Jada Kiss Talks New Album and The Importance of Twitter

Big Ced is More Hip-Hop than You

http://slangrap.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/big-ced-is-more-hip-hop-than-you/

Eminem Slim Shady Review in Blaze

It’s true. Big Ced, of the Industry C0sign and a whole lotta ish you can ask him about yourself, is more Hip-Hop than any of us. I first noted it when after every time I thought to myself, “Damn, that dude in MC Lyte’s ‘Paper Thin’ video looks just like Ced”—it turned out to be Ced (via Rocka Candy) after all.

Then when searching for my old Source 50th issue to scan its cover for a recent post, I came across my set of Blaze Magazine issues [semi-tangent: Aliya S. King relayed a great story involving Blaze right here). I've teased Cedric many times that I would get around to scanning his appearance in the aforementioned mag's review section. Nah, he didn't write a review, but his mug was used as the sections rating scale (large pic below). Pretty creative move on the late mag's part, actually.

 

Ced Classics

All this to say, Ced is more Hip-Hop than you, you, you and all the you in the back, and in the middle, and in the front. Word.

 

Rapper Big Pooh "The Comeback" Official Music Video

Leave Me Alone - Octane (Ro from Burn Rubber) HD

Teena Marie new single with Faith Evans

Grammy nominated singer Teena Marie celebrates her 30th year career anniversary with the release of a new album Congo Square set for a June 9th, 2009 street date. Teena Marie's 13th album release and debut on Stax Records/Concord Music Group, is an ode to all those who came before her like Sarah Vaughan, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye to name a few.

The first single "Can't Last A Day" featuring Faith Evans will be released and available on iTunes April 7th. Teena describes how Faith became involved in the song. "It was after I had recorded the song I got the idea to put Faith on it. I've always loved Faith and her vocal style. She reminds me of me. Her correlation with Biggie - having a career with him and without him - reminds me of me and Rick. I feel like she's a younger me. Of the younger ladies, she's the one I love most." Teena and Faith move back and forth throughout the song with powerful emotion, ripping scenarios of haunting feelings of love and trying to get through the day without it. Teena continues "Musically, "Can't Last a Day" has that Gamble & Huff, Teddy Pendergrass Philadelphia International sound 'in the music. It's about that mystical, joined-through-God kind of love...really powerful...like the love I felt when I spoke to my auntie who was married for 57 years, and reflected on my mother who was married to my father for 36 years until he died. When she dies she'll be buried next to him. I'm talking about people being together until the end of time. I think we're really missing that level of love today."

In support of the single and albums' release Teena will embark on a national tour.
Tour dates so far are listed below:

5/8 Constitution Hall
1776 D Street NW, Washington D.C. 20006
202 638 2661
8:00pm

5/9 City Boardwalk Hall
2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City (NJ) 08401
609 348 7000
8:00pm

5/10 Beacon Theater
KISS Presents
2124 Broadway between 74th & 75th
New York, NY
3:00pm and 8:00pm

5/25 Stone Soul Picnic
Sleeptrain Pavillion
KBLX Performance
2000 Kirker Pass Road
Concord, CA 94521
925 676 8742
8:00pm

6/21 Philly West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival
7143 Ogontz Ave.
Philidelphia, PA. 79138
215 549 3420
8:00pm

7/4 Essence Festival
Louisiana Superdome
1500 Super Bowl Dr.
New Orleans, LA. 70112
504 587 3663

8/3 Fox Theater
2211 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI. 48201
313 471 6611
8:00pm

8/8 Spirit Fest
Merriweather Post Pavillion
10475 Little Pauxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
410 715 5550
8:00pm

8/29 Country Club Hills
4116 W. 183rd Street
Country Club Hills, IL. 60478
8:00pm

9/4 Spirit Mountain Casino
27100 SW Salmon River Hwy
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
503 879 2350
8:00pm

9/26 Viajas Casino & Resort
5000 Willows Rd.
Alpine, CA. 91901
800 847 6537
8:00pm

Thembisa S. Mshaka featured on www.FriendsWeLove.com

DEBORAH COX's New CD "THE PROMISE" Nominated for 2009 JUNO Award

(New York, NY - March 27, 2009) - International and multi-platinum selling recording artist DEBORAH COX's single, "Beautiful U R" is now double platinum in Canada. The song is included on the new independent CD release, THE PROMISE, her first contemporary R&B album in six years. The album has also been nominated for a 2009 JUNO Award (Canada's Music Awards) for Best R&B/Soul Recording. Called "music's biggest night in Canada," Cox, a Canadian native, will appear as a presenter on the annual award show scheduled to air Sunday, March 29 from Vancouver on CTV.

"Beautiful U R" is the first Top 40 single from the album. It is currently #31 on Billboard's Canadian Top 100 chart and #6 on the Canadian Hot AC Radio Chart with over 5,000 plays/26.5 million total audience. In addition, the accompanying video has received over one million views on YouTube and is currently #1 on Canada's MuchMoreMusic Countdown.

The new single, "Saying Goodbye," is shaping up to be Cox's biggest single in years: #1 most added at Urban AC in its first week; 36* at R&R and 35* at Mediabase. The song is Top 20 in several markets including WBLS (NY), WSRB (Chicago), KBLX (San Francisco), WKXI (Jackson, MS), WMGL (Charleston SC), WQMG (Greensboro, NC), KNEK (Lafayette, AL), KMEZ (New Orleans).

THE PROMISE features production by an all-star team of collaborators including John Legend (Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill), Big Jim Wright (Elton John, String, Janet Jackson), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson), Shep Crawford (Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross) and Devo Springsteen (Kanye West, Estelle).
###

For more information on Deborah Cox, please visit:

www.myspace.com/deborahcox
www.deborahcox.com

Ms Drama interviews Sandman AKA: SandCannon Part 1

John Brown @ Asher Roth Listening Party / "I Love College" (Burbz Remix)

TRUE TO THE GAME MUSIC RELEASE

In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke the “color line” in professional baseball, becoming the first African-American since the end of the 19th century to play alongside white players in an official game. For many, Jackie Robinson’s entry into Major League Baseball presented a view into a future where much of American society would be fully integrated. As important as Robinson’s achievement was, it would overshadow perhaps an even greater example of the legacy of African-American success. Before they could suit up alongside their white peers, black baseball players were relegated to the Negro Leagues. But rather than see the Negro Leagues as an inferior version of white baseball, visionaries like Andrew “Rube” Foster and players like Josh Gibson, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Leroy “Satchel” Paige and Buck O’Neil helped create a vibrant testament to African-American ingenuity and survival. Though the Negro Leagues are too often forgotten in an era when African-American athletes compete at the highest levels of virtually every professional sport, Stadium Entertainment aims to celebrate the Negro Leagues with the compilation CD True to the Game, Volume 1. A portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of True to the Game, Volume 1 will be used to support fund-raising efforts for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO. True to the Game, Volume 1 launched its release on March 24, 2009 on Stadium Entertainment.

The current single and video, The Big Screen, features protégé GLC and hip-hop icon Kanye West. GLC is clearly an emerging voice in urban music. His success started when childhood friend, Kanye, offered GLC a guest appearance on his debut album, The College Dropout. GLC delivered a verse which engendered critical acclaim from music critics and fans alike, followed by another stellar performance on “Drive Slow,” from Kanye’s sophomore LP, Late Registration. GLC and Kanye West were the first artists who agreed to lend their talents on the True To The Game project.

The CD is comprised of 14 tracks featuring platinum and multi-platinum selling artists paired with emerging new artists. The line-up includes: Yung Joc, Raiyn and Talib Kweli, Tay Dizm, T-Pain and Rick Ross, Macy Gray and Marsha Ambrosius, GLC and Kanye West, Sam Chris and Big Boi, Mikkey Halsted and Klass, Ziggy Nina and Chingy, Porta Prince and Ray J, Jarvis and Ludacris, Mario, DJ Pharris with Shawna, Paul Wall and Lil Scrappy, Brandon Hines, and Hustle Boyz and Snoop Dogg.

OFFICIAL TRAILER: Busta Rhymes ft T-Pain 'Hustler's Anthem'

Ms. Drama Interviews Mista Raja Pt. 2

Ms Drama interviews Mista Raja Pt. 1

Dance Lesson by Electrik Red

Rick Ross Addresses 50 Cent and Bloggers

Rick Ross from Rahiem Shabazz on Vimeo.

AMERICAN IDOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MOTOWN THIS WEEK

On a special Wednesday, March 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) performance show, the Top 10 finalists (Kris Allen, Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Megan Joy, Adam Lambert, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Michael Sarver) will return to the IDOL stage to celebrate and pay tribute to “50 Years of Motown” as well as perform classic Motown songs. The IDOLS were treated to a tour of Hitsville, the birthplace of superstars such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 and had the rare opportunity to sit down with the legendary Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson for their advice.



Tune in the following night Thursday, March 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) to see Smokey Robinson perform and find out if the judges use their save or if America sends another finalist home.



Smokey Robinson has been synonymous with the Motown sound since the late 1950s when he first met Motown founder Berry Gordy in Detroit. Gordy took Robinson and The Miracles under his wing, and in 1960, signed them to Motown. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles had hit after hit, including “Shop Around,” “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby” and “I Second That Emotion.” Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. A familiar face on the IDOL stage, he performed a medley of his hits with the Top 6 male finalists on the AMERICAN IDOL Season Six finale.



Songwriter, producer, director and entrepreneur Berry Gordy is the man behind the Motown sound. Under his leadership, Motown achieved one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century by creating music that broke down barriers in a segregated country, touching all people, regardless of color. Starting out in a house that came to be known as Hitsville, USA, he built Motown into a record company with one of the most impressive rosters of artists in the history of pop music. What Berry Gordy and Motown accomplished in music, television and film had never been achieved before; their contributions to music past, present and future are truly immeasurable.



The distinctive, upbeat and uplifting music of Motown brought together pop and soul, white and black, old and young, like never before and continues to this day. Motown broke down racial prejudice by becoming the most successful independent record company in history and the most successful African-American owned business in America. Today, the label is part of the Universal Music Group, with its classic recorded music catalog managed by Universal Music Enterprises, and the timeless songs of Motown from 1959 to 1985 are represented by EMI Music Publishing. Through the end of 2009, Universal Music Group and EMI Music Publishing will mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Detroit label’s musical achievements with a series of initiatives, including monthly music releases.



AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.



Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news. For all photo requests, please go to foxflash.com.



Visit www.motown.com for Motown information.

Jive Records Signs Singer/Songwriter Kevin Cossom

Jive Records, through an arrangement with super-producer Nate “Danja” Hills newly formed label N.A.R.S. (New Age Rocks Stars) Records, has signed the hotly sought-after artist, Kevin Cossom, to the roster. Hills is a Grammy award-winning producer who has worked with many multi-platinum artists including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Mariah Carey.

Peter Thea, Executive Vice President, JIVE Label Group states, “We’re thrilled to take our working relationship with Danja to the next level by working with Kevin. Danja is one of the most trendsetting producers in music, and Kevin is a remarkable talent.”

Mark Pitts, President, Urban Music, JIVE Label Group adds, “Kevin is an extremely talented singer and songwriter; he’s the total package. He’s a welcomed addition to the roster, and we know with Danja and the Jive Records team behind him he will definitely make his mark.”

Nate “Danja’ Hills states, "It goes without saying that Jive is a key factor in my success, so it only felt right to bring N.A.R.S. and Kevin Cossom to the label. I'm very excited that "KC" has the opportunity to be among some of the industry's elite artists and that Jive recognized his potential to shine as bright as the rest. I'm excited for what the future holds in this growing relationship between KC, Jive and myself. "

Kevin Cossom, a native of Orlando , worked with R. Kelly and Young Jeezy (“Go Getta) and steadily gained attention with his collaborations with other artists including Lloyd Banks, Beanie Sigel, Rick Ross, Chamillionaire, Trey Songz and Rocko. Danja met Kevin through publisher Sam Taylor in 2007. Danja instantly recognized Kevin's amazing talents both as a singer and songwriter and signed him within months of their first meeting.

Kevin Cossom is currently preparing the release of his debut album.

The Industry Cosign Has A Conversation with Ty Fyffe

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A very underrated producer, NYC's Ty Fyffe, takes time out of the studio to talk to Vanessa and The Industry Cosign.

DJ Scratch & DJ Kut Going IN!!!!

Diva Speak TV Ep: 45 (season 2)

Entertainment Titan Christina Mendez Celebrates Celebrity Birthday Party In Style and Announces Team Mendez Participation in Walk Now For Autism

Flashing Lights, Cheers, and Warm Wishes from New York's fashionable elite, industry tastemakers, celebrities, and avid supporters filled the room as they came out to celebrate the birthday of Model / Host / Philanthropist Christina Mendez at one of New York's hottest new venues Glass Lounge (NYC) on March 10th . All eyes where on the guest of honor as she celebrated the night away with not one but 2 of the hottest emerging DJ's to hit the New York scene as well as announcing various surprises with family, friends, and industry colleagues throughout the night's festivities.

"I wanted to make the official announcement of the launch of the Team Mendez Incentive, for the upcoming Walk Now for Autism event happening on June 14th, 2009 at the South Street Seaport, at my party because it seemed like a great fit. This room tonight is filled with people who know how important this cause is for me, I already received donations from guest attendees as well as from the media outlet "I Am My Hustle", says Christina Mendez.

Verizon will match up to 5000 dollars of all donations made on my Team Mendez website: http://www.walknowforautism.org/nyc/teammendez

In addition to the announcement of the Team Mendez Incentive, guests were one of the first to see the new PZI Jeans campaign featuring Christina's luscious curves. "PZI Jeans celebrates the curves of every female and I am so honored that this campaign was debuted at my birthday party, it's been one of the hot topics of the night", says Christina.

Sponsors who celebrated in Christina's amazing event included: Glass Lounge, PZI Jeans, Walk Now for Autism, JLV Nightlife, Wine Cellar Sorbet, Pin-Up Cosmetics, Miss Jessie's, Latina Magazine, Koch Records, MNS Media Group, Qristyl Frazier Designs and Better Body Cosmetics.

Notables in attendance celebrating Christina's birthday included Actress Bobbi Jo Kitchen, Face of Sean John Miguel Perdomo, Boxer and The Contender 4 finalist Hino Ehikhamenor, Jena Greco of Autism Speaks, Singer Damien Richards, Designer Qristyl Fraizer, Actor Juan Bago, Author Catherine Schuller, Cedric "Big Ced" Thorton of The Industry Co-Sign, Latin Pop & B Music Sensations Tha Heights, Host / Actor Emmi Grullon, Nina B, Designer Gwen Beloti, Celebrity Stylist Keino Benjamin and Keisha Spivey of Better Body Cosmetics just to name a few.

About Christina Mendez

Christina Mendez has graced the pages of Glamour, All You, Latina Magazine and Urban Latino Magazine, rocked the runway for BET's Rip the Runway, Art of Curves, and Lane Bryant's In-Store Fashion Show in NYC. She has also become one of the first plus-size, Hispanic Urban models to work as the featured model for Baby Phat, Apple Bottoms, Rocawear, Dereon and more. Besides appearing in various magazines and runway shows, Christina has been featured in national television segments including The Rachel Ray Show, Fox News, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, BET News, Lifetime's "Matched in Manhattan" with Matt Titus, New York local favorites Good Day New York , CW 11 and others. Besides blessing the world with her grace and beauty, Christina has dedicated her time to various charities including: Autism Speaks, Hispanic Support Organizations and Women Barack! The Vote, being the only Hispanic woman in the ads, Ms. Mendez delivered the important message of voting in both English and Spanish.

For more information about Christina Mendez, please visit www.ChristinaMendez.com.

About Walk For Autism

Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder

To see a current list of walk sites please visit: http://www.walknowforautism.org

John Brown w/ Dallas Penn and Big Ced

The Industry Cosign speaks to C.G.O. (Crew Grrl Order) at B.B. King's in NYC

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At the Public Enemy show at BB King's in New York City, Sunday, March 15th, The Industry Cosign got a chance to speak to C.G.O. (Crew Grrl Order), a new group being supported by Public Enemy's Chuck D. They speak about what they bring to the table, their unique style and their past and future projects.

BRAND NUBIAN VETERAN GRAND PUBA SIGNS WITH BABYGRANDE RECORDS FOR "RETROACTIVE"

Hip-Hop legend and founding member of the seminal group Brand Nubian,
Grand Puba announces his signing with indie powerhouse Babygrande
Records for the release of his fourth solo album, "Retroactive"
on June 23, 2008.

Grand Puba has been a crucial participant in the hip-hop movement since
its early days. Originally a member of the group Masters of Ceremony, he
became the lead emcee of the New Rochelle-based Brand Nubian in 1989.
Although their upbeat music and positive lyrics tied them stro ngly to the
Native Tongues movement (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest etc.) Brand
Nubian's politics and religion were always at the forefront of their music,
paving the way for groups like Dead Prez, RZA & GZA (of Wu-Tang), Black
Star, Brother Ali & countless others.

As a solo artist, Grand Puba has been extremely successful as well. Many
consider both his release of "Reel 2 Reel," ('92) and "2000" ('95) to be
classics. In 1998, he reunited with Brand Nubian for "Foundation" and in
2004 for "Fire In The Hole" on Babygrande. With the forthcoming
"Retroactive" release, Grand Puba once again returns to his trademark
style--brilliant lyrics, socio-political themes and a smooth laid-back delivery.
Grand Puba's flow is as refined as ever, his beat selection top-notch, and
the finished project promises to fill a much needed void in hip-hop, at a time
when positive, progressive and upbeat messages are sorely needed in the
world. "Grand Puba is the father to so many styles in hip-hop. Its good to
have him back--the game needs him. We have a great relationship with
Brand Nubian and we had so much success with Lord Jamar's solo release
in 2006 that it only makes sense to keep it in the family," says Chuck Wilson
Babygrande's CEO.



Grand Puba
"Retroactive"
In Stores June 23rd, 2009
Babygrande Records

AllHipHop.com's Grouchy Greg and Steve 'Raze' Julien Just Talking....

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Outside of The Hotel Goonsevoort after the VIBE/Young Jeezy Event last year. AllHipHop's Grouchy Greg and Raze haing a good conversation after having an obvious good time at The Vibe party....

Heat Makerz hits Amadu's Corner Celeb status!! #1

Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-nominated artist Canton Jones is on a search to get the perfect title for his next record. Currently working on his fourth original album for Arrow Records, gospel hip hop artist Canton Jones is a young but seasoned artist whose positive and outstanding range of talents have made him a fan favorite with his exhilarating stage shows, catchy mix of music that crosses genres from hip hop to gospel, R&B and more, and encouraging messages about faith and life’s struggles and choices. Reaching out to his fans for their inspiration, Canton Jones is working hard on his record, set for a 2009 release, and inviting fans to get creatively involved in the record-making process with the new “Whatchamacallit” contest to submit names for the album title.

 

Launching March 11^th, Arrow Records is giving fans a chance to name Canton Jones' next album, with a “Whatchamacallit” contest through their website, www.arrow-records.com.  From March 11^th through March 20^th, fans can offer what they think will be the winning title for Canton Jones’ latest project, and get a chance to win some prizes, by emailing their submissions to contest@arrow-records.com. Winners will be announced on March 23^rd, and with a grand prize package that includes a Canton Jones Anthology (complete collection of Arrow Records catalog of Canton Jones autographed CD’s), autographed CD, a t-shirt and inclusion on next album.  The second place winner will receive an autographed CD and t-shirt and the third place winner will receive an autographed CD.

 

For more information about Canton Jones, please visit www.cajointernational.com, www.myspace.com/therealcantonjones and www.myspace.com/officialarrowrecords, www.arrow-records.com

 

About Canton Jones

Based in Atlanta, Jones’ positive messages and talent have made him a rising star, who is well-regarded by both gospel artists and his secular peers in the Hip Hop and R&B worlds. His uncompromising approach to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through music has brought him many accolades and inspired many fans. Jones is a member and a Praise and Worship leader at World Changers Church International, where Dr. Creflo Dollar is the Senior Pastor. Jones is also one of the breakout artists on Arrow Records, which is owned and operated by Dr. Creflo and Pastor Taffi Dollar.

 

About Arrow Records

Arrow Records, an affiliate of Creflo Dollar Ministries, is a Word-based record company located in College Park, Georgia. Established in 1998, our mission is to restore gospel music back to its original purpose-to usher in the power and presence of God in order to encourage the brokenhearted, heal the sick, deliver the captive and save the lost through the rhythm and beat of hip-hop, jazz, praise and worship, pop, urban, instrumental, inspirational, contemporary and traditional black gospel, and alternative sounds.

Hip-Hop Singer/MTV/VH1 PERSONALITY AMANDA DIVA HOSTS BENEFIT GALA & CONCERT IN NORTH CAROLINA

NuFacesNC.com and the DRC Clothing Company announced Wednesday March
11, 2009 that recording artist, author, poet and media personality
Amada Diva will host Nappy Luv 7.5 in Charlotte , NC on Saturday April
11, 2009 and in Raleigh , NC on Sunday April 12, 2009.

Nappy Luv
7.5 is an annual event series that molds music, art, dance, fashion and
poetry in to one festive occasion.  This year's efforts are aimed at
bringing attention to the technological resource based war in the
Democratic Republic of Congo.

Amanda Diva is a multi-talented
Columbia University graduate that made her debut on Nickelodeon at the
age of 12 on the sitcom My Brother and Me.  After graduation she hosted
shows on MTV2, VH1 and SIRIUS.  In 2007 Amanda Diva replaced Natalie
Stewart as a member of the group Floetry on their tour.  Most recently
Amanda Diva released the free EP Spandex, Rhymes & Soul in March
2009.

The Charlotte stop for Nappy Luv 7.5 is being billed as
"The Photo.Conscious Edition and will be held April 11, 2009 at the
Hart-Witzen Art Gallery and Theater at 116 W. 36TH Street in the city's
arts district, NoDa.  A who's who of Charlotte 's politically engaged
socialites, tastemakers and creative class will enjoy an open bar
catered event featuring live performances and art before partying the
rest of the night away while models wearing fashions of the DRC
Clothing Company conduct a photo shoot in the background.

On
April 12th the show moves to the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh, North
Carolina for Nappy Luv 7.5: The Bloody Tech-Knowledge-Y Concert
featuring host and performer Amanda Diva, Hip-Hop artist Median, Grammy
Award winning producer 9th Wonder, soulstress Jocelyn Ellis featuring
band Alpha Theory, urban folk starlet Lizh, and many more.

NuFacesNC.com
is a social-networking community web site akin to Myspace or Facebook
but with a regional focus. As with these sites, NuFacesNC.com allows
members to register profiles, upload and share photographs and videos,
chat with other members, and update blogs. In addition, the site also
features original content. NuFacesNC.com offers graphic design,
videography and video editing services as well.

The DRC Clothing
Co. is the brand of choice for urban-minded, socially conscious young
adults who seek apparel that appeals to more than just a sense of
style.  Founded by Congolese-Americans Eric B. Ndelo, Taj Polite and
Roderick B. Vakala, along with international street culture enthusiast
Antonio T. Mercer; the brand fuses the urban aesthetics of global
street movements with Pan-African cultural principles and designs.

VERBAL KENT AND KAZ ONE TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY WITH BRAVE NEW RAP

Brave New Rap the long awaited collaboration album between Chicago Heavyweights Verbal Kent and Kaz One (who has previously worked with Sean Price, Sadat X, ED O. G and RA Da Rugged Man) is set to be released April 1st, 2009 on Gravel Records.

Verbal Kent has released three albums previously, What Box, Move With The Walls & Fist Shaking and been featured in XXL and Urb Magazines. Verbal has also collaborated with such artists as Ill Bill, Marco Polo, Wordsworth, One Be Lo, Oddisee, Pacewon and he’s also toured nationally with Sadat X, ED O.G, and Count Bass D.

Brave New Rap features production entirely from Kaz One, with guest appearances by La Coka Nostra Leader Ill Bill, EMC’s Wordsworth, Braille, and Coldhard of the legendary Crucial Conflict. Track after track, Verbal and Kaz team up on what many hip-hop connoisseurs are terming to be "the return of real tag-team rap". The chemistry boils as the album blasts off with “Dedicated” and never cools off. The old-fashioned boom-bap of “Wars R Us” and “Remove The Gag” follow, reminding fans of what happens when people who know each other well make music together (e.g. Wu-Tang, EPMD). Tracks such as “Questions” and “Suck A Grenade” ponder what Hip-Hop would be like if skills were the only thing that were relevant and later, Verbal examines the American way and challenges its course with “Identity Theft” and the epic “Power II.”

As Verbal Kent laments Brave New Rap is the culmination of a musical relationship that was fostered over nearly a decade “Me and Kaz met at a emcee battle at a club in Chicago in 2001. This album is the culmination of 8 years of getting to know each other musically. He has produced over half my music, but never a whole record; that's why this release means the most to me. We started off recording songs in a one bedroom apartment in Dekalb, IL. I would take the trip down from the city to build with him a few days a week and after recording a few songs together, we knew we had something good going. A year or so later, Kaz moved to Chicago above a coffee house a friend of mine owned and we just continued to bang out tracks. Kaz produced more then half of my first LP (What Box) and has also produced multiple racks on every record I have ever released and people have always told me I come across best over his beats…I think now I finally agree. Building with just one producer on a record is almost like having this pre-arranged musical outline that you get to weave in and out of when writing a song. It alleviates the pressure and replaces it with urgency. This album has easily been my favorite to work on and I think it shows thru the songs. You want to like a record for a few weeks then buy some other album. Cop this one and your going to memorize every track. That’s what I used to love about a great Hip-Hop album. I’m trying to bring that feeling back.”

Brave New Rap is exactly what the rap game needs---proving to the world that Hip-Hop is alive; and more then well.

Tracklisting and credits for Verbal Kent & Kaz One’s “Brave New Rap”:

1.) How We Figured It Out (Introduction)
2.) Dedicated
3.) Wars R Us
4.) Remove The Gag f/ Ill Bill & Wordsworth
5.) Questions
6.) Snake F*ckers & Androids f/ Soweto Kinch, Sunny Jim, Altruisms, Roadblok and Doomsday
7.) Friends (Interlude 1)
8.) Suck A Grenade
9.) Fast Rapping Time
10.) Identity Theft
11.) Verbal Assault f/ Cold Hard Of Crucial Conflict
12.) Silly Rapper, Vomiting Is For Kids (Interlude 2)
13.) Big Bang
14.) Fast Forward
15.) Faith f/ Braille
16.) Power Pt. II

(All tracks produced by Kaz One)

Danger by $trictly Busine$$

Danger from $trictly Busine$$ on Vimeo.

LETS TALK ABOUT SEX WITH LISA WU

Lisa Wu Talks About Sex from Rahiem Shabazz on Vimeo.

Shirea Carroll and Danyel Smith at VIBE's Young Jeezy Cover Party at Hotel Gansevoort

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A short conversation with VIBE's Editor-In-Chief, Danyel Smith and her Executive Assistant, Shirea Carroll at Hotel Gonsevoort in early 2008.

JADAKISS UNLEASHES THE LAST KISS ON APRIL 7TH

Legendary rapper Jadakiss, always at the eye of the storm, puts an end to five years of speculation about his new album when the aptly-titled THE LAST KISS arrives in the physical and digital marketplace April 7^th. The first single "Can't Stop Me" produced by Neo The Matrix follows up to the club banger "By My Side" feat. Ne-Yo and street smash "Letter To B.I.G"f t. Faith Evans off the Notorious movie soundtrack. The new album marks the second release on the mega-successful multi-platinum Ruff Ryders label. In the midst of delivering a highly anticipated album Jadakiss has also been working on a sneaker lifestyle website as well as upcoming BET reality show.

      THE LAST KISS is the long-awaited follow-up to Kiss Of Death, the second album by Jadakiss, released June 2004.  The million-selling #1 pop and #1 R&B album turned out a trio of hit singles, starting with “Time’s Up” (featuring Nate Dogg, produced by Scott Storch); then “Why” (featuring Anthony Hamilton, produced by Havoc); and “U Make Me Wanna” (featuring Mariah Carey, produced by Storch).   

      THE LAST KISS picks up where Kiss Of Death left off, with the albums first official single “Can't Stop Me", guest appearances by Ne-Yo(By My Side), "Something Else" ft. Young Jeezy, "One More Step" ft. Styles P., Sheek Louch, Lil’ Wayne, Pharell, Barrington Levy, Avery Storm, Jasmine Sullivan, S.I, Ghostface & Raekwon .  Producers on board the new album project include the Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Eric Hudson, The Incredibles, Buckwild, Denaun Porter, Needlz, Sean C & LV, and Baby Grande.  

      Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, the solo debut from Jadakiss, was released August 2001.  On the strength of its three chart singles – “Knock Yourself Out” (produced by the Neptunes); “We Gonna Make It” (featuring Styles P. and produced by Alchemist); and “Put Ya Hands Up” – the album rose to #2/R&B and #5/pop, and went on to sell more than three million copies worldwide.  Prior to starting his solo career, Jadakiss spent nearly a decade as a member of the legendary rap collective the L.O.X. (later known as D-Block), whose members included Styles P. and Sheek Louch. 

The Industry Cosign Talks to Slim

Click to Play

Before performing at The Apollo this past Saturday, March 7th. Slim took a couple of minutes to speak to The Industry Cosign.

Kanye West, Murdoc, & Ahmad on the Wake Up Show: Episode 4

DTP ARTIST WILLY NORTHPOLE JOINS OGPR ROSTER - PEEP HIS BAD A** DJBOOTH.NET FREESTYLE HERE

CLICK IMAGE TO GO TO

WILLY NORTHPOLE'S MYSPACE PAGE

OGPR is happy to annouce the recent inclusion of DTP/Def Jam artist and Phoenix native, Willy Northpole to our artist roster. Willy's debut album, Tha Connect, drops nationwide on June 2nd and his current single, Hood Dreamer, has a radio impact date of March 23rd.

Born William Adams, Willy Northpole's first obstacle was overcome on February 22, 1980, in Phoenix, Arizona the day he was born. A flood that day forced him to be born in a helicopter, which also gave him his first nickname; helicopter baby.

Music has always been a part of Willy Northpole's life. Growing up a Michael Jackson fan, he was influenced early on by rap pioneers such as Kool Moe D and Too Short. These early influences inspired Willy to develop his talents as a performer. Once his mother noticed her son's abilities as a performer, she began entering him in talent shows on Phoenix's south side.

 

Enter Willy's next obstacle: While he was entering talent shows, his father was on the streets; addicted to crack. During this time it was not unusual for Willy to see drug dealers in and around looking for his father. In search of a male role model, Willy began following his cousin Walter "Salt" Morison who was a known member of Broadway Gangsta's. On August 23, 1992 Willy's life was turned upside down when his role model was shot 21 times. After his cousin and role model's brutal murder, Willy's own life began to take a downward spiral when he became a member of Broadway Gangsta's himself and began selling drugs to any and everyone; with his own father as one of his top clients.

 

Not long after, Willy experienced his next obstacle when he was kicked out of South Mountain High School, arrested for armed robbery, and sentenced to almost 3 years in a youth detention facility/jail. From his cell, Willy would experience the highly publicized East/West Coast beef which only fueled his desire to add his substantial skills to the rap game.

 

Upon his release at the age of 18, Willy Northpole set out with a firm focus to make a name for himself in the rap game. Splitting his time between working and the recording studio, Willy began writing rhymes about his experiences and the world around him.

 

After recording what became a classic local anthem titled Garbage Disposal, Willy Northpole hooked up with a rival local emcee named Hot Rod. At the time, Hot Rod was being pursued by G-Unit and asked Willy to come along as his right hand man. Willy's talents were quickly recognized by everyone who crossed paths with him. It was about this time that Willy reconnected with his child hood friend Tiffany J.; a one time Power 92.3 on-air personality, now turned producer & artist manager under Blue Williams at Family Tree Entertainment. With such a rich history together, that began at the age of 8yrs old, it only made sense for these two to team up & hit the industry with marketing they have never seen before. Oddly enough most of this was done by tackling MySpace.

 

Willy has been blessed by the opportunity to record with industry heavy hitters the likes of Ez Elpee, Bangladesh, Trak Starz, Heatmakerz, Reefa, and Nitti to name a few. With his first record deal just inked with Disturbing Tha Peace / Def Jam...Willy is the only rap artist to be signed to DTP representing the West and the ONLY artist signed with major distribution out of Phoenix, Arizona that is born & raised in this city.  

 

For Willy Northpole, obstacles are a part of life, and with this new experience he knows more are to come. But his life so far has taught him that when an obstacle is placed in his way he can rise above it like a Phoenix from the ashes. If he achieves his goal of putting Arizona on his back and on the hip hop map, Willy Northpole will surely be ..Raising Arizona...

 

With lofty ambitions like these and his painful past to motivate him, Willy Northpole can only be destined for success.

 

Here is a link to listen to Willy's contribution to DJBooth.net's new Exclusive Freestyle Series -

 

URL - http://www.djbooth.net/index/freestyles/review/willy-northpole-the-coldest/

 

"The 13th entry in our exclusive freestyle series comes to us courtesy of Willy Northpole, the Disturbing Tha Peace emcee who readers may remember from Drive By Music and B.o.B collabo Hood Dreamer, as well as his guest appearance on Luda‘s Call Up the Homies.  The Phoenix native, who spits over an industry instrumental by Swizz Beatz on his previously-unreleased The Coldest freestyle, is currently busy preparing for the June 2nd release of his debut LP, Tha Connect."

"Shotty On Me" - Riz * Off Gallic Wars Presents Death Before Dishonor Hosted by Sha Money XL & Riz

SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS LAUNCHES "P. TWITTY TV"

What were you doing at 3am? Twittering with Sean "Diddy" Combs perhaps? Thousands of Twitter followers were! In the wee hours of March 5th, Sean "Diddy" Combs unveiled a new twist to Twitter's social networking: "P.
Twitty TV." Via his www.TWITTER.COM/IAMDIDDY page, Diddy took the 140-character "twitt" exchange to another level, adding a video blog component. Diddy issued personal commentary and alerts directing his 50,000+ followers to the new “P. Twitty TV” updates.

By launching "P. Twitty TV," Diddy has created an unprecedented personal social networking experience with his Twitter followers, giving them a nearly real-time view of his daily happenings. Every thirty minutes during the video blog’s first hours, Diddy directed his Twitter followers to "P. Twitty TV" to see candid moments. Currently, Diddy has five episodes on "P. Twitty TV."

The “P. Twitty TV” revolution will be televised, for the digital world. Join www.TWITTER.COM/IAMDIDDY to find out more details. Also, go to www.YouTube.com/DiddyTV to watch “P. Twitty TV” episode #1.

For the past 16 years, Sean “Diddy” Combs has used his artistic vision and entrepreneurial drive to capture and express the sentiments of a generation. As a producer and a performer, he not only created a new musical genre of hip-hop soul, but also catapulted the music and style of African-American youth into the American mainstream. Today, as founder and CEO of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Diddy oversees one of the world’s preeminent companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses, including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, fashion, and restaurants.

In recent years, Diddy has added Broadway and film actor, marathon runner, spirits developer, and fragrance producer to his ever-growing list of accomplishments. Having sold 75 million records worldwide, Diddy has left an indelible mark on pop culture.

Movado Interview w/ Mikey Fresh (www.theindustrycosign.com)

True Hip-Hop Stories: The Homeless Emcee

Musiq Soulchild - "sobeautiful"

Musiq Soulchild - "sobeautiful"

Amanda Diva's new FreEP "Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul" download link

Download Link: http://www.zshare.net/download/56393212d67eeed0/

Amanda Diva offers up a new batch of music today with the free, digital release of Spandex, Rhymes & Soul. A hybrid of rap, soul and electronic, the “freEP” features production by Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids, Green Lantern, Droop-e (son of E-40) of The Pharmaceuticals and more.

Before she goes back into the studio to work on her LP, Diva will perform in NYC and Austin for SXSW (details below). She has previously shared the stage with The Roots, The Cool Kids and Lupe Fiasco and toured across the country with Martha Ambrosius replacing one half of the duo Floetry.

Most recently heard as a featured guest on Q-Tip’s The Renaissance (“ManWomanBoogie” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejx7vG3WpzM), Amanda first gained recognition for spoken word on Def Poetry Jam. Soon after, she became the face of hip-hop on MTV2 and hosted her own radio show on Sirius for 5 years- “Breakfast at Diva’s”. She currently hosts and produces two popular online tv shows. Diva Speak TV is a humor based news show (http://www.youtube.com/divaspeaktv) and her latest endeavor on KarmaloopTV, Diva Diva Y’all, features exclusive artist interviews (premiere w/ Estelle: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1287040724/bclid1295326981/bctid14364891001).

Tour Dates
March
7- The Studio @ Webster Hall- New York, NY (w/ J*Davey)
20- SESAC Day Stage Café Austin Convention Center- Austin, TX (5:30pm, SXSW)
21- Buffalo Billiards- Austin, TX (10pm, SXSW w/ Solange)

Tracklist
Gettin’ Started Intro (produced by Slot-A)
Neon (featuring Johnny Polygon, produced by Droop-E)
Duck Til Dawn (produced by Kovas)
Rebels (produced by Kovas)
Devils (produced by Chuck Inglish)
Colorblind (featuring Johnny Polygon, produced by Green Lantern)
Get It Right (produced by Ringo)
Little Things (produced by Ringo)
Heart Strings (produced by Green Lantern)
It Ain’t Rea (produced by Jet Audio)
Supasonic Supanova (produced by Slot-A)
Divaspeakin Outro

ROB KELLY UNLEASHES JUMP AROUND FROM IMPENDING MIXTAPE

Irish MC Rob Kelly has had a highly successful twelve months garnering himself some serious airplay in both his home country as well as stations such as BBC,KISS and XFM in the UK and WNYU and Power 106 in the USA. So it is only right that this lyricist who is fresh off supporting Akon while performing in the Emerald Isle gives his fans what they are looking for....some new music.



Available for free download through Rob's Myspace page, ST PATRICK'S DAY MASSACRE will be available from March 17th. Featuring the already famous collaborations with Memphis Bleek, Slaine and Reef The Lost Cauze with production from Mike Donnelly, GQ Beatz, Show n Prove and Fat Beats' J57 the project is hosted by Rob's DJ, Mo-K.

Also featured on the mixtape is Rob's re-working of the 1992 House of Pain classic JUMP AROUND, which is available by clicking the link below.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ecyjo3

To check Rob out live he will be performing this Friday at Tripod in Dublin when he opens for
T Pain. For other updates on Rob please check him out at www.myspace.com/robkelly as he gears up to release his first official album KELLS KITCHEN.

Young MC Classic "Stone Cold Rhymin'" Reissued w/ Bonus Tracks + Remixes

STONE COLD RHYMIN’ 2009 STYLE:

 

ON MARCH 17, 2009, DELICIOUS VINYL RELEASES

20TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE DIGITAL EDITION OF YOUNG MC'S CLASSIC DEBUT ALBUM FEATURING "BUST A MOVE" & "PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE" PLUS RARE BONUS TRACKS AND REMIXES FROM AARON LACRATE, DIPLO AND LE TIGRE’S JD SAMSON AND JOHANNA FATEMAN

 

 

www.myspace.com/deliciousvinylrecords

http://deliciousvinyl.com/mrdelicioussez/  

 

*******

BLOGGERS / ONLINE:

 

Get your FREE Downloads of

Young MC - “Bust A Move (Don Rimini Ravekid Remix)”

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0s06i5

 

*******

When it comes to playing it straight, Stone Cold Rhymin' is almost shocking in its innocence. Thirteen songs and zero curse words, the album endures as a quality listen because of Young MC's wit, wordplay, and dazzling elocution...not to mention the funkiness of the music. The album bridges old school sounds and what at the time passed for cutting edge production.

 

Twenty years after its original release, the “Delicious Deluxe Digital Edition” of Stone Cold Rhymin' comes with seven additional tracks not on the original LP. "Principal's Office (Impact Remix)" and "I Come Off (Southern Comfort Mix") are rare mixes from original 12-inches. "I Let Em Know (Matt Dike Remix)" is a promotional mix never before released commercially, while "Pick Up The Pace (1990)" first appeared on the soundtrack to the Steven Seagal movie “Marked For Death.” The other three bonus tracks date from 2008's Delicious RMXXOLOGY project: Diplo's turbocharged versioning of "Bust A Move," Aaron LaCrate and Debonair Samir’s massive club banger “Know How Theme” and the previously unreleased RMX of "Got More Rhymes" from MEN (the collaborative alias of Le Tigre's JD Samson and Johanna Fateman).

 

Produced by Michael Ross and Matt Dike, "Bust A Move" is the song that broke Young MC. It won him a coveted statuette for Best Rap Performance at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards, where he beat out Delicious Vinyl label mate Tone Loc's "Funky Cold Medina", a song whose lyrics Young had also largely written. (The other songs nominated for Best Rap Performance were De La Soul's anti-anthem "Me Myself And I", DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's tepid claim "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson", and Public Enemy's immortal "Fight The Power".)  The follow-up to "Bust A Move" was "Principal's Office". A midtempo mixture of high school lyrical high jinks over a hurdy-gurdy sample from "Who Could Want More" by 1970s piano man Lee Michaels, "Principal's Office", the track is a favorite of De La Soul producer Prince Paul and Pharcyde producer J-Swift. "Principal's Office" gave Young MC his second consecutive Top Forty hit, and helped propel sales of his debut album to double platinum.

 

Another stand-out cut, "Know How" is an early production by Dust Brothers Michael "EZ Mike" Simpson and John "King Gimzo" King. The song begins with a straightforward, even obvious stacking of samples of "Theme From Shaft" and "Apache" but at the two minute mark it explodes into a sequence of searing rock guitar licks and tasteful, precise, stereo-panned scratching by EZ Mike. With an astutely funky bass line by Kevin O'Neal of the Bus Boys, the song's tight cuts and stacked breaks are the closest prequel to the Dust Brothers' subsequent cosmic cut collage on Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique.

 

With contributions from Michael Ross, Matt Dike, The Dust Brothers, Flea, Quincy Jones III, Kevin O'Neal and Mario Caldato, Jr., Stone Cold Rhymin’ was a monumental achievement for modern Hip-Hop and pop music.   

 

The “Delicious Deluxe Digital Edition” of Stone Cold Rhymin’ is released March 17, 2009 on Delicious Vinyl.

 

Young MC - Stone Cold Rhymin' - 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

 

1. I Come Off

2. Principal's Office

3. Bust A Move

4. Non Stop

5. Fastest Rhyme

6. My Name Is Young

7. Know How

8. Roll With The Punches

9. I Let 'Em Know

10. Pick Up The Pace

11. Got More Rhymes

12. Stone Cold Buggin'

13. Just Say No

Bonus tracks:

14. I Come Off (Southern Comfort Mix)

15. Principal's Office (Impact Remix)

16. Bust A Move (Diplo RMX)

17. Know How Theme (RMX by Aaron LaCrate & Debonair Samir)

18. I Let 'Em Know (Matt Dike Remix)

19. Pick Up The Pace 1990

20. Got More Rhymes (MEN RMX)

5 Questions With..... The Vistoso Bosses

1.     Since you are new to the audience, who are The Vistoso Bosses and what should we expect from you?

 

Vistoso Bosses are Taylah.p and Kelci. Two girls that aren't afraid to be themselves and want to show that idea to the world. We want to be role models - good role models. We want to make music that people can understand, relate to and feel. We've always loved the spotlight and now we are finally getting the chance to live out our dreams together! You can expect some really new, fresh, different music. Different looks! A lot of positive things! We actually have a ton of things we are coming up with on our own from clothing to make up. It’s going to be really exciting!

 

2.     This may be a clichéd question, but I will ask simply because of your style, who or what are your musical influences?

 

Everything around us influences us not just music. We like skateboarding, fashion, art and other artists like Tyga and MIA. If we had to pick just one influence it would be our own family because almost everyone in our family has some kind of musical talent. We were just pretty much born into it!

 

3.     So, from my understanding, your MySpace page is quite popular and you are very engaging through The UYL, Ultimate Young Lady. Could you explain what this is and why it’s important?

 

UYL means Ultimate Young Lady, which is a sorority that we started that came from blogging about a real life situation that then it turned into a song and then into a sorority. UYL is basically a loyal friend that doesn't hate, nor get jealous at other friends – no catty behavior. The UYL motto is "No faking, No hatin, No ex-boyfriend dating." We mean it! "The ultimate positive role model". Someone who carries their self well. UYL is very important to us mainly because we can connect with our fans. A lot of girls out there need someone to look up to or are searching for something that they can get involved with that other girls are in too, something to make them feel confident about their self. UYL for us is mainly to show that girls rock and that they can be themselves no matter what.

 

4.     If there was anything you could change about the music industry, what would it be?

 

Vistoso Bosses will bring change and so will other artists because music is always changing.

 

5.     What is it about The Vistoso Bosses that you would like the world to know about?

 

We want the world to know about Vistoso Bosses that we're  unique and very talented writers. Very creative teenagers. We have a new sound and new energy to music. That's why we will have the world saying Vee.eye.es.tee.oh.es.oh have the whole world screaming out Vistosoooooo!

Jim Jones - Na Na Nana Na Na

The Industry Cosign talks to Hip Hop Legend, Dana Dane

Click to Play

Brooklyn's first gold selling Hip Hop solo artist, Dana Dane, has written a book, Nikki Turner Presents Numbers. The Industry Cosign sits down with Dana Dane to speak about the book and his legendary career and what he has planned for the future!

TORAE & MARCO POLO SIGN DEAL WITH DUCK DOWN RECORDS TO RELEASE COLLOBORATIVE LP

Continuing to add to its growing roster of artists, Duck Down Records welcomes Torae & Marco Polo to the Duck Down Family. The MC/Producer team is prepping a new album entitled "Double Barrel," which will be entirely produced by Marco Polo and is set to be released this Spring.

Marco Polo has proven to be a dynamic producer in Hip Hop working with Kardinal Offishall, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Boot Camp Clik, Heltah Skeltah, Buckshot, Sadat X, and Large Professor. In the Spring of 2007, Marco Polo released his critically acclaimed album, "Port Authority". Now, less than two years later, he has teamed up with Torae to present "Double Barrel."

Marco Polo states he "was getting tired of Rappers not rapping anymore. Double Barrel sounds like some exciting shit you turn up LOUD and get amped to. Good fighting music, training music, driving music, killing music."
Torae, a Coney Island native, is one of the hardest working MCs in the game today. His last mixtape, "Daily Conversation" (released in 2008) featured production from DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Black Milk, Khrysis and of course Marco Polo, and received high accolades from the Hip Hop Community.

In speaking on his "Double Barrel album, Torae says that "Marco and I wanted to collaborate on a project, so we decided to record everything together in the studio and give each other feedback and constructive criticism to make the best possible LP. We felt there was definitely a lane open and a void for certain fans; fans like us that missed authentic boom bap, gritty, NYC rap. So that's what we set out to make."

Torae goes on to describe the album as "definitely not like anything that's come out of NY in the last few years. It's more inspired by the music that we liked to listen to coming up. Black Moon, Gang Starr, ONYX, Smif N Wessun, M.O.P., and artists like that. The beats hit hard and are really gritty. My delivery is more aggressive and in your face. It's a colder more abrasive album than what's out there right now. It's just what the heads are complaining isn't available."

On the decision to sign with Duck Down, Torae continues, "it's the perfect move because of the history of the label. They've put out a lot of the artists that inspired us to create music in the first place. They know how to reach our core fan base and cater to the people that love the music and the culture we represent. It was a no brainer to drop "Double Barrel" on Duck Down."

Dru Ha, Co-Owner of Duck Down Records is "excited to secure the deal, as we tried to make a deal for Marco's Port Authority release but missed out. Marco has been consistently contributing quality production to many of Duck Downs’s recent releases so our core fans are familiar with his level of work. We are looking forward to a fully produced album from Marco showcasing Torae.

Singer-Songwriter TONEX To Release His First Album in Five Years on Battery Records

Battery Records, a newly formed imprint under the Sony Music Entertainment’s RCA/ JIVE Label Group umbrella, is pleased announce the release of singer/songwriter TONEX (“Tone-AYE”). His forthcoming album Unspoken, dropping March 17th, will bring his unique talents to the forefront of music. Though TONEX’s name might be new to some, his impactful work has long been a mainstay in the gospel world.

TONEX is indeed a prolific artist, having released three albums on Verity Records over the years, while producing for both gospel, secular and mainstream artists alike. He has also amassed several awards including eight Stellar Awards and two GMA Awards. He also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Soul Gospel Album for his 2004 critically acclaimed album, Out The Box.

TONEX is excited for the shift from the Verity to Battery. On Battery Records he’ll be given the freedom to showcase his true talent as a music-maker. His brand new LP Unspoken features hard-hitting R&B, dance and even a smattering of alternative with its lead single "Blend.” The timely song addresses the need to stay true to oneself. "I knew that ‘Blend’ was going to be the lead single from the start,” TONEX stresses. “It represents who I've been all along by bringing that artist to the masses for the first time."

For TONEX, Unspoken is a transitional album that heads in a more mainstream direction but yet still targets his longstanding gospel segment. Says TONEX, “I didn't want to alienate the fan base generated from the Out the Box phenomenon. Even though I appreciate that album's success, I felt that there were so many people from different demographics I still had yet to reach. I made the transition from Verity Records to Battery Records to facilitate that career evolution."

Unspoken conveys TONEX’s variety, musical prowess and adaptability. A dreamer, TONEX’s dream of showcasing his rare spectrum of talents to an R&B audience is coming true. The project will be marketed to not only gospel music lovers but also mainstream R&B music lovers. Battery Records stands wholly behind TONEX and his ambitious project. Battery Records’Neil Levine adds “It is important that TONEX keeps his credibility within the gospel community while Battery helps him expand to a more mainstream audience.”

Battery Records was formed to develop young urban talent, in an age where such development is sorely lacking. Neil Levine, Battery Records’ Senior Vice President and General Manager, aims to uncover and cultivate young talent and thereby create an indispensable niche in the marketplace.

Streams:

"Blend"
http://media.audibletreats.com/Tonex-Blend.asx


MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/theofficialtonex

Label Site:
http://www.batteryrecords.net/