Daily Mix: September 2007 Archives

Young Buck is preparing to hit the scene again. This time he's coming back with a compilation titled Young Buck Presents: Product of the South, will include new music from 615, C-Bo, Outlawz. The first single is "Driving Down The Freeway featuring Outlawz. There is yet to have a release date for this project.

Yung Buck is also launching David Brown Clothing, his upcoming brand named after his real name.

Nelly launched a contest searching for an all-girl drumline for his perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Open auditions will be held on September 30th New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, St.Louis and New Orleans.

Candidates should know how to play the trumpet, tuba, snare drum, bass drum or tri toms and also the ability to march with their instrument.

Final rounds of the auditions will take place in Atlanta on October 8th,

For more information, visit myspace.com/nellysdrumlineauditions

The ballots are open.

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

Another song leaked, but that's not new in Hip Hop.

What is new is Trina's material coming soon, of which her single; "Single Again" was leaked on September 25th.

CEO of Slip N Slide Records Ted Lucas, states that "This mishap is extremely unfortunate and that the official "Single Again" track ft. Trina by herself will be Re-released the proper way by the end of the week, I am thankful that nothing else was taken from the computer, I guess we can look at this as a bizarre experience and move forward with upcoming Trina's project."

Can't front...this helps build up the anticipation for Jay's new album. Its being compared to Reasonable Doubt, but this trailer is more like Hard Knock Life.

On September 23, 2007 New York held what has been considered the staple of Latin Hip Hop events. Red Bull's Batalla De los Gallos produced by www.Perrealo.com was held at Grand Hall in New York City to a crowd of enthusiastic young viewers. A crowd that follows the burgeoning genre of Hip Hop en Espanol, with their favorite MC trying to fight for the crown of the Champion for 2007! The evening began with a Kapoera performance by a group of young dancers dancing to rhythmic beats and chants, bringing something different to what the evening's event would actually have to show.

Judging the Battle this year we had a variety of recognized individuals who lend in their experience and love for the music to the night by being to select who would go on to battle in Venezuela for the World Championship. DJ Wheel Master Rob, a radio host for XM Radio in Washington DC, Johnny Marines a solidified judge for the Batalla since its inception in 2005 has been known to cause a commotion every year for one reason or another but has always been someone to truly bring out the best in the MC's by letting them know what they have done wrong and how to improve their performance. Although Johnny isn't a Hip Hop artist, his years as Manager for the world renowned bachata group Aventura has helped him see all music in many forms and has him becoming the first official certified judge of MC Battles in Espanol. Jiggiri Records, Tego Calderons Record label lend a hand in this years final by providing Chyno Nyno as a judge! Chyno which has a big following in the Genre of Latin Hip Hop brought real world experience to the panel as being known to have had many battles with various known artists in the past. Lastly Moe was the fourth and final judge for this year and bringing it to a complete panel of real judges that made it clear that if the MC's didn't bring it, they weren't going no where.

As 2007 comes near an end we have noticed that music is taking a huge turn and changing once again, Latin music is now experiencing what so many have been waiting for and this evening was a testament to just that! With the majority of the Finalist hailing from the Dominican Republic it doesn't faze anyone in realizing that the genre is going to be a huge success, especially since primarily all of the hottest and most recognized Latin Hip Hoppers are from DR. Cielo representing for the ladies at this years event was not just the only female to compete at the batalla this year but she was also a finalist to try and win the crown, although failing to make it out of the first round Cielo was actually only one of two to stick to the topic method being used at this years event, she fought a great battle but only to lose to Sammi Cultura the defending champion.

The first round would be one to remember; knocking out some of the best MC's in the genre and proving that you can spit good, but you can not always improvise great! Tailon which in many opinions was one of the favored to win the entire battle was also knocked out in the first round, but only to the Semi Finalist of 2006's Batalla and the one who would go on to win 2007's Championship! A long battle which went through three rounds of fire and the evening lead up to a semi-final that would have people waiting in suspense to see who would go on to the final to take on Nitro! Criminal G which was one of the hottest MC's to touch the mic through out the night lead into what took four rounds to come to a decision. Battling Sammi Cultura, Criminal G put on what would be one of the evenings best battles. Spitting fire from one to the next each MC proving they had the skills to take it, but a decision has always got to be made. And with a unanimous decision which took many by surprise Sammi came out the victor to go on to what seemed to be what everyone was waiting for, rematch of last years Final between Sammi Cultura and Nitro!

A long route for both MC's, a full year since the last had seen each other and much less battled! Having fought some very hard rounds to achieve what only two others have accomplished throughout the years, and that is make it to the finals. This year would prove which would be the best and have the chance to show his talents world wide. Nitro having lost last year had his chance to redeem his loss and prove he was a strong lyricist. Everyone knew the battle would be one to remember, and it was none the less the best battle of the evening. Both MC's going through three rounds sticking to the topics they were giving and improvising in a way that only poets can duplicate. Finally coming down to one final battle where the judges decided to let them battle it out and truly prove their street credibility. The crowd favorite Nitro was hard at work competing against last years champion, both MC's having brought their A game and formidably competing against one another. Although this final would not be won by unanimous decision, Sammi Cultura would not be holding onto the championship for another year, Nitro would go on to take the victory and will represent not only the United States in Venezuela, but also the Dominican Republic which is now at the forefront of the entire Latin Hip Hop Movement.

The battle now moves to Venezuela where the winner will challenge last years Champ and the rest of the MC's from across the Latin America. This year has been one for the books, and it will be another year that proves Latin Hip Hop is really here and it will remain here as well. Real Dominican, Killer & Brasa all great MC's proved to the world they had what it took to make it to the finals and now along with all the rest of the finalists and winner make up for the Top Ranked MC's in Latin Hip Hop in the United States. So keep an eye out because what you will see next will only rewrite History!

-Red Bull Big Tune Regional Qualifiers End and Top 12 producers Advance to Finals in Seattle on November 1

Brooklyn, NY - (September 14, 2007) - Brooklyn-based nightclub Southpaw is known for showcasing premier musical talent such as the outspoken KRS-One, Prefuse 73, and TV on the Radio but last night a crowd of 500 packed the club to see the Northeast's freshest up-and-coming Hip Hop producers engage in a heated battle known as Red Bull Big Tune.

"Big Tune was one of the dopest shows I've been a part of in a long time," said DJ Maseo Plug 3 of De La Soul who performed a head-bobbing closing set at last night's event. The excitement and energy in the room was electric. It was a truly inspiring event."

Also supporting the Brooklyn Red Bull Big Tune battle was featured producer Hi-Tek and special guest performer Sean Price.

WHERE'S THE BEAT? Started in Seattle in 2005 as a partnership between event producers Vitamin D and Jonathan Moore, Big Tune was created as a way to showcase the musical talents of emerging and established producers in a fresh and forward thinking way. The spirit of the Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall culture, where battles such as this occurred nightly and were commonly referred to as "clashes" is the inspiration behind Big Tune.

This year was the first time the battle went national with competitions hosted in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Seattle and New York. At each stop, hundred's of producers applied for 12 coveted battle spots. The head-to-head competition format is simple. Each producer is given one minute to throw down their illest beat. They go blow for blow for 2 rounds. What makes Red Bull Big Tune truly unique is the integral role the crowd plays in determining who advances and who goes home. Only the producers that elicit the largest response from the audience will make it to the next round. The last person standing will be the one with the big tune.

Last night was the final qualifying event to determine who would represent New York in the Red Bull Big Tune National Finals taking place on November 1 at Neumos in Seattle. The night began with twelve producers who brought heat with their beats, despite having various levels of experience. For some, this was their first battle. For others, it was a means to showcase years of grinding out raucous beats. After several rounds of contentious clashes, seasoned beat maker Marco Polo and up-and-coming producer Algorythm were the last producers standing. That was until Algorythm threw down a "boom bap" that reverberated through the crowd and got everybody shouting, throwing up fists and ultimately naming him the crowd favorite and champion of Red Bull Big Tune -New York. At this stage of the competition, there is room for two at the top. Both Algorythm and Marco Polo will advance to the National Finals to go up against the first and second place producers from the other 5 qualifying events.

ON AN AMERICAN TOUR WITH A BEAT IN MY HAND Since April, 2006, Red Bull Big Tune has toured San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Seattle and New York in search of talented music producers and the next Big Tune. On November 1, Algorythm and Marco Polo will represent New York against Babu (World Famous Beat Junkies) and Swiff D from Los Angeles; Cambo and Beat Rock from San Francisco; The Are and Joe Traxx from Houston; Tall Black Guy and Rio from Chicago; and Sabzi and Brainstorm from Seattle.

To learn more about the battles and to listen to tracks from Red Bull Big Tune producers, visit http://www.redbullbigtune.com. For press inquiries, contact nyla.hassell@us.redbull.com or sarah.chambliss@us.redbull.com.

Edited by Johan Kugelberg
Photographs by Joe Conzo
Foreword by Afrika Bambaataa
Original Flyer Art by Buddy Esquire
Timeline by Jeff Chang

Born in the Bronx is a striking anthology of Hip Hop's baby steps. Not only does it capture the emergence of a burgeoning culture but also the fashion and character of the surrounding community. From rare photographs of MC's and DJs to records, flyers, and other ephemera, writer Johan Kugelberg has pulled together the scattered remains of a movement that never has its eye on posterity. The book includes the improvisational artwork of previously unpublished street flyers of the era, Polaroids buried for decades in basements across the Bronx, and testimonials from the most scholarly historians of Hip Hop culture - the legends and pioneers who lived it! Through Born in the Bronx, Joe Conzo (described by The New York Times as "the chronicler who took hip hop's baby pictures") presents a unique cross-section of an explosive and experimental time in music history.

- Hip Hop's first photographer, Joe Conzo provides the majority of images of legends and urban scenes from 1977-1982. Additional photos were contributed by fellow pioneering documentarians Charlie Ahearn and Henry Chalfant.

- Photos feature The Cold Crush Brothers, Treacherous 3, Afrika Bambaataa, Busy Bee, Run DMC, Wayne "The Hip Hop Ventriliquist" & Charlie, Fantastic Romantic, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Funky Four + 1, Kool DJ AJ Scratch, GrandWizzard Theodore and more.

- Flyers created by Buddy Esquire feature Hip Hop jams from 1978-1985. Obscure flyers advertise early Hip Hop jams in Brooklyn, Queens and even Connecticut!

- Essays were contributed by legends: GrandMaster Caz, JDL, Joe Conzo, Mare 139, GrandWizzard Theodore, LA Sunshine and Jorge "Fabel" Pabon plus a poem by DJ Disco Wiz and an interview with Buddy Esquire.

- The hard cover is embossed. The dust cover unfolds to reveal a poster: "The Hip Hop Map of the Bronx" by Joe Conzo and Tony Tone.

DTP Records and Photobucket Host Online Celebrity Look-a-Like Contest:

Photobucket launched a "Celebrity Chick" Look-a-Like contest in conjunction with Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) Records to promote the music label's latest single, "Celebrity Chick."

Starting on September 10, participants are encouraged to log-in to their Photobucket accounts and submit photos and / or videos of themselves, indicating what female celebrity they think they look like. The winner will be selected based on creativity, originality and resemblance to the "celebrity chick" they've imitated.

The winning look-a-like will receive a spot in the Photobucket / "Celebrity Chick" "remix" fan music video. The grand-prize winner will also receive a Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) Records prize pack including t-shirts, posters and an autographed CD...

The contest will run on http://celebritychick.photobucket.com from September 10 to October 1, 2007 and the "Celebrity Chick" winner will be announced the week of October 8th.

Official Site:
Celebrity Chick Look-a-Like Contest
Photos of Entrants

T.I. LEADS THE PACK WITH 9 NODS AS BET HIP HOP AWARDS RETURNS FOR A NIGHT OF HIP-HOP HOTNESS ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT 8 P.M., ET/PT

Katt Williams Returns As Host

Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Common, Among Others, Scheduled To Perform

KRS-One Will Receive The "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Award

Foxy Brown can't seem to keep her name out of the media. Chaz Williams, Foxy's manager, released a statement denying Brown's pregnancy.

However, Foxy Brown released an admirable statement about her imprisonment. "This is just a temporary situation," Foxy said in a statement. "I made my bed and have no problem lying in it. My will is steady. What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger. I think there are greater injustices in America that require our immediate attention, like what's going on in Jena, Louisiana. I will not surrender. I'm fine. Free Jena 6!"

Foxy Brown is currently in Riker's Island prison for one year after violating her probation. She is stll t from releasing her new album, Brooklyn's Don Diva, on November 20. The LP will be released through KOCH Record/Black Hand Entertainment and will feature the lead single, "Don't Surrender," which features Graf.

Babygrande Records announced the signing of J.R. Writer to a seven figure, multi-album deal. With his 2006 Koch Records' debut, "History in the Making," Harlem native J.R. Writer cemented his place in the landscape of the newest generation of hip-hop stars. "J.R. is an
incredible artist. At 23, he has already accomplished so much and we will work closely with him to continue his success.

His last album sold over 100,000 copies and if Koch Distribution can deliver again,
we know we can."

J.R. Writer's first release on Babygrande will be "Writer's Block 5" on November 20th, 2007.

www.babygrande.com


www.crackspace.com/jrwriter

The latest ploy to get music enthusiasts to start buying again comes disguised as the Ringle. Instead of issuing singles, labels will now issue ringles. One ringlet consists of three songs: one popular track aka single, an older track from the artist and a ringtone. The distribution method for the Ringle is a CD with a slip-sleeve cover.

Sony BMG Music and Universal Music Group will release 50 and 20 titles respectively in October and November. The CD's will sell for either $5.98 or $6.98. Distributors will include BestBuy, Wal-Mart, Target and Amazon.

The perfect-for-ringtones hit "Crank That (Soulja Boy) from Soulja Boy Tell'em is officially the number 1 Master Tone in the country. Ranking as the number one ringtone for At&T, Verizon and Sprint and number 3 for T-Mobile.

The single has also shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. "It feels good to be #1," said Soulja Boy Tell'em, who also wrote and produced the song. "Now I'm ready to make the album do the same thing!" His debut album, souljaboytellem.com (Collipark Music/Interscope Records), will be released October 2, 2007.

Following the success of the fourth annual Boost Mobile Stomping On The Yard National Step Show Tour and the debut of the 2-hour ESPN2 special, Dyalect Marketing is proud to present the 2nd Annual SUPER STOMP National Step Show Championship on September 15, 2007 . Hosted by the gentleman of hip hop Mr. Fonzworth Bentley, SUPER STOMP will crown one fraternity and sorority as the national champions of stepping. Stomping On The Yard step show tour is the real-life tour that was the inspiration behind the #1 hit movie "Stomp the Yard."

SUPER STOMP is the only national step show competition of its kind and will take place. The show itself will also be trailed by a week of events including a career panel and yard festival on the campus of Temple University, press conference and an after party. This highly anticipated event is being coined as the "Super Bowl of Stepping" where the best nine teams in the country will face-off at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

"By closing out each national step tour with a blow-out championship, this event exemplifies Stomping On The Yard's continuing commitment to elevate stepping to the highest level of competition the sport and art form has seen in its more than hundred year history," said Chris Crawford, CEO of Dyalect Marketing and founder of the Stomping On The Yard step show tour.

Today, over a million African-Americans belong to the historically black nine fraternities and sororities with active chapters on nearly every college campus around the world. SUPER STOMP promises to elevate this hundred-year tradition of stepping, a complex performance involving synchronized, percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, dancing and drama, to the next level. The SUPER STOMP winners will be awarded cash prizes and awards that will help further their community service projects which in turn help empower today's youth.

About Stepping
Today, over a million African-Americans belong to nine fraternal organizations with active chapters on nearly all college campuses with alumni chapters throughout the world. Each of these fraternal organizations developed their own rituals. A very popular ritual is "stepping" a competitive performance involving synchronized, percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, dancing, and drama.

About Stomping On The Yard
In its fourth year, the Boost Mobile Stomping On The Yard National Step Show Tour features representatives of Fraternities and Sororities facing off in step shows on college campuses throughout the United States. Over 160 teams participate in this cultural celebration that culminates with a one day national championship.

About Dyalect Marketing
Owner and operator of Stomping On The Yard, LLC. Dyalect Marketing is a youth marketing firm focused on helping clients connect with young adult consumers via various event- marketing platforms. The company's clients have included Boost Mobile, New Era, Goody, Honda Motor Corp., U.S. Army, Red Bull, Ecko Unlimited Apparel, Akademiks and VIBE Magazine.

OK- picture this... 1 minute away from doors closing, "Last Call Ladies and Gents" cried by Def Jam publicist, double doors leading you towards the staircase to the lower level, where more industry Execs, writers, music enthusiasts, and down-right fans of "His" music, as anticipation creeps while I'm on my way to take my seat.

All that was missing was my ticket stub--like when you go on your first date and you keep the stub for future use, (next time Ye make sure you have ticket stubs, so I could brag to my friends). Speaking on bragging- Y'all are going to have to give me my bragging rights because- I was the first to ask Ye a question after hearing Graduation. My question was, "What was your inspiration for writing Big Brother" and I was PISSED I asked him that, because "Big brother" was the last song we heard, I quickly asked him without thought, that's what I get for being hasty.

Nevertheless, Kanye responded with his unveiled wit, "Aw man, It was a song to show my respect and growth within my interpersonal relationships in the industry. For example, you know when your big brother is going out to a party, and you get all dressed, and look out the window, big brother's car peeling off leaving you behind or Jay attending his concert wanting to go only to be told by Jay himself, he could buy a ticket... Feelings like that is what evoked me to write."

I will not mention other listening sessions because none compare to Kanye's. It was an experience, giving us the opportunity to step into his world. Open space of creativity and pure geniuses, Kanye has given a face to the, oh so coined rhetorical question, If you were able to see music, what would it look like? Well Mr. West, you have answered that question for me; now check it our for yourself, September 11- Graduation!

But check out Glenny's part II--- shh don't tell anyone... exclusives!

Go here for Team Kanye

Let's not call it a review. I just have to talk my shit. (as 'Ye would say, 'Can I talk my shit agaiiiiin!'). The truth is Kanye's music is like a diuretic for the soul. At a time when it's difficult to just write, words suddenly string together into thoughts effortlessly when I hear good music (pun intended).

I still can't decide if Graduation is the best out of his discography. We all know there's nothing like a debut album from an artist but music enthusiasts always want that debut master piece to be re-created. Call it the Reasonable Doubt-effect or the Illmatic-effect. (You heard it hear first!). But I've come to the realization that Mr. West acquires something that makes you want to like him. And better yet, makes you WANT to see him succeed. (Sorry Curt).

We all know Graduation is part of this pre-planned saga in Kanye's mind. He drops out, then the Late Registration and then the milestone Graduation. And he stays in character all throughout, except in Graduation...to a certain extent. As I listened to the album, it hit me, 'Where's the graduation marching music? Where are the skits with the annoying Bernie Mac that shows up in his albums?" It felt incomplete. Yeah, yeah, he mentions the valedictorian in "Good Morning" but damn 'Ye, some celebratory school spirit skits please! You just completed a trilogy!

On another note, I realized why I (and so many of my girlfriends) like Kanye so much. Kanye touches on a lot of struggles that women face when it comes to success, men, education and family. On Late Registration he dedicated nearly an entire song to a single black female, addicted to retail. Actually, it was that very same song that helped a mother and daughter understand each other a bit more. I kid you not. And on Graduation he slyly mentions the earth shattering moment many women will someday reach when he says on the track 'I Wonder', "...On that independent shit. Trade it all for a husband and some kids." The truth hurts.Can't deny a woman of her maternal instincts. In fact, so much so that it sparked a conversation between my sister and I. She admitted that it was that line that made her listen to the song closely and appreciate it a bit more. For me, it was the entire chorus that tugs at my heart strings. "Yo! I could CRY to this song!" I said to my sister. She didn't understand. "And I wonder if you know what it means to find your dreams." The word 'dream' is a big deal to me...enough so that it's inked somewhere on my body. Now do you understand?

'Flash Lights' and 'I Wonder' are easily some of my favorite tracks from 'Ye. If Flash Lights doesn't make you want to turn up the volume till the speakers blow, then somethings wrong with you. In actuality, we did blow the speakers when we heard it in the studio. (Shouts to Devo and Soul lol). All I remember was clapping at the end of the song...like the dude in Not Another Teen Movie, clapping at very awkward moments. Yeah, that was me in the legendary Chung King studios. Its one of those songs that you want to bump in a roofless, ruthless coup, make you do '55 in a 54' (peep the Jay reference Tass). And Dwele's voice on that shit?! I wanna grab his mug and just kiss it!

Sorry, Back to business....

Graduation is good. In a few months it'll be great. I love everything he brings with the exception of Big Brother. It needs to grow on me. I also think the track would've been more appropriate on his prior albums. 'The Glory' is a great Kanye classic track, but I also question its relevance on this album. Reason being is because this entire album is so edgy and The Glory has the soulful 'Ye sound we're so accustomed to. It's sort of a step backwards.

Drunk and Hot Girls? A highlight for me. It's hypnotizing, it's clever, it's animated, it's humorous and it features Mos Def! 'Homecoming' is brilliant to me. 'Ye took Common's concept behind "I Used to Love H.E.R." and switched it up without ruining it.

Overall, there's something so glorious about this album. I admit, glorious sounds melodramatic, but it's the only word that really explains how I feel about this album. Its grandiose, it's emotional, it's humorous, and it's raw. It's real life...sans the Ferrari's and the Louis Vuitton lifestyle. That ain't a reality for everyone...