ve begun dedicating your life to something like entertainment you can’t really escape. It’s an all or nothing path… At some point there isn’t any turning back. This song, and I guess this whole [East Hollywood] project is about what happened to me after I did that… This is about classic American dream chasing shit, and what it takes to stick to your guns.”

Marc E. Bassy’s commitment to evolving his artistry knows no depth. The former 2AM Club member abandoned his deal with RCA to pursue a career as a solo singer/songwriter. He has penned cuts for popstress PIA MIA while writing on songs for 2Chainz and Sean Kingston, the latter scoring a hit single “Beat It” with Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa. Time and time again, Marc has shown versatility and dimension as an artist. “I’m one of those people who can create in real-time, so I like to delve into different genres and be a part of as many things that inspire me as possible,” he explained. “My rule is I write music every single day, and the songs that could only be done by Marc E. Bassy – those are Marc E. Bassy songs…anything else goes to the highest bidder.” Stay tuned for his East Hollywood EP, which is slated to release next week.

Listen to “Some Things Never Change”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/marc-e-bassy-somethings-never

Check out the The FADER premiere: http://www.thefader.com/2015/04/23/marc-e-bassy-premieres-some-things-never-change

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Marc E. Bassy.

Marc E. Bassy Background:

Premiered by Okayplayer, HBK Gang DJ/Rapper Azure Releases “Nine Nine” Visual From Forthcoming Solo Project, Leap Year

Go to Post

Video: Azure – “Nine Nine”

Premiered by Okayplayer, the Oakland DJ/Rapper Releases First Visual From Forthcoming Leap Year Project

04.23.2015

The Video:

While HBK Gang‘s Azure may be best recognized as Iamsu!‘s tour DJ, he’s been branching out over the past year providing raps and production as one-third of Oakland trio Down 2 Earth, whose Wildfire mixtape released earlier year with features from Kehlani, Jay Ant, and Tajai of Souls of Mischief. Azure is also kicking off the campaign for his forthcoming debut solo album, Leap Year, with the release of his first video single, “Nine Nine.” The visual, directed by David Camarena, premiered via Okayplayer, who said “Azure’s rhyme work here is strong, but with a definitively laid-back air…expect the track to feature prominently in your favorite DJ’s next big set.”

Neon lights flash through San Francisco backdrops as Azure invades back alleys and stairwells, delivering fluent rhymes with a ’99 flow. “My pen got so much ink / I could probably do like a whole sleeve,” Azure raps above the smooth beat produced by Iamsu!. “Nine Nine” comes as the first release off the Oakland MC’s debut solo album that has been in the works for two years. “The word ‘single’ has a stigma about it…like it’s supposed to be the most marketable or catchiest,” Azure said. “For me, this is just the first piece of the story I’m revealing.”

“Rapping was the artform that touched me first. As a kid I would recite Eminem and Ludacris lyrics in my mom’s room where there was a big mirror. I never thought I would actually start rapping.. I was an art kid, painting and drawing was more my wave growing up. But recording at a home studio for the first time as a teenager really drew me in and I began to find myself in a notebook more often than a sketchbook. I think my soul or spirit was beginning to reveal its true quest to me.” Stay tuned for Azure’s solo project, Leap Year, slated to release this summer.

Watch “Nine Nine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0kFdFB2x_c

Check out the Okayplayer premiere: http://www.okayplayer.com/news/azure-nine-nine-video-premiere.html

Listen to Wildfire: https://soundcloud.com/down2earth/sets/wildfire

Catch Azure on Iamsu!’s Eyes On Me Tour: http://www.hbkgang.com/eyesonme/

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

Down 2 Earth Background:

Links:

twitter | instagram | soundcloud

“Nine Nine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0kFdFB2x_c

“Powers” ft. Simmi (Prod. by Kuya Beats): https://soundcloud.com/down2earth/powers/s-6owON

Wildfire: https://soundcloud.com/down2earth/sets/wildfire

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/down-2-earth/

END

The Outfit, TX is rapper/producer Mel, rapper JayHawk, and rapper/producer Dorian. “Wild Turkey” features raps from Mel and JayHawk, and is the first single from their forthcoming album. The album is the Texas trio’s follow-up to 2013’s Cognac/Four Corner Room, which was a double album – Cognachighlighting rap and production by Mel and Four Corner Room highlighting rap and production from Dorian. The project landed the group an interview with NPR’s Microphone Check and earned them a spot in SPIN’s Best New Artists feature.

Listen to “Wild Turkey”: https://soundcloud.com/theoutfittx/wild-turkey

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/04/the-outfit-tx-new-song-premiere-wild-turkey
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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with The Outfit, TX.

The Outfit, TX Background:

Born and raised in Dallas, producers and rappers Dorian, JayHawk, and Mel make up the hip-hop band The Outfit, TX. After forming while in school at University of Houston in 2006, they returned to Dallas to continue to work on their patented brand of “Cooly Fooly Space Age Funk.” Individually, each has their own respective sound and together, they expertly blend their unabashed Southern credo of smooth synth bass, moogs, 808s and synthesizers.

TOTX has performed with the likes of J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, The Clipse, and Kendrick Lamar. They headlined their first sold out show at Warehouse Live in Houston, TX in March 2013, then hit the road, performing at several music festivals including A3C’s “Best in Texas” Showcase, and Spune’s Index Fest in Dallas, TX. The future holds much more for the three Southern gentlemen that comprise The Outfit,TX, who recently relocated back to Dallas from Houston. They might have put it best, describing their artistry as “one small step for Texas, one giant leap for Southern kind.”

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud

“Wild Turkey”: https://soundcloud.com/theoutfittx/wild-turkey

“Business Man”: http://youtu.be/xAtDqsNxzic

“Hourglass”: http://youtu.be/x0lDBxN4HJA

“Stalactight”: https://soundcloud.com/theoutfittx/stalactight

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/the-outfit-tx/
' data-instagram='' >

04.22.2015

After Hitting the Road With Run the Jewels On the Red Bull Sound Select Tour in 2014, The Outfit, TX Debut New Single via Complex

Press Release

After Hitting the Road With Run the Jewels On the Red Bull Sound Select Tour in 2014, The Outfit, TX Debut New Single via Complex

Go to Post

MP3: The Outfit, TX – “Wild Turkey”

After Hitting the Road With Run the Jewels On the Red Bull Sound Select Tour in 2014, The Outfit, TX Debut New Single via Complex

04.22.2015

Critical Praise for The Outfit, TX:

“The Outfit, TX is… mixing Texan traditions with a wide range of influences from New Wave to punk to vintage boom-bap.” – Noisey

“…the best thing in rap today that nobody is talking about yet.” – MTV Hive

“…positively perfect.” – Complex

“The Outfit, TX is one of the best rap groups in Texas.” – PassionWeiss

“This is definitely a song I’d like to hear blasting out of a car.” – EARMILK

“Restrained but intricate screw-meets-funk delivery.” – The FADER

The Song:

After hitting the road with Run the Jewels on a Red Bull Sound Select tour during the 4th quarter of 2014, Dallas-via-Houston trio The Outfit, TX are back with their first release of 2015, “Wild Turkey.” Debuted by Complex, “Wild Turkey” is an ode to the Kentucky bourbon with The Outfit, TX delivering amped-up bars and melodies over a menacing beat. It only takes a 2 or 3 drinks of Wild Turkey 101 to be sauced up. That, in addition to it being cost efficient, is how the Kentucky-made bourbon became “one of those ol’ country staples,” explained The Outfit, TX rapper/producer Mel to Complex. “My PawPaw (Grandfather) put me on to Wild Turkey. He’s a retired truck driver, and Wild Turkey was his liquor of choice that he took with him on the rigs.”

“Wild Turkey” exists as an illustrative piece, detailing an evening and a sentiment that any young “whippa-snappa” going hard and living life to the fullest can attest to. “Gotcha dawg with you? Check. Gotcha full cup of that 101 Proof? Check. Gotcha 2 finely brushed wild mares with you? Check. Got enough weed for the entire night? Check. Now the only question remaining is ‘WHERE WE MOBBIN TO?'”

The Outfit, TX is rapper/producer Mel, rapper JayHawk, and rapper/producer Dorian. “Wild Turkey” features raps from Mel and JayHawk, and is the first single from their forthcoming album. The album is the Texas trio’s follow-up to 2013’s Cognac/Four Corner Room, which was a double album – Cognachighlighting rap and production by Mel and Four Corner Room highlighting rap and production from Dorian. The project landed the group an interview with NPR’s Microphone Check and earned them a spot in SPIN’s Best New Artists feature.

Listen to “Wild Turkey”: https://soundcloud.com/theoutfittx/wild-turkey

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2015/04/the-outfit-tx-new-song-premiere-wild-turkey

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with The Outfit, TX.

The Outfit, TX Background:

Born and raised in Dallas, producers and rappers Dorian, JayHawk, and Mel make up the hip-hop band The Outfit, TX. After forming while in school at University of Houston in 2006, they returned to Dallas to continue to work on their patented brand of “Cooly Fooly Space Age Funk.” Individually, each has their own respective sound and together, they expertly blend their unabashed Southern credo of smooth synth bass, moogs, 808s and synthesizers.

TOTX has performed with the likes of J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, The Clipse, and Kendrick Lamar. They headlined their first sold out show at Warehouse Live in Houston, TX in March 2013, then hit the road, performing at several music festivals including A3C’s “Best in Texas” Showcase, and Spune’s Index Fest in Dallas, TX. The future holds much more for the three Southern gentlemen that comprise The Outfit,TX, who recently relocated back to Dallas from Houston. They might have put it best, describing their artistry as “one small step for Texas, one giant leap for Southern kind.”

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud

“Wild Turkey”: https://soundcloud.com/theoutfittx/wild-turkey

“Business Man”: http://youtu.be/xAtDqsNxzic

“Hourglass”: http://youtu.be/x0lDBxN4HJA

“Stalactight”: https://soundcloud.com/theoutfittx/stalactight

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/the-outfit-tx/

END

WLPWR is currently working with Travis Barker for his next album and will be releasing a mixtape called Free Game featuring Big K.R.I.T., Trinidad James, Bubba Sparkxxx, Dizzy Wright, Yelawolf, and more on June 9th.

Beats by Dre footage of Yelawolf on working with WLPWR and his creative process: https://youtu.be/Gf-tgjjCYsY

Check out WLPWR’s Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats

Purchase Yelawolf’s Love Story: iTunes

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/28960335″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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

WLPWR Background:

WLPWR is a widely respected Atlanta-based music producer and co-founder of SupaHotBeats, one of the industry’s most influential music recording and production companies. Will has produced underground indie hits and platinum-selling projects, including the beats for Shady Records Posse’s (Eminem, Slaughterhouse and YelaWolf) cut “2.0 Boyz.” He is best known for his long-time partnership with chart-topping rapper YelaWolf, while recently wrapping up projects with Wiz Khalifa, Tech N9ne, Chris Webby and Dizzy Wright.

WLPWR’s career started in 2002 when he formed the music production company SupaHotBeats. In 2005, Will moved to the epicenter of urban music, Atlanta, where he established a state of the art recording and artist development facility. With unbridled creativity, a modern studio, and a talented marketing and technical team that he developed, Will has what he needs to make artists’ unique visions a reality.

Links:

official page | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud

Love Story: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-story/id978187796

“Trunk Muzik”: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/yelawolf-trunk-muzik-porduced

“Middle of You” – Wiz Khalifa:
http://www.livemixtapes.com/download/mp3/165470/wiz_khalifa_middle_of_you.html

“2.0 Boyz” – Slaughterhouse: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/2-0-boys-f-slaughterhouse

“Delusional” – Tech N9ne: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/techn9ne-ft-nikkiya-delusional

“Pop The Trunk” – Yelawolf: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/pop-the-trunk

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04.21.2015

Atlanta-based WLPWR Produced Majority of Yelawolf’s New Album

Press Release

Atlanta-based WLPWR Produced Majority of Yelawolf’s New Album

Go to Post

News: Yelawolf Tapped Long-time Collaborator, Producer WLPWR For His Love Story Album

Longtime Friend and Producer for Yelawolf Also Produces for Eminem, Slaughterhouse, Tech N9ne, Wiz Khalifa, Dizzy Wright, and More

04.22.2015

Critical Praise for WLPWR:

“Behind every rapper is a go-to producer he or she can count on, and for Yelawolf, that person is WLPWR. “ – Complex

“WLPWR (aka Willpower) is a music producer from my home state South Carolina that I have the utmost respect for.” – Randy Roper

News:

Yelawolf has once again tapped his friend and longtime producer, WLPWR to produce 10 out of the 18 tracks on his new album, Love Story, which is currently #1 on iTunes. Pronounced “will power,” one of Atlanta’s hardest working producers, WLPWR, is proud of the work he’s done with Yelawolf since the beginning of his career. Responsible for producing Yelawolf’s Trunk Muzik mixtape in its entirety, nine songs from Trunk Muzik 0-60, nine songs from Radioactive, and the entire Trunk Muzik Returns mixtape, as well as “Middle of You” for Wiz Khalifa, “2.0 Boyz” for Slaughterhouse, “Delusional” for Tech N9ne, and more, WLPWR’s production skills have been heard by millions. As the founder of SupaHotBeats, one of the industry’s most influential music recording and production companies. WLPWR is an artist to watch.

Speaking on WLPWR and his creative process Yelawolf explains, “As long as I’ve known him .. 10 plus years now. From the very hour we met, we had a record done. It was kinda like, ‘Oh there you are,’ like I had found the dude I had been waiting to meet. He’s got some of that most interesting sounds in ever heard. We may not speak for 4-6 months but when I call him he shows up like I seen him yesterday. I’m really hard on him in the studio – I’m a very very picky producer myself – but he just rolls with it and I appreciate that. We’re honest in the studio. The music comes out honest. That’s how I work. And thats how he works with me.”

Speaking on his approach to working with artists, WLPWR says, “It’s pretty organic. I normally just kick it with the artist to see if they have a vision in mind and I start from there. Its mostly vibe from that point. People keep coming back to me because I’m really good at making the artist feel relaxed and in charge of the direction of a song or project. I’m also very professional about taking charge to produce the best product. I don’t have a signature style, but I do have a certain style to my drum programing and sound selection. My aim is to not have a signature style, actually. I’ve produced the most street, to the prettiest, to the most dramatic music. I’m very versatile. ‘Pop the Trunk’ is very different from ‘Till Its Gone.'”

Beats by Dre footage of Yelawolf on working with WLPWR and his creative process: https://youtu.be/Gf-tgjjCYsY

Check out WLPWR’s Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats

Purchase Yelawolf’s Love Story: iTunes

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

WLPWR Background:

Links:

official page | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud

Love Story: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-story/id978187796

“Trunk Muzik”: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/yelawolf-trunk-muzik-porduced

“Middle of You” – Wiz Khalifa:
http://www.livemixtapes.com/download/mp3/165470/wiz_khalifa_middle_of_you.html

“2.0 Boyz” – Slaughterhouse: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/2-0-boys-f-slaughterhouse

“Delusional” – Tech N9ne: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/techn9ne-ft-nikkiya-delusional

“Pop The Trunk” – Yelawolf: https://soundcloud.com/supahotbeats/pop-the-trunk

END

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Premiered by SF Weekly, Oakland Trio Down 2 Earth Drops “Powers” Visual, Set to Re-Release Wildfire Mixtape on CD and Vinyl

Video: Down 2 Earth – “Powers” ft. Simmi (Prod. by Kuya Beats)

Premiered by SF Weekly, the Oakland Trio Drops “Powers” Visual, Set to Re-release Debut Wildfire EP on CD and Vinyl With Bonus Tracks

05.21.2015

The Video:

Down 2 Earth Background:

Links:

Migos Join West Orlando Rapper Woop For Hard-Hitting “Go Away” Remix, Rapper Announces #IDGAF Mixtape, Premiered by Complex

MP3: Woop – “Go Away” Remix Ft. Migos (Prod By Haz On Da Beat)

Preparing For the Release of His #IDGAF Mixtape, the West Orlando Rapper Teams Up With Migos For Hard-Hitting “Go Away” Remix, Premiered by Complex

05.21.2015

Critical Praise for Woop:

The Remix:

Woop Background:

Links:

California Producer Duo Crush Effect Share Remix of ODESZA’s “White Lies,” Premiered by Indie Shuffle

The California Producer Duo Share Remix of ODESZA’s “White Lies,” Premiered by Indie Shuffle

05.20.2015

Links:

Premiered by Pigeons & Planes, L.A. via Sacramento Singer/Songwriter Victoria Monét Shares Tommy Brown-produced Single, Announces Nightmares & Lullabies: Act II EP

MP3: Victoria Monét – “High Luv” (Prod. by Tommy Brown)

Premiered by Pigeons & Planes, the L.A. via Sacramento Singer/Songwriter Shares Dreamy Single, Announces EP Release Date

05.20.2015

Critical Praise for Victoria Monét:

Victoria Monet Background:

Links:

Following the Release of Their Self-Titled Collaborative Album, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper Duo RJD2 & STS Release Smooth Loose Single Premiered by Complex

MP3: RJD2 & STS – “Good Guys Anthem”

Following the Release of Their Self-Titled Collaborative Album, Philadelphia-Based Producer/Rapper Duo RJD2 & STS Release Smooth Loose Single Premiered by Complex

05.18.2015

Critical Praise for RJD2 and STS:

The Song:

Links:

East Palo Alto Duo The Hoodstarz Explores Their Most Exotic Fantasies In Eccentric “Contagious” Video

The East Palo Alto Duo Explores Their Most Exotic Fantasies In Eccentric “Contagious” Video

05.18.2015

The Background:

Links:

Premiered by Mass Appeal, Slim K From Houston Legend OG Ron C’s Chopstars Crew Remixes 23-Year-Old Rapper Maxo Kream’s Acclaimed Release

MP3: Maxo Kream – #MAXO187 (Chopped Not Slopped by Slim K)

Premiered by Mass Appeal, Slim K From Houston Legend OG Ron C’s Chopstars Crew Remixes the 23-Year-Old Rapper’s Acclaimed Release

05.15.2015

Critical Praise for Maxo Kream:

The Mixtape:

Maxo Kream Background:

Links:

New York Rapper Dylan Owen to Release Latest Installment of Coming-of-Age Story On June 8th

News: Dylan Owen Announces There’s More To Life EP, Re-Releases “Everything Gets Old” & “Sail Up The Sun”

The New York Rap Artist to Release Latest Installment of Coming-of-Age Story On June 8th

05.15.2015

The Project:

Dylan Owen Background:

Links:

With Production From A$AP P, Montreal Rapper Wasiu Explores Hardships and Superficial Smiles on “Picture Imperfect,” Debuted by Exclaim!

MP3: Wasiu – “Picture Imperfect” (Prod. by A$AP P On The Boards)

With Production From A$AP P, the Montreal Rapper Explores Hardships and Superficial Smiles on “Picture Imperfect,” Debuted by Exclaim!

05.14.2015

Critical Praise for Wasiu:

The Song:

Wasiu Background:

Links:

Premiered by Complex, California Rapper KYLE Shares New Party Anthem Featuring Iamsu!

MP3: KYLE – “It’s Lit” ft. Iamsu!

Premiered by Complex, the California Rapper Shares New Party Anthem

05.13.2015

The Song:

Links:

Debuted by VIBE, 5x Platinum Producer-Turned-Rapper Tommy Brown Shares Voluminous New Single

MP3: Tommy Brown – “Habits” ft. Nastasia

Debuted by VIBE, the Acclaimed L.A. via Pittsburgh Producer/Rapper Shares His Addictions On Latest Single

05.13.2015

Tommy Brown Background:

Links:

Main Attrakionz Announce 808s and Dark Grapes 3, The FADER Premieres Kreayshawn-Directed Video

News: Main Attrakionz Announce 808s and Dark Grapes 3, The FADER Premieres Kreayshawn-Directed Video

Cloud Rap Originators to Release Project on June 30th via Neil Young’s Vapor Records