Of the many popular urban novels
being published, one wonders how
many are by an author who has
actually lived the adventures. By
holding a mirror up to his riveting
life story, and reflecting the lives
in the streets he grew up around,
Genaro Patterson delivers on a
promise: To keep it real.
If you’re tempted to think of his
novel, PROMISE: Never Make A
Promise You Can’t Keep, as the
typical street story because so many
urban settings are the same, you’ll
soon see what makes it stand out
from the pack. Patterson explains:
“The thing I hear from most people
is ‘it’s the way you tell the
story. You get the people to see
the vision and you’re moving fast.
Everybody’s interested in the
characters, the chapters are short.
You’re able to just continuously
keep the reader into the story.'
People say I never can figure
out what’s going to happen. It’s
like a magnet--no matter where
you’re at, you’re drawn back to the
story. Maybe it’s my style of
writing or maybe it’s because I
really have lived it.”
The California native sites the
atmosphere of his youth for what
influenced his later mishaps. Being
devoid of any true mentors, he was
offered mostly local drug dealers
and pimps to imitate. It did what
that life often does -- took him
down the many turbulent paths that
crime and violence on the streets
provides. The simple hustling led
to his becoming a huge drug dealer
with a tumultuous lifestyle that
eventually led to a murder charge.
Though acquitted, after one year,
rock cocaine and the stringent new
crack law led him to ten years more
behind bars.
However, time inside prison walls
gave Patterson an edge on creative
discipline that many others on the
outside can’t get:
“I feel like out of all the things
I’ve done, this is what I was
supposed to do. I try to take any
negativity and turn it into a
positive. Although I was doing
time, I started to look at time like
it was an opportunity, something
precious, because not everybody gets
this kind of time.”
In prison, Patterson first
cultivated his rap and musical
talents, then later developed his
literary skills with penning books:
“In prison, I learned to rap and
wanted to be like Tupac and form a
Death Row Records like Suge Knight.
After Suge was incarcerated, I
became known to him from my music
that was being played in prison.”
Thereafter, Patterson’s musical
connections continued to grow:
“I had started just on GP Records
and put out a CD before I then
signed to Death Row. But by then,
they got stripped of distribution
and could no longer put out any
artists. I looked up to Cedric
Singleton, who ran Black Market
Records, and began to imitate the
label’s marketing as much as
possible, with wrapped vans, trucks
and flyers.”
Having finally locked into something
that looked like success, the old
street hustle was surpassed by the
creative talents that Patterson
possessed. Through all of the pain
and prison, reality and reinvention,
he continued to let his abilities
lead him away from trouble…even as
trouble continued to chase him:
“At the height of my career, after
seeing the music market get crowded,
I started doing DVD movies and put
out ‘Mackramento.’ But soon after,
I was sent to prison again. Now
after being so close to being a
success, it all ended. With failure
deep in my mind and defeat in my
heart, I felt I’d failed. I was now
older and felt it was all too late,
with a fresh ten year sentence. I
lost it all again...house, money,
and wife…”
Instead of letting this period
defeat his spirit, he rebounded with
the attitude of using his time
inside as an ally:
“I decided how I could turn a
negative into a positive. After
deep thought, I realized I would be
too old to rap and couldn’t do
movies, so I decided to use my time
to write books. I first started
with children's books and then went
to urban books, after seeing people
in prison read them. I wrote
PROMISE in 30 days, doing 10
pages a day for 30 days.”
The book is a hit in prisons, where
convicts are true critics of the
genre. This inspired Patterson, who
reasoned that if the products of the
street life he wrote about loved his
books, they had to be real and they
had to be good. For those who
didn’t even like to read, once they
read one of Patterson’s books, they
became converts. He was sold and
now he wanted to sell books, and he
had plenty of them ready.
After being released, Patterson
found that he had at least fifty
books--15 urban books, 27
educational children’s books and 7
“how to” books. When he published
his first one, he got a small buzz
and many accolades. This opened up
the possibility to publish and
promote his ultimate expression in
urban literature. By taking his
life and thinly but craftily
disguising real characters from his
past, alongside actual events, he
offers up PROMISE.
Genaro Patterson is a seasoned
writer now (as well as the CEO of
American Gangsta Publishing), having
honed his craft and pulled out his
clearest, most detailed
recollections in a space and time
where his focus was uninterrupted.
The intensity and truth shines
through and keeps it real from the
very first sentence, all the way to
its page-turner ending. It’s raw
reflection with a no-holds-barred
reality. That’s a promise.
Visit www.Infoaccess.biz for more on the
book PROMISE: Never Make A Promise You
Can't Keep, Genaro Patterson and a full
catalog of his available works.
"Bad 4
U" OFFICIAL Music Video
Winston Warrior Releases New
Video For Hit Song "Bad 4 U"
“Fans longing for artists who can combine the
modern R&B sound with more mature and reflective
vocals will appreciate his efforts.” –
Soultracks.com
Winston Warrior, R&B
singer/songwriter, is proud to announce the
release of the official music video for his hit
single, "Bad 4 U" from his debut album,
Lifeology 101. Lifeology 101 is a completely
independent release via Winston Warrior's own
label, Vintage R&B.
"Bad 4 U" currently stands at #40 on the
AC/Urban radio charts and is spinning on WGPR/Detroit,
WSRB/Chicago, KSJ/Columbus, WAKB/Augusta, KMEZ/New
Orleans, KOKY/Little Rock, KQXL/Baton Rouge,
WLXC/Columbia, WMGL/Charleston, WMPZ/Chattanooga,
WAGH/Columbus, WWMG/Montgomery, WTTH/Atlantic
City, KFXZ/Lafayette, KDKS/Shreveport, WKZJ/Columbus,
KHYL/Sacramento, and KRMP/Oklahoma City.
With the viral unofficial video released
early in Winston's campaign, he is excited to
now offer round two visuals for his successful
single that speaks to the possibility of
reuniting with lost loves. Directed by Alex
Magaña and starring leading lady, Brenda Nicole
Moorer, "Bad 4 U" video offers a dynamic
perspective to a familiar dilemma of whether or
not to try again. As he sings throughout
Lifeology 101, Winston Warrior is a steadfast
believer in not giving up and the concept for
“Bad 4 U” under Magaña’s directorship is
consistent with Warrior's positively persistent
messaging. Regardless of mistakes or mishaps in
the past, today offers a fresh opportunity for
growth and second chances.
Winston Warrior would like to thank the
following individuals for their contribution to
"Bad 4 U": Alex Magaña, Brenda Nicole Moorer,
Monica Young of Blue Key Management, Charles
McCree and Skino of McCree Marketing Concepts
for organizational help, Mike Peele for
choreography and styling, Kisha aka EyeKandi
Queen for makeup, Gina and Michelle for their
assistance, Tymica and the crew at Stage Audio
Productions, Jamye and Fenner for background
vocals, and barber, Avid Crichlow.
"Bad 4 U" the lead single from Winston
Warrior's critically acclaimed debut album
Lifeology 101, is now available on
AMAZON,
iTUNES and
CDBABY. Be sure to follow Winston Warrior's
career and the rise of "Bad 4 U" and Lifeology
101 through the R&B ranks on his
website,
Facebook,
Twitter, and
YouTube.
Watch
"Bad 4 U" Offical Music Video
Please contact Selima@iwillaentertainment.com if
interested in talking with Winston Warrior.
Boogie Down Rapper Hakim Releases Eye-Popping New Video For
"Baby Shake That Thing"
The young MC from the Boogie Down
Bronx is proud to release his music video for the first
single off his independent CD debut "Unlimited Presents
Hakim". "Baby Shake That Thing" is a club banger ode to
the ladies and their dance moves. The video features the
handsome Hakim and ladies doing what they do best,
dancing to his beats.
The video is an eye popper to say the least and is a
true testament to the lifestyle of late nights and
clubbing. Hakim is on fire repping today’s most def,
blinging looks and is accompanied by some of the hottest
females on the scene. The video will definitely get you
in the mood to get up out of your seat and go out to
have a good time and shake that thing.
Hakim’s distinctive style of rapping is highlighted
on his new CD. The CD was produced in large part by Kbar
Productions. Hakim chose to utilize his talent and
creativity to express himself through his love of music
rather than take to the streets like many other young
Bronx residents have. In 1998, as a teen he formed a rap
duo with childhood friend Strategy called Unlimited. The
two enjoyed local success, even wowing the toughest
audience on the planet, when they performed at the world
famous Apollo Theater. As fate would have it, Hakim
became a solo act with his duo partner went to prison,
cutting that affiliation short of stardom. Even today,
Hakim credits Strategy with being the catalyst that
ignited his hip-hop fire.
Hakim has survived the street, having been both shot
and stabbed, he is an insightful wordsmith who imbues
his lyrics with reality, both good and bad. He prides
himself on being street smart and educated and both of
these aspects make him a force to be reckoned with. He
knows what he wants and has the tools to get them. He
has also had some experience in modeling and acting and
hopes to explore these areas in the future, however in
the mean time; he uses all these talents in his new
video.
The video is your first look at Hakim, but it
certainly will not be the last. His skills, looks and
on-the-edge creativity are apparent in every aspect of
the video. It is definitely a video that people will be
buzzing about.
For media inquiries please contact Double XXposure
Media Relations at 212-629-9404 or email at
inquiries@dxxnyc.com.
Hailing from the
halls of N.E. Catholic High, the Community College of
Philadelphia and the American Academy McAllister Institute
of Funeral Service New York City; Robert July Wescott III,
has achieved another goal in his life; which is the making
of his career as a successful Rapper.
Performances in his
hometown of Philadelphia, Atlanta, New Jersey and New York
are always memorable to B. West as they are to his fans.
Creativity is an involvement in every Rap he performs.
Robert, known to most as B. West is very busy these days as
he embellishes the local Philadelphia Community with a
prominent twist on the rap game with his very own style of
vocal projections and beats that makes you immediately begin
to smile, hold your hands up and applaud the entire ecstasy
of his musical product.
If you don’t believe
me check it out when you go to his website:
www.bwestmusic.blogspot.com
. You will not be disappointed.
His new CD “Monster
West” which is set for a ‘Hot’ Release of May 2011 has
something in it for everyone; especially, those in their
teens, 20s and 30s. His music is versatile as he has
something for the females, and the males. Since 2007 B.
West has promoted his product and has achieved quite an
audience on iTunes, and Amazon.com. B. West is currently
working with DJ Ames a mix tape DJ from the United Kingdom
as they are putting some final touches on the sounds to come
on the “Monster West” album.
As a solo artist B.
West is enjoying getting it all done his way; but, knows
that others have to be recognized in the achievement of his
current project and gives many Thanks to those who remained
dedicated to the project: G-Dash, Diioia Beats his
Producer and DJ Ames. B. West also wants to give a
premature acknowledgment to the many new fans to come and a
grateful.
Thank you to those
who are already fans. “Who knows where this may all lead me
to”… “I would love to take this all the way to the Top!
nationally and internationally.”
During our interview
B. West modestly stated how he was given the opportunity to
interview with the well known Cheryl Pepsii Riley and
is completely thankful for this opportunity. And today, he
has gotten another opportunity as he interviewed with author
and Radio Historian Marsha Washington George of Atlanta,
Georgia. Much success B. West, we’re expecting to see you
at the top!
By: Marsha Washington
George
Ms. Washington is a
music business veteran. She has just released her new novel
" The Hitmakers" and working to turn the book about African
- American radio pioneers in a feature motion picture.
Taking His Turn: Successful Hip-Hop Record Label Head
Karis Duran Ventures Out With His Own Music
(New York, NY)…The
multi-talented young Karis Duran, founder of the
successful K Money Entertainment (KME) hip-hop record label, is
ready to do the ultimate multi-tasking – he’ll finally release
his own music, later in 2011. Having launched the hit music of
rapper Hustle Man (current single “She Fine, She Sexy”),
Karis can no longer sit on his own hip-hop aspirations, after
working on lyrics since the age of 12 and recording his first
song at the age of 15. It’s just that KME Entertainment took
off and diverted his attention for a while. But – the time is
now.
And don’t let the
Southern drawl fool you; rapper/songwriter Duran actually hails
from Akron, Ohio. However, while spending so much time with
relatives in Arkansas, the Midwest brother developed a Crunk-style
flow.
Passionate about
music, Duran is also a unique hip-hopper in that his songs are
generally rated PG, containing lyrics that even parents would
find acceptable. His raps celebrate life, explore humanity and
talk about his own personal experiences, which include a stint
in the U.S. Army and later working as a civilian in Iraq. Karis
is a rare rapper, in that he loves some disparate genres of
music, such as jazz, r&b and blues, which were all a part of his
childhood influences at home.
Now signed to
Sierra Music Group, Karis’s debut single from his upcoming first
CD is a mellow rap/love song whose lyrics focus on the
relationship between a man and a woman, called “Well, Well,
Well,” produced by Kyle Bynoe and Paul Anthony for the SMG
Group, with a smooth guest vocal by labelmate Tene’ Williams.
Another notable track, “Big Life,” is a new-wave uptempo
club/pop banger, about a girl living the big life, co-written by
Kyle Bynoe and Karis.
According to Bynoe,
CEO of Sierra Music Group, who is producing and co-writing on
several tracks for Duran’s debut CD, as well as releasing the CD
in concert with KME Entertainment, notes that “Karis Duran is
head and shoulders above the majority of today’s hip-hop
artists. I’m thrilled to be working with him.”
A modern-day
multi-faceted entrepreneur, Karis Duran will now step from
behind the desk and take the spotlight that he’s assisted his
label’s rappers with achieving. Center stage, the mike is now
his.
For further
information/interviews: Double XXposure Media Relations, Mary
L. Moore.
Inquiries@dxxnyc.com (212) 629-9404
Brieux Dash & Big Nate
~ Strictly For The Streets
Two friends, one from Rochester, NY and the
other from Pine Hills, Alabama have joined together on their
entertainment venture to portray all of their musical expertise
in their 3rd mixed tape CD entitled, “_____” ; well
they haven’t come up with a title yet, they’re letting their
fans have the honor of naming it. That’s the way Brieux Dash
and Big Nate like to accommodate their loyal listeners. It’s
running a tight race; but, word on the street is that the name
L.I.E. (Loyalty is Everything) is making a big draw for first
place; we’ll just have to wait and see.
Producing mix tapes for the past seven
years and becoming more involved in the music industry for the
past two years, has given them plenty of opportunities and the
opportunities are coming in more and more in regards to making
their venture a dream come true in 2011. The dream; of course,
is that of producing a third cd which introduces the talented
vocalist Dee Love and the awesome works of Producer JD Riggz.
The sound is going to be “Strictly for the
Streets”; but, you will want to put it on the airwaves and in
some of the local clubs because it will, I repeat, “It Will!”
make you move to the beat! Just as Brieux Dash & Big Nate in
their younger years moved to the beat of those before them who
instantly became their inspiration… N.W.A., Easy E., Ice Cube,
Scare Face, Public Enemy, DMX, and Big Pun to name a few.
This product is going to make some noise
and if you’re from Brieux’s high school - Ben Franklin or Big
Nate’s Pine Hill Community, show them some support and let them
know that their hard work in the studio and hours of work have
paid off.
Soooo… To sum it up… Get the word out!
Tell them the product has already tested and it’s “Good To Go!”
For it’s June Release date.
Message to the fans from Brieux Dash & Big
Nate: “Do what you want to do in life; it doesn’t come easy;
work hard!”
Marsha Washington George, Author
Billboard Chart Topper Tené
Brings Real R&B Back to NYC
New York, NY -
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - The consummate
singer and songwriter, Tené is best known
from her hit song,
"Give Him A Love," which topped the Billboard charts
for four months straight. Tené proved her
young vocal chops at the world famous Apollo Theater's
amateur night, winning not once but three times. Now taking
an active hand in her career, the beautiful Tené is
President of her record label,
Sierra Music Group, joining her trusted
adviser Kyle Bynoe, CEO of the label, in charting the course
of her musical journey.
Tené's record label, Sierra Music Group, is distributed by Urban
Creed/Universal Music and she's working with some of today's
top producers and writers, compiling her
new CD, "Brave" in the third quarter
of 2011. The wonderfully, poignant ballad
"Your Love Completes Me" leads the
way as the debut single. Tené loves songs with substance
and emotion and is still a balladeer in her heart. She
wants to bring back the diversity of R&B music with strong
vocals. Her new album will beautifully feature the best of
that genre.
Joining the debut single of
"Your Love Completes Me" on the CD
will be a midtempo duet called
"That Real R&B"; with her
uncle, R&B vocalist Howard Hewett of vocal group Shalamar,
with whom she toured for a year as a backup singer.
Rounding out her eclectic CD is an up tempo number called
"The Power of a Woman". Her talent and
beauty still shine through, more radiant than ever, as she
finally now travels her musical road and gifts the listening
public with ballads that are embellished by her experiences
and are filled with her heart.
Tené will Bring Back The Romance, The Voice, The Look and
The Passion
with an upcoming performance at the
legendary Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar on
the Upper West Side of Manhattan on
Wednesday, March 30, 2011. Her exclusive
performance will also be broadcasted via
live simulcast so fans all over the world
can still experience her powerful and beautiful voice from
their homes.
Tené will be arriving in
New York City on March 21st to accommodate press
opportunities; however she will be
available via phone beginning March 1st
for interviews.
For media inquiries/interviews contact Double XXposure Media
Relations at
212-629-9404 or
Inquiries@dxxnyc.com.
Innocent Until Proven Guilty:
Rapper Driving While Black Goes On The Record
Popular Louisiana Rapper Big Unk
Clears The Air
E1 Entertainment rapper
Big Unk, a huge viral phenomenon with over 20 million
viewers and breakout hip-hop favorite from Natchitoches,
Louisiana, wants to set the record straight. The rapper,
who was arrested on January 15th and charged with
possession of 150 lbs. of marijuana and a gun, is ready to
fight for his freedom.
The rapper, also known as Mr.
Real Estate, was detained on a "routine" traffic stop, while
out driving in his vehicle (aka "driving while Black") in
Beaux Bridge, Louisiana, apparently because of a "tip" that
the police had received. Finding nothing in Big Unk's car
or on his person, they later went to his home, where they
allege to have found 150 lbs. of marijuana and a gun.
Neither, asserts Big Unk, was actually in his home. They
did, however, seize $500,000 worth of jewelry and $72,000 in
cash from his residence, and charged him with possession
with intent to distribute illegal drugs. Big Unk has worked
hard on his music grind since 2000, doing numerous shows and
scoring two street hits along the way, with "Too MuchMoney" featuring Rick Ross and "Go
Hard" featuring Los Angeles vocalist Jah Free,
and has legitimately earned all the possessions that he
has.
With his new
CD being released in February, Big Unk, whose HOTnew radio
single is called "Going Duffy," is prepared to
forge on with his music, and asserting his innocence in this
matter. Innocent until proven guilty, he is lawyered up
with the infamous Thug Lawyer, Peter John, who will
skillfully navigate him through this legal challenge in
court. Peter John, Big Unk's attorney, in an
exclusive statement said "I expect an uphill battle. My
client has the right to a trial by jury which he has chosen
to exercise."
Big Unk, who has worked with
Lil Boosie, Paul Wall, Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juice Man and
others, shouldn't be stereotyped due to his chosen
profession of hip-hop music, which too many make assumptions
about, with its bling and high-life aspects. That's not
him. Big Unk, a man of few words, stated "I am a
businessman, so it's back to business as usual for me, y'all
know what I mean."
"Won't
Give Up" is Big Unk's latest video and that's surely
the path he's taking now, to right this wrong and prove to
everyone that he's not "typical." He's a rapper, yes, but
he will stand up for his constitutional rights and respect,
as a man who is innocent of the purported charges.
Media Contact
:
Double XXposure Media Relations
via Brian Gilmore (917) 549-4582
E-mail:
briangilmore76@aol.com.
FORMER “BLAZE” GROUP MEMBER,
JOSH MILAN, IS SET TO BRING SOUL BACK TO MUSIC WITH NEW RECORD
LABEL, HONEY COMB MUSIC
Josh Milan, former member of the popular ’90s group
Blaze, is bringing the soul and funk back to music. Milan,
who has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, Aretha
Franklin, and Babyface is making the transition
from artist to label executive with the launch of Honey Comb
Music, a record label specializing in house music.
With Honey Comb Music, Milan hopes to succeed in
transitioning from artist to label executive and is in the
process of working on a new CD of his own. Milan describes
the change as a bit “frightening” but is looking forward to
it, nonetheless. His goal is to bring music to people. “As
an artist I’ve achieved some major success. People have
been inspired. Now I want to do that on a larger level and
touch people’s lives and inspire them to change the world
themselves.”
The first release by Honey Comb will be a compilation CD
featuring eight artists. “Til You Go Home” featuring ChinahBlac is going to be the edgy first single off Milan’s
new compilation CD, in which all songs are written and
produced by Milan himself. Also featured on the set are
Sandra St. Victor, Lamone, Honey Sweet, Don Corey
Washington, and T’zelle. The CD is set to release in July.
Milan would go on to team up
with deejay Kevin Hedge and
singer Chris Herbert to form
the group Blaze, a band that
became known for its unique
brand of house music laced
with heavy gospel, soul and
afro beat rhythms. “You
couldn’t tell me I wasn’t
famous,” Milan gushes. “I’d
listen to the radio and hear
them play a Michael Jackson
record and then they’d play
a Blaze record.”
Blaze released three albums on Motown Records and drew the
attention of the industry with their remix of Lisa
Stansfield’s “People Hold On.” They also worked with
such notables as Diana Ross, Babyface, El DeBarge and
Jody Watley.
Having long since parted ways with both members, Milan is
now making the transition from artist to label executive
with the launch of Honey Comb Music, a record label
specializing in house music. Milan said his goal with the
label is to preserve the genre and heighten its awareness
amongst the masses. “House music is looked upon as gay music
because the gay community really embraces it. Radio stations
don’t really play it. But this music is not just for gay
audiences.
Milan said his aim through Honey Comb is to restore the
integrity and quality of house music. “I remember house
before it became so electronic and techy,” he notes. “Now it
has evolved into something foreign. It’s so cheap and guys
are doing records who don’t even know what a real chord is.
All you have to do is press a couple of buttons and write a
couple of lines and you’ve got a record.”
Milan said the music released by Honey Comb will hearken to
the days of Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, and Eddie Kendrick
and he stressed that the label will focus less on physical
appearances and gimmicks and more on lyrical content,
musicianship and banging vocals. “There is such a need for
real talent,” he says. “It seems like a requirement is that
you have to be under 30, have a knocking body and you have
to have some talent – minimal talent. The songs are
always so meaningless. Nobody’s life is being changed,
nobody’s being inspired. Honey Comb Music is a home for real
artists with real talent, people with something special.
Moving talent is what I’m after.”
The first release by Honey Comb will be a compilation CD
featuring eight artists, all performing songs written and
produced by Milan. Featured on the set are ChinahBlac,
Sandra St. Victor, Lamone, Honey Sweet, Don Corey
Washington, T’zelle, Crystal Johnson and Alexis P. Suter.
Milan said he and St. Victor, who lives in Amsterdam, worked
on her track, “I Am Better,” completely by e-mail. “I
e-mailed her the song and she recorded the vocals herself
and e-mailed it back to me in America. We did this whole
thing without even touching her.”
But the experience with renowned singer/songwriter/arranger
ChinahBlac was different. The highly sought after background
vocalist says she enjoyed being in the presence of Milan for
the recording of the edgy first single, “Til You Go Home.”
Says ChinahBlac, “He gave me the melody and let me arrange
it. It’s still written by Josh but he has a way of designing
a song so that it feels like yours. The music on this
compilation has been nothing less than phenomenal.”
ChinahBlac said she especially appreciated Milan’s history
and his vast knowledge of music. “I listened to Blaze when I
was growing up so when he told me about the album I
definitely wanted to be a part of it. He loves music. He
embraces it, lives it, breathes it. He plays every
instrument and that’s very important to me because I’m not
just a singer; I’m a student of music, I’m classically
trained. I don’t just sing by ear; I read, I chart, I
orchestrate, I arrange.”
While ChinahBlac is adamant about working with producers who
are true musicians, Milan has his own set of criteria. “My
criteria is simple: You have to be able to sing and I mean
really sing. I didn’t want people that were big and famous.
I suppose it would be nice to work with Alicia Keys but this
project features artists that we may have heard of but
didn’t really hear about for a while. I didn’t want the
glamour queen or the really hot looking dude. I just wanted
regular people that would appeal to regular people.”
Even though he has now expanded his audience beyond the
congregation of his church, Milan knows that God is still
watching him and just like that twelve-year-old boy who
seized the moment some 30 years ago, Milan is still giving
God his absolute best and striving to make music that is
true to his upbringing and consistent with his own creative
and moral standards. “When I write, not only do I have God
in mind but I have children in my life that I have a
responsibility to. If I’m not going to write a song that has
everything to do with spirituality, I try to at least make
it inspiring or positive so that everyone can listen to it.
Even if it’s about an affair it has to be moral and true
because it relates to an experience that someone can benefit
from.”
Milan, who is also working on a new CD of his own, says
making the transition from artist to executive is a bit
“frightening” but he’s looking forward to it, nonetheless.
“As an artist I’ve achieved some major success. People have
been inspired. Now I want to do that on a larger level and
touch people’s lives and inspire them to change the world
themselves.”
For more information about Josh Milan, or to schedule
him for an interview, please contact Double XXposure
Media Relations at
inquiries@dxxnyc.com or call (212) 629-9404.
The Musical Judgment
Music Reviews by
Salena Williams
ill-Literacy
With this CD to be honest
was not good at all. It was
only 5 tracks not saying
that there is anything wrong
with that...however, it
sounded so amateur in every
track to me it didn't make
any since to me. The beat in
one of the tracks was real
hot. But throughout every
track that the man was
rapping it's like he didn't
know how to flow with his
rap. It’s like he decided to
rap the day before they made
the CD.
Goddes and She
This CD was outstanding. I
liked every track. The
rapping and singing was
really good and it sounded
different than other CD's I
came across which made me
like it even more.
This is worth listening to.
The tracks to look for are:
1- Love Machine
3- What Would We Be
4- Blue in the Face
6- Drum Circle
8- Get Your Bike
DIAMOND DISTRICT in the ruff
I
thought this one was the
best CD's. The whole
CD was really good when it
came to the lyrics. The
beat, everything about that
CD, was great. I don't think
there are any flaws on this
CD. It is really good. I
would listen to this CD over
and over again.
The tracks to look for are:
01- Streets won't let me
chill
03- Back to Basics
04- I Mean Business
09- Make it Clear
SAREEM POEMS Black and Read
All Over
I
like how this CD was put
together. Even though some
of the songs sounded alike I
like the direction it was
going. The lyrics were
uplifting towards how you
look at life. I like this
one, it’s different. The
beats are official and there
extremely well put together.
The tracks to look for:
02- Come Get it Feat. Theory
Hazit
04- Tell It
08- Shake It Up
Bisco Smith: THE BROADCAST
Bisco Smith to me is
very smart to put this CD
together like he did. It has
a type of futuristic thing
with it. I like all of the
tracks on this CD the beats
were on point. I think
that’s what got my attention
to this CD. The logo is
weird (a brain). However,
it’s a good CD to enjoy and
listen to.
The tracks to look for:
01-Tine In
03-Vibrations
07- Never Know
10- Circuit Breaker
Rob Murat
So Much To Say
Refreshing is the first
word that comes to my
mind when describing
Rob Murat’s debut
album, So Much To
Say. From the
onset, you will embrace
this project with open
arms. In a genre that
was once dominated by
strong songwriting,
infectious melodies and
soul, has now succumbed
to unoriginality and
lackluster performers.
R&B now has a glimmer of
hope being provided by
Rob Murat.
As a seasoned singer,
songwriter and producer
Rob is able to tell
honest and compelling
stories while being
undeniably vulnerable.
His raw emotion and no
façade approach to music
are displayed throughout
So Much To Say.
Drawing from a vast
musical background, he
is able to transcend
himself by providing
lush soundscapes while
intertwining heartfelt
lyrics to entertain
listeners. With
well-placed cameos, Rob
adds to the experience
of So Much To Say.
Guest appearances
include Amanda Diva
on the Latin inspired
“Mr. Soulman”, J. Ivy
on “So Much More” and
Blitz the Ambassador
on the hip-hop infused
“One Day”. Standout
songs: “Something
Magical”, “Until It’s
Over” and the title
track “So Much To Say”
are when Rob is at his
best. On the title
track, he soulfully but
obscurely sings about
music, “…something
told me deep inside I’d
have a chance to say / I
wondered would you find
your way / Swear I was
dreaming about you
everyday / And I was
hoping it was worth the
wait / And now I know I
didn’t wait in vain.”
While his sound is
familiar enough to draw
comparisons to John
Legend he remains unique
enough to be Rob Murat.
In this age of auto-tune
and bad R&B, it’s nice
to see an artist that is
willing to go the extra
mile to ensure a quality
supply of music worthy
to purchase. For those
of you who enjoy
bountiful music
experiences, you will
not be disappointed in
Rob Murat’s debut.
So Much To Say is a
well- balanced display
of musicianship and will
begin the next wave of
artists who will reclaim
R&B.
Kam Moye’s new album, Splitting Image, is
the emcee’s first full-length release since his hiatus of
recording as Supastition, and features a new artistic direction
for the emcee. Over production from the likes of Jake One, Marco
Polo, Illmind, Vitamin D, Khrysis, M-Phazes, and more,
Splitting Image finds Kam speaking heavily on true to life
issues such as karma, what it means to be successful, the ups
and downs of relationships, and much more.
Diamond District's new album, In The Ruff,
will be released October 27th and is the first group effort from
the trio of producer/emcee Oddisee and emcees X.O. and yU.
Flowing effortlessly over Oddisee's soulful, haunting samples
and bass-heavy break beats, In The Ruff creates the
perfect statement for the street savvy, politically-tinged
lyrics that represent the group's DMV upbringing – giving
insight into a region oft-discussed but rarely ever examined.
Although
releasing only his sophomore solo effort with Vision,
due October 13th via MYX Music Label, Jern Eye has been a
name to follow for some time in the Bay, making waves in the
city’s legendary independent hip-hop scene with his own
Lunar Heights crew. With Vision, full of great music
and strong concepts throughout, Jern's continuing artistic
progression is on full display. Boasting collaborations with
Mistah FAB, Guilty Simpson, Zion I, Cali Agents, and more,
and including production from Keelay & Zaire along with
hip-hop heavyweights Jake One (50 Cent, De La Soul, Freeway,
etc) and !llmind (LL Cool J, 50 Cent, etc), Vision
offers hip-hop lovers an album they can put on, play, and
enjoy from beginning to end.
Although
releasing only his sophomore solo effort with Vision,
due October 13th via MYX Music Label, Jern Eye has been a
name to follow for some time in the Bay, making waves in the
city’s legendary independent hip-hop scene with his own
Lunar Heights crew. With Vision, full of great music
and strong concepts throughout, Jern's continuing artistic
progression is on full display. Boasting collaborations with
Mistah FAB, Guilty Simpson, Zion I, Cali Agents, and more,
and including production from Keelay & Zaire along with
hip-hop heavyweights Jake One (50 Cent, De La Soul, Freeway,
etc) and !llmind (LL Cool J, 50 Cent, etc), Vision
offers hip-hop lovers an album they can put on, play, and
enjoy from beginning to end.
Fly Gypsy is comprised of Russian-born
producer/one-man-band Alexei Jendayi and Jamaican-born emcee
Kowboy Kom. With two new projects – The Vodka & Rum
Mixtape and Higher EP – the duo, now based in the
bubbling DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, combine
Alexei’s intricate, melodic, and slapping beats with Kom’s
insightful lyrics to create something powerful. Fly Gypsy,
with both projects, show off their musical depth and
mastery, incorporating both samples and multi-instrument,
original compositions with twisting, turning stories that
provoke moments of thought, introspection, laughter, and
most of all enjoyment. Fly Gypsy's Higher EP will be
released November 10th via Fly Gypsy Music.
For a great example of the duo's outstanding talents, check
out Fly Gypsy performing "Block Rockin," off The Vodka &
Rum Mixtape, live:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo7jIOO1bqo.
Unfortunately a majority of
today's hip-hopers don't
have a clue how the hip-hop
genre sounds like in it's
natural form. As the
standards of American music
constantly decrease, the the
new generation of hip-hop
fans only have crap to
reference as inspiration for
their music, which is
usually worst than the crap
they reference. If presented
with a diamond in it's true
form they'd throw the "rock"
away or won't pay it any
mind. Because of course
diamonds as seen on TV come
in the form of wedding rings
and chains worn by rappers.
DJ JS-1 decided to
release an album called "No
Sell Out", featuring hip-hop
in it's rawest most natural
form. This is for a special
group of youngsters and
people who can remember
music back to at least 1996.
Compared to today, I can
argue the music and artist
featured on the album are
actually from another genre
we can call "new oldies."
The equivalent of 70's R&B
being compared to the so
called R&B you would hear
nowadays. No Sell Out
has authentic beats, this
new concept called DJ
scratching and an all-star
line up of underground
hip-hop artists.
But there is a point of
diminishing results.
No Sell Out has 21
tracks. There are
different rappers but after
awhile there is a risk of
some tracks sounding too
much like the others.
There are similar styles to
the rap and different beats.
In my opinion this JS-1
release would be better off
limiting this to 11 tracks.
Lyrics and beats are good,
but I could only handle so
much of the same flavor.
All in all, JS-1's No
Sell Out, is a new
oldies album. It is a
diamond or a rock? It
all depends, the word
diamond means, unalterable
and unbreakable so it's up
to you to decide when you
listen. Either way,
it's all good.
Reviewed by Icering
The
Little City That Could
Recent I was sent an invitation
to a new "city" called
BROOKLYNATI, a hip-hop group
named Tanya Morgan. The
city is okay... It was missing
one thing in particular ...
Landmarks
The production and landscaping
is solid, (although a little
more variety would be nice), the
language was rich in content,
which is easy on the ears making
the overall atmosphere very nice
.
But no memorable landmarks or
for betters word...
Choruses
I was able to safely navigate
through BROOKLYNATI
without stopping or skipping
around looking for direction.
Everything was presented nicely.
The builders Tanya Morgan
are still relatively new at this
and their skills still
developing. I'm almost
sure greater additions will be
added in the future.
BROOKLYNATI is GOOD. But
not great...
With that said, I recommend you
take a tour to see what I mean.
You may not agree.
It looks like I won't be looking
to move to BROOKLYNATI
anytime soon. However, if your
are an underground hip-hop head,
there are plenty of activities
for you and plenty of places to
stay. I'm sure you'll like
it. How do I know?
Just go and visit, you will see
familiar faces. Check it
out.
“Never 2ndary” feat.
Jermiside, Che Grand, Elucid
and Spec Boogie
“Just Not True”
“Morgan Blu” feat. Blu
“Never Enough” feat.
Carlitta Durand
“We're Fly” feat. Kay of
The Foundation and Chop
“Just Arrived” feat.
Miss Info
“Forgot 2 Say”
Music Reviews by
Icering
Kero One - Early believers
After reading the promo
package I just had to see what
this was about. Kero One seems
to have blew up in Japan.
Now, I'm very hip to the
Japanese music market. I
started playing and producing
music because of Japanese
producers and musicians.
90% of my music education is
from Japan. I also studied
Japanese and I know most of the
major studios and producers
including those who specialize
in urban music. My home studio
is actually being designed after
one of the studios in Minato,
Tokyo. So did I miss something?
Or was this just hype?
Well, It looks like I did
miss something.
Kero One is a solid
artist and the music on his new
album Early Believers doesn't
bother or bore my very demanding
ears. The arrangements allow
me to get through the songs
without struggle and the lyrics,
dynamics and vocal timbre are
more than worthy.
Kero One doesn't break
any new group here. But he does
manage to make an album. (If
I were to teach a group of kids
how to make make underground
hip-hop music this could be a
case study record for them to
aspire to).
Overall I have no complaints
about the album. If I had
to find one thing to comment on,
I would have left the last
track, "On and On" off the
album. To me it's not
quite up to par. It's a
looped instrumental so I won't
count it with the rest of the
songs.
This album is solid in every
way and is something I would
consider a top shelf.
Put on your workout cloths if
you're going to listen to this
album. Tonex's Unspoken
is stocked full of energy. Even
the slow songs.
In this short album (8
tracks) Tonex stuffed a lot in
here. Lots of different
styles and instruments show up
as well as studio effects. In
some cases craziness works
against him because I get
confused in the middle of a few
songs because so many things are
going on at a rapid pace.
That makes the album not ideal
for focus listening but perfect
for something to put on while
working out or doing something
else while this plays in the
background.
The singing is good. The
production is fair. And it
should fit the needs of it's
market very well. Don't
have a church picnic without it.
Bobby Womack
Here's one of our
favorite Bobby Womack songs, "Woman's
Gotta Have It."
The Metermaids album
is nice. The songwriting is
good and the live instruments
keep the songs interesting.
Each song on the album has
enough variety to make the album
recommendable.
The vocals and lyrics remind
me of the underground scene.
There's a touch of being a bit
unpolished when it comes to the
choruses and some of the lyrical
delivery. Their voices stay the
same on all the tracks with
little dynamics, so I get the
feeling they are rapping over
the beats and not with the
beats. All in all, this is
good stuff.
If you were to "borrow" your
father's 70's funk records, then
"borrow" your friends father's
70's salsa records and mixed
them together, you would get
something that sounds like
Bronx River Parkway's new
album "San Sabastian 123."
This album is great for
rhythm study because that's all
it really is...lots of advanced
rhythmic patterns. Every song
clearly has the the mark of
professional musicians who have
mastered the element of "groove
and rhythm." You will find a
copy of this CD in my "must buy"
collection.
What a sad case. Pathetic.
An emcee with such a nice
delivery and interesting lyrics
not to be better know. eLzhi
has the potential to reach
Masta Ace level lyricism.
He is very close, but in more
than one way. Just like
Masta Ace, eLZHI has a bit
of a production problem. The
producer Black Milk
doesn't suck, but the beats are
a bit mediocre. With
stronger production eLZHI
might have have something here.
Freddie Foxx -
Crazy Like A Foxxx
This is a very easy review. In the
early 90's, when hip-hop was at its
peak, it was hard to find a bad
album and this 1994 Freddie Foxxx
album demonstrated that. Its too bad
music today isn't of this quality
and passion.
If you like 90's hip-hop (the
original hip-hop) well here you go.
Its interesting that the album is
being released now. This style of
music is almost a different genre
compared to what's out now.
Everything on this CD is good.
This is a sure thing.
Doomtree -
Radio Edits
Doomtree is a
very interesting group of
individuals, they have a unique
style which is distinguishable.
That's something that's not very
common in hip-hop these days -- also
they have good chemistry which can
be felt through the music.
Lyrically I wasn't
very impressed, nothing really stood
out as far as the spoken word was
concerned; but all of the emcee's
have a very nice flow over the
beats. Doomtree suffers from
what I call "underground syndrome,"
which means they have boring
choruses which is extremely common
in underground or independent music.
The production on this compilation
is well done. There are no critiques
I can really give to the
producers...except...for them to add
a better chorus to support their
fellow Doomtree members to
ensure the group doesn't fall into
the "another rap group" pile.
Overall the compilation sounds like
one big happy family with a lot of
personality.
When it comes to my super
critical ears most hip-hop albums
cannot meet my standards.
However, Tanya Morgan passed. They
are actually a good group that have
quality music to share. Let's
start with the vocals.
Tanya Morgan has a good flow when
rapping and have smooth transitions
between rappers as they take their
turn rapping. In addition,
this group actually has something of
significance to say in the lyrics.
My only criticism is that I didn't
like how they ended the last song,
"How Low."
Production
With the exception of "How Low"
the beats are solid and well
crafted. The beats vary enough
to sustain interest in the album.
As a test of pulling power I will
intentionally send my attention
elsewhere and have the music play in
the background. Many times I don't
notice the songs have changed
because either the vocals were
boring or production was boring and
similar in sound. This was not the
case here.
Overall Tanya Morgan has put on a
good show. This is a very good
CD that is worth your money.
The album is pretty cool and well done.
The production is solid and I can listen to the
lyrics with ease. Ise Lyfe made this an
easy and smooth review for me. My only gripe is
that there are too many tracks on the album.
Ise has 21 tracks with 7 or 8 tracks serving as
"filler." In my opinion, too many filler
tracks dramatically decreases an album's replay
value. All-in-all I give this album a "thumbs
up."
8/10
Tag: Here is another artist to add to the
black youth rescue market. Working a few
brain cells that would normally never get used
in the mainstream market or commercial appeal.
J DaVey - The Beauty In Distortion/ The
Land of The Lost EP
I have no idea what market this music is
after, the music itself is very strange and
confusing, I had a hard time grasping the
purpose of a lot of these songs. I would say
the group needs a bit more polishing at least
for my tastes.
The mixing on the album wasn't the greatest
either. At times the vocals were hard to
understand because she gets drowned out by the
beat. The EP's are too random and don't have
much structure. I don't remember any words
on the album nor do I remember any of the
production.
The instrumental tracks can make good
background music for transitions scenes. This
is a mix of different styles but nothing
specific. If you're very curious and open
minded, this CD is worth a serious listen.
This is a very eclectic CD.
?/10
Tag: "This is more of a "See for yourself'"
kinda of albums, my review won't help.
K'naan - The Dusty Foot Philosopher
K'naan, an award-winning singer
and musician, was born in Somalia, a country
that has not had a functioning government since
1991. K'naan's family moved to Harlem after
catching the last domestic flight out of Somalia
and eventually settled in Ontario, Canada. Using
his ability to blend Western and African
influences, K'naan's music is a fusion of world
music and hip-hop that borrows from the protest
songs of Bob Marley, the hip-hop lyricism of Mos
Def, and the storytelling traditions of Somalia.
Despite the violence K'naan has experienced, his
lyrics address the possibilities for positive
change and peace. His album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Edition,
will be released for the first time in the U.S.
by the Bay Area-based record label, Interdependent Media on June 24,
2008.
Review by Icering
This album was interesting. K'naan's vocal
style is distinguishable and his words flow very
well. I felt on a few occasions that the
high pitch vocal changes were annoying.
I wish some of the production was better as some
of the beats didn't do all the songs justice in
my opinion. The beats weren't in design, they
just didn't stand out. I think there are
too many tracks on the CD, after the 16th song I
had to check see what was left since the music
was so passive and of the same style.
Pros:
- Dynamic vocals that almost force you to pay
attention. - Relatively meaningful lyrics - Good stories.
Cons: - Some of
K'naan's
vocal pitch changes get annoying - especially in the higher pitches - Lack of memorable production
Swing:
If you're a hip-hop head and want to add a few
new interesting spices to your collection, this
could do it.
Prior to signing with Interdependent Media,
Shaya spent nearly ten years hitting the
pavement in his native Bay Area slanging
handmade CD's and mix tapes at shows and on
street corners. Shaya's lyricism, determination,
and charismatic personality caught the attention
of many industry leaders but personal obstacles
often prevented him from taking his craft to the
next level. Interdependent Media is proud to
finally release the fulfillment of the potential
industry leaders had always seen in Shaya with
Fallen Awake. Devoid of the clichés and
excess that have come to characterize mainstream
hip-hop, Shaya succeeds in crafting no-frills,
honest, and intelligent hip-hop music. Fallen Awake will be released on 7/29.
Review by Icering
Shaya - Fallen Awake
The highlight of this album is its production.
Shaya's dynamics and vocal rhythms are good.
He uses his voice as a percussion instrument to
add to the good production. The depth of the
lyrics didn't impress me. I thought the
word content was very shallow. This is
nothing I haven't heard before, so technically I
could be listening to anybody. I wouldn't
be able to tell it was Shaya rapping if heard
this song somewhere else. I don't remember too
much of the word content because it there was
nothing that stood out. So for me it
became an instrumental album since his vocal
delivery is done well.
Pros:
- Great production - Good vocal delivery
Cons:
- Lyrics are "industry standard," they don't
stand out.
Swing:
- The production and vocal delivery are enough
to pick this one up, its enough to make you move
your head.
Little Vic:
The first thing I noticed about this album
as I run through it is the lyrical
delivery. Little Vic’s passion and emotion
are very clear and shine on these tracks.
It’s very clear he is into what he is doing
as the disc has a lot of energy. The
overall production was well done. This CD
compliments Vic’s style. A lot of rap
albums have a gap between the beat and the
lyrics, however, in this case there rapper
and the beat fit as one sound.
The whole album
is a very solid overall. Outside of a few
songs, Little Vic stood out as himself and
not your cliché “wanna be rapper.” I can
recognize him on his songs which is a good
thing. The entire album screams New York.
It has such a NY feel to it that I think
Little Vic intentionally made it be as NY
sounding as possible. But it’s all good.
Pros: passionate rap flow and
delivery, solid production, relatively
smooth flowing album
Cons: If I could tell Little Vic
anything, it would be to stay clear of those
pitch vocal style beats. Fortunately there
are only two on the album. I was very
tempted to skip through section because of
their overuse.
Swing vote: Extra points are given
because he is identifiable, which I find
very rare.
