On The Block: STORi Signs w/Motown Records + “Just Another Day” feat. Juelz Santana

Well, she’s may be a little too experienced to be featured in our On The Block series.  But considering that we’re here in the south and haven’t heard of her, this could easily justify her entry.

Meet STORi.  The New Jersey singer/songwriter has been making moves for a while. Apparently, those moves must’ve paid off.  She recently signed a deal with Motown Records. Her ability to paint vivid pictures with words helped her stand out from the crowd. STORi mixes rap verses with some dope melodies…reminiscent of Lauryn Hill with a little Joss Stone included.

Point is…she sounds good.  Her peers seem to think so as well. She teamed up with Juelz Santana on the Queen Latifah-inspired track “Just Another Day”. The song is featured on FunkMaster Flex’s Why You Mad At? Me Or Yourself? mixtape.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.

Also, STORi premiered an exclusive track with Trinidad James called “Pocketbook”.  You can check it out on her official website www.IAmStori.com.

She’s definitely an artist we’ll be sure to keep up with!

On The Block: K Hawk

Kendrick La’Dale Hawkins Sr (aka “K Hawk“) is a 21 year old emcee from Belzoni, Mississippi.  He has been entertaining for several years but decided to take a serious approach towards his music in his freshmen year of college. Kendrick gave away 100 free mixtapes of his first mixtape entitled “Most Likely To Drop Hits” as promotion to other students in 2011. In a week, his name and songs had spread across the campus to more than 3000 students on a 7500 student campus. He has performed at many clubs and successfully entertained the audience with dances and great songs! Backed by Push Power Promo, Kendrick is now on his way to taking his career to the next level.

Take a listen to two tracks submitted by K Hawk called “Turn Up” and “Let Me Get In”.  Both are pretty nice and could be possible club bangers.

“Turn Up” – Direct Download

“Let Me Get In” – Direct Download

For more information on K Hawk, email his camp at khawkkhawk20@yahoo.com.

On The Block: JStavo…Bringing Pop/Soul To The Forefront

In case you’re wondering if all up-and-coming artists are here to duplicate what’s currently hip in music, guess again.  As far as R&B goes, there’s a lack of originality, especially with male singers. Well, there’s a new crooner on the scene who’s ready to change the game.

Hailing from Virginia (by way of Texas), JStavo is prepping his first EP that he contends will be eclectic, refreshing, and something you can feel. He’s calling his sound Pop Soul.  Well, STACKS Magazine recently got the opportunity to find out more about JStavo and this Pop Soul he ‘s bringing to the industry. Several interesting tidbits were learned during our conversation  with JStavo.  Check it out…

Tell our readers who you are, how long you’ve been singing, what was the inspiration for you to want to become an artist.

My name is JStavo. I’m from VA by way of Texas, just moved to Atlanta a year and a half ago trying to pursue the whole music thing. My inspiration for music ever since I was two, I always wanted to sing. I would always get caught dancing in my room. My mom would play music to sit me down and shut me up. Anything with music I would be a good person. Other than that, it wouldn’t happen. So basically, from two years old I knew what I wanted to do.

Where does the name come from?

My first name is Josh. And then it was sort of a middle name/nickname that my family, my cousins we’re all crazy so they used to call me Gustavo. Because…don’t ask me because I still don’t know. So at that point, when I knew I wanted to pursue music full time, once I got a little older. I just put the first letter of my first name which is Josh “J” plus “Gustavo”. Plus it sounds dope. Not Italian, but it sounds dope.

How would you describe your style of music?

I actually put myself in my own genre, Pop Soul. It’s basically, if you take popular music (whether it be Dance music, whether it be R&B, whether it be Alternative) and then you always add soul to it. That’s kind of where I’m at. ‘Cause I can kind of get on any type of track period. I’m very eclectic when it comes to music. I just make sure I add soul to it and Pop Soul.

What was your reason for moving to Atlanta?

A lot of producers and songwriters usually come here. When I first moved here, I know for a fact, it’s like anybody you meet their either doing music, acting or modeling, or they have their own company. I just needed a change. I definitely needed change to where I could grow and network better around music. So, Atlanta was the next best step.

Who were your influences growing up?

Well, my favorite singer of all time is Donnie Hathaway. Point blank period, it’s Donnie Hathaway all day. From him to Genuwine to Babyface to Gladys Knight. It ranges from old school to the 90’s ‘cause that’s the era I grew up in.

Have you worked with anyone yet? Any collaborations?

Well I’ve done…that’s really all I like to do is a bunch of collaborations with independent artists and artists that are up and coming. I truly believe in everybody coming up together. So, instead of going for the big names and this that and the other, you know just try to make sure my name gets out there. I’d rather do a collaboration with somebody that I believe in as an artist and believe in their artistry. Then kind of come up with them and everybody helps everybody.

Do you think male singers get enough shine? Do you think there is something lacking?

I really think currently a lot of the new artists that are coming out, and even some of the old artists that are come back out, they are getting stuck in a box. It’s kind of like the whole thing where they see what’s hot right now and their going for it, but it’s consistently not refreshing. It’s not refreshing. Where back in the day you had your Marvin Gaye’s, you had your O’Jays, everybody in the same genre, but you knew who everybody was. Everybody was unique. I think the reason why the make industry, as far as R&B artists or singers period, I really think that we are lacking in creativity and pushing the envelope. I remember Bobby Brown was always pushing the envelope. Like and it wasn’t that long ago when other artists were pushing the envelope. I just think now we’re stuck in just trying to either make money or be a sex symbol because that’s what sells right now. When in reality, you don’t have to do all of that.

How do you plan on competing with the others (artists)?

I actually feel that like people are waiting for something new. I think we’re so content with what we have right now. That we’re just like “oh ok, that’s fine.” But I really think people are waiting for new artists. Like Miguel came, and he’s like the new age Prince. Frank Ocean came out. None of them are doing what a lot of artists that are out right now are doing. They’re doing what they want to do, being creative. So I think what’s going to set me apart is my uniqueness and my sound. However, making sure that it’s refreshing and people can actually understand it (or it brings them back somewhere to a feeling). I think at the end of the day, nobody is really looking at the content. They’re really, like, looking for that feeling…and that’s what I’m trying to give them. Bump the content, bump what I’m saying if you can’t understand it, that’s cool. But, if you can feel it, then I’ve done my job.

Do you have a 5 year plan?

I used to have 5 year plans and 10 year plans. For some reason, plans never work out. I do, however, set goals for myself as big as getting a Grammy or performing at Madison Square Garden. I make sure I do big goals like that and speak it into existence and I just let God do the rest. Whatever comes in between that, then I’ll take it.

But, I don’t really believe in the 5 year plan because you really don’t know.

Who would you like to collaborate with?

I would really like to collaborate with Kanye just because he’s controversial. I don’t even know what we can create. But, just on his PR…just as a business move. Jay-Z. I would love to do a song with Jo Jo. Ciara. I love soft voices. So, Ciara would be one. I would love to do a song with Sting. He is crazy incredible. I think that would be it. As far as collaboration goes, for like my EP that’s coming out, I made it adamant that I was not going to have a lot of collaborations. I feel like that puts you in that “you can’t have a hit song” or “you can’t stand on your own feet.” So I want people to grasp my music. You know how rappers do with mixtapes. If they want to remix it, they can flip it around. Oh and A$AP Rocky also.

When can we expect the EP?

Actually, what we’re doing right now, we’re setting it up formally because there’s not an actual release date, because we actually do not have the single out yet (the official single). Right now, we’re just worried about pushing the buzz single to network and get a fan base and let people know I’m out there. So, as soon as we get the single out, then we can figure out exactly what’s the next step for the EP.

Any thoughts on the content on your EP?

For one, I’m not crying on any of my tracks. [laughs] As far as the EP, its’ going to be very eclectic. It’s really going to bring all ages back. When I say back, I don’t mean it’s going to be old school. I’m just that feeling you get when you hear a song. I’m going to bring that back. So, you’ll get dance tracks, smooth tracks, everything will be smooth though, I’ll say that.

What do you want the readers to know?

I have a website called www.jstavoworld.com. You can get any type of information from there. Twitter, Instagram, etc @ JStavo.

I just want the readers to get ready. If they want something refreshing, something new, but something they can feel…JStavo is the route to go.

If you’d like to hear JStavo’s music or see him perform, he’s scheduled for several upcoming shows.

2nd Annual Rip The Runway – Birmingham, Alabama (April 2013)

Sweet Auburn Festival – Atlanta, Georgia (May 11, 2013)

Underground Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia (May 12, 2013)

9to5 40th Anniversary (September 2013)

On The Block: Maria “M. Free” Freeman

Raised in a home heavily saturated in music, Maria “M.Free” Freeman wanted to be a singer ever since she could remember. She was challenged by family members to listen to and learn about various genres of music, not just the latest songs on popular radio stations. One of her earliest memories is of her and her grandfather having riffing competitions. “I was only about eight or nine years old and he would say ‘I bet you can’t ‘wiggle’ your voice like this’, and I would eagerly try to duplicate the notes he sang.” One musician or another was always blaring from the record player in the living room, and Maria absorbed the music without even knowing it.

When Maria was twelve, her grandmother took her to a Morgan State University Choir Christmas concert. After hearing live singers for the first time, she was hooked and began to practice every day hoping to develop a voice as beautiful as the ones she’d heard that night. She knew that there was nothing else she would rather do.

As Maria became older, she participated in as many music based activities as she could. By her first year in high school she found herself on six different choirs at one time, including the choir of a high school that she was not even enrolled in. Maria was hungry for music and tried to soak it up any way she could. Maria was also heavily influenced by Hip Hop. She would memorize the verses of artists like TuPac, Nas, Biggie and Lauren Hill and often fall asleep with headphones blasting shows like Strictly Hip Hop (WEAA Baltimore).

After graduating from high school, Maria enrolled in Morgan State University to pursue a Music degree. She also became a member of their world renowned choir, the same choir that wowed her years earlier. After five years of vocal coaching, vocal training and traveling abroad, Maria graduated from Morgan State University in 2005.

Maria has evolved into “M.Free”, a skilled vocalist, songwriter and arranger. She has traveled abroad to tour in Russia, the Czech Republic, Paris, France and Montreal, Quebec as well as many of the United States. She has performed with ensembles and orchestras around the world and worked with many professional recording artists including Darin Atwater and Soulful Symphony, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Masur, Donald Lawrence, Kishna Davis, Yuri Temirkanov, Bobby McFerrin, Kirk Carr and more. She has also opened for many artists including P.J. Morton and sang back ground vocals on albums like Brittney Wright’s “The Beginning” and DDm’s “Winter and The Tinman’s Heart”.

In 2011, M.Free released a mixtape called “The Blueprint Free” an ode to Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint III”. The project is comprised of tracks Jay-Z used on his albums and lyrics written by Jay-Z, but instead of rapping, she sings them. The mixture of genres is magical…a reflection of the combination of musical genres Maria loved during her younger years. In addition to the Jay-Z remakes, the single “LOUD: Music Makes Me High” was also released on the mixtape. LOUD mixes essences of dance and Hip Hop with a hook sampling Bone Thugs N Harmony.

Partnered with the skill and talent of producers Joshua “Jay-O” Lay and Justin “King Midas” Lay, (Left Brain Productions) she doesn’t doubt, for a minute, that they have what it takes to reach the stars…literally.

To stay updated with M. Free, go to www.mfreemusic.com or www.soundcloud.com/mfreemusic . Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @MFreeYourMind .

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD M. FREE’S MIXTAPE  THE BLUEPRINT FREE 

On The Block: Shannon Ramsey

The next artist to be featured in our On The Block series is a songbird from the DMV.  Recognizing singer/actress Brandy as her inspiration, Shannon Ramsey is devoted to using her voice as an inspiration to many other young women who’s trying to find their way.

Check out her bio and single “Crazy” below…

Shannon Ramsey, July 08, 1983, was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She discovered her gift at a very early age, yet was extremely shy when it came to singing. Shannon was introduced to the music of all the greats, i.e. Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross…etc, by none other than her father, Frederick D. Ramsey. Her father would play all of these amazing songs, while Shannon would lip sing every word because she was too shy to let anyone know she hand a huge talent. As, Shannon got older she step out of the “shy” slight and in the spotlight, after seeing the world renowned superstar “BRANDY”. Shannon began to realize pursuing her dream as a professional singer was not only possible, it was achievable. “…seeing Brandy on television and hearing her music allowed for me to see and believe a young African American girl could excel, pursue and achieve her dream…she was an inspiration for me…”

 

In 2002, Shannon decided to leave college to figure out her life and make decisions on what she truly wanted to be. She went to Germany and the Netherlands to sing and write songs with her cousin/mentor Kamary Phillips. It was during her travels that, Shannon realize she needed to come back home complete what she started, which was college and do it on her terms. In 2004, Shannon re-enrolled to Morgan State University, where she changed her major from Math/Chemistry to Liberal Arts. While at MSU, she was an active member of the world renowned Morgan State University Choir, with this ensemble she traveled to places, such as the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin and British Islands, and Prague, Chez Republic. Shannon is a proud member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women, Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honors Society and a lifetime member of The National Honors Society. She graduated, with honors, from the university, with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Vocal Performance, in 2008.

 

She won a single demo package and distribution through Koch Records at the 92Q Annual Music Seminar. As the winner she won the coveted spot of opener for Little Wayne at Baltimore’s First Mariner Arena. She out performed over 100 Baltimore artists and brought the house down with her powerful voice. She went on to win the Philly Music Conference and has performed twice on the WORLD RENOWNED APOLLO stage. She has sung all over the US on her own as a solo artist and with her POWER HOUSE singing group FORGVN. Shannon was also one of four finalists from Maryland to star on the CW’s new HIT series THE NEXT. The list of things this young has done goes on and on…

 

Shannon is an active member and/or supporter of the following organizations:

 

• F.W.O. (For Woman Only, an organization designed to encourage and empower Women)
• UKE DYNASTY (A charm school for youth & young teen girls)
• Celebrate Life (an organization for the community designed to help uplift and inspire the community)
• WOP(Women of Power, a network of diverse women of influence throughout the region that help impact our communities in a positive way.)

 

Not only, is Shannon a singer/songwriter, she is the WIFE of Corey T Floyd and very proud MOTHER of their son, Christian M Floyd.

 

Shannon is an outgoing, dedicated, innovative, and extremely professional singer/song writer, actress and model, who was recently inducted as a Women Of Power. She is big on teamwork and leadership. Shannon believes and understands that her gift of voice and song are to help and heal someone else. She wants to be that example for all, that anyone can ASPIRE, PURSUE & ACCOMPLISHED their DESTINY! Shannon’s famous slogan is… “Given up ain’t something great people do!”

LISTEN TO:

1 Crazy-shannon ramsey

Follow Shannon Ramsey on Twitter & Youtube @shannonramsey00.  Stay updated on her music at  https://www.reverbnation.com/shannonramsey .

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon-Ramsey-Fan-Page/167937376575260

On The Block: Maryann

Representing Northern California, singer Maryann is new on the block but clearly has the look and talent to make it big.

Maryann, Northern California’s freshest female vocalist, is hitting the scene hard in 2012. With a sound reminiscent of 90′s R&B stars such as Aaliyah or Janet Jackson, she draws on these influences, yet has a voice and style all her own. Growing up around all genres of music, Maryann has channeled that exposure into a versatile style. She is creating music that combines Soul, R&B, Pop, Electronic, and Hip-Hop, to find a sound that will appeal to the masses. Not only has Maryann been writing and performing her own songs, but she’s also been writing for other artists. She has been featured on a number of hip-hop projects, such as The CUF’s “Caviar Vol. 1″, and the Lost Tribe “Sophie” album on a song with Talib Kweli.

 

Teaming up with producer N8 the Gr8, the two have been experimenting over the past few years and have come up with a sound quite unique. The first release from the duo is Maryann’s solo record “Timing is Everything” (Available Now). The record is a mix of Hip-Hop, Pop, R&B and Electronic influence. The album features artists like Eligh (Living Legends) and Onry Ozzborn (Greyskul), and sure to have something for every taste. The duo is currently working on a follow up project to “Timing is Everything” titled “Futuristic Always” expected early 2013. Current singles (with accompanying videos) from the project include “Shades of Grey” and “I Could Give A”. This album will also feature a few surprise guests, Devin the Dude being the first named. With their experimental nature, expect a few surprises! Be on the lookout for this emerging talent, with her wide range of abilities she has the potential be the start of a new trend in R&B music.

To hear more from Maryann, go to www.Ncrowdentertainment.com. Follow her on Twitter @XtraordinaryAnn!

Check out her latest video, “Make Or Break Us”.  Directed by N8 the Gr8.

On The Block: Sheezy AKA Shawn

Sheezy Aka Shawn is a female emcee who resides in Atlanta, GA. After starting Real Right Entertainment, LLC. in 2008, the female emcee decided to make a name for herself in Atlanta and recorded her first song entitled “Aka Pimp.” The song’s video views peaked at 100k views simultaneously via WSHH as the single impacted the streets of Atlanta and nightclubs. This emcee possesses a keen sense of confidence in her lyrics, life choices and style. Her unexpected break into the music industry was the love of Sheezy Aka Shawn blunt personality throughout the influential of the nightlife in Atlanta which led her to embrace her talent and craft as a rising female emcee. The name itself represents the emcee as a whole body of energy, creativity and style: the “Sheezy” is the more energetic side of the emcee and “Aka Shawn” gives off the more laid back and serious side.

Although she grew up on a variety of musical genres, Sheezy Aka Shawn is most inspired by the Motown era and R&B. The Temptations, Otis Redding and current day artists such as Gucci Mane, Alicia Keys, Usher, and NeYo are all influences, but she has kept her career focus on rap and becoming a notable female emcee in the future. Sheezy Aka Shawn describes her music as having a “Texas Southern Rap” sound- which combines a blunt style and distinction while rapping about what people normally think but rarely say out loud. Her lyrics entice the type of fans that enjoy music for music. She looks to target an audience that lacks judgment and strong opinion, but who also experiences real life situations and can relate to her music.

Sheezy Aka Shawn is most passionate about her creativity in the musical industry. Starting an idea, taking the steps to produce that idea and aligning the idea with a melody may seem like a challenge for most; but to this emcee it is simply free expression. She begins with a concept (i.e. hook or verse) and if it stands out enough she will add onto the concept until it is at least 50% complete and then its studio time! This emcee defines her position in music as a well-rounded woman with a passion of real music.

Sheezy Aka Shawn is currently signed to her independent label, and desires to work cohesively with major labels so that she can keep majority control of her work. Although admitting she has room for improvement, her ultimate goal is to motivate her fans on a worldwide level. She enjoys being in a position where she can make a career out of doing something that she loves; moreover, Sheezy wants more so that she can give more.

[Twitter @TheRealAkaShawn or Facebook.com/TheRealAkaShawn]

Check out Sheezy’s new track, “Glistening” below:

For more info: Bookings, DJ drop requests, and Features ->Real Right Entertainment  BookShawnSheezy@gmail.com.

Press requests and interviews: Aleesha Carter, K.A.C. Images and U, LLC  info@kacimagesandu.net

On The Block: Kid Named Breezy

Now, here’s a refreshing way to start 2013!  As such, STACKS Magazine re-introduces our special series called On The Block.  This series is a platform where new and non-commercial artists can feature their music projects.  So, to jump the new year off… hailing from state of Virginia, meet The Kid Named Breezy.

(via press release)  The year was 1993, your clothes were pastel, your hat was sideways, and “Boom! Shake the Room” was on repeat in your tape deck. The fashion and culture from that era may have disappeared but the memories still remains today, and that’s exactly what inspired rap sensation, The Kid Named Breezy, in his newest mix tape.

The Mix tape entitled “93” dropped on November 13th and it promises to combine classic old school hip hop with a modern twist. This project has received an enormous buzz in the underground world and the fans have been very vocal about their excitement.

Most of the anticipation is because of the tremendous success of his latest single, “See About Us” feat. Pusha T. The track received radio play all over the country and it became an instant YouTube sensation with its edgy and original video.

Breezy was born in 1992 and although he wasn’t old enough to remember it, ‘93’ was a monumental year for him and for hip hop. While hip hop was celebrating its rising popularity across the globe, Breezys family was mourning the loss of his mother. Now, nearly 20 years later, he is ready to address the emotions of growing up without a mother by using the sounds of music from that year.

The mix tape will be followed with several headlining concerts, multiple release parties, charitable events, and of course his weekly video blogs. For more information visit www.LiferHouse.com.

Video:  “See About Us” feat. Pusha T

Download or stream his “93″ mixtape at datpiff.com. Follow him on Twitter @KidNamedBreezy !

Elle Varner Says She’s “Pefectly Imperfect” On Upcoming Album [Tracklist + New Single]

Having already gotten off to a good start, up and coming singer/songwriter Elle Varner is getting closer and closer to the release date for her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect. Being the writer of all of the songs on the album, Varner has somewhat set the tone for what’s to come with her hit debut single “Only Wanna Give It To You” featuring J. Cole and her latest chart hit “Refill”. Perfectly Imperfect goes on sale August 7^th.

Check out the tracklist below and listen to Elle’s new single “I Don’t Care”.

Perfectly Imperfect Tracklist

1. “Only Wanna Give It to You” feat. J. Cole

 2. “Refill”

 3. “Sound Proof Room”

 4. “I Don’t Care”

 5. “Not Tonight”

 6. “Leaf”

 7. “Oh What a Night”

 8. “Stop the Clock”

 9. “Welcome Home”

 10. “Damn Good Friends”

 11. “So Fly”

Will you be picking up a copy???

Vid: Flam-Bz’s “On My Momma”

Black Label Records Inc’s CEO/artist, Flam-Bz, dropped off his most recent video. “On My Momma” is receiving much love from Youtube and other social networks.

Check it out below:

On The Block: DoughBoy & Money Mon of Click Tight Records

L to R: Money Mon & DoughBoy

“You know if you want it bad enough, you’re willing to put everything you got into it.”-Money Mon.  

     Many outsiders migrate to Atlanta for the job opportunities and the nightlife. But as the new “Black Hollywood” emerges, only the true Atlantians know the history of the city and how it has become this grandioso town for Black Americans. Meet Doughboy Tha Weightman and Money Mon aka Montana, two young cats that have lived through the hype and represent MLK Jr Drive and the Westside of Atlanta wholeheartedly. Their devotion to the city and its “real” lifestyle can be heard in their music from the first track to the last. Currently, tearing the streets up with their latest mixtape “Ready 4 Tha World”, these cats got southern swag reminiscent of Eightball & MJG and the mental motivation like their Westside ATL rap peer, T.I.  As they stay focused on giving rap lovers the true grit and struggle through their rhymes, these Click Tight Records artists are ready for their break out moment and ready to conquer the whole ATL and then the world.

     STACKS Magazine recently caught up with Doughboy and Money Mon in Adamsville. Check out what these talented young rappers had to say about their style of music, how the hood has affected them, artists they’ve worked with and want to work with, advice on being independent, and more.

Where did you grow up? How did it affect your music?

MM:  I’m Money Mon aka Montana the Don. ..Westside up, Montana down. I’m a Westside nigga born and raised right here in Adamsville. Pretty much, this where I’m from and where I grew up.  You know, got money over here. Started the music business right here. We hanging out right now on Wisteria (Rd). 

DB:  Doughboy Tha Weightman.  Adamsville, this where I’m from. Basically the same thing he said. As far as the music and how it molded us, we’ve always been around music. My brother and cousin’em was rapping in the late 80s, early 90s. His [Money Mon] brother was doing it , R.I.P Chris Terry. He did a lot of stuff for a lot of groups out here as far as writing and features and stuff like that.  My daddy stayed next door to Killer Mike. So you know hip hop was always around us. We try to rap about what we do, what we see, and how we were raised. So basically how hip hop just moved us. It’s always been around. When we were younger, me and him,  about 8 or 9, got records and scratched up his daddy records when we were little…in the basement, and just get to scratching and rapping. We were like 8 or 9 years old when we used to do shit like that. So it’s always been in us. Hip hop and the music and the love for it. The people older than us and who were around they lived it. We seen them boys battle in it. So it’s always been in us , I can say, since day one.

Describe your style of rap…

MM: We pretty different from the next group that’s out there.  We more on the way we grew up and the hood and street shit. We think we are little more lyrical because that’s what we got in us. That’s what we bring to the table that’s different from the average group that’s out. There’s a lot of music out there. But in my opinion, are kind of garbage right now. I guess that’s where our style come in and differ from everybody else. We offer that street, hood shit…

DB: struggle…

MM:  at the same time, we serious about our issue. We can jump out there with anybody that want to get in the booth with us. So I say, pretty much playa shit, club, you know we do it all for the most part. Like for instance, on our cd Ready 4 Tha World (that’s what we got out now), we’re both actually are solo artist. At the time, we got a group project out now called Ready 4 Tha World. On that we got tracks for the ladies,  we got tracks for the club like the one with Yung Joc. We got shit for the radio like the one with Killer Mike…This What WE Do, Yola [Tha Great] on it. So pretty much…

DB: something for the streets too with Slick Pulla (CTE), talking about them niggas that snitching. All them niggas out there snitching…Stop It!

MM: so that’s how we do it. It is what it is. CT Records , that’s how we get down man.

What are the hot tracks on the mixtape?

DB:  Trap Flooded. We got one, Stack Bread with Yung Joc. We’re about to hit the town real hard with that one. Basically, you can put the album in and let it ride from the beginning to the end.  Everybody who’s hearing it, they really liking it.

MM: If you want to check it out, we got the visual. We got the video on Youtube.  You can click on Doughboy Money Mon. We got Trap Flooded, Ready 4 Tha World, and Work…all 3 videos. We got behind the scenes footage as we shooting the videos.

DB:  Youtube/Doughboy and MoneyMon. Put it in there just like that for it to come up.  Like you said, Trap Flooded, Ready 4 Tha World, Work…Check it out.

MM: Check it out. Hard shit, real shit. We’re getting pretty good views. So click on that, help support it. Them views doing numbers. So click on it and help support that thang.

Did Midnight Black produce the entire album?

DB: We worked with Pittman. He did a track on there for us. Pittman did the Party Like A Rock Star. Ole dude, Big Russ did a track on there for us. But I can say, a good 98-99% of the album was produced by Midnight Black. Shout out to Black.

Any other artists you’d like to work with?

DB: The lane open. Any opportunity comes my way I’m going to try to take it. So, basically anybody.

MM: Like he said, the lanes open. We’re looking to work with everybody. Anybody who doing this thang. Personally, one of my artists I would want to work with  is hometown favorite, Outkast.  Andre, Big Boi…yall listeneing to this, holla at ya boy [laughs].

DB:  T.I. , Rick Ross…

MM:  Who you say, T.I. , Rick Ross…

DB:  I fucks with Rozay hard. Homes, killing them right now.

MM: That’s pretty much it. We pretty much do our own thang man to try to hold them 16 down. But we ain’t turning no features down and especially from the big dawgs like that.

What’s next?

MM:  Next, we’re actually still promoting Ready 4 Tha World right now. But the next project, we’re heading back to some up-n-coming artists we got.  But at the same time, we’ll probably move back into our solo projects cause like I said, we are solo artists, Doughboy Tha Weightman and Money Mon aka Montana. So we’re still actually working on them songs right now.  But we so busy trying to promote Ready 4 Tha World right now.  That’s really what we are focused on.  Ding more videos for that and getting posted on Youtube and Worldstar Hip Hop. But as far as getting in the studio again, it will probably be the solo projects for Doughboy and Money Mon and the compilation for CT Records.

Pro’s and Con’s of being an indie artists/label…

DB: We do what we want to do. Ain’t no label telling us we can’t put this out as far as that aspect of it. It is what it is. It’s independent. Would you say it’s a little harder? [looking at Money Mon]

MM: I guess one of the advantages is… like you said, we can put out what we want to, when we want to.  The disadvantage of it is, we independent, so it’s all coming out of our pocket.  At the same time, it’s an advantage, because any money that come in come right back to us. So it’s like a give and take type of thing. You know if you want it bad enough, you’re willing to put everything you got into it. So you reap the benefits when the money come in, it’s all ours. So we stuff it in our pockets. For people who getting into the game, I’ll say… for upcoming independent labels like us, we been in the game well over 10 years. For people getting into the game, definitely put your all into it. I say stay independent until you catch a break. So when it comes, you got both of your feet in there to where they can’t move you to where they want to move you. You got a right to stand up and say you know no we doing this. We got a little leverage here. You know …it’s all about money. People will try to step in and handle you if your business ain’t right. So I say keep doing your thing.

     As long as you making your name in these streets, they can’t take that from you. We got ground to stand on. That’s what we doing, that’s what we did, for the most part, that’s what we’re going to keep doing. That’s the advice I got for anybody trying to come up in this music thang. It ain’t gravy, it ain’t hard as long as the music good. You just got to beat these streets up with the music.

DB:  Work hard at. At anything you do, you got to work hard at it. You’re independent, so if you start something, you got to put your all into it. And go hard at it. Like he was saying… it’s a good thing. It’s a learning process. You grow. You find out what you should’ve did and what you should not have done.  A lot of people tell you you have to learn from your mistakes. But it all comes together as something good in my eyes.

Are you on Facebook, Youtube, etc?

DB:  Facebook…Dougboy and Money Mon . On Youtube, check out that Trap Flooded, Ready 4 Tha World, and Work. They can check us out on that right there. We in the streets heavy promoting…passing out cds.  You might see us on a corner near you passing out cds. We got a bunch of young niggas with us, with Click Tight Records shirts on, passing out cds. So they can reach us just like that.

MM:  Also you can check out Datpiff.com and put in Ready 4 Tha World. Facebook/DoughboiMoneyMon…you can go on our Facebook page and we got links already up to where you can click on that and go straight to the videos, mixtapes, everything we got on there.  Check us out. Be looking out for the new videos, mixtapes, and all that shit. We really just working hard…trying to beat these clubs and streets up.  Trying to make it do what it do. Once we break through you’ll see a lot more  of us.  But right now, we’re tearing the Westside up, all of Atlanta for the most part. But keep an eye out for us, we on the rise.

Full Video Interview:

Video for “Trap Flooded”:

On The Block: Playboii Nard of Black Label Records

If there was one word to describe Playboii Nard, it would be astute. Only being 20 years old, one would stereotypically expect the young emcee to be more generic and mundane in his thought process. Due to his age, it wouldn’t be hard to disagree. Yet, Playboii Nard was surprisingly well versed, experienced, and diverse musically and culturally. It is safe to say that the young stalwart is a pleasant surprise.

     The man the government knows as Kennon Redding has a tendency to be atypical. His musical influences range from hip hop to rock and even pop acts. His interests expand far beyond the realm of musical adventurism. Even his favorite past times demonstrate a young man that searches and researches until they achieve inner gratification. In summary, the things that Playboii Nard sees as “regular” for him tend to be uncharacteristic for us.

     STACKS Magazine took a trip into Playboii’s mind to see why, and how, it ticks.

STACKS Mag: Playboii Nard, what’s going on brother?
Playboii Nard: Nothing, nothing. Just coolin’ out on this beautiful day, blessed to be alive.

STACKS Mag: Yeah, kinda hot ain’t it?
Playboii Nard: Yeah (abrupt laughter erupts)

STACKS Mag: So, you ready to get it poppin’, man?
Playboii Nard: Yeah, I’m ready.

STACKS Mag: Where were you born and raised (as far as your neighborhood) and how has it molded you into the person you are today?
Playboii Nard: Okay, well I was raised on the West Side of Altanta. Moved from Cascade, Bent Hill. Stayed over there off of Simpson Tate and Techwood. We moved all over. Stayed with my auntie for a coupl of months in Capitol Homes. I mean, it’s just a whole bunch of different places then. I mean, we stayed in Decatur too, so we stayed everywhere.

STACKS Mag: Oh, fa sho.
Playboii Nard: It molded me into the person just because of me bringing different elements of the city as far as growing up and me seeing different people. I was around dope boys, artists, skateboarders, all different types of people. And schools that I went to, we had different ethnicities. So that molded me into the person I am: not the average black person. I look at anime, I like skateboarding, drawing, tattoos, everything.

STACKS Mag: Well, speaking on anime: What’s your favorite anime?
Playboii Nard: Naruto

STACKS Mag: Naruto? (laughter) What else?
Playboii Nard: I like Bleach, Beet the Vandal Buster, Yu Yu Hakusho, One Piece, Gundam Wing. I’m into a lot of em. Dragon Ball Z.

STACKS Mag: Okay, okay. So, how has your family felt about the music you make and the work you have been doing?
Playboii Nard: To be honest, they don’t like it

STACKS Mag: They don’t like it?
Playboii Nard: Naw.

STACKS Mag: Tell me why.
Playboii Nard: Well because, my momma, she feel like this is something….she couldn’t imagine her son doing. She wanted me to be a football player. Or because I was real smart in school growing up, she wanted me to do something else, be a doctor or whatever. But like I told her, I love music, I love art, I love being on stage, so this is what I want to do with my life.

THE MUSIC
STACKS Mag: Who are the artists that either inspire you or gave you the inspiration to make this music?
Playboii Nard: Bone Thugs N Harmony, The Game, T.I., Rakim, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Master P, Lil Bow Wow, Nirvana, Nickelback, Yellowcard, N’Sync.

STACKS Mag: Okay, so let’s double back to this Bone Thugs N Harmony. Like, when they first came out under Eazy E…after Eazy E died?
Playboii Nard: Everything.

STACKS Mag: Everything?
Playboii Nard: Everything. The first song I heard was “Creepin’ On A Come Up”. First CD I had was East ’99 Eternal.

STACKS Mag: Ooo, Wee. How old were you then?
Playboii Nard: I just started listening to them in 2002. But when I first heard them, I started backtracking and started listening to everything. But the person that just really inspired me to rap is T.I. Favorite rapper of all time.

STACKS Magazine: Alright, so how has the response been to your song “Press Play”?
Playboii Nard: I heard good reviews all across the board. Different people love it. Different races, they love it. I mean, I even sent it to people that listen to rock and roll and they like it.

STACKS Magazine: So, are you featured on any mixtapes?
Playboii Nard: Yeah, I got a mixtape called “I’m the Topic of Conversation” hosted by DJ Swamp Izzo. Its on Datpiff. You can go check it out.

STACKS Magazine: What other projects you got planned?
Playboii Nard: Well, right now I’m working on my next mixtape “I’m the Topic of Conversation Pt. 2: No Emotions From A King”. And besides that, I’m trying to get it where I get sponsored by a clothing line, trying to get a major deal cause we already got the independent deal. So we just working, grinding trying to hit different avenues: acting, modeling, whatever we can come across.

STACKS Magazine: Are there any artists you’d want to work with?
Playboii Nard: Well, when I get out there enough enough, I want to work with Wale. I want to work with Pill, Meek Mill, Whiz Khalifa, [Lil] Wayne, of course. Drake, T.I., Jeezy, Ross. Mentioned a lot of people out there.

The Money/The Hustle
STACKS Magazine: What is it that you like about the independent hustle?
Playboii Nard: The grind is a lot harder. I been doing this since I was 12. I done seen the ups and downs, and then before I met Veezy, wasn’t nobody really putting money behind me. Not even my own family because, like I told you, they wasn’t supporting me. So every little cent I had or penny or whatever, I would save up to go to open mics or do these shows until I met the people to help me out and get me along the way. Cause, like, my mixtape I just dropped that not too long ago. I used my income tax money, paid for that. My music video and everything.

STACKS Magazine: It is tough, but the payoff is good at the end. But, it is a lot of work. Aiight, so let’s talk those other business options besides music that we discussed before.
Playboii Nard: Video game design, drawing tattoos, doing anime (like different cartoons and whatnot), hell…even if it presented itself as an opportunity, do custom designs for clothing lines. Modeling, acting. I like doing those type of things. Hard HARD work, like manual labor: I did that before, I didn’t like it. At all. So something as far as entertainment I like doing that instead.

STACKS Mag: One last question: any advice for up and coming artists, seeing what you seen?
Playboii Nard: Make sure you keep God first, keep your circle small, and then make sure you keep God first again and pray because that is the only way you are gonna make it through this industry. It takes a strong soul to do it. A lady once told me it’s a 100 percent: 95 percent of these people go to work everyday and be satisfied with the job they are doing. Then you have that other special 5 percent that use their talents and their gifts that God gave them and they work and they will be happy even if they not getting paid nothing because they living they dream. And even though it’s a hard grind, a lot of people wouldn’t be able to deal with patience. Just because of the simple fact I love entertaining people and love music. You make sure you doing it because you love it, not because you want to get money from it. Because if you want money, this is not the right career or field for you. You gotta make sure that this is your dream.

*************************************************************************************************************

 Playboii Nard – Part 1

Playboii Nard – Part 2

Playboii Nard – “Press Play”

Article by Mark A. Harris, contributing writer for STACKS Magazine

New Vid: Drop It Down Low feat. Jason Weaver, Sky Keeton, Flam-Bz, & Black Mike

Check out the new video for “Drop It Down Low” featuring Jason Weaver [ATL], Sky Keeton, Black Mike, and our boy Flam-Bz. The song has all the makings of a hot strip club hit. Chicks with big booties, racks of cash being throwed in the air, and a couple of rap dudes…what more can you ask for!

Are you digging this song?? Is it ready for your local strip joint??

New Vid: Hamilton’s Park “Thing Called Us”

Last week we gave you a behind the scenes look into up and coming R&B group Hamilton Park’s new video for their single “Thing Called Us”. If you were like us then you couldn’t wait to see the whole thing. Well the wait is over because the official video is here! Check out the synopsis for the video and watch it all play out below!

A coming of age, urban ‘Romeo & Juliet’ meets a ‘Bronx Tale.

‘ Two souls; brought together by love and torn apart by circumstance.

The story between Anthony and his girlfriend speaks to a deeper

emotional issue that will surely hit home. You can feel the tension

and emotion as every scene unfolds…

*Special thanks to Jason Davis of Atlantic Records for keeping us in the loop!

Hamilton Park’s New Video (Behind the Scenes)

Check out the clip and a few pics below to go behind the scenes of up and coming R&B group Hamilton Park’s new video for their single, “Thing Called Us”. The fellas shot the video earlier this month here in Atlanta. To buy the single on ITunes, click here!

Photo Credit (video shoot): Matt Alexandre

On The Block: Rapper Teejay

With artists like Rick Ross, Plies, Trick Daddy, and the legendary Uncle Luke, male entertainers from the sunshine state have risen to stardom with their edgy look on life’s reality. But there’s never actually been a young rapper from Florida who has took the hip hop industry by storm. Meet 17 year old Teejay. Teejay, born in Daytona Beach, is an up-and-coming rapper whose sights are bent on using his lyrical skills to carve his own trail to musical star status. The youngster vows to keep education first and plans to use the grass roots technique in building his fan base. Teejay is definitely on the right track.

STACKS Magazine recently chatted with Teejay to gain some insight on him, his style of rap, and why he believes he will stand out from the crowd.

How old are you?
TJ: I’m 17

How did you start rapping?
Teejay: When I was young, I had an older cousin who took me to the studio. He had a song that he was recording when he took me there and he asked me would I record a part if he taught me how to do it. I said Yeah! I became interested and it’s been my career…what I’ve been focused on.

Are you still in high school?
Teejay: Yes, I’m in the 11th grade.

How long have you been rapping?
Teejay: Since I was 11…I’ve been doing it for about 4 years.
 

Ok. How did you come up with the songs ‘I GO HAM’ and ‘WHATEVA’?
Teejay: Actually with ‘I GO HAM’, before we even had the song finished, I emailed Iceburg his part. When I got it back, in his part he actually said I go ham in his verse, before it made it on the chorus. When I was coming up with a chorus, I used his part on the chorus to make it exciting.
 

For the song “Whateva”, how did you come up with the concept?
Teejay: I paid this beatmaker. One day he made the beat, he had the concept and he had a dude come sing on the track and I just wrote to it. He had the idea and I put in my ideas with that.

How do you plan on standing out from other rappers that are out today?
Teejay: I be my own person and I follow my own leading. I’m a leader myself.

Who are your inspirations as far as other artists?
Teejay: I listen to Tupac. I listen to T.I. I listen to Plies. I listen to Drake.

How would you describe your style of rap?
Teejay: My style would be reality. My style would be my own swag. I have my own style. I got swag that’s how I say it. My style is just to be real and express it through my music.

What are the type of things you’ve learned thus far about the industry (good and bad)?
Teejay: I’ve learned about consistency and that how active you are determines how successful you are going to be. The negative part about it is, nothing major, you just get criticized by different people. Like criticism and rumors that spread is nothing major.

How do you plan on handling criticism?
Teejay: I’ve already been through that phase so it’s like nothing really. It’s really like talk to boost my publicity.

As far as shows and appearances, money will start coming into play, have you thought about how you will save your money and investing it?
Teejay: Yes, I plan on doing shows for the neighborhood and making money off selling drinks, snacks and food. I will save that money to pay for my publicity. I will use that money to pay for advertising and shows and keeping my business organized.

What do you have going on now? What are your plans for the next 6 to 12 months?
Teejay: My plans are to maintain focus in school. But at the same time build my publicity for me to get ready to get exposed for real. Like when I get out of school I’d be able to work full time on the music industry. But for now I maintain myself in school. I’m trying to figure out which college Im going to attend.

What kind of advice up-n-coming rappers, such as yourself, what would you tell them?
Teejay: I would tell then to make a plan. Stay motivated. Follow positive…Find leaders that you can follow so that you can be a leader. That’s it.

For more information on Teejay, bookings, etc, please contact him at Teejay386@gmail.com. Or via phone at 386-307-6670 or 386-868-9689 or 386-689-7476.

Via the web:

MYSPACE: http://myspace.com/teejay386
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/TeeJay386
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/TEEJAY_MUSIC

Mp3:

I_GO_HAM

 WHATEVA

Vid: Lex Luger Speaks on Producing 2010′s Club Bangers

19 year old, Lexus Lewis aka Lex Luger, talks to MTV about his journey of going from a nobody beat maker to one of the hottest young producers in the game. Some of his 2010 classics include Rick Ross’ “B.M.F” and Waka Flocka’s “Hard In Da Paint”. Luger also produced Kanye West and Jay-Z’s “H.A.M.” track.

This young man is certainly making his mark in the music industry!

Cher Lloyd Joins Jay-z’s Roc Nation

According to reports, X Factor finalist, Cher Lloyd has inked a deal with Jay-z’s label Roc Nation. It’s being said that the 16-year old was in a bidding war and had to choose between Will.I.Am’s label and Roc Nation, but it looks like she’ll be throwing the “Roc” in the air.

In case you missed her on X Factor or just not quite sure who she is, check out her performance of  the Keri Hilson’s version of Soulja Boy’s “Turn My Swag On” that created all the buzz.

Spotlight: Young Chris

Philadelphia’s young gunner, Young Chris, is back. As one half of the former Roc-A-Fell Records signee’s, Young Gunz, Christopher Ries is on a campaign to bring east coast rap back to the forefront. Recently signed on as a solo artist on Rico Love’s Division1 Records, this young man is reintroducing himself to the masses. With the release of his highly anticipated mixtape, The Re-Introduction, fans who’ve supported him in the past and those who’ve just hopped on the wagon can be surprised that the young gunner hasn’t lost his step.

Check out STACKS Magazine’s interview with Young Chris as he expressed his views on the lack of east coast representation, The Re-Introduction, re-joining Neef in future projects, maintaining financial stability, and how he gives back to the community.

In the last few years, a lot of the major East Coast labels like Roc-A-Fella, Bad Boy, Murder Inc, haven’t been represented in the right way on a major scale. What do you think is the cause of the lack of representation of East Coast rap?
YC: It started in NY. That’s one of our biggest problems back home in Philly. I tell everybody in the city. What’s the first thing we do when we looking for a deal? We hit the turnpike right. We go down South. We got to bring it home and just keep it tight and look out for one another instead of going at each other. Sort of like the South.Tthat’s why they held it so long. They shared it oppose to taking advantage of it and letting the next man starve. You just got to share. You just can’t do it by yourselves. Stuff is in the numbers. Once people learn that, we’ll all be around.

How old are you? 26?
YC: Yes.

With that in mind and with the turmoil that Roc-A-Fella and State Property went through,you’ve experienced a lot at a young age. Tell us about your experience in the industry. Did you have a moment where you said bump it “I’m tired” of music or “I’ll just quit”?
YC: No,it was never a moment like that. It was just frustration. Coming from that… the highest expectations, I always refer to the 96 Chicago Bulls Roc-A-Fella when we were there. Everybody had range. We were a huge team. And when you chop the head from the body…we had to choose to either go with Dame or Jay. When you stuck in that position, I made the decision to go with Jay ‘cause I was in the group. Dame was trying to give me a solo album at that time. I said, No. We had the Young Gunz album out. And we were looking for another one. And I was due for that one. That’s why I made the decision that I made.

So you decided to go solo…
YC: Well on the second Young Gunz album, Brothers From Another, Jay came to me like, “Yo, your solo project up next.” So just hearing it from him, I just started practicing 3 verses and a hook immediately. I started releasing freestyles by myself and just started building a brand.

Where’s the other half of the Young Gunz?
YC: That’s my brother. We have a show at SOB’s tonight. I plan on bringing him out just to show the people. We came in together. That’s the difference between me and Neef. We started in middle school around the way. We didn’t meet in the industry.

Any plans to work on music together again?
YC: Oh yes of course. That brand was too big not to. We just got to get it back right. Get the people back ready for it.

The new mixtape, The Reintroduction. That’s hosted by Don Cannon right?
YC: Yes, Don Cannon and DJ Drama which is huge because they haven’t done a tape together in 3 years. So that’s big for me, hip hop, and them. I ran into Drama first. Did this interview at 107.9 when I was in Atlanta. I ask Rico Love and we ask Drama what yours relationship with Cannon we want yall to do this tape together. He was like yeah just ask Cannon.

Any features on the mixtape? What were your intentions with the songs on this mixtape? What did you want to give the people?
YC: The growth is already there. I’m sure they already saw that. Especially the ones that are following me on the internet right now and that help me build the brand to where it is today. And the versatility to those who didn’t know I had it. Me and Rico’s chemistry. That was just us in 3 weeks, a month tops. We bonded real well. We just got cocky with it and said, “Yo, lets just put this out. Dnt call it a pre album…we aint call it no mixtape. Let’s just put this out.” He got the name from the first record off the mixtape. It was titled 40 bars at first. Then he heard me in the beginning “…pardon me for this sweet interruption now it the reenactment, it’s the reintroduction”. And that stuck with him. Yes that’s it, The Reintroduction that what we gone do.

The solo album is projected to come out next year…
YC: Yes we looking forward to May. I’m excited about it. I don’t have a title yet.

Any features on this album?
YC: So far it’s Rico Love and just in house people. I got a record with Wiz Khalifa…it’s crazy. Look forward to that. That’s it right now. I never want to make it like a compilation because I’m just coming back out.
Recently Beans (Beanie Seigel) said Dame owes him $11 million. Unfortunately, this is a trend that we see amongst artist …. Have you had any unfortunate financial situation during your career? If so, what did you do to maintain your financial stability?
YC: No, not nothing like that. Maybe my own problems… back home and stuff like that. Not with no body. {laughs} I never got into nothing like that. I’m blessed that I slid passed that. ‘Cause a lot of people got caught up. It’s easy to get caught up. But like I said, I’m one of the blessed ones. I was blessed to have a publishing deal at a young age. So that held me over when I didn’t tour as much. I invest it real well. It kept me alive. Kept me real well. It’s great. Kept it up to maintain the lifestyle.

What is some advice that you would give upcoming artists coming into this business? If they are projecting a certain lifestyle and how to maintain that lifestyle.
YC: Put up 50% of what you make every time. Seriously! ‘Cause it get tough. Once you making that money, just put up half. You won’t miss it.
Do you own any businesses?
YC: Me and my guy from Baltimore working on something like a Myspace.com…Ratemyteachers, Rate myprofessors, doing things stuff like that. He’s helping me get into the business and invest my money real well. Julian who is doing my marketing …he’s on my team. These guys are helping me invest my money real well this time around. I’m blessed to have that circle with this shot. I feel like this is it.
Have you done any community outreach this holiday season?
YC: These past couple weeks… I’ve been doing stuff down here. Me and Freeway did stop the violence for the high school, we performed. We went and talk to the high schoolers with state representatives. This past weekend they had an event for the kids that I took my daughter to. BET came down and covered the whole thing. Anything with community and giving back I’m all for that. I was talking to a representative the other day. He’s going to help me build my recreation centers. Start where I’m from, nike town. I’m all for that. That’s my life. No fake, no gimmick, not for the industry… that’s just me. It’s all about the future.

How can the fans reach you?
YC: Youngchris.com….become a member. Download the mixtape as well. Twitter @youngchris. Division1.com we got that to.

$1 Rumor: Kim Kardashian working on an ALBUM?!?!

Now this is where the music game becomes very questionable.  According to People.com, Kim Kardashian is currently in the studio with The Dream. She’s not just chilling in there looking pretty. She’s actually working on an album! Say it ain’t so.

I’ll sure stay tuned to see how this pan out.  I guess if Kandi can create Kim Zolciak a hit record, The Dream can surely drum up a few decent hit songs for this Kim. :-/

Photo Source

Christina Milian Zips It Up @ LA Fashion Week; Plus New Eyewear

Christina Milian has got her SEXY back and much more!  After her recent (and scandalous) divorce from The Dream, she’s shed the post pregnancy weight and stepping right back into the groove of things.

During the LA Fashion Week, Milian debuted her new fashion eyewear line and performed her oldies and a new track from her upcoming album, Elope.  The new single, “Zipper“, was produced by her former lover The Dream and could possibly be the right hit to put her back in the game.

Check out “Zipper” below:

White Rapper Takeover

(Source)

Guess who’s back??? Eminem! Sources say the white “saviour” to hip-hop is back in the studio working on his highly anticipated album. It’s been four years since the mega rap star released his last album and everyone in the industry is awaiting his return. Bishop Lamont, a protege of Dr. Dre, says “Em is excited. He’s been quiet too long and he’s got a lot to get off his chest.”

The release date is not yet confirmed. But Lamont says he’s in the studio and has “some amazing stuff” so far. He went through what he had to go through, and now he’s been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music.”

But in the midst of Eminem’s return, another white rapper is steady making a name for himself in this predominately black populated genre. Who is he? ASHER ROTH. Currenlty being co-signed by DJ Drama and DJ Cannon of the Aphilliates and Akon, his new mixtape is bananas! Learn more about Asher and download his mixtape for free at www.thedailykush.com.