BackPack Cat

THE BURNERZ LEAK "ELOHEEM" AS THEY READY SELF-TITLED DEBUT LP

2010-09-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Fans will have to wait until October 12 to hear The Burnerz, but they promise to leak new singles (not on the record) every week until then. So who are the The Burnerz? They are a new duo consisting of Zumbi of the hip-hop group Zion I and the Houston-based Trackmasters producer, The Are. Now, after a year of scratching out rhymes, making beats, mixing, and mastering, The Burnerz—who met on tour in Europe in 2003—just completed one of the most energizing independent hip-hop albums of the year.

The Burnerz recruited The Grouch, OneBeLo, Martin Luther, and C-Holiday for the album. “Instead of going through layers of editing (like we do for Zion I),” explains Zumbi of his approach, “We tried to capture the raw emotion of both lyrics and beats for this album.”

Zumbi has always set a new standard for socially conscious hip-hop and this album is no exception. The track “The Edge” where The Grouch and Zumbi spit rhymes about snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. “It's about feeling hopeless and fearful, but having just enough strength to turn around and confront one's demons,” explains Zumbi.

As the charismatic emcee of Bay Area group Zion I, Zumbi has released six critically acclaimed albums along with numerous EPs and mixtapes. Zumbi contributed to the Grammy-Award winning group Linkin Park’s album Reanimation as well as the BassNectar album, and mixtapes for the Roots, K'naan and Q-Tip. Currently, Zion I are touring with reggae sensations Rebelution. Their seventh album Atomic Clock drops Nov 9.

Veteran producer, The Are, hails from Houston, TX but his production style is more drum-heavy east coast in sound than southern. He began his career with the trio K-Otix in the early mid 90s, touring Europe and releasing the 2001 LP, Universal, and contributing two tracks for EMC (Punchline, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, and Stricklin). But, it’s been within the last couple years, that The Are has flourished: After signing with the production team the Trackmasters, he produced singles for Keisha Cole (“Where this Love?”), Lil Kim and Lords of the Underground, as well as many others. His Michael Jackson instrumental remix CD, Dem Damb Jacksons, became an online collectors item in 2007. Finally, he produced the first single off the forthcoming Keisha Cole album.

LAST NITE RULED--MOTION MAN AND RONDO BROTHERS VIDEO!

2010-08-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Common Grackle's Awesome New Video The Great Depression

2010-08-06T12:48:00.001-07:00

Blue Sky Black Death's LP "Third Party" Go Indie Rock

2010-08-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

Blue Sky Black Death (abbreviated BSBD) is the production duo Ian Taggart and Kingston Maguire.

Best known for their brand of orchestral Hip-Hop instrumentals and shoegaze influenced production which has been the backdrop for many vocalists and hip-hop MCs - including members of Hieroglyphics, Jedi Mind Tricks, Non Phixion and Wu Tang among many others, the the duo has produced what is easily their most catchy and pop-oriented effort to date, Third Party, a collaboration with indie-pop songwriter Alexander Chen (of Boy In Static and The Consulate General) for CT based label, Fake Four, Inc.

Third Party melds synth-pop, indie rock and BSBD's own take on shoegaze with Chen's cold, yet, oddly moving vocals. The possibility of collaboration was originally discussed when the three parties shared a gig in San Francisco in 2009. When Alex Chen moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Gothenburg, Sweden in 2010, BSBD stayed in contact. Chord Sketches and drum loops made their way between Sweden and California and eventually Alex Chen, the "third party," had written an entire album inspired by everything from science fiction to politics to thoughts on human immortality.

Musically Kingston and Ian draw inspiration from 80's pop melodies and modern indie rock experimentation while maintaining an underlying percussive influence of hip-hop, while Chen's densely layered harmonies seamlessly weave in and out of the duo's intricately layered compositions. The album finds that perfect "sweet spot" - with enough sonic details to envelope you in headphones - but with hooks and beats constructed to shake the house.

2010-07-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

Twin brothers Jonathan and Jarred Lindsay aka Mackamillion and Mr. Mackmore, known as the hip-hop duo Double Vision, are the newest force poised to take over hip-hop. Their debut album, Bifocal, is being released next month on the ultra-hip indie rock label No Sleep Records and is reminiscent of Pharcyde, Outkast mixed with Gym Class Heroes. Backpack Cat spoke to the backpackers from their shared apartment in LA.

NB: Being twins, have you guys ever played a trick on kids at school or your teachers ?
DV: Once. It was at Palms elementary school here in L.A. Some kid who knew us really well told on us, so we beat him up later.

NB: Do you like being compared to other twin rappers, like Ying-Yang Twins or Kane and Abel?
DV: As far as Ying Yang twins, were they even actually twins? As for Kane and Abel, they were a pretty good group. People used to call us that when we were younger, so that comparison is cool--minus the gangster image.

NB: Of all the rappers today, who do you wish had a twin?
DV: nicky minaj, but if you see nina sky, tell them to get at us!

The Eastbay Express called Bifocal an "impressive debut" and "We won't be revoking your hipster card any time soon, Double Vision..." For full article, click here.

Visit DoubleVision on twitter: dvhiphop On Twitter | dvhiphop on MySpace.com

Zion-I Hit the Road for West Coast Tour

2010-07-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

From The Grouch and the Mighty Underdogs to Rebelution and Soja, hip-hop duo Zion-I have toured around the country with some of the most talented musical acts in the country. Now, as they put finishing touches on they're 7th album, they are getting ready to hit the road again, bringing one of the best live hip-hop shows to cities across America. The forty city tour starts in their home town of Oakland with a rare reunion show with Black Star (Mos Def and Talib Qweli) and ends in September. The guys will be performing songs from their forthcoming album.

ZION I TOUR

July 31, 2010 Oakland, CA, Fox Theater **Opening for BLACK STAR

August 6, 2010 Santa Fe, NM - Santa Fe Brewing Company

August 7, 2010 Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheater w/ Pretty Lights

August 13, 2010 Plainfield, VT - Rhinofest Music Festival

August 14, 2010 Portland, ME - Asylum

August 19, 2010 Reno, NV - The Beach Club at the Grand Sierra Resort

August 20, 2010 Bend, OR - Domino Room

August 21, 2010 Bellingham, WA - Wild Buffalo

August 22, 2010 Portland, OR - 2410 Mississippi

August 27, 2010 Sacramento, CA - The Venue

August 28, 2010 Fairfax, CA - 19 Broadway

August 29, 2010 Arcata, CA - Humbrew

September 4, 2010 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey

September 5, 2010 Eugene, OR - WOW Hall

September 15, 2010 Aspen, CO - Belly Up

September 16, 2010 Boulder, CO - Fox Theater

September 17, 2010 Fort Collins, CO - Aggie Theater

September 18, 2010 Denver CO - Cervantes

September 23, 2010 San Francisco, CA - Amp Live @ The Mighty

September 24, 2010 Santa Barbara, CA - West Beach Festival

BACKPACK CAT SCORES EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE FOREIGN GLOBESTER

2010-07-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

NB: Who is the Foreign Globester?
FG: He's a guy who is against the grain in his home town. He travels the world with what he has to offer and gets better reception over seas and in other areas of the u.s. for what he does. He's so foreign to everyone--even in his birth place. He has no time to see or care on who will except what he brings to the table. He's gotta keep it moving. Whatever he's doing, he'll be foreign to the globe with no home.He's no sob story. He's a figure-outter!

NB: How did you meet the Rondo Brothers?
FG: I was recording an album with my man Sean from Hate Breed called "KING BEAST" and we happened to record it at the Rondo's studio. They turned out to be some really down to earth cool cats and we started vibing the next thing i know they were asking me to come record for commercials and projects they were doing. When I came to record, they let me breathe do what i felt and it was on. We did a Palm Centro commercial where santa clause was fat and came out young and skinny. These guys want to create not follow.

NB: What does the Globester do for fun?
FG: Uniquely investigate...

NB: I read somewhere you tell stories around campfires in the Yukon, bonfires in the Middle East, woodfires in South Africa? Have you ever told stories around a pit-fire in the Hamptons at Martha Stewarts or Diddy's? What was that like?
FG: Undisclosed posture

NB: I also read somewhere that you seek love and find emptiness. That's sad, have you ever found love, even from a rescue dog?
FG: Being foreign to the globe, you experience small scale and big scale things, intermediate beings, it's all relevant and how you engulf it in. I love and hate my past and future! I love frog leaps im making , and I hate some toad warts I left.

Click here for more info on the Foreign Globester !!!!!

2010-07-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Burnerz, a collabo between Zumbi (of Zion I) & Houston producer the Are, are readying a project of their own this Fall. Backpack Cat asked Zumbi some questions about his latest musical endevour, what it's like to work with a new producer and who exactly is The Are?

NB: Who is The Are and how'd you meet him?
Zumbi: The Are is a veteran producer out of Houston, TX. He began his career with K-Otix in the early 2000's. Within the last couple years, he signed on to Trackmasters and has credits on Keisha Cole's last album, along with credits with the Game and Ludacris. We met while on our 2nd tour in Europe during 2003. We spent 3 weeks travelling, and became homies while on the road.

NB: How is this record different from a Zion I album?
Zumbi: I feel like it is more of a testament to raw emotion. Usually, Zion I records go thru several layers of editing before they are sent out to the public. On the Burnerz album, everything has been done with the idea to capture the initial emotion of both lyrics and beats, and then it is served directly to the listener without any manicuring.

NB: What's the idea behind your record?
Zumbi: The concept of the Burnerz is to bring the world honest hip hop music, less concerned with image, while being totally committed to fresh musical content.

Oakland Emcee and Poet Ise Lyfe Talks Pistols and Prayers

2010-06-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

Oakland emcee, poet, and activist Ise Lyfe is proud to announce the release of his debut book, Pistols & Prayers, a collection of prayers, poetry, journal entries, rhymes, and short essays. A powerful collage of thought provoking social commentary, Pistols & Prayers is a compelling glimpse into the author's coming of age as a man, artist, and advocate for social change. I caught up with the artist this week and asked him a few questions about the book:

NB: Michael Eric Dyson once said "Guns are at once the merchandise of manhood and the of its destruction." Can you explain the title of your book--why you used a pistol juxtaposed with prayers?

ISE: One, by the time I started to take my rhyming seriously as a career option, there were less an less venues, stages, and clubs that had a place for emcee's to come out and rock. Literally, club owners were taking stages out of the club and there was just small corner setups for a DJ. It was like being a rap artist was like the corny thing to be, which was a little heart breaking for me, cause when I was growing up it was the ILLEST thing you could be. So what was left? Spoken Word venues! I'm an emcee, but I think when people think of me their mind goes to "poet." But thats because I got on through poetry slams and HBO Def Poetry because that was the more accessible forum and platform for me. So in Spoken Word Culture, if you were up there on the mic rockin' it, we called it "Bustin'"- like a gun. Folks in the audience would make gun gestures with their fingers and yell out "BUP BUP BUP" making gun sounds to let you know that they were feeling you. So my book has elements to it that are spiritual, personal, reflective, vulnerable (Prayers), and at the same time theres another side of the book that is hardcore, Hip-Hop, powerful, controversial, hilarious, (Pistols).

The second reason for the title is to point out an irony. That we live in a time where people are excepting the ridiculous notion of killing in the name of God. Both sides of wars posture God or their spiritual belief as the reason for killing. I hoped that the title would put me in a position to say that...

NB: What inspired you to write Pistols and Prayers?
ISE: I'm a writer, you know? I thought it would be cool to act on that in a traditional form, but bring forth a SUPER non-traditional text. I'm glad to be an author who is also a Hip-Hop artist, not just some rapper who wrote a book. It puts me in a space to rep for Hip-Hop from two differnt spaces.

NB: How did it come about to make it into a play?
ISE: I was approached by my agent to apply to have my next big theater piece commisioned by a foundation in an effort to put my work on the next level. It worked! So when it came time to decide what I was going to put up, I thought it was a dope creative and business opportunity to base a play on my book. Creatively, I think its one of the "coolest" things I've done...

Good Times for Dark Time Sunshine

2010-05-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

Seattle mainstay Onry Ozzborn has spent the last five years on Rhymesayers Entertainment putting out underground hip hop classics such as Grayskul’s Bloody Radio and touring and collaborating with everyone from Aesop Rock to Atmosphere. Now he has started a new group with producer Zavala called Dark Time Sunshine - some say this sounds like a “Psychedelic Gangstarr” others refer to the “slight bit of Company Flow twirling in the waters beneath them” - whatever it is - it’s some of the most exciting new hip hop to hit ears in a long time.

Under the moniker of Cape Cowen, Onry spits abstract anthems while Zavala’s boom bap psych rock production swirls, twists and bangs beneath. The album features Aesop Rock ,P.O.S., Solillaquists Of Sound ,Qwel ,Ceschi Ramos , Oldominion, Champagne Champagne and an array of great vocalists such as Reva Devito ,Poeina Saddarth ,Kaitlyn Leathers and more.

The duo met a couple of years ago in Portland, OR at a professional DART competition where Zavala was crowned victor and won a life-time supply of Tap Out attire (but that’s neither here nor there) - although it’s still a proud moment in D.T.S history. Both interested in Hip Hop,Punk, Electronics and Lady Ga Ga, the two started to formulate a genre of music some call snob rap ,dark pop and theatrical lazor blur under the moniker DARK TIME SUNSHINE. After releasing the FREE album BELIEVEYOUME (released mid - Nov 2009) the duo sets sail soon to bring forth their OFFICIAL, debut release of VESSEL (via Fake Four Inc.)

Hip-Hop Symphony Jazz Mafia Readies LP: Brass, Bows, & Beats

2010-05-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Jazz Mafia—a collective of MCs, jazz virtuosos, arrangers, and composers—that include many of the Bay Area’s most innovative and prolific musical forces are releasing their debut album, Brass, Bows & Beats.

Unlike anything else to date, Jazz Mafia is the first hip-hop orchestra to perform 60 minutes of entirely original composition. Among the list of MCs making up the collective are Lyrics Born, Dublin, Aima The Dreamer, and Seneca. Now, Jazz Mafia are set to hit the road, bringing their borderless tour de force—by principal composer, arranger, and conductor Adam Theis (pictured)—outside the Bay Area for the first time.

The Jazz Mafia is bravado post-modern orchestration, improvisation, blistering solos, spoken-word, Latin poly-rhythms, boom-bap rhymes, and emotive ballads, all spun together with the spirit of a Jazz-era big band—but also masterfully adhering to symphonic structural elements.

Production on Brass, Bows & Beats is shared by Ben Yonas and Adam Theis. The album drops June 15, 2010.

CHECK OUT JAZZ MAFIA:
June 8 Sonoma Valley Jazz at Grinstead Amphitheatre Sonoma, CA
June 11 Harmony Festival at Sonoma County Fairgrounds Santa Rosa, CA
June 13 Playboy Jazz Festival at Hollywood Bowl Hollywood, CA
June 25 (le) Poisson Rouge New York, NY
June 27 Montreal Jazz Festival Main Stage Montreal, QC
August 7 Newport Jazz Festival Newport, RI
August 14 San Jose Jazz Festival/California Stage Theater San Jose, CA
September 17 Monterey Jazz Festival Monterey, CA
October 15 Laxson Auditorium/CSU Chico Chico, CA
October 30 Kimo Theater Albuquerque, NM

LA RAP ARTIST AMAD JAMAL READIES DEBUT ALBUM

2010-05-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

No doubt, one of LA's best kept secrets is rapper and musician Amad Jamal. He's been on the scene for a while, releasing singles on ABB Records with DJ Khalil, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, and producer Brisk One, but now after years of recording --and a few life hurdles--Amad Jamal is finally ready to release Barely Hangin’ On: The Chronicles of a Brotha Like Rodney King (Urban Umpire Records/ABB Records). Guest appearances on the LP include Dilated Peoples, Defari, Mayya Lady Dragon, and Gotham Green. Production is on Barely Hangin’ On is shared by Brisk One and DJ Dahi.

Barely Hang’ On’s jazz infused beats and live instrumentation make it unlike any other hip-hop record to date. In fact, the album was completely remixed after it was finished. Amad-Jamal and his partna Colonious Funk (of The Solution) added live base, drums and sound to all 13 tracks.

Born and raised in LA, Amad Jamal, named by his mother after the famous Jazz legend, had a pretty typical upbringing, listening to N.W.A records and free styling at The Good Life Café as a teen. He attended John Burrows Jr High with Rakaa Iriscience where they were both immersed in the graffiti scene.

This is really one of the dopest new hip-hop albums in the past few years. Do not miss it!

DLabrie Brings Underground Rap to Korea

2010-04-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Bay Area rapper DLabrie hopped on a plane and went to Korea this month and showed the country a little bit of indie hip-hop! Below, I asked Labrie, who's album Mr. Netw3rk (June 2010) about shows, hip-hop and korean bbq.

NB: How did you book shows in Korea?
DLabrie: In 2002 I went to Japan on a fluke with my very 1st album "Little Malcolm EP." I did a few shows and sold a lot of albums. The trip really gave me a lot of game on how it is in Asia. So the next year I got a chance to go to Korea and I did the same the thing. Although the scene is very different from Japan. I hit the spots with music and met the right people. I've been back three times since and it just keeps growing.

NB: What was the crowd like at shows?
I stayed two weeks & did seven shows mostly at bars and lounges near the college areas. There's a lot of universities out there that's where a lot of the young people hang out who are into hip-hop. My favorite area is by Hongik University because thats the 1st area I checked out with that type of flavor.

NB: What's the hip-hop scene like in Korea? Any good Korean rappers?
DLabrie: The scene is small. Hip hop is not the main thing there its still growing. The youth know about it since they have MTV and they know about alot of the big stars Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Kanye of course. Some people know other hip hop through the internet and from cats who come to the US and bring stuff back. They show a lot of love because they wanna see the real thing in the flesh. They definately appreciate it when I come through even if I'm not famous as Jay Z to them it don't matter. They still see rap as something amazing, they have graphitti, alot of breakers, dj's but they also dont know all the politics and negative aspects that we debate and talk shit about out here all day.

NB: Did you eat any Korean food? If so, what?
DLabrie: Hell yeah! They got the illest freshest seafood. I had Live Octopus still sqirmin down my throat. Thet got markets where they sell u everythang Live straight out the tank and straight to the cooker- sea urchan , clams, every kind of fish, prawns, crab and much wierder shit than that some I liked some I didn't. The food is very intimidating but its very good you just gotta give it a chance. They eat alot of soups, vegatables, with spicy sauces and eating meals there is family style it's not like this is mine this is yours. You all eat together. They got a lot of spots where they let you put your own food in the cooker right in front of you and you make your own soup, they also give you food in bowl that's still boilin hot while you stir it.

Author Anna David Gets Real About Reality TV

2010-04-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Calling all intellectual reality TV fans (yes, they exist). I may have found a new heroine: a collection of essays by best-selling authors on the subject! Reality Matters (HarperCollins), edited by NY-based author Anna David (Bought and Party Girl), hits stores this week and includes literary luminaries waxing philosophical about the appeal of shows like American Idol, The Real World, and Big Brother and their effect on American culture. From her Chelsea apartment, we talked about the book, reality TV, and why she wants to see Kanye with a show of his own.

NB: How'd you come up with the idea for a reality TV anthology?
AD: Well, I know that I’m obsessed with certain reality shows and it occurred to me that fellow writers – who are all, let’s face it, usually home all day and aching from within the depths of their souls for some new form of procrastination – had to also be. Since so many of us long to have our work have the same kind of impact on society that say, your average Hills character does and are sorely disappointed when it doesn’t, I figured there had to be a form of narcissistic envy contributing to their fascination. I turned out to be right: the only writer I contacted who told me that he didn’t love reality TV confessed in the next sentence that he didn’t actually own a television.

NB: Who are/what some of your favorite writers and pieces?
AD: Oh, I could never say. The whole Sophie’s Choice thing.

NB: Did any of the writers laugh at you when you asked them to contribute?
AD: Not one. There was a writer that wrote a piece that I didn’t end up using – she’s a great writer and was initially willing to rework it but we had this conversation where I said, essentially, that I wanted her essay to cover the deep issues in her life that the particular show she was addressing hit on. She paused and said, “I’m sorry but you want me to explain how a reality show impacts my deep issues?” I was embarrassed when she phrased it that way but the truth is, most of the pieces in the collection actually do that.

NB: Reality TV gets a bad rap. Do you think there's any redeeming value in it?
AD: One hundred percent. I believe we can learn so much about humanity and ourselves from it. I’m entirely serious. I hate to admit it but when I watch the kids on The Real World talk crap about one person because they’re mad at that girl and try to get everyone on their side or do something passive aggressive in retaliation that just makes everything worse, I completely relate. I may not act that way anymore but I once did and seeing how ugly it is when someone else does it reminds me of why I don’t let my id rule my life anymore. And The Bachelor? Watching these guys have to decide between two women they’re “sure” they love only to break up with the one they chose a few months later is a great antidote to all the messages we get about love being about romance and falling for someone quickly.

NB: Is there a reality show that's too bad to watch?
AD: America’s Got Talent. I had to watch it when I was writing a reality show blog for foxnews.com and I wanted to tear my eyeballs out; never has there been a greater argument for the fact that America doesn’t, in fact, have any talent. I think it has – blessedly – been cancelled. Potentially A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila though I can’t say for sure since I only caught a snippet once at the gym.

NB: Is there anything in the book a hip-hop head might like?
AD: The piece about The Amazing Race covers the writer’s experience working on the show and how he used the sort of scheming values preached on Survivor to try to retain his job there, and I think anyone who has struggled to reach the top -- or likes music about that – would relate to the ethical quandary he faces. But also anyone who likes to laugh at how ridiculous certain reality show characters and then be loathe to admit that they relate to them will enjoy the whole book.

NB: If you could create one reality show on a backpack rapper, who would it be?
AD: If we’re counting Kanye as backpack, then him for sure. Just seeing him on Punk’d years ago – I can’t remember exactly what he did but I think he lost it worse than anyone ever had in the history of that show -- was one of my all-time enjoyable television experiences. And his life, just what he says at award shows and to reporters, practically already is a reality show. I’d imagine he’s much too savvy a businessman to subject himself to something that would surely make everyone detest him more than they already do, though.

Click here to buy Reality Matters.

Boardin' with Ron Contour

2010-04-06T14:54:00.001-07:00

Oakland's DLabrie Says 'Krush Groove' Changed My Life and Explains Bay Universal Movment

2010-03-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

After years making a name for himself as the fierce, witty, and energetic emcee from the Bay, DLabrie a.k.a DLabrozia is set to drop his official debut album, MR. NETW3RK (RonDavoux Records/Selecto Hits) this spring. The 23 track LP features M1 of dead prez, Mistah F-A-B, San Quinn, The Jacka, Zion-I, Adisa Banjoko, among others. Production on MR. NETW3RK is shared by Traxamillion, Sean T, MG, Infinate, and EQ.

And if you think the guest artists are an eclectic mix, it's because they are. Labrie's style is a fusion of many types of hip-hop and represent the different parts of his personality. "I don't affiliate solely with the hyphy, political, or back pack movement. I dig a lot of music from all over the globe. I call my music Bay Universal!"

Born and raised in East Oakland in the 80's, Labrie came up during the golden age of hip-hop. "In `85 my mother took me to the Eastmont Mall to see "Krush Groove"," states the emcee. "And that was it." Labrie also attributes his knack for writing to his mother, a singer, clothing designer, hair stylist, and community advocate. She also suffered from Schizophrenia.

"I had to grow up fast," explains Labrie. "I had to call a neighbor when she went into psychosis and sometimes had to get her to a hospital so I spent a lot of time with doctors and nurses chopping it up about different philosophies and life."

At 13, it was a done deal and he knew his calling was to be a rapper. He started freestyling, writing, recording on a karaoke machine and passing out mixtapes using fast dubbing on his stereo.

When asked how he came up with the title for his record, Labrie laughs: "My former manager used to call me "Mr Network" cuz I always was connected to all kinds of people and would know cats everywhere. And it just stuck!"

Click here to read more about DLabrie

Buy Kicks and Play Madden Fight Night with Royal Elastics

2010-03-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Move over Vans and Nike, Royal Elastics, a laid-back, street-style footwear brand is starting to gain momentum. I sat down this week with Global Marketing Director of Royal Elastics, Maurice Pendarvis, in his downtown LA loft and asked him a couple questions about his job, the company and the sneakers.

NB: What do you do for Royal Elastics?
MP: Basically, I make sure we look good and do cool stuff.
NB: Who started it RE and when?
MP: Two guys from Australia started the brand in 1996. A few years later, K-Swiss bought and ran with it for minute. Then last year one of the employees raised the funds and bought the company.
NB: What's the concept behind the brand?
MP: We’re a small, independent company trying to make it happen. Our goal is to make comfortable shoes that look cool for kids like us: independent folks, trying to do their thing--whatever that may be!
NB: Who are you trying to compete with?
MP: Us vs. Them! Honestly, it's kind of hard to say we’re competing with anyone. We’re just trying to get back into our niche.
NB: Where is company based?
MP: The US office is located in Los Angeles but we have offices in China and Taipei.
NB: If you could pick any rapper to rock RE, who would it be?
MP: My first choice would be MF Doom, then Kool Keith and then Raaaaaaaandy--shit is funny!
NB: Where can people cop these shoes?
MP: People can buy the shoes from our street sales guy Manny. Just look for a off yellow 2001 Honda Civic on the corner of 7th and Industrial. He's usually there from 8am to 8pm Mon-Fri and 11-6 on weekends. If he's not there then buying directly from our online store is the best way to go. We'll be opening up a showroom in our office so people can come down buy it from there if we have the stock. If not, they can just order it from there and we can ship it to them. We also have a PS3 and get down on some Madden Fight Night, so if you got some skills...LET'S DO THIS!

To catch of glimpse or purchase some shoes, click here.

Wanna Catch Zion I Live?

2010-03-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

ZION I On Western Canadian Tour

March 24th - Whistler BC - Maxx Fish Night Club
March 25th - Vancouver BC - Fortune Sound Club
March 26th - Nelson BC - Spirit Bar
March 27th - Edmonton AB - Pawnshop
March 28th - Calgary AB - The Republik
March 29th - Saskatoon SK - Cosmo Center

San Francisco Shows
April 1st Rickshaw Stop San Francisco, CA
April 2nd The Independent San Francisco, CA

April-May:
April 09, 2010 Salem OR - Willamette College feat. Pep Love and Casual
April 14, 2010 Los Angeles, CA - UCLA Mighty Mic
April 17, 2010 Piedmont, CA - Piedmont High School
May 4, 2010 Los Angeles CA - House of Blues
May 5, 2010 Los Angeles CA - House of Blues
May 6, 2010 Aspen CO - Belly Up Tavern
May 7, 2010 Boulder CO - Fox Theater
May 8, 2010 Colorado Springs - Colorado College
May 9, 2010 Denver CO - Cervantes Masterpiece Theater

Photo by Adam Abramowitz

Germany Imports Hip-Hop, Spiderman, and Blue Jeans

2010-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

From New York-based independent filmmaker Meaghan Kimball comes Blau Jeans, a one hour documentary showcasing America's influence on Germany over the past 60 years. From Snoop Dogg to Google, Star Wars to George Bush, Blau Jeans captures modern Germany's reverence for America’s innovation--and resentment of its arrogance.

"I met an editor of the German magazine Style who told me that she learned English by listening to rappers like Eazy-E," laughs the NYU and AFI graduate from her apartment on New York's Upper East Side. "She studied the songs, the slang, and the humor! Sometimes the influence was indirect, like I met a lot of kids who seemed to know little about hip-hop music, but took their fashion cues directly from American street culture."

Kimball, who made the film while living in Berlin in 2005, says a documentary wasn't what she intended. "As a filmmaker living in a foreign country, I couldn't resist but to schlep my camera everywhere," she explains. "When I realized the degree to which Germans were conflicted about America and its cultural influence, I thought, this could be interesting. I have a film!"

Click here to view Blau Jeans trailer.

For more info on Blau Jeans:
www.mvkfilms.com
www.blaujeans.com
info@blaujeans.com

CALI-AGENT RAPPER RASCO RELEASES GLOBAL THREAT APRIL 2010!

2010-03-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Since touring the globe from the Czech Republic to Sierra Leone, Bay-Area emcee Rasco is returning to the game
with his sixth and most complete LP to date, Global Threat. Guest appearances include Royce Da 5"9', Planet Asia, Supastition, Concise Kilgore, as well as newcomers Jae Nut, Suryil and Mary Jayne.

Since dropping his ground-breaking LP in 1998, Time Waits For No Man, along with his follow-up EP, 99’s The Birth, Rasco, born Keida Brewer in San Francisco, CA, has redefined West Coast independent hip-hop, winning over fans and critics alike with his articulate wordplay. His second LP, Hostile Environment (2001) and the critically acclaimed third solo joint, Escape From Alcatraz have made Rasco one of hip-hop’s most consistent emcees in the game. In 2003 Rasco released his fourth release The Dick Swanson Theory Pt. 1 and debuted his own label PocketsLinted Entertainment.

In addition to all his solo projects, Rasco’s collabs with partna in rhyme Planet Asia have made him part of indie hip-hops most noted duos. His Cali Agents releases including How The West Was One (2000) and Head of State (2004) remain indie classics. What’s more, he contributed to the remix album, Reanimiation with Grammy Award winning rock-rap group Linkin Park.

Electronic Music Through the Eyes of Amp Live

2010-03-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Amp Live, the producer known for his futuristic beats with Zion I, will drop his second solo record, a hip-hop, dubstep, rock, dance hybrid, Murder at the Discotech. His newest effort is the second in his electroland series and features Mickey Factz, Zumbi (Zion I), Fashawn, The Grouch, Eligh, Yak Ballz, Chris Young and many more.

Amp Live has worked with a slew of notable MCs, including Zumbi, The Grouch, Too $hort, and Del the Funky Homosapian. He's also remixed tracks for MGMT, Radiohead, and Linkin Park.

Murder at the Discotech drops May 2010!!! Click here for more info on Amp Live.

Moka Only's Cousin Ron Contour Roams Earth and Eats at Will

2010-03-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

2010 has already been an exciting year for Ron Contour. Besides obtaining a drivers license and much needed dental work, Contour—the older first cousin of the illustrious Canadian emcee Moka Only—is releasing a third album, Saffron on Fake Four Records.

Ron, the highly erratic, conceited, spacey, wandering, loopy and devastating emcee, got his start in hip hop / surf rock / jazz music scene in the late 90s after Moka Only witnessed Ron freestyling at a family reunion.

“He had skills, so I offered to help him get into the game,” explains Moka Only. Ron’s first self-titled release in 1999 (Underworld Records) was masterminded by Moka. In fact, it was actually billed as a Moka Only release. The album was critically acclaimed— inspite of the confusion as to whether or not it was a Moka Only album or not.

In 2000, contour dropped out of the scene altogether to pursue girls and bee-keeping. Women found him tolerable, and he lost interest in collecting bugs so, in 2007, Ron approached Moka again. In ‘08 Moka produced an album for Ron entitled Hot Dog on Legendary Entertainment.

In summer 2009 Ron hit the studio hard cranking out albums at a furious rate. In the fall he released The Summer of Ron on Domination Records, as well as The Beach also produced by Moka Only. He is also planning on releasing a travel album based on the Canadian Province of Ontario entitled Rontario.

Production on Saffron is compliments of superstar rap producer Factor.

My Livingroom in December 2009 Real Simple Magazine

2010-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hiero Imperium Signs Rocker Chris Marsol

2010-02-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

When it comes to music, we like to pretend our world fits neatly into black and white, hip-hop and r&b, rock and rap. But if anyone breaks the mold, it’s Chris Marsol. On his bold debut album, “Butterflies, Lipstick and Hand Grenades," Marsol fuses together rock, soul, pop and electro, resulting in a record where no two tracks sound the same. How did this rock artist end up on one of the Bay’s most esteemed hip-hop labels?

“In 2007 my business partner gave Tajai (of Souls of Mischief and Hiero's owner) some of my music. Unknown to us, Tajai had been listening to it while on tour. When he got back, a meeting was set up and we decided to work together.”

When asked about the meaning of the album title, Marsol shrugs, “There’s no meaning until you create one.”

Afro-Classics Release LP, Classic Rock!

2009-10-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Afro Classics, a hip-hop group consisting of Scarub of Living Legends and Very of Us Pros, represents feel good music that makes you want to bob your head, dance, laugh and think. This fall, they are readying their debut LP, Classic Rock.

The album is 12 tracks deep of hard-hitting, thought provoking,body moving, trunk rattling California independent hip hop. The production is handled by Eligh, Fat Jack, Scarub, Style Misia, Mustafa, Thavius Beck, Jonas Hurst and Andrew Scott! Cop this one!

The Busiest Rapper You've Never Heard Of: SOLE

2009-10-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hip-Hop -experimental artist Sole (one of the founders of Anticon) has spent the last two years living in a cabin in the midst of the Coconino National Forest in Arizona with no mayor, no phone lines, broken cell phone reception, just books and environmental canyon sprawl.

The return to analog life inspired much his latest album Plastique along with an EP: Battlefields, a national tour, and a website that boasts 1-2 million hits a month! Check it: www.soleone.org/stats

"Everywhere man goes he is in conflict, and such conflicts are found throughout the album: the interpersonal, the political, the anti-social, the city, the desert, the industries and the anti-ideologies wherever they are found." Sole touches on everything from touring in a recession, media and war, race, rap, wildlife, space, identity politics and the insane tightrope one must walk to talk about such issues without sounding like a book report.

Also, don't miss Sole and the Skyrider Band on TOUR this month!

ITINERARY:

10-15 - LA Knitting Factory

10-16 – San Diego - Kava Lounge

10-17 – Oakland - The Uptown

10-18 – portland - Rotture

10-19 – seattle - The Nectar

10-20 – missoula - The Palace

10-21 – boise, id - Neurolux

10-23 - SLC – Urban Lounge

10-24 – Ft. Collins

10-25 – Denver, Co – Hi-Dive

10-26 – ABQ – The Launchpad

10-27 – LV, NV – The Bunk House

Hip-Hop Emcee and Producer K.FLAY Mashes it Up on Her New Mixtape!

2009-10-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

While putting the finishing touches on her debut album, 24-year-old rapper and producer K.Flay is releasing a mixtape teaser, MASHed Potatoes. Mixed and produced by the San Francisco-based artist, MASHed Potatoes is a re-imagining—both sonically and lyrically—of eleven different tracks from artists like Kanye West, The Gossip, Missy Elliott, and more. The project features fellow West Coast artists Zumbi (of Zion I), Eligh (of Living Legends), and MC Lars.

“MASHed Potatoes is a blend of hip-hop, electro, and indie rock,” explains K.Flay. “I listened to everything as a kid—George Clinton and Snoop Dogg to Talking Heads and The Zombies—and you can hear all of it my music.”

Indeed, K.Flay’s sound reflects the eclectic influences in her life growing up. Born and raised in the soulful state of Illinois, she spent her childhood reading Ronald Dahl books, jamming out to Sgt. Pepper, and rocking Air Jordans a size too big.

At 18, K.Flay ventured to California to study at Stanford University. While in college, she discovered the power of midi interfaces and began writing, producing, and performing the unique blend of hip-hop and indie rock that has come to characterize her sound.

Hailed in URB Magazine’s “Next 100” issue as a rap girl with “a bad-ass style that comes straight from a feral and natural talent,” K.Flay has been making her mark on the music world, giving fans shins splints on both sides of the Mississippi.

Most recently, K.Flay is featured on Zion I’s Coastin’ video and she is working with acclaimed DJ/producer Amp Live.

http://www.kflay.com

Atlanta, GA., Based Emcee Rita J Readies Artist Workshop

2009-10-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Don’t let the petite frame or striking brown eyes of this female emcee fool you. Rita J. is rugged and raw — and she can hold her own with any rapper in the game today. This fall, Rita J. is releasing her debut album, Artist Workshop on the Chicago-based independent label All Natural. Organic and soulful, Artist Workshop features Steph Staa, Cap D., Guilty Simpson, Yaw, Ka-Di, Adad, Mr. Greenweedz, Rashid Hadee, and Dylan Jones.

Born in Chicago, IL, Rita J. credits her father's massive collection of soul, pop, rock, r&b, disco and hip-hop records for instilling her with a love of hip-hop. While living in Chicago after college, she connected with the underground icons DJ Tone B. Nimble and MC capital D of the group All Natural. In 2002, she joined the collective officially. Rita J. was featured on numerous compilations and was part of the collective Family Tree for a few years honing her skills, studying and gearing up for her debut solo album.

In 2005, after fleeing a number of hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita J. ended up in Atlanta. She is also a dancer, actor and producer. Rita J. was featured in the independent film What Ever Happened To Hip-Hop? (directed by Sonali Aggarwal) alongside KRS-ONE, Nikki Giovanni, and Jean Grae. She is also featured in an upcoming film entitled Pathways directed by Eljay Williams.

Production on Artist Workshop is shared by Black Spade, Kenny Keys, Yuani, Rashid Hadee, Tre Styles, Willowtreez, Vick Lavender, and K-Kruz.

Artist Workshop drops November 10, 2009.

A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE...

2009-10-07T21:48:00.001-07:00

VIBE BITES THE DUST

2009-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

According to this article in GAWKER Vibe Magazine—one of the biggest music magazines in America—is folding. The entire music magazine landscape is full of the dead and dying. Jeff Bercovici at Daily Finance with the scoop who wrote the article, added:

Wikipedia sums up Vibe unexpectedly well:

The magazine owes its success to having a broader range of interests than its closest competitors The Source and XXL which focus more narrowly on rap music or the rock & pop-centric Rolling Stone and Spin. It also differs from the more staid Essence, Ebony or Jet publications by attracting younger readers of many ethnicities.

It was essentially the black version of Rolling Stone, and its readership grew broader as hip hop became pop music. (Kind of fitting that their last issue had Eminem on the cover). But Vibe hasn't been doing well for a while now; in February, the magazine cut its circulation and frequency, and salaries. Now the music industry is crumbling, and the magazine industry is crumbling, and the music magazine industry is really crumbling.

The recent dead include Radio and Records, Performing Songwriter, and Blender. Vibe probably had the most demographically diverse readership of any major music magazine. Now, the hip hop magazine world is ruled by the shaky Source and XXL, with strong online competition; the trade music sector is still topped by Billboard, incredibly shaky as well; the pop music mag sector is ruled by Rolling Stone, which is a shell of its former self; and Spin, Fader, Paste, and everyone else are just trying to protect their own audiences from the free, and many times much better, online intruders. Hard times.

LETTER FROM MC TROUBLEMAKER ASKING FANS TO "WORK IT OUT"

2009-06-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

On May 22nd I headed to Nairobi, Kenya with HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) for the experience of a lifetime. We were there to bring our artistic abilities and knowledge to the locals, share with them, and work with them. As part of the trip I DJed at the Sawa Sawa Festival, participated in interviews, taught kids about DJing and how to use Serato, as well as recorded music with Kenya's biggest hip hop emcee. In addition to donating my energy and time, I am offering an advance download from my upcoming album, The Maestro (out in July), to benefit the HOPE Campaign. The song is called "Work It Out," and it is very fitting to my journey, and is one of my favorites on the album. The donation price is set at a minimum of 60 cents and all the money goes to the HOPE Campaign (minus 10 cents to PayPal).

Please download it, enjoy it, and know that all the proceeds will go to incredible projects for the advancement of the arts in Kenya.

http://djtroublemaker.com/hope/

Thank you for your support,

tROUBLE

One of the coolest things about Fish Outta Water? The Album's Artwork!

2009-05-21T16:19:00.003-07:00

The artist is the LA- based Martin Hsu: http://www.martinhsu.com/

Japanese-born Emcee Kaz-well is a Fish Outta Water

2009-05-21T16:09:00.001-07:00

The Bay Area has long since been a haven of experimental hip-hop, where artists aren’t afraid to embark into musically uncharted territory. So it's no surprise that the San Francisco-based self described “hip-hop geek,” Kaz-well, is readying his debut album, Fish Outta Water, a journey into an artists' thoughts and emotions, set against a hip-hop landscape, reminiscent of 1980s.

“I just let my pen go as a catharsis,” explains 28-year old Kaz-well, who was born and raised in San Francisco. “It was all a big experiment.”

Kaz’s lyrics are a reflection of his own trials and tribulations, which are typical of many break dancing, graffiti-loving hip-hop heads. Take track no 1, “Krazy Glue,” Kaz charges that you can always put your life back together no matter what your childhood or past was like. Undoubtedly, the topic of love was also on Kaz-well’s mind when recording this LP, as many of the tracks tackle the subject of love, loss, and heartbreak. “Whether a crush or a broken heart, everyone can relate to love. Plus, I had met my fiancé during the time of conception for most of these songs...love was fresh in my heart and mind.”

The fact that Kaz-well, raised by Japanese-American restaurateurs, was consumed with all things hip-hop set him apart from his classmates from an ealrly age. Rapping was the natural extension of his passion.

Sighting musical influences from Wu-tang and Nas to Living Legends and Hieroglyphics to Radiohead and Curtis Mayfield, Kaz’s eclectic influences are reflected in his own style of music. These days, his tastes run the gamut from folk to rock to electronica, sighting Jay Electronica, Iron and Wine, and Ray Lamontagne as his current favorites.

Zion I's Geek to the Beat!!!

2009-04-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

The new Grouch & Eligh video featuring Pigeon John!!!!

2009-04-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

ARE ZUMBI FROM ZION I AND GARY DOURDAN LONG LOST BROTHERS?

2009-03-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

More Media Changes: Vibe Magazine Salaries Slashed, 4-day Work Weeks

2009-02-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

According to Folio.com, Vibe Media announced a sweeping series of changes it says will position the company for survival and, allow the brand to salvage its print magazine without layoffs.

Among the changes: Beginning March 1, staffers will be asked to work four days per week, and have their salaries slashed 10 to 15 percent, according to a Vibe spokesperson.

“While numerous other media companies (Time Inc, Condé Nast, Meredith and Hearst) have closed titles completely and laid off staff to cut costs,” the company said. “VMG has taken a smarter and more thoughtful approach to workforce adjustments.”

Vibe will cut its guaranteed rate base 25 percent in July to 600,000 copies (down from 800,000). The monthly magazine is also trimming its frequency to 10 times per year.

The company also plans to launch a-yet-to-be-named “urban celebrity” tabloid in December. That magazine will be published twice-yearly.

Elliot Wilson launches Huffington Post-esque Website with Eminem Manager Paul Rosenberg

2009-02-24T19:11:00.000-08:00

According to Dylan Stableford at Folio.com, former XXL editor Elliott Wilson is preparing to launch RapRadar, a Web site he hopes will eventually be a Huffington Post-like destination for hip-hop music fans and, perhaps, a print magazine. First, though, he says, he wants to develop a voice that has been lacking among Web sites that cover rap—that is, something akin to Perez Hilton.

The New York-based site is slated to go live March 9.

When it does, RapRadar will enter a highly-competitive category—with established Web sites including AllHipHop.com, SOHH.com and upstarts like NahRight covering the space alongside MTV, Billboard, the Source and even XXLmag.com, which Wilson launched during his XXL tenure.

“There are a lot of sites out there that do news, and a lot do gossip,” Wilson told FOLIO:. “But not a lot of them can put it into the proper context, where it’s journalism versus pure gossip. I want to raise the bar journalistically. The public is hungry for both.”

Once the ad-supported site is up and running, Wilson plans to invite artists and producers to post entries, Huffington Post-style. “If Jay-Z wants to express his feelings about Obama, there’s not really a forum where he can do that right now,” he said. (Wilson’s Soul of a Hustler, an authorized biography of Jay-Z, is scheduled to published in Spring 2010 by Atria/Simon & Schuster.)

The venture is being backed by Paul Rosenberg, Eminem’s manager with whom Wilson launched Makavelliott LLC. “But this isn’t gonna be an Eminem fan site,” Wilson said.

Wilson—whose wife, Danyel Smith, is the editorial director of Vibe—still thinks rap magazines are viable, and is hoping Rap Radar will eventually make its way to print.

“If you’re a magazine, in this climate, you have to prove your value,” Wilson said. “You are looking at your editorial staff of 10 or 15 people saying, ‘Who are the seven people I can keep and still put out a magazine?’”

Wilson added: “Right now, the goal is to build a brand.”

2009-02-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

For those who missed the Zion I record release party last Tuesday at 330 Ritch in San Francisco, it kicked major ass. Pictured are MCs Deuce Eclipse and Zumbi (of Zion I) and me for a STASH magazine shot. If you want to hear one of the best hip-hop albums of 2009, be sure to cop the TakeOver.And, if you want to see one of the best live hip-hop shows ever, check Zion I coming to a town near you.

Rap Sessions 2009 Coming to a City Near You

2009-02-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

Critically-acclaimed author Bakari Kitwana partners with the Harvard University-based think tank The Jamestown Project to announce a national tour that seeks to answer the question, “Is America Really Post-Racial?

Targeting the hip-hop generation that helped build early support for America’s first Black president, these interactive townhall meetings debate the extent to which young Americans have opened a new chapter in American race relations. Beginning in February 2009, Rap Sessions’ community dialogues will convene in ten cities across the United States. Panelists include: Tricia Rose (Brown University Africana Studies professor and author of four books including The Hip-Hop Wars); Jabari Asim (Editor of The NAACP magazine, The Crisis, and author of What Obama Means), Stephanie Robinson, Esq. (president and CEO of The Jamestown Project and author of Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise), MC Serch (host of VH-1 reality shows The White Rapper Show and Miss Rap Supreme) and activist Lisa Fager-Bediako (founder and president of Industry Ears, Inc.).

For more information about Rap Sessions, click here.
February
18th: Little Rock, AR
23rd: Knoxville, TN

March
13th: Boston, MA
24th: Cleveland, OH
31st: Anchorage, AK

April
10th: Auburn, AL
15th: Champaign, IL
16th Chicago, IL
17th: Minneapolis, MN
22nd: Los Angeles, CA

The Grouch and Eligh Release "Say G&E" this April

2009-02-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

Legendary Music is getting ready to release The Grouch and Eligh's SAY G&E! On the 14-track collection, The Grouch teams up once again with fellow Living Legends member and producer, Eligh, for a perfect balance of straightforward wordplay and high-concept rhymes. The duo’s third collaboration, SAY G&E!, features notable guests: Slug of Atmosphere, Pigeon John, Gift of Gab, Mistah F.A.B., Sage Francis, Mystic, and LA’s latest sensation, Blu, along with guest beat production from Flying Lotus, super-producer Rick Rock, and Zion I’s Amp Live, who’s received major blogospheric activity for his Radiohead guerilla remix project.

Oakland's Zion I Hold Remix Contest

2009-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

As part of their plan to takeover the airwaves in 2009, the Oakland duo Zion I invite heads to create a new version of the electro-inspired track, "DJ DJ," from their February album The TakeOver. The contest uses an innovative new widget from MixMatchMusic that gives fans access to the stems, or individual parts that make up “DJ DJ." What's more, MixMatch Music provides a basic production interface with remixing software built right in so you can remix within your own browser. You can even embed favorite versions on various social networks. Upload the track to the widget and vote. And then tell your friends to vote!

Zion I will choose three of their favorite remixes for a variety of prizes including placement of the song on their website, merchandise, autographed CDs, etc.

"The MixMatchMusic technology is dope," explains Zumbi, Zion I's emcee. "The best part is that we can interact with fans now in a way we never could before."

Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2009. Register at MixMatchMusic.com

Shaina's Latest Thoughts: Does Math Matter?

2009-01-31T12:34:00.001-08:00

Shaina here, Nicole's mentee. My topic today is FINAL EXAMS!!!!! What a bummer. With math, like what does math do for you? Well, I'd love to know because with everything that's going on with our economy, WHO HIRED THOSE LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!??? Anyway, back on the subject: why do we need math anyway, other than addition, subtraction, and division (rarely multiplication). Tell me, do you use math in your daily life? Because I think it's unnecessary and a waste of time, but that's my opinion. I'm just a 12-year old who gets A's in history! What do I know?

A New Music Model: What Every Artist Must Know

2009-01-30T13:48:00.000-08:00

The invention of the mp3 and Napster (aka the digital revolution) has turned the music industry upside down, leaving music execs and artists scrambling to make dollars and sense of it all. This is the subject of Rolling Stone writer Steve Knopper's latest book Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. "Gone are the days when you had no choice but to depend on Sony to discover you, get you onto the radio, and make you a mega-star," explains Knopper when I asked him a few questions about the current state of the business.

"The upside to this," Knopper notes, "is that an artist today can break more easily than ever before. A band's success,” he adds, “is only limited to how aggressive and creative they are at marketing their music." He offers websites, My space, and You tube as examples of ways of getting noticed.

But the clients I work with want to know, with CD sales on the rapid decline, how do you make money? "It's all about promoting yourself creatively and then selling something on the back end," notes Knopper. “You reel people in with free tracks, a mixtape or a live show, and then you sell your music.”

Knopper adds that acts can go to outlets like Tune core, where there’s a nominal fee to put any track on I tunes, Napster, Rhapsody, and other digital distribution outlets.

It's the concert model (which it was the way it used to be), says Knopper, that all artists must conform to, even Madonna. “Concerts are the only format not threatened by illegal downloading. "If you can get people into your shows, you can sell vinyl, CDs, and merchandise.”

Knopper is the eternal optimist, believing the sky's the limit for new acts. “There are more tools in an artist's toolbox than ever before. Perfect your live show. Play local shows and go out on the road and build a fan base slowly,” says the writer who, lest you think is an out of touch journalist, has his own band called The Propane Daisies and has had to play gigs in Denver for four people like everyone else.

He also adds that going beyond the usual My space, You tube viral campaigns by doing something that will grab people's attention. Finally, he suggests, look at an artist such as Secondhand Serenade, who has been extremely successful at marketing himself--and make that a blueprint for your band."

All of this, of course, begs the question: Will major labels become extinct? “There will always be major labels for the Beyonces of the world,” believes Knopper, “But maybe only one or two. I anticipate some day Apple merging with EMI. Now that's gonna be wild.”

Fourth Annual PAID DUES FESTIVAL Announces Line-Up

2009-01-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

Once again the hip-hop tour PAID DUES brings fans a solid line up of acts to this year's festival. 09's headliners include Murs, Atmosphere, Tech N9NE, Living Legends, The Grouch and Eligh, among others. This year's event will on Saturday March 28 at the NOS Events center in San Bernardino, CA.

Ballin PR featured in STASH magazine

2009-01-25T19:50:00.001-08:00

Stash, a hip-hop magazine based in San Francisco, CA., featured none other than Ballin PR in a recent issue. Click here to read the entire article and to learn more about me (pictured with hip-hop duo Zion I) and the inner-workings of pr--what to know, how the media landscape is changing, and questions to ask a prospective publicist.

Atlantic Magazine Asks: Is it the End of White America?

2009-01-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

This month's Atlantic magazine has a fascinating cover story on America's white identity crisis, where music journalist and social critic Hua Hsu poses the question: what will a post white America look like?

Hsu writes, "As a purely demographic matter, 'white America' may cease to exist in 2040, 2050, or 2060, or later still. But where he culture is concerned, it's already all but finished." Read this article.

Bay Area's Conscious Daughters Return with The Nutcracker Suite

2009-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

These days, women MCs are almost non-existent in hip-hop. Enter the Conscious Daughters (remember the '93 track Fonky Expedition?) and their new album, The Nutcracker Suite. Hardcore street poet veterans with triple O.G. status in the game, the Daughters have proven themselves over time to be as cold as they come, fusing street knowledge with messages of empowerment from a distinctly female point of view that can only be described as refreshing in the middle of the testosterone-fest that hip-hop has become. All hail the Queens.

The Nutcracker Suite touches on it all - black-on-black crime, domestic violence, the trials of single motherhood, and the need for unity and sisterhood. It features production by Paris, Rick Rock, One Drop Scott and others, with guest appearances by Paris, Mystic, Marvaless, T-K.A.S.H. and more.

With female voices all but absent in today's hip-hop climate, the time has never been more right for strong women's voices to be heard. Guerrilla Funk will continue to keep pushin', releasing material of substance in the face of adversity, and hopefully rewarding those who seek more from their entertainment.

Hit me up at nik@ballinpr.com for more info on the Conscious Daughters and their new record.

Blast From the Past: Rasco's Take It Back Home Video: How Cool Is This?

2009-01-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

My Biggie Painting by Pop Artist Howie Green

2009-01-19T17:25:00.000-08:00

This cool painting that adorns my office is by artist Howie Green of Boston, MA. Green's art, while mainstream, has been featured in over 30 solo and group shows and he has painted more than 20 murals and public art projects. Howie has won over 40 awards for his work for International clients including Sun Life Financial, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Coca-Cola, CBS Television, LL Bean, PBS and others. Howie's portrait 'Madonna Smoking' is featured in the British art Book "Madonna in Art" by Mem Mehmet.

Green also recently painted a portrait of rap superstar Biggie Smalls for the cover of the tribute album "Unbelievable" along with artists Tupac, Outkast, and Eminem. To contact Howie Green: 617.308.6472 or howie_green@hotmail.com.

A Brooklyn Label Exec Talks Piracy

2009-01-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Since the issue of CD piracy has struck a cord with the readers of this blog, I talked to one other expert in the field, Director of Digital Marketing, Stephen Bolles, at Gold Dust Records (People Under the Stairs, Zion I, Large Pro, among others) in Brooklyn. Having been on both sides of the issue, as a writer and on the label end, Bolles explains there's no easy answer.

NB: What's your stand on the issue of sending full length promo CDs to press 3- 4 months ahead of time?

SB: There isn't a perfect median between the needs of both sides. Press lead times keep getting longer and longer, so in order to get material into issues when the record's still fresh, writers need to have access to the music months in advance. Obviously, it sucks to have to write about something you haven't heard in full (and this happens a lot, too) so a means for writers to hear the full album is a necessity. At the same time though, it's a GUARANTEE that the album is going to end up on the internet shortly after full CDs are circulated to the press. It's usually not even malicious, just people ripping the CD and putting it in a folder that they forget is shared on a file sharing service, or making a rapidshare link and sending to some folks and it ends up on a blog, or whatever. But it's an inevitability, and once something gets out online, the time and energy it takes to try to combat its spreading is usually more trouble than it does good. And I've seen firsthand, albums circulating online months before it's available to be purchased in any form really does hurt an album's sales, and even it's buzz.

NB: What has Gold Dust done to prevent illegal downloading with respect to promo CDs?

SB: What we've been doing is putting together CD promos for the press that feature five full-length tracks, and snippets (usually 30 seconds or so) of the remaining tracks. We then have a password protected streaming player that's available on request for people who would like to hear the whole thing, and a limited quantity of watermarked full length CDs (though these can be really expensive) whose content is traceable back to the original person to whom it was sent if it turns up online or wherever.

NB: Have you found it to be successful?

SB: For the most part this has been the most successful middle ground we've been able to come up with. People can get a good impression of the album, and if they want to hear more there are ways to. There are still a couple of problems though. Writers are flooded with so much music at all times that adding hoops for them to jump through (such as requesting a streaming player or a watermarked CD) in order to hear a full album can hurt your chances of coverage, especially with artists that don't have a long standing reputation or strong following. Also, streaming music (even at high fidelity) isn't really the best way to listen to music. Ideally people could have a chance to listen to music however they like (in their cars or on their IPODS or whatever) and this kind of takes that opportunity away. One other thing is that with high profile projects, even limiting the full tracks sent out to five can be problematic. Obviously you want people to hear the strongest tracks so they get excited about the record, but if all the potential singles get leaked on Nah Right or OnSmash or wherever before they're even available digitally, there's a lot less incentive for folks to check them out when they hit digital retailers, which is where the bulk of our singles business is these days. So it's not a perfect system. But it still beats annoying drops, and really, why would you want someone who is supposed to be listening critically to your output to have to sit through someone yelling "Album in-stores blahblahblah" every two minutes?

How to Protect Yourself from the Police

2009-01-12T16:44:00.001-08:00

One of the most politically charged and sickest rap songs ever is called "Coffee, Donuts and Death," a track that the outspoken rapper Paris recorded nearly a decade ago on his second album Sleeping With the Enemy. Last weekend, Paris sent out a press release that included an overview how to protect yourself from unnecessary legal entanglements. Of course, Oscar Grant adhered to these principles, but it's still good info to pass on.

Keeping yourself safe and resisting the police state comes down to these simple principles:

1) Non-cooperation: If you talk with the police, you could unintentionally hurt yourself, your friends, or others.

2) Do not consent to searches: Never give law enforcement the okay to examine your pockets, car, backpack, or home.

3) Remain silent: Say nothing except "I'm going to remain silent, and I would like to see a lawyer."

4) Talk to a lawyer: Never take advice from the police, they may try to trick and mislead you.

5) Use trust and intuition: Work only with people with whom you have a history of trust. Without being paranoid, trust your intuition.

Rights During a Police Encounter. In a police encounter these rules will help protect your civil rights and improve your chances of driving or walking away safely. From here on out, we are talking about your legal "rights" guaranteed by law. Though in our view, what you can do and what you can do legally are two different things. All of these rights also apply to minors and non-citizens.

Keep Private Items Out of View .This is common sense: Always keep any private items that you don't want others to see out of sight. Legally speaking, police do not need a search warrant in order to confiscate any illegal items that are in plain view.

Stay Cool & Politely Assertive. Police are well armed and often unpredictable, so remaining cool and calm will keep you safe. Treat them with the caution you would treat a dangerous, wild animal. Be polite and yet assertive to ensure that your rights aren't trampled on. Some officers may come on heavy if you are not absolutely submissive, but standing up for your rights will keep you safe in the long run, in court when it really matters.

Determine If You Can Leave. You don't have to talk to the police. As soon as an officer approaches you, ask the officer, "Am I free to go?" If you get an answer other than a definitive "No," gather your stuff and leave without another word.

You have the right to end an encounter with a police officer unless you are being detained or arrested. Don't waste time trying to determine your status. Test if you are free to go, and then go. If you aren't free to go, the officer will make it perfectly clear.

Use the Magic Words. If you are detained or arrested, use the magic words:"I'm going to remain silent. I would like to see a lawyer."

Do Not Talk to Police. Wait to talk to a lawyer representing you. Even casual small talk can come back to haunt you. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you. Cops have numerous tricks to get you to talk. They can and do use fear, solitude, isolation, lies, advice, playing you against others, and even kindness to get you to cooperate. Don't be fooled. If you need to say anything, repeat the magic words.

Keep in mind the credo: If no one talks, everyone walks. Regardless of what you are told by an investigating officer, you have nothing to gain by talking to the police...and everything to lose.

Refuse to Consent to Searches. Officers seeking evidence will often try to get you to allow them to search your belongings, your car, or your home. Refuse to consent to a search, with the phrase: "I do not consent to a search." Usually, a search request will come in the form of an ambiguous statement, such as, "I'm going to ask you to empty your pockets." Answer such requests unambiguously. Repeat as many times as necessary.

You are under no obligation to allow a search. The only reason an officer asks your permission is because he doesn't have enough evidence to search without your consent.

Police officers are not required to inform you of your rights before asking you to consent to a search. If the officer searches you in spite of your objection, do not resist. Your attorney can argue that any evidence found during the search was discovered through an illegal search and should be thrown out of court.

Do Not Try to Bargain. Police officers will often tell you that your cooperation will make things easier for you, and many people hope to be let off easy if they are honest and direct with the police. The only thing it makes easier is the officer's job. Do not let the threat of arrest scare you into admitting guilt. Better to spend a night in jail, than years in prison. Ask to speak with a lawyer, and remain silent.

Where to Go For More Help. If you feel your rights are being violated, hold tight until you can talk to a lawyer. If you don't have your own lawyer the court will appoint the public defender to defend you. For more information about your rights, law education, and what to do if your rights were violated, check out:

Midnight Special Law Collective midnightspecial.net 510-261-4843
ACLU of Northern California www.aclunc.org 415-621-2493
National Lawyers Guild www.nlg.org 415-285-5067

6 Things a New Artist Can Do To Be Heard According Money Maker's Gustavo Guerra

2009-01-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Gustavo Guerra, CEO of Money Maker Records in NYC, also known as mixtape DJ Phantom, has been in the business in numerous capacities for close to seven years. Known for his keen ear for undiscovered talent, Guerra started out as a street team promoter for Def Jam and moved on to an A&R at Cleopatra Records and consultant to Sony/Red. What's more, Guerra has helped the careers of rappers such as Saigon, Tragedy Khadafi, Immortal Technique, among others.

Guerra, who is readying his label's first 2009 release, Terminal Illness, by Knottingham producer Endemic, says cats who don't even have a record out yet can start to get exposure on their own.

1. Exploit the Internet: You don't need a high-priced pr person or marketing team to get initial exposure on the web. Get your tracks to sites like hiphopdx.com and hiphopgame.com. Make and post a video on youtube. We live in a different world today, use these platforms to your advantage.

2. If you feel like you have a hit, copyright it with the Chamber of Congress. The poor man's copyright (sending a copy to yourself in the mail) won't hold up in a court of law.

3. Always have your music on you, whether it be on a CD, an I POD, or a computer. You never know when you're going to meet someone with signing power. You could be on the street, on a train, anywhere. Be prepared.

4. Make a dope mixtape to give out to people. This is one of the best promotional tools an artist has today.

5. Don't rush. Make sure your sound is developed, your artwork is tight, and you take all the needed time to have your project polished. There's nothing worse than to have a talented artist rush to put out something that sounds or looks medoicre or unfinished.

6. Finally, start assembling your team early. Find good graphic designers, start doing research on pr people, talk to potential managers. The playing field is much more level today. You can start building those relationships early so you're ready when the times comes to release your album. Bottom line, be your own hustler.

Why I Need A Hamster Today: By Shaina S.

2009-01-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hi my name is SHAINA and if NICOLE hasn't told you all about me, I'm her 12 year-old mentee and i'm going to be blogging once in a while on Nicole's website so hope you enjoy this one, as it's my first time.
Today is Saturday January 10 and I've been with Nicole. When I go home, though, it's just my sisters and me and I get bored with them so I need a companion. I can't get a dog and I don't want a fish or reptile so I want a hamster. What's so wrong about having a hamster unless your allergic or something? They're so cute and fluffy and you can play with them all the time. If I do get a hamster I'll name him Biggie Smalls (and call him Biggie for short) and I'm very responsible. If I weren't, how do you think Nicole still manages to write this blog with her trustee companion SHAINA? Back on the subject: I love animals and I'll take really good care of it, DON'T YOU THINK NICOLE SHOULD GET ME A HAMSTER? I do. Well thanks for reading my totally cool reasons to get a HAMSTER. Although I have Chilly and Slim here, technically they're Nicole's animals I only see them occasionally.

Tips from Booking Agent Tim House

2009-01-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

One of the most common questions I get from new artists is: how do I get a booking agent? It's one of the pieces of the marketing puzzle that, to this day, mystifies me. You have to have a buzz to book a show, but you need a show to create a buzz. Tim House, founder of Damage Control Concepts of Oakland CA, who has booked artists from Zion I and The Grouch to Crown City Rockers and Mr. Fab, is one of the best in the business and offers his advice.

"It's tricky," admits House, "but first and foremost, artists must realize that they have to be in demand. They should be putting out records and doing everything they can to promote themselves in their local city." When you're pitching yourself to promoters, he adds, make sure your show is different. "The market is saturated, so promoters want to see something fresh. "If you can bring a key board, a beat boxer, something that makes you stand out, it makes you more interesting." Lastly, he says, if you do book a show, make sure your sh*t is tight! Be professional, and rock it, so promoters want to work with you again."

Unarmed Man Shot In Oakland Bart Station: Family Files $25M lawsuit

2009-01-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Oscar Grant, 22, was killed January 1 in a shooting at a subway station in California's Bay Area. Bay Area Rapid Transit spokesman Linton Johnson told CNN affiliate KTVU-TV in Oakland, California, that the officer is presumed innocent and described him as devastated.

Attorney John Burris called the shooting "unconscionable" and said he filed a $25 million claim with BART on Tuesday, alleging wrongful death and violation of civil rights by use of excessive force. BART has 45 days to respond, Burris said.

"It's a clear shooting in the back that should not have taken place," Burris said, characterizing the incident as a case of "overagressiveness by police."

KTVU obtained at least two videos of the incident and its prelude. One video, which KTVU reported came from a train passenger who wished not to be identified, shows three young men against a wall in the crowded Fruitvale station.

Karina Vargas, who also provided a video to KTVU, said the men had been pulled from the train car in front of hers.
Burris said Tuesday that the young men had been celebrating the new year at a popular waterfront tourist spot, The Embarcadero. They were heading home when police pulled them from the train car.

Grant holds up his hands, appearing to plead with police. Burris said Tuesday that Grant was asking police not to use a Taser.

"He said to them, 'Don't Tase me; I have a 4-year-old daughter,' " Burris said. The interaction on the video is not audible. Seconds later, police put Grant face-down on the ground. Grant appears to struggle. One of the officers kneels on Grant as another officer stands up, tugs at his gun, unholsters it and fires a shot into Grant's back.

Grant, who has a 4-year-old daughter, died seven hours later, KTVU reported.

Despicable.

Deuce Eclipse, Known Mostly as Zion I Crew Member, Has Projects of His Own

2009-01-06T16:18:00.001-08:00

Part 2 on CD Piracy: More with Adam Bernard of Beyond Race magazine

2009-01-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

NB: What would you say to an artist who has had their albums leaked before they are released by journalists in the past?
AB: I’d say that it’s horrible that they had to experience such a lack of professionalism. It’s a sad fact of life that not everyone is equipped with a strong set of morals, but that’s something we have to deal with in every aspect of life. Just because one writer screwed you over, though, don’t take it out on the next one by blowing off your interview days. Remember, it’s not all about the quick sale, it’s about developing a fan base that will support you over the next ten to twenty years that will ensure your livelihood. If you stay professional you will have a much better chance at making that happen.

Artists and publicists need to remember that it’s not just the content of the album that matters, but how that content is being listened to. I interviewed Dru Ha, founder of Duck Down Enterprises, a few years ago and when the subject of how he likes to listen to demos came up he noted:

“…you're in your office, that's your work environment, that's never when I listen to music. A producer will come in and say they want to have a meeting with me and I'm like you want to have a meeting with me for what? The last thing I want to do is sit in front of my computer in the middle of a business day, of business hours, and listen to your beats, because that's not how I would listen to your beats. How I would listen to your beats is after a couple of drinks, laying back, or being in my car, or going somewhere, or being relaxed, and that's also difficult to even have a work environment and try to get into music. You listen to most of your music in your free time as a consumer, as a fan, so that's really what we are, we have to be fans first and I get stressed out during the day so I don't really maybe have time to give something my full attention.”

RapReviews 7/06 - http://www.rapreviews.com/interview/druha06_2.html

Are you an artist? publicist? manager? writer? valued reader of this blog? Please leave you comments on this issue!!!

Kurupt Readies News Album and Other News...

2009-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

According to Allhiphop.com, West Coast rapper Kurupt is getting ready to release his own February 09 solo album, Street Lights.
In addition, Long-Beach based rapper also founded Penagon, a new imprint to be distributed through Fontana/Universal. The newly founded label will be operated jointly by Kurupt and his Atlanta-based management firm Lakeshow Management.

Yesterday People.com reported that Dr. Dre's son, Andre Young Jr., died from an overdose of heroin and morphine, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. Awlful news

Are Writers Stealing Your Tunes? Maybe, But Read Why You Can't Afford to NOT Send Your CD to the Press

2009-01-02T12:49:00.001-08:00

So you want to send your new album to press 3-4 months ahead of time, but you're sick of your tracks being leaked onto the Internet before it's even released. What's an artist to do? Without question, this is the most contested issue regarding the promotion of a record today.

As a publicist, my hands are tied: no journalist worth their salt will review a record without hearing the entire record and, at the same time, I've witnessed too many artists have their art brazenly stolen. In the end, I believe it's far riskier to withhold the music (and thereby forgo press) than it is to send CDs out, get ink, but get it leaked too. I spoke to journalist Adam Bernard, Urban Culture Editor at Beyond Race magazine and freelance writer, who had his own take on promotional CDs.

NB: What would you say to an artist who doesn't want to send out promos to press?
AB: If an artist doesn’t want to send out promos to press then they should be prepared to not get any press. It’s as simple as that. No one is going to write about a restaurant without tasting their food and no one is going to write about an artist without hearing their work.

NB: What is your advice to getting around the downloading situation?
AB: Sadly, there really is no getting around the downloading situation other than by knowing the writers you’re working with. What artists should realize, though, is that CD sales only make up a very small portion of their potential earnings. Touring and merchandising have always been the true staples of an artist’s livelihood. Obviously all of this is affected if we start talking about the 360 deals some labels are trying to sign artists to, but that’s another discussion for another time. So while it’s terrible that people are uploading music, and yes, it’s probably costing artists a few dollars, it isn’t necessarily the end of the world. An optimist might even go as far as saying that some of those downloaders could end up concert goers, which would more than make up for the small loss in CD sales.

NB: How do you feel about watermarked-drops on promos?
AB: Most of the time I won’t listen to a CD if it has anti-piracy drops on it. There have been a select few instances when the drops were only one or two per song, and they weren’t that intrusive, that I’ve let it slide, but they REALLY take away from the listening experience. Anti-piracy drops are bad all around, even for the artist. Honestly, if you’re an artist do you really want a drop filled CD to be the representation of your work that gets reviewed by the press? There’s also the possibility that after so many drops the writer’s disposition changes while listening to the album and that can greatly affect a review.

NB: What about streaming links?
AB: I’ve reviewed a few albums this way, usually because it’s been the ONLY way to get a listen to an album that we NEED for the issue, but I’m not a fan of streaming links. Yes, they get to people quicker and there’s no chance of piracy, but on the same token as not wanting to have an album filled with anti-piracy drops be the reviewable representation of one’s work, does an artist, when he or she really thinks about it, want their work to be reviewed based on how it sounds coming out of a set of laptop speakers? Not surprisingly, a lot of writers use laptops, and laptop speakers don’t exactly provide the kind of sound quality a regular stereo, or even a car stereo would provide.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PR

2008-12-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

At a time when commercial radio is harder to penetrate than ever, one of the best ways to get the word out about your music is publicity. As the founder of Ballin PR, an LA based firm that specializes in hip-hop, here are a few of my tips to finding the right pr person and to knowing when you're ready:

1. The first question I ask artists when they call me is: is your record finished? You should be completely done--i.e. it should be mixed, mastered, and you should have a distribution situation in place before you hire a publicist.

2. Begin your search 4-5 months ahead of the release date of your record. Publicists hate to get calls about a release that comes out next week. It leaves us no time to pitch major monthly magazines who plan their coverage 3-4 months in advance.

3. Do not ask a publicist if they work on commission. The hardest and most grueling part of the job is what's NOT secured--all those follow up calls and emails that don't result in press--so asking if you work on commission is insulting.

Gripes of a White Girl:

2008-12-29T19:35:00.001-08:00

1. Skits on records. It's so 1999.

2. Roger and Zapp voice-box singing. Inarguably the nail in the coffin for hip-hop.

3. The way the hip-hop media is obsessed with Blu. He's ridiculously good, but come on.

4. Artists who say they rap about their life experiences like it's profound. Who DOESN'T?

Notes From a Lawyer: What Every MC Should Know Before Signing on the Dotted Line

2008-12-29T19:03:00.001-08:00

One of the key elements of success in the rap game is understanding the terms of your contract. I sat down with New York based entertainment attorney Andrew Krents, who has worked with hip-hop, dance, and rock artists for over two decades, and asked what 3 things every new artist should know before getting down with a major or an indie:

1. Know what rights you're giving up, specifically your rights in recordings, touring, publishing, and merchandising.

2. Know what costs will be charged against you. From soda to studio time to tour support--all this can make a dent at the end of the day to what moneys you see.

3. Pay attention to the "controlled composition" clause. This provision deals with the publishing copyrights and, depending on how it's worded, it can contribute to or decimate the amount an artist receives in respect to mechanical royalties per unit made and distributed.

Check Out the Video for "Don't Stop The Movement" by Bay Area Rapper Paris

2008-12-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Talib's Blacksmith Music No Longer with Warner Bros.

2008-12-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

According to Tai Saint Louis of Allhiphop.com, Talib Kweli’s Blacksmith Music imprint has dissolved its distribution arrangement with Warner Brothers Records.

The Brooklyn MC confirmed the split to AllHipHop.com after rumors surfaced online that he had been released from his contract with the label. The roster includes Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady and Guyanese/Canadian import Anjulie, the label's sole non-Hip Hop act.

Since its launch, the label has released a compilation album entitled Blacksmith: The Movement, collaborative projects between Kweli and Madlib, and Jean Grae’s critically acclaimed, 9th Wonder-assisted Jeanius. The label is also planning a new album by Strong Arm Steady, entitled Arms & Hammers and Party Robot, the debut album by Idle Warship, Kweli’s new group with singer Res and Canadian singer/rapper Graph Nobel.

While release dates have yet to be announced, all three projects were originally slated for 2008 releases, which would lend some truth to rumors that the split was related to the current economic situation. Kweli’s fourth solo album, Prisoner of Consciousness and Reflection Eternal’s Train of Thought II were also scheduled for 2008 releases.

Upsurge in Murder Rates Among Black Youth While Overall Crimes Drops

2008-12-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

According to the Boston AP, writer Jay Lindsay says a new study released today shows that the number of young black men and teenagers who either killed or were killed in shootings has risen at an alarming rate since 2000.

Among their findings: an increase of more than 39 percent in the number of black males between the ages of 14 and 17 killed between 2000 and 2007, and an increase of 34 percent in the number of blacks that age group who committed homicide. Guns are the weapon of choice.

The increases for white male teens age 14-17 during that same period were nearly 17 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

That said, the numbers represent a vast improvement over those from the 1990s when the emergence of crack cocaine fueled an explosion in violence, the Northeastern report said. In 1993, about 225 out of every 100,000 blacks age 14-17 committed homicide compared with 81 out of 100,000 in 2007.

If You Steal Music, Your Internet Service May Be Cut-Off

2008-12-20T14:09:00.002-08:00

The Recording Industry Association of America said Friday, Dec 19, that it will cut back on lawsuits to combat illegal online music sharing because it has enlisted leading Internet service providers to discipline individuals accused of pirating copyrighted works.

According to the article in the SF Chronicle by Bernadette Tansey, the trade association said certain Internet carriers, which it did not name, have agreed in principle to impose escalating penalties on customers who ignore repeated warnings that they are breaking the law by distributing free songs. The association is negotiating for sanctions that could include the suspension or permanent termination of Internet service.

3 REASONS WHY ONE MAGAZINE EDITOR PASSED ON YOUR CD

2008-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

As a publicist, I'm the one who has to pitch, re-pitch, and sometimes twist arms to get your cd reviewed in a magazine or on a website. Unfortunately, I'm also the one who has to bare the bad news when a journalist says "no thanks." I asked a magazine editor at one of the most esteemed urban magazines for the top 3 reasons he opts not to review a CD, other than the music is subpar. Drum roll, please....

1. The pr person/label sends a mixtape, hoping for a CD review. This happens a lot these days since mixtapes are more popular than ever. But a mixtape is a promotional tool for the most part, not something that's going to garner a lot of ink.
2. The album release date is the same month--or week-- I get the CD. We plan 3-4 months in advance so we need CDs that far in advance too.
3. The cover art looks like something my brother made in collage class.

Zion I's JUICY JUICE video feat. Buddy Love the Dachsund!!!

2008-12-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

The Grouch is Stealing Christmas...

2008-12-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

This Holiday season you can catch Living Legends crew members The Grouch & Eligh along the new Bay Area trio, The Bayliens on the second annual "How The Grouch Stole Christmas Tour." It's not too late to catch the last few remaining dates...For ticket info:

Dec 20-Pasadena

Dec 22-Las Vegas

Dec 23 -Pomona

Dec 27-South Lake Tahoe

Dec 28 -Reno, NV

2009 First Quarter Indie Releases

2008-12-19T09:52:00.001-08:00

And yes, many of these are my clients. It's my blog.

Zion I's The TakeOver-Gold Dust

Omar From Mars Volta -Old Money -Stones Throw

DJ Signify-Of Cities-Ninja Tune

Endemic-Terminal Illness-Money Maker Records

DJ Dusk's Root Down Soundclash DVD

Grouch & Eligh's Say G&E! -Legendary Music

Myka 9's 1969 -FakeFour Inc.

BOOK OF THE WEEK: It's Bigger than Hip-Hop, by M.K. Asante Jr.

2008-12-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Check out this amazing book about the rise of a generation that sees beyond the smoke and mirrors of corporate manufactured hip-hop. For more info on the accomplished author, M.K. Asante Jr., logonto: http://www.mkasante.com.