TaraMarieEnt

"Hillmatic" Showcase in Chapel Hill

2015-08-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

When it comes to the HipHop History of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is one of the foundation landmarks. With venues such as The Local 506, Cats Cradle and the now closed Jack Sprat, the town is rich with monumental events. In the forefront of this history is Kevin "Kaze" Thomas, as one of the few OGs still pushing and repping the HipHop Culture of this predominately college run town.

The 1st Annual "Hillmatic" Showcase promises to deliver a peek into the past, present & future of Chapel Hill's talent. 20+ years of HipHop in the Hill! Most emcees I've met and/or worked with reminisce about "Microphone Mondays", the legendary beat battles with Apple Juice Kid, Erv Ford, Khrysis and Skaz, the HipHop Nation TV show and Sunday Night Sessions. Everybody who was anybody emerging from North Carolina's Underground scene came through the Hill at some point in time... J.Cole, TYFU, King Mez, Jozeemo, JGunn, K-Hill, 9th Wonder, Little Brother, Kaze and many more. This "Hillmatic" event promises to deliver a major celebratory night of good music, undeniable talent and unforgettable history. Performers include JSwiss, No9to5, Well$, Fluent, Kaze, and special performances by SkyBlew & The Digidestined Band and J Rowdy & The Nightshift band.

In the words of Kaze:

Wow. The city with so many contributions, hosted moments, and talent instrumental in the Carolina#HipHop Movement its unreal. UNC HipHopNation. TYFU. Sankofa. Haxoba. Underbrush. Dj Pez. Birthplace of the ORIGINAL Apple Chill.The many shows Shaw and Uzi did at Cats Cradle that brought stars within reach. They put us on those shows. L in Japanese. Phonetic. A Typical. LowKey. The MC battles w/ me, Phonte, JGunn, and Jozeemo. HipHopNationTV. Microphone Monday. The legendary Beat Battles. Who gonna win? Erv, Slack, Apple Juice, Dirty, Khrysis or Skaz? Dj Flash and Izzy Nice killing shit. 9th was there. BigDaddyKane. ButtaTeam too. Fayettenam and Durham in the house. But they'll let you know that for sure. Cole was there. So was Nerv. SundayNightSessions. Mez was there. We all were. Every week. Bishop holding it down. Big Darrian at the door. Dr. Katz establishing HipHop curriculum at UNC-CH. Freestyling in The Pit continues til this day. Pierce Freelon and Apple Juice taking BeatLab worldwide. Damn homie I could keep going on and on. But that's what AUG. 22 is for. #HILLMATIC.

Don't miss out on is looking to be a yearly festival of North Carolina's music history!

FOLLOW

Tickets for Hillmatic

@kaze4letters (IG)

@rowdylife (IG)

@jswisshere (IG)

@retro_flu (IG)

@SkyBlewMusic (IG)

Major Green "Stay Tuned"

2015-08-09T14:08:00.001-04:00

If you live anywhere near Raleigh, North Carolina, you have SEEN the name Major Green! When it comes to Marketing himself and his brand, Jabre Green knows exactly what he's doing. He's not only the Artist "MAJOR GREEN", he's also the mind and hands behind iKandi Productions, a Multi-Media Company that handles Engineering, Production, Recording, Photography, Events, Graphics and T-Shirt Pressing. With his wife, Shariah Green, by his side, all I see is a winning combination.

"Stay Tuned" is a well-tuned flow of catchy hooks, strong lyricism, and high energy production, with DJ Cen City (one of the most prominent Indy supporting DJ's in the area) on his hosting job. This is one of those CD's I can pop in, ride to and find myself rapping along with after the first spin. Make sure you catch the video for the intro track, Power, and go check out Major Green on the stage at the 2015 Durm HipHop Summit this coming weekend.

FOLLOW
@major_green (IG)
@MajorGreen_ (Twitter)
@DJCenCity (IG)
@DJCenCity (Twitter)

"IStruggle" by Novacain featuring Jozeemo & Oace Spades

2015-07-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

In times of Civil Unrest, there are still glimpses of Unity, Brotherhood and Concern for our neighbors around us. The daily struggles for Independence, Validity and Justice run deep through our Black communities while the news is rampant with acts of Violence, Injustice and Misuses of Power by our Authority figures. It is long past "the time for change" because the necessary changes have to start within oneself first. "IStruggle" draws us through the desired unity needed between not just our city, but our neighborhoods. You can't lead a people, if you can't first learn to direct yourself.

This song is powerful! Salute and Respect to the artists, Novacain, Jozeemo and Oace Spades.

Follow

@Jozeemo (IG)

@Jozeemo (Twitter)

Oace Spades

@KingElegance (IG)

Novacain

AR Wings Feat. Myles & Tre "Chasing Money"

2015-07-08T14:55:00.000-04:00

The Blu Roc Records/Money League Records/Dusko Boys Movement has been sweeping through North Carolina, lead by Music, Business & Fashion Mogul, Dame Dash, with his 2 right hand partners, JBlack (President of Blu Roc Records) and Bootsie (CEO of Money League Records) putting their stamp on everything they touch. The music group being heavily pushed by this movement are Money League Artists AR Wings, Myles & Tre (hailing from New York and North Carolina).

The song, "Chasing Money", which fits perfect with the Team's lifestyle, released the coinciding video soon after. Video is Directed by Damon Dash.

When it comes to work, this empire of soldiers gets it done, not tomorrow, but yesterday! Follow the #NewNorth

Follow

@iamarwings (IG)

@ARONTHATRACK (Twitter)

@sloucheduptre (IG)

@slouchboym (IG)

@duskoboys (IG)

@iambigbootsie (IG)

@duskopoppington (IG)

@t2g_clothing (IG)

Seven Da Pantha "The Rider" Official Video

2015-07-07T15:47:00.000-04:00

Seven Da Pantha - A Rider from Otrocity on Vimeo.

It's been a minute since I've actually seen the homie, Seven Da Pantha, so I'm glad this came across my timeline and I took the time to watch. The track flows with a nostalgic beat (Produced by Kwest), the content is heartfelt with facts and issues facing the Black Community everyday (Directed by Otrocity).

"A Rider" is someone who is not afraid to stand up for their beliefs, one that will stand beside his fellow man in action and fight for a positive change, and be the leader of such a movement when called upon. I've seen Seven be that person within the Indy scene, for his partner, Apostle (Anthony Adams), and other artists.

Word is that Seven is leaving the East Coast and setting up residence out West. Come celebrate his journey next Thursday, July 16th, at Deep South Bar (430 S. Dawson St. Raleigh, NC) where he will give us his last North Carolina performance on the Power Of The Tongue Showcase, Presented by SpringHill Productions (K-Hill & Azon Blaze).

Follow
Facebook
@Pantha_Politix (IG)
@SevDaPantha (Twitter)
POTT Showcase

Chriz Millz & Ola Cola Da Don "Replay" Official Video

2015-06-28T13:55:00.001-04:00

Chriz Millz & Ola Cola Da Don teamed up on an upcoming project, "Digital Trappin", scheduled for release next month (July 2015), making the Summer of 2015 a HOT one for these Fuquay-Varina/Raleigh, NC Artists. "Replay" boasts a slamming beat (Produced by Ricky Racks) and NBA inspired street slang riddled lyrics that move the listener to bounce to this track. Add in fellow artists Buddy Klein & Lil Bruh and you get over 6 minutes of nonstop Hip Hop action...

Keep posted on the Album Release Party, July 2015.

Follow

iTunes

@MrMillyNC (Twitter)

@MrMillyNC (IG)

@Ola_Cola_Da_Don (Twitter)

@Ola_Cola_Da_Don (IG)

@therealbuddyklein (Twitter)

@OfficialLilBruh (Twitter)

Check Cha$er Website

2015-06-28T12:12:00.001-04:00

Chris "Lil' C. Corleone" Peterson is an American Singer/Rapper

hailing from Smithfield, North Carolina. His recently released Mixtape,

"So Far Faded" (Hosted by DJ Wispas & DJ Arab) is a smooth riding

collection of remixes and original tracks. Lil' C. Corleone highlights

his ability to sing then drops some mastered lyrical content on his

listeners.

"My mission is to make it, be persistent and patient...Ain't nobody

gonna give it to you, you just gotta take it..." comes from Track #8,

"For Me" and it gives the best representation of Lil' C's drive to be a big

player out here in this music game, and nobody is going to get in

his way!

http://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/34106/lil-c-corleone-so-far-faded.html

Follow

@LilCCorleone (Twitter)

Facebook

Soundcloud

Get To Know "Fluent"

2015-06-25T22:43:00.001-04:00

If you live and play around Chapel Hill, North Carolina, you probably know or have seen Aaron "Fluent" Russell in some of the popular hangouts. I watched Fluent get major props and exposure for both his "Supreme Victory" and most recently dropped "Supreme Victory 2" Albums, but wanted to offer a little more about the man, the artist, Fluent.

So, let's talk...

Where does Fluent call home?

I'm originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but I moved to North Carolina in 1999/2000. I went back to Ohio for a year when I was 19, and returned to North Carolina. I consider Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham my home now.

At what age did you start showing an interest in music? And what drew you to HipHop?

I was interested in music from as early as I can remember. Back in Cincy, I was in a school band and could play three different instruments. My biological father was a vocalist in a big band called "Midnight Star". He wasn't around much when I was growing up, but I believe that music is in my veins, genetically. When my mother remarried, her husband Elijah was a musician. We had guitars, a piano, and all sorts of instruments around the house. Even though my stepdad wasn't doing music professionally, I would get to jam with him and his friends. My mom bought me a Rakim tape when I was like 9 or 10 years old. That's when I realized I wanted to rap.

When I moved to NC I discovered an emerging HipHop scene. Seeing all the local venues supporting artists and letting them express themselves inspired me to want to pursue my career as a Hip Hop artist.

Who are some of your mentors, influences and role models when it comes to your music?

The Golden Era of HipHop was my teacher. It taught me the structure of writing songs, building choruses, etc... Nas' ability to tell stories with his records has always been influential, and Fab's versatility is definitely something that's been a model for my own music. His records are consistently laced with songs for the club, the streets and women...they appeal to everyone, and that's what I want my music to do too.

When I was in high school a friend of mine was doing an internship at Zoom Culture and through him I was introduced to Kaze, Ak Slaughter & Ray Bucks. I was a wild kid in the streets getting into all sorts of trouble. Those guys saw the potential in the raw talent I had. They recruited me for a new label they were starting and together we formed the Soul Dojo. This was one of the first Independent movements in the RDU area making noise. Other members included K Slack and K Hill.

You've released 2 great projects in the past year, laced with some Major features, and entirely produced by J.Cardim. What motivated you to go "all out" on these two projects?

I think I started to go all out once I got back from touring Europe, Spain, and France in 2008. The things I saw over there changed my perspective of the music. I knew at that point my craft could take me to the majors. I just had to come up with a plan of attack. I knew that if I invested everything I had into my music, that there was no way I could lose. With my own money combined with investors, I was able to have huge marketing campaigns. Fortunately, I was able to collaborate with some of the biggest artists in the game. Shouts out to Nipsey Hussle and Action Bronson too. We did those records for "SV" right here in NC, organically. Nip brought me right on the tour bus to record "Hustle Till I'm Ballin". That was love. Me and Action knocked out the "Medallion" record right after his show at the cradle. Salute to those guys. With beats from J. Cardim, It was a no brainer. I've been working with him for years. And people are just now seeing the fruits of that hard work. We started working on the Supreme Victory series in Los Angeles back in 2012. We've been making noise every since. A lot of artists don't understand that you have to go all in. Even if that means you go broke doing it. If you believe in yourself. Invest in yourself. That's what I live by. And that's why success is certain.

Tell us what drives you...Fluent, the Rapper?

My love for the music drives me. It's in my veins. Also my will to succeed. To overcome adversity and show NC that anything is possible with calculated moves. I want people to see that you can make an impact from here and make big records while being an Independent Artist. All you have to do is believe in yourself. Sometimes when people see you doing these huge things it's hard for them to grasp it because they feel like they know you. Or came up with you or whatever. Questions like, how is this possible? How is he doing it? Etc... The answer is that that very drive I possess, is what has me in the position that I'm in today. Look at how Nipsey Hussle, Troy Ave and other Major Indy artists, including me, are doing it. This is possible with hard work and I want that top spot. I'm always in competition with myself. In my eyes, I'm only as hot as my last record. That pushes me to be great.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In Life and with your music?

In five years I see myself being one of the biggest artists in the game. And through my imprint, Supreme Regime, Independently I'll be one of the most successful in the circuit. Like I said, I'm pushing myself to be better daily, so it's just a matter of making sure I spend every day making decisions that will get me to where I want to be both in life and music.

What is "SOTC" and what does it mean to you?

SOTC (Sound Of The Culture) is a collective that consists of Kaze and myself. I would say it is the continuation of what Soul Dojo was. SOTC is family. It is also a platform for new up and coming artists who have the same goals of success and unity within the state. SOTC is HipHop. It's R&B. It's Pop. It's Rock. It's House. The culture is about diversity. That's what this movement is about. The whole spectrum.

I want to thank Fluent for letting me share a little more about who he is to the fans, and introduce him to those that may not know him, yet...Check out both "Supreme Victory" and "Supreme Victory 2" today!

Supreme Victory

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supreme-victory/id890623102

Supreme Victory 2

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supreme-victory-2/id996215222

Follow

@retro_flu (IG)

@FluentTheGod (Twitter)

@kaze4letters (IG)

@BlackKennedy (Twitter)

Ron Beatty "Heard About Me"

2015-06-23T14:23:00.000-04:00

Let me just start this post with saying I'm a fan of Ron Beatty (formerly known as Chedda Chapp). He helps to define the mind, drive and ambition of the "Independent Artist". Ron has been one of those artists that keeps you believing in big dreams and the "never give up" philosophy. After his last project, "The Empty Theater", Ron moved to Atlanta, seeking more recognition, more opportunity and more outlets to share his music with. His mentors, since early on, are the same people that played a pivotal role in J. Cole's early career. Brion Unger (Nervous Reck), Noland Hicks & Bobwire. Nerv also produced for Cole's latest album, "2014 Forest Hills Drive".

Ron Beatty just released the 1st single and video from his upcoming album, "Manifest Destiny", and I love the visual backdrop and the content in his lyrics. "Heard About Me" leaves it all on the table about his struggles with his music career. Ron pulls us into his mindset, and I'm sure a lot of other artists will relate to this track. After listening to the words in this song, I'm looking forward the full project because I have a feeling going back to using his government name, Ron Beatty is ready to let the world know exactly what he has to say...About music, life and his future.

Follow
@ronbeattync (IG & Twitter)
@nervreck
Website
Life's Grand

What Is Dame Dash Doing In & For North Carolina?

2015-06-20T17:32:00.001-04:00

Dame Dash is in North Carolina? Why? What's he doing here? Is he signing artists?

These are all questions floating around me, hitting my phone and inbox. All I can reply with is "he's working!" If you have followed Dash's movements since way back to the Roc-A-Fella days, you have seen his name pop up in numerous places, whether it be through TV interviews, blog sites, radio or newspapers. He has NEVER stopped working! I'm not even sure if he can count how many businesses he's either helped launch, or launched for himself. He's definitely not someone who sits around and waits for others to do things for him. So, back to the question "What is he planning on doing for North Carolina?"

So far, he's set up residence near Charlotte, relocated his Poppington Art Gallery to Albemarle, bought a factory in Albemarle to manufacture his clothing line, hosted club parties, held wine tastings for his new Dusko Blu wine, and spoke to the public through several radio stations and the NBC 17 morning program My Carolina Today. Dame has also been Directing movies, with 2 releasing in the past month, "Too Honorable" & "Loisaidas", both were Executive Produced by Kanye West. What he seems to be most passionate about at this point in his life though is Educating others with the knowledge he learned from the Entertainment business and Life in general. Through his own Poppington Academy, Dame is setting up seminars throughout North Carolina, with the 1st one happening tonight at his Art Gallery in Albemarle. These settings put him "one on one" per say with the audience. He speaks and then takes questions from those listening, with his main goal being to encourage those who want more to "Invest In Yourself". Don't let what you want in life be hindered by anyone, including yourself.

Finding a way to be his own boss has allowed Dame to move the way he does, to open shop wherever he chooses, and to share his experiences with other future entrepreneurs.

Damon Dash is the CEO of BluRoc Records, but has placed one of his closest friends, Jermine Lloyd (aka J Black), in place as President of the label, and partnered with another long time friend, Bernard Riggin (aka Big Bootsie), who is the CEO of Money League Records. This team of grinders is seeking new talent among North Carolina's borders, as well as other areas. Are they "creating an Industry" here? Only time will tell, and the receptiveness of those in the Independent music scene.

I've had the opportunity to speak some to Dash, and to see the excitement he gets about starting something new, and as the CEO of my own Entertainment company (TaraMarie Entertainment LLC), President of Groundbreaking Music Group, Public Relations for King F.A.M.E. (Marcus Legette) and PR for Kaze (Kevin Thomas), I am hopeful that the Economic AND Industry boom that may come of this "BluRoc/Dusko Blu/Money League" movement through our state is going to be one of the major pieces of the puzzle that we have been lacking.

Follow:

@duskopoppington (Dame Dash-IG)

@DashDamon (Dame Dash-Twitter)

@raquelmhorn (Raquel-IG)

@t2g_clothing (J Black/BluRoc-IG)

@iambigbootsie (Money Leaugue-IG)

@poppingtonart (Poppington Art Gallery-IG)

@damondashstudios (Movies-IG)

@groundbreakingent (Groundbreaking-IG)

@groundbreakingmusicgroup (GMG-IG)

@iamkingfame (King F.A.M.E.-IG)

@kaze4letters (Kaze-IG)

@taramarieentllc (TaraMarie Ent-IG)

Fluent "Take You Down" Feat. Joe Budden

2014-06-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

Chapel Hill, North Carolina artist, Fluent, isn't playing around this year! His upcoming album, "Supreme Victory", will be flooded with features, including "Take You Down" featuring Slaughterhouse member, Joe Budden. The album also pairs Fluent with Producer J. Cardim, who carries credits with Akon, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Talib Kweli and many others. "Take You Down" has an unfamiliar, eerie sound, with a heavy lyrical drop by Fluent, which sets the song off.

"Supreme Victory" will be released July 15th, 2014, under the "Sound Of The Culture" Independent Label. Pre-Orders are being taken through iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/supreme-victory/id890623102

Follow Fluent
@FluentTheGod (Twitter)
@retro_flu (IG)
Facebook
iTunes

Major Green "Art Gallery"

2014-06-25T11:48:00.001-04:00

It took me a minute to finally sit back and check this song out, and I've played it numerous times since. Major Green is a man of many talents, and I'm loving the sound and flow of "Art Gallery". Being the CEO/Creator of iKandi Productions has inspired Major Green to learn every aspect of the music and entertainment business. He not only writes and records music, he also produces, does his own Mixing and Mastering, edits videos, designs his own artwork and flyers, presses his own tees and duplicates cd's. He's a "Business" in himself.

"Art Gallery" features singer T. Graham, Production credit goes to Tspoon.

Major Green, aka Jabre Green, is currently working on his new album, and recently released the Official Video for another favorite of mine, "Good And The Bad".

Download "Art Gallery"

Audiomack

iTunes

CDBaby

Follow Major Green

Facebook

@MajorGreen_ (Twitter)

@major_green (IG)

Website

Kenny Macguyver "Diary Of A StepDad" Official Video

2014-06-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a battle rapper gets the chance to step out of the streets and into the life of a family man, and it changes him. Durham, NC's Kenny Macguyver's heartfelt lyrics on "Diary Of A StepDad" tell his personal story of how his life has evolved in 2014 as he stepped into the role of a stepfather of 3 young children. He's also been leaking hints to the building of his upcoming new album "For Mature Audiences Only". This video features his fiance, Mosca Flux, and the children he's helping to raise.

Follow Kenny Macguyver

@kennymacguyver (Twitter)

@kennymacguyver (IG)

YouTube

Website

Tigo B Featuring Brandon D "9 to 5" Official Video

2014-06-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

A song most of us can relate to..."I never want to work a 9 to 5"

"9 to 5" is off the newest project release by Tigo B, "Rise: A Gemini Story", and features Greensboro, North Carolina Legend, Brandon D. From the mind of an Independent Artist, who knows the struggles and the potential of that 24/7 grind, "You're either working for a dream or a dream is working for you". Both Tigo B and Brandon D are relentless in their pursuit of never having to work a "9 to 5".

Download entire "Rise: A Gemini Story" project at LiveMixtapes.com

Follow Tigo B

@TigoBMusic (Twitter)

@tigobmusic (IG)

Website

Follow Brandon D

@brandondllc (IG)

Facebook

#GottaGoToWork Tour With King F.A.M.E.

2014-05-22T18:12:00.000-04:00

King F.A.M.E. has posted his #GottaGoToWork Tour dates recently through his social media networks. If you can't tell already, he's a man on the move, and an Artist that doesn't believe in anything holding him back from reaching success. With his hit single "Jay Bilas" spinning on the radio, in clubs across the states and overseas, and physical copies put into the hands of Industry DJ's and Executives, he's now on the road introducing himself to the fans face to face. Keep posted on the venues hosting King F.A.M.E.'s appearances by following @Groundbreaking on Instagram and Twitter...

This weekend King F.A.M.E. will be appearing at three venues during Myrtle Beach's famed #BikeWeek...

"Jay Bilas" (Free Download)

Follow King F.A.M.E.
@iamkingfame (Twitter)
@iamkingfame (IG)
@Groundbreaking (Twitter)
@Groundbreakingent (IG)
Website

#InTheStreets With DJ ESudd

2014-05-22T11:57:00.001-04:00

The name "DJ ESudd" is a familiar one if you're from the Greensboro area of North Carolina, outside of NC he's most known as the Official DJ for "2Chainz". DJ ESudd stays busy between being on the road touring, networking and supporting the Up & Coming artists through Chophouze Studio's and getting his Mixtapes built and out to the public.

I was able to grab some advice from DJ ESudd recently outside of the Underground Rich Tour held at Greene Street Club last week...Hit play to hear what he had to say...

Follow DJ ESudd

@djesudd (Twitter)

@djesudd (IG)

#InTheStreets With Brandon D & Nikki Nikole Davis

2014-05-21T10:53:00.000-04:00

I caught up with one of the original North Carolina grinders, Brandon D., recently in his hometown of Greensboro after the Chophouze Studio sponsored "Underground Rich Tour" in which Brandon hit the stage for the first time in 5 years. Side by side with his wife, Nikki Nikole, he proved that he's still here, and his fans are still rocking with him...

Hit play and catch up with where they've been and where their future is leading them...

Follow Brandon & Nikki Davis

@brandondllc (IG)

@nikki2hot4radio (IG & Twitter)

@4dreamersonly

@scarletmythcosmetics

Nikki's Website

ILLPO-ODE Official Video

2014-05-20T16:14:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already heard of "ILLPO", let me introduce you to two of the hottest Hip Hop artists out of Greensboro, North Carolina. They go by the names "Boones" & "Bond" and when they hit the stage they set off an incredible tag team of lyrical comraderie that sets them apart from so many others. Their newest project, "Dopamine", is produced by one of Raleigh, NC's hottest Producers (and one of my favorite's), D.R.U.G.S. Beats (Credits with 50 Cent and Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Young Dro, Ludacris, Big Boi and others) with executive production by CBoogs. ILLPO-ODE is the 1st video from the UpSouth Musik represented rap duo from the "Dopamine" project.

ILLPO doesn't give you fabricated rhymes, they offer you an upbeat sound that's reminiscent of the organic vibe of the Hip Hop culture. "Dopamine" is scheduled for a Memorial Day release...Watch for it and make sure you grab that!

Follow ILLPO

@ILLPO

@Boones_Illpo

@illpo_bondburna (IG)

@boonesillpo (IG)

Facebook

UpSouth Musik

Follow D.R.U.G.S.

Soundcloud

Facebook

Twitter

Ashley Mar Shell..."Call Me Up" #PopUp Video

2014-05-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

The Official Full-length "Call Me Up" #PopUp Video by Ashley Mar Shell, directed by Joe Murdock III aka Jozeemo, BHE CEO. Comment, Share, and support one of North Carolina's break out R&B Diva's!! Guest appearances by Marc Law and voice of Skaz Digga...

Subscribe to Ashley's VEVO page...

Follow Ashley Mar Shell

Facebook

Reverbnation

@AshleyMarShell (Twitter)

@AshleyMarShell (IG)

AshleyMarShellVEVO

Follow BlockHuggerz

@Jozeemo

Facebook

OACE of Spades "RAP REVELATION"

2014-05-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

You want the Boom Bap back? Look no further then Durham, NC's Oace of Spades "Legacy Thru The Loudspeaker" Album. Released in March of this year and distributed hand to hand, Oace captured that real boom bap sound from beginning to end. Best known for his revolutionary minded delivery and intense respect for the culture, Oace went back to his music roots and brought in features from his hometown including Igwe Fogg, Bipp Webb, Bull City Relle. "Rap Revelation" (featuring Mad Whys) is the 1st visual from the project.

Follow Oace

Facebook

Reverbnation

@kingelegance (IG)

DURHAM BOIZ "AUTOMATIC" Short Film Music Video

2014-04-21T14:01:00.000-04:00

The name "Durham Boiz" has been circulating around the Triangle area of North Carolina for about a year now. They are steadily building a following outside of the state as well from South Carolina to Atlanta. So who are the Durham Boiz? They are a coalition of individual HipHop artists representing Durham, North Carolina, that came together after seeing a need for unity among the music scene around them. Each coming from different sides of their hometown, with a collective focus of representing on a larger scale. OZ is a lyrical monster, cutting out his own lane in the music world. His style and sound are hard to label under one niche in the HipHop genre, but he's one of my favorite artists and entertainers from this area. Harvey J has always been the guy with a plan, and the drive to bring it into existence. He is currently the new owner of a unique, Indy focused & supporting clothing store, Runway Rebellion, located in Four Seasons Plaza (Greensboro, NC). He's 20 years old!! Tobot East is the beatmaker and one of the artists. Shawn Da Don progressed as a battle rapper to an Official artist. Kash's goal is to show those he came up with that there is more to life and Durham then running the streets. He's forming his own path through the music with a positive message. Video production by DeVon Jackson (@dev_shotya)

Ok, Ok, let me stop with all the details as to who Durham Boiz are and get to the HIGHLY ANTICIPATED Video for "Automatic"!! And shout out to "Buttercream Jones" for his hilarious cameo... #BullCity

Follow "Durham Boiz"

Ciroc Pop "Whore's Cry" Official Video

2014-04-21T12:43:00.000-04:00

Ciroc Pop - Whore's Cry (Official Music Video) from NARE TV on Vimeo.

Ciroc Pop released his newest video off his "Atazagoraphobia" project a few days ago. "Whore's Cry" follows the life of a prostitute from the streets to her relationship with the 'pimp' that promises her everything, only to take it all away from her. This is a deep track brought to life by Ciroc Pop. Like I said before, "Atazagoraphobia" is a "must have" in your cd collection of HipHop coming out of North Carolina this year.

Download "Atazagoraphobia"

Amazon

iTunes

Follow Ciroc Pop

Facebook

@CirocPop (Twitter)

@CirocPop (Instagram)

Live With Prince Po #AnimalSerum

2014-04-06T13:31:00.001-04:00

If you are a true HipHop head, like myself, you know who "Organized Konfusion" is...

Prince Po and Pharoahe Monch (Queens, NY repping) made up the 2 man group, that was one of the most respected and highly acclaimed underground groups of the late 1990's. Originally called "Simply II Positive MCs", later changing their name to "Organized Konfusion" on the advice of Def Jam's Russell Simmons, had a slow start in their early career. Eventually signing a deal with the label "Hollywood BASIC", Organized Konfusion released their first full-length self-titled album in 1991. The single "Walk Into The Sun" peaked at #15 on the Hot Rap Singles charts. Their 2nd album "Stress: The Extinction Agenda" released in 1994, featuring childhood friend, O.C. and Tribe Called Quest's "Q-Tip", was more widely acclaimed, with the stand-out single "Stray Bullet". After several years of featuring on other projects, Prince Po and Pharoahe Monch released their 3rd album, "The Equinox", in 1997. The concept-based album received less critical acclaim, yet charted higher on the Billboard than the previous 2 albums.

Wanting to preserve the name built for their group, the duo parted in the late 90's. Prince Po focused on his own company of artists and Pharoahe Monch branched out as a solo artist. Since then, both MCs have released solo albums, the most current for Prince Po being "Animal Serum" with features from Monch, O.C., Sadat X and Production by Oh No (Stones Throw Records, credits Gangrene, The Alchemist, MadLib, Mos Def). The album reached #1 on National College Radio charts and has received high reviews from HipHop based blogsites and reviewers. A definite must have for us true "hiphopheads"!

Check out the "just released" video from Animal Serum..."SMASH" featuring O.C. and Pharoahe Monch...

Follow Prince Po

@Princepo (Twitter)

@princepo69 (IG)

Facebook

iTunes (Animal Serum)

Kaze "Young Jordan" Feat. Fluent & Ease

2014-04-04T12:15:00.000-04:00

Since I'm asked on the regular "What's Kaze up to?" let me give you all an update. After moving to the West Coast last year and leaving his mark, Kaze came back to North Carolina to handle some business. He is currently set up at Bull City Sound Studio in Durham working on new music, scheduled for a Summer 2014 release, and building his SOTC (Sound Of The Culture) Independent label with fellow emcee Fluent. Fluent recently released "Hustle Till I'm Ballin" featuring Nipsey Hussle and has tracks with Joe Budden and Action Bronson on deck.

Some of you may have been seeing Kaze appearing on "My Carolina Today" (NBC17) with Valonda Calloway. Kaze has been invited to be the guest host twice a month for their "On The Map" segment, focusing on Arts & Entertainment events going on in the area.

Kaze is keeping all lanes open for the future with plans to continue connecting with other music and entertainment markets, focusing on L.A., New York and Atlanta. Stay tuned for this Summer's new sounds from SOTC...in the meantime, Press Play on this new "Young Jordan" track, featuring Chapel Hill artists Fluent and Ease...

Follow Kaze
@BlackKennedy (Twitter)
@kaze4letters (IG)
Website

Lil Bob "120"

2014-04-04T11:34:00.000-04:00

Daniel "Lil Bob" Thompson is a D.C. native currently residing in Durham, North Carolina. As a member of the local Realer Music Group, Lil Bob has been lighting stages up both with the collective and as a solo artist. You can't just "be" in the crowd when Lil Bob is rocking, he draws you in and encourages your crowd participation!

"120" is the 1st single from his upcoming project "FYAH" (Forever Young Ambitious & Humble). There's an electronic sound lacing this track with BARS!!

Follow Lil Bob
Facebook
@itslilbobdoe
Reverbnation
@lilbobdoe