Daily Mix: August 2007 Archives

R&B songstress, Keyshia Cole, is set to release the follow up to her platinum-selling, debut The Way It Is with Just Like You on Geffen Records with a release date of September 25th, 2007.

The Benny Boom-directed video for the first single, "Let It Go," featuring Missy Elliot and Lil' Kim, shows the Oakland native's party side with the fun-infused Missy Elliott produced track.

Since her last album release Keyshia Cole has been busy diversifying her career. She has a starring role in the upcoming MTV film "How She Moves," and is currently working on season two of her BET reality show called "The Way It Is 2" which is Executive Produced by Keyshia and her manager Manny Halley.

Keyshia is all set for the promotion of Just Like You putting the final touches on a multi-city House of Blues tour.

Keyshia's 2005 release of The Way It Is achieved critical acclaim from a slew of major media outlets including:

USA Today - "...Cole separates herself from the average R&B/pop diva, as she makes you feel her heartbreak without the histrionics."

People - "[Keyshia Cole] shows that she is more than just a pretender on the thrown"

Billboard - "Keyshia proves that she is the real thing on this attention-commanding debut"

Rolling Stone - "Cole serves up grit beyond her years"

Her recent appearance on P. Diddy's hit single "Last Night," has already garnered award nominations from The Bet Awards and the upcoming Teen Choice Awards and is sure to receive more nominations with her confident 70ish vocals on the track.

TOUR DATES:

Fri
08/24/07

North Myrtle Beach, SC

House Of Blues

Sat
08/25/07

Atlanta, GA

Center Stage

Sun
08/26/07

Lake Buena Vista, FL

House Of Blues

Wed
08/29/07

New Orleans, LA

House Of Blues

Thu
08/30/07

Dallas, TX

House Of Blues

Sat
09/01/07

Las Vegas, NV

House Of Blues

Sun
09/02/07

West Hollywood, CA

House Of Blues

Mon
09/03/07

West Hollywood, CA

House Of Blues

Wed
09/05/07

San Diego, CA

4th & B Concert Theater

Thu
09/06/07

Anaheim, CA

House Of Blues

Fri
09/07/07

San Francisco, CA

Mezzanine

Sun
09/09/07

Seattle, WA

The Showbox

SUNDAY
9am-4pm

We started filming "Mind, Muscle and Hustle" an upcoming film starring Storm P and Marlo from The Wire along a few other celebrities that I'll fill you in on in a couple of weeks (so stayed tuned.) We were basically shooting guerilla style, without any permits, running around Queens with fake with guns and props. LOL.

8pm-I went to B.B. Kings for the Underground Music Awards. A ton of different magazines were in the building. I had a hard time getting in. Everybody in the line was claiming to be somebody. And all of the nobodies were getting in, while the somebodies were still standing outside. Anyway, my man Jessie, who was the organizer of the event saw me and came and got me and my people in. Big ups to Jessie and everyone involved in the event.

The show started and Kid Capri received the Legend Award. His speech was from the heart. Everyone was feeling it. Jae Mills received the Freestyle of the Year Award. Then came time for the DJ of the Year category. I actually had the jitters, because three years ago, I lost an award in the very same venue. They ran off the nominees and then...the winner is...and they said my name. I was feeling it! I went up and gave my speech. I let everyone in the audience know that I lost an award in that very same place, 3 years earlier and I didn't get discouraged, I just kept grindin'! Obviously it paid off.

Later that night- My man Tyrese had a party, so I went to check it out. The line outside was crazy, but I had to pull my Superstar Jay card again. LOL. I knew one of the security dudes from the Rucker, so we were good! Man, the ratio of women to men was like Five to One! And the groupies were definitely in the building! Red Café got on stage and gave a hot performance. Everyone thought it was my birthday, (it's actually August 20th) so they kept giving me birthday shouts all night. I got on the turntables, but I was way too tipsy to spin. I talked on the mic for a minute and just told Tyrese to do his thing. I kicked it with Tyrese said he's gonna release another Black Ty album. I volunteered to host it! LOL. Then to Red Café. He's dropping a new album called "The Co-Op" with DJ Envy. This is another example of artists showing DJ's love. You definitely need to cop that! I left the club at 5:00 am...crazy bent!

MONDAY
I spent the majority of the day shooting scenes for the movie with Storm. I cut out early to meet my man Big T at the studio to work on our new Stack Bundles and Jim Jones mixtape. We had to keep going back and forth deciding which key songs to include.

Then, I had to get my itinerary ready for the Magic Show in Las Vegas. I'll be DJ'ing there at the Son of Man Clothing Line booth.

TUESDAY
I went to pick up the "Shesus Khryst" DVD's. We almost didn't make it because of the traffic. I didn't realize how much room they were gonna take up. But, after filling up 3 carloads, we finally got them all in. My crew and I had to hurry up and get them delivered to spots all over the city.

After that, my publicist Brandi kept hitting me with lists of magazines and websites that need copies of the DVD for reviews. So, I had to head to the post office to get them shipped out.

WEDNESDAY
My boss Lamar Odom called me early in the morning to set up a meeting. I got up and got ready. Lamar and I discussed my album "Why Not" which is set to be released later this year on his label Rich-Soil Records. I'll be doing a 26-city college tour between September and November. We were also discussing Lamar Odom Day out in Lincoln Park. Then he took me shopping. That's one of the perks of having an NBA star as a boss. LOL. He copped me like 30 pairs of sneakers...but to my surprise, when I get home I realized that I accidentally grabbed his bags instead of mine and now I'm stuck with 16 pairs of size 15 Nikes! Damn! He's a really busy dude, so I haven't had a chance to catch up with him and switch them out yet.

Then, we met up with my dudes from B-Mack, Rob and Jimmy from Foundation Magazine. The latest issue with DJ Drama on the cover came out really hot! Lamar did an interview with them. We're hoping to get the cover...but we'll have to wait and see.

MY PERSONAL PICKS
This week I'm feeling DJ Lust with the new Bird Gang mixtape.
I also like Antalive's "Formula 50" and DJ Mello's "I'm On My Shit"

MY UPCOMING RELEASES
This week the "Shesus Khryst" DVD/Mixtape is on sale! Cop that! Also, be on the lookout for Superstar Jay & Big T Present Stack Bundles and Jim Jones "Heaven Only Knows" as well as Superstar Jay "7 Day Theory"

ASK SUPERSTAR JAY
Q: Yo, Jay I'm interested in being a mixtape deejay. What advice can you give me as far as trying to get on?
-John, White Plains, NY
A: Practice, practice, practice. Besides that, study your music...all kinds of music. Prepare yourself for becoming an all around DJ. Don't just download songs. Get your blending and scratching skills up and besides that just try to network, show your face and get on the tables as much as possible. It's important to be seen. You definitely want your name to become recognizable.

Got a question for Jay? Email him at asksuperstarjay@gmail.com

To celebrate the release of her latest single, "Ridin," Mya has a new contest that her male fans can't seem to resist! Mya is offering one lucky guy the opportunity of a lifetime - to go "Ridin" with her on a date!

To enter the Mya Ridin Contest, just submit a 30-60 second video explaining why you should be Mya's date. Then fill out the required entry form at: http://myamya.com/ridincontest and upload your video to Mya's Official Youtube Group at http://youtube.com/group/ridinwithmya.

Look out for Mya's album Liberation coming soon!

Here's some random Hip Hop news. Redman recently launched a Limited Edition set of skateboard decks. Reggie never looked like the skater-type to me.

The bright and colorful skateboards are available on www.sk8thing.com. The site only displays three different ones. I'm not sure if there is more to come, or if Reggie is stopping at just those three.

Click Here: www.sk8thing.com

Grammy award-winning producer, Rockwilder, is taking the initiative to create avenues for independent artists to expand their visibility and increase their wealth.

Rockwilder, owner of the following artist networking sites: Rocbeats.com and Rocbattle.com have paid out over 100,000 to indie producers for their beat sales. His newest venture is RocMP3.com. Through this new online business, artists and labels will be able to sell as many MP3s as they want and keep 100 % of the profit.

This is an avenue for artists and entrepreneurs alike, who want to build their entertainment business, maintain independence of their creative value and make thousands of dollars in the process.

For more information visit: Rocbeats.com and Rocbattle.com

Think of it as a Myspace for all the hip hop heads around the world.

Whoishiphop.com is an online community that allows user to network, share their videos, audio, stories and photos.

Whoishiphop? Emcees, DJs, Breakers, Graffiti Artists, Hip Hop Heads and last but certainly not least YOU! Access the website, sign up and create a profile page. Members can post blogs, upload unlimited media, and communicate with other members of the website.

Visit Whoishiphop.com

DJ Darko of Spank Rock, AKA Ronnie Darko, Darkness or Lord Darko presides over volume 18 in conjunction with innovative labels Ninja Tune, Big Dada and Counter Records. Previous mixes in the series have been curated by the likes of Cosmo Baker & DJ Ayers, DJ Cutler, and Flosstradamus.

Ronnie Darko, aka DJ Darko, memory maker and cut creator, is one half of the two-part DJ backbone that keeps Baltimore party hounds Spank Rock upright. The "hip-hop" collective, built around Devlin & Darko, CoolDisco MC Spankrock and producer XXXchange continues to set stages and body parts alight with its wildfire debut YoYoYoYoYoYo on Big Dada Recordings. Darkness is half-Scorpio, half-Libra and all-time snacker. He hates good people and loves good times.

Ninja Tune, Big Dada, and Counter Records form a family of like-minded labels operated in London and Montreal since 1990. Renowned for challenging listeners on and off the dancefloor, Ninja Tune has set landmarks with artists such as Amon Tobin, Kid Koala and Coldcut; and Roots Manuva, Spank Rock, and Diplo on the Big Dada roster. The latest foray is into astral mathematics with Pop Levi's debut on the new Counter imprint, marking the electronic and hip-hop labels' resounding arrival in the rock canon.

Mixtapekings.com is giving these out with every order while supplies last.

Unfortunately, seeing a female rapper rise above a crowd of men is a rare moment. And for women (in hip hop or out of) should see it as a watershed moment. Well it was watershed moment when Apz Giggles climbed the rocky path to underground stardom on Loud.com as the first and only female MC on Loud.com, and she's only 19 years old.
Loud.com is an online community where users can upload their music and ultimately compete for $100,000 and a record deal with SRC Records.

Hailing from Dade County, home to many creative minds such DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Cool N Dre, Pitbull and Trina, Apz Giggles is a monument waiting to resurrect among giants. Already having garnered the respect and attention from Trina, Giggles' career is now taking off by way of Trina and her entrepreneurial ways. Trina snatched Giggles up to form an all-girl rap group, consisting of 3 girls in total to make up "Pretty Money."

Giggles, known to friends and family as Deanna, is the perfect bait for the sharks in the industry. She's a young, pretty thing that's highly marketable along the lines of the Lil Kim's, the Foxy's and the Trina's of the world. However, regardless of the fact that many of her peers will look nothing like her she remains strong.

"Focus! It's my dream," says Giggles when asked the lack of women. She is aware of the fact that being a P.Y.T. is a double-edged sword since she has to go against many assumptions.

"I have to constantly prove myself. People say, 'You're so pretty, I don't believe you're a rapper!'" says Giggles.

Women in hip hop are scarce but Giggles concentrates on the few good women that have influenced her. "It isn't discouraging. You have women like Salt-N-Peppa... Trina, they built their dreams." Not letting obstacles get in the way, Giggles scoffs at the thought of intimidation. "Just do it" she giggles; hence her stage name.

Not even affiliated with a label (yet!), Giggles is still making moves with not one, but two singles out. Her new single "Just a Girl" features Trina and the single coming from Pretty Money "Stunt" also features Trina. Both tracks are fly, flashy and a perfect example of what's to come for the rap superstar.

Learn more about Apz Giggles at Loud.com

Capone's first album on Bay Area based label, SMC Recordings is releasing the tentatively titled, What The Hood Made Mem this fall.

The first single will be 'Talk My Sh*t' and it is already receiving rave reviews from DJ's and tastemakers in the music industry. The album boasts production from acclaimed producers The Heatmakers, Drawzilla and Twinz as well as Capone's in house producer - Frizzy aka Franchise Beats. Capone is currently confirming guest appearances on the album and both he and Nore serve as Executive Producers. Capone is excited for his upcoming release, I like making records, I like making music for people, for my fans. One notable track off the album is titled, Message to my Brother, which serves as a letter to Noreaga. It answers a song that Nore did on their first album - War Report.

Friday, Aug 17th
I dropped 2 CD's and a DVD this week. As you know, the Shesus Khryst mixtape and DVD came out on Wednesday, so I'm still pushing that as well as "The 7 Day Theory...I Drop Every Week." Or at least I try my best. LOL. As far as the Shesus Khryst project, I never thought that a female artist would receive so much flack over a mixtape. The streets are really feeling it though. We sold of out every copy of the DVD, so we're really happy about that.

Saturday, Aug 18th
I met with Swizz Beatz. We were supposed to do a mixtape together before his album dropped, but we weren't able to get it done because his schedule is really hectic right now. He was promoting his album in the States as well as oversees. We will probably be doing a few show dates together, so be on the lookout for more info.

Sunday, Aug 19th
I flew to Miami to relax and hit up a couple of clubs. I went to check out my man Philly while I was there. He owns one of the biggest hip hop shops down there. Then we went over to my boss Lamar Odom's house. He has a 15-room mansion. It's crazy! He took us to producer Scott Storch's crib. I thought Lamar's house was big...until I saw his! Scott has a mansion the size of a city block! Man, it just reminds me to keep grindin'. Scott is going to be producing a couple of tracks on Ali Vegas' album. Hopefully, I can get him to do some work on my album, if my budget is right. Later, we went to the club to check out the party scene. Miami is crazy, because there are so many different types of music being played own there.

Monday, Aug 20th
It's my birthday! Swizz was supposed to fly down to Miami for his album release party at Prive Nightclub, but he called at the last minute to say that he wouldn't be able to make it. He was losing his voice from doing 4 shows in a row and he had an important radio interview the next morning. Now that's the life of a celebrity! It turned out to be a good party. DJ Nore held it down and showed us mad love.

Tuesday, Aug 21st
I was hanging with my labelmate Ali Vegas and we went to meet with producers Cool and Dre. The meeting went well and I also talked to them about doing something on my album. Plus, you know Dre rhymes too.

Wednesday Aug 22nd
I read an article about Universal releasing mixtapes. It kind of really bothered me, because they are saying that they don't plan on including any prominent mixtape DJ's in the project. They said that they don't feel like they need to, because the last one sold 6,000 units without the help of a big named deejay. In my opinion, obviously it would make more sense to tie in DJ's who are already respected in the mixtape industry and it's a win-win situation. A good opportunity for the DJ's and the label will move more units.

Thursday Aug 23rd
Vacation's over! I flew back to New York and went straight to the studio. Later that night, I deejayed a party with Remy Ma. There were 3,000 people in the crowd. The hip hop police were in there deep...harassing people. We still killed it though! I did my thing and Remy really did hers! She did some joints off the Shesus Khryst CD and the crowd was really feelin' it. She also went hard with a freestyle dissin' Foxy Brown and Babs from Bad Boy. It was a good night. The hottest joints in the club right now are 50 Cent "I Get Money" and Souljah Boy "Crank Dat." When I played that kids went crazy! It looked like a mosh pit on a rock video.

Friday, Aug 24th
Remy and I had to cancel the in-store autograph signing...again. Unfortunately, the owner of Hall of Fame Music was sick...so stay tuned for the new date and time.

My Picks for the Week
DJ White Owl-Cassidy vs. Storm P...it's crazy!
DJ Robbie Rob-Stunt Magazine...that's 89 tracks full of flava!
DJ Kay Slay-Haters Love Us...it features the Shesus Khryst track produced by my man G. Sparks.

Ask Superstar Jay
Q: Jay, When is your album coming out?
-Roland, Dallas, TX
A: My album will be being released on Rich Soil Records, tentatively in late fall/ early winter, but I'll let everyone know when I have a confirmed date.

Send your questions to asksuperstarjay@gmail.com

Omillio Sparks is back on the movie scene with the launch of Colossal Films. Colossal Films, is a new division underneath Colossal Entertainments music umbrella that will mass market and distribute urban street movies. Sparks was once a prominent actor for his former label Rocafella Records, and starred as "Baby Boy" in the Lionsgate Films, State Property 1 & 2.

Johnson will be making his own imprint in black Hollywood this fall by releasing his first movie. Omillio teamed up with Shurwil Langston of Tough Struggle Entertainment to release "Soulful" during the holiday season as a straight to DVD movie, and as a bonus DVD packaged with his album, The Payback. The movie will be distributed through Koch Entertainment and will be sold at FYE , BEST BUY, Circuit City , and other national retail chains. The movie is a coming of age story of a young girl named Rachel nicknamed "Soulful" for her god given talent to sing despite dealing with the adversities of a hard knock life in the streets. The supporting cast deals with six degrees of separation with their own individual struggles which adds edge & suspense to the story. Jamie Knight plays the lead as Rachel aka "Soulful", with a line-up of co-stars like Omillio Sparks, the film also stars Tray "Poot" Chaney & Felicia "Snoop" Pearson from the critically acclaimed HBO series, "The Wire". Colossal Films second movie, Expendable is already in the production phase with an all star cast, such as Omillio Sparks, Jim Jones, Tray Chaney, Lauren London aka, New New, from the movie ATL, and more.

Omillio Sparks aka Kenneth Johnson was signed to Rocafella records in the late 90's by Damon Dash and Shawn Carter. Sparks has starred in three movies, including State Property 1 and 2. Since leaving Rocafella records he has established a new independent label, Colossal Entertainment and now a film division called Colossal Films. Omillio Sparks, the Hip Hop artists has wrote on seven songs on the State Property 1 album and six on State Property 2- writing his verses as well as the hooks. He also wrote the hook for Jay Z's, I Just Wanna Love You off the Dynasty album and al so had a verse on the single, As One, off of Jay Z's, Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse. He's also been featured on songs with Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and many others. He's laid verses to tracks produced by Kanye West, Just Blaze, Johnny J, and Black Keys.

Tough Struggle Entertainment is a film and production company located in Philadelphia , PA. Shurwil Langston founded the company in early 2000 and his responsible for the production and holds the position of the lead casting director for Soulful and the upcoming movie, Expendable.

Kia Shine - Wow

Hip Hop aint playin dead
It live in the south
It gotta be a lie
Cuz it just bought me a house
It just gave me a deal
I'm just bout to come out
Shit I just got my budget
Mane I don't know what they talkin bout
Hip hop bought me this chain

In opposition to the notion that hiphop is dead Kia Shine presents the song "Wow". Though intentions were good, the idea isn't very original and the lyrics are mediocre.

"Hip hop aint playin dead it just live in the south/it gotta be a lie cus it just bought me a house". With what seems to be a subliminal jab at east coast hiphop, he comes forth with simple rhymes that could have been better written and a bit more complex.

Nice try though...

Rapper 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) will see Starz this September with "50's Picks" on Starz Edge and the premiere of "50 on 50" on Starz InBlack. "50's Picks," a four night programming event featuring films selected and hosted by 50 Cent, begins on Starz Edge Friday, Sept. 7 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). "50 on 50," an original 30-minute video show hosted by 50 Cent, premieres on Starz InBlack Friday, Sept. 7 at 11 p.m. (ET/PT). These programming events coincide with the release of 50 Cent's third major album, "Curtis," on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Movies featured in "50's Picks" include The Professional, Rush Hour, Carlito's Way and He Got Game.

50 Cent and Kanye West aren't the only two artists putting out anticipating albums on September 11th. The Outlawz, a historical underground hip hop group, are finally debuting their own album. The only group to be featured on over 40 million albums sold worldwide was formed and taken under the wing by Tupac in 1995.

On September 11, 2007 distributed by Koch, West Coast rap label, High Powered Entertainment will make hip hop history with its release; Thug In Thug Out. The highly anticipated project is the first official collaboration by original Outlawz members Young Noble and Hussein Fatal since the much publicized fallout that followed the death of their mentor Tupac Shakur.

The millions who adore Tupac Shakur, loyal Outlawz fans and music lovers from around the globe will consider this reunion LP well worth the wait.

The OUTLAWZ are not to be taken lightly, having garnered their own loyal fan base from appearances on numerous album's, most notably 2PAC'S Me Against The World (2 platinum), All Eyes On Me (9 platinum), Makaveli (5 platinum), R U Still Down (3 platinum), 2PAC'S Greatest Hits (10 platinum), nobleBetter Days (2 platinum),Until The End Of Time (3 platinum), Still I Rise (1.5 platinum), Gang Related and Gridlock'd Soundtracks (platinum plus).... just to name a few.

Some of the best things in life are free. You might have to make your way toward the better songs and blends. The tracklisting isn't exactly 'Fresh Out the Box,' most of these songs you've probably already heard but there is some good stuff hidden in this mixtape.

Some favorites include AZ over 'Show Me What You Got' instrumental, a new verse from 3 Stacks (aka Andre 3000) on "Walk it Out." It also includes some of Hip Hop's newer classics like "Hip Hop Is Dead," "Lost Ones" by Jay-Z and Ghostface's "Ghost is Back."

Mixtapekings lets you listen here.

DJ MUGGS, iconic producer, Angeles Records CEO, Mash up radio personality, pioneer and founder of Hip-Hop super group Cypress Hill, has decided to collaborate with SICK JACKEN of The Psycho Realm, the Los Angeles rap group started in 1989 by brothers Jacken (Jack Gonzalez) and Duke (Gustavo Gonzalez), who have enjoyed a religious fan base that follows Jacken and the group everywhere.

Jacken has taken it a step further and teamed up with DJ Muggs to continue the legacy of influential creative classics with the new album "LEGEND OF THE MASK AND THE ASSASSIN" out on Rebel Music group/ Universal Latin, Jacken's joint venture with Universal Music Latino (August 21st 2007).

The album idea was conceived during a UNITY event, which is the mobile festival, property of the Soul Assassins collective. Jacken's current underground super group Sick Symphonies was an overwhelming hit with the audience and their loyal fans who were wall to wall at the sold out UNITY festival held at the Knitting Factory November 9th 2006.

When asked why he decided to create an album with Jack, Muggs exclaims "Jack is the illest on the West Coast underground right now with a legion of loyal fans second to none in L.A. We have the same music sensibility and same goals to keep the music hardcore. This is what attracted me to the music in the first place. You couldn't sound, look like, or use another artist's style. If you did you were considered wack. Now everybody is cloned from one another and we refuse to fall into that category. This is one of the most original creative albums I've ever been involved in."

The first two singles "Mask and the Assassin" and "El Barrio" which is the Latin crossover single, are hitting the streets Aug 7th.

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER HERE!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB50RFsbdnc

David Banner enlists the help of an all-star roster on this catchy single from his album "The Greatest Story Ever Told."

We're proud to announce that Mixtapekings.com has been nominated for Mixtape Website of the Year by Southern Entertainment Awards.

Started in 2004, the awards have risen to fame quickly, exceeding more than 3,000 people at their annual ceremonies. They are entering the 5th Annual Southern Entertainment Awards this coming year, a watershed moment for the Awards ceremony.

"We represent the 'Who's Who' of entertainment in the South, and it has been noted in various magazine articles that this event has filled a long over-due void in the South. We will, not only bring the South together as a whole, but to also provide a pedestal for Southern Music that the World will have to recognize," says the company about their awards.

Confirmed guests for 2008 SEA show include Khao, Gucci Mane, Kia Shine, Kiotti, Block Ent, Swisha House, Princess Cut and others.

You can cast your votes starting in September at Southernentawards.com

Jordin Sparks, the youngest American Idol winner ever in the popular TV franchise's history, blazes a post-Idol signature trail all of her own and signs to 19 Recordings/Jive Records, one of the industry's most cutting-edge labels.

"We're thrilled to welcome the partnership with 19Recordings and Jordin Sparks as the first Idol winner to make her home at Jive," stated Barry Weiss, CEO and President of Zomba Label Group (ZLG). "Her poise, her amazing vocal ability, her relentless optimism has been apparent to millions of fans all around the world. We're honored to have this burgeoning worldwide superstar on Jive Records."

Winning the majority of the more than 74 million record-breaking votes cast. The 17-year old Glendale, AZ, native, was followed by millions of television viewers and was hailed by critics and fans as one of the most "musically evolved" contestants the Fox show has ever had.

DJ Kay Slay debuted on his radio show on August 17, 2007, 50 spits: "You make me wanna kiss you like Baby kiss Wayne / And make you call me daddy like Baby do Wayne / Damn that @#!* sounds gay it's insane / I guess that's the price a lil' @#*$% pay for fame...

Click below and listen to the drama

The music industry nitpicks at all artists on the rise, in search of a double-sided detail, one that "separates" the artists from the rest and also works as a clever marketing ploy, like Kanye and cockiness, Snoop Dogg and his love for the herb, N.O.R.E's sudden overwhelming Latino pride. These are things that are automatically aligned with the artist's persona, somewhat pigeonholing the artists.

Well Ave isn't having that. The born Bronx-bomber grew up in a Hispanic household, a sly mention that managed to catch my attention. We've all heard about the hyped up next big Latino rapper, or the next Asian emcee, or the next Eminem. So when I learned that Ave was a Hispanic rapper, I thought, "A rapper that isn't capitalizing on the 'token Latino Rapper' role?"

Ave refuses to use his Dominican heritage as a marketing ploy. And with that said, lets continue on the road toward Ave.

Ave has already made some power moves. For example, getting his single, "It's Going Down Tonight" some air time on New York's premier hip hop station Hot97. A milestone moment which helped Ave realize the potential in his music. "...Opened up my eyes at the time. I could really do this," says Ave.

While the cliche topic of choice remains about New York and hip hop, one still has to skeptically question the artist that is claiming to be New York's hip hop messiah. Not saying he is going to bring New York back, he does make some good observations about the wrongdoings of New York rappers. "New York has been trendsetting our whole lives. It's a first for New York not to be on top. It's intimidating for new artists. Everyone is scared to do something different." We're all self-conscience, he's just the first to admit it.

It's obvious that the industry is changing. No longer are there major label dreams or sold out concert wishes. Artists now take the independent route, as Ave did when he signed to Urban Music Entertainment. "Still have major label dreams?" Ducking the question directly, he says, "I wouldn't do it if I didn't believe in it."

For more information, check out: Myspace.com/ave

Miami radio personality and Terror Squad/KOCH recording artist DJ Khaled has the #1 most added single at Urban Radio this week with 33 adds on "I'm So Hood," the 2nd single from Khaled's new album We The Best. "I'm So Hood" features T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross and Plies. The track is the follow up to "We Takin' Over."

Khaled comments, "I'm so hood!!!! It's the biggest record! In the club, on the radio, and the streets!!!! 'I'm So Hood' represents the people!!! We the best! For real!!!!!!!

The video for "I'm So Hood" will World Premiere on Yahoo! on 8/24, and also Premiere on MTV's Direct Effect on 8/30. The new video was recently shot in Miami and directed by Gil Green.

The Rockport Company, has partnered with Grammy- nominated Hip-Hop artist Yung Joc and Bad Boy Entertainment to introduce, Roc with Joc - a multi-city talent search targeting aspiring music moguls. The competition will launch today in Detroit and will stop in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Atlanta, where contestants will battle it out for the chance to work closely with Yung Joc and his team.

Semi-finalist in each city will then meet with Yung Joc at participating retail locations where he will select a finalist by who best personifies what it means to work hard to have their dreams come to fruition. The finalist will have an opportunity to spend the remainder of the day with Yung Joc and his entourage.

"I have worked hard to overcome many obstacles to be where I am today," said Yung Joc. "I am excited to be partnering with Rockport to provide an opportunity for hustlers like myself that are on their grind who otherwise may never have had a chance to make it."

Each city finalist will be flown to Atlanta for the grand finale, where they will be given a tour of Yung Joc's Block Entertainment studio and a preview of Rockport's new Established 1971 Footwear. A winner will be chosen during Yung Joc's album release party and awarded the grand prize; an opportunity to work along side Yung Joc , while on his "Hustleonmics" tour and appear in a Rockport Established 1971 Collection Advertorial.

For more information on Roc with Joc visit www.rockport.com.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Foxy Brown might be going to jail. But before she does, she's securing herself a place in hip hop history. Brown closed a deal with Koch Records which makes her the first female MC to have a label at Koch.
Exact negotiations of the deal are undisclosed, but its confirmed the deal is multi-million dollar one. The first artist to be released via Black Rose Entertainment will be, who else? Foxy Brown.

Brown will release her highly anticipated street album titled' Brooklyn's Don Diva ' later this year, which will be her first release since regaining her hearing. Foxy stated "I have always been a symbol of independence as a female in music. My brand is already established, millions of my records have already been sold, and I have a fan base already loyal, after 13 years at Def Jam, I felt it was time as a matured business women to move on and continue my brand under the roof of something I own".

Lapiz Conciente nacido Avelino Yunior Figueroa Enero 24, 1983 en Los Minas, Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana.Una persona de calle, gracioso y humilde. Desde pequeño le gustava el Rap porque desde entonces estuvo alreadedor del estilo de musica. Empezo en el Rap Dominicano en el 1996. Empieza en su barrio y sigue en el mismo lugar pero conocido en toda Republica Dominicana y ahora mas internacional. Su boom sucedio con "Tu No Ere De Na" luego exitos como "La Menore Me Quieren Manguear" y " Calle Es Calle" que son canciones con las cuales se identifica mucho. Con su musica decea expandir la cultura Dominicana a todo Latino America.

Lapiz Conciente born Avelino Yunior Figueroa in a small hood in the capitol of the Dominican Republic, is a young man from the hood, yet charismatic and humble. Since a very young age he liked Rap, probably due to the fact that he was surrounded by the style of music. He started his career humbly as an underground rapper in 1996, in the Caribbean hood of Los Minas, a place he still calls home and still his voice is beginning to be heard in the entire country and now outside of the Dominican Republic.

Like a Prelude to his up and coming album 51/50 Ratchet this fall, Hurricane Chris has a lot to offer the game. Ever since he was 13 years old he's wanted this dream. With the serenading soulful ballad and blessings of his mom, Chris enters this mixtape like the Hurricane he is with a freestyle of "White Guy"; showing and proving his skills like a display for all the industry to see, hear and feel. With a flow sort of reminiscent to Legendary Bone Thugs, Chris can battle with the best of them. Aligned up with Aphanites, Polo Grounds, Young Mogul's - H.C.'s team is long like a veteran. Keep keeping it dirty H.C.

What's going on everyone?

Thanks for checkin' in for another peek inside the crazy world of DJ Superstar Jay.

Well this week is a prime example of why they call me the DJ who never sleeps. And as a matter of fact, I am kind of tired...LOL.

This week I've basically been pushing the latest single from my artist Storm P "Pick the Money Up" featuring Remy Ma...this record is definitely a problem! I've been going out every night this week, stopping thru all the hottest clubs, showing my face and getting the record played by some of the most well known club deejays.

I want to share some advice with all of the mixtape deejays out there... get yourself an artist! I don't care what other artists have to say about deejays spinning there own artists, because at the end of the day I don't see those other dudes helping you out or coming back to get you when they blow up. I'll admit that T.I. is probably the exception, because of the love that he's shown DJ Drama.

But getting back to my crazy week... Every night this week we've been hitting like 3 clubs a night! Monday, I was on conference calls with about 40 international DJ's, pushing the single. "Pick the Money Up" is definitely a hot record, but no one will know it unless you make them hear it! That's where I come in...I'm here to make sure that they know about it. My publicist Brandi had me on the phone with these dudes from 3:00 in the afternoon all the way until 11:00 that night, basically saying the same thing over and over. LOL.

After that we went to Club Myst with my dudes DJ Self and DJ Will, they basically control the whole NYC party scene. It was crazy in there! Kinfolk Kia Shine performed. Later I kicked it with him and he told me that he loves my mixtapes and how I'm always talking shit on them! LMAO! Jae Mills and Mysonne both gave great performances. Then came time for Storm P to perform "Pick the Money Up"...I was just looking out into the crowd, watching people's reactions the whole time. People were definitely feeling it, then dudes started throwing money in the air and it turned bananas! Then Uncle Murda came through and ripped it down! I got in the booth and deejayed just for the love of it! Everyone really did their thing that night. The Kanye West "Can't Tell Me Nothing" is definitely a problem! It gets the crowd poppin' every time you play it. The 50 Cent "I Get Money" joint is also a banger! We left the club around 5:00 in the morning.

I got up at 8:00 am to put together a mixtape for this health food store. That's crazy...I never thought I'd be doing that. Time to hit the studio again. I had to listen to some tracks by my 15 year-old producer. He also produced 3 songs on my upcoming album. We finished at around 11:30.

Now, I have to head home and get dressed. I'm supposed to meet up with Swizz Beats and my man Snag at 12:30 at Funkmaster Flex's birthday party where Swizz is performing. Of course the traffic coming into the city was crazy, so I ended up getting there at 1:40. Damn! And they had already shut down the door. Damn! Swizz and Cassidy are in there already, so I try my luck and pulled the Superstar Jay card with the doorman and it worked!...well actually he let me in an hour later. LOL.

We got in just time to get on stage with Swizz. Then, security starting going real hard on letting people on the stage, so I fell back. Swizz performed and killed it! Then Cassidy came out and gave a hell of a performance. It was great to see him in good spirits, despite what he's been through. Then Swizz brought out Drag-On and he killed it too! While I was in the V.I.P. I saw my man DOE, who signed with Timbaland. You probably know him from the Timbaland joint "The Way I Are." I'm proud to see him in the loop again. I also ran into my man Royal Flush. He used to put in work in the rap game back in the day. He was poppin' mad bottles. I didn't want to get drunk, but I was feeling the energy in the air...so well you know...

We bounced with Swizz. He was talking about us doing a mixtape together. We're gonna do it before his album comes out... that's a great look right there! I got home at 6:00 in the morning. People, I've only had total of 3 hours sleep during this whole week! Friday-I was busy preparing my upcoming mixtape "Your Not on My Level." Then I was arguing on the phone with my publicist Brandi, until 2:00 in the morning about next week's issue of the Mixtapekings column. LOL. I've also got the whole world waiting on the "Shesus Khryst" DVD/ Mixtape starring Remy Ma. Be patient...it will be dropping on August 14th.

Saturday morning I did my thing distributing the new mixtape and got back to Queens in time to play in two community basketball games. The second game had 3,000 people in attendance. It was Sean Bell day in Queens, and everyone showed a lot of love. That night, I went out again to kick it with my man DJ Clue about possibly doing a CD. We'll see that works out.

New Releases

Be sure to pick up my latest CD "I Will Not Lose...The Mixtape Game Needs Me" with Foundation Magazine.

Ask Superstar Jay

Q: Jay, I see that you are on Myspace and Facebook, but a lot of artists and celebs are saying that those sites are really being set up by fans. Are yours legit or what?
-Kim, Las Vegas, NV

A: I feel you Kim. I can't speak for everyone, but my accounts are legit and I check them pretty often.
Hit me up:
www.myspace.com/djsuperstarjay
____
Email your questions to asksuperstarjay@gmail.com.
Please include your first name and the city and state in which you reside.

FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM, IN STORES: AUG 28th, 2007
Raekwon Presents...Icewater
"Polluted Water"

Was it leaked? Is it a publicity stunt? Who cares? This joint is hot...

Universal Music Group recently announced their acquirement of a stake in the social networking site Loud.com. The website caters to artists who can upload their rap and compete for a deal with SRC Records.

So far in 2007, Universal has made an investment in Alliance Trace Media, which owns Trace-TV, based in Paris and acquired other companies that have record labels in Spain, Britain and Brazil.

The internet revolution keeps pushing forward at full steam and simultaneously knocking out other medium competitors.

A new report predicts the internet will overtake newspapers by 2011 to become the nation's biggest ad medium. The year 2011 is already being considered a "watershed moment" for the industry.

As consumers spend more time on the internet, advertisers are investing more money into online advertising and other digitial media. Online advertising is expected to hit $62 billion over the next four years.

This year alone, consumers will spend more time surfing the Web than reading the newspaper, the report states.

"It's going happen," said Peter Gardiner, chief media officer at New York ad agency Deutsch. "It's just a matter of whether it's 2010 or 2013."

Nearly 15 years deep in the game, Common finally struck gold (aka Billboard love) with his latest effort, Finding Forver.

The emcee's skillful album, Finding Forever debuted at Number. 1 on the billboard charts this week. According to Nielsen's SoundScan, Finding Forever sold 155,000 copies in its opening week.

The album features appearances from Kanye West, Lily Allen, Bilal and D'Angelo.

Jive recording artists UGK, universally regarded as the true voices of the south release their highly anticipated seventh album UGK (Underground Kingz) on August 7, 2007. UGK (Underground Kingz) will also be available as a limited-edition 26-song, two-CD set, with bonus DVD.

After a nearly two decade long career, UGK, brings to you a double CD collection that enlists a veritable "who's who" from the hip-hop and R&B universe; T.I., Rick Ross, Slim Thug, Charlie Wilson, Raheem DeVaughn, Three 6 Mafia, Willy D, OutKast, Kool G Rap, and Big Daddy Kane. The star-studded collection production by UGK's own Pimp C, as well as, NY super producer Swizz Beatz, Scarface, Marley Marl and Atlanta hit makers Jazze Pha and Lil Jon. Regardless of the many guests and producers, the album can simply be described as "original UGK material."

UGK (Underground Kingz) will also be available in a limited-edition 26-song, two-CD set, with a bonus DVD. The DVD will contain their latest videos including "Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) Featuring OutKast," in-depth interviews with UGK and special guest appearances from OutKast, T.I., David Banner, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Three 6 Mafia and much more.

The nominees for the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards have been announced. So far Justin Timberlake and Beyonce are in the limelight for the shows most important awards. Both artists are up for Video of the Year, Earth Shattering Collaboration, Quadruple Threat and their videos are up for Best Editing, best Directing and best Choreography.

Timbaland was given the honor of being the show's Maestro. He's bringing together some of the hottest artists, including Foo Fighter, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Lily Allen and Chris Brown to create a "one time only" collaborative performance.

The VMA's take place live in Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, September 9th at 9PN Eastern.

Emily King is R&B's up-and-coming artists. Still, naming her as "up-and-coming" is an understatement since she's already arrived on the scene.

The fresh faced R&B crooner sings raw, real life lyrics, lacking sing-songy choruses she still manages to make music worthy of attention. And while I can't quite find the correct words to describe her voice, it easily said that she effortlessly flows through the song, no strain, no falsettos or any other fancy singing techniques.

"I think music is such a revolutionary thing, and that's what it should be," she says. Her debut album via J Records is due this year.

For more information, visit Myspace.com/EmilyKingmusic

Romeo Miller, (formerly Lil Romeo) son of Master P, is underway of becoming hip hop's next mogul, and he can't even buy a drink. His next business move entails in Romeo buying the snack foods company Rap Snacks, Inc, the official snack of Hip-Hop.

The bags of chips carry images of various hip hop artists such as Master P, Yung Joc and Romeo and each have different flavors. Romeo's Rap Snack flavor is "Bar-B-Quin' With My Honey."

Currently, Rap Snacks are available nationwide at 7-11 stores.

For more information on Rap Snacks, visit www.rapsnacks.com

Superstar Jay's brings you another dose of the mixtape grind.

The column is updated on a weekly basis by the award winning DJ

Click How To Be a Superstar DJ - August 2nd 2007 to read the latest about Superstar Jay.

Last week was REALLY hectic!...to say the least.

I went to the Pepsi DJ Competition with my man Swizz Beats at S.O.B. hosted by DJ Enuff. I chilled in the V.I.P. with Kanye West. The event was pretty cool. The overall competition was alright, but it could've been better. The DJ's were cool, but hardly any one of them really stuck to the criteria that the judges had layed out. They didn't really encompass all of the aspects of being a good DJ. For the most part they just got the crowd hype and played "I Get Money"...A LOT! Lol.

The highlight of the night was seeing Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Mos Def, Just Blaze, Saigon and Common rockin' the stage! It was crazy to see all of those legends on one stage, showin' mad love! It was a really memorable night!

Monday-Wednesday:
For the majority of the week, I was basically running around tying up lose ends for my basketball tournament "The Q-Borough Classic." Plus making sure the "Shesus Khryst" DVD trailer was ready for release and as well as running the daily operations at my company Oh Baby Ent.

Thursday:
After running some errands, I did some work on the upcoming Storm P mixtape. Later, I went to meet up with my man Hump from Hump Records and he introduced me to Young B (the Chicken Noodle Soup girl), I'm going be dropping a new mixtape for her...strictly for the kids.

At 5 P.M. I went to meet with Sickamore about possibly signing Storm P. He said that he really likes what he's hearing and the meeting went well.

6 P.M. - After wrapping things up with Sickamore, I had to shoot over to the Rucker to catch up with DJ Enuff, I hit him with the new single from Storm P and Remy Ma "Pick the Money Up." He's going to give it a listen and hopefully we can get it added into rotation up at Hot 97.

10 P.M. - I went to the studio to work on my latest mixtape "Guns & Roses" featuring Max B and Byrd Gang.

2 A.M. - Decided to call it a night and headed on home.

Friday:
After spending most of the day in the studio, I had to make some calls and make sure everyone was all set for the game.

1:30 A.M. - Arrive at Club Amazora in Queens for the Lil' Scrappy party.
2:00 A.M - I get on the turntables and the crowd is going crazy!
2:30 A.M - The cops came and shut it down! Just like that! They were trippin because they said the line outside was really chaotic. I was pissed. The club wasn't even that packed yet (people in Queens come out late).

2:40 A.M - A guy in the club says that his people are having a party at another spot and they'll cut me a check to swing by there.

3:00 - 5:30 A.M - I rocked the second club until it closed. Then I headed home to catch a couple of hours of sleep.

7:30 A.M - Rise and shine...time to head over to O'Connor Park to get things set up for the game.

12 Noon - Everything gets underway. The high school was good. The And 1 All Stars vs. Queens game was crazy! Queens came out on top. We also gave a $3,000 Street Sweeper bike to the winner of the freestyle contest.

5 P.M. - Time for the main event...The DJ's vs. Promoters game. The crowd was going crazy! There were over 3,000 people in the park. Everyone showed us a lot of love. A lot of really well known deejays, promoters and street DVD's participated in the game, like DJ Self, Da Union DJ's, Noise Mob DJ's, Wiz Hoffa from Albany, Smack DVD, All Access DVD, Arliss Michael-Real Talk DVD. DJ Clue and Chris Roan also came out, but it was too late to get in the game. The Promoters Team won 79-77 and Storm P was the MVP with 25 points. It was a really good look for Queens. I just really wanted to give back to the community because they've shown me so much support. It was a great day!

2:00 A.M. - Got pulled over on the Midtown Tunnel. The cop tells me that he pulled me over because the license plate cover my Benz jeep is too dark. Then he sees that my man has some open liquor in the car and he keeps me there for an hour, plus I got a WHOLE BUNCH of tickets! Damn!

3:00 A.M - Back to business! I deejayed the Q-Borough Classic Afterparty/ Love Dinero birthday party and Club Pre-Post. It was crazy!

6:00 A.M. - Time to sleep.

New Projects:
This week I'm dropping "Superstar Jay - The Only Name U Can Trust Pt. 2"

My Mixtape Picks:
I'm still bumpin':
DJ Teardrops - "Step Your Blends Up"
The Kanye West - Alter Ego Mixtape is crazy!
I'm also really feelin the 31 Degreez - Weezyaveli joint. People keep saying that Wayne is over-saturating the market, but I disagree. I feel like he's one of the most consistent. He always drops hot material.

In The Works:
I'm working on a new mixtape with Mison (he was on the Violator album)

Ask Superstar Jay:
Q: When is the Shesus Khryst DVD coming out?
A: The DVD is currently at the plant in the process of being duplicated. It will be released in two weeks.
-Sheena, Pittsburgh, PA

Q: How can I get on a Superstar Jay mixtape?
A: Call 347-581-8152
-Money, Bronx, NY

__________
Email your questions to asksuperstarjay@gmail.com.
Please include your first name and the city and state in which you reside.

The story goes as follows: Man leaves hometown. Man leaves hometown with very little money in pocket. Man travels across seas in search of a new home and story. Man strives for the American Dream. That is the story of TOMI, the newest foreigner to embrace American music.

TOMI hails from Bratislava, Slovakia, and at the age of 18 with only 200 dollars in his pocket, migrated to Chicago. It was in the soulful city of Chicago that TOMI began his singing career. Now under the same management of Grammy award winning R.Kelly, TOMI is sure to make headlines. His debut album, an astounding solo project in every sense of the word is due this fall. TOMI composed and produced all of the tracks on his self-titled debut album "TOMI" (Rosehip Records).

Listen to some track from his upcoming album on his Myspace page: Myspace.com/Tomi

Kelly's trial for child pornography is set to begin September 17th.

We all know celebrities get special treatment. Well, R.Kelly isn't one of those privileged personas. The R.Kelly trial, which has been M.I.A. from the media is back with a vengeance.

Charged with child pornography for video taping himself having sex with a 14year-old girl.
Kelly was charged with 21 counts of child pornography, seven of which were dropped later.