Artistic Manifesto

Big K.R.I.T. - Boobie Miles

2012-02-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

"The first song i wanted to release from #4evaNaDay is called Boobie Miles. It's about overcoming all the obstacles that block your dreams, the sacrifices that come with how hard you have to go to obtain your goal, giving your all no matter what the situation. The only difference between a winner and a loser is a winner plays until he wins." – K.R.I.T.

Melo-X - Fewture

2012-02-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

"From soundscape like tracks and piano solos, to head nodding drumloops and broken beats MeLo is truly free of any genre or style. Complex but groove worthy rhythms infused with soothing and uplifting chords created through strong synths, heavy bass lines and at times just basic piano keys help paint MeLo's vision of the "Fewture". There are even elements of Juke and Dirty South griminess sprinkled throughout this eclectic, abstract, and visionary album."

One of the most visionary artists in today's music scene has released his first entirely instrumental album for your listening pleasure. With a penchant for smooth vibes, and a more diverse palette than most producers can dream of, this is a release you don't want to forget.

Previously: Melo-X Interview

Click "read more" for the purchase link and the video for Fire Geomu.

Purchase "Fewture"

Cris Cab - Echo Boom (Mixtape)

2012-01-31T13:46:00.000-05:00

Cris Cab is a Miami native, without a doubt. Listening to his latest release makes me feel like it's spring break, not the dead of winter. The mellow singer got guest features from Pharrell, Wyclef Jean, Melanie Fiona, and Shaggy, among others to add variety to the project. I love the mix of acoustic and hip-hop influences that characterize the style of the pop singer.

Click "read more" for the download link.

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Emily King - The Seven EP

2012-01-29T16:21:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, right? Talented songwriter and vocalist Emily King's The Seven EP was released last summer. July, to be exact. The native New Yorker thrives in the arena of vintage rhythm and blues, with the occasional touches of rock and pop. Ms. King has been gifted with a delicately beautiful voice that can easily portray a variety of emotions to her listeners.

Click "read more" to hear and purchase the entire EP.

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Just Jay - Sonic Controller (Video)

2012-01-28T18:28:00.000-05:00

An excellent collaboration by hard-spitting emcee Just Jay and jazzy producer Tall Black Guy. Jay coolly and confidently asserts his claim as one of the realest emcees in the genre.

Jay-Z x Pharrell x Lana Del Rey – Allure (Urban Noize Remix)

2012-01-28T11:26:00.001-05:00

This is a lot more than what I would define as a mash-up. Way more complex than that. There is a definitive plot engineered by this talented team of producers. Lana Del Ray plays the symbolic alluring life that Shawn Carter fights so desperately to avoid, but eventually gives in to. The beautifully crafted soundscape tells a story all within itself.

Soul Chels - The Lesson ft. Ace Boogie

2012-01-27T19:50:00.000-05:00

The endangered species known to most as the female emcee, receives support from New Orleans native Soul Chels in the form of her latest single featuring Ace Boogie, entitled The Lesson.

Click "read more" for the download link.

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BJ The Chicago Kid - Lady (Video)

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

BJ The Chicago Kid will not fit in with the R&B stars of this era, and for all the right reasons. His style is reminiscent of a much different era that centered around pure harmonies and singing ability with live music, as opposed to the production of today. Without a doubt, this kid is gonna be big some day very soon. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Era Hardaway - Hardaway (Video)

2012-01-26T20:25:00.003-05:00

"Hardaway over beats, what that equal? Classic. Hardaway in the clutch, what that equal? Magic."

If you have any knowledge or recollection of 1990's basketball, the name Hardaway rings bells. That same name will very soon be drawing recognition in the hip-hop sphere as well. Rising star Era Hardaway, a self-proclaimed "architect of heaven," showcases his lyrical ability and charisma in his tribute to to Penny. The video, shot by Wesley Rose, has a distinctly vintage feel to it, and you can never go wrong with an instrumental by the Brooklyn-bred production crew known as The Stuyvesants. And I gotta say, as much as I love Michael Jordan, it's refreshing to see tribute paid to someone else from this great era.

The Slackadeliqs - The Other Side of Tomorrow (Album)

2012-01-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Very few things can replace the simplistic of purely live instrumentation. I've quickly fallen in love with the smooth vibes given off by this free full-length album.

Click "read more" for the download link.

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Yuna - Live Your Life

2012-01-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

Is there ever a time that Pharrell Williams makes a track that isn't excellent? Nothing comes to mind, and this smooth delicacy by the Malaysian songstress Yuna certainly is no exception. Iconicly lush production by the future legend provides a great backdrop for the rising star to sing about love and life. I'm becoming a big fan of this smooth, unique voice and look forward to the release of her upcoming album.

Logic - Young Sinatra III (Video)

2012-01-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

The lyrical maelstrom more commonly known as Logic is back, once again going in over a classic instrumental. This time, samples from Nasir Jones's classic Life's A Bitch are used to accent this classic track that was once used for a legendary cypher featuring Big L and a young Shawn Carter.

Previously: Logic Interview

Saigon - Women Are The New Dogs

2012-01-23T17:11:00.000-05:00

The title is instantly polarizing. The subject equally dividing. I can't speak on it in anything more in depth than personal opinion, so I'll leave it up to you. Listen and decide for yourself.

Click "read more" for the download link.

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Lexx Black - SHDSOFBLK (Mixtape)

2012-01-22T18:39:00.000-05:00

"Shades of Black is moody, brooding, and phantasmic yet, conversely sprinkled with optimism, slight bravado and honesty which penetrates the subconscious wavelength."

Click "read more" for the download link.

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An Underrated Outkast: Big Bois Need Love Too

2012-01-21T15:40:00.000-05:00

It happens every month at some point in my life. Without fail, I go on an Outkast craze for a day or two. Through their entire discography, they have never had a release that was anything less than spectacular in my eyes. Style changed over the years, from the early O.G. releases such as Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and ATLiens to the incredibly diverse fusion of genres in albums such as Stankonia, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, and Idlewild. Throughout these musical facelifts, quality was never an issue. This is because two of the best emcees to touch a mic decided to keep it 100 for every single one of their productions. The group is critically acclaimed, and consistently listed as one of the best duos in hip-hop history. They’ve been bathed in praise and showered in Grammies. But despite all this, I want to say that one of Outkast’s members is underrated.

Yeah, you heard me right.

Think about what has occurred since Outkast’s unfortunate (and hopefully temporary) Hollywood Divorce. Who, as a solo artist, has garnered nearly all the attention, accolades, and guest features? Three Stacks became the new version of Ludacris – the southern rapper who killed everybody’s remix. And he certainly has, from DJ UNK to John Legend to Beyonce to Young Jeezy to Lloyd, among others. Big Boi had some himself, to include Fantasia, Sleepy Brown, and Janelle Monae. But let’s face it, ‘Dre definitely had more burn in the spotlight.

Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t take away from the great Andre 3000. He is without a doubt one of the best and most unique to grace the mic in my eyes. His lyrical delivery and creativity have made him a magnet for praise. He is a very profound and multi-dimensional artist. Prototype and Spread are among a group of songs off of The Love Below that have permanent spots on my iPod. But what about GhettoMusick, Unhappy, and Church? This is Stockton and Malone, not Jordan and Pippen.

Those who overlook Big Boi on the list of best emcees in the game are sadly remiss. Here’s my perspective. Name another artist with Big Boi’s combination of verbal dexterity and lyrical prowess. There’s a few who might rap faster. In terms of mainstream, Twista and Busta Rhymes come to mind. But when’s the last time you heard them cover an issue deeper than parties or women with that sharp delivery? For an example go back and listen to the majority of Aquemini. Or Bombs Over Baghdad, in which Big Boi and Dre compare the Iraq Campaign of the 1990’s with the lack of longevity in the music industry.

Also, consider how wide spread his influence is. Way You Move was so major that even Earth, Wind, & Fire had to team up with Kenny G to remic i Then peep how his clever anecdotes manage to make child support, a very mundane and repetitive subject in the hip-hop world, fresh again. General Patton can smooth it out, with songs such as Can’t Wait and Spottieottiedopaliscious, and get gully with the roughest of ‘em in tracks such as Benz or Beemer and You Ain’t No DJ. These are just a few examples of the diverse gifts that distinguish the street-savvy half of Outkast from almost anyone.

One of Big Boi’s biggest talents might also be his curse. He makes the rhymes he drop seem so effortless and carefree that one might take for granted just how difficult it is to say what he says in the manner that he does. Out of the two parts that make up Outkast, Big Boi has a less diverse array of genres, and typically less anthemic songs. But to stop there with the comparison is criminal ignorance of the complex, brilliant, and proudly ATLien mind that is Antwan André Patton.

Phife Dawg - Thought U Wuz Nice (Produced by J. Dilla)

2012-01-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

It's not too often that you run across some vintage, almost unheard of heat from two musicians of this caliber. Yet, thanks to Bama Love Soul, here we are enjoying this late 1990's gem.

Previously: Phife Dawg Interview

High5Collective

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

The High5 Collective is a film group that I came across a few months ago while checking out some of my favorite tunes. Just as the page says, they "make music videos for artists that inspire us", & there isn't any doubt that they have the ability to make visuals that accompany the records and tantalize and inspire the viewer all on their own.

The videos that they produce come from a wide range of artists such as Tyler the Creator, Kanye & Jay-Z, Mayer Hawthorne & Hush Hush. The first video is actually what brought me to discover The Weeknd & his song, The Morning, last summer.

Click "read more" for a video for the late Amy Winehouse.

Malice Interview: A Reality Check

2012-01-19T14:24:00.000-05:00

“Cuz I seen something. And God told me to tell y’all what I saw.”

That was Malice’s open invitation for all to read his book, entitled Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, and Naked. That quote could also be considered a theme to his entire career. From the beginning of the Clipse in the early 1990’s, to their rise to fame alongside Pharrell and Star Trek, to their newer projects and solo work, the common denominator throughout Clipse’s existence has been reality, plain and simple. Gene Thornton has been under all sorts of scrutiny as of late, in relation to his continuing career as the emcee known as Malice. His brother got signed to G.O.O.D. Music. Meanwhile, Malice’s music has taken a sharp change in direction from his earlier years. Many have questioned his recent moves, but they must not have spoken with him. Because through his words, everything makes a lot more sense.
Click “read more” for my interview with Malice.

First of all, thanks so much for giving me the time to rap with you for a little bit.
No problem man, I’m blessed and it’s definitely worth it.

May I ask what to expect from your most recent studio time?
I’m wrapping up my audio book, and working on some crazy music. I’m getting ready to release the audio book, and it’s nothing short of phenomenal.

If you were talking to a complete and absolute stranger, how would you describe yourself in ten words or less?
God-fearing, extremely competent in everything I do, very analytical, definitely driven.

Who are your greatest inspirations?
Jesus Christ is number one. My parents. Outside of that, I don’t know. In terms of music, my greatest inspirations are definitely the Juice Crew, Big Daddy Kane. KRS One. Run DMC. Public Enemy.

Do you feel a conflict between your music style – street hip-hop, as you say it, and your resurgence in religion as of late?
From the music that the world knows me for, there is definitely a conflict. My current mind state has a much sharper awareness of God. The music that I make now is in total harmony. It makes total sense. It’s just as aggressive, just as entertaining. It sheds a lot of light. I also wanna say that my music has always been that thought provoking music. I didn’t just lead you down an ignorant path. I gave you both sides and expressed my regret over things I had done.

You’ve clearly been through a lot in your life and your music career. How would you compare your mind state upon the release of your first album, Exclusive Audio Footage, to your current mind state?
Exclusive Audio Footage was total rebellion. We were very hungry, putting in work to get a deal. I was very excited, and it was time, after rapping amongst my friends, and knowing I was good at it. The excitement is measurable, to be able to share your talent with the entire world. That was definitely an awesome experience. Now, it’s about the message now. It’s about speaking on what you believe in, and conveying it in a way that it’s felt. I’ve definitely been given a gift for that. I’m confident that my followers will still love my new stuff.

Do you feel that your outlook will continue to change, or do you think that you have reached a level that you will remain at for a while?
I feel that as long as you’re breathing, you should always be growing. Some people just don’t grow, and they stay stagnant. I feel like if you want to evolve and you’re exploring new things, they’re always something to learn and there’s always room for growth. As soon I write a song, I feel like the next one is going to be even better. There’s too much out here to learn. If you’re not seeking to continue learning, you’re just stunting your growth.

If you could work with one artist, past or present, who would it be?
I would love to have rapped alongside the Notorious B.I.G. I could relate to him wanting to have things. He always talked about his daughter. And he talked about what almost every young black kid wanted to have, the American Dream. He talked about finding that dream through rap. He was the epitome of that dream. He definitely has the “nothing to something” story based solely on his talent. He was definitely a hustler, so you know I relate to that. His sense of humor and his wordplay always shone through. To me, B.I.G. was just a real dude and a person I feel I would have bonded with.

Why don’t you feel that you would do a good service to Christian hip-hop?
When I say that, I’m saying I can’t just jump into Christian hip-hop. I am not looking to undermine true Christian hip-hop artists. Just because a person finds God doesn’t make him a true Christian hip hop artist. I don’t want to be disrespectful to true Christian hip-hop artists. I also don’t want a label. I’ve come to find that you can’t box God in. He has a place in every nook and cranny of life. I don’t wanna take what I do now and let people throw me in a certain box. I respect everything that brings glory and honor to God. But I am an emcee. And a Christian.

What’s one thing that fans would be surprised to know about you?
That I skateboard. And that I have a mini-ramp in my house. I’ve been doing that since I was about 13.
So you and Skateboard P, huh?
Haha, Yeah man. Yeah.

You said that you are looking to change your rap alias because you are not a malicious person. What led you to pick that name in the first place, and are you still looking to change it?
I picked that name in the first place, because that’s how I said that I attacked the words I use. Now I feel that it’s a moniker that’s stuck with me. My new name won’t be too far off from what I go by now. You’ll hear it very soon.

What can we expect from your upcoming mixtape, Hear Ye Him?
Purpose-driven lyrics. Lyrics that have substance. It will have the same, if not more intellectual wordplay and imagery. I’m still painting those same pictures. It’s gonna take a lot of people by storm. It’s very powerful. When you’re an emcee and rhyming is your passion, I feel that there is no greater force than believing what you’re saying and wanting it for the betterment of music. I stand behind it and will not be swayed.

If there was one thing you could tell the world right now, what would it be?
I just wanna let people know what I have in the works. Of course the book “Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, and Naked” the audio book w/ all the characters in the book. It’s not just me narrating, you’ll hear all the characters.

Also, watch out for Chalk Out Lines of Snow Angels by Jasmine Mans. She’s like an internet sensation. Her cause aligns so well with my cause, just to bring awareness and definitely bring more positivity to what we do. Look for her book coming out under Thorn10 publishing. That’s like my first venture really, my second book that I’m publishing. If you check her out on youtube you’ll see how phenomenal she is. I just want to let people know what I’ve got coming in the works.

What is the ultimate goal you have for your music?
My ultimate goal for my music is to open someone’s eyes. Encouraging someone to think for themselves, to inspire people to be true to themselves and not to follow what everyone else is doing.

A manifesto is a declaration of intents and principles. What is your Artistic Manifesto?
My Artistic Manifesto is, to put things short, just to express. Not to preach, but just give my point of view. A lot of people feel the way that I feel but haven’t seen the options that I have. I wanna offer something different. Not saying you have to agree with me, but you can weigh one against the other and choose, as opposed to just following what’s already out there. Not taking a dump on anything that’s out there, but my life has been an open book from the beginning.

To be honest with you bro, Clipse music is very real music. It’s so non-fiction, it’s crazy. I listen to a lot of other emcees, and Clipse is the real thing bro. If you believe in the things that I was saying then- and we definitely lived it- I think that gives me credibility now that I’ve changed up.

James Blake - CMYK

2012-01-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Check out this late 2010 record by English singer-songwriter, James Blake. With the unique sampling of Kelis' 1999 track, "Caught Out There" produced by none other than The Neptunes, it hones in a type of feel that embodies the feelings that may have inspired such an angry & energetic record.

Ski Beatz ft. Curren$y - Fly By (Video)

2012-01-18T22:25:00.000-05:00

The single word most capable of describing this production? Smooth. But then again, I wouldn't expect anything different with the combination of artists on this track. This is the third single off of Ski Beatz' upcoming album 24 Hour Karate School Presents Twilight, which hits stores February 14, 2012.

BJ The Chicago Kid ft. Kendrick Lamar - His Pain

2012-01-17T21:09:00.001-05:00

This might be one of the realest songs I've heard in a quick minute. There's just so much soul and emotion bleeding out of this track that you can't help but feel it. Two rising stars give their individual stories and perspectives about the pains and blesssings of the lives we live.

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Lexx Black - My World

2012-01-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

A great thing about emcee/singer Lexx Black is that you know his tracks are gonna be more than just hip-hop. A varitety of genres have influenced this track, which has an anthemic chorus that many of the young and motivated can surely identify with.

Previously: Lexx Black Interview

Danny! - Keep Your Head To The Sky ft. Collette

2012-01-16T16:46:00.001-05:00

I hadn't heard the song Optimistic, by Sounds of Blackness, in years. But that sample will never fail to make me reminiscent of the 1990's, when the song came out. Emcee Danny! does an excellent job at modernizing the powerfully hopeful gospel anthem for today's listeners. Look for the emerging South Carolinian emcee's project Payback to drop later this week.

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A$AP Rocky - Celebration

2012-01-14T17:43:00.000-05:00

An unreleased track from the modern-day king of hip-hop "vibe music" that plays off of the Kanye track of the same name. A$AP Mob project comes out in February.

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Lords of the Underground - Say Yeah

2012-01-14T17:04:00.001-05:00

It's not often that you hear a new single from the legendary Lords of the Underground. But this could be an indication that a new album is in the works. Let's see if their sound still holds true in this new era.

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