News & Videos: The Bay Area’s Beeda Weeda and Dallas’ Big Hud Unite to Release Three New Projects This Summer

Beeda Weeda To Release Too $hort Presents: Beeda Weeda’s Bass Rock Babies, Big Hud to Release OYBA Hosted by DJ Holiday, Joint Album To Be Released Called The Storm.

07.08.2014 

The News: 

Two rappers from vastly different areas, both considered legends in their native turf, with Beeda Weeda representing East Oakland, California and Big Hud hailing from Dallas, Texas, are uniting to release three projects this summer. The first project will be Big Hud’s solo street album, O.Y.B.A. (On Yo Bi*tch A$$,) hosted by DJ Holiday, which is set for release on August 12th. O.Y.B.A will be available in two formats: the version with DJ Holiday will be made available for free while the original version will be for sale on iTunes. The second project will be Beeda’s solo album entitled, Too $hort Presents: Beeda Weeda’s Bass Rock Babies, due to drop August 19th. The album comes with a short documentary called “What Is A Beeda Weeda?” and will be sold on iTunes. Both artists’ solo albums strongly feature homegrown talent from their respective native soil, creating unique, regionally-specific sounds for both projects. The third project is a joint album entitled The Storm, which will be available for sale on September 30th.

Dallas, Texas’ Big Hud has emerged as a fixture in the world of hip-hop. Having worked with artists such as Yelawolf and Curren$y, as well as opening for several music legends including Too $hort, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross, Hud’s extensive experience in the music industry has given him the tools he needs to succeed. His music video for “Gone Get It” was premiered via AllHipHop. The racy video delves into Hud’s dreams and desires of a sexy temptress, however his fantasy is suddenly shattered when his real girl awakens him to real world responsibilities and problems. Big Hud’s upcoming street album, which is hosted by DJ Holiday entitled, OYBA, is due to drop on August 12th and features Too $hort, Curren$y, Cyhi Da Prynce, Rittz, Beeda Weeda, Boston George, A.Dd+, and more.

Beeda Weeda has established himself as one of the most promising rising rappers from The Bay Area. In doing so, he’s also garnered the support of The Bay’s most loved legends, including Too $hort and E-40, the latter of which is featured on the video for “Hustla,” which HotNewHipHop premiered. The video shows the two MC’s recording together in the studio. Beeda’s upcoming album, Too Short Presents:  Beeda Weeda’s Bass Rock Babies, is due to drop on August 19th and features Too $hort, E-40, Richie Rich, B-Legit, J Stalin, Clyde Carson, 1.O.A.K., Gunplay, Young Gully and more.

Watch Big Hud’s “Gone Get It” ft. Keith Jacobs here: http://youtu.be/Af-bnUjAB1c
AllHipHop’s premiere of “Gone Get It”: http://allhiphop.com/videos/big-hud-ft-keith-jacobs-gone-get-it/

Watch Beeda Weeda’s “Hustla” ft. E40 here: http://youtu.be/LxBcZSvHkrs
HotNewHipHop’s premiere of “Hustla”: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/beeda-weeda-feat-e-40-hustla-video-new-video.29651.html

Beeda Weeda’s Background:

Beeda Weeda is a young rapper/producer from East Oakland, CA, and first got his start in 2006 with his nationally recognized Homework mixtape. Later that same year, Beeda released his acclaimed debut album,Turfology 101. Riding the wave of notoriety his single, “Turfs Up“, garnered a swell of success including a music video airing on 32 stations, generating over 1,000,000 hits online and boosting the rapper to number 3 onMySpace’s Top 10 Hip Hop/Rap Artists. He later worked on a remix of the track with a number of Bay Area legends including E-40 and Too $hort, among others. He has produced for such acts as Brooklyn’s own Wildcats, Suga Free, Yukmouth and more. His latest project, Bass Rock Babies: The Leak, is a free mixtape and precursor to the full-length album, Too $hort Presents: Bass Rock Babies, due out later this year via Pushin’ The Beat/Clear Label Records.

Big Hud’s Background:

Hailing from Dallas, TX, an ambitious artist by the name of Big Hud “Da Heavyweight” has progressively emerged as a fixture in today’s evolving music industry. Over the past few years Big Hud has had moderate success with singles such as “Smell My Cologne” featuring Shady/Interscope recording artist Yelawolf, and “Summertime Ish” ft. Curren$y which generated a strong buzz and a video that earned regular rotation on MTV Jams. Big Hud has also opened for many major artists across the country such as Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Waka Flocka as well as the legendary Too $hort, and Strange Music‘s own Rittz.

Links

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/big-hud-x-beeda-weeda/

Beeda Weeda

facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube

Watch “Hustla” ft. E40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxBcZSvHkrs&feature=youtu.be

Big Hud

website | facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud | youtube

Watch “Gone Get It” ft. Keith Jacobs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af-bnUjAB1c&app=desktop

MP3: Noelz Vedere – “Garden of Eden” (feat. Jahzel, A-Cross, and Chris Alonzo) 

Chicago Rappers Team Up for Latest Single From Noelz Vedere’s Studio Debut, Bittersweet Victory

07.10.2014

Critical Praise for Noelz Vedere:

“Noelz Vedere is ready to represent Chi-Town… This is a name to watch this year.” – Earmilk

“Advanced song writing skill, sharp delivery presence, unorthodox rhyming and smooth melodics.” – HYPETRAK

“…it’ll become quickly apparent that he fits in with the realm of recent rap studs coming out of the city (Chicago).” – Potholes In My Blog

“This is an awesome display of rapping right here.” – Kevin Nottingham

“He raps with the strength of a thousand emcees. He steps to the mic and delivers his potent bars in a feverish, aggressive, cutting flow that drives the record more than the prodigious boardwork.” – DJBooth

“This right here is tough as hell… Noelz has our attention.” – OnSMASH 

The Song:

Holding as a genuine testimony to real life issues with a bit of flashy flavor, Chicago rapper Noelz Vedere has released his debut album, Bittersweet Victory, to critical acclaim. VICE music blog Noisey, has stated that “Vedere scans less a contemporary of Chief Keef and more of a hard-spitting, new-school hardhead in the mold of Twista,” and HotNewHipHop has went on the record declaring “…Vedere bears his soul and provides the listener with sultry tracks while simultaneously spitting the cold hard truth. Bittersweet Victory is a soulful and cohesive album from a Chicago emcee with a story to tell.” This praise has only been affirmed by the recent release of the booming, Hans Zimmer-esque single “Promise Land,” which leads us to his most recent release “Garden of Eden,” featuring Chicago MC’s Jahzel and A-Cross as well as singer/songwriter Chris Alonozo.

According to Noelz, the track was a “collaboration record” featuring Jahzel, A-Cross, and Vedere himself trading 3 competitive verses, “balancing holy references with urban tales over a stomping beat that resembles sorts of a new world takeover.” This theme is reflected by the three rappers lyrical prose, notably Jahzel with the lyric, “inherited sin inherited debt lord knows my people can’t win,” and Vedere rapping, “the artistry part of me caught up in demons while Socrates prophecy’s bout to leave him partially breathin.”

The track’s backdrop, produced by Alex Issak, is full of distorted guitar and piano chords over Chris Alonzo’s thunderous voice and Vedere’s stomping call and response to the north, south and west side’s of Chicago; a battle cry and roll call for the city’s disenfranchised youth.

Listen to “Garden of Eden” (ft. Jahzel, A-Cross and Chris Alonzo): https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/garden-of-eden

Listen to Bittersweet Victory: https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/sets/bittersweetvictory

Download Bittersweet Victory: http://www.bittersweetvictory.com/

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Tracklist for Noelz Vedere – Bittersweet Victory:

01-”Promise Land” (ft. Kaye Fox, Ben Official, & Kiara Lanier)
02-”Let Me Burn”
03-”Blackout”
04-”Out of Focus” (ft. Freddie Gibbs)
05-”Bittersweet” (ft. Sunni Colon)
06-”So Blessed”
07-”Censored Love” (ft. Kiara Lanier)
08-”High Class” (ft. Sir Michael Rocks)
09-”Garden of Eden” (ft. Jahzel, A-Cross, & Chris Alonzo)
10-”Fallen Soldier”

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Noelz Vedere.

Noelz Vedere Background:

Chicago, Illinois has hip-hop’s spotlight for 2014. From a global superstar like Kanye West to emerging talents like Chance The Rapper, the crossroads between the East and the West has a colorful youth movement with new approaches to music-making. That is especially true of Noelz Vedere, a 24 year-old hip-hop artist from the rarely chronicled Northside of the city. “I literally have friends who own houses in the hundreds of thousands, and I have friends who are below the poverty line,” he explains, of his music’s place. “Me being in the middle, it exposes me to so many aspects of life. I can relate to what Chief Keef is saying, what Chance is talking about, and what Rockie Fresh is creating. There’s so much beauty in Chicago right now.”

The Windy City’s complexity plays well against Noelz’ recently released studio debut, Bittersweet Victory. The album, featuring Freddie Gibbs and The Cool Kids’ Sir Michael Rocks, is heavy on both inspiration and aspiration. “My first project (Popular Kid) came out and I got a lot of local recognition, but at the same time it wasn’t where I wanted to be. There are still a lot of gatekeepers and doors with keys I’m trying to find. So I feel that I’m blossoming into my glory, but it’s still a bittersweet feeling.” In 2011, Noelz burst onto the scene in a way that was even shocking to him. A song he recorded with would-be Maybach Music Group artist Rockie Fresh and Kids These Days frontman Vic Mensa mysteriously leaked to the web, with sites large and small showing “King Me” to the court. “I had never gotten so much exposure in my life,” Noelz admits, as he rushed to feed the masses a body of work. Popular Kid, a reference to the overnight exposure, dropped quickly after. Vedere now says the hasty process made him adopt a slower, refined approach to his sophomore release.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram | youtube | soundcloud

“Garden of Eden” (ft. Jahzel, A-Cross and Chris Alonzo): https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/garden-of-eden

“Promise Land” (ft. Kaye Fox, Ben Official and Kiara Lanier) Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWdYVCKHr3I

MP3: 19-year old rapper Well$ shares latest single from controversial mixtape

“Major Paine (Daddy’s Little Girl)” Off Recent Mixtape, MTYSD: Revenge Of The African Booty Scratcher, Shows The Woman’s Side Of The Strip Club, Challenges Negative Stereotypes

07.10.2014

Critical praise for Well$:

“The album finds the 19-year-old straddling the line between trunk-rattling southern bounce and the witty 16s of any Freshman spitter.” – The Fader

“Well$ uses inspiration from his own heritage as well as popular American culture to develop a sound that is distinctly his own, drawing on southern influences as well as his own African culture.” – Complex

The Song:

Following several singles and videos earlier this year, 19-year-old Charlotte, NC-based rapper Well$ released his mixtape, MTYSD: Revenge of the African Booty Scratchervia The FADER. Pitchfork reviewed the album, calling it “a startling peephole into something deeply personal within Well$.” While the project features some upbeat songs such as “Savoire-Faire,” it also delves into issues such as gun violence (as in the haunting “Lil’ Tommy”), and the difficulties of growing up as an African immigrant in the U.S. With the mixtapes first single, “Black Swan,” Well$ addresses adversities faced by many women forced into stripping. Today, we’re sharing its response track, “Major Paine (Daddy’s Little Girl),” produced by Austin Celaya and THE BL∆CK HE∆RTS CLUB, as the mixtapes latest single.

“Black Swan” serves as an eye-opening piece on the woman’s side of the strip club. Strippers are often looked down upon by the public, but Well$ offers a new perspective to the story, showing that oftentimes girls are forced into this lifestyle. In an interview with HipHopDX, Well$ clarified that “Major Paine (Daddy’s Little Girl)” was an extension of the story he told in “Black Swan.” While “Black Swan” discusses how many women end up in the strip club because of troubled family lives, or the often-seen theme of an absent father, “Major Paine” talks about how this isn’t true for all who travel this path, that it may have been the woman’s choice to take that route, that the parent(s) might not be to blame. Throughout the song, you can hear a resounding chopped-and-screwed voice saying, “Bands Make Her Dance,” a subtle reminder to pay attention to the overarching premise of the song. “Major Paine” might have a serious theme, but the thumping, sinister bassline distracts from the well-crafted lyrics just enough for the song to remain relatively buoyant.

Well$ was born in Charlotte to Congolese illegal immigrants. As a child he was made fun of for being African, leading to the Boyz n The Hood reference, “Revenge of the African Booty Scratcher.”  “Watching that kid get made fun of made me think of my childhood and how bad I wanna shit on people from back then, even musically it transferred over,” says Well$ about the title of his mixtape. The release includes production from Ryan Hemsworth and DJ Dahi, in addition to a feature from Pac Div’s Mibbs.

Hopscotch Music Festival recently announced Well$ as a feature artist for their forthcoming event in Raleigh, NC.

“Major Paine (Daddy’s Little Girl): https://soundcloud.com/wells-music/major-paine-daddys-little-girl-prod-austin-celaya-the-blck-herts-club

Listen to MTSYD: The Revenge of the African Booty Scratcher: https://soundcloud.com/wells-music/sets/mtsyd-the-revenge-of-the

Well$ Background:

Like most kids in his native town of Charlotte, North Carolina, Leroy Shingu had a head filled with hip-hop dreams growing up, even trying his hand at freestyling when he was all of nine years old. But a trying background starkly different from the blissful suburban reality of his peers would compel the rapper better known as Well$ to turn that childhood fantasy into a promising career as a rapper. Quietly released in 2012, $ay La V, Well$’ debut EP rose steadily on the Bandcamp charts to peak at number 5 and eventually become the most downloaded album in the Charlotte area. This remarkable ascent as well as the video for the song “State of Ecstasy The Interlude Part 1″ hauled Well$ out of virtual anonymity, and shoved him onto high profile stage performances with artists such as G Eazy, Chris Webby, Johnny Polygon, and one of his idols, Pac Div. His most recent project, MTSYD: Revenge of the African Booty Scratcher was well-recieved by fans and critics alike.

Links:

bandcamp | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud

“Major Paine (Daddy’s Little Girl): https://soundcloud.com/wells-music/major-paine-daddys-little-girl-prod-austin-celaya-the-blck-herts-club

MTSYD: Revenge of the African Booty Scratcher: https://soundcloud.com/wells-music/sets/mtsyd-the-revenge-of-the

“Savoir-Faire”: http://youtu.be/bVVggr8eheY

“Lil’ Tommy”: https://soundcloud.com/wells-music/lil-tommy/

“Black Swan”: https://soundcloud.com/wells-music/black-swan

“State of Ecstasy Pt. 1”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smsGIANkDfA

Download link for MTSYD: Revenge of the African Booty Scratcher: http://www.audiomack.com/album/well/mtsyd-the-revenge-of-the-african-booty-scratcher

Bio, pics, and more here: http://www.audibletreats.com/wells/

Video: Wara From the NBHD – “Beige”

Brooklyn-Bred, Atlanta-Based Rapper/Producer Heads to Miami to Slack Off at Work, Premiere via The Fader

 07.08.2014

Critical Praise for Wara From the NBHD:

“Lyrically he comes across as both book and street smart and has the direct cadence of a great live performer.” – XXL

“Wara… has nearly bled mind, body and emotions dry in writing and scoring his audible biopic.” – Passion of the Weiss

“Take him lightly at your own risk.” – Complex

“One of Atlanta’s best kept secrets – though not for much longer.” – PotholesInMyBlog

“One of Atlanta’s most promising acts of the new wave.” – Ashley Outrageous

“The gloomy, minimalist production… is perfectly suited for a late-night ride through town.”  – The FADER 

“His hook and verses are on-point.” – MissInfo.TV

“Keeping the mood as murky as possible, Wara makes his presence known over a spooky backing voice positioned against a secluded guitar and drums.” – OnSMASH

The Video:

Filmed in Miami, Brooklyn-bred, Atlanta based rapper/producer Wara From The NBHD shares visuals for “Beige,” the third single from his forthcoming concept album, Kidnapped. “Solid, aspirational rap with a slacker wit,” says The Fader in their premiere of the video. Mobbing around an open art space with mops and brooms, the janitor jobs clearly weren’t working for Wara and his partners, as the visuals show them running around the city smoking, toting super soakers, and hitting the basketball courts, all while in uniform.

Sampling the drums from the Neptunes-produced Jay-Z track “I Know,” the rapper/producer adds live guitar licks, which Wara says assist in channeling the “Miami get-away feel.” Kicking off the song, he raps, “Maybe it’s my self-esteem that I find less important/ and I don’t like people around when I take time for recording/ my only get away from all the things that’s annoying/ and all this eye-balling got my eyes peeled like an orange.” Adding context to the song, and how it fits into the mold of the concept album, Wara says that “this is the part where the character is changing physically and he’s going hard selling drugs, but he just wants to get away for once and see the world outside of his hood.”

This juxtaposition is highlighted even more toward the end of the video, when the song slowly fades into a preview of the track “Piano Lessons.” The camera quickly jumps to Wara in a graffiti-filled bathroom, rapping, “Mama lookin’ for me, but a n*gga never home,” and “I’m just a light skinned rebel in a world alone.” This snippet is much more ominous in nature, accentuated by dreary piano over gunshots and bass before cutting to black.

The video is directed by both Wara and Chris Cadaver. It follows the release of the album’s previous singles “Squeal” and “Scrilla.” Kidnapped, which includes features from Fools Gold artist Grande Marshall and Two-9 rappers Rell and Light Skin Mac-11, will be be released on July 29.

Check out The Fader premiere: http://www.thefader.com/2014/07/08/wara-beige-video/

Watch the “Beige” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0DdeMawvo

Wara From the NBHD – Kidnapped tracklist:

01. “Get In”
02. “Piano Lessons”
03. “Slangin”
04. “Beige”
05. “Raw” (feat. Grande Marshall)
06. “Hot Boy”
07. “Fuck You Mean / Composure”
08. “Scrilla”
09. “Annoyed”
10. “Squeal (Peel Off)”
11. “Gone Baby Gone” (feat. Rell & Light Skin Mac-11 of Two-9)

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Wara From the NBHD.

Wara From the NBHD Background:

Wara From the NBHD might be ATL’s next rising star. The Brooklyn born, Atlanta-based rapper serves as an embodiment of both of the areas he grew up in. An artist with a unique ability to blend both cultures seamlessly with striking lyricism and impressive production. This sentiment is highlighted with Wara’s latest release The Ill Street Blues a mix tape garnering critical praise from notable outlets such as The Fader, Complex and XXL. The project portrays a dichotomy of the good and bad Wara has experienced in his life, notably personified by his son sitting next to a gun on the mix tapes cover. His upcoming release Kidnapped, will serve as a concept album produced entirely by himself and will be released later this summer.

Links:

official site | twitter | tumblr | soundcloud | youtube

“Beige” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0DdeMawvo

“Scrilla”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-scrilla

“When The Sun Goes Down” (Instrumental): https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/when-the-sun-goes-down

“Squeal” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPrMsVbrx48

“Squeal”: https://soundcloud.com/fadermedia/wara-from-the-nbhd-squeal

“98 Rocafella” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roVOVzVzHUo

“98 Rocafella”: https://soundcloud.com/yourstrulysf/wara-from-the-nbhd-98

“Belly” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LlNd7rtqQo

“Show You How To Hustle” (Freestyle): https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/show-you-how-to-hustle

“Plenty”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-plenty

The Ill Street Blues: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/sets/the-ill-street-blues

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/wara/

News: Stick Figure – Livin’ It Fall Tour

SoCal Reggae/Dub Group Stick Figure Announces First Headlining Tour This Fall

07.08.2014

Critical Praise for Stick Figure:

550,000+ plays of “Smokin’ Love feat. Collie Budz” on Soundcloud

“Say hello again to one of the most exciting bands in the reggae world…” – This Song Is Sick

“Reggae is always there for us. Like a giant, warm, tie-dye hemp blanket waiting to smother us in positive energy and lift our spirits. Stick Figure’s latest track, titled ‘Smokin’ Love,’ does exactly that.” – Indie Shuffle

“Stick Figure possesses a unique style of music that combines a creative blend of upbeat roots reggae with the reverberating echoes of dub, and no limit for musical abilities.” – Saint Rocke

“The music of Stick Figure is taking Roots Reggae Dub to new heights.” – Branch Out Music

The News:

Southern California-based roots reggae/dub band Stick Figure announces their Livin’ It Fall Tour, headlining for the first time and bringing chill vibes to fans coast to coast. Featuring Pacific Dub and HIRIE, Stick Figure will be heading out this September, hitting stops like New Orleans, Washington DC, New York, Denver, and LA. The band’s most recent single for which they’re currently filming a video, “Smokin’ Love,” debuted at #1 on iTunes Reggae Chart on June 3rd and currently remains in the Top 10. On Soundcloud, the song has racked up  over 550,000 spins. “Smokin’ Love” features reggae veteran Collie Buddz and is the first song they’ve released since 2012’s Burial Ground.

Right now, Stick Figure and Rebelution are on their Count Me In Tour, which also includes Iration and The Green. Charming audiences and crushing amphitheaters, Stick Figure has immense stage presence and control, something that will translate well on the forthcoming Livin’ It Fall Tour.

Purchase “Smokin’ Love” ft. Collie Buddz: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/smokin-love-feat.-collie-buddz/id874660140

Listen on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stickfigure/smokin-love-feat-collie-buddz/

Purchase tickets for the Living It Fall Tour: http://www.stickfiguremusic.com/tour/

Living It Fall Tour Dates : http://www.stickfiguremusic.com/tour-dates/

9/2 – Orpheum Green Room – Flagstaff, AZ
9/3 – Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM
9/5 – Gas Monkey – Dallas, TX
9/6 – Stubb’s Jr. – Austin, TX
9/7 – House of Blues (Bronze Peacock Room) – Houston, TX
9/10 – The Parish at House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
9/11 – Pug’s Live – Tallahassee, FL
9/12 – Melting Point – Athens, GA
9/13 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC
9/14 – California Roots The Carolina Sessions – Wilmington, NC
9/17 – High Dive – Gainesville, FL
9/18 – Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL
9/19 – Social – Orlando, FL
9/20 – Freebird Live – Jacksonville, FL
9/21 – Visulite – Charlotte, NC
9/24 – World Café Live -Philadelphia, PA
9/25 – U Street Music Hall – Washington DC
9/26 – Webster Studio – New York, NY
9/27 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
9/28 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
10/1 – The Basement – Columbus, OH
10/2 – Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI
10/3 – The Stache – Grand Rapids, MI
10/4 – Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
10/5 – The Frequency – Madison, WI
10/8 – 7th St. Entry – Minneapolis, MN
10/9 – Maintenance Shop – Ames, IA
10/10 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE
10/11 – Bluebird Theatre – Denver, CO
10/12 – Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
10/15 – Mystic Theater – Petaluma, CA
10/16 – The Catalyst – Santa Cruz, CA
10/17 – SLO Brewing Company – San Luis Obispo, CA
10/18 – The Roxy – Los Angeles, CA

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Stick Figure.

Stick Figure Background:

Southern California Roots Reggae favorites Stick Figure, are one of the few acts that are able to consistently reinvent themselves in the Reggae world. Stylistically unique, the band is able to build on their Reggae and Dub influences while creating a style completely their own. Multi-instrumentalist, producer and front man Scott Woodruff, fathered the group and is noted for his innovative style of recording; individually playing each instrument and multi-tracking them in unison. His touring band features Kevin Bong (Keyboards), Kevin Offitzer (Drums) and Tommy Suliman (Bass) and have played along side the likes of SOJA, Collie Buddz, Alpha Blondy and The Expendables. Having 5 full-length albums, selling over 50,000 albums worldwide and charting #1 on both the Reggae ITunes and Billboard charts the band shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Stick Figure kicks off the summer with the June 3rd release of “Smokin’ Love” a feel good anthem featuring Collie Buddz and will be hitting the road with Rebelution for their “Count Me In” tour, along side Reggae favorites Iration and The Green.

Links:

twitter | instagram | facebook | bandcamp | soundcloud

“Smokin’ Love” ft. Collie Buddz: https://soundcloud.com/stickfigure/smokin-love-feat-collie-buddz/s-VFGtt

Smoke Stack: https://soundcloud.com/stickfigure/sets/smoke-stack

Burial Ground: https://soundcloud.com/stickfigure/sets/burial-ground

News: Funk Volume Documentary Independent Living Airing on Revolt TV Sunday Night

Funk Volume’s Full-length Documentary Pulls Back the Curtain on How They’ve Become One of the Most Successful Indie Rap Labels Today

07.06.2014

The DVD:

Funk Volume’s intimate full-length documentary, Independent Living, will make its world television debut this Sunday, July 6th at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on Revolt TV. Filmed during the Funk Volume 2012 tour, the film documents the swift rise of rappers Hopsin, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, SwizZz and label co-founder Damien Ritter as they toured 44 cities in 50 dates. For the first time, Funk Volume pulls back the curtain on the philosophy, non-traditional tactics, work ethic, interpersonal relationships, and challenges they’ve traversed to reach their current position, which is that of a label to watch by fans and industry insiders alike.

Known for having one of the most solid and dedicated fan bases due to years of embracing of direct-to-fan tactics, the documentary shows the ways in which the label breaks down barriers between their artists and fans. As a result of these tactics, Funk Volume now has over 70 million YouTube views, almost 500,000 Facebook likes and gets consistent Top 10 chart placements on Billboard and iTunes. They recently released a free app for iTunes and Android users that offers tour info, interviews, music, exclusive content, and merch discounts, further strengthening their relationship to their fan base.

2014 has kept Funk Volume artists busy. Jarren Benton recently finished a 78-date tour with Tech N9ne and Freddie Gibbs and was included in XXL Magazine’s 2014 Freshmen class. Following label mates Hopsin (Class of 2012) and Dizzy Wright (Class of 2013), Benton is the third member of Funk Volume to be featured on the list in three consecutive years, the only label ever to do so. Dizzy Wright recently released two EP’s: his State of Mind EP and a 3-song EP, BrILLiant Youth, featuring 17-year old New York rapper Bishop Nehru, produced by Grammy-Award winning producer 9th Wonder. He is currently on the last leg of his headlining State of Mind summer tour hitting multiple dates in Florida before ending in British Columbia late July. Hopsin recently ended his headlining tour to support the release of Knock Madness and is gearing up to tour Europe in the fall.

Watch Independent Living on Sunday, July 6th at 10pm ET/7pm PT on http://revolt.tv/

Order Independent Living now: http://myfunkvolume.com/product/the-funk-volume-documentary-dvd/

Watch the trailer, purchase streaming access for 48 hours, or purchase the movie file here: vimeo.com/ondemand/funkvolume

Listen to BrILLiant Youth: https://soundcloud.com/lrgclothing/sets/dizzy-wright-bishop-nehru-brilliant-youth-ep-produced-by-9th-wonder

Check out Jarren’s XXL Freshman Profile: http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/jarren-benton-2/

Upcoming Dizzy Wright tour dates: http://myfunkvolume.com/artist/dizzy-wright/

7/7/2014 Orpheum Theatre @ Tampa, FL
7/8/2014 Backbooth @ Orlando, FL
7/9/2014 Avenue D @ Miami, FL
7/24/2014 Fortune Sound Club @ Vancouver, BC

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with members of Funk Volume.

Funk Volume Background:

Funk Volume is a Los Angeles-based record label, marketing, and production company that been cited as a leader among independent rap labels with over 70 million YouTube views, almost 500,000 Facebook likes, consistent Top 10 chart placements on Billboard and iTunes and high profile write-ups in media outlets such as Forbes, Billboard, SPIN, LA Weekly, and many more. Founded in 2008 by internationally-recognized rap artist Hopsin and Stanford MBA grad Damien “Dame” Ritter, the label was created with one thing in mind: protecting the integrity of the artist’s vision. Currently home to rappers Hopsin, SwizZz, Dizzy Wright, and Jarren Benton, and more recently, DJs and producers Hoppa, Kato, and Rikia, the label has quickly transformed into being a label to watch by fans and industry insiders alike.

Links:

official site | facebook | twitter 

Download Funk Volume’s Mobile Application: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/funk-volume/id880682153?mt=8

Order Independent Living now: http://myfunkvolume.com/product/the-funk-volume-documentary-dvd/

Watch the trailer, purchase streaming access for 48 hours, or purchase the movie file here: vimeo.com/ondemand/funkvolume

Watch the video for “Funk Volume 2013” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57XlxwPh9OE

LA Weekly label profile: http://www.laweekly.com/2013-08-08/music/funk-volume-hopsin-dame-swizzz/

XXL article “L.A. Indie Label Funk Volume Survives and Thrives”: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/10/funk-volume-xxl-issue-151/

Video: MerCure Dior – “Ok, Straight”

19-Year-Old Cameroonian Rapper Shares Flashy Visual for “Ok, Straight,” Premiere via EARMILK

07.03.2014 

Critical Praise for MerCure Dior:

“Listening to ‘Purple Night Wishes’ by MerCure Dior is one of those majestic moments where you KNOW you’re listening to someone with skill well beyond their current reach.” – VRSMAG

The Video:

19-year-old Maryland-based Cameroonian rapper MerCure Dior stands amid colorful, flashing lights and images from throwback television shows in the visual for “Ok, Straight,” from his forthcoming self-titled debut EP. The video debuts via EARMILK, who says, “he lets his rhymes and flow flow do the heavy-lifting.” The single has a consistent, powerful bassline paired with eery vocal effects and a resounding guitar riff, giving a wavey, echoey feel to the music. Combine this with the visual intensity of the music video and everything seems to fall into place. Through well crafted lyrics and a catchy chorus, the song dismisses notions of doubt and serves to inspire listeners to stay calm and focused through life’s adversities.

“OK, Straight” is the first single to be released off of MerCure Dior’s upcoming self-titled project. MerCure Dior (The EP) fully introduces the multi-cultural musician, who produces most of his own beats. At just three songs, the EP gives listeners a window into Dior’s extensive talent for creating music, which is driven by his passion for spirituality. With a self-made pathway, youthful exuberance, and divine message, MerCure Dior is stepping into hip-hop’s future.

Although MerCure Dior is Cameroonian by blood, he was born in Torino, Italy. He then immigrated to Maryland from Italy when he was only four years old. His musical abilities were evident from a very young age, and they helped him to find his niche in American culture. As a child, he played multiple instruments, wrote raps, and was producing his own beats by the age of nine. While his Cameroonian roots led to a strong influence of Bendskin (Cameroon’s unique blend of hip-hop and pop) in his music, his Italian past gave him an international perspective, enabling him to bridge cultural gaps and connect with audiences overseas.

Watch “OK, Straight”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyPKNv6W1vk

Check out EARMILK’s premeire: http://www.earmilk.com/2014/07/02/mercure-dior-is-ok-straight-premiere/

Listen to “OK, Straight”:  https://soundcloud.com/mercure-dior/ok-straight/

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with MerCure Dior.

MerCure Dior Background:

MerCure Dior was born of Cameroonian roots in Torino, Italy. At the age of four, his family relocated to the United States. His love for music allowed an easy transition into American culture, quickly teaching himself to play both guitar and piano as a child. However, he wasn’t fully satisified with the sound he was producing. At only nine years old he downloaded music producing software and began creating his own beats to rap over. Dior’s music was heavily influenced by his international heritage. Two of his uncles were credited with inspiring songs for James Brown and Michael Jackson and later helped to provide the Bendskin (Cameroon’s unique blend of pop and hip-hop) element in Dior’s music. Dior was further inspired by artists such as Tupac, Michael Jackson, and Kanye West, he continued to pursue his passion in music and dropped several mixtapes throughout middle school and high school. This assisted him in creating a solid fanbase known as The Disciple Life Ones, supporting the importance of spirituality that is present in Dior’s life and music. MerCure Dior’s self-titled EP will be released on August 5th, 2014.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook| instagram 

Watch “OK, Straight”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyPKNv6W1vk

Listen to “OK, Straight”:  https://soundcloud.com/mercure-dior/ok-straight/

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/mercure-dior/

News: Wara From the NBHD Announces Album Release Date and Reveals Cover Art

With Features From Two-9, Grande Marshall, the Brooklyn-bred, Atlanta-based Rapper’s Debut Album Releases July 29th

 07.02.2014

Critical Praise for Wara From the NBHD:

“Lyrically he comes across as both book and street smart and has the direct cadence of a great live performer.” – XXL

“Wara… has nearly bled mind, body and emotions dry in writing and scoring his audible biopic.” – Passion of the Weiss

“Take him lightly at your own risk.” – Complex

“One of Atlanta’s best kept secrets – though not for much longer.” – PotholesInMyBlog

“One of Atlanta’s most promising acts of the new wave.” – Ashley Outrageous

“The gloomy, minimalist production… is perfectly suited for a late-night ride through town.”  – The FADER 

“His hook and verses are on-point.” – MissInfo.TV

“Keeping the mood as murky as possible, Wara makes his presence known over a spooky backing voice positioned against a secluded guitar and drums.” – OnSMASH

“Wara is not a bouncy or ‘fun’ rapper, he’s kicking hard-as-concrete street tales here, and ‘Scrilla’ is jagged and sharp to the touch as a peeled-off tuna can lid.” – Wondering Sound

The News:

Taking influence from N*E*R*D‘s groundbreaking In Search Of… album, Brooklyn-born, Atlanta-based rapper/producer Wara From the NBHD will be releasing his debut album, Kidnapped, on July 29th. In addition to the release date, HipHopDX reveals the cover art and tracklist, which includes features from Fools Gold artist Grande Marshall and Two-9 rappers Rell and Light Skin Mac-11.

Earlier this year, The FADER debuted Kidnapped’s first single, “Squeal (Peel Off),” which was accompanied by a music video showing Wara and a partner shooting dice in an alleyway. “The beat is perfect for Wara to go in against the competition,” said Complex, “take him lightly at your own risk.” And just a few weeks ago, Wondering Sound premiered the second release from the album, “Scrilla.” Pigeons & Planes says the single “comes at you full force,” adding, “there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Check out the HipHopDX album announcement: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.29552/title.wara-from-the-nbhd-kidnapped-release-date-cover-art-tracklist

Listen to “Scrilla”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-scrilla

Watch “Squeal (Peel Off)”: http://youtu.be/PPrMsVbrx48

Listen to “Squeal (Peel Off)”: https://soundcloud.com/fadermedia/wara-from-the-nbhd-squeal

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Wara From the NBHD – Kidnapped tracklist:

01. “Get In”
02. “Piano Lessons”
03. “Slangin”
04. “Beige”
05. “Raw” (feat. Grande Marshall)
06. “Hot Boy”
07. “Fuck You Mean Composure”
08. “Scrilla”
09. “Annoyed”
10. “Squeal (Peel Off)”
11. “Gone Baby Gone” (feat. Rell & Light Skin Mac-11 of Two-9)

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Wara From the NBHD.

Wara From the NBHD Background:

Wara From the NBHD might be ATL’s next rising star. The Brooklyn born, Atlanta-based rapper serves as an embodiment of both of the areas he grew up in. An artist with a unique ability to blend both cultures seamlessly with striking lyricism and impressive production. This sentiment is highlighted with Wara’s latest release The Ill Street Blues a mix tape garnering critical praise from notable outlets such as The Fader, Complex and XXL. The project portrays a dichotomy of the good and bad Wara has experienced in his life, notably personified by his son sitting next to a gun on the mix tapes cover. His upcoming release Kidnapped, will serve as a concept album produced entirely by himself and will be released later this summer.

Links:

official site | twitter | tumblr | soundcloud | youtube

“Scrilla”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-scrilla

“When The Sun Goes Down” (Instrumental): https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/when-the-sun-goes-down

“Squeal” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPrMsVbrx48

“Squeal”: https://soundcloud.com/fadermedia/wara-from-the-nbhd-squeal

“98 Rocafella” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roVOVzVzHUo

“98 Rocafella”: https://soundcloud.com/yourstrulysf/wara-from-the-nbhd-98

“Belly” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LlNd7rtqQo

“Show You How To Hustle” (Freestyle): https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/show-you-how-to-hustle

“Plenty”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-plenty

The Ill Street Blues: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/sets/the-ill-street-blues

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/wara/

Video: Souls of Mischief Drop First Video From Upcoming Album There Is Only Now, Featuring Snoop Dogg, Ali Shaheed Muhammed

“There Is Only Now” Music Video, Premiered by Billboard, Reveals Significant Plot Twist in the Concept Album’s Storyline                                        07.01.2014

The Video:

Today, Souls of Mischief release the music video for title track single, “There Is Only Now,” premiered by Billboard. This is the first video from the Oakland collective’s upcoming album, There Is Only Now, due to drop on August 26, 2014. The album was produced entirely by multi-instrumentalist and renowned producer Adrian Younge and will serve as the inaugural release for his newly launched label, Linear Labs. The song is available for purchase both through iTunes and as a 7″ single with the accompanying b-side, “All You Got Is Your Word.” Also currently available for pre-sale are various bundles featuring seven different formats of the album: CD, double vinyl, cassette tape, instrumental-only LP, instrumental-only cassette tape, Ali Shaheed Muhammad remix of “There Is Only Now”  in 10″ vinyl and cassette, and more at the newely launched Linear Labs website. 

Created similarly to a blaxploitation film, the entire album is based on a strong storyline full of crime, jealousy, romance, and revenge.  Set in 1994, “There Is Only Now” features three main characters: lovebirds Stoney (Scarub of Living Legends) and Miriam, and villain Womack (Busta Rhymes.) The story is told through the eyes of Souls of Mischief with the help of Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, playing the role of a local radio station DJ and Snoop Dogg, who, on this particular track, reveals a significant plot twist halfway through the album: a precarious love triangle is unfolding between Stoney, Miriam, and Womack. Meanwhile, the video reveals that Stoney and Miriam have a life-changing commitment in their future.

There Is Only Now acts as a bookend for over twenty years of influential music that the Souls of Mischief crew have created since their hit classic, “93 ’till Infinity.” Produced entirely by Adrian Younge, the album is replete with the lyrical dexterity Souls is known for and expert live instrumentation offered by Younge’s band, Venice Dawn. In addition to Snoop, Busta Rhymes, and Scarub, the album also features William Hart of The Delfonics. There Is Only Now serves as proof  that even after two decades, Souls of Mischief remain committed to expanding their legacy as hip-hop pioneers. There Is Only Now will be released August 26, 2014, just in time for the third annual “Hiero Day” free block party that will take place in Oakland on Monday, September 1st.

Check out the Billboard premiere: http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6143190/souls-of-mischief-snoop-dogg-there-is-only-now-exclusive-video

Watch “There Is Only Now” feat. Snoop Dogg & Ali Shaheed Muhammed: http://youtu.be/4jLqfrBrDTw

iTunes pre-order link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id890335149

“There Is Only Now” (ft. Snoop Dogg) b/w “All You Got Is Your Word” 7″: http://www.linearlabsmusic.com/album.php?id=17270

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 succesful 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.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube

Watch “There Is Only Now” feat. Snoop Dogg & Ali Shaheed Muhammed: http://youtu.be/4jLqfrBrDTw

Bio, pictures & streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/souls-of-mischief

Linear Labs store featuring all seven formats of the album: http://linearlabsmusic.com/store.php

MP3: Pep Love – “Evergreen”

Hieroglyphics Rapper Shares Self-Produced Single From Forthcoming EP, Premiere via HipHopDX

07.01.2014

The Song:

Pep Love, a member of the legendary Hieroglyphics crew, best known for his critically acclaimed 2001 album Acension, fronts a one-man-band on his latest single, “Evergreen,” premiering today via HipHopDX. With eloquent rhyming prose, Pep shows why he remains a staple of the Oakland collective. Heavy guitar stabs and precise rock drumming play the background, while the lyrically-proficient MC finds his pocket and shows why he’s built to last as one of the tallest pines in the hip-hop forest.

The first single from Pep’s forthcoming Dolla Daily EP, which releases August 19th, is full of quoatables. “I’m trying to get my money up in a dump truck/ my lyricism like I hit em’ with a nun-chuck,” he raps, “pimp slap the track/ with a pack of zigzags and a big bag of that/ kick back relax.” The Hieroglyphics Imperium / General Organic Sound release focuses itself on the daily grind of acquisition and the pursuit of happiness through physical pleasure topped with an allegory of spiritual enlightenment with Pep as both MC and producer.

Listen to “Evergreen”: https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/pep-love-evergreen/

Check out the HipHopDX premiere: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/singles/id.27834/title.pep-love-evergreen-

Dolla Daily EP iTunes pre-order: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dolla-daily/id890832900

Dolla Daily EP physical packages pre-order:  www.peplovemusic.com 

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Pep Love.

Hiero Imperium Records:

Founded in 1997 in Oakland, California, Hiero Imperium Records was founded by artists Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and the group Souls of Mischief, consisting of members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai. After releasing albums on several major labels, the collective established their own independent Hieroglyphics Imperium label, website, and merch company in 1997, and are credited as creating the blueprint for independent rap labels. Few other rap collectives have withstood the test of time and are still considered as vibrant, respected, and talented as when they first stepped on the scene 20+ years ago. They are also credited as being one of the first hip hop groups to work with skate, snow, and surf companies . Created by Del the Funky Homosapien, their “third eye logo” is considered the third most recognized music logo according to Rolling Stone Magazine, and has been seen tattooed on dozens of fans all over the world.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud | bandcamp

“Evergreen”: https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/pep-love-evergreen/

“Lighters”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxRHCkaSK1s

“Los Lobos”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UN7cG31LBo

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

MP3: Marc E. Bassy – “Over The Water” ft. NhT Chippass

Bay Area-based Artist Releases New Single “Over The Water” From Forthcoming EP, Only The Poets, via Complex

 07.01.2014

Critical Praise for Marc E. Bassy:

“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:

San Francisco-based RnB singer/songwriter and rapper Marc E. Bassy is releasing his second single from his forthcoming EP, Only The Poets, with the track  “Over The Water” premiering today at Complex. Opening with a welcoming steel drum motif, quickly followed by ebbing and flowing bassline and shimmying hi-hats, the track provokes images of Caribbean waves lapping at your feet, just in time for summer.

Although the tropical production, supplied by Count Bassy, Casper, and B, evokes a calming effect, the lyrics tell a different story. As a member of the successful LA-based elecro-pop group 2AM Club, Marc expresses his experiences of the superficiality and “permanent high school-ness” of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry first hand with lyrics such as “f*** these weak ass b****** / all they do is nothing / then they want your business, mane” and “where you think you goin? / on the way up / they birds and you know it now.” Explain Marc, “Everyone is running around doing selfish shit to get popular and it can be intoxicating, where you begin to believe that this superficiality is what matters. ‘Over The Water’ is about that and how it plays out in relationships; trying to get over all the obstacles that the LA scene place in the way of true shit.” Playing devil’s advocate is up-and-coming Bay Area rapper Chippass, who lends a verse extolling the virtues of being the “hot” thing of the moment.

For those who haven’t picked up on one of Marc’s biggest solo songs, we’d like to (re)introduce his song “Lock It Up” featuring  up-and-coming RnB songstress Kehlani. Clocking in over 220K listens on Soundcloud with no promotion, the sweet love song contains a clever flip of Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady” to tell the tale of Marc and Kehlani letting their guard down, and giving themselves to one another, both physically and emotionally. With lyrics from both Marc, “girl you left the marks up on my spine / I think its time / I’m your territory,” and Kehlani, “don’t hide your intentions / don’t be scared to mention / that you want to hear me scream your name,” the track paints a vivid picture of giving yourself to someone. Explains Marc,”It’s about letting them lock you up, sharing a blunt together, and taking the plunge into chemically imbalanced, reality-induced, committed-relationshipness.”

Marc’s debut solo EP, Only The Poets, will be released on July 29th and features production by Count Bassy, The NICNACBEATS and Billion Coast.

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2014/07/listen-to-marc-e-bassys-over-the-water-f-nht-chippas

Listen to “Over The Water” ft. (NHT Chippas) here: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/over-the-water-ft-nht-chippas/s-Ch2d9

Listen to “Lock It Up” (ft. Kehlani) here: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/lock-it-up-ft-kehlani-produced-by-jahaan-sweet

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Tracklist for Marc E. Bassy – Only The Poets

1- Poets (Prod. by Count Bassy)
2- Catch Myself (Prod. by Casper and B)
3- Cigarettes (Prod. by Casper and B)
4- Over The Water ft. NHT Chippas (Prod. by Count Bassy, Casper and B)
5- Girls Get Down (Prod. by Casper and B, Count Bassy)
6- Chemical High (Remix)
7- Playa Playa (Prod. by Count Bassy)
8- Stick to Your Guns (Prod. by Count Bassy, Billion Coast, Casper and B)
9- American Dreamlife (Prod. by Count Bassy)

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, 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, will be released later this summer marking the beginning of a superstar on the rise in the next phase in his career.

Links:

facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud

“Over The Water” (ft. NHT Chippas): https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/over-the-water-ft-nht-chippas/s-Ch2d9

“Lock It Up” (feat. Kehlani): https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/lock-it-up-ft-kehlani-produced-by-jahaan-sweet

“Cigarettes”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/cigarettes/s-kbanR

“Chemical High” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYUEExku3w4

“Chemical High”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/chemical-high

“When I Feel Like Shit, We Feel Like Shit”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/when-i-feel-like-the-shit-we-feel-like-the-shit

“Relapse”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/relapse

“Never Be The Same” (Ty Dolla $ign Cover): https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/never-be-the-same-ty-cover

“Locked Away”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/locked-away

“Thank God For Your Heart”: https://soundcloud.com/marc_e_bassy/thank-god-for-your-heart

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

Video: RETRO – “Resist”

Atlanta-by-way-of-Detroit Rapper is Blessed with Hennessey in First Visual From Forthcoming The Six Mixtape via The Smoking Section

06.30.2014

Critical Praise for RETRO:

“…Retro slips in clever asides too, like a sly reference to Rick Ross getting dropped from Reebok after his molly-all-in-her-champagne debacle.” – The FADER

“The edgy track combines some off the wall production with an unorthodox flow in carving out a total experience for new listeners seeking alternative hip hop freshness.” – Earmilk

“[We] can assure you that Retro and the rest of the Rocket Team are gonna be the new faces of Hip-Hop.” – Fly Little Things 

The Video:

Trickling blood, weeping angels, decaying brick walls in downtown Atlanta; all of these scenes paint the picture for Atlanta-based, Detroit-born rapper RETRO‘s latest visual, “Resist.” Premiered by The Smoking Section and directed by Nick May, the sinister video shows the 22-year-old rapper flaunting with gold chains and a Local Trap Star sweatshirt. “RETRO is coming out the gates strong,” says The Smoking Section, adding that the video is  “quite the theatrical ordeal.” It follows the release of the audio single, which debuted with EARMILK, and is from the rapper’s forthcoming mixtape, The Six, set to be released later this summer.

As the youngest of six children, RETRO learned from an early age that he had to stomp his foot in the ground to be noticed. With an introductory image of religious paintings, statutes, and blood being washed away, the visual poses as a symbol of awareness. RETRO raps “I used to turn on a CD/ now I go open my bible,” proceeding to say “I see the fame, I see a change.”  Retro puts a unique spin on a track that is expresses a combination of serious, pensive, and reflective tones while intertwining hints of sarcasm and humor.

Earlier this year, RETRO performed on a multi-city tour with Rich Homie Quan and Riff Raff. Expressing his love and gratitude for the opportunity, he confidently says “I’ve learned that performing is my favorite part about the music. I’ve seen crowds of thousands and thousands of people, but I don’t get nervous. I was born for this.”

Watch “Resist” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ztQYNhL41g

Check out The Smoking Section premiere: http://smkngsc.tn/1r65KHy

Listen to “Resist”: https://soundcloud.com/retrothakid/01-resist/ [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/153809342″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true&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 RETRO.

The Background:

After moving to Atlanta from Detroit with his family at age 12, RETRO found a whole new host of melodies to fall in love with, from the work of Jermaine Dupri to the then-recently released OutKast LP, SpeakerBoxx/The Love Below. He found inspiration in a whole new sound. “I love Atlanta hip-hop to a certain extent,” he says, pausing. “I’d be lying if I said Atlanta didn’t help me become who I am.” The ability to flip between a Midwestern flair and the flashiness of Atlanta’s rap scene makes RETRO’s lane unparalleled, but beyond the music he has countless other goals that he and his Rocket Team, a crew of 15-plus, plan on executing. His forthcoming mixtape, The Six, is due later this summer.

Links:

official site | twitter |  facebook | instagram | soundcloud | youtube

“Resist” (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ztQYNhL41g

“Resist”: https://soundcloud.com/retrothakid/01-resist/

Average College Kid: Reload: https://soundcloud.com/retrothakid/sets/average-college-kid-reload

“Wonderland”: http://youtu.be/OBHSeDHXaDg

“Handicap”: http://youtu.be/YpWtP82N7Dw

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

Single: Meek Mill – “I Don’t Know” (A-Plus Burning Man Remix)

Souls of Mischief Rapper/Producer Continues Free Download Remix Series With Premiere via Noisey

                                                             06.27.2014

The Song:

In the second installment of A-Plus’ Burning Man Remix series, presented by Arnette Eyewear, the Souls of Mischief rapper/producer puts a refreshing electronic spin on Meek Mill’s hit, “I Don’t Know.” “Remixes are a tough business,” says Noisey Music, who premiered the single, adding that “A-Plus manages to chop up the song into a new context that swerves the lanes of EDM and hip-hop.” The “I Don’t Know” (Burning Man Remix) follows last month’s A-Plus’ remix of Que’s “OG Bobby Johnson.” “A-Plus is a master of texture,” Noisey says, “the sense of perpetual forward motion Plus imbued his best tracks with is still present here.”

Earlier this month, it was announced via SPIN that the Souls of Mischief had teamed up with multi-instrumentalist producer Adrian Younge for a collaborative concept album, There Is Only Now, which releases August 26. The project’s first single, the title track, debuted via Complex and features fellow legendary California rapper Snoop Dogg, who’s rhyming with the Souls for the first time ever, each entity with a respective 20+ years in hip-hop.

2014 has been a busy year for A-Plus, as in Spring he released a free instrumental album, Think Tank, in addition to his experimental dub-step/electronic album Molly’s Dirty Water. Get On Down also released a deluxe 20th anniversary edition of Souls of Mischief’s classic 93 ‘Til Infinity.

Stream and download “I Don’t Know” (Burning Man Remix): https://soundcloud.com/hieroaplus/meek-mill-i-dont-know-a-plus-burning-man-remix-presented-by-arnette-eyewear/

Check out the Noisey premiere: http://noisey.vice.com/blog/listen-to-a-pluss-remix-of-meek-mills-i-dont-know

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

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 succesful 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-90s. The group’s creative output and legacy as a whole continues to thrive, and they show no sign of stopping.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube

“I Don’t Know” (Burning Man Remix): https://soundcloud.com/hieroaplus/meek-mill-i-dont-know-a-plus-burning-man-remix-presented-by-arnette-eyewear/
Legrowize It! Vol. II: https://soundcloud.com/hieroaplus/sets/legrowlize-it-vol-ii

Think Tank: https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/sets/a-plus-think-tank

Molly’s Dirty Water: https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/sets/a-plus-aagee-mollys-dirt-water

“Blue Tear Drops”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l_Qg-hQFgk

“Won One”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EEqnTR0IMw

“Proper Aim”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W064ZFxJtR4

“’93 Till Infinity”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mt3vZHDiM8

Bio, pictures & streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/a-plus/

Podcast: Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 159

New Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 159 Features Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, Noelz Vedere, RETRO, and Vokab Kompany

06.27.2014

The Podcast:

In this week’s episode of the Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast you get a chance to hear the latest hits from our artists. Kicking off the podcast we have Noelz Vedere’s new track “Censored Love” the fourth single off of his new album Bittersweet Victory. Noelz shares his thoughts in the song on what true love should be, along fellow Chicago songstress and former American Idol contestant Kiara Lanier. Following Noelz we have XXL 2014 Freshman and Funk Volume all-star Jarren Benton’s single “Pain In My Eyes.” The track made its premiere on the XXL Freshman mixtape alongside the single “Gimmie The Loot” for which he released a video in March. Jarren is also currently on a 70-date tour with Tech N9ne and Freddie Gibbs. Next up, we have Funk Volume labelmate Dizzy Wright and his trap-flavored single “Spark Up The Flame.” Perfect for any house party “Spark Up The Flame” follows Dizzy’s new brILLiant youth EP, which is a collaborative project between Dizzy, Bishop Nehru, and 9th Wonder. Dizzy is also currently on his State of Mind Tour and is performing dates all over the West Coast and Southeast this summer. After Dizzy we have Audible Treats’ new signee RETRO with “Resist,” the first single off of his forthcoming mixtape “The Six.” Ending the podcast we have Ineffable Music Group artist Vokab Kompany teaming up with producer Knight Ryderz and MC Siya to release their EDM jam, “Show Up.” The track is the second time Vokab Kompany has teamed up with Knight Ryderz and features them both at their best. Stay tuned for more.

Listen to the podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-159/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2

Stream the podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-159

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 159 – Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, Noelz Vedere, RETRO, and Vokab Kompany:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-159/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-podcast-159

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 158 – Hopsin, Jarren Benton, Blanco, ProbCause and J Stalin:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-158/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 157 – Dizzy Wright, Well$, Zion I, Noelz Vedere, and The Outfit, TX:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-157/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 156 – Well$, ProbCause, Noelz Vedere, J Stalin, and Blanco:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-156/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2

Audible Treats Hip-Hop Podcast 155 – Dizzy Wright, The Outfit, TX, League of Extraordinary Gz, Tynethys, and Nooch:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hip-hop-podcast-155/id111088410?i=161316854&mt=2
https://soundcloud.com/audibletreats/audible-treats-hip-hop-6

Tour: The Entire Hieroglyphics Crew Playing Select Dates & Reveal New Animated Music Video

Legendary Eight-Artist Collective Comes Together in a Rare Group Appearance To Do Four Spot Dates This Summer + New Video Premiere Via AV Club

07.02.2014

The Tour:

In a rare announcement for hip-hop heads everywhere, all eight members of The Hieroglyphics Imperium crew will be heading out to perform at special venues on the East Coast this coming August, along with longtime Hiero affiliate DJ Toure. With four select dates on the East Coast, including stops in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Stephentown, New York, this tour proves to be a unique, rare opportunity for fans to see the entire original crew performing together. As part of an already eventful year, the upcoming Hiero tour will be another major highlight for the collective.

2014 has been quite the year for the Hieroglyphics members, who have released several new projects including Souls of Mischief member A-Plus’ Molly’s Dirty Water, Phesto‘s Infared Rum, and Casual‘s new group project The School System. Upcoming releases from Pep Love along with Adrian Younge and Souls of Mischief have kept the collective busy and working hard. In addition to this upcoming tour, the Hieroglyphics will begin work on the new crew album. After the tour ends, fans in Hiero’s hometown of Oakland will be met with the group’s return home, just in time for their free annual block party, Hiero Day, which was recognized an an official day by the mayor of Oakland at last year’s event.

The Video:

Juggling equal parts serious and lighthearted on the mic, the Hieroglyphics crew is notorious for being one animated cast of characters. That idea is taken especially literally in this Steven Cartoccio animated video for “Golden,” off the groups 2013 album The Kitchen, premiering at the AV Club.  The fun, pop culture-dripping animated video has Del, Tajai, and the rest of the collective appear as shape-shifting illustrations, morphing into everything from Walter White to Stimpy to Scorpion, in this lyrical fatality. Cartoon heads and crate-diggers alike have much to love about the latest thing Hiero’s touched that’s turned to gold.

The Hieroglyphics crew, known as pioneers of independent hip-hop, is made up of members Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and Souls of Mischief, who include  A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, Tajaj. Not only are they considered to be one of the first hip-hop artist collectives to start their own record label, but they introduced a different side of hip hop that was virtually unknown on a mainstream level. When Elektra Records signed Del the Funky Homosapien and JIVE signed Souls of Mischief in the early ’90s, the Hiero crew soon became internationally known as the leaders of a new movement in rap that represented peace and unity, despite having come from a city rife with violent crime. Considered to be some of the most highly skilled lyricists in rap from their inception to today, the Hiero crew continued to break hip-hop norms with personal, emotional rhymes rather than solely gangster-rap. Souls Of Mischief’s “93 ‘Till Infinity” remains one of the most respected and well-known hip-hop classics, referred to in pop culture time and time again. The third eye logo, designed by Del, was ranked as the 3rd most recognizeable music logo by Rolling Stone Magazine, and it is not uncommon for fans to show Hiero members their third eye logo tattoos.

Watch the AV Club video premiere for “Golden”: http://www.avclub.com/article/heres-new-video-hip-hop-collective-hieroglyphics-206456

Purchase “Golden”: http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Explicit-Hieroglyphics/dp/B00DVDZGLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403898129&sr=8-1&keywords=the+kitchen+hieroglyphics

Tickets for the Hiero East Coast select dates: http://www.hieroglyphics.com/

Hiero East Coast Dates:

8/20 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
8/21 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
8/22 – Theatre of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
8/23 – Bella Terra Festival – Stephentown, NY

Watch the animated music video for “Golden” here: http://youtu.be/42JpeBuRrEM

The Background:

Founded in 1997 in Oakland, CA, Hiero Imperium Records is Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and the Souls of Mischief, made up of A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai. Coming off waves of success from earlier releases like Souls’ ’93 Til Infinity, the Hiero crew had already established themselves as a name in mainstream and underground hip-hop, and soon released their first collective project Third Eye Vision. Since then the Hiero team has been thriving in the hip-hop world, releasing a number of projects within the label as well as branching out for collaborations with the likes of The Gorillaz, Jurassic 5, George Clinton, Dilated Peoples, Q-Tip, Xzibit and more.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud | bandcamp

“Golden” (Video): http://youtu.be/42JpeBuRrEM

Bio, pictures & streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/hieroglyphics/

MP3: Main Attrakionz x Tynethys – “Alphabet City”

Cloud Rap Pioneers Team Up for Spaced Out Single, Premiering via Entertainment Weekly

06.26. 2014

 Critical Praise for Tynethys:

“…a new wave of pillowy-soft West Coast tunes.” – Pitchfork

“…proves that math is for losers and rap is awesome.” – Noisey

“…an airy, narcotic project that floats along and passes in a blur.” –The FADER 

“Tynethys, aka Nicky Samuel, carries on the mantle of where that ‘cloud rap’ hype is headed, mixing analogue tricks seen and heard on old televisions and VCRs that brings out the ghosts from yesterday’s machines for the new synth terrains of today’s sonic atmospheres and introspective verses” – Impose Mag

“There’s the frazzled electro of ‘Stress’, a Prince impression on ‘Trackstar’s and a few forays into gauzy, grayscale R&B — something for all moods and all highs.” – FACT Mag

“…it seems only a matter of time before Tynethys blows up.” – ACCLAIM Mag 

The Song:

Following the release of their collaborative self-titled mixtape, Main Attrakionz x Tynethys, Tynethys has teamed up with Main Attrakionz for a loose single, “Alphabet City,” premiering via Entertainment Weekly. The rapper first met the Oakland, California duo while they were on tour, “I really fucked with these dudes. They came to Sacramento, and I showed up at their hotel room,” Tynethys states.

The new track showcases the cloud-rap pioneers at their best, spitting over fluctuating saw-synth and 808 drums. Main Attrakionz’ Mondre M.A.N. opens the track harmonizing over the Gucci Mane sampled refrain “I’m the shit” while rhyming confidently over the first couple bars: “slices of mozzarella as I’m earning this cheese/ highest ni**as with chedda burning through as we please.”

This matched with fellow M.A. rapper Squadda B, and Tynethys’ laid back flow and spaced-out rhymes add to the overall flavor of the track. “I don’t pay for shit, I wonder why/ Mack game on a bitch, only the strong survive,” raps Tynethys, the “Sacramento weirdo” as labeled by FACT Mag, before admitting he’s lifted “off three blunts” and “on dab four.”

Earlier this year, Okayplayer debuted Tynethys’ Thyluxe album, which at the time was featured as one ofFACT Mag’s Mixtapes of the Week. The project was produced by Tynethys in full with the exception of the Friendzone-produced single “TFZ,” which premiered with SPIN.

Listen to “Alphabet City”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/alphabet-city

Check out the Entertainment Weekly premiere: http://music-mix.ew.com/2014/06/25/cloud-rap-pioneers-main-attrakionz-return-with-alphabet-city-exclusive/

Listen to Thyluxe: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/sets/thyluxe/

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

Tynethys Background:

To hear him tell it, Sacramento’s Tynethys’ (pronounced “Teen-theez”) musical style is like “selling crack in a Sub-Zero outfit.” For the MC/producer, Mortal Kombat is just one of his inspirations, along with rap heroes Mac Dre, Kid Cudi, and T-Nutty. Producing and writing his songs in the hours between midnight and sunrise, Tynethys is a jovial, pensive creator with a stoner’s laugh and street vernacular. Tyne’s style is a fuzzy free-form that speaks not only to his worldview from his bedroom, but many like him. With Thyluxe, a follow-up to last year’s Lost Angeles album, Tynethys believes he’s hitting his best stride. “I feel like it is the truest representation of me. I did it without trying too hard.” Besides his own work, Tynethys appeals to many collaborators. On October 22, he released a project with Oakland duo Main Attrakionz. “I really fucked with these dudes. They came to Sacramento, and I showed up at their hotel room,” recalls Tyne, who arrived with a portable studio. Having opened for Kendrick Lamar, Raekwon and Evidence, it’s only a matter of time until Tynethys transports his sound around the globe.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | soundcloud | instagram

“Alphabet City” ft. Main Attrakionz: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/alphabet-city

Thyluxe: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/sets/thyluxe/

“TFZ”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/tfz-prod-by-friendzone

“Hiyah”:https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/hiyah/

“Made For Me”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/made-for-me/

“Humpday”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/humpday/

“Loading”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuavRetoV74

“Strawberry Letter 316”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tSR0W2e7wA

Main Attrakionz x Tynethys Mixtape: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/sets/main-attrakionz-x-tynethys

“USB”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/usb

“International”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/international

“On1”: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/main-attrakionz-x-tynethys-x

“Kinfolk”: http://youtu.be/9JCmwKC4sf8

Lost Angeles: https://soundcloud.com/tynethys/sets/lost-angeles

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

MP3: Maryland-Bred, Italian-Born Cameroonian Rapper Drops First Single From Debut EP

MerCure Dior Releases First Single, “Ok, Straight” of  MerCure Dior (The EP) Due to Drop in August

06.26.2014 

Critical Praise for MerCure Dior:

“Listening to ‘Purple Night Wishes’ by MerCure Dior is one of those majestic moments where you KNOW you’re listening to someone with skill well beyond their current reach.” – VRSMAG

The Song/EP:

Today, Maryland-based rapper MerCure Dior releases the first single off his forthcoming debut EP, MerCure Dior (The EP), due to drop on August 5th. The EP showcases Dior’s uniquely international perspective and a driven purpose.

Dior immigrated to Maryland from Italy when he was only four years old and soon after, his musical abilities quickly became evident. As a child, he played multiple instruments, wrote raps, and was producing his own beats by the age of nine. Dior’s rich musical heritage included two uncles credited with inspiring songs for James Brown and Michael Jackson as well as influencing the Bendskin (Cameroon’s unique blend of pop & hip-hop) element in Dior’s music. Dior’s international background allowed him to bridge cultural gaps and connect with audiences overseas, while his passion for rap music helped him find his niche in his hometown of Greenbelt, Maryland.

The forthcoming EP charts Dior’s growth, and fully introduces the multi-cultural visionary. At just three songs, the complex self-introductory EP gives listeners a window into Dior’s multifaceted talent. With a self-made pathway, youthful exuberance, and divine message, MerCure Dior is stepping into hip-hop’s future.

The new single, “Ok, Straight,” has a heavy yet subtle bassline layered with an eerily echoing guitar riff, well-crafted lyrics, and smooth vocal effects. The song dismisses notions of doubt, and serves as an inspiring and catchy cut about staying calm and focused through life’s adversities. Dior says his sound is “all about melody and bass” and is likely to please fans of Drake, Lorde, and Kendrick Lamar.

“My music is spiritual,” says Dior, determined it remains that way without being categorized as part of a sub-genre or specific religion. Dior’s desire to deliver music that would bring people closer to their faith led him to create The Disciple Life Ones, or T.D.L.O. for short, an acronym for his growing base. This spirituality is apparent in much of his music, including one of the memorable lines from “Ok, Straight.”

“You don’t really gotta understand/ When it’s all done I know I’m in God’s hands/No I’m not a saint I ain’t sayin’ that I’m perfect/ Even if its hard, in the end it will be worth it”

Notable past projects include Dior’s 2012 Insomnia mixtape as well as music videos for “Gush” (feat. A$AP Ant) and “V7NILL7,” both of which have over 50,000 views.

Listen to “Ok, Straight”: https://soundcloud.com/mercure-dior/ok-straight

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/156013187″ 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 MerCure Dior.

MerCure Dior Background:

MerCure Dior was born of Cameroonian roots in Torino, Italy. At the age of four, his family relocated to the United States. His love for music allowed an easy transition into American culture, quickly teaching himself to play both guitar and piano as a child. However, he wasn’t fully satisified with the sound he was producing. At only nine years old he downloaded music producing software and began creating his own beats to rap over. Dior’s music was heavily influenced by his international heritage. Two of his uncles were credited with inspiring songs for James Brown and Michael Jackson and later helped to provide the Bendskin (Cameroon’s unique blend of pop and hip-hop) element in Dior’s music. Dior was further inspired by artists such as Tupac, Michael Jackson, and Kanye West, he continued to pursue his passion in music and dropped several mixtapes throughout middle school and high school. This assisted him in creating a solid fanbase known as The Disciple Life Ones, supporting the importance of spirituality that is present in Dior’s life and music. MerCure Dior’s self-titled EP will be released on August 5th, 2014.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook| instagram 

“OK, Straight”:  “OK, Straight”:  https://soundcloud.com/mercure-dior/ok-straight/s-B9a8g

“Purple Night Wishes”: https://soundcloud.com/mercure-dior/purple-night-wishes-feat-bethel-michael

“Gush” feat. A$AP Ant (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMDtq45CgtY

“V7NILL7″(video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGphrAVi1Fo

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/mercure-dior/

MP3: Sir Michael  Rocks – “Bussin” (ft. Casey Veggies & Iamsu!)

Noisey Premieres New Slapper From Cool Kids Rapper Sir Michael Rocks’ Debut Solo Album, Banco, Set To Be Released July 29

06.26.2014

Critical Praise for Sir Michael Rocks:

“At only 23, Sir Michael already has years of music industry experience under his belt.” – Complex

“Needless to say, dude’s a visionary.” – XXL

“Sir Michael Rocks is a pretty damn adventurous dude.” – Noisey

“Rock is a solo artist looking to make good on a promise of stardom.” – The Fader

“He’s Mikey, he, he, he rocks. Yes he does.” – Pigeons and Planes

The Song:

Sir Michael Rocks Background:

Sir Michael Rocks has always been a little ahead of his time, a little more original than his peers, a little bit more creative. As a teenager, he started making music under the name Mikey Rocks as one half of groundbreaking duo The Cool Kids. Formed over the Internet and powered by a strong grassroots fanbase online, the group helped redefine the image of rap for the Internet era with an effortlessly cool throwback style and an iconic, laid-back fashion sense. Rechristening himself as Sir Michael Rocks in 2011, the restlessly creative artist, now based in Miami after time spent in Chicago and LA, has been pushing the boundaries of rap originality even further in recent years with a string of popular, critically acclaimed mixtapes. As he explores an increasingly far-ranging set of ideas and prepares his solo debut album, Banco, the lifelong impulse to explore and innovate remains at the forefront of what Rocks is trying to accomplish.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram | youtube | soundcloud

Pre-order Banco: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/banco/id890674144

“Bussin”: https://soundcloud.com/sirmichaelrocks/smr-bussin-16bit-cd-bounce-1/

“Playstation 1.5”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C6wHdr-ao8

“Memo” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fXR76qjlSY

“Memo”: https://soundcloud.com/sirmichaelrocks/memo

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/sir-michael-rocks/

MP3: Sudie – “Spill”

Dallas Observer Covergirl, Indie-Pop Singer Sudie Releases Second Single Off Self-Titled EP, Releasing August 26th  

 06.30.2014

Critical Praise for Sudie:

“If the work under her belt is any indicator, a staggering talent like Sudie’s could very well be mentioned one day in the same breath as some of North Texas’ most notable women in music.” – Dallas Observer News

The Song:

Following the release of her first single, “Heartattack,” and a recent cover story in the Dallas Observer, Okayplayer premieres 22-year old indie-pop singer Sudie‘s “Spill,” the second track from her forthcoming self-titled EP. Borrowing influences from the likes of Björk and Billie Holiday, the Dallas-based singer/songwriter/producer is forging a new lane within the pop world. On “Spill,” Sudie plays a ringing vibraphone full of reverb before prominently displaying her singing capabilities, which contribute to the song’s dream-pop aesthetic. With lyrics like, “So take a look all around you / go on and open up your eyes / wander through that open place and redirect your guide,” Sudie paints a hazy, experimental picture full of infectious hooks and melodies. When speaking about her lyrical content and music, Sudie explains, “Music is my way of spilling my guts to the world. All of those things that either make the wheel rot or shiny are always turning in my head. If you want to know my darkest secrets, just listen to my music.”

Sudie recently attended Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, along with 20 other hand-picked musicians from the southern United States as a member of Red Bull Music Academy’s Bass Camp. Looking back on the experience Sudie states, “I have never experienced such an incredibly amazing and inspiring creative environment before. It truly generated this new supportive and loving family among all of the people involved.”

Sudie will be released on August 26th via Black Milk’s Computer Ugly record label.

Listen to “Spill” here: https://soundcloud.com/sudiemusic/spill

Check out the Okayplayer premiere: http://www.okayplayer.com/news/sudie-spill-mp3.html

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Sudie Tracklisting:

1.) “Heartattack”
2.) “Van Morrissey”
3.) “Spill”
4.) “Vicious Kind”
5.) “Bonus”

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

Sudie Background:

Merging classical training with a unique DIY recording process, Sudie is an artist who’s truly forging her own territory. The 22-year-old singer, songwriter and musician, describes her sound as “something jazzy meets kind of crazy… if Bjork had arranged something for Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday to sing over.” It’s a sound she’s crafted all by herself, utilizing a pair of keyboards, a cheap microphone and a MacBook inside the confines of her tiny bathroom in Dallas, Texas, that’s taken her to Dubai and back. The result of that unusual process is a distinctive but accessible musical style, which fuses confessional, personal lyrics with influences from across the musical spectrum. Sudie will release her debut self-titled EP on August 26th via Black Milk’s Computer Ugly record label.

Links:

facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud

“Spill”: https://soundcloud.com/sudiemusic/spill

“Heartattack”: https://soundcloud.com/sudiemusic/heartattack

Dallas Observer Cover Story: http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2014/06/sudie_dream_believer_cover_story.php

MP3: Souls of Mischief & Adrian Younge – “There Is Only Now” (ft. Snoop Dogg)

For First Time Ever, Souls of Mischief Teams Up With Snoop Dogg for Lead Single From There Is Only Now, Available Now via iTunes and 7″ Single

06.24.2014

The Song:

Earlier this month, SPIN announced that prolific Oakland hip-hop group Souls of Mischief joined forces with multi-instrumentalist producer Adrian Younge for a collaborative concept album, There Is Only Now, which will be releasing via Adrian’s newly launched label, Linear Labs, on August 26. Premiering via Complex, the first single and title song, “There Is Only Now” features Snoop Dogg trading verses with the Hieroglyphics quartet for the very first time. The song is now available for sale both digitally and as a 7″ single with the accompanying b-side, “All You Got Is Your Word.”

Taking inspiration from a real-life nearly fatal incident involving the group at the peak of their seminal hit “93 ‘Til Infinity,” in 1994, the concept album of There Is Only Now begins with Souls members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, and Tajai fearing for their lives as a masked gunman takes aim. What unravels throughout the 19-track masterpiece is a dramatic tale full of love, loss, and revenge, as fictional characters collide with a non-fictional event that nearly destroyed the group near the start of their career. On this title song (track #8,) listeners are introduced to a love interest between two characters, Stoney and his girlfriend Miriam. “Can’t nobody tell them nothin’, their love is unstoppable,” claims A-Plus, rapping bar-for-bar with Opio, who quickly adds “overcome any obstacle, together they will always grow.” Enter Snoop Dogg, who shares his perspective on young love, while also hinting at the development of a precarious love triangle, rapping “the homie Stoney in love with his girl, and so is his big homie/ now what a pity, a foot note to the cut throat/ it’s rare, see I was told all in love is unfair.”

Recorded solely on 2” analogue tape using only live instrumentation, Adrian Younge and his band Venice Dawn offer break-beat drums, flurrying keys, and warm bass as the back drop for the Cali-bred MC’s. In addition to Snoop, the album includes features from Busta Rhymes, William Hart of the Delfonics, and Scarub of the Living Legends crew and narration by Ali Shaheed Muhammad who takes on the character of a radio DJ for the fictional radio station K-NOW, as he narrates parts of the story. “There Is Only Now” is currently available on 7″ single, with the accompanying b-side “All You Got Is Your Word.” With all iTunes pre-orders, purchasers will receive a free download of digital versions of “There Is Only Now” and “All You Got Is Your Word.”

Listen to “There is Only Now”: https://soundcloud.com/linearlabs/soulsofmischiefsnoop/

Check out the Complex premiere: http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/listen-to-souls-of-mischief-and-adrian-younges-there-is-only-now-f-snoop-dogg

iTunes pre-order link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id890335149

“There Is Only Now” (ft. Snoop Dogg) b/w “All You Got Is Your Word” 7″: http://www.linearlabsmusic.com/album.php?id=17270

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 succesful 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.

Adrian Younge Background:

Adrian Younge is the next generation of soul music. A self-taught musician and recording engineer who has dedicated his life to the study of classic soul music, Younge finds himself at the center of a new soul renaissance with a vision for pushing the boundaries of the music itself. Younge has recently completed Souls of Mischief’s There Is Only Now, and is currently working on follow ups to Ghostface Killah’s Twelve Reasons To Die and Venice Dawn’s Something About April. A new project with A Tribe Called Quest alumni Ali Shaheed Muhammed, The Midnight Hour: One Night in Harlem, 1971 sees the duo creating music that ATCQ would have sampled had these records existed decades ago. New collaborations with Bilal, Raphael Saadiq, Common, No ID, and DJ Premier are also in the works for future release. With Lyor Cohen coming on in a management position and having recently inked a deal with Sony/ATV Publishing, Younge is poised for the big leagues. Both parties have been instrumental in forging relationships with today’s top artists with the sole goal of making good music, confident his sound is the next big thing.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube

“There is Only Now”: https://soundcloud.com/linearlabs/soulsofmischiefsnoop/

“Won One”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EEqnTR0IMw

“Proper Aim”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W064ZFxJtR4

Bio, pictures & streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/souls-of-mischief

News: Dead Kennedys Singer Joins Brookyln Fuzz-Rockers Lightouts; Band To Play KEXP Live Session 6/20

Gowanus-Based Band Announce New Vocalist From Legendary Punk Band; Public Debut Today On Seattle’s Iconic Station

06.20.2014

Critical Praise for Lightouts:

Named one of SPIN’s 2012 CMJ “Next Big Things” & 2013 SXSW “Hottest Acts”

“Lightouts …are enthusiastic singles makers, which suits the snappy, punk-fortified jangle-pop that they specialize in.” – Esquire

“…one of the better white guys-with-guitars songs I’ve heard in a while.” – Death and Taxes

“Melding Sonic Youth’s mangled guitars and monotonic vocal sensibilities with a taut and measured rhythm section, these Brooklynites manage to tap into an ever-expanding history of blown-out guitar rock and laconic vocals without feeling like a rehashing of rock’n’roll’s recent past.” – Colin Joyce, SPIN

10/10 star review: “The great thing about Want is how different it sounds from everything and not in a reactionary sort of way… They aren’t trying to sound original or better than the rest of the bands coming out of Brooklyn, they just are. Essentially Want is the kind of album that rock music was invented for.” – Tim Baker, SYFFAL

“Lightouts have the presence and experience to be something HUGE.” – LX-GOODS

The News:

Gowanus, Brooklyn indie rockers Lightouts have been a bit quiet since the release of their latest Esquire and Death and Taxes debuted singles earlier in 2014. Turns out it’s been for good reason- long-time vocalist Greg Nelson is no longer with the band and has been replaced by Skip Greer. Greer comes with an impressive pedigree; he was a founder of famed Berkeley pop-punk band The Wynona Riders and is now the singer for agit-punk legends The Dead Kennedys. He will split vocal duties between Lightouts and DK going forward. Skip had this to say about being in both bands: “I’ve always held a love for both hardcore punk and late 80s modern rock, so being able to work with Lightouts allows me to explore the new wave and indie rock side of things.”

The public debut of the new lineup will be an auspicious one; Lightouts has been selected to play a live session on iconic Seattle alternative station b. The performance can be heard live online at 12 noon EST / 9AM PST on Friday, June 20th at KEXP.org. The band will play four songs, including a brand new single called “More Than Ever” that was written with the new lineup. DJ John Richards will interview the band  as well.

Tune into KEXP here.

Listen to the Disappear / My My single: https://soundcloud.com/lightouts/sets/disappear-my-my-single

Buy Lightouts’ double single on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/disappear-my-my-single/id765793142

Please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Lightouts.

Lightouts Background:

Lightouts founder Gavin Rhodes started with a simple question: “Robert Smith/Emily Haines, where are you?” But this appeal to fans of The Cure and Metric didn’t appear on Craigslist or in The Village Voice. The flyer was posted near the less-than-picturesque Gowanus Canal. The group exhibit a rare musical and stylistic cohesion: structured bass lines, waves of fuzzed out guitars and vaporous vocals put a new spin on the moody post-punk aesthetic of bands like Joy Division and Smashing Pumpkins circa Siamese Dream. In the past two years, the Gowanus band has released a series of singles that featured both an A-side and two B-sides, which allowed the band to offer up songs complemented by experimentation and deep-cut covers. The band’s debut album, Want, was released in 2013.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram | itunes | soundcloud | bandcamp

“My My”: https://soundcloud.com/lightouts/my-my

“Disappear”: https://soundcloud.com/lightouts/disappear

“The Big Picture”: http://youtu.be/birxOVUgX1Y

“See Clear”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivt_XizkgXU

Want: http://soundcloud.com/lightouts/sets/want

“Want”: http://soundcloud.com/lightouts/want

Adrian Grenier’s WRECKROOM.tv Session for “Want”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2oxgOWu6g4

“Not Today”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgQMlBo3tTk

“The Big Picture”: http://media.audibletreats.com/Lightouts-The_Big_Picture.mp3

“Push” (The Cure Cover): http://media.audibletreats.com/Lightouts-Push_(The_Cure_Cover).mp3

“The Official Ironmen Rally Song” (Guided by Voices cover): http://media.audibletreats.com/Lightouts-The_Official_Ironmen_Rally_Song_(Guided_By_Voices_Cover).mp3 

“The Eloise Suite”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ld9_4VKhdM&feature

“Here It Comes” (Stone Roses Cover): http://media.audibletreats.com/Lightouts-Here_It_Comes_Stone_Roses_Cover.mp3

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

News: Sir Michael Rocks of The Cool Kids Announces New Solo Album Banco for July 29th, 2014

Pathfinder Sir Michael Rocks Announces His New Solo Album Banco via Complex & Releases Music Video for “Playstation 1.5”

06.19.2014

Critical Praise for Sir Michael Rocks:

“At only 23, Sir Michael already has years of music industry experience under his belt.” – Complex

“Needless to say, dude’s a visionary.” – XXL

“Sir Michael Rocks is a pretty damn adventurous dude.” – Noisey

“Rock is a solo artist looking to make good on a promise of stardom.” – The Fader

“He’s Mikey, he, he, he rocks. Yes he does.” – Pigeons and Planes

The News:

Sir Michael Rocks Background:

Sir Michael Rocks has always been a little ahead of his time, a little more original than his peers, a little bit more creative. As a teenager, he started making music under the name Mikey Rocks as one half of groundbreaking duo The Cool Kids. Formed over the Internet and powered by a strong grassroots fanbase online, the group helped redefine the image of rap for the Internet era with an effortlessly cool throwback style and an iconic, laid-back fashion sense. Rechristening himself as Sir Michael Rocks in 2011, the restlessly creative artist, now based in Miami after time spent in Chicago and LA, has been pushing the boundaries of rap originality even further in recent years with a string of popular, critically acclaimed mixtapes. As he explores an increasingly far-ranging set of ideas and prepares his solo debut album, Banco, the lifelong impulse to explore and innovate remains at the forefront of what Rocks is trying to accomplish.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram | youtube | soundcloud

Pre-order Banco: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/banco/id890674144

“Memo” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fXR76qjlSY

“Memo”: https://soundcloud.com/sirmichaelrocks/memo

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/sir-michael-rocks/

MP3: Wara From the NBHD – “Scrilla”

Brooklyn-Bred, Atlanta-Based Rapper/Producer Releases N.E.R.D.-Inspired Second Single From Forthcoming Concept Album, Kidnapped

 06.20.2014

Critical Praise for Wara From the NBHD:

“Lyrically he comes across as both book and street smart and has the direct cadence of a great live performer.” – XXL

“Wara… has nearly bled mind, body and emotions dry in writing and scoring his audible biopic.” – Passion of the Weiss

“Take him lightly at your own risk.” – Complex

“One of Atlanta’s best kept secrets – though not for much longer.” – PotholesInMyBlog

“One of Atlanta’s most promising acts of the new wave.” – Ashley Outrageous

“The gloomy, minimalist production… is perfectly suited for a late-night ride through town.”  – The FADER 

“His hook and verses are on-point.” – MissInfo.TV

“Keeping the mood as murky as possible, Wara makes his presence known over a spooky backing voice positioned against a secluded guitar and drums.” – OnSMASH

The Song:

Preparing for the release of his debut concept album, Kidnapped, later this summer, Brooklyn-born, Atlanta-based rapper/producer Wara From the NBHD shares his latest single, “Scrilla,” via Wondering Sound. “Scrilla” is the second single, following “Squeal,” which debuted with The FADER earlier this year. As Wara explains it, “Scrilla” “is the part of the story where the character realizes shit is real in life and in the bad things he’s partaking in, but he’s comfortable in his own skin now and has accepted what it is, so that’s where the rebelliousness in the music comes in. He’s wilding out, not giving a fuck, just sitting watching things take place in front of his eyes.”

Finding influence in N*E*R*D‘s groundbreaking album In Search Of…, Wara states that “‘Scrilla’ was inspired by N*E*R*D’s ‘Rockstar,’” adding, “I specifically remember playing ‘Rockstar’ over and over, telling myself ‘fuck, I gotta make something on this level or the album just wont be right,’ because that was my whole intention with Kidnapped, to make the music sound somewhat rebellious.” Produced by Wara and his engineer, Justin Pardon, the song is highlighted by dark, sinister bass, gloomy piano hits, and Wara’s hostile growl. As Wondering Sound explains it, “Wara is not a bouncy or ‘fun’ rapper, he’s kicking hard-as-concrete street tales here, and ‘Scrilla’ is jagged and sharp to the touch as a peeled-off tuna can lid.”

Listen to “Scrilla”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-scrilla

Check out the Wondering Sound premiere: http://www.wonderingsound.com/news/song-premiere-wara-nhbds-hard-jagged-scrilla/

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Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Wara From the NBHD.

Wara From the NBHD Background:

Wara From the NBHD might be ATL’s next rising star. The Brooklyn born, Atlanta-based rapper serves as an embodiment of both of the areas he grew up in. An artist with a unique ability to blend both cultures seamlessly with striking lyricism and impressive production. This sentiment is highlighted with Wara’s latest release The Ill Street Blues a mix tape garnering critical praise from notable outlets such as The Fader, Complex and XXL. The project portrays a dichotomy of the good and bad Wara has experienced in his life, notably personified by his son sitting next to a gun on the mix tapes cover. His upcoming release Kidnapped, will serve as a concept album produced entirely by himself and will be released later this summer.

Links:

official site | twitter | tumblr | soundcloud | youtube

“Scrilla”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-scrilla

“When The Sun Goes Down” (Instrumental): https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/when-the-sun-goes-down

“Squeal” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPrMsVbrx48

“Squeal”: https://soundcloud.com/fadermedia/wara-from-the-nbhd-squeal

“98 Rocafella” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roVOVzVzHUo

“98 Rocafella”: https://soundcloud.com/yourstrulysf/wara-from-the-nbhd-98

“Belly” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LlNd7rtqQo

“Show You How To Hustle” (Freestyle): https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/show-you-how-to-hustle

“Plenty”: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/wara-from-the-nbhd-plenty

The Ill Street Blues: https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/sets/the-ill-street-blues

Bio, photos, and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/wara/

EP: Blanco, Kokane and Husalah – Tortoise And The Hare (Prod. by DJ Burn One)

Legendary G-Funk Crooner Kokane Joins Blanco, Husalah for Tortoise and The Hare EP, Available for Free Download

06.17.2014

The EP:

Bay Area rapper Blanco has been heating up the airwaves with last week’s release of “Block Party,” a collaboration with YG that’s produced by Cookin’ Soul. Featuring a vocal sample from 2Pac‘s “Old School,” The FADER praises the track, saying it “shoots for a traditional Cali vibe, but maintains a sheen of menace.” Prior to that yet-to-be-titled, forthcoming collaborative project, the rapper known for a suave yet gangsta approach delivers a G-Funk, abstract-sounding EP entitled Tortoise and the Harealongside fellow Bay Area rapper Husalah, LA crooner Kokane, and Atlanta production wizard DJ Burn One. Similar to the album’s title, all of the songs were named after fables. “This album was heavy on the storytelling aspect. We liked the contrast of a slow, mopey, drugged out turtle and a high-strung, fast-paced rabbit,” explains Blanco. “Over a smoke sesh we listened to each track and thought about what fable would best correlate with each song.”

With a dream-like substance and a reflective approach, the Cali rhymers intrigue listeners with sentimental, political and flashy tales of the lifestyles that they lead. The EP is introduced with the mystical, chime-heavy track “Fox Without A Tail,” which enforces a mischievous vibe. In doing so, the trio use vivid imagery and storytelling metaphors in both the titles and tracks within the project. Songs following the same pattern include “The Cat and The Mice,” which holds as a sentimental tune that discusses political views and caters to a won’t lose type of attitude. Feeding into this persona, the rappers further this notion in “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” which shows a more paranoid, consciously aware side.

With the SPIN premiere of the first single “Grief and His Due” and the second single ” The Butcher and His Customers” via The Smoking Section, the group had given fans the perfect taste of what they’ll hear on Tortoise and the Hare. “That laid-back, West Coast chill vibe is a sound that never goes out of style,” says The Smoking Section.

Recently, Blanco sat down with HipHopDX for an exclusive interview where he recalls his rise from a high school drug dealer to a legit multimillion dollar businessman – all while fighting a federal case and continuing his musical career. “I’ve always been, for lack of a better word, a hustler,” Blanco explains. “When people say, ‘Oh you grossed $26 million,’ I just say, ‘Well two million of that is sales tax. Another million of that was income tax.'”

Download Tortoise and the Hare for free: http://www.audiomack.com/album/blanco-2/the-tortoise-and-the-hare

Listen to Tortoise and the Hare: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/sets/tortoise-and-the-hare-blanco-husalah-kokane/

Purchase Tortoise and the Hare on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tortoise-and-the-hare/id885169677

Read Blanco’s interview with HipHopDx: http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2432/title.blanco-says-his-50-million-medical-marijuana-trial-changed-the-war-on-drugs

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

Blanco Background:

Blanco (formerly Benny Blanco) is a rapper born in Berkeley, California but bred throughout the Bay Area. Fascinated by gangsta rap at an early age, Blanco began rhyming at 17. In 2004, he and his brother founded hip-hop label Guerilla Entertainment, which to date has released upwards of over 20 mixtapes and albums. As a member of rap trio The Yay Boyz with fellow label mates Taj-He-Spitz and Lil Hyfe, Blanco released Got Purp (Volumes 1 and 2), The Wizeguys, and full-length album Nosebleed Muzic. He has gone on to release several solo projects, including Blanco’s Way and American Pyscho, and more collaborative albums, including Jonestown with Messy Marv and Jacka, and his latest, Raw, with Nipsey Hussle. Blanco has also collaborated with Gucci Mane, Redman, Freeway, Freddie Gibbs and Styles P, and released projects with Araab Muzik and Yukmouth. 

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube

Stream Tortoise and The Hare EP: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/sets/tortoise-and-the-hare-blanco-husalah-kokane/

Download Tortoise and The Hare EP: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tortoise-and-the-hare/id885169677

Stream One Hunnid EP: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/sets/one-hunnid-blanco-the-jacka

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

MP3: Noelz Vedere – “Censored Love” (ft. Kiara Lanier) 

 Chicago Rapper Shares Sentimental Fourth Single From Free Album Bittersweet Victory

06.17.2014

Critical Praise for Noelz Vedere:

“Noelz Vedere is ready to represent Chi-Town… This is a name to watch this year.” – Earmilk

“Advanced song writing skill, sharp delivery presence, unorthodox rhyming and smooth melodics.” – Hypetrak

“…it’ll become quickly apparent that he fits in with the realm of recent rap studs coming out of the city (Chicago).” – Potholes In My Blog

“This is an awesome display of rapping right here.” – Kevin Nottingham

“He raps with the strength of a thousand emcees. He steps to the mic and delivers his potent bars in a feverish, aggressive, cutting flow that drives the record more than the prodigious boardwork.” – DJBooth

“This right here is tough as hell… Noelz has our attention.” – OnSMASH 

The Song:

Strippers, promiscuous girls and females who love to twerk are the glorified women of the rap industry, but with sentimental bars Noelz Vedere sheds light on a different issue, and shares his thoughts on what true love should be in latest single “Censored Love” featuring fellow Chicago songstress and former American Idol contestant Kiara Lanier. The ode to broken girls holds as the fourth official single from his recently released free album, Bittersweet Victory, which premiered with HotNewHipHop. With a transition from hard hitting “Out of Focus” ft. Freddie Gibbs, Noelz strays away from the braggadocio rap style and dabbles into the sweeter side of the album. In doing so, he explains the purpose of the song in saying “I’ve always wanted to make a great love song, but wasn’t sure how to do it in a creative way which wasn’t ordinary. Aside from my current situation, I’ve never had genuine relations with someone that didn’t seem masked – so I used that exact concept to create this song based on past experiences.”

“Once again the unplugged type production from Alex Isaak, the smooth keys from pianist Moses Hall, along with receiving vocals from Kiara Lanier set the mood for a story telling track of harsh, but truthful romance,” Noelz explains. In doing so, he overtly discusses the idea of broken women who are incomplete and unsatisfied with themselves, which in the end creates this censored sort of love and maliciously affects the relationship. He raps, “She really wanted ‘Mr. Right Now’, instead of ‘Mr. Right Eventually’/rather live for the moment than live for the longevity.”

Listen to “Censored Love”: https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/censored-love

Free download and stream of Bittersweet Victory:  https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/sets/bittersweetvictory

Tracklist for Noelz Vedere – Bittersweet Victory:

01-”Promise Land” (ft. Kaye Fox, Ben Official, & Kiara Lanier)
02-”Let Me Burn”
03-”Blackout”
04-”Out of Focus” (ft. Freddie Gibbs)
05-”Bittersweet” (ft. Sunni Colon)
06-”So Blessed”
07-”Censored Love” (ft. Kiara Lanier)
08-”High Class” (ft. Sir Michael Rocks)
09-”Garden of Eden” (ft. Jahzel, A-Cross, & Chris Alonzo)
10-”Fallen Soldier”

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Noelz Vedere.

Noelz Vedere Background:

Chicago, Illinois has hip-hop’s spotlight for 2014. From a global superstar like Kanye West to emerging talents like Chance The Rapper, the crossroads between the East and the West has a colorful youth movement with new approaches to music-making. That is especially true of Noelz Vedere, a 24 year-old hip-hop artist from the rarely chronicled Northside of the city. “I literally have friends who own houses in the hundreds of thousands, and I have friends who are below the poverty line,” he explains, of his music’s place. “Me being in the middle, it exposes me to so many aspects of life. I can relate to what Chief Keef is saying, what Chance is talking about, and what Rockie Fresh is creating. There’s so much beauty in Chicago right now.”

The Windy City’s complexity plays well against Noelz’ upcoming studio debut, Bittersweet Victory. The album, featuring Freddie Gibbs and The Cool Kids’ Sir Michael Rocks, is heavy on both inspiration and aspiration. “My first project (Popular Kid) came out and I got a lot of local recognition, but at the same time it wasn’t where I wanted to be. There are still a lot of gatekeepers and doors with keys I’m trying to find. So I feel that I’m blossoming into my glory, but it’s still a bittersweet feeling.” In 2011, Noelz burst onto the scene in a way that was even shocking to him. A song he recorded with would-be Maybach Music Group artist Rockie Fresh and Kids These Days frontman Vic Mensa mysteriously leaked to the web, with sites large and small showing “King Me” to the court. “I had never gotten so much exposure in my life,” Noelz admits, as he rushed to feed the masses a body of work. Popular Kid, a reference to the overnight exposure, dropped quickly after. Vedere now says the hasty process made him adopt a slower, refined approach to his sophomore release.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | instagram | youtube | soundcloud

“Censored Love” (ft. Kiara Lanier):  https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/censored-love

“Promise Land” (ft. Kaye Fox, Ben Official and Kiara Lanier) (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWdYVCKHr3I

“Out Of Focus” (ft. Freddie Gibbs): https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/out-of-focus-ft-freddie-gibbs

“Bittersweet”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmTN_lLWxo8

“King Me” (ft. Rockie Fresh & Vic Mensa) Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5ZI7g6DIFk

“High Class” (ft. Sir Michael Rocks): https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/high-class-feat-sir-michael

“Road to Popularity” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRNMTgo8umY

“Fly Away”: https://soundcloud.com/noelzvedere/fly-away

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/noelz-vedere/

MP3: Jarren Benton – “Pain In My Eyes” from XXL Freshmen Mixtape

Funk Volume MC Showcases New Track on XXL’s 2014 Freshmen Mixtape, Following Roundtable and NYC Freshmen Showcase

06.17.2014

Critical Praise for Jarren Benton:

“An Atlanta MC who’s acclaim has been long overdue.” – HipHopWired

“Benton has an extraordinarily nimble flow and sense of rhythm.” – HipHopDX

“…already creating his own lane and plans to turn a lot of heads.” – XXL

“As [My Grandmas Basement] unfolds, one thing becomes clear: [Jarren Benton] can handle himself just fine.” – Creative Loafing, 4/5 review

The Song:

In the midst of the 70+ city Independent Grind Tour alongside Tech N9ne and Freddie Gibbs, Atlanta rapper Jarren Benton shares “Pain In My Eyes,” a new single released on the 2014 XXL Freshmen Mixtape. This song marks his first new piece of music since Jarren won the “People’s Choice” vote for XXL’s 2014 Freshmen Class. In addition to “Pain In My Eyes,” the project also features “Gimmie The Loot” for which Jarren released a video in March.

Recently, Jarren, along with fellow Freshmen Jon Connor, Troy Ave, and Lil Bibby spit rhymes for their Freshmen cypher, with Jarren ferociously rapping, “Half man, half Tyrannosaurus. I wasn’t born, I was thrown out a spaceship and then landed in a abandoned forrest / I snatch a rapper out the sun roof of a jaguar. You ain’t a spitter, then what the f*ck do you rap for? N*ggas like, ‘I ain’t a rapper, I’m a trapper.’ Then stay inside the trapper, get eat by the f*ckin master.” Immediately following the cypher was a roundtable where they discussed the diversity of the Freshmen cover to why they best represent their respective cities. “I’m happy I represent a different part of Atlanta,” explains Benton, whose sound doesn’t sound like most of what you hear coming out of Atlanta these days. “You all hear the same shit…and they always show the same type of face. For me, it’s a different look for my city.” As an artist who has blazed his own trail since the beginning of his career, Jarren’s fast-paced, multi-syllabic lyrical prowess has been received with a warm welcome. 

On June 9th, Benton performed at the Best Buy Theater in NYC’s Time Square for the XXL 2014 Freshmen Showcase, alongside his Class of 2014 peers – Ty Dolla $ign, Rich Homie Quan, Vic Mensa, August Alsina, Troy Ave, Kevin Gates, Lil Bibby, and Jon Connor. “Jarren Benton’s rapid-fire flow came out in full force,” says XXL in their 11 Memorable Moments from the showcase, adding that “The People’s Champ showed and proved that he deserved that distinction, as the fans came out to support the high-level of lyricism that he stepped up with.”

Listen to and download the XXL 2014 Freshmen Mixtape: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/06/stream-and-download-2014-xxl-freshmen-mixtape/

Listen to “Pain In My Eyes”: https://soundcloud.com/funk-volume/jarren-benton-pain-in-my-eyes

Watch the XXL Freshman 2014 Roundtable video: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/06/xxl-freshmen-2014-roundtable-part-3/

Watch the XXL Freshmen 2014 Cypher video: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/06/xxl-2014-freshmen-cypher-part-three/

Watch the XXL Freshmen 2014 Freestyle video: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/05/jarren-benton-xxl-freshmen-2014/

Check out Jarren’s XXL Freshman Profile: http://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-freshmen-2014/2014/05/jarren-benton-2/

Watch the video for “Gimmie The Loot”: http://youtu.be/4RQtj1MK-Fw

Jarren is currently working on his next project and is on a 70-date tour with Tech N9ne and Freddie Gibbs. Tickets available here: http://myfunkvolume.com/artist/jarren-benton/

2014-06-17 – Cactus Courtyard – Lubbock, TX
2014-06-18 – Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
2014-06-19 – Lucky Mule Saloon – (18+) – Abilene, TX
2014-06-20 – Emo’s – Austin, TX
2014-06-21 – House of Blues – Houston – Houston, TX
2014-06-22 – House of Blues – Dallas – Dallas, TX
2014-06-24 – Cains Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
2014-06-25 – Cotillion Ballroom – Wichita, KS
2014-06-26 – R. C. McGraw’s – (16+) – Manhattan, KS
2014-06-27 – The Blue Note – Columbia, MO
2014-06-28 – Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland – Kansas City, MO

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Jarren Benton.

Jarren Benton Background:

For an artist with serious mainstream aspirations, Decatur, Georgia’s Jarren Benton has spent his career going against the grain. One of Funk Volume’s premiere acts, Jarren admits, “I love the music I do now. I do it in the safe-mode.” That’s rather shocking for an artist whose last album, Freebasing With Kevin Bacon lived up to its name, at least in attitude and style, evident on single “Skitzo.” He continues, “I want to take it a lil’ further. I just haven’t had the balls to go all the way there yet, ‘cause I presently want to keep a foot in the mainstream too.” After two successful digital releases and a video with over one million YouTube plays, Jarren is currently promoting his Funk Volume debut album, My Grandmas Basement, which debuted at #4 on the iTunes Hip Hop Chart. In 2013, Jarren went on the My Grandma’s Basement Tour, his first ever headline U.S. tour and joined Rittz on his The Life And Times Tour. Benton is currently on tour with Tech N9ne on his Independent Grind Tour and was recently named a XXL Magazine Freshmen for 2014.

Funk Volume Background:

Funk Volume is a Los Angeles-based record label, marketing, and production company that been cited as a leader among independent rap labels with nearly 60 million YouTube views, over 400,000 Facebook likes, consistent Top 10 chart placements on Billboard and iTunes and high profile write-ups in media outlets such as Hypebot, Billboard, Huffington Post, SPIN, LA Weekly, and many more. Founded in 2008 by internationally recognized rap artist Hopsin and Stanford MBA grad Damien “Dame” Ritter, the label was created with one thing in mind: protecting the integrity of the artist’s vision. Currently home to rappers Hopsin, SwizZz, Dizzy Wright, and Jarren Benton and more recently, DJ’s and producers Hoppa, Kato, and Rikio, the label has quickly transformed into being a label to watch by fans and industry insiders alike. Funk Volume recently released their first documentary, Independent Living, which captures the artists’ swift rise during their 44-date national tour in 2012. The latest release from the Funk Volume label is marquee artist Hopsin’s Knock Madness and Dizzy Wright’s State of Mind EP. For more info: www.myfunkvolume.com

Links:

official site | facebook | twitter | youtube 

“Pain In My Eyes”: https://soundcloud.com/funk-volume/jarren-benton-pain-in-my-eyes

“Gimmie The Loot”: http://youtu.be/4RQtj1MK-Fw

“LIfe In The Jungle”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCChw0rXnmQ 

“We On” Ft. Dizzy Wright & Pounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF_VXpUPOTk

“Go Off” Ft. Hopsin & SwizZz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQsPT4ejEpU

“Bully” Ft. Vinne Paz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZE-N1UqFMk

“Cadillacs & Chevys”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3wH81zTyJ

“The Basement Interview Pt.1″: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htDPCAe_v3s

“Razor Blades And Steak Knives”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFW3ffGjJBY

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/jarren-benton/

News: Souls Of Mischief Announce 6th Album There Is Only Now, Produced by Adrian Younge, Out August 26th, 2014

Set In 1994, Unique Cinematic Crime Tale of Love, Loss, and Revenge Is Narrated by Ali Shaheed Muhammed and Features Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, and More

06.16.2014

News:

Legendary hip-hop group Souls of Mischief announce that they’re releasing a conceptual collaboration with renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist Adrian Younge entitled There Is Only Now on Adrian’s newly launched record label, Linear Labs on August 26th, 2014. Inspired by a near-fatal incident involving group members A-Plus, Opio, Tajai, and Phesto early in their careers, the unique and cinematic crime tale creatively and expertly weaves stories of love, loss, and revenge throughout the entire album. Set in 1994, There is Only Now serves as a bookend to two decades of music since the release of their seminal debut album, ’93 Til Infinity.

For more information/interviews for Souls of Mischief and Adrian Younge, contact Michelle or Rory.

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 succesful 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.

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube

“Won One”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EEqnTR0IMw

“Proper Aim”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W064ZFxJtR4

“From 93 Till Infinity”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mt3vZHDiM8

Bio, pictures & streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/souls-of-mischief

MP3: RETRO – “Resist”

22-Year Old Atlanta Rapper Drops First Single from Forthcoming The Six Mixtape, Premiere via Earmilk

06.11.2014

Critical Praise for RETRO:

“…Retro slips in clever asides too, like a sly reference to Rick Ross getting dropped from Reebok after his molly-all-in-her-champagne debacle.” – The FADER

“The edgy track combines some off the wall production with an unorthodox flow in carving out a total experience for new listeners seeking alternative hip hop freshness.” – Earmilk

“[We] can assure you that Retro and the rest of the Rocket Team are gonna be the new faces of Hip-Hop.” – Fly Little Things 

The Song:

Today, Earmilk premieres “Resist,” the first single from Detroit-born, Atlanta-residing rapper RETRO‘s forthcoming mixtape, The Six. The 22-year old, who’s been writing songs since he was 9, wants to bring a new sound and attitude to today’s music industry. “‘Resist’ is about being a rebel to the industry,” says RETRO. “I’ve been through a lot these past 2 years and I see how people in this game can be snakes.” Inspired by hometown heroes from Detroit’s J Dilla to ATL’s OutKast, and undeniable talents like Michael Jackson and Erykah Badu, RETRO implements a variety of musical influences into his own style.

“Resist” crashes onto your ears like a film score for an epic movie. Angelic choruses, booming bass drums, and a heavy string section fill out this monumental track, while RETRO’s tenacious rapping rounds out the texture. “Do it big like the muthafuckin’ lips on Hova,” he raps comically, later showcasing a knack for exceptional wordplay, spitting, “rocket astronomist, your chick anonymous, I cannot swallow this pride/I’m growin’ some wings, I’m talkin’ weird things, I’m having some talks with God.”

The Six is named after RETRO being the youngest of six children. While it was a struggle to stand out as the infant of the family, it provided the fuel that he needed to grow as an artist. In preparation for the mixtape, RETRO has been busy touring with Rich Homie Quan and Riff Raff, discovering things about himself as a performer. “I’ve learned that performing is my favorite part about the music,” he explains. “I’ve seen crowds of thousands and thousands of people but I don’t get nervous. I was born for this.”

Listen to “Resist”: https://soundcloud.com/retrothakid/01-resist/

Check out the Earmilk premiere: http://www.earmilk.com/2014/06/11/retro-reveals-resist-his-first-single-from-the-six-premiere

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

The Background:

After moving to Atlanta from Detroit with his family at age 12, RETRO found a whole new host of melodies to fall in love with, from the work of Jermaine Dupri to the then-recently released OutKast LP, SpeakerBoxx/The Love Below. He found inspiration in a whole new sound. “I love Atlanta hip-hop to a certain extent,” he says, pausing. “I’d be lying if I said Atlanta didn’t help me become who I am.” The ability to flip between a Midwestern flair and the flashiness of Atlanta’s rap scene makes RETRO’s lane unparalleled, but beyond the music he has countless other goals that he and his Rocket Team, a crew of 15-plus, plan on executing. His forthcoming mixtape, The Six, is due later this summer.

Links:

official site | twitter |  facebook | instagram | soundcloud | youtube

“Resist”: https://soundcloud.com/retrothakid/01-resist/

Average College Kid: Reload: https://soundcloud.com/retrothakid/sets/average-college-kid-reload

“Wonderland”: http://youtu.be/OBHSeDHXaDg

“Handicap”: http://youtu.be/YpWtP82N7Dw

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

MP3: Vokab Kompany x Knight Riderz – “Show Up” (feat. Siya)

Genre Defying Hip-Hop Group Team Up With Canadian Producer and Brooklyn MC to Premiere Their Latest Single Via Do Androids Dance

06.10.2014

 Critical Praise:

“A sound who’s genre goes something like hip-hop, soul, electro, funk. You have two Emcee’s who charge sped up lyrical flows; made to sound effortless… seamless synergy with their voices and their lyrics are playfully vivacious and positive… layered with creative electro beats.” – Sam Dorman NBC

“Vokab Kompany is another act that refuses to be pigeonholed. Two MCs might lead you to believe that it’s hip hop, but that doesn’t begin to tell the story. The seven piece band from San Diego played for more than an hour, a set that was at times funky, jazzy, heavy, bouncy, even bluegrassy… And it all made sense. Through it all, the crowd was treated to microphonic gymnastics of the dueling MCs, Rob Hurt and Burkey. The group is legit; see them.” – Lindol French, Sacramento Press

The Song:

California-based Hip-Hop/EDM hybrid Vokab Kompany have teamed up with Canadian “Future Booty Bass” producer Knight Riderz and Brooklyn MC Siya to release their latest single, “Show Up,” via Do Androids Dance. This marks the second time Vokab Kompany and Knight Riderz have worked together, the first collaboration being “Just Above the Clouds.” Knight Riderz has described his production as “Future Booty Bass” and infuses elements from EDM sub-genres such as Trap and Moombahton. His production style serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase Vokab Kompany’s genre-hopping capabilities seamlessly.

The party-friendly single opens with Siya rhyming confidently over the track that’s juxtaposed with ambient production full of stuttering vocal echoes, synth sounds, and reverb; slowly building into a low BPM frenzy full of hi-hats, bass and horns. Following Siya’s verse, the focus shifts to Vokab Kompany’s Rob Hurt and Burkey. Showcasing their rhyming prowess, the group raps ferociously over the beat, switching up their flows into double time and back before refraining to the track’s title. “Show Up” follows their 2013 release, V-Sides, a collection of remixes and collaborations. Previous releases include 2011’s Quit Sleep and 2012’s VKCE.

Listen to “Show Up”: https://soundcloud.com/vokabkompany/vokab-kompany-x-knight-riderz-feat-siya/s-B1ajd

Check out the Do Androids Dance premiere: http://doandroidsdance.com/audio/vokab-kompany-knight-riderz-ft-siya-show-up/

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Vokab Kompany.

Vokab Kompany Background:

Vokab Kompany are two MC/singers from San Diego, backed by their 4 piece band of awesome. Their live show combines multiple synths/keys with bass/drums and a violin to create a sound that doesn’t quite adhere to a specific genre, but seems to fit the bill with several.

Their new album, VKCE, a collaboration effort with up and coming production/ musician duo Crush Effect (featuring members of Funk/Jamband legend Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe) on VKCE filling a void at the intersection of the hip-hop and EDM worlds. VKCE is Hip-hop, it’s electronic, it’s indie – it’s a shout out to the past, and a taste of the future. Vokab Kompany’s Matt Burke describes the experience: “As musicians, it’s an ever evolving world; genres are a thing of the past, so we (VK) were really lucky to have teamed up with producers that pushed the boundaries of our boxes. We got outside our comfort zone, stamped a VK next to CE, and the result was something new entirely.” The brazenly dynamic sound on VKCE has quickly garnered the attention of television and film. The record already has two national commercials, for a major carmaker (debuting 2013) and Southern Comfort. The album debuted at #47 on the iTunes hip-hop charts, behind only major-label releases from T.I. and Chief Keef among all hip-hop records released that week.

The team has been blessed with a slew of great press. In addition to a feature on electronic music in the August print edition of SPIN, and “climbing” George Washington Bridge with Al Roker, the band has won best hip-hop group at the San Diego Music Awards for three years in a row, and even impressed Prince Charles when he stopped by Solana Beach’s Belly Up to catch a VK show.

Links:

twitter | official page | facebook | youtube | soundcloud | beatport

“Show Up” (feat. Siya): https://soundcloud.com/vokabkompany/vokab-kompany-x-knight-riderz-feat-siya/s-B1ajd

“Change Like the Weather” (feat. Main Flow and Karen Mills): https://soundcloud.com/vokabkompany/change-like-the-weather-feat

“Where’s My Delorean” (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nDZR706myc

“Where’s My Delorean”: https://soundcloud.com/vokabkompany/wheres-my-delorean

VKCE: https://soundcloud.com/vokabkompany/sets/vkce

Quiet Sleep: https://soundcloud.com/vokabkompany/sets/quit-sleep-album-2011

MP3: Blanco, Husalah, Kokane – “The Butcher And His Customers” feat. The Jacka (Prod. by DJ Burn One)

Cali Trio’s Second Single from Forthcoming Tortoise and the Hare EP, Premiere via The Smoking Section

06.10.2014

 The Song:

Readying for the release of their forthcoming collaborative EP, Tortoise and the Hare, Bay Area artists Blanco and Husalah, and LA crooner Kokane combine talents to release their second single, “The Butcher And His Customers.” The single, premiered by The Smoking Section, features production by DJ Burn One and a verse from The Jacka. The EP, named following a brainstorm/smoke-sesh, is due for a June 17th release via Guerrilla Entertainment.

“The Butcher And His Customers” speaks in a language that all hustlers know no matter their age, race, or background.  Each rapper spits introspective rhymes that tells stories of the outlandish scenarios they’ve encountered in the drug game. The situations are so hard to believe (federal cases, prison, shootouts, heavy media attention), you’d think it’s a screenplay for a classic gangster movie. Raps Husalah, “straight up, true story, it is actual fact/ Your first love was a slut, my first love was selling crack.”

After working with singer Kokane on RAW, which also features Nipsey Hussle, Blanco immediately recognized their chemistry. “His professionalism was well received,” Blanco states. “He added an original West Coast flavor that I grew up on.” Although being out of the game for a while, Kokane demonstrates absolute control with his soulful vibrato on the harmony-rich hook. He and the other artists manage to showcase their talents without any overcrowding on the track.

Blanco is no stranger to joint projects. “I’ve done many collaborative albums all with artist that are on a higher plateau than I am,” he says. “This brings out my competitive nature so not only can I learn from their experience, it also drives me to improve myself until I reach absolute greatness even if unattainable.” In April, Blanco teamed up with rap vets The Jacka and Messy Marv for the One Hunnid EP. Produced entirely by Grammy Award-winning production duo Tha Bizness, the project includes features from YG, Freeway, Nipsey Hussle, and Trae The Truth. The EP was met with praise, with RapReviews saying that the “whole album has a smooth cruising feeling to it.”

Listen to “The Butcher And His Customers”: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/02-the-butcher-and-his-customers

Check out The Smoking Section premiere: http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2014/06/monday-blanco-husalah-kokane-butcher-jacka-butcher-customers

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

Blanco Background:

Blanco (formerly Benny Blanco) is a rapper born in Berkeley, California but bred throughout the Bay Area. Fascinated by gangsta rap at an early age, Blanco began rhyming at 17. In 2004, he and his brother founded hip-hop label Guerilla Entertainment, which to date has released upwards of over 20 mixtapes and albums. As a member of rap trio The Yay Boyz with fellow label mates Taj-He-Spitz and Lil Hyfe, Blanco released Got Purp (Volumes 1 and 2), The Wizeguys, and full-length album Nosebleed Muzic. He has gone on to release several solo projects, including Blanco’s Way and American Pyscho, and more collaborative albums, including Jonestown with Messy Marv and Jacka, and Raw with Nipsey Hussle. Blanco has also collaborated with Gucci Mane, Redman, Freeway, Freddie Gibbs and Styles P, and released projects with Araab Muzik and Yukmouth. 

Links:

official site | twitter | facebook | youtube  

“The Butcher And His Customers”: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/02-the-butcher-and-his-customers

“Grief and His Due”: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/grief-and-his-due-blanco-husalah-kokane-featuring-the-jacka-boo-banga/

“The Grassy Knoll”: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/the-grassy-knoll-featuring

Purchase One Hunnid EP: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-hunnid/id845403974

Stream One Hunnid EP: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/sets/one-hunnid-blanco-the-jacka

“Change,” feat. Nipsey Hussle: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/change-blanco-the-jacka-messy

“9/11,” feat. YG: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/9-11-blanco-the-jacka-messy

OBEY: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/sets/obey-blanco-the-jacka/

Misfits: https://soundcloud.com/iamguerrilla/sets/blanco-the-jacka-misfits-1

“Punch Out”: https://soundcloud.com/empiredistribution/blanco-punch-out-feat-trae-tha

“Duck Hunt”: https://soundcloud.com/empiredistribution/blanco-the-jacka-duck-hunt-ft

Raw: https://soundcloud.com/empiredistribution/sets/nipsey-hussle-blanco-raw-full

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