Daily Mix: June 2007 Archives
What is it with Australians and wrist-watch phones??
Well SMS Technology is in the midst of dropping the "innovative" device (which many have tried to introduce, but all have failed.) So what's gonna make it work this time? Who knows...maybe the MP3 player and it's ability to use MPEG4 media files and 64 MB of RAM with its one inch LCD screen (cause at ONE inch it really matters).
So far it's set to retail at around $510 dollars...oh and it uses Bluetooth. Hmmmmm...I suddenly thought of Dick Tracy.
S.A.S, the duo comprised of Mega and Mayhem, hail from across the ocean in London, England, and are now ready to execute a new marketing campaign full force as a means to get the rappers some U.S attention. But don't be mistaken, S.A.S receives much US praise, especially since their recent team up with Big Mike in 2005 for a mixtape, "Coming To America," that made music history. The mixtape consisted of 22 tracks of new and original material and freestyles from the British bunch, a milestone for the mixtape scene to welcome foreigners. Riding the wave of success, Dipset is co-signing on the group's talent by welcoming them into Eurogang - an extension of Diplomat records, Dipset Europe.
To execute the US Britsh invasion plan, S.A.S. recently visited Atlanta. The trip went sour when Mayhem was involved in an attempted armed robbery just several hours before his scheduled flight back to New York City.
Not letting the incident knock the flow up, S.A.S will be hitting the US scene once again. Be on the lookout for S.A.S and Dipset's own Juelz Sanatana, who are said to be working on a mixtape.
I guess the Britsh ARE coming.
Who's getting tired of all these Lil' Wayne mixtapes? How many mixtapes with the SAME 'exclusive' tracks do we need? Fresh out the federal building to save us from a Wheezy overdose is Beanie Sigel. DJ Kool Kid strikes back with a unique mixtape.
"Return of the Broad Street Bully" is a mixtape chock full of Beanie Sigel classics, freestyle, cameos and so forth. Includes the gritty and grimy track, "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" featuring The Lox, Fabolous and the BroadStreet bully himself. What kind of DJ would Kool Kid be if he didn't throw in "Feel it In the Air". This is a B.Sigel classic!
Also includes the bangers from the Roc-A-Fella era, like Guess Who's Back, Think It's a Game and a personal favorite, This Can't Be Life.
This is a mixtape that needs to be in your collection. For the Sigel fans and for the future Sigel fans; cop this one!
Ladies, get your nails did, your hair did and head to the club for some humanitarian causes. Theres a brand new liqueur hitting the nightlife scene called Nuvo For Her, a drink that gives back to the cause and also cures you of the stress that the work week brings.
Now you can satisfy your vice and give back to a cause, simultaneously since a portion of the proceeds of each bottle will go directly to women's causes.
Nuvo For Her looks like a perfume bottle you'd find at Macy's, but in fact it's a liquor that's targeting women. Its pink, its bubbly, its fruity...its bubbly vodka with a small dose of French sparkling wine and a touch of pinot noir.
...Sounds good to me. Now, if only the music on their website didn't sound like a soap opera theme.
For more information go to: NuvoforHer.com
Get a look into Huey's journal. His debut album, appropriately titled, "Notebook Paper" chronicles life in the St.Louis hood. From the parties (Pop, Lock & Drop it) to the heavy grind needed in order make it out the hood (When I Hustle featuring Lloyd), this album gives you a taste of each aspect of life, without the nasty aftertaste.
When Huey sings about hustling, he's being humble. In the game since the age of 15, Huey is now hustlin' hard with his own label, The Hitz Committee and his own artists, the Camp Boyz, a rap group that's soon to hit the scene. Huey is obviously working hard to garner respect.
The St.Louis native is reaching nationwide fame with the hit, Pop, Lock & Drop It, a song that got him signed to a major label. Although he hit the music scene with a catchy dance song, Huey is not another southern dance-crazed artist. Infact, much to my surprise Pop, Lock & Drop is the only dance track on the album. Huey reassured Mixtapekings.com that he's not letting the world pigeon-hole him as a Hip Hop dance artist.
Jay-Z said it best:
"You catch me front and center,
at the Knick game, big chain and all my splender."
If you can't afford to sit courtside at a Knicks game, then troop over to Dyckman Park.(Obviously, this is for my New Yorkers). The Dyckman Park tournaments take place all summer and are open to the public. The intensity of these games can't even be compared to the NBA games. C'mon, this is STREET basketball. Anything goes. By anything goes, I mean, drums, horns, flags, BBQ's, victory dances, DJ's spinnin', etc.
The Dyckman Basketball Tournaments are a summer-long fiasco that occurs every year and with each coming year has garnered the respects of many; from local New Yorkers to international celebrities, the Dyckman tournaments draws hundreds of spectators each summer.
Established in 1990, the tournaments do more than just showcase some talented players. Since 1990, the neighborhood surrounding Dyckman Park has seen decreasing crime statistics and provides recreational activities to the inner-city population.
So since the NBA isn't playing this season, get your basketball fix at Dyckman Park.
Also, at these games you'll find the Mixtapekings family alongside exclusive Mixtapekings DJ, DJ E-Tunez on the One's and Two's. This summer marks the second consecutive year that E-Tunez entertains the event by playing the latest hits.
"The atmosphere, its crazy, all kinds of people: young, old, latin, black. Also, the games, the street ball legends, NBA legends and the music is great," says E-Tunez about the tournaments.
Dyckman Park Tournament takes street ball to whole other level; it's more like a community block party rather than just a game.
For a rundown of the events, visit: DyckmanPark.com
Terror Squad Entertainment and Imperial Records officially announced that Fat Joe's hit single, "Make It Rain,'" has sold over 1 million ring tones, a statement certified by the RIAA.
Fat Joe's independent album Me, Myself and I reached a milestone for many artists going the indie route. The album reached number 6 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop charts, number 3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Album chart and debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart.
"Fat Joe and Terror Squad Entertainment have been great to work with and are a prime example of what we can bring to a project," said Neil Levine, Imperial Records Senior VP/GM. "We bring the same pioneering spirit and dedication to quality music as the original Imperial, but with expertise and resources right for independent urban artists today. We have the advantage of being super-focused on finding and developing the most exciting music in the clubs and the streets, but also have access to major label resources. It's a great combination for our artists."
A perfect example of the underdog stealing the spotlight.
Hip Hop stars Too $hort and Dem Hoodstarz performed at a special function, Cure Autism Now, a charity event to help autistic children and their families by funding outreach programs and research. The benefit was held in California at the family friendly Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills, California with over 600 guests and celebrities. The charity event hosted a fashion show and silent auction from the Celebrity Locker Room.
The guests were given a sneak peek into Too $hort's compilation album "I Love The Bay." The guests were one of the first few to listen to the next single "Video Vixen" by Dem Hoodstarz.
For more information about Cure Autism Now visits:
www.cureautismnow.org
For more information about Too $hort and Dem Hoodstarz please visit:
www.upallnitemusic.com
www.myspace.com/demhoodstarz
Megastars Michael Jackson, R. Kelly and more than a dozen music publishers have teamed up together against Jay-Z's 40/40 Club with a federal lawsuit which accuses the nightclub to be skipping out on music royalties.
The 40/40 Club is co-owned by Jigga and two other business partners. The trio has been accused of entertaining clubgoers with music that are not authorized "musical compositions," according to the lawsuit.
Broadcast Music Inc. is leading the charges on behalf of Michael Jackson and more than a dozen other artists and music publishing companies. Broadcast Music Inc. is seeking damages for copyright infringement from the club and co-owners Desiree Gonzalez and Juan Perez. Jay-Z is not named in this case.
This isn't the first time that the hot spot is hit with bad reviews. Celeste Williams, a former waitress at 40/40 accused the club of refusing to pay workers at the required minimum wage.
Jason Bourne is back with an ultimatum and yes he is still being sought after by the same old annoying members of the CIA (don't you just hate that!) who trained him to be one of the best assassins out there.
As he continues to suffer from his major case of amnesia, the story continues where it was last left off in 2004; Bourne is determined to figure out his real identity. So after being lured out of hiding by a snoopy reporter Simon Ross, who has acquired information about Treadstone (the classified organization that trained Bourne) and Bourne himself; the plot is set as he is determined to destroy those who did this to him and killed the love of his life.
As you can imagine, a huge search is ignited to find Bourne and Ross. Not by Pamela Landy who lead the search in the last film, but by Noah Vosen (a government suit) who is looking to launch a similar organization to Treadstone called BlackBriar (very briefly mentioned in the first movie...spooky).
So as it goes - Good guy versus bad government...or vise-versa.
Who will you root for?
Out in theatres August 3, 2007
Everyone who owns a blackberry understands how attached you become to that gadget. The world is literally at your fingertips when you own a Blackberry. Blackberry, the always so nerdy-chic, manages to keep getting better with time.
Blackberry recently launched the Curve, a new slim, sexy, chic and business savvy phone. The phone has all the features needed for fun and for functionality, meaning it has a camera (for the nights that become a blur thanks to shots of patron), email (to read those silly chain letters during boring meetings), media (video content is now available), and Blackberry maps (for all those egos that are too embarrassed to ask for directions).
The marketing slogan for this phone is "For The Well-Rounded Life" and we couldn't have said it better.
The Zorro of the hood, better known as Khao, a name that sounds silky smooth on all his trademark beats with a sexy jingle involving a girl in a low breathy voice saying, "Khaaooooooo." Listen to "Why You Wanna" by T.I. and you'll hear it. You'll also hear why this song is so important to Khao's career.
Khao's discography mimics that of a veteran yet continues to expand. He's responsible for spawning joints for artist such as Lil Kim, Paul Wall, Trick Daddy and Young Jeezy; still, Khao explains why T.I was the artist that helped catapult his career. Once the single, "Why You Wanna" hit the airwaves, Khao says the tables were turned. No longer was Khao shopping beats around, instead people were coming to him asking for a hit. No longer is Khao just the man behind the music. Sooner than later, Khao is debuting as a full-out artist with his own album that he produced and stars in as the main rapper as well.
That hit brought several awards for Khao, including the prestigious Billboard award and the Ascap Award for the number one song of 2006.
Khao's story embodies the truth behind the infamous phrase that everyone repeats to themselves when things aren't going their way. "Everything happens for a reason"; a phrase I'm sure many of us hear a lot, but never think too much about. For Khao, this couldn't be truer. Rewind back to 2004: T.I. just dropped Urban Legend, Khao produced two tracks on the album and his career was about to skyrocket. Universal Records was asking Khao for tracks, so accordingly, Khao asked for all his material to be packed onto a car to be driven over to Universal. In the process, the car was stolen, along with the producer's material including the two tracks for Universal.
In retrospect, the producer agrees that the experience was a blessing in disguise. "I was complacent before the carjacking," says Khao. As to not letting the crime knock him off his feet, Khao went back into the studio and began working on what would later become his trademark sound. Lacking all his equipment, Khao had to get creative. "I went back into the studio and made beats with my voice. That's why you hear vocal sounds in my music."
Today, Khao is working diligently on keeping his name relevant in the game.
Aside from his solo project, Khao is working with DJ Drama on Gangsta Grillz, a notorious mixtape series. It's no surprise that the two would team up. Both Khao and DJ Drama are Grand Hustle representatives. Khao, a self-proclaimed team player for Grand Hustle, gives me some insight on what went down when DJ Drama was raided by the RIAA for making music. "Just shocked!" says Khao about the arrest. "What? Drama ain't selling drugs," was Khao's first thought. Still, Drama's drama with the RIAA only fueled the Grand Hustle crew. "It just gave Drama a story. It fueled him."
Try catching up with Khao. His most recent work is featured on some of this year's most highly anticipated albums, such as R.Kelly's next single, Double Up, a track on Usher's upcoming highly anticipated album, the next single coming out of T.I.'s new album T.I. Versus T.I.P. titled "Watch What You Say' and the next single for Chris Brown's album.
Back from a slight hiatus, DJ Drama is grindin'. This time he teams up with P-Cutta to bring a mixtape strictly for the streets.
Glamorizing the hood life and bragging about guns, bullets and body bags is what this mixtape does best. Check out 50 Cent talking about his fully loaded clip and what'll he do to you with it. The Lox is back on a track titled...well, "We're Back."
If you like hard beats and hard rhymes, then this mixtape is just for you. But damn, where's the love?
GRIM TEAM, a bad ass collective of artists are following the footsteps of hip hop giants such as G-unit and Bad Boy with clothing labels and a musical team of grimy rappers.
Emerging in Paris, France circa 1996, GRIM TEAM was initially a crew of graffiti artists. In 2001, members of GRIM TEAM, Reign and Chaze executed an idea of becoming more than just a crew and so far their efforts have received praises from some of New York's hottest rappers. Hip Hop veterans such as Mobb Deep, the Beatnuts, Capone-n-Noreaga, Fat Joe and others have embraced the Parisian invasion by GRIM TEAM.
GRIM TEAM is now a force to be reckoned with. Carrying their own clothing labels, GRIM TEAM for men, GRIM Cherie (for the ladies), beat production, mixtapes and videos, GRIM TEAM are hitting the streets hard.
The latest effort from the GRIM TEAM is a mixtape album titled "Once A Upon a Time in America: The Prequel," featuring tracks from Saigon, Smiley The Ghetto Child, Milano, Ty Nitty, Tres Coronas, Willie the Kid and others.
For more info: grimteam.us
Capitalizing on the beef that's present in Hip Hop, DJ Radio drops a mixtape segregating the rappers into North vs. South.
The first half of the mixtape is strictly for New York rappers. New tracks from LL Cool J, Stack Bundles, Jim Jones, Remo Da Rapstar, Cassidy and others can be found on this half.
The second half of the mixtape represents the south and of course there's no better way to jump into it than having Lil' Wayne as the starting player with a new track, "Its Time." The second half of the mixtape is hot...just like the South always is. Featuring new tracks from T.I., Da Shop Boyz, DJ Khaled , Three 6 Mafia and others, this mixtape represents North American hip hop in its truest state.
Still, don't think of this mixtape as a means to instigate the beef. Rather, think of it as a well rounded mixtape for your stereo. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Variety is the spice of life, people!
A hood legend in his own right, DJ Dirty Harry always delivers a new classic. He's trademarked the concept of blends on mixtapes and is highly detailed in his craft, respectively. The production is grand, exemplary and always mastered down to a standard amongst the masses. Harry takes snippets of various songs, throws them on a new beat, and boom...a hit song that you won't hear anywhere else.
DJ Dirty Harry, already in the game for over 10 years is back from a short hiatus with a new project titled WARLORDZ. The project is packed with new, re-mastered work from Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Dramillz, Jane Nithrow, The Game, Jay-Z and others.
DJ Dirty Harry has garnered a favorable reputation with his past projects. In turn, Harry's projects are always highly anticipated, as is "WARLORDZ. His last effort, Unforgiven released in 2006, sold 20,000 units: an occasion that is rare in the music industry, especially in regards to mixtapes.
Harry is a frequently mentioned name at the honorable Justo Mixtape Awards. Harry was the recipient of the Justo Mixtape Brucie Bee/Starchild Achievement Award, which honors life achievements for DJ's. His mixtape 2Pac: Rap Phenomenon, a collaborative effort with DJ Green Lantern, won the duo a Justo Mixtape Award. Harry also received 'Mixtape of the Year" award from Vibe and XXL magazine. Aside from being a mixtape DJ Harry's production credits include the likes of Nas, Run-DMC and Alicia Keys.
The G-Unit soldiers weren't lying when they bragged back in 2003 on their mixtapes about branching out onto other music non-related endeavors; "G-Unit sneakers! G-Unit books! G-Unit schools!"
They're sticking to their word by launching G-Unit books. Meta Smith, author of the blockbuster novels and "Queen of Miami" has officially been drafted by g-unit to pen the G-Unit books.
Smith was selected to write for G-Unit for her refined voice and visual images of life in the 'hood. The author has written a riveting street novel, a gripping psychological thriller, and a steamy erotica novella in the span of her short year on the literary scene.
The novel is described as "a neo-noir tale of betrayal and deception" which follows the life a good girl turned bad when she is caught in the middle of a bloody drug war.
Smith's title "Heaven's Fury" will be released in November 2007. Filled with intrigue, suspense and lots of drama, "Heaven's Fury" is bound to be another best-seller for G-Unit.
Smith joins street lit superstars Nikki Turner, Noire, K. Elliot, K'Wan, Mark Anthony and Relentless Aaron on the G-Unit Books roster.
For more information visit: www.metasmith.com or www.myspace.com/metasmith.
B2K's rapper Lil Fizz is back from a hiatus. Lil Fizz was 1/4th of the major R&B group B2k, which took the world by storm. In 2004, the group went their separate ways. Once the group split Omarion took the spotlight as a solo artist. This time, its Lil Fizz's time to shine.
His debut solo album PayDay is set to release July 17th. The singles from his album includes a track titled "Beds" and another, "Car Wash," which is being considered the summer anthem of 2007. the song is not that 70's oldie song that we all know.
This song is about LA's car culture, explains Lil Fizz. "On Friday and Saturday, it's a ritual for everyone to go and get their car washed and make it look sharp. It's like a party; it's crazy. The music is bumping, the cars are all shiny and everybody's flossin' on Slauson. 'Car Wash' is for everybody, but it's gonna really make Cali happy."
Catch Lil Fizz as the opening act for Pretty Ricky as they tour the west coast this summer.
You can catch Fizz in the following cities: June 21-Bakersfield, Ca @ Fox Theatre; June 22-Anaheim, Ca @ The Grove of Anaheim; June 23-San Diego, Ca @ House of Blues; June 24-Ventura, Ca @ Ventura Theatre.
All album release celebrations will be put to shame after ROCK THE BELLS takes over the nation. ROCK THE BELLS is a live artist showcase and a traveling festival, taking along some of Hip Hop's most notorious acts. And it just so happens that some of these artists have one thing in common: a highly anticipated, long over due album release in the works.
The ROCK THE BELLS tour supports hip hop culture at its core, all the while celebrating milestone releases from artists. This year, half of the participating acts are awaiting highly anticipated album releases. Highly anticipated is an understatement, especially when we're talking about UGK, releasing their first album in over 5 years, alongside a Wu Tang Clan reunion album, after a six year hiatus. Also, Pharoahe Monch's Desire, Talib Kweli's Eardrum and David Banner's The Greatest Story Ever Told.
There is no other hip hop music festival more vital to the artists, community, and fans it serves than ROCK THE BELLS," states festival organizer Chang Weisberg .We want to build an annual event in all of these cities to serve their musical communities and prove that quality hip-hop is NOT dead. Actually, over 130,000 people have already disproved the notion and bought their tickets. By the end of the summer, over 200,000 fans will have voted that quality lyricism and deft live performances are still very much alive."
Cop tickets now and experience history in the making.
Visit Rockthebells.net to see when Rock the Bells is rockin' your hood.
Does DJ Silva Sir-Fa sound familiar? It's because he saved planet earth from the evil doer Galactus. OK, so not really, but DJ Silva Sir-Fa is here to serve you with a new mixtape, The Rise of DJ Silva Sir-Fa, with exclusives from Noreaga, Black Rob, Camp-lo, Gillie Da Kid and others. The mixtape features blends from Sir-Fa as well as intros, outros and freestyles from some of the aforementioned artists.
Sir-Fa got his start as a DJ on WNWK 105.9 FM and recently served as Music Director for the first annual Rapathon, a 24 hour record-breaking emcee cipher.
As the title of the project suggests, DJ Silva Sir-Fa, like the Marvel comic book character proves what it is to be on the rise and finally get recognized. Check out the actual comic book hero (sorta) in the new Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
Marc Jacob shades? Check! Ridiculous amount of diamonds? Check! Rich Yung Society T-Shirt? Huh?
Yea, you heard right. Fabolous jumped on the bandwagon by creating his own clothing label and its creating quite a buzz. A touch of street with a dash of high-end fashion seems to work well for the glitzy rapper. His clothing label Rich Yung Society is available only at certain boutiques in major cities. Visit Rich Yung Society for locations: Rich Yung Society
Check out Fabolous talking about his fashion sense (and cents) to Gak City.
Mixtapekings Presents: GakCitys' interview with Fabulous!
Huey puts cities all over the world on lockdown with his hit single "Pop, Lock & Drop It". Ready to strike while he's hot, Jive Records is getting ready to drop his debut album "Notebook Paper" which will be available June 19.
Huey is not the first talent to hail from St.Louis or the first to try and put a region on the Map. St. Louis has often been criticized as being one of the softer areas for Hip Hop, but Huey is hoping to change all of that. Huey has brought you more than dance tracks this time.
This album is another side and sound of Huey, with tracks based on the raw, straightforward stories about street life as seen through his eyes.
"Notebook Paper" is packed with guest appearances from artists such as Lloyd, who was featured on the 2nd single released called "When I Hustle." The album also features the "Pop, Lock & Drop It (Remix)" with Bow Wow and T-Pain.
For more info check out his myspace page: myspace.com/hueyhitz
Listen to his second single: When I Hustle featuring Lloyd
J Dilla lives on through his resonating music. Passing in 2006, J-Dilla's devoted fans still anticipate new projects from the deceased musician. The newest J- Dilla project to hit the streets is Jay Loves Japan.
The album features emcees rhymin' over J Dilla's beats. The production on the album was meant for an instrumental album, but after his passing that idea transformed into an honorary collective of emcees with production by J Dilla.
The album has a series of videos for the instrumental version of each track on the album. All videos are available on www.Dilla.biz.
DeadBeat Parents - I am the first to say this topic isn't only subject to Dad's because I know there are some dead beats Mom's out there as well. I cannot comprehend why it is so hard to be a decent human being and do what's right for your kids. You made them, now you can't take care of them? I don't mean just in a financial sense but an emotional and physical one as well. . Maybe next time you should wear a condom or just stop whoring yourself around and making twenty kids (Census Bureau is watching!) I have a problem with people who swear they love their kids and yet emotionally abuse them by drinking and showing their kids their own addictions. These kids are growing up with so many issues and most of them stem from watching what their parents have done. You want to kill yourself slowly, by all means Bon Voyage but don't take your children down that road with you.
I cannot fathom how any person could just not give their all to a life that they have created. If you have problem go get help and straightened your shit out; if not for you then for your children. We have enough fuck ups in this world already don't teach them to grow up and be another statistic. They deserve much better than that.
DeadBeat Spouse or Boyfriend/Girlfriend- If you are year after year sitting on your ass, Go get a damn job!!!!. Sitting back and watching a woman work 10 hour days, come home and cook and take care of the house and children while your lazy ass is watching novellas and MTV and drinking all day and shit is not a man to me. You should be spending that time looking 24/7 out in the field or calling places for a job or at least get a damn interview and follow through. Show some damn initiative and compassion for the person or people in your life that you supposedly care about! My ladies if you have a good man that works and takes care of you help him out from time to time. Help yourself and become independent a little. Life is too short to be wasting it away. Make some moves people and enjoy the blessings that life has given you. Make the most of your time here and the time with the people you love because we are not promised forever. Make it count!
ConcreteLoop.com keeps me distracted. Great...thanks guys.
Think of them as the tabloid, US Magazine for the colored folk. This website doesn't bombard you with images of the Lindsay's, Paris's and Nicole's of the world. I mean really, how many times must we see them shopping, or eating a huge burger. We know you're not anorexic! We get it already.... It's the lines of coke, not the lack of food.
So back to Concrete Loop....they post news, gossips, images, interviews and other funny stuff regarding your favorite rapper, or R&B singer, or actors.
They recently posted candid photos of Timbaland leaving a bar after a brawl that got him arrested in Germany. Where else would you see this? Really, tell me. Go ahead, I'll wait....
visit them & say hello : concreteloop.com
Music collaborations featuring the most unlikely of team ups are becoming the trend these days. This one here has to be the most unusual combination as of yet. Enrique Iglesias has been in the lab with none other than the self-professed King Of Hip Hop, LiL Wayne.
I was confused by the news myself. Iglesias and Hip Hop? I guess anything is possible. The two met and decided do a track together for Iglesias' new album "Insomniac".
The track is titled "Push" and with lyrics like these: "You got to push push back upon me/ Make me believe you wanna" and with the overly done synthesizer, it is definitely different than the normal ballad we are used to hearing from him.
As 'WTF' of a union as it is, it's a smart business move on both ends to try appealing to the two fan bases.
This is of course not going to give Enrique any hood credibility, but it will definitely give Iglesias and Wayne props to have the cojones to attempt it.
This is not a new story but figured most of you New Yorkers might not know this piece of yummy news: summer is here and no doubt, it is hot like fire outside. Ice Cream sales have gone way up, coinciding with those increasing temperatures.
You know the hood is filled with ice cream trucks on every block these days. What if your hood had an Ice Cream flavor named after it though? Interesting isn't it? Well it's a reality and it's made by a company called 5 Boroughs Ice Cream.
The company is the brainchild of fellow New York couple Kim and Scott Myles. They wanted to bring the diversity and uniqueness of New Yorkers into their ice cream as a tribute to New York after 9/11. So you know there has got to be some interesting flavors in that store!
Currently 5 Boroughs sells some boldly named flavors: Bay Ridge Amaretto Amour, Astoria Bakla-Wha?!, Staten Island Land Fill, the South Bronx Cha Cha Chocolate, Rich White Vanilla, NYPB, Mangodesh, Amoretto Amore and SoHo. For this couple, life is all about New York. Names like Holy F'n Cannoli and Potholes & Cream truly grab the essence of gritty Gotham.
There are more flavors in the works, and the couple encourages suggestions on their Web site, so check it out for more info. www.5BIcecream.com
Today's Rap & Hip Hop Artists are under a microscope and on the defensive these days. Constant complaints about what their songs are about, their bold lyrics and videos and it's lack of substance in the music.
Some old-schoolers want to remind you of what Hip Hop was back in the day. In comes Tools Of War, an organization created to bring back the true essence and spirit of Hip Hop. Amongst their several projects, Tools of War throws parties in New York City much like the ones in the 1970s and 80s; the time in which Hip Hop was birthed.
The project was co-founded in 2003 by Jorge "PopMaster Fabel" Pabon ( Rocksteady Crew/ Universal Zulu Nation/B-Boy Godfather) and Christie Z-Pabon. Tools of War has put together a 2007 season of free parties to last throughout the entire summer. All of you cheapos can now party for free and jam to some old school while you get your tan on.
This month is marked the "Turntablist Sessions" and it is held every Thursday at Queensbridge Park in Queens (Duh, where else would it be?). The Turntablist Sessions look to celebrate and focus on old school DJ's at these get-togethers.
Among those who will be there are Rob Swift (X-ecutioners) and GrandWizzard Theodore (scratch father) and they will play on various dates. Also in June is the one-time-only Digger's Delight party at Harlem's St. Nicholas Park. The June 20th event will feature Diggin' in the Crates Crew's Lord Finesse spinning records, and more.
For a Calendar of the events and some more info please check out their page at
http://www.myspace.com/toolsofwar
Blin Blineo Concert is the hottest concert of the year in which Latino superstars are showcased. Artists such as Don Omar, Wisin Y Yandel, Victor Manuel, Hector Acosta, Notch and plenty others perform their hits alongside hosts from New York's premier Urban Latino radio station La Kalle 105.9. Saturday, June 9th, Blin Blineo went down again as the concert of the year. Read on about two Mixtapekings staff members telling you what went down:
Under a cloudy sky on a breezy June evening at Shea stadium, which began to slowly trickle in with Latinos, the crew from the radio station La Kalle 105.9 introduced the rising talent - Notch, as he opened "Bling Blineo" - a concert focusing on the reggaeton genre. Dancing around the stage performing his hit "Dale Pa Tra", a blend of reggaeton and reggae, Notch was a refreshing introduction into the night.
Hector Acosta followed suit. At the end of his set, as he was walking off stage, the crowd wanted more. After rising to our feet with repeat chanting of, "Otra! Otra! Otra!" showing him nothing but love, an overwhelmed Hector walked back toward the crowd , got on his knees and kissed the ground and proceeded with another song.
Jowell Y Randy stepped it up next with their hits "Soy Una Gargola" y "No Te Veo," which included guest performances that got the crowd pumped. So enters Tito "El Bambino" performing "Siente El Boom" with all his dancers. At the end he shows love to Puertoricans, Dominicans, and Columbians by kissing their flags and giving the crowd a bow. Of course "El Father" would come after "El Bambino". Hector wowed the crowd with a set of his best work and brought out his protégée Yomo.
This was followed by the moment all the women in the crowd were waiting for (including me) - Wisin Y Yandel performed to a crazed crowd that only got crazier as their set continued especially when the synthesized beat of "Rakata" engulfed the stadium. With all their dancers, the glitz, and the lights, we were not ready to see them leave and so, the crowd pleaded - "Otra! Otra! Otra!" The duo looked behind them, signaling the DJ to play another one...and not just one but two songs including "Burn It Up".
Victor Manuel took it down a notch with his smooth voice that made some women want to charge the stage to hump his leg. The audience rose to their feet the moment the blow from the trumpets hit the air with the rhythm of one of his biggest hits - "Volveras" (not that there was room to salsa dance but people found a way). The crowd gave him a break as we took over singing it for him (I mean we knew ALL the words.)
The King of Kings, Don Omar finished the evening...or I should say night (damn it was like 12:08 A.M). After his big entrance and a few of his hits, the King brought back out Wisin Y Yandel to help him out on songs like "Myspace" (Yey!) Don finished his set with my favorite song, "Ayer La Vi."
Lasting over five hours long, the crowd of proud Latinos didn't give a damn about the amount of time. It was our day this evening. And what an evening it was!
- Isabel Arreaga
What a spicy day at Shea stadium. No, I did not come to see the Mets, as I am a hard-core Yankee fan. So yes, I went in there representing with my Yankee cap on, ready to enjoy and see the new generation of urban music entertaining many of the beautiful ladies in the crowd. I say ladies because the men were outnumbered at this event.
I personally wanted to see Wisin Y Yandel, the dynamic duo -who moves the crowd every time they perform nationally and internationally- perform their collaborative hits with Daddy Yankee, whom was supposed to perform as well but for health reasons could not make it. (Boooooo!) Also, Don Omar who closed out the show with a bang; like the king of kings that he is. Wisin Y Yandel even have songs with R. Kelly which really made them cross over to the R&B side of things.
Another thing I was really pleased with was a Bachata performance by one of the best, Hector Acosta aka El Torito. His performance was flawless; I thought I was hearing him on CD. I think he brought the Latino out of us, reminding us that our music from our culture is still alive as well. Victor Manuel also blessed us with some salsa getting all of us off of our feet and moving that booooty!
I was pleased to see many young folks enjoying these old school cat's. It looks like this generation can still appreciate our parent's music; not to say that music was that old but reggaeton is music for the youth. Reggaeton is a genre that is really dominating the radio airwaves and the video countdowns.
Over all this was a great show at Shea Stadium with a 30,000 crowd capacity of people of different latino ethnicities.
Reggaeton, WOW, how sabroso it is!
- Diony C.
Everlast may not be a name familiar to some of you, but for most, there was a time when you sang along with him word for word to "Jump Around" as a member of the now defunct nineties group, House Of Pain. Everlast first came on the scene in Los Angeles as a member of Ice-T's Rhyme Syndicate Cartel, releasing his debut album, Forever Everlasting, in 1990.Unfortunately the name didn't fit the popularity of the album and it was a complete failure. When the album failed he tried to gain more mass appeal and formed House of Pain with Danny Boy and DJ Lethal; basing the image of the group on the trio's shared Irish roots. Facing stereotypes against white rappers they proved the haters wrong and beat the odds against them. The trio scored a huge hit with their 1992 single "Jump Around." Their self-titled debut LP also went platinum, but when their next efforts, including 1994's Same as It Ever Was and 1996's Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again failed to top House of Pain's early success, the group fell apart.
Everlast did a quick rewind back to his solo roots, but while recording for his new project, Whitey Ford Sings the Blues, he suffered a massive cardiac arrest due to a congenital defect, resulting in heart bypass surgery and an artificial valve implant. While still healing he managed to finish the album in 1998. The album hit the Top Ten, went platinum and launched the top 40 hit track "What It's Like".
Everlast then appeared on Carlos Santana's album "Supernatural". With all the success he began another album, "Eat at Whitey's", featuring guest artists and released it in 2000. Although the album received a lot of criticism, backlash and wasn't as successful as his previous efforts, he began his work on his next album. In 2004, he released "White Trash Beautiful".
Stack Bundles, a New York rapper hailing from Queens and member of the infamous Byrd Gang was shot and killed this morning (June 11th) in New York.
Stack Bundles was shot and killed in front of his home. Details of the murder are still unknown.
Bundles was part of DJ Clue's Desert Storm and later joined Jim Jones and his Byrd Gang. He recorded with various artist, including Fabolous, Joe Budden, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones and others.
An abode for over priced, attitude ridden t-shirts...and we're addicted. Oh, and on the verge of an overdraft.
Personal favorites are from MOB. No need for flashy graphics. A few cuss words (and those who know me, KNOW how much I love cursin'), bright colors and cocky attitude is all these t-shirts have. And we love it.
Their sense of humor is apparent in the clothing as well as on their "About Us". Here are some things they are saying about themselves:
Tenet 2: Women's clothing shall not exclusively be a) pastel, b) tight, or c) frilly. For that, there is Bebe.
Tenet 8: There are other countries besides the United States, and they make really nice clothes.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, we're laughing straight to the shopping cart...
Go here to shop:
Cultistshop.com
Don't call it a mixtape. Khaled drops a full-fledged album, We The Best with several producers and artists on it. Easily the album of the summer, DJ Khaled's new album features all the joints that will be remembered as "the summer of 2007".
His debut album Listennn: The Album took over the country with classics like "Grammy Family," and "Holla At Me." Last summer, Khaled had the entire nation yelling his trademark phrase; "Listennnnnn." This year, expect to hear "we the bessssst" on everyone's lips.
We the Best has already caused quite a stir with "We Takin Over" and "We Takin Over (remix)". Expect more trouble from Miami-raised DJ with songs like "Brown Paper Bag" "S On My Chest and "The Originators".
We The Best out June 12th
Being cool isn't about the sneakers on your feet. It isn't about the car you drive, or the diamonds on ya neck, di-di-diamonds on ya neck.
It really boils down to the risks you take, the difference between you and thousandth of others just like you. Companies are searching for a way to be cool so that in return they can find a way to make money.
Companies like Nike and Target, consumer items like the iPod, the bottle of liquor that automatically give the illusion of higher stature; they all have one thing in common and that is the ability to be trendsetters. And that my friend, is cool.
Book Description:
Cool isn't just a state of mind, a celebrity fad, or an American obsession -- it's a business. In boardrooms across America, product managers are examining vodka bottles and candy bars, tissue boxes and hamburgers, wondering how do we make this thing cool? How do we make this gadget into the iPod of our industry? How do we do what Nike did? How do we get what Target got? How do we infuse this product with that very desirable, nearly unattainable it factor?
This book explains the phenomenon behind the "cool" factor.
What inspires people to make movies such as Miami Vice or the holy grail of Drug movies Scarface? The real thing.
"Cocaine Cowboys" is the true story of the cocaine trade of the 80's that took the world by storm (and many lives with it). What was once an abundance of marijuana trading and using during the 1970's quickly turned to snow when Columbians took note of the demographic in southern Florida and started a wild fire with cocaine.
Cocaine was everywhere, clubs - some of which purposely invested on mirrored tables for more connivance to partiers, restaurants - where you had the wait staff helping you cut lines. Lawyers, doctors, The Greatful Dead, football teams: the Oakland Raider & Pittsburg Stealers had the blow delivered directly to them.
Griselda Blanco aka La Madrina (God Mother), aka The Black Widow, married the leader of the cartel and after his murder took it over.
"The Godmother...makes Tony Montana look like Mother Teresa;" and that's no joke, this woman is the epitome of gangsta. Cross her and she'll chop your ass up into pieces, stuff you in a box and wrap a bow around it, claiming "that's the way I do my thing".
She had enlisted a crew dubbed The Cocaine Cowboys, which took care of all the dirty work. The cocaine epidemic was so extensive there were at least two cocaine related death a week. The Florida Federal Reserve Bank at one point had a $5 billion surplus, more than all the Federal Reserves combined. This was serious, Times magazine even named Florida "Paradise Lost" and with reason. The Columbians made more money than the mafia ever did (so they say)
Speaking of the mafia, Griselda's youngest son was named Michael Corleon. Sound familiar?
The F.A.B.O. is back with his highly anticipated 4th album "From Nothin' To Somethin", set to be release June 12, 2007. The albums tracks are already heating up the billboard charts worldwide. The track "You Make Me Better" featuring Ne-Yo is blasting everywhere , in pharmacies, clothing stores , cars, ring tones and to the almighty Myspace pages.
The album features special guest appearances from fellow Def Jam artists Ne-Yo with producer Timbaland (on 'Make Me Better') and Rihanna with producer Big Tank (on 'First Time'). Other guests include Akon, who takes over on the track 'Change Up' and T-Pain who lends his vocals on the track 'Baby Don't Go'.
On May 30th, Mixtapekings.com, Rapmullet.com and friends celebrated the movement. Such an event is a symbol of the persistence and longevity of the hip hop culture, regardless of obstacles (DJ Drama and the RIAA, anyone?) We'd like to send out a warm thank you to everyone who attended, everyone who performed and all of the sponsors. Special shout out goes to the Shop Boyz who literally shut the stage DOWN!
Special Thanks to:
Vitamin Water, Giant Magazine, Hpnotiq, Puma, LIFEbeat, Clubplanet.com and Lil Shawn and Dominique Andriese for keeping the crowd entertained, DJ Kool Herc, DJ Soul
Read on for some personal highlights from the Mixtapekings family
Watching the Shop Boyz perform "Party Like A Rockstar," and finally getting to see Dujeous, had to be the highlights of my evening. It was a total surprise to see the Shop Boyz go on stage... And Dujeous, I really loved their mixtape... and getting to hear them live was definitely worth the wait.
-Monica Nova
I have to say that I had a few highlights. I loved the surprise perfomance by Shop Boyz. I was going crazy when they were performing! I also loved Dujeous, they are a kick ass band; Serious Jones, Ron Browz & Jae Millz, Jaden and all of the other performances and seeing my Dom Dom holding it down on stage where she belongs in the spotlight. The ultimate highlight I have to admit was watching the Mixtapekings(My Queens) doing their things that night and making it such a memorable night for everyone. I was so proud to be part of such a great team and family. I love my MTK family!!!!!!
-Ronelle Levy
Albert Daniel aka Brooklyn from ATL the movie stopping by to support the movement was off the chain. If you don't know, reacquaint yourself with the actor and watch ATL. I also loved Nina B. The only female in a show FULL of males, but she managed to SHINE. Her energy on stage surpassed a lot of the dudes. Sorry guys, the females reign once again.
-Glenny Cruz
And the hostess with the most-es, Dominique Andriese:
Wow what can I say! The Mixtapekings.com Re-launch event was a success, and more!
Looking from my eyes you would have seen fellow hip hop lovers, creators of good music, executives, poets; a creative folk, filling the room. Damn it was an historic moment for me, point blank!
Being a host was so rewarding because not only was I apart of the planning process, but in fact, having the honor to MC was mind-blowing. I'm such an emotional person that it was a rush of emotions all balled into one because I knew what was needed to pull off a great show, and yet not show it on my face while hosting. Like they say, "The show has to go on!"
I want to again thank our sponsors Hpnotiq, Vitamin Water, LifeBeat, my oh so handsome and knowledgeable host Lil Shawn (Terrence and Rosci, ya'll better watch out hehe), to the Talent--- MAN... no words, and thank you most importantly to the MTK Queens and Kings. Our event could not have been what is what without YOU. So take this time to pat yourself on the back because you deserve to.
Can't stop the movement because it's only the beginning, we making history baby!
Stay tuned for the photo gallery...
I guess sex does sell. In this case, sex pays. And it pays big time. As some of us may know, Ray J was caught with his pants down (literally). Yeah, Brandy's little brother isn't little anymore ( in any sense of the word). Homie and Kim Kasjdadasdzdhgashf taped themselves during their most intimate moments (yeah right). And yes, we took a few moments out of the day to watch and giggle over it. (And what was with the editing? It was literally bad porn). During the ordeal we noticed Ray J didn't have a condom on. Yuck! (I SWEAR we weren't all up in it like thaaaat). So of course we took the liberty to preach to Ray J (or rather the screen). I mean, you don't stick your hand in a hot oven with out an oven-mitt 'cuz you might get burned!
And so, as the story unfolds, it seems that Ray J, Mr. Oooh baby I like it Raw, is being offered a deal from none other than Trojan Condoms. Is it messed up that someone is being rewarded for going unprotected? I'd l