Since this is the first issue in our new format, I thought I would use this space to tell you a little about me and my organization. My name is Nate. I like to think of myself as a first generation Hip Hop head, since I was born in the late 70’s it is completely possible that my parents were f@cking to early Hip Hop Records when I was conceived. I grew up with Hip Hop and have watched it evolve from stage one to where it is today. In High School I was the guy banging beats on the lunch table trying to get the cipher started. I first decided that Hip Hop would be my career my last year of high school when a close friend of mine LT Moe took me to my first recording session at a commercial recording studio. Being High at that session watching all the little flickering lights mesmerized me and I have been addicted to being in the studio ever since. Through the many years since then I have been involved in creating and promoting rap music in many different fashions. First as a DJ, then a, producer and engineer, then as part owner of an indie record label. I also owned a recording studio and a mixtape website. I have managed artists and helped a few promote themselves to regional fame. I say all this to let you know that I am not new to the game , I have been professionally involved with Hip Hop since 1996 and have dedicated my life to helping deserving underground artists get there proper shine. I first started this particular project in 2005 after I moved to Atlanta to further my career as an engineer. When I got to Atlanta I quickly discovered that there were a lot more engineers in town than there were in the smaller city that I came from. So thru networking I discovered that there were a lot of talented artists around town that needed away to get some exposure. There were already several publications available that were catering to Indie Hip Hopper’s but what I noticed was that a lot of the artists complained that being involved in those publications cost more money than there limited budgets could handle and the results of there campaigns yielded little in sales returns. Noting the rising popularity of internet downloads I set out to put together a publication that bridged the gap between artist promoting there music in the streets and the public buying music online. My first concept was a CD-Rom flash based magazine called Undaground ATL. It was available as both a free download online and we distributed it for free on CD-ROMs in the street. The first few issues did well, but there was one set back, not everyone understood the concept of a magazine on CD-rom. This was easily fixed because I had also noticed that the digital downloads reached a much larger audience than the CD-roms did anyways. So after the third issue I went back to the drawing board and did a lot of research on the best way to present our publication to the largest audience possible, and to make it appealing to artist outside of just Atlanta. I put together a new team made up of 4 of my associates that were just as dedicated to Hip Hop as me and in late 2008 Undagroundz was born. We first lauched a website ( Undagroundz.com ) in January 2009 to begin promoting our new project and now less than 90 days later you are reading the first issue of our new online magazine Undagroundz. We hope you find our publication entertaining and insightful and hope you will be back for our new issues on a monthly basis. We will also be bringing you 4 regular print edition of the magazine each year to help us further grow our brand offline. We are also very open to suggestions on how we can improve our publication for future issues. So please feel free to contact us anytime. Email undagroundz@yahoo.com B-E-Z Nate
Beyonce, Usher, Mary J. Blige Billed To Perform At Inaugural Concert More than a dozen other music stars will kick off Barack Obama's presidential inaugural festivities by performing at the opening celebration at Washington D.C.'s Lincoln Memorial. The We Are One opening celebration opens a four-day schedule of Inaugural events that will include 10 official Inaugural Balls, as well as an Inauguration-Day-eve youth concert at the Verizon Center. (Billboard) Click Here to read full article at Sohh.com Ex-Girlfriend Implicates Max B In Murder Case Gina Conway, the ex-girlfriend of rap star Max B., told authorities on Tuesday (January 13) that the former Dipset member masterminded a deadly 2006 robbery that left one man dead. Conway was set to go on trial this week for her role in the shooting. Instead, she accepted a plea deal of manslaughter to avoid life imprisonment on a murder conviction. Click Here to read full story at Allhiphop.com Will Smith Open to Playing Obama on Screen President-elect Barack Obama might be the most commercialized politician in American history. Obama’s name and likeness have been in and on everything from songs to t-shirts. While it’s unlikely that Obama approved much of the commercialization, he did weigh in on which actor he wanted to portray him if a movie were ever made about his life. Click Here to read full story at Hiphopdx.com Joe Budden - Pain In His Life (Saigon Diss) Joe Budden releases another diss record heating up his beef with rival Saigon. The two lyrically inclined emcees went back and forth on the internet with songs and youtube videos for a little over a month before Joe finally decided to end his side of the beef. The battle was fun to watch as it unfolded. Click here to here this track on Illroots.com
Click Here 4 More Hip Hop Headlines
Charles Hamilton - The Best Of The Hamiltonization Process (Mixtape) Now that the Hamiltonization Process is over (and has been for awhile now) DJ Skee and Charles release a best of mixtape. Featuring what they believe to be the best cuts from each mixtape. Do ya’ll agree? Click here to download this mixtape at 2dopeboyz.com Hudson Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty William Balfour has pleaded not guilty today (January 20) on first degree murder and home invasion charges stemming from the triple homicide of Jennifer Hudson relatives Jason Hudson (brother), Darnell Donerson (mother), and 7 year-old nephew Julian King. Click Here to read full story at Allhiphop.com "Notorious" Star Headed To Court Over Domestic Dispute Rapper-turned-actor Jamal "Gravy" Woolard is reportedly due in court later this month for an alleged assault on his wife. Court records show Jamal Woolard was arrested and charged back on September 14 with misdemeanor assault, menacing, and harassment after an alleged altercation with his wife, Trina Younger. Woolard is due to appear in court on the charges January 29. (TMZ) Click Here to read full story at Sohh.com Just Blaze Mediates Saigon, Joe Budden Beef After trading verbal salvos for the better part of the last week, Joe Budden and Saigon have reportedly squashed their ongoing beef. Producer Just Blaze confirmed the truce via his Twitter account last night, writing, "Joe budden/saigon phone convo has take n place. Click Here to read full story at Hiphopdx.com GQ Names Andre 3000 One Of Best New American Designers Outkast’s Andre 3000 continues to receive accolades in his endeavors outside of the Hip-Hop realm. The rapper-turnedactor and much more has been heralded by GQ Magazine as one of the Best New Designers in America for his prep-inspired men’s line Benjamin Bixby. Click Here to read more at Allhiphop.com
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Project Pat and Paul Wall Reveal Their Presidential Wishes Paul Wall told SOHH.com that he hopes the new President will be able to fix our ailing economy.Paul said "Well I wish he'd bring us out of this recession. I know it's gon' happen eventually I just hope it happens sooner than later. I read on the internet somewhere that 500,000 people are going to lose their jobs in January. It's hard seeing people like that, down and out." Click Here to read the full story at Sohh.com Lil Jon Off The Hook In "Weedman" Copyright Case A judge rejected an appeal of a copyright lawsuit against Atlanta rapper Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz’ over the track “The Weedman.” The lawsuit, which also named TVT Records, was dismissed from United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia earlier this week. Click Here to read the full story at Allhiphop.com
Death Row Auction Lives Up To Hype, More Than 200 Show Up To Bid Fans and former employees of the Death Row Records turned up in Fullerton, California yesterday to bid on items from the legendary music label.DJ Skee was among 200-plus bidders who showed up at yesterday's US Bankruptcy Court ordered "Death Row Auction". Click Here to read the full story at Sohh.com
Soulja Boy Reveals Details Of Robbery Despite confirmed reports that Soulja Boy was robbed in his Atlanta home, the rapper remained reticent on the matter until a recent interview.The teen artist finally offered some details on the altercation to Los Angeles radio personality Big Boy. “Basically I was at my crib and I had my album release party at my club that night. I got back to my house at around three in the morning and I was in the studio recording.” Click Here to read the full story at Hiphopdx.com
Click Here 4 More Hip Hop Headlines Bun B Explains Plans for Final UGK Album Almost 2 years after his untimely death, Pimp C will receive a musical sendoff via the release of UGK's final studio album. Entitled UGK 4 Life, surviving member Bun B is crafting the LP as a work that culminates not only UGK's 20 plus year history, but also the life of Chad Butler, known to fans worldwide as Pimp C. Click Here to read full story at Allhiphop.com 50 Cent Releases Rick Ross Diss With Saigon and Joe Budden exchanging lyrical shots, it's a week of Hip Hop drama as 50 Cent has released a diss aimed at Rick Ross.Titled "Officer Ricky (Go Head, Try Me)," the song is a response to Ross' "Mafia Music," [click to listen] on which the Miami rapper rhymed, "I love to pay ya bills, can't wait to pay ya rent/ Curtis Jackson baby mama, I ain't looking for a cent” Click Here to read full story at Hiphopdx.com Lil Wayne Sounds Off On Absent Father 2008 saw Lil Wayne take a step closer to super stardom—or super infamy— with the release of Tha Carter III. The critically acclaimed album, fueled by its lead single, “Lollipop” pushed Wayne further into the public eye. With the Grammy’s looming, the Cash Money Millionaire sat down with Katie Couric to discuss Hurricane Katrina and a variety of other topics. Click Here to read full story at Hiphopdx.com
50 Cent Brings Rick Ross’ Son’s Mother Into Battle In an unprecedented escalation of a Hip-Hop lyrical battle, mogul 50 Cent has released a video with the mother of Rick Ross' son.The 8 minute clip was released today via 50 Cent's website thisis50.com. The woman, identified as Tiallondra "Tia" Kemp, confirmed she is the mother of William Roberts III, the rapper's 2-year old son. Click Here to read full story at Allhiphop.com
Nas Confirms "Detox" Appearance, "I'd Love To Do A Whole Album W/ Dr. Dre One Day" While details on when Dr. Dre's Detox album will be released are still foggy, hip-hop mogul Nas has confirmed his appearance on the project.The Queens, New York-bred emcee claims one track is in the books. Nas says"I did a joint. I think it's crazy," Nas says of working with Dre. "He's someone I'd love to do a whole album with one day. He's incredible. I think he's the best producer of all time." (Billboard) Click Here to read full story @ Sohh.com
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Q-Tip cast as drug dealer in new movie Rapper Q-Tip will star in the new independent film "Holly Rollers" as an Ethiopian drug dealer.Q-Tip will be starring opposite Jesse Eisenberg and Danny A. Abeckaser in the film, inspired by true events, which tells the story of a man in a Hasidic community who was caught trafficking ecstasy into the United States. Click Here to read full story at Hiphopdx.com
New Cam'ron Album Features No Cameos; In Stores April 21 Harlem emcee and former Dipset leader Cam'ron has confirmed that his three year sabbatical from album releases will end this Spring. The new LP, entitled Crime Pays, was first announced for release back in November 2008. According to a representative for Cam, no songs that have leaked in the last six months will appear on the project. Click Here to read full story at Allhiphop.com Chris Brown Turns Himself In For Allegedly Assaulting Rihanna Singer Chris Brown has turned himself into police after an alleged assault of a female victim.The LAPD is investigating the matter and charged Brown with felony battery. The alleged assault took place at or near Hancock Park in L.A early this morning (February 8). Click Here to read full story at Allhiphop.com Snoop Dogg To Break W/ Jimmy Iovine, "I Will Not Be Releasing Any More Projects Under Interscope/Geffen" Multi-platinum selling rapper Snoop Dogg has announced plans to end his ties with Jimmy Iovine's Interscope/Geffen Records but has yet to say where he will be recording in the future. The "Dogg Father" did not go into detail behind the unexpected decision. Click Here to read full story at Sohh.com
Click Here 4 More Hip Hop Headlines
DMX Threatens To Assault Jailers DMX is now on "lockdown status" at the Tent City Jail in Arizona.The rapper's offense? Threatening to fight the guards.According to TMZ.com, X didn't report for his medication. Officials say that he began cursing at officers, and threatened to "assault somebody to get some respect."Following the offense, DMX was thrown into lockdown and punished with a "special diet that is a form of bread and water." Click Here to read the full story at Hiphopdx.com
Jay-Z and LeBron James Make Musical Donation to Mesa Arts Academy
This year's NBA All-Star weekend will generate a deeper sense of fulfillment for Jay-Z. The rap mogul, along with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, will be on hand to donate 150 musical instruments to students at the Mesa Arts Academy. Click Here to read the full story at Allhiphop.com Lil' Wayne & Kanye West Make Top Earner List, $100 Mil Counted Between Them Grammy-winning rappers Lil' Wayne and Kanye West have made Billboard's Top 20 "Music Money Makers List" of 2008 with combined earnings of $100 million.The duo made the annual list with combined profits of nearly $100 millionAt No. 1 is Madonna with $242,176,466. Lil' Wayne comes in at No. 12 with $57,441,334. Mary J. Blige follows behind at No. 19 with $43,472,850. Closing out the Top 20 is Kanye West with $42,552,402. (Billboard) Click Here to read full story at Sohh.com Stones Throw Declares February "Dilla Month" Three years ago this week, Hip Hop lost J Dilla to a battle with Lupus. To commemorate the life and work of James Yancey, Stones Throw Records is declaring February as "Dilla Month." Eothen "Egon" Alapatt, the label's general manager spoke in an NPR interview about this month and what it means to him. Click Here to read full story at Hiphopdx.com M.I.A. Has Baby Boy M.I.A. has given birth to a baby boy, a move ceremoniously announced by way of her MySpace blog. M.I.A.'s baby missed his due date on Sunday, which allowed the eccentric entertainer to perform "Swagger Like Us" at the Sunday Grammys with Kanye West, Jay-Z, T.I. and Lil Wayne. He eventually arrived on Wednesday. The child's father is fiance Benjamin Bronfman. Click here to read the full story at Allhiphop.com
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Undagroundz record reviewz Paul Wall ft. Lil Jon & Too Short -
Bobby Creek Water –
Pop One
I Mean It
Swagg- Club Banga Flow- Lets face it this crew aint in the running to be the best lyricist alive but they hold they own for this type of song. Beat - Crazy Hot Fiyaaa ! Hook - Catchy Extra Credit - Dance floor Smash ! Verdict - No denying that this is going to definitely go hard in the club in 09 Rating- 4 out of 5
Digital Atlanta - Lights Out Swagg- Electro Hip Pop Flow- Average but it works for this type of song Beat- Sick techno house type track Hook- Good Extra Credit - Dare to be different Verdict - I am going to spin this at my next couple of house parties and see what type of responce I get. Rating- 3 out of 5
Tre Dot – Cant Hold Me Swagg- Ryder Muzik Flow - L.O.D. ( Lyricism on Deck) with some small upgrades dude could be a real contender. Beat- Laid Back Hook- On Point Extra Credit- Thug Motivation Verdict- North Cak Crack ! Tre Dot gets my vote ! Rating- 4 out of 5
Swagg- Flashy Fly x Crunk Flow- Rapid Fire Beat - On point Hook- Above average Extra Credit - Good Hard Flow Verdict - Bobby gets mad points
for coming out of left feild with this one. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Them Concrete Boys - Doe Doe Swagg- Club Crunk Flow- Flashy Fly Beat- Crunk Trunk Funk Hook - It caught my ear, if I listen to it a few more times it will be stuck in my head. Extra Credit- I need dat Doe Doe ! Verdict - Bang it a few times and you will be addicted Rating- 4 out of 5
Rick RossDownsouth Hustlaz Swagg- Hustlaz Motivation Flow- Off the Hook Beat - Gangsta Sh!t Hook- None Extra Credit- get in murdah the track and get out Verdict - Bang this joint to the next episode Rating- 5 out of 5
Archie Eversole-
Gucci Mane-
This What Money Sound Like
Photo Shoot
Swagg- Flashy Fly Flow- Better than the average southern rapper Beat- Needlz gave him that heat Hook- Catchy Extra Credit - Great come back song Verdict- I cant wait to hear the Album Rating- 4 out of 5
Swagg- Flashy Fly Flow - I mean its Gucci Im not expecting anything thought provoking or creative Beat- Drumma Boy Hit him with somthing simple that Knocks Hook- ehhh Extra Credit- None Verdict- I gave it a few good listens but it wont be in rotation in my Ipod anytime soon Rating- 2.5 out of 5
King David-
R.E.U.B. –
Big Boy Shit
Lamborgini Doors
Swagg- Trap Rap Flow- Aiight Beat - Sicker than a AIDs patient eating a enfluenza popsicle Hook - Crazy Extra Credit - Crazy Hook x Sick Beat = Dope Song Verdict- Ready for heavy rotation Rating- 4.5 out of 5
Swagg - East Coast Flow - Better than most Beat- Bangin (head Nod certified ) Hook- On Point Extra Credit - Scratching in the beat makes for a tasty treat Verdict- Listen Again & again then tell a friend Rating- 4 out of 5
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Undagroundz Record Reviewz
Flo Rida ft. Pleasure P. – Shone Swagg- Club Banga/ 4 tha ladies Flow- I am not a big fan of Flo Rida but I gotta admit that dues spit game is sick. Beat- Crazy Hook- Pleasure P puts it down for the ladies Extra Credit- None Verdict- I did not think I would like it but I cant front, the song is hot. Rating- 4 out of 5
Sean Kingston ft. Lil Wayne- Im at War Swagg- Reggae Pop Flow - Suspect- this is not Kingston or Waynes best work Beat- Nothing spectacular Hook- Lame Extra Credit - none Verdict - I will sleep better at night if I never hear this song again Rating- 2 out of 5( and that is extremely generous !)
Cazh flow – Blow They Own Trumpet Swagg- Hood Motivation Flow - Dude's flow game is on point Beat- Laid back like blowin green in the 'Lac Hook- Creative Extra Credit- None Verdict- Im feelin this joint. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
ProBlack ft. Glyce- Fire Swagg- Smokers Delight( meet me on Cloud 9 ) Flow- Southern Beat- Simple but it Knocks Hook- Simple Extra Credit - 4:20 Verdict- worth a few listens Rating- 3 out of 5
T.N.A. –
Drake ft. Lil Wayne- Unstoppable
Everything
remix
Swagg- Grimey Flow - East Coast Beat- Sick Hook- Nice Extra Credit - reminds me of golden era Hip Hop Verdict- Ready for heavy rotation ! Rating- 4 out of 5
Swagg- Some Next Sh!t Flow- Fire Beat- Futuristic Hip Pop Hook- Crazy NEw world terrorist Bomb threat on wax. Extra Credit- None Verdict- Drake and Wayne deliver a next level track. this is the type of music that is going to help move Hip Hop to the next level. This is like nothing I am hearing on Urban radio, the closest thing would be M.I.A. who is just starting to get Hip Hop acceptance.
Rating- 4.5 out of 5
Big Herk –
Ronnie Run –
Shake That
I Remember
Swagg- Club Banga Flow- Enuff to make me want to hear more from Herk Beat- Dope !!!!! Hook- Catchy (stuck on repeat in my head ) Extra Credit- My girl was feelin this one and she dont even like rap all like that. Verdict- If your favorite DJ aint bangin this in the club he should be. Rating - 3.5 out of 5
Swagg - Reminisant Flow- Basic ( but got potiential) Hook- OK Beat- Easy Laid Back Extra Credit- Makes me want to goto a Bar-B-Que or a family reunion
Verdict- Its not bad but its not spectacular either. I like cuts about reminising on good times as special with everything thats going on in the world right now. I need to hear dude on some other joints before iI could really give an honest judgement.
Rating- 3 out of 5
Newtral –
Kitty Katt –
Put Her On The Team Swagg- Diney Channel Hip Pop Flow- Got potential but not quite ready for primetime Beat- 90's Dance Music Hook- Average Extra Credit - none Verdict- Dude might crack my skull on another track but this one is album filler . However my 8 year old Daughter was dancing to it so it is not a total waste. There is alot of money to be made submitting music for placement in childrens movies ( and I do not mean that as a Diss)
Rating - 2 out of 5
Hottie Swagg- Brag-a-dotous Feminimity Flow- Dirty south with a Feminine twist Beat- Futuristic Hip Pop ( H Snow Beatz puts it down on this one)
Hook- Hot Extra Credit - The Game is in need of some dope females right now. Verdict- This Cut is a Hottie . would work well for the Club and Radio Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Undagroundz Record Reviewz
Jay Z – When Then Money Goes Swagg- Reflective Flow- Phenominal Beat- Above Average Hook- OK Extra Credit - None Verdict - Im a huge Jayz fan but if he put out a whole album of material like this , he will find himself faceing the situation he is talking about on this song alot faster. This would be a great song for alot of other artists but from Jay I expect alot more.
Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Big Tuck ft. Gucci Mane - Not a Stain on Me Remix Swagg- Flash Fly/ Ol' Skool Flow- Hot Beat- Fresh with a throwback feel to it. Hook- Tuck is killin it on the hook Extra Credit- Heavy Ipod rotation Verdict- This song had me felling like it was 1988 all over again but with a new South twist on an old East coast flavor. This is my favorite of all the songs I reveiwed today.
Rating- 4.5 out of 5
Young_Buck ft. Jimmie Hoffa & Blood Raw
Young Ray ft. Chip The Ripper & Bam
- Stupid Money
Bam- I Aint Even Know You Strip
Swagg- Flashy Fly/ Go Getta Sh!t Flow- Whoa! Young Buck & Blood Raw did they thang but
Swagg- Next Level / Strip Rock Flow - On Point ( im still trying to figure out which verse I Like
Jimmie Hoffa surprized me ( homie said " Im all about the cream like Wu Tang said so Ima terrorize the mic since Hussiens dead")
best)
Beat- 70's Funk Hook - Hot Extra Credit- None Verdict- They Did the Damn thang on this one. Rating- 4 out of 5
Manson on LSD
Beat- This track is crazy its the audio equivilant of Charles Hook- Fire Extra Credit - Inovative song concept Verdict- Killer flow ,Killer beat, Killer Hook, these dudes is murdering the game !
Rating- 4.5 out of 5
DFK-
Mazzarati-
Hey There Mami
Ride it Like a Pony
Swagg- Club banga Flow- L.O.D. ( Lyricism On Deck ) Beat - Bangin Hook- 4 the Ladies Extra Credit- None Verdict- Definate Satisfaction Rating- 4 out of 5
Fly Ty –
Nomad Carlos-
The Booth
What the Deal
Swagg- East Coast/ Back Pack Rap Flow- L.O.D. ( lyricism On Deck ) dudes whole song is one long metaphor about being a recording booth.
Beat- Sick Sample Hook- Ok Extra Credit- Mad Innovative Concept Verdict- Im Loving it but im afraid it will be over the average listeners head. Its a great song but I dont think it would make a good single.
Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Charles Hamilton- Brass Knuckles Swagg- Strait Hip Hop Flow- L.O.D. ( Lyricism on deck ) Beat- Crazzzzzzzy Hook- None Extra Credit- Not Needed Verdict- I have mixed emotions about Charles Hamilton. Sometimes he is on point and somtimes he goes to far to the left but on this one he is FLAWLESS.
Rating- 5 out of 5
Swagg- Hip Pop/ Club Banga Flow - Above Average Beat- Some Club type ish Hook- Made for the Club Extra Credit- None Verdict- Its a good song for the ladies.A clean version would work well on radio Rating - 3.5 out of 5
Swagg - Back Pack Rap Flow - Above Average Beat- I like the asian soundin string samples Hook- Ok Extra Credit- None Verdict- Its a good song but its forgetable. I enjoyed listening to it but it wont make it into regular rotation. However Dude has Flow so I look forward to hearing more from him.
Rating- 3 out of 5
Lil Jon ft. Ice Cube & The GameKillas Swagg- Rockstar Sh!t Flow- Hot: Ice Cubes verse is by far the star on this one Beat- Phycho Rock ( reminds me of Ice Cube & Dr. Dre Natural Born Killaz )
Hook- Ok Extra Credit- Dare to be bold. Verdict- A hot song something to rock out to when your angry. Rating- 4 out of 5
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Undagroundz Record Reviewz T.I. –
Noise –
Better Than This
Fresh As I Wanna Be
Swagg- Flashy Fly Flow- Nice Hook- OK Extra Credit- None Verdict- I know this song is older but it was never released and it should have been. its not T.I.'s best or worst but definately worth a listen or two. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Swagg- Next Level/Club Banga Flow- Unique Beat- Bangin like Crips and Bloods in the 80's Hook- Crazy sample Extra Credit- Fresh Sound Verdict- Definate Club Banga , dude has a future. Rating- 4 out of 5
John Rumble ft. Pheonix Jones- Feeling
Prime a.k.a. PMC-
The Pressure
Hustle Hard
Swagg- Back Pack Rap/ Pure Hip Hop Flow- Fire Beat- Wu Tang feel Hook- above Average Extra Credit- none Verdict- its a hot song they lost a few points for sound quality but it was fire non the less. A mastered version would have scored higher.
Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Swagg- Grind Mode Flow- On Point Beat- Good Hook- Jay-z samples always work Extra Credit- none Verdict- Laid back go getta muzik Rating- 4 out of 5
Transfers –
Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killa & Method Man-
Body Roll
Wu Ooh
Swagg- Strip club anthem Flow- OK Beat- Club Banga Hook- Catchy Extra Credit- none Verdict- you have to see the video to truely appreciate this one. but these boys do the damn thang. Strokers & Magic City look out for Transfers Rating - 3.5 out of 5
Alchemist ft. Twista & Maxwell- Smile Swagg- Reflective Flow- Above average. Twista does not disappoint Beat- Laid back rider music Hook- Maxwell Kills it ! Extra Credit- Alchemist gets mad love for getting Maxwell to come out of hiding. Verdict- Hot song. Hands Down Rating- 4 out of 5
Swagg- East Coast/ Back Pack Rap Flow- Phenomenal Classic Wu Tang Sh!t Beat- Magnificent Hook- Typical Wu Tang hook Extra Credit- East Coast revival is definitely needed Verdict- Throw ya W's up ! Rating- 4.5 out of 5
Blank LegacyFrom The Go Swagg- Go Hard/ Hood Love Flow - Average Beat- Fiyyaaaa !!! Hook- Amped up mad agressive enery Extra Credit- None Verdict- BANG THIS JOINT then hit rewind , turn it up and Bang it again ! Chi- Town stand up. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Bad Blood – Real Rap is Back Swagg- Undefined Flow- On point like accupucture Beat- Nice Hook- Ok Extra Credit- Love the sample Verdict- Worth listening to just to disect the verses. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Scottie Flippen- Call Em Out Swagg- Bragadotious Flow- L.O.D. ( Lyricism on deck) Beat- Average Hook- eehhh Extra Credit- none Verdict- Dude has flow but he waste his talent by talking about the same subject matter as everyone else. If dude put some time into coming up with something more creative it would be a better display of his lyrical talent. Dont worry about what the Major artists are doing make your own lane and when in doubt go left. Creativity and Innovation go along way for unsigned artists. Rating- 2.5 out of 5
Undagroundz record reviewz
Egadz- What we are Destined to DO Swagg- Electronica Flow- None Beat- Insane ( like driving 100mph with no hands ) Hook- None Extra Credit- None Needed Verdict- No Lyrics , No Hook just a bangin ass beat = one Helluva Song Rating - 4 out of 5 Rich Boy ft. Oj Da Juiceman, Supa Villan, & Al MyteCount The 100's
Lil FlipDrank Up In My Cup Swagg- Bragadocious Flow- Above average but could have done with out the Auto Tune assist Beat- Fire Hook- Simple chopped sample but it works Extra Credit- None Verdict- Leave the Auto Tune alone this song is hot on its own. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
G Mack ft. Bobby Valentino- Get Naked
Swagg- Flashy Fly/ Trap Rap Flow- Ehhh Beat- Bangin Hook- Average Extra Credit- None Verdict- its a Descent song nothing out of the ordinary Rating- 3 out of 5
Swagg- 4 The Ladies/ Playa Sh!t Flow- On Point Beat- Bedroom Banga Hook- Nice Extra Credit- None Verdict- This is my first time hearing from G Mack and I definately look forward to hearing more. Rating- 4 out of 5
Kydd Trell-
Reynos-
Im On It Swagg- Flashy Fly Flow- Hot Beat- Insane Hook- Dope Extra Credit- None Needed Verdict- Strait Fiyaaa. Homie did tha damn thang on this one . Flawless victory ! Rating- 5 out of 5
PrestigePlaya Playa Swagg- Laid Back Playa Sh!t Flow- On Point Beat- Breezy Hook- Dope-a-licious Extra Credit- None Verdict- Bang this joint on ya way to the club. Rating- 4 out of 5
Wheres Hip Hop Swagg- undefined Flow- L.O.D. ( Lyricism on Deck) Beat- Rocked Out Hook- None Extra Credit- None Needed Verdict- Damn two perfect scores in one day. Guess there is a first time for everything. Dudes Flow is Crazy and choosing to spit strait bars with no hook highlights his lyrical ability.
Rating- 5 out of 5 Eminem ft. Cashis & Bobby Creekwater- Crack A Bottle Remix Swagg- Undefined Flow- Superior Beat - Dope Hook- Hot Extra Credit- None Verdict- Crazy I wish they would drop the CD already Rating- 4.5 out of 5
J. Money ft. Shop Boyz & Yung L.A. - This Is How we Play Swagg- Flashy Fly Flow- Average Beat- Fun Hook- Average Extra Credit- Feel Good Music Verdict- I dont know why but I like this song . I think its just cause the beat feels so good. I have been listening to this for over a month and finally decided to stop hateing on it just cause Im not a Big fan of the current crop of undaground trap rappers coming out of east ATL.
Rating- 3.5 out of 5
B. SykesAint She ( Yup) Swagg- Laid Back Playa Sh!t Flow- Durtty South Beat- Bedroom Banga Hook- Catchy Extra Credit- Strait Panty Wetter Verdict- My girl hates most rap music so anytime she is feelin a song that Im reviewing I know its got to be hot. This song makes me want to grab a drink light a blizzy and watch my girl strip. I aint mad at you playa play on.
Rating- 4.5 out of 5
17 Undagroundz Record Reviewz Michael "Sparkey" Drake- Sexy Lady Swagg- Dancehall / Soca Flow- On Point Beat- Up Beat fun Riddim Hook- Average Extra Credit- None Verdict- When your in the mood for some feel good reggae this is the song to goto. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Soulja Boy ft. Lil wayne, Young Jeezy, & FabulousTurn My Swagg On Remix Swagg- Swaggerific / Bragadotious Flow- Haveing Lil Wayne and Fabulous on the remix has step the lyrical quality of this one up 1000 times over the original
Beat- Crazy Hook- OK Extra Credit- None Verdict- I will be playing this for a few months but but ultimately its forgetable Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Diamond- Sicknan Swagg- Bragadotious Flow- I was a lil made she bit some of the OJ Da Juice Swagg for this but I was actually surprised by her skill on this one. Beat- Zaytoven laced her with some heat Hook- Fire Extra Credit- Surprising fire flow from a artist who is usually mediocore Verdict- Definite Banga Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Bama BoySeen Nothin Swagg- Flashy Fly/ Crunk Flow- Bragadotious Beat- Bangin grimey crunk sh!t Hook- Catchy Extra Credit - None
Verdict- I fux wit Bama Boy all day Rating- 4 out of 5
Street-
Bigg Jigg-
Get Yo Mind Right
Streetz on Lock
Swagg- Undefined Flow- Top Notch Beat- On Point Hook- Homie killed the hook for real Extra Credit- None needed
Verdict- Heavy Rotation Approved Rating- 4.5 out of 5
T. LevyTrap Boyz Swagg- Trap Ish Flow- Average Beat- Monsta Hook- Undecided Extra Credit- None Verdict- ITs a cool Cut Rating- 3 out of 5
Swagg- Go Hard Flow- He got some Lyrics Beat- Strait fire Hook- Got a Jeezy feel to it . Its cool Extra Credit- None Verdict- I could rock with this Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Suzanna Samone- Million dolla Swagg Swagg- Bragadotious Flow- Above Average Beat - Killah Hook- Catchy screwed sample Extra Credit - The game needs some fire females right now Verdict- She got a decent flow , the beat is on point, and the hook is catchy so it works. Rating- 3.5 out of 5
Busta Rhymes ft. Young Jeezy & JadakissConglomerate
I-20 ft. Devin The Dude & Lil KekeDown Bitch
Swagg- Next Ish
Flow- Crazy, what else would you expect from a track with Busta and Jada on it Beat- Insane Hook- Retarted Extra Credit- None needed Verdict- This song is on some Insane next sh!t, flawlss victory. Rating- 5 out of 5
Swagg- Pimpish Flow- Hot Beat- Laid Back Hook- Devin provides a superior vocal performance Extra Credit- R.I.P. Pimp C Verdict- When you need some pimpin motivation this joint will not let you down. Rating- 4 out of 5
Undagroundz Record Reviewz
Bishop Lamont-
Virgil Kent-
Bitches on My Dick Swagg- Bragadotious Flow- On Point Beat- Nice Hook- OK Extra Credit- None Verdict- Worth a couple listens just to disect the verses . Rating- 4 out of 5
The Great Swagg- Bragadotious Flow- Above Average Beat- OK Hook- Forgetable Extra Credit- None Verdict- It was just ok, based on dudes flow I would say he might have potential but the song as a whole is forgetable. Rating- 2.5 out of 5
CedevineLook
C-Mal – Heavy Metal
Swagg- Undefined Flow- L.O.D. ( Lyricism on Deck) Beat- OK Hook- Umm... Extra Credit- None Verdict- I could see these dudes wrecking shop in a local
Swagg- Gangsta Flow- Lame !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beat- By far the best thing about this song Hook- OK Extra Credit- None Verdict- Ron Browz has T- Pain's nuts on lockdown so
cypher, but the song was just average. If I was scoring songs on flow alone these dudes would score near flawless but the song needs help.
there is no room left for anyone else to swing. Let the vocoder rest for a while and concentrate on just making good music.
Rating- 2.5 out of 5
Rating- 1.5 out of 5
CodacU Cant Stop Me Swagg- Inspirational Flow- OK Beat- Above Average, Dramatic and fits the feel of the song well. Hook- Motivational Extra Credit- None Verdict - Not Bad Rating- 3 out of 5
WormMrs. Wet Wet Swagg- Club Music/ For The Ladies Flow- Nothing Special Beat- Dancey Hook- Kinda catchy Extra Credit- None Verdict- Its a cluby song for the ladies not really my flavor but its good for what it is. Rating- 3 out of 5
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Mixtape of The Month The KickDrums - Smash The System Tracklist: 01. Make the Girlies Get Dumb Intro 02. Kanye West Good Morning (Kickdrums Remix) (feat. Big Sean) [ 03. The Kickdrums - Do Ya Job (feat. Ray Cash & Scarface) 04. Ray Cash - Killa Flow (feat. Fitty) 05. The Kickdrums - The Bottom of the Map (feat. Lil Wayne & Pimp C) 06. Kidz In The Hall - Untouchable Freestyle 07. The Kickdrums - One Bad… (feat. Chip the Ripper) 08. KiD CuDi - T.G.I.F. (feat. Chip the Ripper) 09. Jay-Z - No Love Coming Home (feat. Fitty) 10. Kanye West - We Major (Kickdrums Remix) (feat. Charles Hamilton & Ray Cash) 11. Adele - Melt My Heart to Stone (Kickdrums Remix) (feat. Big Pooh) 12. Freeway - Everything’s Gonna Be Alright (feat. Young Chris) 13. Izza Kizza - Insane with My Pimp Game 14. Joe Budden - Talk to Em 15. Ray Cash & The Notorious B.I.G. - Wavin the .44 16. Ray Cash, Pooh Gutta, Hell Rell - Do that Shit / Dipset Freestyle 17. Buckshot - Who Got the Props ‘08 18. Talib Kweli - The General Freestyle 19. The Kickdrums - Sky High (feat. KiD CuDi) 20. Willie The Kid - Sky High 21. Idiot Savant - The Times 22. Joell Ortiz - Move On (feat. Joe Budden, Royce Da 5′9″ & Crooked I) 23. Joe Budden - Classic 24. Ced Hughes - good Ish 25. GoDChilD - I Gotta Live 26. Bonus
If you dont already Know the KickDrumz are a group of producers from cleveland most famous for there production credit on 50 Cent's second album. They have also done production for Ray Cash and a ton of other hot artists. This Mixtape is no joke . It is a well put together mix with both Popular and underground artists, new and remixed classic material. This One will definitely be in Heavy rotation on the Ipod for awhile. Swagg- Eclectic Hip Hop Mix DJ Skill- They are a group of producers so there is not much scratching or turntablism ( but I suspect they Had some help from Mick Boogie) Flow- Every Emcee that contributed to this mix is top notch Song selection - Superb Extra Credit- A lot of good music from artists you may not know about. Verdict- This is a definite favorite of mine Rating- 4.5 out of 5 Songz to Check 4- The Kickdrums ft. Ray Cash & Scarface- Do Ya Job, The Kckdrums ft. Pimp c & Lil Wayne- Bottom of the Map, Chip The Ripper- One Bad, Ray Cash & Notorious B.I.G. - Wavin The .44, Joel Ortiz ,Joe Budden, Royce Da 5'9"_ & Crooked I(Slaughter House) - Move On.
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Home Recording Studio Basics - Here's What You Need to Record By Seth Lutnick
After I had blown quite a few thousand dollars in a recording studio, a sound engineer friend made a cool suggestion. "Why don't you buy an ADAT, and do some tracking at home?" So I purchased that venerable 8 track digital tape recorder and saved oodles of time and money putting all my synth tracks on tape. That was my start in home recording, and oh, the fun I've had since! What are the basic pieces of equipment and software one needs to record at home? There are so many ways to do this! Well, since you're reading this, you probably have a computer, so let's base our home studio on the computer. We'll start by understanding the different functions we will need filled in home recording. Then we'll understand what the best hardware and software products to do it are. In general, the principle I recommend is to use fewer pieces of equipment with more functions. That approach saves time and, usually, money. As you advance in your recording skills, you can go for more specialized equipment. There are two distinct phases in recording a song. One is the "in" phase, referring to everything needed to get your music performance into a basic recorded form, with however many tracks you need. The second phase is the "out" phase, where you will take that raw music, process it and create the final stereo version. The "in" phase -- sending the music to your computer Music can be put into your computer either as audio or as MIDI. Audio is actual sound recordings. MIDI records no sounds, but only the digital instructions for an instrument to play. It is much like a combination of a pianist and sheet music. Without an instrument, he can make no music. With MIDI, you are saving the note and volume instructions to be played on the instruments of your choice later on. Although some programs let you put MIDI notes into your computer through your computer keyboard, and other programs have music generation features that allow you to create an entire backing band without playing a note, the best solution is a velocity sensitive MIDI keyboard. It gives a much more realistic performance. For example, playing a key softer will record a softer note. Other features, such as aftertouch, allow you to add vibrato and other realistic effects. Audio simply means actual sounds. Audio tracks will include vocals, acoustic instruments, and electronic instruments whose sounds you wish to use. You will do well to get at least two microphones. Some microphones are better constructed to record vocals, while others are optimized for instruments. In addition, having two mics allows you to record in stereo, or two soloists performing at the same time. Receiving the music into your computer All of this will get your music up to your computer's door. How do you get it inside? With an audio interface that has: a microphone jack that fits your microphone cable and preamp function (so that the signal is strong enough to be properly recorded), phantom power (if you use a condenser mic that needs it), a line input for synths and sound modules, and a MIDI interface. Remember the principle - less products that do more. Some find it simpler to run every
audio sound, mics and all, through a hardware mixer (with phantom power and effects) and sending that pre-processed signal to the audio interface's line input. You'll still need the MIDI interface function for your MIDI recording, though. Once your audio and MIDI are inside your computer, software takes over. For our recording we will use what's called an integrated audio/MIDI sequencer. Famous names include Cubase, Cakewalk and so forth. These programs record multiple tracks of audio and MIDI in perfect synchronization. Now you have all the equipment you need for the "in" phase. What will you need to take the many tracks of audio and MIDI you have recorded and make a song out of them? The "out" phase -- making MIDI into music We mentioned that MIDI is simply digital instructions, it is not actual sounds. Now we will need to create actual sounds from those instructions. There are two options for this: external and internal. External sounds come in little boxes called sound modules (or keyboards with their own great sounds). Sound modules have hundreds of high-quality patches that re-create every instrument in the orchestra, classic electronic sounds, spacey new synthesizer creations and sound effects. To use them, you send the MIDI back out from the sequencer program through the audio interface's MIDI output and into the sound module. You then take the audio output from the sound module back into your computer via the line input on your audio interface and record it on a new audio track in the sequencer. It is now a real sound and is perfectly lined up with the other tracks. Internal sounds come in lots of different types. Instruments that you use from within your audio/MIDI sequencer include VST instruments and software synths. The latter may automatically come with your audio interface, or require installation like any other program. Option two is a full-blown sampler/synthesizer program, such as "Reason", that you connect your sequencer to through a software function called "Rewire." And there are also sound modules that come in the form of PCI cards that you physically install on your computer. Fine tuning and effects Most every song will use spatial effects such as reverb and echo. You may find that some tracks are slightly out of tune. On others, there may be a consistent buzz that needs to be removed. For all of these, you will want to have an audio editing program or plug-in. A plugin is simply a function you can add to your basic sequencer program. Plug-ins exists for all kinds of functions, including reverb, compression, equalization, noise reduction, pitch correction and so forth. An audio editing program is a standalone program that does all of these things. With most audio/MIDI sequencers, you can configure your software to call up the audio editing program and fix the track without leaving the sequencer. Mixing down Once you have all of your tracks and sounds recorded, you will need to mix them down to stereo. Again, this can be done in an external or internal fashion. To do it externally, you would need a hardware mixer. This method limits you to the number of tracks you can send independently through your audio interface and the number of tracks your mixer can handle. Nonetheless, mixers give you a real surface to work on, and often include quality studio effects, reverbs and such.
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Internal mixing means using your audio/MIDI sequencer to mix down the entire song to two tracks. The advantage of doing it internally is the expanded number of tracks you can use. The disadvantage is the difficulty of mixing with a mouse on a computer screen. There are, however, hardware mixing surfaces which simply control your software program. Mastering and burning Once you have your stereo mix, you want to put the finishing touches on it. These touches include overall compression, equalization, noise reduction, fading in and out and bringing the recording up to a normalized level of volume. Your audio editing program should be able to handle these adequately, although there are specialized mastering programs which offer higher quality and many more enhancement features. Then you're ready to burn your song to CD. Odds are that your CD writing drive came with a program that does just that and you won't need anything more. I did mention that you'll need a CD writing drive, didn't I? Well, now I did! And if it's MP3 you're after, most audio programs encode MP3s as well. And that's it! Now you have everything you need to make your musical magic at home. Have fun, but I don't need to tell you that, because it just is. Seth Lutnick is a musical theater composer, performer, and producer. He has recorded two CDs of Hebrew music, and has written and composed the musical "Rewrite the World". Check out his Songwriter Power Tools and his home recording studio equipment picks and guides at his site, The Music Zone.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth_Lutnick
Singer/songwriter/producer TQ hit the music scene in 1998 with a style that made him different than any other R&B singer on the market. A native of Compton, California, his swagger and delivery made some fans regard him with the same appeal as a rapper. In fact, he has been told that he reminds many of a “singing Tupac” with his realistic lyrics in songs that deal with real life issues. Now with a solid 15 years in the business to his credit, TQ debuted his latest album Paradise in April 2008 in the U.S. and Asia, and will release it in March 2009 in Europe. Busy man that he is TQ still managed to find some time to answer a few of our questions via Email.
UGZ What’s been going on with TQ? TQ- EVERYTHING!!!! LOL! Working on 2 albums at the moment. Gonna release my Cash Money Album "Gemini" which was never released. And a new album entitled "Kind of Blue" for Late 2009. Working on 2 new films "One Love" and "When The Smoke Clears" and I just shot the Pilot for a new TV Show "Original Artist"... Whew!
UGZ What Happened with the Cash Money Situation? TQ- I did a 3 year deal with them. It ended...lol
UGZ Having been on both Major and Independent Labels which would you say is better? TQ -Pros and cons with each I think... Major = a lot more exposure. Indie = a lot more money. I'll take the money...
UGZ Is there really as much money to make as an Independent artist as there is when you have a major Deal? TQ- I made a dollar on TNSMC and everyone said I had the best deal on earth. For Listen... and Paradise I make 8. I'd say YES!
UGZ How is your current CD Paradise doing? TQ- As far as the charts go, I'd say not well. As far as business, I'd say well indeed. It's making money and that's the whole point of going Indie.
UGZ Tell Me more about the acting you have been doing lately? TQ- It's like a hobby, but somewhere along the line it got a lil more serious than I expected. I absolutely love to do it!
UGZ Is acting really a passion of yours or just another pay check? It was never about a pay check. TQ- I like to challenge myself... It's definitely a passion now. I have to slow down b4 it catches up with songwriting
UGZ Are touring to promote the paradise CD? TQ- Yes. Finishing up in the US. On to Europe and Asia thru summer...
UGZ I have heard a lot of artist say they get sick of hearing there biggest songs, do you ever get sick of hearing or performing Westside? TQ- NEVER!
UGZ What other projects are you working on right now? TQ- See question #1 LOL! Plus my man Mikkey Halsted's album, and a lot of new artists! Also I'm working on a project with my dawg Bobak from Another Level. We're gonna drop a single and video called "My Girl" thaz SICK!
UGZ Lil Wayne's career is in overdrive right now, what was it like working with him? TQ- Cool! He's a hard worker. I always admired that about him.
UGZ. Do you still keep in touch with Baby or any of the other cash money associates? TQ- Not Baby... But everybody else. ;-D
UGZ Your music is not like the typical R&B music which is mostly about love and relationships, Tell Me a little about what goes into the creative process of coming up with a TQ song ? TQ- I just painted pix of the things I've seen... Never been too much of a loverboy cuz I work too much and my girlfriends dump me b4 I can write love songs about them!
UGZ What else would you like our readers to know? TQ- I'm not an asshole. If I look like one it's because I frowned too much when I was a little boy and now my face is stuck like that. I do know how to smile!
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