Bleach Brothers, Dirt man & Reka,The Coolest White Dudes on Earth
April 26, 2007 at 6:23 pm | In Interviews | Leave a Comment
It’s been a long time since we heard from The Bleach Brothers comprised of two members-Italian, and Irish-, Reka (aka Reka Norris), and Dirt man (aka Dirt Da Rock Morocco). In 1999, Terror Squad, The Album introduced The Bleach Brothers on the song ‘that’s my shit.’ After the song dropped the streets were talking, and everybody wanted to know who they were.
Making a name for themselves as true talented MC’s back on the block growing up in Queens, New York (Pomonok Houses), and
New Jersey. Combining their hoods, originally calling themselves Q-Jru, The Bleach Brothers changed their names after an appearance on ‘MTV’s Return of the white rapper’, which is a name that demands attention like their sound. Proud of who they are and their heritage
The Bleach Brothers stayed diligent despite the frustration of deals falling through they were always consistent about making music thereby staying in the studio. Having shopped their music for years finally approached by Tommy O’Rourke of Trump Music Incorporated where a successful joint venture deal was birth fourth.
TheSource.com: Hello, how are you? So what’s new Dirt man?
Dirt: I’m good getting that paper just selling albums. We independent, so we got to sell albums because if we don’t we don’t get paid or eat. AMI is distributing our Independent work.
TheSource.com: That is what’s up a true paper chaser; you are my kind of man.
Dirt: Yeah, we gotta be on our grillz grind right now, ya heard! It’s the only way in this business.
TheSource.com: I love artist on their hustle making their dreams a reality, you no doing your own thing handling business whether its music, writing, dancing, and/or school. I love when people just get it done and chase their dreams.
Dirt: Yeah, in this game, and any line of business you gotta be persistent, especially in this shit. You gotta keep the faith, keep going, and you better never give up cause you never know when it will be your moment to shine, so be prepared when that time comes. Don’t ever let anybody shut you down in this game because they will try. I seen cats rapping for six months talking about ain’t nothing popping off, and then just quit. They never gave it a chance to jump off. It takes time in this music shit.
TheSource.com: What do you think about the current state of Hip Hop with everybody trying to be a rapper?
Dirt: Yeah these days everybody is rapping. They all want to be a rapper or a producer. We’ve been in this game for a minute. Study our history; we were on Terror Squad, The Album years ago. We’ve been doing shows and just staying hunger with diligence. Like us, Jay and 50 both was dropped off of labels and they keep it moving never stopping and the rest is history because they wouldn’t settle. Look at Dipset not an overnight success but is doing is thing because it didn’t let anything or anybody stop him.
TheSource.com: Everybody is rapping but everybody can’t rap these days but we can’t knock their hustle because if most wasn’t rapping they would probably be dead, in jail or working some place they hated.
Dirt: Yeah, we all got to eat but don’t just put out one hot song and the rest is garbage… 1 hot track that radio plays and the other 13 tracks are wack as hell. We take our time and put our good quality music. But you can’t hate because they gotta eat and live so this is their way to survive, I ain’t mad at them.
TheSource.com: Yeah, I am about people doing what brings them joy so if you can live and not struggle that is a good look. What next’s for The Bleach Brothers?
Reka: We got a new joint rocking the radios with Bad Boy’s Carl Thomas. We are also working with on the ‘Immortal’ joint with Jim Jones. G-Rap you know we gotta go back to the streets.
Dirt: JR Rodum, The Runners they laced us with two head bangers, its fire!
TheSource.com: How do you feel about the music business in general?
Reka: Like my partner said, we been in this for years and you can’t let nobody turn you around because diligence and persistence pays off in the long run and we about staying in the game. We had a deal with a record label and then it fell through but we keep moving with consistency.
TheSource.com: What else can your fans expect from The Bleach Brothers/
Reka: We got our clothing line, The Bleach Brothers Apparel, Bleach Brothers Films, more good music with great beats, and so much more.
TheSource.com: What is some advice you can give some artist on the come up?
Reka: We want longevity in this business, so we make good music that will last. We are passionate about what we do, and we put our heart in our music. Be passionate, focused, and stay persistent that is what I can say to rappers coming up.
Dirt: Make sure your business plan is tight because this is a business, and if you want to get paid with longevity tend to your business especially if you are independent.
TheSource.com: The Probly (this is the way they spell it on their track) Not Hood lyrics are hot. You, and your partner basically give a recipe for people who are not hood but may pretend to act as if they know the hood but probably never been.…You probably not hood if u pay your bills on time/…you are probably not hood if your frig is always full/…you are probably not hood if you buy your jewelry out the back of the source.
TheSource.com: Give me a few last words.
Reka & Dirt: In this business, we abide by Universal Law, we do what we do, and let others do what they do. We don’t mess over nobody in the process because karma is a bitch! We try and teach new cats coming up in the game on our Independent label called Bleach Brother Enterprises LLC.
All those wanting to get their music business grind on for real check out some of the crucial principals to longevity, which The Bleach Brothers have managed to live by within the game:
· Be persistent· Stay focused· Never give Up· Stick to making good music· Know your Intellectual Property (Copyright, trademarks, Patent, and Publishing Rights)
The Bleach Brothers are true business men. Despite set backs, always on their grind as Independent Artist they are faithful to making good music, teaching new comers the ropes, and getting paid. It took them a minute, but they are back, and now it’s a wrap. With their new album, they have skillfully produced songs that make you think, dance, simply boob your head and/or mediate on the lyrics. Both Reka, and Dirt, are lyrically gifted MC’s that paint pictures with verbs twisted around well produced beats created with precision by Dirt so visit them at www.myspace.com/bleachbrothers
Written By Daphne D. Williams
SUCKER FREE ON MTV PRESENTS: “MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS” BEGINNING ON MONDAY-APRIL 30TH AT 3PM ET/PT
April 26, 2007 at 4:48 pm | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a CommentMTV: Music Television announced today that they are setting up the biggest week in Hip Hop by being the first to bring its audience the most highly anticipated new and freshest music from some of today biggest artists. During “Sucker Free on MTV Presents: “Most Anticipated Albums” viewers will have access to new music by joining MTV VJ DJ Cipha Sounds as he goes to the studio, on tour and to your favorite artists neighborhoods to preview highly anticipated albums from T.I, Ne-Yo, 50 Cent and R. Kelly. You’ll hear it first as DJ Cipha Sounds introduces music fans to the producers, beats and concepts behind the music that will get them through the summer. Catch Sucker Free on MTV Presents: “Most Anticipated Albums” beginning on Monday, April 30 at 3PM ET/PT.
MTV.com kicks off “Sucker Free on MTV Presents: “Most Anticipated Albums” featuring T.I, Ne-Yo, 50 Cent and R. Kelly. Each artist spotlighted on “Sucker Free” will share their exclusive individual playlists and “Best of” video playlists with viewers. MTV.com will also feature a list of “Most Anticipated Albums of Summer 2007.” MTV.com will also feature a Sucker Free Blog (suckerfreeblog.com) that will run exclusive footage and outtakes from artist interviews. In addition, all artists playlists found on MTV.com will also be featured on MTV Networks’ online music service URGE, MTV Hits and MTV Jams.
MTV2 keeps “Sucker Free on MTV” hopping by airing the “Best of Artists” features from artists featured on “Sucker Free on MTV” as well as airing exclusive footage. Sucker Free on MTV: “Most Anticipated Albums” will air on MTV beginning on Monday, April 30 at 4:30PM/ET and again at 8:00PM/ET.
MTV’s “Sucker Free on MTV Presents: “Most Anticipated Albums” line-up is as follows:
Monday, April 30
MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: NE-YO “BECAUSE OF YOU”Release Date: May 1
DJ Cipha Sounds hangs-out with Ne-Yo all day as he preps for his promo tour in
New York City. Check out as Ne-Yo gives us an exclusive listen to tracks from his highly anticipated sophomore album, Because Of You.
Tuesday, May 1MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: 50 CENT “CURTIS”Release Date: June 26th
DJ Cipha Sounds checks-in with 50 on the
New York photo shoot for his new album. Watch as 50 breaks down the concept behind the album, plays an exclusive track, discusses the state of the G-Unit camp and uncovers his plans for the future.
Also, Usher introduces Sway and MTV News to his baby brother, hit-maker J-Lack, the producer responsible for Lloyd’s Get it Shawty.
Wednesday, May 2
MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: R. KELLY “DOUBLE UP”Release Date: May 29
DJ Cipha Sounds heads to
Chicago for an exclusive one-on-one interview with R Kelly. We hit up Kelly in the studio for an advance listen to his highly anticipated album, Double Up. R.Kelly explains his concept for the new album and gives us some insight on how to stay on top of the charts.
Viewers can also catch MTV News correspondent Sway in the
Atlanta studio with Usher and Jermaine Dupri where they are crafting the follow-up to Confessions.
Thursday, May 3
MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS: T.I “T.I. VS T.I.P”Release Date: June 26th- July 3rd
DJ Cipha Sounds hangs out with T.I. who breaks down both sides of his personality on his new album T.I. VS T.I.P. Join Cipha as he hits the golf course with “T.I.” to reveal the making of his new album. Then “T.I.P.” takes over to show to Cipha around his ATL hood where it all began. In addition, MTV News brings you DJ Drama’s first on-camera interview since his news-making arrest, talking to MTV News about that fateful day and the album he had to re-create from scratch after the FBI seized his recordings.
Inkslingers USA
April 26, 2007 at 3:58 pm | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a CommentBlue Moe Inc. has taken their affinity for tattoo culture and boldly applied it to the fashion world. The harmonious result is the eclectic line known as Inkslingers USA. Rooted in the limitless boundaries of creative self expression, the artistic images of Inkslingers USA capture everything from morbid skulls to flamboyant geometric shapes and symbols. The designers at Inkslingers choose these artistic pieces as selectively as one would pursue a piece of art to have tattooed onto their body, and it is this pride and individuality that one adorns when placing an article of Inkslingers clothing onto their body. Therefore, Inkslingers clothing is one of quality and a rare aesthetic. Inkslingers combines quality with the mysticism of art and the beauty of fashion to create a bold line of casual wear for the person who deserves to be noticed.Created by Blue Moe Inc. in 2005, Inkslingers USA is not simply a line of “tattoo inspired” clothing. It is an expression of a lifestyle choice. A little bit rock and roll, a little bit hip hop and all about the individual, Inkslingers represents the rebellious American attitude at it’s very best. Always a season or 3 ahead of the competition, Inkslingers prides itself on remaining ahead of the curve.
Drawing inspiration from classic rock and roll imagery, Inkslingers uses a one of a kind process that allows leather to be eched or inked. Using only the softest leather, we have coined a process of tattooing leather as if it were skin, giving it a distinct feel that is unmatched in the industry today. These details can be seen on leather jackets as well as the back pockets of our premium leather collection.Daringly original and confident, the Inkslingers collection also includes vintage tees, denim, hats, sneakers, and (coming soon) watches and silver accessories.
Inkslingers has been seen in major magazines (including Womens Wear Daily, Complex, Vibe, Celebrity Living, Teen People, XXL, Fader, Right On!, Smooth, DUB and DNR) as well as on shows such as ABC’s “Desperate Housewives”, “All My Children”, “My Wife and Kids”, and “So You Think You Can Dance”, CBS’s “Guiding Light”, “The Young and the Restless”, and “As The World Turns”, and HBO’s “Entourage” and “The Wire”. MTV and BET have also heavily gfeatured the up and coming brand.
Statement From Camron Regarding 60 Minutes Segment
April 26, 2007 at 3:25 pm | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a Comment“In 2005, I was a victim of a violent crime. I was shot multiple times without provocation by two armed men who attempted to carjack my vehicle. Although I was a crime victim, I didn’t feel like I could cooperate with the police investigation. Where I come from, once word gets out that you’ve cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I’m not saying its right, but its reality. And it’s not unfounded. There’s a harsh reality around violence and criminal justice in our inner cities.
“But my experience in no way justifies what I said. Looking back now, I can see how those comments could be viewed as offensive, especially to those who have suffered their own personal tragedies or to those who put their lives on the line to protect our citizens from crime. Please understand that I was expressing my own personal frustration at my own personal circumstances. I in no way was intending to be malicious or harmful. I apologize deeply for this error in judgment.”
Chaka Khan’s “Classikhan” and The O’Jays’ “Imagination” to Be Released on Mathew Knowles’ Music World Master Series
April 26, 2007 at 1:09 am | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a CommentChaka Khan’s “Classikhan” and The O’Jays’ “Imagination” are set to be released May 15, 2007 on Music World Music as part of the Music World Master Series catalogue collection.”Classic Soul has always been one of my favorite genres of music. It was very important to me to contribute to preserving the legacy and staying power of legendary artists such as Chaka Khan and The O’Jays. Re-introducing these great artists and their talents, experience, work ethics, and commitment is a vital message to the young artists in the music industry today. They have had the ability to stay in the game for over 30 years with numerous hits. This is why we at Music World felt it important to release the Master Series of timeless music,” states Mathew Knowles (President & CEO Music World Entertainment).
(Click here for details)
Classikhan
“Classikhan” is a collection of time-honored Pop and Jazz mainstays made famous by Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Backed by the London Symphony Orchestra, Chaka brings her own unique style and sound to these timeless tunes making them almost sound as if they are her originals. She delivers beautiful renditions of such classics as “Hey Big Spender,” “Round Midnight,” “To Sir With Love,” “I’m In The Mood For Love” and “Stormy Weather,” adding her own special brand of vocal expertise to each song.
The O’Jays’ “Imagination” boasts production from A-list producers including the infamous Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The O’Jays bring their rich harmonies and smooth sound to this classic release as they flow fluently and equally between deep and meaningful love songs to up tempo dance grooves. “Why You Wanna Settle” will be the focus track serviced out to radio. “Imagination” encapsulates the quality of music the O’Jays are famous for. The single, “Make Up,” is signature O’Jays. The smoothed out old-school track and sensual lyrics will have fans reminiscing of love from days gone by. The title track, “Imagination,” written and produced by Jam and Lewis, has a laid-back infectious “steppers” groove to it, and the lyrics are cleverly vintage O’Jays. In addition to these living legends’ classic tracks, the new release includes a hot new remix of “For The Love Of Money.”
Both “Classikhan” and “Imagination” will be available in retail locations, and, for the first time ever, available digitally as well at iTunes.
Music World Entertainment (MWE) is one of the world’s leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment to the world. MWE worldwide business includes record labels, artist and producer management, staff producers, artist development, Master catalog series, investment and property holdings, including offices in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and London. MWE is the brainchild of President and CEO Mathew Knowles, the powerhouse management behind the success of Grammy Award-winners Beyoncé and global phenomenon Destiny’s Child, the most successful “girl group” in the history of pop music.
Music World is one of the most successful labels in the world with over 100 million records sold to date including releases by Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Michelle Williams, Sunshine Anderson, the “Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack,” “Roll Bounce” Soundtrack and the highly anticipated upcoming Music World Master Series releases which includes Chaka Kahn and The O’Jays. www.musicworldentertainment.com
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Jin Writes An Open Letter to Obama
April 25, 2007 at 11:19 pm | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a CommentJin, known for his creative freestyles and explosive social commentary has created a brand new song, “Open Letter To Obama” designed to create voter awareness and spark debate about the importance of the upcoming election in 2008.
Jin recently released ABC (American Born Chinese), his latest album that was completely recorded in Cantonese. The album received tons of critical acclaim and was actually the first of it’s kind. The album was a sonic reflection of Jin’s experiences growing up in
America while staying true to his Chinese heritage. During the promotion of this album Jin also recorded a number of teaser songs and released them digitally, including “20 Something”, “Fu@% Rosie” featuring Donald Trump and “Rain, Rain Go Away”, a tribute to the victims of Virginia Tech. Now he is at it again with his latest release, “An Open Letter To Obama.”
Jin explains the reason he created the song in the first place, “As for the song itself, I just wanted to craft a record where I could express my personal point of view in regards to the election and hopefully spark some interest in those who may not have had any intention of making their votes count. I think Obama brings a fresh new perspective to the current state of political affairs. This upcoming election in particular is a great opportunity for many within and outside of the Hip Hop community to make some changes that they are constantly seeking.”
Originally born in
Miami, Florida Jin was raised by hardworking parents who ran their own restaurant. Growing up during the Golden Age of Hip Hop (the early nineties) Jin became fascinated with rap music and the hip hop lifestyle. When Jin’s family decided to move to
Manhattan he knew this would be the perfect opportunity to follow his dreams. Jin got on his grind immediately. Between selling home-made mixtapes on the streets of NY and emerging victoriously from several freestyle battle competitions, he was well on his way. But his big break came when he won BET’s 106 and Park “Freestyle Friday” and became the undisputed champion. That victory led to his record deal with Ruff Ryders. In 2005, he ventured back to his roots and launched the independent imprint CraftyPlugz with his manager Kamel and has released several projects thus far. Throughout his career Jin has always been the underdog and he has remained embroiled in controversy. Even though he has only been in the music industry for a few short years, he has accomplished a lot more than most artists. He made his acting debut in the box-office hit 2 Fast 2 Furious, pocketed $100,000 and a car by winning back to back titles at the Mix Show Power Summit FightKlub Battle and has sold over 200,000 copies of his solo debut. He is now ready to add another chapter to his fascinating story.
Jin explains why he finds it important to be socially aware as an artist. “I turn 25 this year so I definitely want to take this gift of making music and use it in a more meaningful manner.” The song, “Open Letter to Obama” features Pete Miser, who is also the producer of the track and the official tour DJ for Dido. It is the first release from Jin’s forthcoming LP, From This Day On. The single will be eventually released on iTunes and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Obama campaign. Myspace users can preview the song at Jinspace.com.
Why the “DUKE HO” and Mike NiFOOL should be jailed.
April 24, 2007 at 11:05 pm | In Editorials/Opinions | Leave a CommentI’m guilty as charged. Considering the history of slavery and the idea of white men taking advantage of black women for 400 years the Duke situation looked clearcut to me from the onset. It was just another example of privelaged white men thinking they can run roughshot over anybody.
From the jump, these 3 men were guilty to me. Throw in the racial boiling pot that is the South and the surburban lifestyles these kids came from and I thought the accuser was raped as she claimed. Boy was I wrong. You can throw in every white, black, green, blue and red publication on earth into that mix as well. Bunch in Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and the rapper Common too. These young men’s lives were ruined by this “HO.” I know the word has been in the news because of Imus and many women were up in arms over this but this liar deserves the word and more to come.
It’s interesting because I was watching FOX News the day of the announcement and I was kind of turned off by the fact that they showed the picture of this young woman. On second thought, they should plaster her picture all over America so she never forgets the grave injustice she’s done to these boys and most importantly, to race relations in the Research Triangle and throughout the South. Like the South didn’t have enough racial tension already! This woman messed up race relations in this region for a very long time just when you thought it was getting better.
Think about the way black women were put on a pedestal this week as they should be for their contributions to society and our race in general. Then comes this “HO” who should be jailed messing everything up and bringing black women from the top of the ladder back to the bottom with her lies.
Most importantly, think about the impact this has on rape victims. The victims out there who were really raped and their lives were scarred by these disgusting acts. Now think of those in the future who will fall victim to a rape. Do we believe them now? This “HO” brought the credibility of rape victims to an all-time low.
As far as how I like to call him Mike NiFOOL, this crook should be thrown in jail right next to her. Actually, why not build a small prison for the both of them. They can sit next to each other for years lamenting the mistakes both of them made. NiFOOL like many other DA’s turned his shoulder to the evidence and felt he can still convict these kids based on the racial tension built up in the area. He felt if he could bring this trial and have a diverse jury, racial allegiance on the part of blacks would land him the “case of his career.” Wrong. Re-Election? Ehhh No. One wanted re-election and the other wanted money. Both are coming out with neither.
My apologies to Sean Hannity and Mr. O’Reilly. I consider myself a moderate and agree with some things Olbermann may say and some things these two men mentioned earlier say, but when all of us jumped to conclusions and decided these men were ready to be hanged, you two decided to wait for the evidence and rightfully so.
People were calling for Imus’ head and an apology from him. Where’s the apologies from Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Common, Duke University Professors and the NY Times? Where are they now? I haven’t heard a “my bad” or an “I’m sorry” yet.
Trust me, there are injustices in this world but one of the biggest growing injustices is the double standard that’s been around for a long time between blacks and whites. Why do they have to be accountable for stuff they say or do and not us? We will never forget about slavery and don’t expect us to, but it’s not about the past history of this country, it’s about “right and wrong.” For these people not to apologize to these 3 young men is a shame.
Claudio Cabrera
The King Has Returned
April 24, 2007 at 10:44 pm | In Interviews | Leave a CommentThe “Break Beat King” is officially back to reclaim his throne with his soon to be new release, Black Life II. With this long awaited sequel to the previous Black Life Chris Lowe is truly proving him self as a bonefied Emcee. The Source recently sat down with the D.J. turned producer turned rapper to speak about his up and coming new release.
Max: The new album will be out on April 17…could you tell me a little about it?
Chris: Yeah uh…Black Life II, the next thing smoking, were taking it back to the 88 era-I wanted that 88 sound with a new edge. I’ve missed 88, 89…so that’s where I wanted to go with it.
Max: Would you say it’s back to when you were the “Break Beat King”.
Chris: Basically! I’m using breaks that never hit the surface; the same technique that we used in 88 and 89.
Max: I noticed that on Black Life you had so many guest appearances, what made you not use any this time around?
Chris: Yeah, I wanted to prove my credibility as an emcee. People know me as a D.J. and a producer. I heard that it was going around the industry that, “he’s just a half a rapper.” So I wanted to prove to all the nay-sayers that yes I am an emcee. What people don’t know was that I was actually one of the first ghost writers for Hip Hop.
Max: So what made you go from producer to emcee…I mean you say you have always been, but what sparked the original change? Was it based on the fact that you just wanted to prove to people…
Chris: …Um what sparked that whole emcee thing was that I was ghost writing and selling songs during 88 and 89 and I had a lot of songs that didn’t get sold that I thought were good songs. So I would rap them out and no one would pick them. So with all the ones that people looked over I decided to put them out because I felt that these were solid joints that needed to be out.
Max: So what else can the listeners expect from this particular album.
Chris: I’m talking about different subjects like we used to do back in the 80’s. You have your club song, got your jeep song, you got your song about the girls, I’m bringing that variety back.
Max: That’s cool…What’s your favorite song off the record?
Chris: I did It’s My Thing over by EPMD. That’s my favorite joint. We were all on the same label back in the 80’s. I was like behind the scenes with them, and It’s My Thing was one of my favorite songs from them. It happened to be the song that basically opened the door for them. So I just wanted to bring that same hook back over a different funkier beat. It’s sort of a dedication to EPMD.
Max: I wanted to ask you about a specific song. What was the concept behind Chick On the Side
Chris: Oh no (laughs) controversy! I know the women are gonna throw spears at me (more laughs) you gotta have controversy. I told you I was going back to that element. I wanted to have everything on my album like back in the day. I’m just touching on things that are happening…
Max: Chick on the Side is definitely something people can relate to. All of the songs are relevant. You have maintained relevancy in this game. What is the secret to your longevity when people are known to come and go?
Chris: You have to keep reinventing yourself. When I first came to the game in 87 I was basically only a D.J and a producer. But, I diversified myself behind the scenes. Cause when the 90’s came that’s when I started getting into writing and selling songs. Later, when I realized that rap is in the state that it’s in, I think that I needed to just come out. I knew I already had that credibility in my background so there was nothing stopping me.
Max: So what exactly is the state of Hip Hop in your opinion?
Chris: Well I know a lot of people are saying that Hip Hop is dead, but I think that mainstream Hip Hop is dead. I think that underground Hip Hop is alive and breathing. Because there is so much the world hasn’t been exposed to and major labels keep force feeding us one kind of Hip Hop. What I think the major labels need to do is look further and pull up some of these underground groups. Then Hip Hop will be alright. We’ll be right back to where we were.
Max: So what is your advice to these underground and up-and-coming groups?
Chris: Don’t give up. Keep your faith in God. Do like I did, that is, keep diversifying and reinventing yourself. If you don’t get on one way, try another way. If you might not get on through rapping, try producing. You might get on selling some beats and then you can come back to the Mic. You gotta have different tactics to getting and staying on.
Max: Well it’s clear that your still here, so u must know a thing or two…
Chris: So you heard my album what do you think of it?
Max: Well I did notice that you did have a different range of topics, and now that you say you were trying to take it back to 88’, I definitely understood that and it came across on the record.
Chris: I’m hoping a get a good reaction.
Max: How do you think the reaction from this album will be different than the last one.
Chris: Actually, I hope its going to be better.
Max: Did you do anything differently this time around:
Chris: The last album had no promotion. I put a team together and I’m better staffed this time around. I’m hoping that people would be more receptive to this one and then turn around and go get the other one. People ain’t think I was a bonified emcee. I was like I don’t need y’all. F*** it!
Max: Do you feel that not having anyone was a brave move.
Chris: I was trying to piss people off this time. I was like fuckem’. I got conceited.
With a true 80’s vibe, that mirrors the music of the time, this conversation felt like Chris Lowe was an upper classmen sitting across from at a table me in a high school cafeteria. The conceited risqué swagger that so many 80’s Hip Hop artists had in the past had now returned strong and ready ripe both with controversy and glory. Black Life II definitely accomplishes what Chris Lowe set out to do. The variety that comes with the 88’, 89’ feel that he misses so much wraps around this album and propels it back in time inside a new age time machine that is filled with a boom box of universal issues and themes that could be rightly mistaken for contemporary.
Maxine Achille
T-PAIN #1 on Airwaves and Cell Phones
April 24, 2007 at 5:55 pm | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a CommentKonvict/Jive Records recording artist T-Pain dominates the music airplay and ringtone charts with his break out single “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” from his upcoming sophomore release Epiphany.
This week “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” beats out artists such as MIMS, AKON, Avril, and Beyonce as the #1 ringtone on the Billboard Hot RingMasters chart for the 2nd week in a row. The ringtone sold 182K this past week alone and has sold nearly 800K ringtones to date. In radio airplay “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” is ensconced at the #1 position in four separate charts #1 at R&R Rhythmic – beating out Fergie, Timbaland and Bow Wow , #1 at Mediabase Rhythmic, #1 at R&R Urban – knocking AKON out of the top spot, and #1 at Mediabase Urban.
His new single “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” features Yung Joc and borrows from four different snap records to create one hot track. “Basically, these days lots of people begin their relationships in the clubs,” explains T-Pain. “Whole conversations begin with some guy buying a young lady a drink. I wanted to make a song for those folks.”
After catching the ear of songwriter and producer Akon, he was quickly signed to Akon’s label Konvict Records and rapidly followed in his footsteps to the top of the charts. T-Pain has had two smash singles from his gold-selling debut album Rappa Ternt Sanga. The first single “I’m Sprung” sold over one million ringtones and “I’m N Luv (Wit A Stripper)”sold in excess of 5 million ringtones. The sophomore album Epiphany is produced, written and arranged by T-Pain.
Is Anyone Else Tired of Hearing that Hip-Hop is Dead?
April 24, 2007 at 5:51 pm | In Hip Hop News/Press Releases | Leave a CommentHe is currently featured as one of URB Magazine’s Next 100 artists of 2007, his song “Y’all Should All Get Lynched” was on Spin.com’s must download list for March, was named Song and Video of 2006 by LA Weekly and has been licensed by BET’s animation department for their upcoming season of new programming. Now, only 7 months after NYOIL shocked the world with “Y’all Should All Get Lynched” he is proud to present the release of his debut CD HoodTREASON – The Warm Up Album courtesy of Petroleum Empire Music and Masta Mix Records distribution.
Anticipation has been high for the CD, which hits stores across the country and worldwide on Amazon.com today, April 24th and early reviews have been phenomenal…
“I haven’t been this interested in a new artist in years”
- Stephan Szillus, Juice Magazine (Germany)
“ NYOIL makes you pay attention to him with his subject matter. His song topics are something most artists today are not bold enough to touch.”
- Steve “Raze” Julien, Allhiphop.com
“NYOIL has a real refreshing sound. It’s incredible.”
- Adam Aziz, HHNLive.com
With no features, no fluff, and no big name, overpriced producers, HoodTREASON is hip-hop in its truest sense blending tight rhymes and cadences with strong beats. Songs such as “Hip Hop You Don’t Stop” (produced by Mozaic) and the first single “Shout it in the Streets” (produced by Speek Greene) have an early 90’s feel to them allowing the hip-hop connoisseur to revel in the nostalgia. Containing 13 heartfelt, thought provoking songs, along with spoken word interludes and interview excerpts, HoodTREASON provides an entertaining and enlightening listening experience from start to finish.
In celebration of the HoodTREASON release, NYOIL will be performing as a featured artist tonight at The Pyramid in New York City… the same venue where he won $5000 competing against 26 other artists in January. The pyramid is located at 101 Avenue A between 6th and 7th streets. Show starts at 9pm.
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