CMACK HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP PT.2 PG 22 PG 14 PG 46 PG 41
PG 10 PG 11 PG 28
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LSP THE LATIN FUTURE MALE GROUP PG 22
NIKE DUNK LOW SB BHM 2014
PG 10
For New Jersey's 18-year-old rising star Jah-que McCaskill known as J.1.DA, writing his own music was his own "Little secret." He wrote lyrics to his first song "Destroy" in the 7th grade, and his 8th grade teacher soon learned of his talent. He shared the song, "Getting down like Que" to his mother at the end of his 8th grade year in 2009. He's always had a love for all types of music from Paul Macartney, Frank Lyman, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Barry White, James Brown, Opera, and especially Jimi Hendrix. “When Jah-Que was first trying to make it as a new artist, he was willing to take risks and try anything and I admire that.” J.1.DA describes his own music as fun and youthful while at the same time signifying deep meaning. “Hip Hop music is about stories. Some of those stories can be meaningful and still be fun. I never choose a song that I can’t relate to in some way, shape, or form. My music will always reflect who I am.” J.1.DA’s hope that his music will provide a new
means for him to give back to his community and his mom. “I would like to give back to my old high school and for teaching me all that I know, and my mom for being that strong support and backbone. She constantly pushes me, and is my inspiration.” he says, in addition to wanting to give back to other charitable organizations close to his heart such as Cancer Society.
J.1.DA has plans to perform on bigger stages. Following his upcoming show to perform songs from his new mix CD, J.1.DA wants to start moving towards becoming an opening act for some known rap artist. J.1.DA also knows that, with God on his side, anything is possible for him to achieve his goals and make his dreams come true. “Everyone has dreams and goals,” he states. “I am just going for mine to the extreme. J.1.DA is Dream Power Entertainment nominated winner for Deshai Williams Showcase event, he is making his way to the top fast at a young age. We can look forward to seeing this youngster turning more heads, while he continues to make his way thru the crowed. Meanwhile being the next rising star this artist knows how to put on a show and has the energy to make it worth his while. Keep your eyes and ears open for the next2blow artist J.1.DA
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DMD is originally from the group POETRY -N- MOTION (PNM) which came out in South Central Los Angeles in 1986. In 1987 PNM did a record produced by Dr. Dre called "Killer Daytons" which was a La hit, then PNM did another single in 1988 called "Doing Damadge" it was also a hit in La. In 1993 DMD did an album on Menus Records called "Staying Down In South Central".Now DMD is a solo artist living in Philadelphia, in 2012 DMD did an EP called "Demanding Respect" which is now available on iTunes, and in 2013 DMD did an album on "Upper Level Records" called "Shade Of Grey" which is now available only at www.dmdfrompnm.net please support the underground. DMD has performed with the likes of; ICE T - NWA - KING TEE - MIX MASTER SPADE - TODDY TEE RHODNEY O & JOE COOLY - DOMINOE - JURRASIC 5 - TOO SHORT - RUN DMC PUBLIC ENEMY - EPMD - SHY - BOBBY BROWN - AL B SURE - OMILLIO SPARKS, and from the underground the likes of; FREE STYLE FELLOWSHIP STREET CORNER PERFORMERS - LIF BUX - BRICKYARD NOAH - MURDA MAMMI - SANTOS - KAM - SHANKK - SHAWN STREET and the list could go on and on from the underground scene.
dmdpnm
PG 12
rapsongs2013
WWW.DROPESCI.COM
GHOSTRYDER4LIFE Ghostryder’s passion for music began as a child. With two older brothers, he grew up listening to a wide spectrum of artists including Bob Seger, Journey, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, Guns and Roses, Alan Jackson and Randy Travis, all of which influence his music to date. Ghostyder’s fascination with the endless colors and flavors of music shaped his development as an artist, producer and MC. Ghostryder is consider as a lyrical emcee in the business. He is one of the most well known indie artist that is focus on delivering a message that is real day to day situation. Ghotryder is a hard core emcee and versatile with his flows. This artist is hungry to get his message across to those that are in the land of the lost. Needless to say, despite the rough production quality, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The unusual and immediate support shown for his music instilled within Ghostryder the fire to never give up on his dreams of supporting himself and his family with a life devoted to producing
socially
conscious
music.
Check
Ghostryder out you will be impress with his lyrical game.
DRO PESCI WAS BORN IN BROOKLYN, RAISED IN STATEN ISLAND, AND QUICKLY GOT INTO HIP HOP WHILE STAYING WITH FAMILY IN THE SOUTH BRONX. INFLUENCED BY SOME OLDER HEADS AT THE AGE OF 10 HE THEN SCRATCHED HIS FIRST RECORD AND FREESTYLED OVER IT WHICH HAPPENED TO BE "CHIEF ROCKA" BY LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND. THATS WHERE IT ALL STARTED...HE BEGAN FREESTYLING AT LOCAL HOUSE PARTIES, BLOCK PARTIES, AND ANY OTHER CHANCES HE GOT TO ROCK IN FRONT OF A CROWD. HE THEN STARTED TO WRITE & RECORD WITH BOOMBOXES, $5 MICROPHONES OR ANYTHING ELSE HE COULD MAKE WORK. AFTER WORKING HIS WAY UP TO A REAL STUDIO IN 2008, HE DROPPED HIS FIRST MIXTAPE WITH HIS PARTNER BACK THEN TITLED "HOODY SEASON" UNDER THE GROUP NAME "CAUSE & EFFECT". SINCE THEN HE DROPPED 3 SOLO MIXTAPES TITLED "WHEN I BLOW UP DONT SHOW UP" VOL. 13. BESIDES RECORDING A HOLE ALBUM WITH TAME ONE OF THE ARTIFACTS, HE HAS RECORDED WITH SOME OTHER TALENTED EMCEES SUCH AS KOOL G RAP, TRAGEDY KHADAFI, CASSIDY, JOELL ORTIZ, NIPSEY HUSSLE, SEAN PRICE, RUSTE JUXX, SHABAAM SAHDEEQ, DRAGON, BLOCK McCLOUD, C-RAYZ WALZ, TY NITTY, MEYHEM LAUREN, AND MANY MORE. BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR HIS ALBUM WITH FRENCH PRODUCER MASTER STROKE TITLED "REAL IN THE FIELD" DROPPING OCT. 28, 2013 AND HIS ALBUM WITH PRODUCER/DJ INFAMOUS HAZE THIS FALL 2013
LONG BIO- Blu3 Dymond is the quintessential voice the rap game is missing; with old skool hip hop in her soul. Born and raised in Santa Ana, California Blu3 Dymond was influenced early in life by her brother who introduced her to the poetic content of west coast contenders such as Ice Cube and Too Short. No stranger to struggle and being led by the motto “Always be prepared and never give up,” this self described “Artist” hopes to bring more than just hot lyrics; “I want to bring more substance to the table.”Attributing music to helping her through the life struggles she has faced, Blu3 Dymond is passionate about bringing new energy to the hip hop industry; which is currently dominated by veteran artists with few freshmen making it past their first LP. The surge of new female hip hop artists fashioning themselves after mega stars like Nicki Minaj and Trina do not present a threat to this southern California lyricist. Boasting a multicultural audience, Blu3 Dymond is ready to join the long history of female rappers making important and valueable contributions to the game. Her Polynesian roots and diverse.
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EBMAG: So Rowdy tell us how did you get into the music industry? Rowdy: i got into the music industry very early, my mom was a hostess of a popular night club as well as a dancer and DJ. she also had/have a mass collection of albums. my oldest brother was a DJ in the 80's and i was always around watching and when he went to work, i used to sneek and mess with his system and learned how to mix.
EBMAG: Being born and raised up in Chicago what
was you childhood like growing up as young child? Rowdy: my childhood growing up on the West side of Chicago, was no different from most of the rest of people. i had a decent childhood i got into fights and got chased home from grammar school practically everyday, got bullied because i was skinny and looked weak, until i got tired of running. i watched alot of my friends die, and i myself faced death quite a few times. i never had a girlfriend, i didn't think i was attractive enough to be dating someone. i did dabble into what we call "juicin" or dry-humping a girl so that was our way of having sex.
EBMAG: Now recently you happen to speak out about indie artists and main stream artists. Tell us what was that all bout Rowdy? Rowdy: i spoke out and will always speak out about certain people, places, and things. i recently spoke out on the indie artists and main-stream artists simply because they do not have an identity so they adopt other's ways and fail to bring out their own. speaking on being here in Chicago, i see alot of artists here really have no identity and its showing from the music they put out. main stream artists already have their identities because they are already out there doing their jobs. basically most of the music you hear today sounds the same, but just with different artists. here in Chicago, most of these artists form their music from the Georgia trap style beats and so they forget about home, they want to sound and act like a down south artist instead of sounding like a mid west and, yourself artist.
EBMAG: I hear that you have other members on your team who are they?
Rowdy: well, i had members in my family and it is now only 3 of us now that i can actually say are with me 100% genGSTA svnREYN, Smallworld Da Chemist, and myself (R.O.W.D.Y).
EBMAG: Can you break it down what Ruffens means so people can understand why you choose to call your self RUFFENS? Rowdy: sure, R.U.F.F.I.A.N means Righteous Under Founding Father's Idealogy And Notoriety i came up with this name or rather it was sent to me in a vision i had and i was directed to name it and symbolize what it means to be. i must plant this in the hearts and in their minds, i should write this.
EBMAG: Do you consider your self as a O.G in the rap game?
Rowdy: not at all, i am an O.G in the streets, i haven't gained that O.G status in this rap game yet but, i'm well respected by many out here on these streets.
EBMAG: In your own opinion what makes a indie artist suc-
EBMAG: Now Rowdy you had few run in with the law
cessful? Rowdy: To me what makes an indie artist successful, is he/ she must have their own identity unique, different, catchy, lingering sound in your ears, as well as having a decent fan base of people that will support you and your music buy purchasing, marketing you without your permission by spreading the word, and most of all, tolerate nothing at all. you MUST have a zero (0%) tolerance level in order to be successful.
RIGHT!? Out of all of that is their anything you think you would have done differently? And do you feel in some way that your success would have been far greater than now? Rowdy: Yes. I've had multiple run-ins with the law, and to say if I had a chance to do it over, i would not change a thing, it was meant for me to go thru that to get to this and I would never know if my career would've been either or, because I don't question my Father.
EBMAG: Rowdy you are a firm believer in setting your own lane and doing do not being like anyone else. Do you think that's why so many indie artists are havering a hard time being who they are? Rowdy: well of coarse, i have to set my own lane because nobody else knows how to drive your car the right way but you. if an artist sounds like someone i heard before, I immediately turn from listening to them. I do not like artists that think that they can do a better job than the original person. I just dont get it with why most want to do a mixtape, that's the Down South way, what about the Mid West way?
EBMAG: As a indie artist what pisses you off the most about the indie industry the most? Rowdy: What pisses me off the most about these artists, is the music they make, especially artists from here Chicago, I mean how many Chief Keefs and Young Chop beats we need before it changes? I get famos hitting me up all the time wanting me to check out their music, and when I do, I turn quick, like I'm insulted again it sounds the same. don't get me wrong I like these guys because they set a trend coming from Chicago, but not for them to copy, I mean how many "Don't Like" remixes do we need?
EBMAG: So let's talk about who Rowdy is. What change your mind from the street life to doing music. How did this transition come about for you? Rowdy: well what changed me and what really got me back involved in this game was my son, my oldest son. he somehow ran across some of my old raps and poetry and asked me did i write them and could I rap? lol i was shocked cos I thought i hid all that stuff but he found them. so, i said yes and i hit a few lines and he was amazed and said "Dad, you need to come back!" cos you still got it. from that point on I put the plan in motion to acquire the equipment and with his help we can do this. I began sacrificing my all to make this dream come true, I start learning how to work a computer and the programs, and made my 1st beat and its been on since that.
EBMAG: So what going on with your newest project your working on now? What's the name and is there a release date set yet? Rowdy: well, I'm currently working on getting my partner's album out 1st, and then my new album entitled "Da UnSub's Profile" coming in May 2014. I'm also working on my Movie`O Bout Dat Life that's due out Xmas day (part 1), and I'm doing some showcasing of other artists, and linking up with different companies to do some good. we plan on touring next year, we putting plans in motion paper work and all.
EBMAG: When did you start your label Rowdy?
Rowdy: I started my label back in 2008 when I was just only making beats, i had no recording equipment yet, which served me well because I have plenty of tracks, I mean over 2yrs and 10,000 tracks made with and without vocals. i really put my all in my music.
EBMAG: ROWDY according to many most people says that your the realist. Do you find that statement true in some sense? Rowdy: lol I guess, I mean, if many tell you that I am the realest I take it gracefully, and i try to keep it 100% at all times not caring if a person's feelings is affected my job is to tell you the truth when you get in my face, and after that, you can determine yourself if you want to proceed with me or not, I don't and wont lie to you or anyone.
EBMAG: Rowdy Would you ever sign to a major label if it was offered? If not explain why? Rowdy: absolutely not! i would not sign per say a recording deal, but I would sign a distribution deal. I make/create my own music, I don't listen to other famos music because it does nothing to/for me. I mean like, I like the old hip hop music, it wasn't that much watered down like today. I refuse to give up what i created for something I didn't. a distribution deal would serve me and my family right.
EBMAG: How do you describe Rowdy DA Crimescene ?
Rowdy: how do you describe me? hmm 1 word, "Righteous"
EBMAG: We have been following up on you and you have Facebook heated. Many people seems like there are against you and your music. What's going on with that famo? Rowdy: Jesters heated because, they no not what they do. of coarse they will not like me or my music, simply because
they don't want change in their lives. they want to continue doing the same things expecting different results. they want me to sound like their local and or down south artist and many want me to give up, they say I'm too old, haha lol. my music is different, I'm different and that's where the problem comes in at. prime example, many wanted that Obamacare to work for them but it didn't why, because when you change the rules, you change the game.
EBMAG: You change your name to "MR. KEEP IT REAL" explain to us what is that about ? Rowdy: I changed my name because that's what I do, and no matter the fact, famos know that I'm gonna tell you what you need to hear instead of what you want to hear.
EBMAG: Do you have any last words you would like to add Rowdy? Rowdy: yes, I believe I was put here for a purpose, now that purpose may rub a lot of people the wrong way but, it was meant to be. I look deep within myself to find what is necessary for me to survive off of. the words I say is coming from what is greater than me, and I have to be ridiculed, mocked, hated, and just outright walked on because i choose to be different. there is nothing wrong with being different, there is nothing wrong with trying to walk in a righteous life. I bring something that you will never forget as long as you live. I welcome you all into and always stay R.U.F.F.I.A.N oan um R.O.W.D.Y means Right Or Wrong Defines You thnx..... enjoy famo
Running down the same roads as the Band, Hank Williams, and Gram Parsons before them, the Trappers play a gritty brand of rock-n-roll that emphasizes the roll over the rock, all with a generous shot of woodsy country. But where those luminaries pointed south, the Trappers face west, like a summer zephyr (or the California Zephyr) pushing up against the setting sun. Fronted by Dan Buehner—an original member of Salt Lake City's altcountry pioneers the Trigger Locks—the Trappers bring their goods down from the mountains. – Dirt Shores, Oxford, MS
We are 3 of the real rappers living in the DMV who love to make music that people can love. Lyrics are everything
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Joseph “Fletch” Fletcher began his career as an emcee in 2003, using a karaoke machine to record tracks off of a Casio keyboard in the garage of his parents’ home in Peoria, IL. Teamed with fellow emcee Jason “Sweezy” Helfter, he began honing his craft as a member of the group “Trey Deuce”. As Fletch and Sweezy grew, both as emcees and producers, they recorded many tracks not only for themselves but other local artists as well. They founded SunKutt Records, releasing the E.P. “Deuces Wild” as a free promotional giveaway in late 2004. In 2006 Fletch and Sweezy joined the Ill Noiz Records produced band “Asleep On The Couch” as featured emcees. “Asleep On The Couch” presented an original take on live hip-hop performance by laying original verses over covers of popular industry records. Performing for over six years in Peoria’s bar circuit, “Asleep on the Couch” played an integral role in shifting the perspective of local bar and club owners, who had previously neglected to book hip-hop acts. “Asleep on the Couch” disbanded in 2010, but Fletch continued to write and develop concepts for songs that he believed delivered genuine content without sacrificing melody. Fletch believes that when you listen to an artist’s album, you should walk away from the experience feeling like you know the artist a bit better than you did before you hit play. With that as a goal, Fletch joined Ill Noiz Records in early 2012 and began crafting his BeatFarmers (Jordan Book, Josh Eshelman) produced debut solo album, “Fletch Lives!" which releases September 10, 2013 on the Peoria, IL label Ill Noiz Records. “Fletch Lives!” showcases eighteen original tracks with featured performances by: Sweezy, Jeremy Rain, Joshua James, D. Billa, Ebony Wade, Gemini, J. Mill, Casey Lennington and Asleep On The Couch!! To pre-order a digital copy of “Fletch Lives!” or for links to music, videos, and other media go to www.bigfletch.com.
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C. Mack’s Healthy Relationship Tips Volume II: The Holiday Season is finally here, and there is nothing more enjoyable than taking in all the romance that comes with it especially during this time of year. So ladies grab your pen and paper because this holiday season is sure to have you and your partner on Santa’s List! Tip #1 : SPICE IT UP! Ladies and Gentlemen ALWAYS remember to keep it Spicey! Never let your partner know what you have planned underneath those sleeves of yours. What man/woman doesn’t love surprises from the one they love? Try placing Mistletoe around specific areas in the house, that’ll be sure to heat up the night! Tip#2: Understanding The Three C’s.. A healthy relationship is based on these three fundamentals. ‘Communication, Compromise, and Commitment.’ Communication is the base of any relationship that you may have. Even with your friendships, if you don’t have communication then your relationship DOESN’T EXIST. Something wrong? Simply Fix it! Many things can get misinterpreted. Don’t become a victim , or end up losing the one you love over something that could have been prevented. Remember Communication is KEY! The Second ‘C’ is Compromise. Make your relationship work. If there is something that makes you upset or uneasy , make a decision on what you and your partner are going to decide on. Don’t argue just compromise and make it work. Let it benefit the both of you. The Third ‘C’ is Commitment. Loyalty goes a long way. When the two of you can communicate and compromise with each other your commitment towards one another will become stronger then Bamboo. If this is something new for the both of you. Don’t worry you’re not alone. Compromise and you’ll be just fine. Tip#3: Give Each other Space. Sometimes it’s needed for a couple to give each other their space. No I’m not talking about breaking up. I’m talking about letting your partner simply breath. Don’t become that Girlfriend/Boyfriend that is overwhelming their partner with way too much. Don’t call every five mintues, Don’t ask 100 Questions or make subliminal facebook statuses. Trust me, you don’t want to become the ‘Bug-a-Boo’. Tip#4: Keep The Love Alive. Whatever you did to sweep your partner off their feet, keep doing it. Don’t ever stop showing them that you love them. Your partner needs to feel loved at all times and of course any relationship goes through a rough patch. However you must make an effort to compromise and get each other back. Cater to one another, nobody likes a dimmed flame. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Stay tuned for more of C. Mack’s Healthy Relationship Tips in the Next Issue of El Barrio Magazine. Keep up with C.Mack Here > Follow Her: Twitter/@C_Charlamagne- FB- CMack Bloggeristic -Instagram- Loislane866
TOP 10 CHICAGO PG 24
ARTISTS 2013
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I wanted to do with this company is make a different tune of music, to be different from others. I want to make music that all people can listen to not just hip-hop fans or r&b fans. I want rock fans, pop fans, soul fans and old school fans. I want my music to be heard not played, I want you to listen to my music, not just dance to it, I want my music to have a meaning behind it, not just a beat and words, I want people to learn from my music
I Had never Rapped before. I started out a work in progress and was willing to dedicate myself into Improving everyday in my Skills. My rapper name "Mo City" was Derived from my nickname Mo, which is my first name and middle name Initials and what my family and friends call me. and the second half City I give credit to my cousin for giving that as I grew up always being a big guy so my cousin decided to put one and one together, and it stuck ever since. In early 2013 ChiNoize was Officially Born as a Group and a Record Label. Mo City Became 1/3 of the Group alongside Gemini, and Shadow. My Individual Purpose in The Game is Simply for the Love and Passion I have for All Music and becoming Successful in something I truly love and enjoy doing and To Develop a Comfortable Life to take care of my Family
Academy I graduated and attended South Shore High School In 2003 one of my classmates wanted me to join his rap group and I was taught the basics of rap music. Eminem music is my inspiration. My goal is to be on stage and be successful in the rap industry. In 2008 I met up with an old friend, Jneir Metoyer a.k.a Gemini who also, shares the same dream as I do. We joined together to make our dreams come to reality. In 2009 I had to put my dreams aside, I attended Paul Simon Jobs Corps to attain my GED, and it is here where I met Marlon Cole a.k.a Mo'city. In 2013 I joined Gemini at ChinoizeTM Records.
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Keshun Ford (a.k.a KESHUN MUZIC) was born on March 14 1986, in the city and state of El Dorado, Arkansas. Keshun later moved to Conway, Arkansas at the age of eighteen where he developed a love for making music and wanted to pursue a career alongside his older cousin G " he recorded the first songs he ever did," says KESHUN "My cousin G taught me what he knew about music and the business in the studio at his house." Keshun's childhood and growth was hard , we didn't have much money, I didn’t have nothing to do, I just went to school, and played ball I used to be real smart, A and B student. But real life affected my grades." While in the 9th grade, he moved to Las Vegas with his Aunt. "That's where I got access to the World, When I went to Vegas I had to adjust to what was going on". But it was really a blessing in disguise because if I would have never moved to Vegas, I wouldn't be where I am today. Keshun collaborated with classmate and coconspirator Bmase to form the duo, the two started by uploading songs to myspace. The duo was getting good ratings so KESHUN created his website, www.KESHUNMUZIC.com and has released two banging projects like Da Moon In deep Thought, Da Moon pt2 and Da return 2 Self still available to download. TO WRAP THINGS UP…. Ke’shun have been thru hard times coming up but it made him who he is today. Living in the worlds most known state Los Vegas artist Ke’shun focus on what he had passion for , and it also change his life for the better. Getting a hold on this rap thing he felt he could use this opportunity to change his life around and it did. Now Ke’shun Muzic happens to be a known artist that people love to hear. His newest music video directed by NMOTION FILMS TITLED “RIDE”, this video placed Keshun on a higher level in his career. His success has become a dream come true and Ke’Shun continues to moves forward marching with his city on his shoulders . Keep a eye out on Ke’Shun Muzic….
KeShunMUZICLV
KESHUN MUZIC KESHUNMUZIC
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FUNSIZE MADE THE Nov/Dec EL BARRIO MAGAZINE CENTERFOLD THIS YEAR AND SHE IS EXITED TO SHOW YOU A GOOD TIME. WE GIVE YOU FUNSIZE. LOCATION : CHICAGO NAME: FUNSIZE FUNSIZE LIKES Funsize love Tattoos and body piercings Having a good time Watching good funny movies Enjoy dancing and Love to try new things
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Boasting a powerful, slightly raspy singing voice and the stage presence to spotlight it, guitarist/songwriter Amie Miriello also has the rock and pop smarts to be more than just another pretty face in some Based out of Stanford, CN, Miriello started writing song lyrics when she was in the fourth grade and regularly participated in high-school and local musical productions as she was growing up. She became friends one summer with guitarist Jay Dmuchowski, and the two developed a close bond while jointly writing music. Miriello moved to New York at 17, but soon dropped out of the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in order to concentrate fully on her songwriting. She and Dmuchowski joined the band Dirtie Blonde, which released a self-titled album on Jive Records in 2006, a project that yielded the infectious single "Walk Over Me." In spite of positive press and a fair amount of airplay, the band didn't last long and Miriello and Dmuchowski returned to playing acoustic sets as a duo. Jive Records wisely picked up her contract as a solo artist, and the title track from her debut album, I Came Around, was released as a single in 2008. ~ Steve Leggett
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For this month’s Def Sounds Indie Spotlight we feature S-Mak, who received a tremendous response when we introduced the LA rep to you with his “6 Minute: Live From La Freestyle.” At the time of hearing the freestyle, I knew I had to reach out, and get S -Mak featured in the spotlight. With that said, look-out for SMak to make a major impact on the industry… as he is extremely talented, and I don’t see too many emcee’s touching Mak when it comes to skills on the mic. Read up on S-Mak, download/stream his 2-part 20-20 mixtape series that contains 40 tracks of straight heat, Side A: Uprise and Side B: Aftermath, and take to the comment section to leave your thoughts and opinions on the extremely talented 25 year old emcee, who I could soon see at the forefront of the West. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Scott Antilla Thomas, better known as S-MAK, is a rebel with a cause who has plenty to say. The young up and coming emcee is not playing around when it comes to bars and is definitely not someone to sleep on! At the young age of 25, S-MAK has gone from the streets to the recording studio, taking every experience with him while creating not only a vehicle, but also a movement to communicate his message. After leaking his double mixtape, “20 20″ with over forty songs worth of material from the past couple of years, SMAK has his eyes set on “MadMak,” which is his first official mixtape release packed with all new original music hosted by DJ Skee with production by THX, Swiff D and Ric Rude. “MadMak” will be releasing in Spring 2012
Coming from a city whose Hip-Hop identity has been for the most part over shadowed by the presence of NASCAR, the banking industry and high profile murder cases, BETTIE GRIND has been determined to take advantage of his opportunity to bring the eyes and attention of the Hip- Hop entertainment industry to a virtually untapped market, the Carolinas. And so the journey begins; In 2004-05’ after countless wins on Power 98’s Free-Style Friday show, BETTIE GRIND really began to focus on his craft resulting in the release of his first single “POP LOCK” that set the streets on fire! While receiving rave reviews and mix show spins around the area, this fresh new sound unseen energy has now become part of the DNA bred into the re-birth of Hip-Hop in the Kack. BETTIE GRIND has the charismatic styles of the Rap tycoon Jay-Z with the lyrical energy of Rap mogul Ludacris. With the rapidly growing success and support of his followers, BETTIE GRIND quickly ceased the opportunity to leave his foot print on the crown of his city by performing with Young Jeezy at Summer Fest in Charlotte, NC which then led to him sharing the stage with Lil Wayne, Big Boi and the Purple Ribbon All-stars to name a few and most recently Plies. BETTIE GRIND is always in the forefront of those who strive to make a name for his city in the music world. He hit home with the collaboration with Anthony Hamilton on the remix of the unforgettable ballad “Charlene”. The hunt for continued momentum was on now on as BETTIE GRIND maliciously attacked the mix tape game, releasing raw, potent material such as the self-proclaimed “KING Q.C” and the “G’s Us Is Coming” mix tapes that combined for almost 50K units within a 24 month period. As the streets remained hungry for the preceding word, BETTIE GRIND struck a pot of gold when his management team set up a meeting with one of the hottest producers in the game right now, Drum Squad founder Drumma Boy! With hits like “Shawty” for Plies and “I Put On” for Young Jeezy the track record was proven. With that being said, the sweltering hot new single from BETTIE GRIND “DAMMIT I’M FLY” was released. “I am co-signing this one”. You have to be an artist at a certain level to even ride on one of my tracks and he (BETTIE GRIND) smashed this one on his first creditable mainstream produced track, says Drumma Boy”. After a few test drives with some of the top DJ’s and clubs in the region the overwhelming response completed the task of breaking the glass on the window that held back an indie artist from claiming the commercial artist spotlight. BETTIE GRIND, HOOD SUPASTAR ENT and the Carolina movement are definitely making history and are coming to a city near you!
PG 45
Pompey Hicks (aka Pay) of Da-Movement Records announced the release of the debut album “DA-MOVEMENT MUZIC VOL 2” by Chicago based hip hop talent “Da-Movement. The rap group released their newest hit single track which features the multiplatinum recording group Do Or Die’s Johnny P., Never More of Crucial Con-flict, and the highly esteemed rapper Qraft. DaMovement is not the average hip hop group, as Hicks explained, “We’re trying to bring music and soul back into hip hop. The lyrics in a lot of songs today aren’t really saying anything, so people have just started listening to the beats. We give you the beats, but we also give you some soul, and lyrics that are really saying something. We mixed an R&B base with hip hop because we want listeners to hear what we’re saying. Our music is more than just choruses and hooks.” Qraft agreed, stating, “We take pride in what we do in the studio. And we’re not trying to take anything from other artists, but our style and sound is unique when compared with anyone else out there. We’re distinctive and that’s how it will re-main as long as we’re making music.” DAMOVEMENT have been continuously been creating music that separates them from many other rap artists or groups you may hear in today’s music. So lets get more in-depth with DA-MOVEMENT. This Chicago rap group is formed up into 4 members starting with PAY AkA Payday, Qraft, Johnny P, and Never More, a member of the legendary Chicago group Crucial Conflict. Qraft and Pay’s styles are so different that when you put them together, you get both sides of the coin. It’s explosive and it works.” Legendary Never More former Crucial Conflict rapper was part of the Chicago rap group Crucial Conflict. Crucial Conflict's music reflects there environment where Chicago's historical gang affiliates. Crucial Conflict music showed mood swings and explain what goes on through out there hood or day to day struggles. The mid-west crew delivering uniqueness , and skillz through Wildstyle, Kilo, Coldhard, and Never -- the members of CRUCIAL CONFLICT. Then you have the smooth vocalist Johnny P a well known artist that put the word gangsta love into existence. Johnny P one of the members of Do Or Die rap group. Do or Die is an American rap trio originally from the Westside of Chicago, Illinois, and DA-MOVEMENT is on their way to higher trails in their career. Rest hit single recently releasing their fist hit single ’ SHE HOTT” off the rap group debut album DA MOVEMENT VOL 2 racking in over thousands of viewers , and grabbing new followers by the hundreds. Lets not forget DA MOVEMENT last banger “ALL BLACK EVERYTHING” pushed them over the top in the indie industry. DA MOVEMENT achieved great success thru out their career and now they are here to give us that CHICAGO SWAG.
PG 46
DACHIMOVEMENT
PG 47