Archive for the ‘Hip Hop’ Category

Insanity: Indie Music Universe Artist of the Week

Posted by Guelixa Garcia On December - 19 - 2010

InsanityFrom beneath the surface rises a new hope for the darkened truth of hip hop!  Insanity arrives originally from Cincinnati by way of Atlanta to reveal his latest effort – The Occult EP.  This project is just a seat warmer to the forthcoming LP – God Knowz My Name. 

 

For years, Insanity has set out to display his talent with a wicked pulse-beating presence to validate a spot in our culture.  The new EP, with a running time of 22 minutes, only has you curious and craving more of the unknown talent from the other side.  “Minion” starts off the more than human debut followed by the heartbreaking “My Work is Done.”  Insanity continues to show the consumer versatility beyond belief. 

 

Instrumentation

Insanity- Vocals

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Popularity: unranked [?]

Dolo the Bandit: Indie Music Universe Artist of the Week

Posted by Guelixa Garcia On September - 5 - 2010

Dolo the BanditIn the heart of the city and the home of Hip-Hop (aka the Bronx, NY) a star was born, known to the streets and soon the world as Dolo the Bandit.  Usually the bad guy is the villain, but in this unique situation, he is the hero – here to rescue Hip-Hop from its kidnappers who have No Honor, No Pride, and a Lack of Skills.  He is a rare breed in an ever changing era of rap music.  This young emcee has not only captured the essence of what it takes to be a great rapper, he is steadily acquiring the talents to be a great musician and change music history. 

 

As an artist, Dolo quickly reinvented himself into a machine.  Not only was he a lyrical slaughterhouse, but with a shortage of beat makers, he began bang out his own productions that would match his assault of wordplays.  Before he finished high school, Dolo composed a catalog of songs not only for himself, but for the Werk Regime/PaperWerk camp.  CEO D.Gritty (of the superstar Harlem group The Teamstas) quickly noticed and acquainted himself with Dolo, adding fuel to a fire that could not be extinguished.  After countless music, a few mixtapes, some shows and some recognition in the neighborhood, Dolo was becoming a local name and celebrity.  With the summer ending, Dolo expanded his horizons by aligning forces with Bravo, Swiss, and Salgoud of AF1, which has become a creative masterpiece.  Since combining their forces, Dolo has been infiltrating the industry slowly and silently as a true bandit.

 

Dolo has had impactful performances at places such as the Pyramid, PJ Lounge, The Kokonuts Club, and the Sofa Lounge.    His performances are truly creative and bring that showmanship to his fans.  He was featured as an opening act for Red Cafe at Sweet Carolines and What’s Bigger than Hip-Hop.  His showcases include Get Your Buzz Up, Hip-Hop Unplugged, a win at Sucker Proof Free, and the grand prize winner of a beat from Platinum producer Scram Jones for Monsei’s Hot 97 Showcase at the TBA lounge.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

Red Baron: Indie Music Artist of the Week

Posted by Guelixa Garcia On July - 12 - 2010

Red BaronDuring British nobility, reigning monarchs appointed faithful servants to the position of "baron," charging them with the task of adding to their king’s kingdom.  Obediently, barons ventured into neighboring regions annexing new plots of land and other forms of wealth for their master, knowing their reward came as from their diligent work.  Rather than extending the boundaries of a given territory as barons of old, Red Baron lifts up the name of Jesus, that He might draw all men unto Him (John 12:32).  In so doing he adds to his King’s kingdom. 

 

Born in the bedrock of blues music, reared in the home of R&B, and classically trained in violin and piano, it would seem Red was destined to make music.  Forbidden from listing to rap at an early age, he drifted towards his parent’s record collection as a small child.  Consequently, by the time he actually stumbled upon rap, his musical stylings were more influenced by Bach than 'Pac, more Mozart than Mos Def.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

Album Review: “Soul through the Speakers” by Sti-Lo Reel

Posted by Mike Wilson On August - 25 - 2009

Sti-Lo Reel: Soul Through The Speakers MixtapeSti-Lo Reel proves he is a heavyweight to be reckoned with in the field of lyricism and Independent hip-hop artists.

 

Sti-Lo Reel is the lyrical genius on the Minneapolis based independent label named Pledge Empire Records. Born and raised in Minneapolis Sti-Lo name rings bells in just about every corner of the Twin Cities because of his sharp delivery and witty punch lines. With this August release of the long awaited “Soul Through the Speakers” mixtape Sti-Lo’s name will continue to grow rapidly not only across Minneapolis but the whole U.S.

 

Sti-Lo begins his lyrical assault on the opening track titled “Soul through the Speakers” letting the world know that he has finally arrived saying “I’m here haters witness the livest and the greatest” again showing his confidence in his lyrical ability. On the hard hitting track “Bacc to Business” Sti-Lo Reel really shows his audience that there is no contender when it comes to flows and style at the same time letting everyone know that he is focused on his business and his hustle is first and foremost. This is definitely Hip-Hop on a higher level!

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Acafool: Indie Music Artist of the Week

Posted by Mike Wilson On August - 3 - 2009

acafoolAcafool (pronounced Ak-a-Fool), born and raised in the Little Haiti area of Miami, FL and currently representing Tampa, FL, is the definition of a true artist, one that marches to the beat of a different drum, a man in his own lane, defying both description and logic.  Acafool’s talents encompass many facets including singing/rapping, song writing, engineering and producing which has lead to the creation of some of the hottest sounds coming out of the south.  Additionally Acafool's creative business ideas have his team Dream Chasers Entertainment moving in all the right directions.

 

Within his music, Acafool takes his listeners on a musical journey that knows no boundaries, and eagerly pushes the parameters of Hip-Hop, Soul, Pop and R&B. He is rapidly generating interest for the daring, innovative and fresh perspective he takes in his music. While performing invigorating live shows his fans can fully experience Acafool at his best. Whether performing at major events or local clubs, Acafool can't be anyone but himself, a cool and humble brother.  This real, genuine quality he possesses has helped him to establish a strong and diverse fan base by serving up his music with the power to enlighten, entertain, educate, and elevate. Instead of all the wars, crime, suffering, stress and strife, wouldn't it be great if from time-to-time, we could all just ACAFOOL…

 

Acafool is no stranger to the industry, his buzz has stretched across the globe; including landing in XXL Magazine in December 2006 (Show and Prove) and again in July 2008 (10 Florida MC’s on the Rise). Acafool has also been busy at work making major moves, with a 2008 feature on the remix of Hitz Committee / Jive Recording Artist Asia Cruise’s hit single “SELFISH” and “PUT ON – Bay to the Bottom Remix” along with major recording artists Plies, 2 Pistols, Ace Hood and DJ Khaled.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

The Black Kurt Cobain Does Hip Hop

Posted by Mike Wilson On July - 27 - 2009

stix350"Smells Like Teen Spirit was my first favorite song by any artist of all genres," says hip-hop artist Stix in response to his claim that he is the black Kurt Cobain. "He was a huge influence for the youth as far as music is concerned. He had a interesting following, and that’s where our similarities are."

 

While he sounds more like Jay Z than Kurt Cobain the musician born and raised in Watts is hoping to influence another generation of youth with his own musical stylings. Stix has made it a point to reach out to today’s youth and has played small tours of inner-city schools, keeping it real and letting them know that anybody can be anybody if they work at it.

 

In case you get the idea that Stix is only playing school gymnasiums, he has cut his chops with six years of roadwork from coast-to-coast and around the world. These gigs include playing his favorite venue – the Staples Center and "performing on stage with Doug E. Fresh at the Aruba Jazz Festival." Playing to a crowd of more than 60,000 on a beach was an experience that Stix describes as, "Insane!"

 

But that was then, this is now and I’m Fly is the first single off his upcoming Late for Soundcheck CD that drops on August 18. "I kept the featured musicians limited because I wanted the listener to focus on me," says Stix with regards to the recording process for Soundcheck. "So really, the only big name featured on my album is Tyrese."

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Popularity: 6% [?]

Graffix: Indie Music Artist of the Week

Posted by Mike Wilson On June - 15 - 2009

graffix_1Born into poverty to a single mother in Jamaica, Dwayne Whyte and his family moved to the Bronx, NY at the tender age of two in search of a better life.  With no father figure in his household, Dwayne witnessed his mother manage working excessive hours at multiple jobs to provide for his family.  In 1994, Dwayne and his mother moved to Baltimore, MD.  He found the mean streets at an early age, and became consumed by the life.  While his mother worked at night, he was roaming the street corners selling drugs and hustling anything he could get his hands on.  Once Dwayne's mother became aware of his new found hobby, she decided to move her family back to the Bronx to keep him from the Baltimore street life.

 

Turbulence

 

While back in the Bronx, Dwayne became even more drawn to the streets; this is where he found rap. What started out as free-styling for fun would eventually become the ground work for the artist now known as Graffix. Although his talents were unmistakable, Graffix did not take his craft seriously at first. In fact, Graffix did not start writing rhymes until his then favorite artist, 2pac was killed.  He felt that the hip hop scene was becoming too much of a cliché with gimmick songs being mistaken for real hip hop masterpieces.  At this point Graffix knew exactly what he wanted to do with his talent.  Unluckily for him, he faced another obstacle in life.  Graffix and his family became homeless and were forced to move from shelter to shelter in New York City.

 

At the age of eighteen, Graffix moved back to Baltimore on his own, to begin a new life.  He started working a regular 9 to 5 job and also began making music.  While Graffix juggled with work and rap, he still remained drawn to the streets.  As a result, he was arrested numerous times, although he managed to escape long term imprisonment.  Around the same period Graffix was introduced to Sluggerz Entertainment, LLC by a close friend.  He was asked to audition on the spot.  After he finished spitting some of his verses and freestyles, he was offered a contract the same day.

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Popularity: 7% [?]

Orange County Hip-Hop Group Simple Thoughts Storms the Gates

Posted by Mike Wilson On June - 5 - 2009

simple thoughtsOrange County local staple, Simple Thoughts returns to the scene after a 2 year hiatus. Bringing in Major Indie talent, the new album and live show is set to mark the beginning of a truly awesome comeback. With professional level production, an awesome new stage show, and a new found style the music goes beyond hip-hop and into straight spiritual warfare and street level mindfulness.

 

Huntington Beach, California (PRWEB) June 5, 2009 — Simple Thoughts returns.

 

The acclaimed group Simple Thoughts, winners of the Lost City Emcee contest, Semi-finalists on Live Digitals Spit-cam, Evocal Battle Champions and Orange county staple return to the studio and local venues to make their return. Featuring Emcee Ponder, and Thoughtsarizen they look to be ready to storm the gates and bring a fresh vibe back to the hip-hop scene.

 

Currently working on music with Braille (Hiphop is Music), 2mex (Project Blowed), Omnious Words, Wackoe and Melissa B and other local favorite Syntax Vernac (Speech Impediments), the group looks poised to make a meaningful return to the thriving hip-hop scene. The new album scheduled for release in late 2009 and tentatively titled The Blood of the Non Believers is set to mark yet another notch on the rifle of sound and mindfulness for the group. Underground hip-hop at its fullest.

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Soundset ’09: Full Lineup of Indie Hip Hop Artists

Posted by Mike Wilson On April - 23 - 2009

soundsetRhymesayers Entertainment and Rose Presents bring you the second annual Soundset Festival: the official Midwest kick-off of the summer with over eight hours of the best independent Hip Hop music in one day. It all goes down at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN (rain or shine).

 

Confirmed artists for Soundset 09 include: Atmosphere, The Pharcyde, MF Doom, Brother Ali, Freeway & Jake One, Sage Francis with B. Dolan, Immortal Technique, P.O.S, El P with Mr. Dibbs & TMQ, Eyedea & Abilities, Abstract Rude + Aceyalone & Myka 9 = Haiku D’Etat with DJ Drez, Prince Paul, Buck 65, Blueprint with DJ Rare Groove, DJ Numark, Heiruspecs, Cunninlynguists, Blue Scholars, Sims of Doomtree, One Be Lo, I Self Devine, Awol One, Mike Mictlan & Lazerbeak = Hand Over Fist of Doomtree, Toki Wright, Grieves, Unknown Prophets, Lil Buddy Mclain, Just.Live, Kristoff Krane, El Guante, Plain Ole Bill, BK One, King Otto, and DJ Nikoless. Head over to the Official Soundset Myspace Page to hear music and find out more about each artist!

 

In 2008, Rhymesayers and Rose Presents brought the first year of Soundset to an outdoor festival setting at the Metrodome parking lot in Minneapolis with over 14,000 people in attendance, including: two stages with over 40 artists performing, b-boy battles and live DJs throughout the day, live skateboard demos and a low rider car show.

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Popularity: 12% [?]

Review of TelluRide’s Four Square Miles

Posted by Emily Maud On April - 9 - 2009

CD400.qxpBy Emily Maud

 

TelluRide’s debut effort “Four Square Miles” has landed them on the CMA list of bands to watch in 2009.  Although these 5 guys have only been rocking together since 2006, they have seemingly found the perfect collaboration of their musical styles as is represented in this album.  Although a relatively “young” band, they have had the honor of opening for acts such as Gretchen Wilson, Little Big Town, and LeAnn Rimes as well as Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and Bret Michaels.

 

The buzz on this new album has TelluRide drawing comparisons to superstars of the country music scene like Rascal Flatts and Lonestar.  TelluRide’s music showcases their brilliant style of rocking country pop and has the ability to play mainstream radio on country, pop and rock stations.  Their sound is upbeat, the tunes are catchy, and the lyrics have you singing along.  These guys sing songs that you and I can relate to, and do so in a way that leaves your foot tapping and the energy flowing.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

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