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![]() Veteran Bay Area rapper/singer-songwriter/actress/entrepreneur/community activist, Tenina "Suga-T" Stevens, finally returns to the limelight after a lengthy musical hiatus, with her premier mix-tape outing, The Return Of Suga: The Best Is Yet To Come...! The sixteen track collection, hosted by Official H.Y.P.E. Magazine DJ, The World Famous DJ Jack Da Rippa, and the first in a projected three part series, features past, present and future hit songs, revealing a sneak peak into her exceedingly overdue, forthcoming solo collection, The Game Needs Me. Over the course of her twenty-five plus year career in music, the self-proclaimed "First Lady" of her family unit, The Click, has overcome the many adversities; teen parenting, domestic violence, male chauvinism in Hip-Hop, exploitation, gun violence, among other things, that have plagued her throughout her entire life. And, through her organization, The Be About It Movement, Suga has since made it her life's work to also help others to overcome their obstacles, gain success, make positive change in their lives, and ultimately reach their dreams. Although Suga has achieved a multi-platinum single, in the form of her "Sprinkle Me" collaboration with sibling, E-40, which also happens to be the biggest brother/sister duet in rap history, she still feels that her full potential has remained untapped -- That is, of course, until...Now! The Return Of Suga: The Best Is Yet To Come... is being introduced by a pair of lead singles; "The Game Needs Me," featuring Spice 1, b/w the Ms. Toi assisted, "Back It Up Daddy," and "Bottom To The Top," b/w "Servin' Candy (O.G. Remix)," with The League & 40 Water. Another, the inspirational "Illusionz" is being offered as a promotional gift to those consumers who make a purchase from Suga's fragrance(s) line at: http://www.suga-tfragrances.biz/ The Return Of Suga: The Best Is Yet To Come... will be available for free download at all major mix-tape outlets, as well as her official website: www.suga-t.net, on Wednesday July 28th 2010. Volume(s) II and III will follow in late August and September, respectively, with The Game Needs Me slated for either a late 4th Quarter/early 2011 release. The "Queen of Da Bay" is back, Y'all Betta Recognize! http://www.suga-t.net National recording artist, Suga-T, founder of Suga-T Fragrances and spokes-woman for The Be About It Movement, is currently available for: Interviews, Show Bookings, Voice-overs, Songwriting, Features & Hooks, DJ Show Commercials, Event Hosting, Radio/TV Hosting, Acting & Commercials and Public Speaking… Wyclef can't run for President of Haiti due to not having lived there enough: "[Electoral] Council spokesman Richard Dumel said election officials have accepted 19 candidacies and rejected 15 others. The Haitian-born singer's candidacy was turned down because he did not meet the residency requirement of having lived in Haiti for five years before the Nov. 28 election." BROOKLYN FEMCEE DEENA JONEZ READY TO BREAKTHROUGH In the spirit of keeping the legacy of true female emcees alive, Brooklyn born rapper Deena Jonez has emerged in the Hip-Hop scene. With influences such as MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante, and Salt-N-Pepa, Deena continues to make big strides for female artists all over the world. Frustrated with the current state of Hip-Hop and the male dominated arena, Deena looks to stand out. "It's difficult being a female rapper. In the 90's you had all these greats who were committed to the art. Now, it's like we are an endangered species; almost like we don't exist anymore in Hip-Hop," proclaims Jonez. Nonetheless, this budding rapper dares to bridge the gap between female legends and present time Hip-Hop culture. Rocking fresh Supras, skinny jeans, a Gucci belt, and a graphic tee shirt, this outstanding raptress wears her heart on her sleeve through her songs. With a style reminiscent of her hipster community, she is a hybrid of Williamsburg's hipster style matched with the lyrical deftness of a classic 90's rapper. Deena has cultivated a strong fanbase, who have been with her since the days she went by the name of "Medina", which means "Land Of Warriors" and was also once known as the slang word for Brooklyn. Inspired by the story of the lead actress in the movie "Dreamgirls", the "Me" was dropped and Deena was born. Over the years, Deena has been hard at work. After releasing "Dreamgirl: The Life and Times Of Deena Jonez", "For The Love Of Money", and "Deena Takes Control", she has released three more mixtapes entitled "Back To The Notebook", "Confessions Of A Shopaholic", and "Cadillac Music". Presently, her fans are enjoying her latest release "Memoirs Of A Libra" [download now]. Although there is only one original beat on this mixtape, Deena has approached all songs as if it was an album and therefore refers to it as an underground album. Following the release of this mixtape, her full length and anticipated debut album is currently in the works. This talented female lyricist is commanding attention from her fans and has the music industry taking notice of her work. Deena has been featured on "Spit Yo Game" and the BET show "The Deal" as well as appearances in International Connections DVD, BET's DVD "Born To Ball", hosted by NBA player Paul Pierce, and other prominent Hip-Hop media outlets. Because of her wide exposure in Hip-Hop, Deena has begun writing for other artists overseas as well as being the first artist under her own entertainment company, MIMS Music Group, which is named in memory of her mother. When asked what she is bringing to Hip-Hop, Deena answers: "I'm bringing a breath a fresh air. I'm here to represent women. I feel like I'm the voice for them. Whatever emotion I am going through is evoked in my music and at the end of the day that's what's going to connect me to a lot of people. They can relate and understand because they feel and go through the same things." Take notice and get familiar with Brooklyn's brightest new star, Deena Jonez. ![]() MTV's "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010" to Release Label Debut Early Next Year; The 50-City, "Waken Baken Tour," Kicks Off September 16th in Philadelphia Atlantic Records has announced the signing of acclaimed rapper Wiz Khalifa, an outcome of a deal with Rostrum Records, the rapper's longtime independent label. The Pittsburgh-based hip-hop sensation is currently at work on his much-anticipated label debut, slated for release in early 2011. Recently named MTV's "Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010," Wiz is set to embark on a massive North American tour dubbed the "Waken Baken Tour," which kicks off on Thursday, September 16th at Philadelphia's The Trocadero and then continues through late November. Having already released a steady stream of popular mixtapes, Wiz blew up big-time earlier this year with the release of his blockbuster, "KUSH & ORANGE JUICE." The mixtape proved to be a genuine online phenomenon, quickly becoming the #1 search topic on both Google and Yahoo!, as well as a #1 trending topic on Twitter, with the hashtag, #kushandorangejuice. "KUSH & ORANGE JUICE" is now ranked as the "Most Popular Mixtape of All Time" at DatPiff.com with nearly a quarter of a million downloads to date. Since then, Wiz' online presence has been undeniable, with close to 8 million profile views and a total of nearly 30 million plays at his official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/wizkhalifa, as well as over 220,000 fans following him at www.twitter.com/RealWizKhalifa. In addition to this, the rapper's official Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/WizKhalifa, is "liked" by over 400,000 people. Inspired by hip-hop's greatest artists but determined to pave his own lane, Wiz Khalifa first made waves after an encounter with Rostrum Records' founder Benjy Grinberg. The label head instantly recognized a superstar on the rise and Rostrum soon released Wiz' first mixtape, "PRINCE OF THE CITY," and the subsequent debut album, "SHOW AND PROVE," in 2006. The album quickly earned unprecedented critical praise, with Okayplayer.com declaring it "arguably the best hip-hop release of the year," officially putting Wiz on the radar of artists to look out for. Riding the momentum of "SHOW AND PROVE," Wiz released a multitude of mixtapes over the next three years, gaining him both the buzz and the loyal fan base needed to catapult him to the next level. Wiz' next album, "DEAL OR NO DEAL," was released in November of 2009 and landed in the #1 spot on iTunes "Top Hip Hop/Rap Albums" chart thanks to the huge buzz generated by his indefatigable grassroots grind. Showing no signs of slowing down, Wiz embarked on a 40-city, sold out "Deal Or No Deal Tour," in support of the highly successful album. For up-to-the-minute information, please visit www.wizkhalifa.com, www.facebook.com/wizkhalifa, www.twitter.com/realwizkhalifa, or www.myspace.com/wizkhalifa. ![]() KID-HOP ARTIST SECRET AGENT 23 SKIDOO TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, UNDERGROUND PLAYGROUND, ON AUGUST 31, 2010 Entertainment One Music/Happiness Records is proud to release Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's sophomore album Underground Playground, on August 31st, 2010. The proclaimed king of kid-hop returns this summer, and continues to redefine the meaning and limits of family music. "Hip-hop and kids might not seem to go well together, but 23 Skidoo, a rapper and recent dad, who incorporates bluegrass and reggae into his sound, is turning that notion on its head. With positive, relatable "kid-hop" songs…he has fast become a favorite of kindie radio hosts and venue bookers around the U.S." - Time Magazine: Featured as a STAR of Kindie Rock, May 2010 Hip hop began as a force of positivity and a means of uplifting the community, and it still has every bit of that power. Stories are a great way to teach, and dancing just feels good. There's nothing better than a steady rocking dance party that the whole family can get down with, and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo strives to keep it interesting for every member of your tribe. With the release of Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's debut album Easy, Skidoo reached #1 on XMKids satellite radio, and continues to receive heavy radio airplay on kids/family radio. This is real hip hop, from the drum sounds and loops to the wordplay and delivery, but with roots planted deep in the realm of childhood. These songs help kids believe in themselves, get through hard times, and learn to love life, plus just entertain with wild stories, complex music and bumping beats. Entertainment and education strike a perfect balance in this story-filled party album and kids of all ages have been spotted nodding their heads to its sophisticated musicality. "We have had a lot of CDs come through trying to do hip-hop, but this one is hands down the best. The lyrics are empowering without being too overt." -USA TODAY Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will be featured throughout the summer in the U.S. Library System's national radio commercial for the Collaborative Summer Library program (CSLP). CSLP is a national collaborative of 49 states that work together to create materials for each state's public library summer reading program. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has been chosen as the Official Spokesman for the New York State Summer Reading Program! Secret Agent 23 Skidoo will be on tour this summer through the Fall at various family friendly festivals and venues, including the Fillmore at Irving Plaza and World Cafe Live (Peanut Butter and Jams). He has also completed free concerts at local parks in three of the boroughs in the NYC area which will are a part of the City Parks Foundation. TOUR DATES Date Venue City Aug 4 Warrenville Public Library Warrenville, IL Aug 10 Strings Music Festival Steamboat Springs, CO Aug 28 World Cafe Live (Peanut Butter And Jams) Philadelphia, PA Aug 29 Kin'd Rock At The Historic Sixth And I Washington, DC Aug 31 The Philadelphia Zoo (Rock & Roar Series) Philadelphia, PA Sept. 19 Every Family Rocks Festival Des Moines, IA October 16 Symphony Space New York, NY For more information: http://www.secretagent23skidoo.com/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Secret-Agent-23-Skidoo/83204124149 http://www.myspace.com/secretagent23skidoo ![]() D.KING BLAZING THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH THE MUSIC SCENE AS A SOLDIER FOR CHRIST! D.King is a Christian rap artist who has been blazing a path of righteousness through today’s music scene. His Holy Spirit inspired flow coupled with his life changing lyrics, has made him a fortified contender as a soldier for Christ. This Email Was Sent From Urban Network. If you cannot view the images in this email, PLEASE CLICK HERE. D.KING BLAZING THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH THE MUSIC SCENE AS A SOLDIER FOR CHRIST! D.King is a Christian rap artist who has been blazing a path of righteousness through today’s music scene. His Holy Spirit inspired flow coupled with his life changing lyrics, has made him a fortified contender as a soldier for Christ. DeQuan Marciano King was born on January 21st 1981 in Gainesville, FL. As a newborn, he was up against all odds as he was unable to breath, eat, or drink on his own. Just days old, he had to rely on machines in order to live. His mother moved him to West Palm Beach, FL, as a toddler. However they lived in a dangerous urban area and she didn’t believe that her sons would have a fair chance at life if they were to continue to live there. So they left and moved back to a rural area outside of Gainesville to escape the potential route she could have lost her sons to. As he grew older and became submissive to his ultimate calling from God, D.King threw in the towel and vowed to be a modern day warrior for Christ. Since then, this future music mogul has been working his way up the gospel music latter, with a style that’s sure to one day sweep the nation. He is proving that all things are possible for them that believe in God. He crossed lyrical boundaries with his word inspired and entrenched debut album “Blood Certified” and has made it his personal goal to knock down strongholds in the world of darkness with his sophomore album “When the Storm Hits”. Causing ears to hear and mindsets to be renewed, D.King has been using Holy Hip Hop as a way to bring more lost souls into the Kingdom of God. Through his music, he uses his life as a ministry and an example to what the miracle working hand of God can do to those who simply allow Him to be in their hearts. He believes that ministry must come before the music, because music is simply one of the many tactics that God uses. He understands his purpose is to reconcile this world back to God. With his focus on reaching the unbelieving, the un-churched and the untaught, his ultimate goal is to connect with this generation where they are and elevate them to the place God has purposed them to be. D.King, is proving that he is anointed for this calling, as he illustrates what life is like as a 24-hour Christian and shares the importance of having a consistent relationship with God. His ministry has become more than just a buzz in our ears but an endless song stuck on repeat bursting of life changing concepts. D.King and his ministry has empowered lives all across this nation, reaching the young, the old, the sinner, and the saint in such a bold and authentic way. While changing the world one verse at a time, D.King is proving that he is an artist that we cannot and must not overlook. www.dkingent.com Where Music meets Ministry http://www.dkingent.com http://www.sonicbids.com/dking http://www.myspace.com/certifiedpraise http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/dking http://www.youtube.com/dequanking http://www.twitter.com/dequanking Brokencyde Set November 9th, 2010 Release Date For New Album "Brokencyde - Will Never Die" After pissing off the press and infuriating punks everywhere as a part of last summer's Warped Tour, the band you love to hate, Brokencyde, has returned with their middle fingers in the air. The Albuquerque, NM crunkcore innovators have announced a November 9th, 2010 release date for their sophomore album, "Brokencyde - Will Never Die", through BreakSilence Recordings. Lead singer Mikl from Brokencyde comments, "With this record we allowed ourselves more time creatively to do what we wanted, which enabled us to take things to a whole new level! This album speaks to our amazing fans that have supported us through thick and thin, but should be exciting for new listeners as well." "I have to say this album is the best work we've ever put together," added Phat J. "Fans are going to love it, and haters beware because it's gonna destroy the game." Brokencyde began making headlines after the group's video for the track "Freaxxx" became an internet sensation and racked up more than 4 million hits on YouTube. The fire continued to burn strong after the group's album, "I'm Not A Fan But The Kids Like It", debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at #87. Since then, the group has become one of the most talked about musical entities in decades, as MTVU, The LA Times, Revolver Magazine, producer Steve Albini and comic book writer Warren Ellis all cannot stop talking about the band that everyone loves to hate. B-REAL HEADS TO THE STREETS TO PLANT SEEDS WITH NEW PROJECT "THE HARVEST VOL. 1" AVAILABLE SEPT. 28TH Most notably known as the front man of one of hip hop's most important Latino groups Cypress Hill, 20-year vet and legend in the game B-Real has taken his experience to the streets to amass a new breed of MC's. With his newest project "The Harvest Vol. 1" B-Real is giving back to the game in taking on a mentor role to some of the hottest up & coming MC's hip hop has to offer, due to hit stores and digital outlets September 28th. Fresh off the heels of Cypress Hill's successful "Rise Up" album, B-Real is making a move to bless hip hop with fresh new talent with this solo project. With the success of his "Gunslinger" series, B-Real's "The Harvest Vol. 1" offers a compilation format reminiscent of some of hip hop's biggest productions such as Dr. Dre's "Chronic 2001" or Timbaland's "Shock Value". The project features 20 heat-laced tracks in which he allows his feature artist to showcase their skills, while providing the backbone to each track, including the single "Dr. of Death" featuring Xplicit. From the hardcore feel of tracks like "Dues Paid" feat. L.O.C. to the conscious feel good vibes of "Are U Ready" feat. Aygee, "The Harvest Vol. 1" is sure to transcend the culture as it offers something for everyone. While on tour, B-Real will continue to water his crops of MC's, plugging the project and performing cuts from the record. Who knew one B-Real's most famous records to date would become a premonition a decade later. Dr Green Thumb is back to the fields to bring growth to hip hop. Now all we gotta do is wait for the harvest. "The Harvest Vol. 1" available September 28th Dr. of Death Feat. Xplicit - http://www.rbc-records.com/BREAL_HARVEST_Dr_of_Death.mp3 ![]() The first single from Grammy-nominated soul singer Bilal’s forthcoming album, Airtight’s Revenge, is in stores now. The track, “Restart,” is produced by Bilal and Steve McKie (Jill Scott, Estelle) and is one of eleven new tracks on the album, which hits stores on September 14th via Plug Research. BUY Bilal’s “Restart” on iTunes [Plug Research]: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/restart/id386998497 Bilal is also giving away the track on his label’s website at http://www.plugresearch.com/, where fans can enter their email address to receive an immediate download or stream the iTunes single in its entirety, which also includes an instrumental version and a remix by experimental producer Daedelus. Here’s what Daedelus had to say about the process: “a challenge to remix; Bilal is a dynamic performer, a live wire conducting down some serious electricity, so of course I just tried to give it an urgent platform to shine.” Pre-Order Bilal’s Airtight’s Revenge: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003U9O4H8/ref=dm_dp_cdp?ie=UTF8&s=music For an extra peek into Airtight’s Revenge, which also features production by Nottz (Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Drake), 88 Keys (Mos Def, Macy Gray), Shafiq Husayn of Sa-Ra, and Tone Whitfield, check out Bilal’s acoustic performance of “Think it Over” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhN4IYQH-RY. “I love Bilal. I couldn’t imagine a music world without his voice.” – Erykah Badu “Bilal is hands down one of the greatest specimens of voice in post-modern hip-hop culture.” – Questlove “He’s a master at interpretation of song.” – Q-Tip “His voice is like a Van Gogh painting … A Salvador Dali … His voice has so many textures to it.” – Janelle Monae For More Information: http://www.plugresearch.com/ http://twitter.com/bilal_oliver http://vimeo.com/bilaloliver http://www.youtube.com/user/BilalOliverOfficial http://www.facebook.com/BilalOliver?ref=ts http://www.myspace.com/bilaloliver Hey H.Y.P.E. Fam, Ok so today's gossip takes the cake! I just read that Waka Flocka took a stage dive at a concert in Minneapolis, expecting for the crowd to catch him.....NOPE, that's certainly not what happened. The crowd moved and Waka hit the floor like a ton of bricks! Lol....I just couldn't resist blogging about this! What's even more hilarious is that the dozens of people he brought on stage with him began to take turns diving off after him like fools! Wow....can this get any funnier? So there you have it folks....don't think just because you're a celebrity that people will be quick to catch you when you fall...literally! Lol. Well Flocka, I hope you've learned your lesson! And what's with the beef between him and Gucci? I hear they're not BFF's no more?! I need to hear y'all sound off on this one fam....let me know the juice and what you think happened. To all my SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES....Deuces, till next time! ;o) With love, T Lyrix Good evening FAM, Today I would like to talk about Fantasia and her new boyfriend who is apparently married and cheating on his wife with Fantasia. Ok so for those of you who haven't been keeping up with the story, let me sum it all up for you.....PUBLICITY STUNT. Its just funny to me how all of this comes up when Fantasia has an album dropping! This is the scoop...Fantasia was hospitalized last week after receiving the news that her alleged boyfriend's wife filed a court complaint, accusing the songbird of knowingly cheating with her husband. Fantasia maintains her innocence, claiming that her boyfriend, Antwaun Cook, told her they were separated and had no intentions of reconciliation. Mrs. Cook says otherwise. She says that Fantasia was well aware that they were married and continued to have an affair with a happily married man and that she is indeed, a home wrecker! That same day, Fantasia apparently OD'd on Asprine and sleeping pills. Her manager Brian Dickens says that she had been overwhelmed with the news and that she was just tired and tried to escape it all. All that along with the apparent sex tape scandal was enough to send the singer overboard! Well here's what I think....Fantasia simply needs attention! She's trying to put the spotlight on her in order to increase her record sales....a bunch of BULL if you ask me! That girl knew he was married...what, u think since you're FANTASIA you're EXEMPT?! Uh, no ma'am! Lol DEUCES, to all my SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES....til next time! ;o) MUAH! With love, T LYRIX Independent Grind Tour 2010: Tech N9ne & Co. Are Taking Over Featuring E-40, Jay Rock, Glasses Malone and Strange Music’s Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun and Big Scoob This fall, TECH N9NE hits the road with the some of the biggest names in independent Hip Hop. Starting Sept. 15 for six weeks, the Kansas City star brings audiences the chillest West Coast rap and the hottest Midwest Hip Hop. “TECH N9NE’s Independent Grind Tour 2010” melds a wide range of audiences into a single, unified Hip Hop crowd. TECH N9NE has earned the title of hardest working Hip Hop artist. He recently wrapped his “Strange Days Tour,” went into the studio to complete his latest collabos album, The Gates Mixed Plate, and then hit the road for a five-week European tour. His hustle and flow has paid off: He’s racked up over 80.8 million song plays on MySpace, ranking him #1 on the list of Top 10 Indie Artists. The Gates Mixed Plate – featuring Jay Rock, Glasses Malone as well as familiar Strange Music cohorts Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun and Big Scoob – provides the basis for “TECH N9NE’s Independent Grind Tour.” Each of the featured artists has gained popularity through their own sweat and skills. E-40 needs no introduction as the Rap Ambassador of the Bay Area, while Cash Money’s Glasses Malone and Jay Rock rule the streets and airwaves of L.A. Long known for sharing the stage with TECH N9NE, Strange Music’s Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun and Big Scoob will again treat fans to the high-energy, crowd-hyping, hit-delivering performances they expect. TECH N9NE and Strange Music prove once again that they continue to change the face and perceptions of Hip Hop. Independent Grind Tour 2010 Dates: 15-Sep Pershing Center Lincoln, NE 16-Sep Hawkeye Downs Cedar Rapids, IA 17-Sep The Rave Milwaukee, WI 18-Sep Capital Theatre Madison, WI 19-Sep Epic Concert Center Minneapolis, MN 21-Sep Clyde Iron Works Duluth, MN 22-Sep Dublin Rapid City, SD 23-Sep Shrine Auditorium Billings, MT 24-Sep The Fillmore Denver, CO 25-Sep Mesa Theatre Grand Junction, CO 26-Sep Great Salt Air Salt Lake City, UT 27-Sep Wilma Theatre Missoula, MT 28-Sep Knitting Factory Spokane, WA 29-Sep Toyota Center Kennewick, WA 30-Sep Wild Buffalo Bellingham, WA 1-Oct SoDo Seattle, WA 2-Oct Roseland Theatre Portland, OR 3-Oct McDonald Theatre Eugene, OR 4-Oct Senator Chico, CA 5-Oct Rainbow Ballroom Bakersfield, CA 6-Oct Phoenix Petaluma, CA 7-Oct Catalyst Santa Cruz, CA 8-Oct The Grove Anaheim, CA 9-Oct House Of Blues San Diego, CA 10-Oct House Of Blues Las Vegas, NV 11-Oct Marquee Theatre Tempe, AZ 12-Oct Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ 13-Oct Sunshine Theatre Albuquerque, NM 14-Oct Trees Dallas, TX 15-Oct Cain’s Ballroom Tulsa, OK 16-Oct The Shrine Springfield, MO 17-Oct Pop’s Nightclub Sauget (East St. Louis), IL 19-Oct Headliners Louisville, KY 20-Oct Peabody’s Cleveland, OH 21-Oct Diesel Pittsburgh, PA 22-Oct The Palladium Worcester, MA 23-Oct Webster Theatre Hartford, CT 24-Oct Bourbon Street Baltimore, MD 25-Oct The NorVa Norfolk, VA 26-Oct The Loft Atlanta, GA 27-Oct Culture Room Ft. Lauderdale, FL 28-Oct Club Firestone Orlando, FL 30-Oct Uptown Kansas City, MO ![]() DJ AUTOMATIC PRESENTS "COMMON: THEATER OF THE MIND" MIXTALE - A CHRONOLOGY There are many who say the mixtape game has become formulaic and certainly, there are few names in the mixtape world that stand head and shoulders above the crowd but once in a while someone's imagination is sparked with an idea and something brilliant emerges. This would be one of those moments. While listening to the limited edition of Michael Jackson's Thriller album, which features interviews with some of the legendary people he had worked with over the years like Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton, DJ and music afficianado, Merritt Reiland aka DJ Automatic (Shadyville/Vinyl Pushers DJ's) got the idea to make mix tapes with established artists that let them tell the story behind their career, catalog and inspirations, interspersed with blends of their music chronologically, and the MixTale was born. Multi-Grammy-winning Chicago native, Common, was a natural selection for this conceptual CD, not least of which because he's one of Automatic's favorite MC's. Common is now a household name, not only because of his tremendous success in music and affliliation with some of the best to ever do it, but also because of his burgeoning acting career. This edition of MixTales, for there will be many, is entitled Theater of the Mind and will become available for download on August 24th. It's a chronology, both spoken and musical, of the artist that is Common, in his own words, past to present and beyond. A self-proclaimed music geek who avidly studies the credits of all the albums he buys, Automatic aims to educate. "The reason I chose Common for this project is that he is not only one of my favorite MC's of all time," says Automatic, "but he has an entire career of music behind him that young music lovers don't necessarily know. They see him in movies and have heard his newer releases but have no idea that Common was one of the rawest MC's throughout the 90's. Although I have followed his career from jump, it was still an honor to sit down with him in person and let him take me on his personal journey." With an on-air career at several radio stations over the past few years, gigs across the nation and several eclectic mix tapes, including 2008's MixTales featuring TI (2008) under his belt, DJ Automatic's love of music is a given and he wants it made clear that his MixTales opportunities are open to artists of all genres. As he so eloquently puts it, "I am officially married to Hip Hop, but I cheat on her all the time." For more gems from DJ Automatic, follow him on Twitter via @djautomatic or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/djautomatic Trucker Bangin Ent. Is On The Move As A Direct Spin-Of Of Sirius Satellite Radio! As a direct spin-off of Sirius Satellite Radio's famed Shade45 program, T.B.E. [Trucker Bangin' Entertainment] is the brainchild of Oliver Jackson, whose sole mission is to bring full attention to the various issues that plague and affect short and long haul truck drivers on a daily basis. With the help of Jackson's business partner, TJ, and popular radio personality, Mz. Angela Yee, a.k.a. the "1st Lady of Trucker Bangin Ent.'," together, the trio, got the ball rolling' rather quickly. Their all-to-true motto to live by is: "Truckers make the world go 'round. Without us, everything stops!" It has been already proven that truckers are one of the biggest consumers of music, and the harshest critics -- Why, one asks? The answer is quite simple: "'Cause we listen to music on an average of 11 hours a day while we drive." As the show began to expand, and take on a different direction, the truckers decided to unite in order to form Trucker Bangin' Ent. Now considered to be a driving force in the music industry, T.B.E.'s main objective is to give unsigned deejays, artists, producers and models, a major platform to showcase their talents. The company currently distributes to well over 200 individual truckers worldwide, who in turn get the material into the hands of potential future fans. Isn't it true? Almost every direction one turns, a truck is always present. Keep in mind, the truck is always moving product from point A to point B. To add to the list of promotional platforms, Trucker Bangin Ent. has built a partnership with The Hype Magazine, the worlds largest digital platform. The Jameelah Wilkerson publisher of the Hype Magazine was recently covered in the USA Today, for created a concept called "Digeprint" and they are now working with Trucker Bangin Ent.full force to create a worldwide promotional outlet for the entertainment industry. Trucker Bangin Ent.will be the next best thing to a national Dj Coalition and radio stations, we will get the music out through our channels to build a solid fan base for artists in towns that don't have access to major top 40 radio stations or a mixtape Dj distributing the new music. About Oliver Jackson: Born overseas, Jackson was a military brat. Growing up, he was well-traveled due to the fact that the family moved around a lot. This gave Oliver the opportune chance of being exposed to different cultures and their music. In the eighties, Oliver Jackson got heavily into break-dancing and deejaying. His earliest influences came from pioneering New York City Hip-Hop stations; such as, WBLS and Kiss-FM. "I can remember Mr. Magic's Rap Attack Show. (And,) other deejays like Kool Herc, Red Alert, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Flash, Kay Slay, Jam Master Jay, and many others..." Jackson recalls. Fast forward, and after serving 17 years for his country, Oliver Jackson continues to be a true voice in Hip-Hop...Still deejaying and also trucking! As employer to over 200 truckers worldwide...Embrace the movement! For More Information Contact: Jameelah Wilkerson Marketing and Publicity Manager email: thehypemailbox@yahoo.com www.truckerbanginent.com www.gethypeonline.com 301-579-4973 Young saxophonist Eric Darius releases new project, ‘On a Mission,’ on Shanachie “I started writing music for this project a year a half ago,” composer and saxophonist Eric Darius said about his newest CD release, “On a Mission,” on Shananchie Entertainment. “It wasn’t until the beginning of this year that I started recording. I like to put out (a CD) every two years.” A protégé child, Eric said he started writing music at age twelve. “The concepts are constantly floating in my mind,” Darius confessed to me. “Writing music is a gift.” He admitted that what is in his mind is the music: the horns, the strings…every note. This is Eric’s fifth album and he believes with each CD he is continuously involving. His influences include Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis. “I don’t want to be in a box,” Darius stressed. “I want to reach everyone! …To incorporate Jazz, R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop and Reggae. There is so much going on in my life.” As a musician Eric Darius started professionally at the age of 17 and was soon sharing the stage with Prince, Wynton Marsalis, George Benson and Brian McKnight. One of his CD releases even reached #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Charts. His latest CD, “On a Mission,” features the contributions of Rick Braun, Rex Rideout, Micah Otano, Chris Andrew, Rohan Reid and an original song of James Lloyd (Pieces of a Dream). My favorite cuts on the “On a Mission” project include “Kingston’s Flavor” because of its’ Reggae feel with a layer of some funky Jazz support; “Move It on,” “Soulful Stride,” a finger popping selection; “Uptown Swagger,” featuring James Lloyd, because of its great piano support, and “My Prayer for Haiti,” a sweet love song for the people of Haiti. I asked Eric to also give advice to struggling musicians and he didn’t hesitate to say, “We live in a digital time and (you) can get songs for free. Artists need to understand the business side. Labels are closing and artists are taking control of their music. They have a direct link to their fans to promote themselves…its’ an exciting time…an interesting time.” To learn more on Eric Darius and his latest CD “On a Mission” log onto his website at www.EricDarius.com. |





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