A&R Official Blog

Jerry Rice featured in Kobe System Commercial

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Kobe Bryant is going full fledge with the "Kobe System" commercials and here is one focused on none other than ALL-TIME GREAT San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice. DOMINATION!

Hate Religion, But Love Jesus!

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:46:00 +0000

This is one of the most powerful spoken word pieces that I've ever heard in my life. My boy Jake hipped me to this earlier today and I just had to share it. With over 16 million views I can honestly admit that I am super LATE on catching onto this but I am glad I seen this. What I love most is that he's bringing you his point of view and is expressing how he feels. And I agree with a lot of what he's saying. Religion really does more separation in the world, than bringing people of the world together. This is a must see! Check it out!

My Last Verse #7

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:32:00 +0000

About My Dreams

I don't ever remember being innocent
I don't remember all the sins I ever did
Way too many to put on a certain list
By faith I am forgiven I am certain it
Has got me to a point to where I am tired
Don't wanna do the same
I wanna move higher
Some people smoke weed
or shoot up in they veins
I rather focus and get higher that way
That's my preference
and please don't hate me for it
A change is coming
I shall not ignore it
His story's
Historic
Paterno enjoyed it
Longevity
Negative motions aborted
Just wanted a condo
On the highest of floors
A room as a closest
Sneakers galore
Provider for all
A giver
A leader
I fight for righteous
Forever a dreamer.

Thank you Sounds FoReal.com

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Thank you so much to Sounds FoReal.com for the article they posted last night! It is rare that a site will take so much time and space to write about an up and coming artist, so the work put into the piece is definitely appreciated! Sounds FoReal really gets to the essence of who an artist is, and has a great ear for talent - be sure to check 'em out. The site also has it's own radio station that will be playing some of A&R's music, so be sure to listen to that as well!

When first listening to a mixtape or album, the first song says a lot to me. It says either I will continue to listen to this album, or I call it straight garbage and then I'm back to watching Cartoon Network. I downloaded Hip Hop Artist, A&R's "Cool is Where I Live" Mixtape, and I knew right off the back he was worth doing an article on. His song "Greatness", which is the first track off of the mixtape and starts off with a Muhammad Ali quote, grasped my attention in such a way that made me feel like i was back in the 90s listening to real HIP HOP. You know, that feeling you get when everything just seems good and life it self is going to... continue reading on Sounds FoReal.com

Follow Sounds FoReal on twitter: @soundsforeal

Pharrell Williams Records I Am Other Theme Song With Orchestra

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:41:00 +0000

"I Am Here to Motivate Your Soul" is one of my many quotes I often use...and this Clip right here is something BEYOND special. Here is Pharrell Williams recording the theme music for his new venture "I Am Other". I Am Other is a new record label Skateboard P formed to push the boundaries of music and he's doing just that with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra at the University Of Miami Frost School Of Music. This is incredible!

Live Your Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:09:00 +0000

I'm a kid from St. Paul, Minnesota. I grew up a sports fanatic who idolized people like Jerry Rice and Magic Johnson. I always thought I would be a professional athlete, but when I was 13 years old I was diagnosed with a condition called Graves Disease and a heart murmur that stopped me from playing all sports and nearly took me out. Because of that, I turned my focus to another passion that I started developing at 9 years old. That passion is music. Music changed my life, it gave me a voice, it moved me in the most incredible way.

I've had incredible success. I have had so many accomplishments and have so many memories, but still I haven't reached my vision yet. I am determined to do ALL of the things GOD has blessed me to do. Some people are blessed with talent in one area or a few, but God really blessed me with talent in several and I feel it’s my personal duty to use them. Until I fulfill that duty I am not complete. While others sleep, I work; while others relax; I work. There is no stopping until I have accomplished everything I envision.

I didn't grow up around a single college graduate. As a child, I didn’t have an adult in my family that hadn’t been to jail or the penitentiary. I had no mentors at all! Throughout my entire education, only one teacher made a difference in my life: my second grade teacher Mrs. Bell. She always told me not to let anybody stop me from living my dreams. She changed my life when she put the autobiography of Malcolm X in my hand, the hand of a second grader with a learning disability, and made me read it front to back. Mrs. Bell and that book taught me that no matter what your circumstances are, you can make it. It taught me that people are afraid of strength; they are afraid of words that are backed by action. They are afraid of achieving their dreams and are limited by what is expected. It taught me resilience: how to turn a negative into a positive; that you keep on moving, even when the people closest to you hurt you, and to never let that slow you down.

"I only get better" is not just something I say, it’s what drives me every single day of my life! I want to teach kids from my neighborhood and all across the world that you don't have to live by limits! You can dream, and if you work hard you can live those dreams. You don't have to be born in a big city, or come from a rich family in order to be successful in life. You can be just who you are: a poor kid, from a regular city; and have dreams, live them, and inspire the world!

#ionlygetbetter

Industry Review to feature A&R

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:22:00 +0000

Catch A&R this Monday, January 16, 2012 on Industry Revue In The Mix at 1:00pm CST. 2012 is going to be a big year, so be sure to tune in to find out what's in the works!

About the show:

Industry Revue In the Mix runs 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST Monday - Friday. The show has created an avenue for up and coming acts and celebrities in the field of Arts and Entertainment to promote their material to an audience of over 30 countries. Williams, makes it very easy for the interviewee to open up to him. His interview style is more like a conversation between friends, "It's always very important that when I am interviewing these celebrities to ask them to give words of encouragement to individuals that are trying to succeed in the entertainment business. The advice is not only for our listeners, it's for me too." He said. "It doesn't matter how old you are, if you started a family or what your parents think. If you believe that the arts are for you then go for it!" He added. "I certainly had/have my days when I say, Martone what are you doing? Then I quickly answer myself, I am doing what I love and no one is going to stop me. It doesn't matter who tells me no."

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Asher Bradshaw (7 yrs old skater) from eDsanca on Vimeo.

This is very impressive! 7 year old Skate Phenom Asher Bradshaw showcases his skills in Venice Beach skate park! Check it out!

Frank Ocean Interview with Sounds of BBC

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Frank Ocean breaks down Nostalgia, Ultra in a very impressive way. I was hipped to Franks work by my man Dev out in Lauderdale last year and since listening to Nostalgia I was very impressed and became an instant fan of his music. "Lovecrimes", "We all try", and "Songs For Women" are some of my favorites from the project. Also his works with the likes of Beyonce ("I miss you") and The Throne ("No Church In The Wild", "Made In America") are dope too. The best thing about this interview is the news of Nostalgia, LITE coming this spring. Check it out!

My Last Verse #6

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:21:00 +0000

I thank god for my Adam's

And my Apples (vocals)

A Clever way to say

I love what I'm spiting at U

At You

Now u adapt to
The fact that I am that dude
If that do
What shots do
Than that proves
Its the truth
It hurts
I know pain
Without it I know no gain
Misery loves company
That's why we don't hold hands
Not my style to Acquaint
Myself
With what don't paint
A picture
Like a seed to a tree
Cause growth
Is mostly
Everything to me
Without it I'm not me
Without it I would be
That fly nigga standing on the block
With no use for my wings
Content I would be
Content is not me
Cause I see
I seen
The power of the green
The power of the tree
My family and me
My roots
My reign
The soil that I came
From
Is ingredients to everything I sing!

Thank you Hip Hop Headquarters!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:03:00 +0000

Check out Hip Hop Headquarters for their feature of A&R's M.F.M.B. While you're at it, take a look around. Great site supporting the independent artist!

Antonio “A&R” Richardson promises growth in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Erin) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:43:00 +0000

For Antonio “A&R” Richardson 2011 was great, but in 2012 he’ll only get better.

For Antonio “A&R” Richardson, 2011 was a year of development. The Saint Paul, Minn. hip hop artist and actor built on the success he experienced in 2009 and 2010 to further challenge himself to only get better.

In 2011, Richardson saw the release of two major motion pictures, DreamWorks’ Transformers 3 and Warner Bros’ Contagion, both of which he had the pleasure of being cast in. He also released Cool Is Where I Live, a mixtape available on his website, ionlygetbetter.com.

Perhaps the most rewarding challenge for Richardson in 2011 was the launch of his brand, Busy Little Beavers. Creating a clothing line has been a lifelong dream for Richardson, who is continuously cultivating his own style to represent his individuality using the newest trends to compliment his classic style. As an entrepreneur, Richardson values innovation, creativity, and ambition. He emphasizes attention to detail and quality in everything he does. Busy Little Beavers is no exception; Richardson takes great care in creating a product that lives up to his values: detail is key; quality is common sense. The name Busy Little Beavers came from a recording studio session Richardson had in April 2011. The name refers to a sound that moved Richardson, “I asked my producer what the sound was called and he told me “Busy Little Beaver”. I couldn’t explain it, but the name struck me.” For Richardson, Busy Little Beavers was the brand he had been trying to formulate his entire life.

Richardson also had the honor of participating in an after school program for the students of Elizabeth Hall Elementary School in Minneapolis, Minn. The program was developed to improve test scores by providing students with a structured environment to increase academic skills through participation in enrichment activities of their choice. When the program was looking for a music teacher for the fourth and fifth grade students, Richardson was a natural choice. “Music has really saved my life, I don’t know where I would be without it”, says Richardson, who was the same age as his students when he began writing music.

Fans can expect 2012 to be just as busy for Richardson, who plans to release both a mixtape and album in the coming months and to continue to build Busy Little Beavers. Richardson also has a few new business ventures on the horizon that will be sure to please his many followers.

Continue to follow ionlygetbetter.com for all the latest news on Richardson's many projects. For more information on Busy Little Beavers, visit busylilbeavers.com.

Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:27:00 +0000

Follow A&R through the Windy City of Chicago with live footage from the Watch The Throne Tour at the United Center, Hilton Hotel Downtown Chicago and more. Also get a sneak peak at the Busy Culture "Snood" coming fall 2012.

ionlygetbetter.com
busylilbeavers.com

Drew Bezanson

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:33:00 +0000

Drew Bezanson from Justen Soule on Vimeo.

Drew Bezanson is something special for real! No Need For Words! Just Watch!

Performance By Comedian Boima Freeman

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:10:00 +0000

Comedian Boima Freeman Performs at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis, MN rocking the Busy Brain White Tee! Get yours now at www.busylilbeavers.com

Watch The Throne Tour Behind The Scene's Episode 2

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:43:00 +0000

The Chi by toobu13

This was a very well put together video and i'm proud to say that I was there in attendance that night in Chicago for the Watch The Throne Concert on December 1st! Check out this footage with cameo's by Don C and Spike Lee! Amazing!

Nike Thursdays: Nike Air Up

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:46:00 +0000

The Nike Air Up was released in 1994. This design is often forgotten about but still dope in my Book! Player Editions were given to Penny Hardaway and Scottie Pippen to add hype and popularity when they were released. I like the zag shape in the white, it adds that layer of movement and visibility in the design, and the "Up" drawn on the bottom near the heel is dope. This is one of the rare Nike designs that have not been a retro release thus far, Maybe one day Nike will let these back out the cage. Enjoy! Nike!

Ice Cube Visit The Eames Home

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:29:00 +0000

Most of you know that i'm a huge Ice Cube fan...this was a different look for the legend. Before Ice Cube made it big with NWA he studied Architectural Drafting and this clip he gives some impressive descriptions and insight into the Eames family! Check this out, its a must see!

Busy Little Beavers V State Promo

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Busy Little Beavers is now being sold in V State Clothing Store in Calhoun Square Mall in Minneapolis Uptown area. V State is located on the 1st Floor at 3001 Hennepin ave Minneapolis, MN 55408! Check it out!

Support Foot Locker Commercial!!

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:29:00 +0000

This is funny! Clever way to say I want the Retro 14s (Panthers & Candy Canes), 11s (Concords), 4s (Cement), and Foamposites (Electric Red) for Christmas! lol Check this out!

Johnathan Mannion at Art Basel Miami

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

TEAM MADE AT ART BASEL MIAMI - EPISODE 3: JONATHAN MANNION EXHIBITION from MADE Blog on Vimeo.

John Mannion is a photographer that I've been following for a while now, his work dates all the way back to Jay-Z's first Album Cover "Reasonable Doubt". He is the pulse behind RESPECT which is one of the best newly formed and released magazines in my opinion in a long time. Here is a video where he breaks down his creative process and more at Art Basel in Miami! Check it out!

Presidential Point Of View

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:34:00 +0000

I'm Out For Presidents to represent me!
- Nas

G- Shock Nigel Sylvester "1987" video

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:37:00 +0000

"Hard Work Beats Talent, When Talent Doesn't Work Hard"! I love that quote! I've been a fan of Nigel Sylvester for a while now and this is hands down his best video to me. This 1987 video game inspired video shows Nigel doing what he does best on yellow tape areas, construction sites and all. This video was brought to you courtesy of G Shock! Enjoy!

Pharrell Williams on The Tanning Of America

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

The Tanning Effect - Pharrell (Part Two)

Check out Part 2 of Steve Stoute interviewing Pharell Williams on the maturation of Justin Timberlake and Michael Jacksons surprise involvement.

Heavy D Speaks!

noreply@blogger.com (AandR Rising Hip Hop Star) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Get More: Music News

This was a interesting video to see, i remember Heavy D and Biggie having a good relationship and working together and seeing this video clip reminds me of something Big had said before...looks like he took a page from Heavy about being Loved but BIG also was striving to be the best. Heavy D remained loved and respected even way passed his time in the spotlight. Check out a clip from his bother below!

Get More: Music News