Darien Brockington on NewsObserver.com

Darien Brockington a/k/a D-Brock has made it in the Raleigh News & Observer website where Brockington talks about where he been up to. He chats about his venture with The Foreign Exchange, his new album Affected: The Story of John Doe and his recent decision to start college over. Shouts out goes to Lady Vee for the insight of this article, yo!

Darien Brockington walks around N.C. Central University unnoticed these days. The 30-year-old Durham native returned to the school this fall after leaving in 2000.

But every now and again, somebody recognizes him and hips those around him to who he is.

"I mean, there is, on occasion, somebody that'll walk up to me and be, like, 'Are you Darien Brockington?' or 'Did you sing with The Foreign Exchange?'" says the college junior. "Or I might hear a random 'D-Brock!'"

The people who recognize Brockington (especially those who holla at him as "D-Brock") know him more as an R&B vocalist, the job that took Brockington away from his studies so long ago. With a throaty, church-bred voice that can be both sensitive and sensual, the man has been best-known as a "singing hype man" (that's what he calls it), recording hooks for Little Brother and other members of North Carolina's Justus League hip-hop crew.

In 2006, Brockington went from hook guest shots to fronting his own songs as he released his debut album, "Somebody to Love." Although the album, which included production work from Justus League beatmen 9th Wonder and Khrysis, was well-received (The N&O said it was "Brockington's album-length declaration that he's ready for prime time"), the album didn't skyrocket Brockington's career. Though he cites a lack of marketing from West Coast-based ABB Records as a factor, he does lay some blame on himself for not speaking up.

"I mean, in essence, it was a situation where, you know, me being the hungry artist, me really putting the effort and energy into an album which I personally feel was good," he says. "But it's only as good as the engine behind it. And unfortunately, the engine was focused on other things. Not me."

That appears to be the reason Brockington is back in school today (as a double major, he's studying accounting and music industry), to make sure that what happened to him during that time never happens again.

"As I've gotten older, I've wised up a little bit, and I'm realizing that, you know, there's more than one way to get to where you wanna go," he says. "And I think that school, most definitely, deserves my attention and my focus and [is] an additional means to get to where I ultimately want to get to."

But he's certainly not putting his music career on pause. He's taking the lessons he has learned and channeling them through his new album, "Affected: The Story of John Doe," scheduled to drop sometime next year. Brockington notes there will be more live instrumentation this time around, as opposed to the sample-heavy music created on "Love."

"It's just a very organic experience," he says, "and I find myself loving the experience just as much as I did when I did 'Somebody to Love.'"

Like breathing

Brockington has continued to work live, touring and serving as a backup singer on shows for The Foreign Exchange, the hip-hop/soul outfit created by Little Brother's Phonte Coleman and producer Nicolay Rook. Brockington has done work on both Foreign Exchange albums, 2004's "Connected" and last year's "Leave It All Behind," and has performed backup for Coleman (along with fellow Durham vocalist YahZarah) on shows since "Connected" was released. From the way Brockington speaks, the man is at his most natural -- and most evolved -- when he's with the Exchange.

"It's almost like breathing," he says. "I mean, we've shared a bus together. We've argued. We've laughed and whatever else. We stick together. We've done it.

"But now, as I grow as a musician and as [Phonte] grows as a musician, this is a perfect platform for people to see his growth, as well as my growth as well as YahZarah's growth, as well as the band's growth. Now it's cool to bring all of those elements together, but improved."

Come on home

Brockington, Coleman and YahZarah will once again share the stage Saturday, when they perform at the Pour House Music Hall at the soulSPARK showcase, part of this year's SPARKcon festivities. Most likely, those same folks who are comfortable calling him "D-Brock" at NCCU will be quite at ease hearing him perform live -- which is exactly the way he wants it.

"When I'm on the stage, man, the honest-to-goodness truth is I just like people to feel like they're at home," he says. "I want you to feel like I'm welcoming you into my house and we're just having a good time. That's what's important to me."

craig.lindsey@newsobserver.com, 919-829-4760 or blogs. newsobserver.com/unclecrizzle.-- [ SOURCE ]

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Video: "Yahzarah's Road Blog: Foreign Exchange @ The Roxy 9/13 & Seattle 9/15"

I am LATE on this, my bad y'all! But I got these two videos of Yahzarah's video blog to share with y'all! You'll see appearances of Darien Brockington, Zo! Carlitta Durand and Nicolay. The second video is hilarious as they go over some classic cassettes for the road trip. Just check 'em out! Shout out to Lady Vee for giving the vids and sorry for the lateness again. But y'know, like that one line says, "Better late than never," I'm saying it's better than the NEXT month. Show FE some love! 0 Comments

Music: Kam Moye - "Let's Be Honest" (prod. Veterano)

Here's a brand new Kam Moye single titled "Let's Be Honest," produced by Veterano. This track is on the smooth tip and it includes honesty, that's all that matters in hip-hop, right?

Kam Moye - "Let's Be Honest" (prod. Veterano) (RIGHT CLICK, SAVE AS) 0 Comments

Music: Skewby - Proving You Wrong Since 1988

Memphis' Skewby links up with DJ Crumbz and DJ Charlie White and releases Proving You Wrong Since 1988 for the free!




Something About Skewby 0 Comments

Music: Royce Da 5'9'' - "Street Hop" Sampler

Yes, yes, yes. Ladies and gentlemen, Royce Da 5'9'' finally coming out with Street Hop before this year ends. Here's a full sampler to the album if you need proof and this is a major deal for the Getback Army militants, because this album includes Phonte finally rapping over a DJ Premier track! Allow me to make my Woodydamus prediction again that this one will be one of the hip-hop classics of this year. I'll wait 'til the heads catch up. Shout out to DJ Premier Blog!

1.Gun Harmonizing (Feat. Crooked I) (Produced by Emile)
2.Count For Nothing (Produced by Streetrunner)
3.Soldier (Feat. Kid Vishis)
4.Something 2 Ride (Feat. Phonte)
5.Dinner Time (Feat. Busta Rhymes)
6.Far Away
7.The Warriors (Feat. Slaughterhouse) (Produced by Streetrunner)
8....A Brief Intermission (Skit)
9.New Money (Produced by Streetrunner)
10.Shake This (Produced by DJ Premier)
11.Gangsta (Feat. Trick Trick)
12.Mine In Thiz
13.Street Hop 2010 (Produced by Six July)
14.Thing For Your Girlfriend (Hoe Jack) (Feat. Kay Young)
15.On The Run
16.Murder
17.Bad Boy (Feat. Jungle Rock Jr.)
18.Part Of Me (Produced by Carlos Broady)
19.Love From The Hood (Feat. Bun B & Joell Ortiz) (Produced by DJ Premier)-- [ SOURCE ]

Royce Da 5'9'' - "Street Hop" Sampler 0 Comments

Video: Ghettosocks - "Don't Turn Around" (feat. Edgar Allen Floe) (prod. Bix)

Salute to EAF for giving us this joint! The reaaaaaal hip-hop! Ghettosocks' Treat of the Day coming soon!

"Don't Turn Around" by Ghettosocks featuring Edgar Allen Floe, off of Ghettosocks' album "Treat of the Day." (Beat Produced by Bix)

Get wise and check out http://www.ghettosocks.com for exclusive content.

Video Produced in Co-operation with VideoFACT, a Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent,
Supported by MuchMusic,/MusiquePlus/MuchMoreMusic Network.

Video Produced & Directed by Pardis Parker
for Flying Dish Productions -- [ SOURCE ]

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IndyWeek.com Reviews "City Lights, Vol. 2"

Indy Week's review on Reservoir Dogs may have sparked controversy many weeks ago, but the writer Eric Tullis is back! He's here to review Nicolay's City Lights, Vol. 2. This time, you'll see that this record is more well-recieved for an instrumental album.

Three years ago, a German rap artist invited Dutch producer Nicolay Rook to deejay his set in Tokyo. Upon returning to Wilmington, N.C., where Nicolay has lived since 2006, Nicolay immediately began recording music inspired by his five-day stay in the city's Shibuya district. The project was put on hold, though, as LPs with Houston emcee Kay, of the Foundation, and with Durham's Phonte Coleman, Nicolay's partner in the svelte soul jam The Foreign Exchange, were priorities. After the completion of Leave It All Behind, last year's second Foreign Exchange album, Rook put the finishing touches on Shibuya: City Lights, Vol.2, his instrumentals-based project. Coleman came on board to write four songs for Durham darling Carlitta Durand to sing. The 15-track LP showcases a highly finessed producer who continues to grow but never overwhelms.

Recent history suggests that any Coleman project comes with at least one of three gifted female vocalists—Yahzarah, Muhsinah or his newest singer-fling, Carlitta Durand. Which vocalist comes along shouldn't be much of a worry for two reasons. First, Coleman—a gifted, gabbing rapper and sentimental soul man—provides mandarin lines aplenty: "Even when the nights are quiet and the moon is rising/ Every face has some glory to sell," Durand sings on the lead single, "Lose Yourself." What's more, Nicolay is often at his strongest without any vocal company. He relies on gradual builds to drag listeners in, pushing their guards down, charging through slow storms of emotion. "The Inner Garden" may not be Vangelis' "Chariots of Fire," but if you follow its pulse close enough, it leads to its own ecstatic nirvana with beautiful chord repetition that whisks the close listener to a plush spiritual escape. "Saturday Night" salutes the house music gods as it works to become the life of the party, while "Meiji Shrine" hides its reference to another deity—the late hip-hop idol Dilla—beneath its ethnic title. And despite only one vocal appearance by Phonte Coleman, the other half of The Foreign Exchange, you're hard-pressed not to hear Shibuya as an extension of Leave it all Behind's often melancholy approach. That is, it doesn't fight back with attitude.

So, yes, this is just "another boring (mostly) instrumental album" but, no, you won't be bored: Nicolay finds neat little pockets in his songs where he elevates from sober to soulful, moving from moments of drift to jams that burn bright. He sounds somehow muffled and mystic, and his best work seems like a skeleton and a surfeit. City Lights 2 suggests Nicolay's sound is slowly evolving to work more through overarching grace than overwhelming greatness. Nicolay's Shibuya district experience and the memories he puts to tape here seem to have made him into a deep-thinking musician. Lucky for us, he wasn't so submerged that he overthought this compelling project. -- [ SOURCE ]

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Music: KIDA - "Fight This Feeling" (Prod. 9th Wonder) + "Sayin Something" (Prod. Focus...)

Coming straight from Inglewood, CA is this kid named KIDA. Actually, dude's no kid at all. When you hear these two joints, one produced by 9th Wonder and another produced by Focus..., you'll instantly know that this is straight grown folk music. Nothing kiddie about it, check it out! Shouts out to Kevin Nottingham for this one!

KIDA - "Fight This Feeling" (Prod. 9th Wonder)
KIDA - "Sayin Something" (Prod. Focus...) 0 Comments

PotholesInMyBlog.com Gives "City Lights Vol. 2" 3.5 out of 5 Potholes

PotholesInMyBlog.com took a lil' trip with Nicolay and thought the ride was not bad. Check out the detail below:

Album Review: Nicolay – City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Potholes

I certainly hope you have your bags packed before popping this disc into your stereo or loading it onto your mp3 player. If not, that’s fine. I guess. But don’t be surprised if playing Nicolay’s latest, City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya, has you craving a trip to the Japanese city of the same name. And it’s not that his soundscapes are oozing with traditional sounds from the country or anything like that. It’s just such an engrossing and gorgeous piece that you will want to experience everything he did for yourself. For you see, the Dutch producer was inspired during his trip to Shibuya a few years ago – you can read about that here. He was so inspired that he wanted to lay down his thoughts for all to hear. And it’s safe to say we’re thankful he did just that, because even with its imperfections, his second volume in the City Lights series is a fantastic example of artistic growth and expression.

In fact, perhaps the most appealing feature of this record is its clear display of artistic growth. Many of the experimental sounds on here should come as no surprised to seasoned fans of Nicolay’s work. Leave It All Behind, his last effort as part of the Foreign Exchange with Phonte, featured plenty of subtle nuances showing off just where Nic was headed. It was not thrust into your eardrums like on here, though, so it’s possible those intricacies were missed by some listeners. Although, one could argue that the dubstep-esque “If This Is Love” was a fine foreshadowing of Nic’s left-field tendencies. But other than that, they were more interwoven into his production.

Not this time. Sure, his eccentricities don’t overshadow every single track on here. But Nic’s out to show he’s not just another producer. The man is a beast, whether he is crafting a hip-hop record or looking to try his hand at a mix of ambient, post-rock, R&B, and other genres. Enter Shibuya’s most experimental cuts. “Meiji Shine” is a shot right to left-field that listeners will either love or hate. But no one can deny the irresistible essence of its pulsing synthesizers and vibrating bell hits. And how it builds into the Massive Attack-drenched “Shadow Dancing”? Priceless. Nic made sure to throw in a barrel of robotic drums, mournful piano licks, and enough erratic synths to have you wondering where this side of him was hiding. And when those keys come out toward the second-half, I wish you the best of luck in not feeling the emotion expressed by his instruments. Also impressive are cuts like “Shibuya Station” and “Crossing”, both accentuated by their percussion. In particular, “Shibuya Station” gracefully interprets the sounds of the city, which are scattered across other tracks. You can almost feel the train shoot breeze across your jacket as the drums and synths dance across the background. And those synths deserve extra attention as they run the sonic gamut from watery to 8-bit to more traditional.

But Nic’s travels into experimentation aren’t always satisfying. “The Inner Garden”, though not a failure, does not resonate as strongly as its peers, even if it does bleed nicely into “Bullet Train”. It’s mostly just an issue of the fact that some of his left-field material either blends together or sounds samey. But, then again, he was going for a cohesive sound on here, which he achieved, so it makes perfect sense for tracks to have a similar vibe. And for the most part, he is able to keep it cohesive and varied. “Saturday Night”, which features songstress Carlitta Durand, is another example of a near-solid track that just falls a bit short. It’s actually more of the aforementioned love it or hate it syndrome, like on “Meiji Shine”. This time it’s not that Nic gets experimental, but he takes it to the dance floor with Durand. The House-inspired cut is mostly all there, but it meanders too much toward the end.

And, in contrast, some of Nicolay’s more straightforward cuts are what longtime listeners will likely fall in love with. The album’s first track and single, “Lose Your Way”, is beautiful. Durand’s voice complements the music, which is lush and vibrant. She captures you with her vocals that follow the synthesizer melodies and range from breathy to full. While she’s been kicking around the scene for years, this might be the type of song to truly open listeners’ ears to what she can offer. “Lose Your Way” is also a fantastic means of kicking off Shibuya because it is a smooth transition from what Nic was doing on Leave It All Behind to what he does on here. That also goes for the three-peat of killer tracks at the album’s conclusion. They start off with “Wake Up In Another Life”, another chance for Durand to strut her stuff with some help from Phonte. It’s followed by the horns and acoustic guitar-laden “Departure”, a solemn piece of beauty. Nicolay and Durand then bring everything to a halt on “Epilogue”. With bouncy piano, acoustic guitar strumming, and occasional woodwinds behind her, you will no doubt swoon over Durand’s harmonizing.

What Shibuya boils down to is this: Nicolay has taken his skills to another level. But in doing so, he will possibly confuse/lose some listeners. On top of that, this album isn’t perfect. As written earlier, he has a few missteps here in his experimentation. Yet, if you’re prepared for something a little different and mostly solid, this one is for you. -- [ SOURCE ]

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Video: Crew 54 - The 54 Reality Show 9/22

Alright enough of the "re-mos-ified" Denise Williams, lets get this episode of the 54 Reality Show underway. Last week you saw the five four and Bavu Blakes grace the stage in Austin with magnanimous persona. This week, we took the show on the road to Dallas. I don't even have to tell you how dope it was, just know with a line up including Original Soul, Verbal Seed, Crew54, and Bavu Blakes that it was a night of some truly glorious hip-hop. Throw in the fact that Bavu brought Rochelle Terrell and DJ Knowledge, also Dallas' own S'ence and Pikahsso and it was a soulful night of Texas hip-hop.



To end it all, I want to showcase the latest Dookie Vizion Productions "mos-terpiece," alright I know ENOUGH with the puns. After you watch this weeks 54 Reality Show, come back and check the "Show Me Luv" video by D.H. produced by the fam T-Mill.

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Video: DH - "Show Me Luv" (prod. T-Millistrator)

Samepage Productions , in association with Dookie Vision Productions present D.H. in SHOW ME LUV! Beat produced by T-Millistrator of Samepage Productions. Video Edited by Master-of-Self aka Dookie Alowishis of Crew 54.



www.myspace.com/hargrovederrick
www.myspace.com/tmill6
www.myspace.com/crew54 0 Comments

Video: Nicolay - "Lose Your Way" (feat. Carlitta Durand) (Live at Roxy)

City Lights Vol. 2 available in stores/digital outlets now! 0 Comments

EDO G - Nobody Like Me remix (feat. Diamond D & Kaze) (prod. Madwreck)

Peace...another new leak off my upcoming remix project with Beat*Society titled Master Thieves Vol. 2 (Picture These Remixes).
This time around the Madwreck remixed "Nobody Like Me" which features EDO G, Diamond D & Kaze.
It's completely flipped from the original vibe which was real clean and crisp.
Madwreck brought the rawness.

EDO G - "Nobody Like Me" remix (feat. Diamond D & Kaze) (prod. Madwreck) 0 Comments

Music: Skyzoo - "Dear Whoever" (prod. Illmind) & "Penmanship" (prod. Black Milk)

Skyzoo's The Salvation on September 29th. You can hear the album on YouTube right now.



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Music: DJ Whoo Kid & KAZE - "First in Flight" Mixtape

Props to 2DopeBoyz and Okayplayer for this one! I told you the mixtape was coming soon and now it's right here! Check it out!

01 919 Fashion (prod. Erv Ford)
02 Whatever U Wanna Do (prod. Gotti)
03 Best I Ever Had
04 Get Shut Down f. Fluent & AK Slaughter (prod. Erv Ford)
05 Day In the Life (prod. Gyphted)
06 Need It To Go (prod. Gotti)
07 The Grind f. S.S.P. (prod. The Dem)
08 Fresh f. Mr. Mohalyn (prod. 9th Wonder)
09 They Don’t Know f. Mr. Mohalyn (prod. Jake One)
10 Diamond Life (prod. Erv Ford)
11 Reminisce (prod. E. Jones)
12 Blowing in the Wind (prod. Erv Ford)

DJ Whoo Kid & KAZE - "First in Flight" Mixtape 0 Comments

Video: KAZE - "Fresh" (feat. Mr. Mohalyn) (Prod. 9th Wonder)

Off the First in Flight mixtape, coming very soon! 0 Comments

Video: Crew 54 - The 54 Reality Show 9/15

***DISCLAIMER*** The guy dancing in the beginning of this week's blog is not in fact Mr. Hit That Hoe, no, he is the original second assistant to the assistant choreographer on Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo.***

Whats good yall, the 54 Reality Show is rolling big all across the state of Texas, and you can come along for the ride. Last weekend started out with us heading back to the small but uberly crunk town of Kerrville. Reality Show regular Dubb Sicks and our girl Special K promotions put together a show featuring us, C.G.E., Lil J and Big J.D., Stephanie Salvo, and DJ Aspekt. Drinks must have been real good because I was mispronouncing names, people were dancing hard, and having a real good time.

The next night we headed back to one of our favorite spots in Austin, Flamingo Cantina, to put it down with Cali Zack & NA Productions, and Bavu Blakes. Before the show we caught up with Lil J of the C.O.D., Reggie Coby of Dred Skott (both of those cats are in the ATX super group League of Extraordinary G'z), and found out things didn't end so peaceful in Kerrville after we left when we caught up with Dubb Sicks again. The show was fun, and gotta give love to DJ Rapid Ric, Kid Slyce, Wes Sanders and DJ Knowledge for holding it down.

Also check out the commercial for our show this weekend in Dallas with Original Soul, Verbal Seed, Bavu Blakes, DJ Love and Rage Almighty. Much love to Guerilla Milk and Vigilante Music Group for putting this down, we're gonna party for real in Dallas.

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Video: Young Chris - "Last 2" (feat. Freeway & Beanie Sigel) (Prod. 9th Wonder)

Dope video from Young Chris's mixtape The Network. It's the ROC! 0 Comments

Video: YahZarah's Video Blog - The Foreign Exchange At The Roxy

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Music: Chaundon - "24 Hours To Live" & "That Nigga" (feat. D-Black) (prod. Mark Henry)

Off Chaundon's Black Dynamite mixtape. Coming next month.

Chaundon - "24 Hours To Live"

Chaundon - "That Nigga" (feat. D-Black) (prod. Mark Henry) 0 Comments

Music: Vandalyzm & Finale - "Watch Niggas"

Vandalyzm & Finale - "Watch Niggas"

Vandalyzm and Finale over the Jay Electronica beat. Van lets the fans know what happened between him and the HOJ. 159% heisted from my fam at TSS. 0 Comments

Music: Skyzoo - "Popularity" (prod. Nottz)

Shout out to On Smash! Here's a new joint by Skyzoo entitled "Popularity," produced by Nottz. The Salvation coming 9/29!

Skyzoo - "Popularity" (Prod. Nottz) 0 Comments

Music: JC Poppe - "A Saving Sound"

Contrary to belief, I usually listen to most of what enters my inbox. If it's properly presented, packaged, addressed etc. it shows that at least the artist is serious! And so I gave JC Poppe a shot. He had a picture, links to music, a bio, a press one-sheeter. And beyond the presentation, the music is good. The Milwaukee emcee's sound is real and blunt; lyrics are a reflection of the times and issues that are ever present in today's culture. Be on the lookout for this guy. I guarantee he's going to be a mainstay in the near future.



The song is in iPod / iPhone .mp4 format, so check it out. His album, Sleep Therapy, is coming soon.

JC Poppe - A Saving Sound

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Music: Thee Tom Hardy - The Hardy Boy Mystery Tape: Curse of thee Green Faceded

Mixed. 9th Wonder & Don Cannon. It's finally here, y'all! Check out this Hardy Boy msytery from Thee Tom Hardy. See how the twist of fate turns in this 9th Wonder and Don Cannon mixed mixtape, featuring appearances by MURS, Youbng Chris, GQ, Rapsody, and a whole lot more. Check it out!

1. Thee Tom Hardy Show (prod. E. Jones)
2. Makin' It Laaast(prod. 9th Wonder)
3. Family Ties (feat. Big Remo & GQ) (prod. 9th Wonder)
4. Chillin' In My Bungalow (prod. Thee Band Geeks)
5. Afterschool Special (prod. 9th Wonder)
6. I'm Grinnin' (prod. 9th Wonder)
7. Make Her Mine (feat. Tyler Woods) (prod. E. Jones)
8. EXTRAordinary (prod. Fatin "10" Horton)
9. I'm The Ooh Child (feat. MURS) (prod. 9th Wonder)
10. Go Like This (feat. Reck Mason & GQ) (prod. Thee Band Geeks)
11. Rap $$$ (prod. 9th Wonder)
12. As We Shine (feat. Rapsody & D-Mal) (prod. 9th Wonder)
13. Dzamnit Dawg (feat. Ric Jones) (prod. 9th Wonder)
14. Okaaaaaay (feat. Rapsody & TP) (prod. 9th Wonder)
15. We Rap GR8 (feat. Harlem's Cash & Mikkey Halsted) (prod. 9th Wonder)
16. OMG!!!! (prod. 9th Wonder)
17. Boom Boom (prod. 9th Wonder)
18. Never Have Seen (prod. 9th Wonder)
19. Rap $$$ Roc-A-Fella RMX (feat. Young Chris & Freeway) (prod. 9th Wonder)

Thee Tom Hardy - "The Hardy Boy Mystery Tape: Curse of thee Green Faceded" (Mixed. 9th Wonder & Don Cannon) 0 Comments

Music: Antagonist - "MNP 'Til Infinity"

VA hip-hop. Antagonist with a new jam that shouts out his crew MNP (Makin' Noize Productions).

Antagonist - "MNP 'Til Infinity" 0 Comments

IndyWeek.com Reviews "Reservoir Dogs"

Here's a honest review from Eric Tullis at IndyWeek.com. I won't be ashamed to admit that I just learned three words reading this review. Check it out and send feedback to let us know if you agree with this or not.

Over the last four years, the ascension of North Carolina's Justus League during this decade's first half collapsed into a mess of infighting and mediocre records. Now, though, Hall of Justus (H.O.J.)—a close relative of a slightly different name—is working to make a national name of its own. Aside from a few key personnel shifts, the biggest difference is that the sound associated with the H.O.J. brand (outside of Little Brother) is felonious and gritty, whereas the much-respected Justus League often struck a heartwarming, familial chord. Those big record deals didn't work out, and now most of the Justus men seem bitter and out for blood.

It's still a familial clique, though, as evidenced by the none-too-heartwarming mixtape Reservoir Dogs, named, of course, after Quentin Tarantino's 1992 bloodbath. Triangle admirals Jozeemo, Joe Scudda, Chaundon and Little Brother's Rapper Big Pooh join in the mixtape spirit, jacking several well-known beats with mean rhymes. Even if the four emcees turned in flawless efforts that did the beats justice, many of the group's punch lines and parlances would seem parochial by nature, because they're riding atop secondhand goods. Only Chaundon overcomes here: His charismatic penchant for turning callous bombast into show-stopping lines allows him to delight with the snatched Souls of Mischief track "Til' Infinity" (originally titled "93 til Infinity"). In one turn, Chaundon makes fun of Kanye West's tight pants before playfully swiping Kanye's hooking, twang-on-every-fourth vocal style, turning in one of the mixtape's most inventive, energetic and best verses.

Elsewhere, the rhymes are simply mean. According to this H.O.J. gospel, Jozeemo might "shoot you in your soul" and have you "leaking life." Joe Scudda will never, ever buy a bottle at the bar because he'll drink one before he gets there. Rapper Big Pooh, the fella who's always seemed so jocular in Little Brother, keeps his name mostly clear, letting the thug-particulars surrounding him do the dirty work. He seems to provide an ethos for Hall of Justus during "Man Up," though: "Welcome to the South/ where us country niggas don't play." At least his boys seem to believe him...

Reservoir Dogs, then, is a bit a of a missed opportunity, an interesting idea—four capable rappers getting mean and turning a movie into a mixtape—that seems aborted too early. It's just not enough to name your mixtape after a Tarantino classic and have your emcee ensemble dress up like the characters from the movie for the record cover. Why not chase the concept and offer more than the expected trifling raps over some avalanching beats? But these guys aren't Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, and—at least here—they seem short on the vision such a plan requires. That's too bad, since Chaundon is clearly capable of more. On Carnage, his solo LP, the brawny Bronx native proved he was more than a silly punch-line rapper, as he is generally typecast, on one of that album's best moments, "Gone." He and storyboard queen Jean Grae play squabbling lovers who eventually end up shooting each other. But are his associates capable of anything so overarching, narrative and planned? These cloned, self-congratulatory and venting marathons suggest that they're, at best, not interested in finding out. Well, at least Reservoir Dogs accomplishes something profound: There might not be a better symbol of the largely effete state of Triangle hip-hop at the moment -- [ SOURCE ]

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Music: Peter Bjorn and John - Re-Living Thing

Peter Bjorn and John is making their debut on the Getback Army this week, Most of y'all are probably thinking, "Peter Bjorn and John - I know them! I don't necessarily remember them, but I've been sleepin' on some more dope hip-hop music." If that's you, then your latter end of the sentence is wrong. Peter Bjorn and John aren't at all hip-hop. In fact, according to the highly dependable Wikipedia, they are a Swedish indie rock group.

Now you're probably wondering, "Okay, what this has to do with the Justus League, let alone hip-hop then?" Hold ya horse, I'm getting there. Mick Boogie, who you may recognize from ...And Justus for All and Rapper's Delight, took a well-liking with the group and decided to make a remix mixtape to their album Living Thing. Guest appearances include GZA, Rapper Big Pooh, Chaundon, Talib Kweli, Mickey Factz and a whole lot more. Plus, this tape will let you know that you shouldn't sleep on this trio, 'cause they're really hip-hop heads. Check this mix out and holla at us to let us know what you think.

1. Naledge & Mickey Factz: Blue Period Picasso (remixed by nVMe)
2. Freebass 808 & Christian Rich: Living Thing (remixed by Apple Juice Kid)
3. Bun B & The Kid Daytona: Losing My Mind (remixed by 6th Sense)
4. Big Pooh, Chaundon & Phil Nash: Stay This Way (remixed by Jazzy Jeff)
5. Trouble Andrew & GLC: Lay It Down (remixed by The Kickdrums)
6. Talib Kweli & 6th Sense: I Want You (remixed by William Russell / Good Life Mike)
7. 88 Keys & Outasight: 4 Out Of 5 (remixed by 6th Sense)
8. U-N-I: Last Night (remixed by Remot)
9. GZA, Buckshot & Tabi Bonney: The Feeling (remixed by Marco Polo)
10. Big Sean, Black Milk & T3: Just The Past (remixed by nVMe)
11. Kardinal Offishall, Donnis & Henok Achido: It Just Don’t Move Me (remixed by Jet Audio)
12. Wale, Young Chris & Rhymefest: Nothing To Worry About (remixed by The Kickdrums)
13. Evidence, Jerreau & Fashawn: Amsterdam (remixed by Cookin’ Soul)

Peter Bjorn and John - "Re-Living Thing" (Mixed. Mick Boogie) 0 Comments

Music: Kam Moye - "Blue Skies" (prod. Apollo Brown)

Kam Moye - "Blue Skies" (prod. Apollo Brown) 0 Comments

Music: Drake - "Fear"

Drake gives a shout out to LB in this song. Check it out! Young Moolah, baaaaaay-bay!

Drake - "Fear" 0 Comments

Postcards From Shibuya

From Nicolay's blog:

Ever since I first released the original 'City Lights' album, I have been planning a sequel, hence the 'Vol. 1', and later 'Vol. 1.5', in the title. I knew that I wanted it to be another collection of instrumentals, and I knew that I didn't want to simply repeat the formula, and so I wasn't quite sure in what direction to take the sequel. This all changed when I got the chance to visit Tokyo (Japan), in November of 2006.

I was invited to Tokyo by my good friend and publisher GG (of Premium Blend), to deejay for one of the artists that he represents, Germany's premier rap artist Curse. Curse was getting ready to release a Japanese edition of his album 'Sinnflut' (including the new track "U Know Me", produced by yours truly), and a showcase had been booked in downtown Tokyo to promote it. I would in turn have an opportunity promote the Japanese version of the 'Here' album that had just come out. You'll understand that I didn't exactly need a lot of time to think about the offer.

The five days that I ended up spending in Tokyo were incredible. We stayed in the heart of Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest and trendiest neighborhoods, and, despite the heavy jet lag, took in as much as we possibly could, documenting things along the way with a simple point-and-shoot camera. When I came back to the States, I immediately locked myself up in the studio and came out with several new tracks that all felt different, but fresh. At that point, it really hit me. If I wanted to begin unlocking my true potential, I had to open myself up completely to whatever ideas would present themselves to me.

That breakthrough led to a 'City Lights' sequel in the form of a musical tribute to Shibuya, and was a driving force behind some of the more 'experimental' songs on 'Leave It All Behind'. In fact, the track that later became 'Daykeeper' was in the first batch of tracks that I recorded after returning from Shibuya.

Fast forward almost two years, and we are counting down the days until the official release of 'City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya', Tuesday September 15. A shout out to my partners-in-crime in the Foreign Exchange Music movement, Aimee Flint, our Director of Operations, for holding down the back-end of the organization, and Phonte, for his invaluable help in making this album the absolute best it could be. More about his contributions to the album in the next 'Postcard From Shibuya', about "Lose Your Way" featuring Carlitta Durand, the first single that you can still download for free by clicking here. And last but not least, shouts go out to my good friends GG and Curse. You'll hear more from and about the latter in the next installment of 'Off The Shelf', that is scheduled to go up later this month.

One love,

Nicolay

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Music: BK-One - "Here I Am" (feat. Phonte, Brother Ali & The Grouch)

Coming straight off his upcoming album, Rádio Do Canibal, dropping October 6th.

BK-One - "Here I Am" (feat. Phonte, Brother Ali & The Grouch) 0 Comments

Music: William Cooper - "In America"

William Cooper's Beware of the Pale Horse is coming soon. Shouts to Dom!

William Cooper - "In America" 0 Comments

A Message From Phonte & Nicolay: Shibuya Is Available Now!

Friends and Family,

Nic and I are proud to announce the digital release of City Lights 2: Shibuya, available right NOW.

The good news is that the full Shibuya album is available for download on Amazon, eMusic, Rhapsody and other digital music retailers.

The bad news is that iTunes has decided to list Shibuya, as well as Leave It All Behind (?!?!??!?!!) as "partial." Essentially, what this means is that you (the consumer) will be charged more money for buying the full album from iTunes, and that me and Nic won't receive credit for the album sales on SoundScan.

We are asking all of you who plan to purchase the full digital album to please do so via Amazon or any other music retailer, and not via iTunes. Not only will you get it for a cheaper price, but me and Nic will also get credit for the sale. In the very near future, Nic and I will be launching our own digital store via www.theforeignexchangemusic.com to ensure that we're not beholden to any more corporate bullshit that keeps our fans from getting great music at a fair price. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

For those of you who still buy your music the old-fashioned way, 'Shibuya' will be in stores nationwide on Sept. 15, and we will have CD's for sale during our upcoming west coast shows.

Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy the record!

Peace,
'Te and Nic

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Video: Crew 54 - The 54 Reality Show 9/8

Just wanted to get yall back in line with the 54 Reality Show. Had an incredible week with two performances in one night, one opening up for Gift of Gab & Mr. Lif, and one opening up for Invincible out of Detroit.



Shouts to C-Hova, G-Christ, mos, and Smelly Mel. ha! 0 Comments

Music: Skyzoo's "The Salvation" Snippets

Try saying this article title three times fast (oh, and this sentence too). The rap game is full of dirtiness and grime, it's about time someone plays the prune juice and clean it all up. Skyzoo is up for the challenge and if you need some 30-second proofs, click below. This album includes productions from 9th Wonder, Best Kept Secret, Black Milk, Cyrus the Great, Eric G, Just Blaze, Illmind, Needlz, and Nottz. Aside from a guest appearance from Carlitta Durand in one track, 'Zoo will be the only vocal you'll hear. Being one of the realest emcees that he is, that's a good thang too. The Salvation is coming September 29th! Jamla is the movement!

Skyzoo's "The Salvation" Snippets on Amazon.com 0 Comments

Music: Ilwil - "So Far" (feat. Jameze) (Prod. Nicolay)

I feel really bad for forgetting to post this since it was released a month ago (please forgive me, Nicolay). But here's a new FREE joint from Nicolay's blog series Off the Shelf where he release unreleased gems, b-sides, hard-to-find cuts and alladat. This one is from the group Ilwil and this joint called "So Far" features Jameze. Check out the quote below to know the origin of this track from Nic himself:

This week's 'Off The Shelf' installment was actually requested through Twitter. You may know the song "So Far" in the instrumental version that is included on City Lights Vol. 1.5, or in the remix version that is included on The Dutch Masters Vol. 1, but the original vocal version is a little less known. The song, performed by Ilwil (Donwill and Ilyas) featuring Jameze, was recorded around 2002, during what you could call our Okayplayer days. I'm sure that we posted it up on The Lesson, and Ilwil included the original version on their 'Beat Thieves Vol. 1 Mixtape', that is no longer in print.

Donwill and Ilyas are better known as two thirds of the group Tanya Morgan, the third third being another one of my Okayplayer homies, mc/producer Von "First Date" Pea. Their latest album, Brooklynati, is in stores right now and is a must-have if you like your hip hop fresh. Don't sleep!

Thanks for listening,

Nicolay -- [ SOURCE ]

Ilwil - "So Far" (feat. Jameze) (Prod. Nicolay) (RIGHT CLICK, SAVE AS) 0 Comments

9th Wonder & Murs' "Sweet Lord" Now Available on iTunes!

If you're a diehard 9th Wonder or Murs supporter, I have some good news for ya. Sweet Lord, although you can still cop it for free here, the LP is now available in digital stores, such as iTunes. The physical CD will be out on September 29, 2009.

9th Wonder & Murs' "Sweet Lord" on iTunes

BONUS: KevinNottingham.com's "9th Wonder & Murs 'Sweet Lord': Original Samples" 0 Comments

Music: Slug & Murs - "Protagonist" (Prod. Aesop Rock)

Oh, I'm sorry. Were you expecting a picture of Murs & Slug instead of this fine B-list actress named Rosie Perez? Well, that's too bad. Go and Google a picture of them or something. Besides, when will I have another chance of putting a picture of Rosie Perez here? However, for your info, this pic does bring relevancy to this song, or better yet, album. Slug & Murs are back as Felt and they decide to do an album dedicated to Rosie Perez.

I'm also very happy that they decide not to go with the rumors of making the album dedicated to Sarah Palin (Although you fine, girl!). Aesop Rock does the entire production work on the album as we wait for whatever craziness Slug & Murs has to offer. They definitely +Did the Right Thing+ with this one (Ba-DOOM-TSK)!

Slug & Murs - "Protagonist" (Prod. Aesop Rock) 0 Comments

Music: Jozeemo - "Call Me"

Pulled straight off the Reservoir Dogs mixtape minus all drops, "Call Me" serves as Jozeemo's first single for his upcoming project True Identity (Oct. 20th) as well as one of the single's off the Hall of Justus sequel compilation EP, Triple Play 2 (Sept. 22nd). 0 Comments

Music: Thee Tom Hardy - "We Rap GR8" (feat. Harlem's Cash & Mikkey Halsted) (Prod. 9th Wonder)

Leaked off of his upcoming mixtape The Hardy Boy Mixtape Mystery: The Curse of the Green Faceded, hosted by Don Cannon, which drops on 09-09-09.

Thee Tom Hardy - "We Rap GR8" (feat. Harlem's Cash & Mikkey Halsted) (Prod. 9th Wonder) 0 Comments

The 'City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya' Sampler

From Nicolay's blog:

The sampler includes snippets of the following tracks::

01 Shibuya Station
02 Crossing
03 Omotesando
04 Meiji Shrine
05 Shadown Dancing
06 Bullet Train
07 Saturday Night feat. Carlitta Durand

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Video: VohnBeatz & MPAK - "Candy Bars" (feat. Lil' Dee)

"Girls remind me of jelly beans!" -- MPAK

I LOVE THAT LINE! They remind me of jelly beans too MPAK.

11 yr old producer, VohnBeatz, and 15 yr old emcee, MPAK, team up and release their 2nd single called "Candy Bars" from their album Peer Pressure. Video shot by Tahiti, who did an excellent job! Download the free album here. 0 Comments

A First Look At 'City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya' CD

From Nicolay's blog:




0 Comments

Video: Phonte & Eric Roberson @ Michael Jackson's Birthday Tribute

This past weekend in the UK, Phonte and Eric Roberson rocked at the Jazz Cafe, giving a tribute to the late Michael Jackson for his birthday, in which he would've been 51. Tay sung "Billie Jean" (in which he added a to the classic joint and check him out doing the Moonwalk too) as Roberson crooned "The Lady of My Life." If y'all need a reason on why MJ music will never die, this video will definitely give you the answer. 0 Comments

Video: Skyzoo Presents - "Saving Our Grace" Episode 2: The Faith

The second episode in the "Saving Our Grace" weekly series, this is "The Faith". Directed by Mills Miller. 0 Comments

Video: VohnBeatz & Mpak - The Show At The Liquid Lounge

VohnBeatz and Mpak perform Final Friday at the Liquid Lounge, Dallas Tx on the night of August 28, 2009.

Video directed and edited by: Symbolyc One (S1)

SKPTV 2009 0 Comments

Music: Tab One - The Tabloids

As promised, here is the second release in the "Kool Summer '09" series. Tab One brings us The Tabloids. Giving you the real scoop on what its like being born and raised in the mecca of microphone checka's. After one listen all your questions will be answered. It's totally North Carolina, completely authentic, and all Kooley High. Enjoy!

Tab One - The Tabloids 0 Comments

Music: Jozeemo, Joe Scudda, Chaundon & Rapper Big Pooh - Reservoir Dogs Mixtape

Mixed by DJ Skillz & DJ Warrior

Jozeemo, Joe Scudda, Chaundon & Rapper Big Pooh - Reservoir Dogs Mixtape 0 Comments

Music: Mallz - "What I Am" (prod. Analogic)

I don't know how many people are lucky enough to say that one of their pals created one of their favorite songs ever! Back when I had to re-up ZS, I deleted the entire archives. But this is what you need! One of my favorite songs was written and performed by the homey @mallz. Production credits the homey Analogic of Elementality Productions. Mallz is currently working hard on his new album, his mixtape and his appearance on other artist albums. Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to bring back all of Mallz past material. You need to get acquainted before he hits you over the head.

Mallz - "What I Am" (prod. Analogic) 0 Comments

Video: Crew 54 - The 54 Reality Show 9/1

Whats good, its ya boy Dookie Vizion, just wanted to shoot you the latest 54 Reality Show. We missed last week, due to life just being taxing as hell, but we're back again with a lot of heat. In this episode we caught Devin The Dude Live, performed at album release of some Local grinders, and talked about our upcoming shows with Gift of Gab, Mr. Lif, and Invincible. 0 Comments