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Archive for the ‘Hip Hop’ Category

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: 15% [?]

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: 16% [?]

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: 12% [?]

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: 20% [?]

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: 14% [?]

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: 22% [?]

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: 15% [?]

Album Review: “Nightmares” by Ced Linus

Posted by Mike Wilson On April - 2 - 2009

Ced LinusCed Linus confronts his "Nightmares"

 

In this deep mixtape, "Nightmares," Ced Linus confronts every demon that he’s had over the years and put it all together into a classic mixtape.

 

Ced Linus is a Hip-Hop artist on the rapidly growing Minneapolis based independent record label, Pledge Empire Records. He is also part of the duo group The Pledge Empire, a URB’s Magazine Next 1000 nominee. On this effort, Ced Linus gets personal in telling his story of what’s been going on in his mind in the past year.

 

Ced Linus opens "Nightmares" with the hard-hitting track "Death Bed," explaining the difference between him and the commercial rappers that he thinks floods the genre. A notable song on this classic mixtape is by far "Britney Spearz," with its banging beat and great hook: "been shaved off my hair off like i’m Britney Spearz".

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Popularity: 19% [?]

The 100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums of All Time

Posted by Mike Wilson On March - 31 - 2009

goat-indie-foil-topAmazon.com has released a list of The 100 Greatest Indie Rock Albums of All Time on their website.

 

For the purposes of compiling the list they decided to use a combination of hard and fast rules and gut instinct.  Here are the four rules they used for their selections:

 

  • One album per artist.
     
  • No EPs or singles, this list is about albums.
     
  • No greatest hits collections or compilations of previously released tracks.
     
  • Nominations must have been originally released on an independent label. Albums released on indies which were later acquired and/or re-released by majors are allowed (like Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation, originally released by a pre-1989 major label merger Enigma Records).

 

Amazon has also set up a discussion forum, which allows visitors to voice their opinions about the list.  Naturally, there are customer disagreements (and surely there will be more), but this is a great starting point for music fans looking to get into the world of indie rock.

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Popularity: 21% [?]

Atmosphere: Indie Music Band of the Week

Posted by Mike Wilson On March - 30 - 2009

atmosphereThe indie hip hop group, Atmosphere, is no stranger to the music industry.  The Twin Cities duo, consisting of an MC named Slug (Sean Daley) and a producer named Ant (Anthony Davis), has released six albums, 11 Sad Clown tour albums, and various side-projects like Felt – amounting in well over a million units sold. In addition, the group has also performed to sold-out crowds everywhere from modest sized venues in their hometown to colossal festivals in Japan. They are no doubt one of the most commercially successful and long-lived independent hip hop acts.

 

As Rolling Stone once gushed about Slug, "This Minneapolis indie rap hero has potential to spare, delivering taut, complex rhyme narratives with everyman earnestness." Or as the Village Voice once wrote of Ant, "His dusty grooves are hooky and R&B-informed, and even when they back up Slug's most maniacally depressed rhymes, they never feel heavy-handed."

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Popularity: 12% [?]

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