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Uptown’s Underground Rundown: Week Ending 2/11/12

Uptown Bobby — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:00:25 +0000

Once again, I’m back with more of the stuff that you want to know, but probably missed. After the Super Bowl, it seems as if this week was put on fast forward. Nevertheless, here’s your underground news rundown, Uptown style!

Mac Miller gives his picks on up and coming MC’s from Pittsburgh

In a recent interview with MTV News, Pittsburgh MC Mac Miller gave his picks for some of the best new talent coming out of Steel City. Artists Chevy Woods, Boaz, B. White, and Mayo of the 58’s and Jasiri X all received recognition in the piece. I got a chance to speak with Jasiri X right after Mac’s MTV News interview to get his reaction on being mentioned as one of the ‘Burgh’s best new up and coming artist’s. Here’s what he had to say:

‘’I was greatly appreciative that Mac mentioned me. The Hip Hop scene in Pittsburgh is very close. I haven’t released it yet, but I’ve worked with Mac Miller before. To see people that you work with get that respect and recognition is dope. One of the reasons why Pittsburgh is having the success it’s having is because everybody here supports one another. Even though we all have different styles, it’s all love’’

Look out for my complete interview with Jasiri X coming to our Artist Spotlight section sooner than later.

Aspktez releases interactive music video with ‘’Swivel’’

Canadian MC, Aspktez takes advantage of some pretty cool technology in his video ‘’Swivel.” With a visual effect created by a 360-degree lens, Aspktez gives his fans a chance to play director and use the technology to control the angles. The technology and interactive campaign was reportedly financed by none other than Virgin CEO and billionaire Richard Branson. Aspktez will be unleashing 360-degree viral videos as selected by his fans via Twitter, his Facebook fan page, and email feedback. Click the link below to try it for yourself:

Peanut Butter Wolf wants to release new Dilla material

Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf revealed in an interview with Complex.com that he has several unreleased tracks from Dilla and hopes to one day release the scrapped album that was intended to be released on MCA (rumored to be titled Pay Jay). Peanut Butter Wolf also talked about the sequel to the classic Donuts as well as his immense respect for Ma Dukes and his need to receive her blessings to one day release Dilla’s music.

‘’It comes down to Ma Dukes, though. She makes all of the decisions, so it would have to come from her. She was with him in his final days and was sleeping on a cot in his room. She took care of him so much. If I was ever presented with doing something that would upset her, I just wouldn’t do it.’’

Read the entire interview via Complex.com

Duckdown Records and Red Bull Music Academy Unite

On February 8^th, Duck Down Records took part in the Red Bull Music Academy’s Brooklyn session. Artists Smiff –N- Wessun, Skyzoo , and Buckshot provided entertainment alongside DJ Evil Dee; conversation with Buckshot , Dru Ha and Skyzoo as well. The Red Bull Music Academy is encouraging all artists, producers, rappers, music writers, singers, etc. to download the application for a chance to be featured in the 15^th Red Bull Music Academy NYC 2012 this fall. Click here for more information: RedBullMusicAcademy.com.

Hip Hop mourns the loss of Alori Joh

Top Dawg Entertainment artist, Alori Joh passed away at the tender age of 25. Reports indicate that the vocalist died between the 7^th or 8^th of February. Details on the cause of death were scarce at the time this article was published. Alori was a prominent member of the TDE label. She appeared on Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80’s ‘’HiiiPower’’ and ‘’Heaven and Hell’’ that appeared on his Overly Addicted mixtape from 2010. Joh was also on ‘’Phenomenon’’ on SchoolBoy Q’s Setbacks. Our entire staff sends our deepest condolences to Top Dawg Entertainment and the family of Alori Joh.

Make sure to check the Underground Rundown every Friday for any news you might have missed! And feel free to drop us a news tip for anything we missed that shouldn’t stay under the radar!

Uptown’s Underground Rundown: Week Ending 2/4/12

Uptown Bobby — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:11 +0000

Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Underground Rundown with me, Uptown Bobby! With so much of today’s Hip Hop news being held hostage by gossip, ‘’beef,” and paid publicity, The Underground Rundown is dedicated to news that sometimes falls under the radar but is relevant to our community. KevinNottingham.com doesn’t use the tagline, ‘’The Underground Hip-Hop Authority’’ to attract backpackers; it’s a true testament of our dedication to artists that are often neglected by other outlets So we bring you a new column, The Underground Rundown, which will now be your guide to the news that you might have missed throughout the week. Check it out!

Billy Danze Goes Global

M.O.P. front man Billy Danze has world domination in his sights. With M.O.P.’s 2011 album Sparta, exclusively produced by Germany’s Snowgoons, Billy has decided to create a home for international artists entitled R.U.N. (Raps United Nation). With decades under his belt, Billy Danze seems to be the best man for the job. He even sounds diplomatic with his reasons behind creating R.U.N.:

‘’ As an artist, I understand the frustration. There are so many artists out there that possess the talent of being able to produce and record good music. They are determined, they have the drive, and dedication, but feel as if no one notices. I’ve seen and heard what’s out there from an artistic level. These artists need to be heard and have a united voice. I am very passionate about giving them that opportunity and will do anything in my power to help those that really want to win.”

We here at KevinNottingham.com fully support Mr. Danze’s efforts and are thrilled to see what comes from this overseas marriage of beats and nationalities.

Roxanne Shante’: The Activist

Legendary M.C. Roxanne Shante’ has many talents. The Hip Hop community has seen the fiery artist grow from a young teenager to mother and now with her music legacy etched in stone, Shante’ has taken her career in more of a proactive approach. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Roxanne and Tony award-winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda have started a program that would allow uninsured artists to exchange their works of art for medical care. The program, Lincoln Art Exchange, was launched at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx at the end of January. Representatives of both parties said the program addresses the growing number of freelance and independent artists that can’t afford medical care. KevinNottingham.com commends Roxanne Shante’ for her philanthropy and well representation of and for Hip Hop and other artistic communities.

Black Milk Hits The Road

Detroit beatsmith/ M.C. Black Milk never stops working. In 2011, we saw Black Milk collaborate with Danny Brown (Black and Brown EP), Sean Price and Guilty Simpson as Random Axe, and his singles ‘’Brain’’ and ‘’Mega Royal’’ with his own band. Now in 2012, Black Milk takes his act on tour with the Claps and Slaps show, which begins February 25^th. Milk is set to bring A.Dd+ and J.Pinder as opening acts on his first show in Providence, Rhode Island. You have no excuse to miss this one! To find out when Milk will be in your area check out the dates below:

Saturday, February 25 – Providence, RI – Fete

Monday, February 27 – Boston, MA – Middle East

Tuesday, February 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Silk City

Wednesday, February 29 – New York, NY – Knitting Factory

Thursday, March 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Shadow Lounge

Friday, March 2 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop

Saturday, March 3 – Kalamazoo, MI – The Strutt

Tuesday, March 6 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig

Thursday, March 8 – Toronto – Great Hall

Friday, March 9- Chicago – Subterranean

Saturday, March 10 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection

Sunday, March 11 – St. Louis – The Gramophone

Monday, March 12 – Nashville – TBD

Friday, March 16 – San Diego – House of Blues

Saturday, March 17 – Scottsdale, AZ – Chaser’s

Sunday, March 18 – Los Angeles – The Roxy

Tuesday, March 20 – Santa Barbara, CA – Velvet Jones

Wednesday, March 21 – Fresno, CA – Fulton 55

Thursday, March 22 – San Francisco – 330 Ritch

Friday, March 23 – Portland, OR – Crown Room

Saturday, March 24 – Vancouver, BC – Fortune Sound Club

Sunday, March 25 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile

Wednesday, March 28 – Minneapolis MN – 7th Street Entry

Thursday, March 29 – Iowa City – Mission Creek Festival

Friday, March 30th – Toledo OH – Frankie’s Underground

Long Live Dilla

February is an important month for Hip Hop. Not only do many artists and fans use it to celebrate Black History Month, but it is also the month in which Hip Hop heads have now dedicated to departed Detroit producer J. Dilla. With Dilla month getting well underway, Detroit will host a day dedicated to his memory on February 10^th, the 6^th year anniversary of his death. Ma Dukes and Taraji P. Henson will host the festivities, which include an all-star line-up of performers including Busta Rhymes, Jay Electronica, Phife of A Tribe Called Quest, Phat Kat, Danny Brown, Guilty Simpson, and the Nick Speed Orchestra. Tickets are $20 and a portion of the proceeds will go to the J. Dilla Foundation. For more information, please visit jdillarebirthofdetroit.com and jdillafoundation.org.

Add-2 Remembers Don Cornelius

On February 1^st, music media icon Don Cornelius died in Los Angeles. Cornelius was the creator of the iconic Soul Train, which ushered in many eras of black music, especially Hip Hop. The Sugar Hill Gang was the first Hip Hop act to perform on Soul Train in 1981 and although Cornelius wasn’t the biggest fan of Hip Hop, he embraced the culture due to its immense popularity. I happened to interview Chicago artist Add-2 on the day of Don Cornelius’ death and he had much to say about the late Cornelius:

‘’I actually wrote about Soul Train in one of my songs called ‘Starter Jacket.’ I had a verse that went, ‘Watching Soul Train/ Don Cornelius/ If I seen something dope, I would mimic it.’ And that was very real to me because growing up on Saturday morning, we were cleaning the house while watching Soul Train. My parents grew up on Soul Train. My family got a bunch of DVD’s with all the old Soul Train episodes on it. People like Al Green singing his heart out on episodes, you know? It was a real important thing for us to have at the time. You had us showcasing our talents, and not only singing wise, but with fashion, dancing…just a celebration of the culture. It’s just a sad, crazy way to start Black History Month.’’

A memorial service is being planned for Cornelius February 13 in Los Angeles.

Who Ya’ Got: Patriots or Giants?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Houston rapper Pinc Gator has blessed the NFC champion New York Giants with a fight song. Known as ‘’The rapper with a helmet,’’ Pinc Gator has crafted several sports songs revolving around football teams (Sam Houston BearKats, Baylor Bears, and the Houston Texans). With the Giants looking to bring another Super Bowl title to New York this Sunday, KevinNottingham.com asks the question, who ya’ got? While you make your pick take a listen to Pinc Gator‘s “Heart Of New York (Giants Fight Song)” then cop it via iTunes.

Make sure to check the Underground Rundown every Friday for any news you might have missed! And feel free to drop us a news tip for anything we missed that shouldn’t stay under the radar!

J-Ro Gives An Update On Tha Alkaholiks & Beatnuts Collaboration LP

Justin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:39:00 +0000

We first heard about Tha Alkaholiks & Beatnuts teaming up for a collaboration album called LikNuts (rimshot) last summer, but not much has been said about the project since. Luckily, Tha Liks member J-Ro decided to give an update on the current status of the LP. Check out what the West Coast veteran had to say and what fans can do to help make the LP a reality.

Whats up Party people? First off I want to thank everybody for checking in with me here on my site.

Ive been getting a lot of feedback about the LikNuts album…some good, some bad…most of the bad is with people being impatient and thinking that we are not really doing this album. Im here to say that we thought of the idea back when we were all on LOUD Records more than 10 years ago. As some of you know, Loud sold the company and it was just buried after that. We all kind of went our separate ways and the idea was lost.

In 2008 we did a tour with the Beatnuts,Lords of the Underground, Jeru tha Damaja and Paris in Europe. while on this tour we thought to do the album once and for all.

Tash, E Swift, Les, Ju Ju and myself are all working on separate projects, have families and other “life” situations that we deal with everyday.

The decision to make this album was our own…not any label,magazine, fan but by us alone. We do not have a budget or backing for this album at all. It has been presented to a few companies but our wishes were not met so we keep pushing on our own.

We have a lot of material recorded so far and it sounds like it will be one of the most classic albums of the decade despite all of us being in different parts of the world and sending files back and forth. Im really ready to leak something but I keep holding back from that until we get overwhelming requests for that.

So for those of you who want to give us the business because of the wait, you are free to offer a donation or some kind of help to speed up the process…. we will not put out a mediocre album like a lot of artists are doing these days… For those who want a dope album from us no matter how long it takes, we are doing it for you…the rest can LikNuts- JRo

Jay-Z Talks New Solo Album & Possibility of Watch the Throne II

Kevin — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 02:47:30 +0000

Excuse me, let me be a Jay stan for a minute. Yeah I bashed WTT when it dropped, but after seeing Jay-Z and Kanye West in concert recently, I can’t get enough. This is GREAT news to me!

Google Music Store Favors Independent Artists

Kevin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:19 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lv1xras-zM

Just two days ago, Google Music officially came out of beta. I had personally been using Google Music since I got my invitation a few months ago. The idea of being able to store all of my music online in “the cloud” and be able to access it from any computer or android device was attractive to me. No longer did I have to sync my iPod with my computer the night before and no more burning CDs. With a 20,000 song limit, Google Music was the music hub I had been looking for.

With Wednesday’s public launch, Google also introduced their Google Music Store. Obviously a direct competitor to iTunes, Google Music seems to have a few advantages to dominate the competition. Here are a few of the details:

Songs will be available through the Android Market. The entire service will also be on the Web at music.google.com. Unlike iTunes, you do not have to install software on your computer to access.

Users can share songs via Google+. Any purchased song can be shared with an unlimited number of connections via Google+. All shared songs can be played at least once for free, and indie artists can also grant additional free plays. (Note: sharing doesn’t work with songs uploaded from your personal collection.)

All purchases are stored in the cloud. As previously noted, all songs are stored in the Google Music database, where users can also upload up to 20,000 tracks from their own collection. (This feature has been available since May as part of the Google Music beta.) Then, users can stream these purchases to up to 10 devices.

Redownloading is now supported. Before, once songs were up in the cloud, users could only stream them to devices. Now, they can redownload them — nice in case of hard drive crashes, for instance.

Warner is not included. EMI, Sony, and Universal — three of the big four labels — are included. There are also a lot of indies including Merlin (an aggregator representing thousands of labels around the world) and Beggars’ Banquet.

Self-released artists can upload their own music. Artists can pay a $25 one-time fee to submit their music to the store through the Artist Hub. There, they can create an artist page, upload content to sell, and set pricing. Google takes a 30% cut of each sale, just like iTunes, but there’s no recurring fee.

T-Mobile customers can pay for songs on their phone bills. This kind of carrier billing makes perfect sense for a SUBSCRIPTION service, but is kind of a strange feature here. But it will let customers with no credit cards buy music.

The idea that independent artists can upload their own music is incredible. Previously, the only services (that I know of) that enabled artists to sell their own music online were TuneCore, CDBaby and Bandcamp. If Google Music catches on and becomes the next iTunes as the go-to place for buying music, independent artists will have complete control over selling there music and will not have to rely on third parties who take an additional percentage of their sales.

Visit Google Music for Artists to start selling your music now.

Skyzoo: Written In The Drums [Music Video]

Thomas — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:30:35 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhVEwMe0bLs

Music video for “Written In The Drums” from Skyzoo’s The Great Debater mixtape. The Swiff D produced track is one of many heater’s on the free tape. If you want to support the project a deluxe version is available on iTunes now.

M.O.P. To Release New Album with The Snowgoons on November 22nd

Kevin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:44:35 +0000

M.O.P. have set a November 22nd release date for their new album Sparta (Babygrande Records) produced entirely by The Snowgoons.

Hailing from Brownsville, Brooklyn, Billy Danze and Lil Fame have solidified their reputation as iconic lyricists through their years of hard-hitting rhymes and unparalleled tenacity. Never compromising their style and having shared the mic with industry greats such as Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Styles P, Guru, ODB, Busta Rhymes, and Redman, just to name a few, the duo has rightfully earned its status as one of the most revered acts in hip-hop today.

In late July 2011, Billy Danze took to Conspiracy Worldwide Radio to break the news that M.O.P.’s upcoming album will be a collaborative effort with German & Danish production team, the Snowgoons. Speaking on the album, Danze said, “[Snowgoons] just sent us some fire…those dudes are incredible…when you hear this project, you’re going to be satisfied as an M.O.P. fan and a Snowgoons fan.” Ensuring fans around the world that this will be one of their most diverse sounding albums, the Mash Out Posse member went on to praise the Snowgoons, proclaiming, “they’ve got everything…they’re blazing through and coming from different angles. These guys providing us with that dramatic sound, with those theatrical sounds, with that hard hip-hop…they supplied us with everything. I’m really psyched about this project.”

Listeners can prepare for what Danze & Lil Fame considers “their best project in 10 years.”

Danze says of the Snowgoons: “We may get some features, but I think M.O.P. on a Snowgoons project and Snowgoons producing a whole project for M.O.P. is enough featuring.“

“Those dudes are incredible,” he continued. “When you hear this project, you’re going to be satisfied as an M.O.P. fan and a Snowgoons fan. I think you’re going to flip your wig,” he continued. “They’ve got everything… It’s amazing to me because most of the time, producers have a signature sound. These guys already sent me like 50 tracks. They sent me 50 tracks and they’re blazing through and coming from different angles.“

Consisting of founders Det and DJ Illegal plus longtime affiliate and now 3rd member, Sicknature, the Snowgoons made their full-length producer album debut with 2007’s “German Lugers,” released on Babygrande Records. The Snowgoons continued their onslaught of orchestral and epic instrumentals the following year with their sophomore producer album “Black Snow.” Since 2007, the Snowgoons have developed a massive following, starting in Europe and spanning the entire world, becoming a staple in the underground hip-hop scene by working with approximately 100 lyricists. They have gone on to release four additional producer projects and worked with some of the most remarkable MCs in the underground.

The first collaboration between M.O.P. & Snowgoons “Anybody Can Get It” was recently released off the A3C Volume 1 Compilation. A3C attendees caught the duo performing at the festival in Atlanta this past weekend.

M.O.P. and Snowgoons collaborative album is scheduled for release November 22, 2011 on Babygrande Records. Celebrating its ten-year anniversary, Babygrande has established itself as a pivotal New York label responsible for over 100 titles since 2001. After ten-years and counting, Babygrande continues to consistently work with groundbreaking and world-renowned artists.

Taken from Babygrande.com

Sylvia Robinson, The Mother of Hip Hop, Dies at 75

Kevin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:24:54 +0000

Rest in peace to Sylvia Robinson, co-founder of Sugar Hill Records, the label responsible for hip hop pioneers the Sugar Hill Gang and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. As reported by BET, she passed away from congestive heart failure this morning at the age of 75.

Big Daddy Kane & M.O.P. Added To 2011 A3C Festival Lineup

Justin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:49:43 +0000

A3c has announced today that the legendary Big Daddy Kane along with M.O.P. have been added to the already amazing lineup at this year’s festival. The Juice Crew member will be involved in a special showcase on October 8th called An Evening with Big Daddy Kane: Sowing The Seeds Of Hip Hop. Hit the jump for the full details:

Organizers behind the A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta October 6-8, 2011 at The Masquerade are excited to announce Big Daddy Kane and M.O.P. have been added to the 2011 festival lineup.

Red Bull Music Academy presents “An Evening with Big Daddy Kane: Sowing the Seeds of Hip Hop” on Saturday, October 8. Brooklyn native and architect of Hip Hop, Big Daddy Kane headlines a night of music that pays tribute to the birthplace of Hip Hop and the site of the 2012 Red Bull Music Academy – New York, New York. The evening begins with an intimate conversation with Kane on his career, Hip Hop and much more, hosted by Karl Injex. The show then moves into a musical journey through NYC’s five boroughs showcasing classic Hip Hop joints spun by Da Beatminerz and performed by some of today’s most cutting edge names including Skyzoo, J-Live, Jean Grae and Boy Jones, son of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Popular duo M.O.P. will headline the AllHipHop.com Breeding Ground Showcase on Saturday, October 8 along with Dead Prez. The showcase also features Elzhi (of Slum Village), Ras Kass, REKS, Termanology, Killa Kyleon, Paten Locke, Issa and DJ Statik Selektah and is hosted by Atlanta radio personality Jay Force.

These are just a few of the events and artists featured at the 2011 A3C Hip Hop Festival. In addition to more than 200 live performances, A3C offers turntable, producer, and breakdance competitions as well as 12 panel discussions, film screenings and equipment demonstrations.

A3C Hip Hop Festival tickets are available on the A3C website. 3-day passes are $40 online and $45 at the door.For discounted hotel accommodations, contact the Days Inn Atlanta Downtown at 1-866-650-7925 with the event name, A3C Festival, and booking code, A3C. The hotel is located at the intersection of Spring Street and Baker Street, approximately 2 miles from The Masquerade. For discounted airfare, call AirTran at 1-866-68EVENT (1-866-683-8368) and reference event name, A3C Festival, and event code, ATL100311.

The 2011 A3C Hip Hop Festival is supported by Xfinity, Jakprints/IndieMerch, New Era, Jagermeister, Native Instruments, Sennheiser, iHipHop and many other sponsors, partners and friends.

DJ Babu Confirms Dilated Peoples Reunion LP, Announces Duck Season 4

Justin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:06:36 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbqE_K8qGA

HipHopSite.com’s DJ Pizzo caught up with DJ Babu recently in Las Vegas and got some great news for Dilated Peoples fans. Babu confirmed that he, Evidence & Rakaa Iriscience a working on a new Dilated album tenatively titled Director Of Photography. The Beat Junkies crew member also announced he’d be releasing a 4th edition of his Duck Season compilation series in the near future.

A3C Announces HipHopDX Pick 3 Winners, Blog Party, DJBooth.Net Showcase

Kevin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:37:03 +0000

The A3C Hip Hop Festival is excited to announce new showcases and artist additions, including the HipHopDX Pick 3 Winners, GoodMusicAllDay.com’s & EarMilk.com’s Blog Party, a DJBooth.net showcase, and more, all taking place during the three-day event from October 6th – 8th at The Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia. Three-day Festival passes are now available on the A3C for $40 online and will be available for $45 at the door.
New artists confirmed to perform at the 2011 Festival include Dead Prez, Ying Yang Twins, Da Beatminerz, Fashawn, Torae, Varsity Squad, Stanza, Grip Plyaz, Killa Kyleon, Voli, RayDawn, Reef The Lost Cauze, Statik Selektah, Sha Stimuli, A.Dd+ and Clan Destined.

New Jersey’s Kosha Dillz, Michigan’s JYoung The General and North Carolina’s Joe Scudda won HipHopDX’s Pick 3 interactive contest to join headliners Random Axe, Freeway and Homeboy Sandman on the October 6 showcase.

The DJBooth.net showcase on October 7 presents Big K.R.I.T., Pill, Jean Grae, Aleon Craft, Saigon, Dee-1, J.NiCS, Shane Eli, Yonas, Jon Hope and the League of Extraordinary Gz. The stage will be hosted by Hustle Simmons.

GoodMusicAllDay.com and Earmilk.com have teamed up to present Blog Party on an outdoor stage on October 8 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. featuring artists MURS, Ski Beatz, Phil Ade, Young Scolla, Tabi Bonney, Nottz, G-Eazy, Huey Mack and NatNaiel.

In addition to more than 200 live performances, A3C provides educational and professional development content. There will be eleven panel discussions on topics including marketing, licensing, production, media, international strategy, visual interpretation, women in Hip Hop and more. Confirmed panelists include industry professionals such as DJ Burn One, Wendy Day of the Rap Coalition, HipHopDX Editor in Chief Jake Paine, John Gotty of the Smoking Section, SESAC’s Cappriccieo Scates, Universal Music Group’s Ricardo Spicer and A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi.

As an official media sponsor of this year’s A3C Hip Hop Festival, KN.com will be there in full effect! Don’t forget to join us at our official A3C showcase, The Underground Express, October 6 from 6 – 10:30pm at the outside stage. Justin, Arasia and myself hope to meet you all there!

Specific showcase, panel, artist, and event updates will continue to be announced through the A3C website through the event’s start on October 6, 2011. For more information about becoming involved in the A3C as an artist, partner, volunteer or media representative, visit www.a3cfestival.com.

HiPNOTT Records September 2011 Newsletter

Kevin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:00:32 +0000

If you’ve missed any of the great music HiPNOTT Records has put out in the past 30 days, we’ve got you covered with the latest newsletter. Check out what’s new and what’s coming up at the HiPNOTT camp…

LAUNCH NEWSLETTER

Potholes In My Blog Announces New Record Label With the Release of New Grillade 7″ Vinyl Single

Kevin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:00:22 +0000

Looks like KN isn’t the only blog with a record label anymore! (For those that don’t know I own and run HiPNOTT Records.) Potholes In My Blog announced this week the launch of their new label, aptly called Potholes In My Blog. Their first release comes in the form of a vinyl single from the group Grillade. Hit the jump for the full press release…

Potholes In My Blog takes a step forward in its role as a tastemaker in all things underground music by launching its very own record label. The award-winning site’s first release is a limited edition 7″ single with San Francisco’s own Grillade, a band of six artists who bend soul, R&B, and funk.

Grillade recently collaborated with boiling under rapper-producer Big K.R.I.T on the critically crushed upon Wuz Here Sessions EP. One half of the band collectively known as The Park has also been busy rocking live everywhere from the Troubador to Last Call With Carson Daly alongside incendiary gangster MC Freddie Gibbs.

On their debut vinyl release Dream Of You/The Meeting, Grillade takes their own reign and shines. The two tracks on the single — “Dream of You” and “The Meeting” — showcase the band’s strongest elements: their lively, enraptured instrumentation and the stunningly endearing vocals of lead singer Ragen Fykes. The tracks create a soulful, playful, retro-fresh universe with Fykes leading the band on a romantic escapade through “Dream of You” and reminiscing on “The Meeting” alongside groove-heavy snaps, funky guitars, and graceful keys.

VISIT THE POTHOLES STORE

Grillade – “Dream of You (Emotionally Yours)” by PotholesInMyBlog

Grillade – “The Meeting” by PotholesInMyBlog

Scarface Protege Confirms Geto Boys Member Has Been Released From Prison

Justin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:22:34 +0000

B. James, who appeared multiple times on Dopeman Music, has confirmed that the legendary Scarface is indeed a free man once again in an interview with Dubcnn. The Geto Boys member had been in jail since November due to unpaid child support. Apparently the Houston legend is already back to making music, but B. James had some choices words for people he feels didn’t show love to Scarface.

“A lot of people in the rap game didn’t support or rally up to help him in his time of need and I feel like it should have been that way because he’s shown love to so many people throughout his career. If it was any other type of superstar, we always support our brothers like T.I., Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, when they got locked up, we rallied up and yelled “free them” but why didn’t we do the same for Uncle Face? I feel like everything will work out the way it’s supposed to anyways now that he’s free though. Things are about to change.”

HiPNOTT Records Signs Digital Distro Deal With Soulspazm + 2011 Release Schedule

Kevin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:04:28 +0000

HiPNOTT Records recently signed a digital distro deal with Soulspazm Records. The details on this news plus our full 2011 album release schedule can be found in our August 2011 Newsletter.

READ THE CURRENT NEWSLETTER

Bilal: US Tour Announcement x Remix Album

Justin — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:15:49 +0000

The Soulquarians’ own Bilal is embarking on a US Tour, which you can check out the dates for on the above flyer. Look out for an interview with the singer/songwriter from Arasia after his stop in Chicago on September 5th. In addition to this tour, Bilal has announced that a remix album of his Airtight’s Revenge [purchase] will be released before the year is over. The project will feature a variety of remixes from the likes of Black Milk, Jake One & Exile as well as house music producer Little Louie Vega.

Rest In Peace Tim Smooth

Justin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:56:37 +0000

Sad news to pass along today as NOLA.com is reporting that New Orleans pioneer Tim Smooth has passed away at age 39 after an extended battle with lung cancer. The New Orleans emcee was a part of Rap-A-Lot Records in the early 90′s, releasing the well regarded Straight Up Drivin’ Em album with Too Cool. Tim later went on to be a part of one of New Orleans’ most popular labels, Big Boy Records, mentoring Mystikal as a writer during the beginning of his career. He was working a new project with Jr. Mack as The Mighty Pimptations before his passing. Hit the jump for a few of Tim’s finest recordings if you’re unfamiliar with his work. R.I.P. Tim Smooth!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4S36-dWFXg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CzYHTRPJ8I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj1hbSGZJPk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWeiB8jnDOE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnpxoHWaMKE

Goodie Mob Reunion Album Will Be Released This Fall According To Cee-Lo

Justin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:00:25 +0000

They’re back! After much talk & speculation, Cee-Lo has confirmed that long awaited Goodie Mob reunion album will be released this fall. According to the Lady Killer, the title of the LP will be We Sell Drugs Too. The group’s last album featuring all four members was 1999′s disappointing World Party. Big Gipp, Khujo & T-Mo released One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show in 2004 without Cee-Lo who had embarked on his solo career. Expect more info on the album soon and hopefully a song or two if things go as the Mob has planned. Hopefully with Cee-Lo’s increased fame in this past couple of years, this reunion LP can turn out to be something big for hip hop.

Kool G Rap & Necro Releasing Collaboration Album Next Year

Justin — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:01:14 +0000

Necro announced today that he and the legendary Kool G Rap will releasing as collaboration LP as The Godfathers in 2012. It sounds like Necro will be rapping on this one too, but regardless he’ll be producing the entire project. So what’s your thoughts on this new combination? Personally I’m much more interested if Necro just did the production since I’m not a big fan of his work as an emcee, but a Kool G Rap album produced by him sounds very intriguing. For more information, hit up the duo’s newly created Facebook page.

Pete Marriott’s “The Champ Is Here” Is The #1 Song On College Radio This Week!

Kevin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:39:44 +0000

Congratulations to Pete Marriott and Full Time Grind for having the #1 single in the country this week on both the Rap Attack Charts and Rap Network Charts for their latest single, “The Champ Is Here”, available now on HiPNOTT Records! This is the first time a HiPNOTT Records single has made it to the number one spot on college radio, so this is a huge deal for us. Be on the look out for the official video for “The Champ Is Here” as well as the official HiPNOTT Remix, featuring HiPNOTT emcees such as junclassic, The Regiment, Skinny-C, Jermiside and The Bodega Brovas!

The Champ Is Here [Digital Single] by Pete Marriott & Full Time Grind