DirtyHiphop Head

Nigeria's Prince Of Rap, Fecko - the First Impression EP

2009-12-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

FECKO is slowly establishing himself as an avant-garde lyricist and I don’t think a lot of underground heads are paying attention to this prolific A+ rhyme ‘spitter’. ‘The First Impression’ is clearly an example of pure hip-hop at its best with breath-defying and head-spinning lyricism that will make you fall in love with the art form again. Musically, the EP is diverse, rhythmic, and gritty. The production of MHP and Teckzilla (Str8Butthah) serves as a backdrop for FECKO to raise awareness of important issues as well as educate the hard listeners.

Enjoy the mix-tape and don’t forget to give him a shout on FACEBOOK.

Mixtape art done by Huey

Tracklist

1. ANOTHER DAY – FECKO

2. PAPER PLANE REMIX – FECKO FT. THE CLIQUE TEAM (NIGERIA)

3. SPOKEN WORDS FT. POETIC SERAPH (BELGIUM)

4. ILL THOTZ (INTERLUDE) – FECKO

5. DANGER AWAITS (HURRICANE ALLEY FREESTYLE) – FECKO

6. SPITOLOGY – FECKO FT. NAYCHA (SOUTH AFRICA)

7. CONTROL THE MIC – FECKO FT. STR8 BUTTAH (NIGERIA)

DOWNLOAD: FECKO – The First Impression EP

let me hear your thought on the EP. watch out for the video from Fecko 'nollywood' featuring Terry Tha Rapman.

Naeto C is just not lyrical enough.

2009-09-10T01:04:00.000-07:00

We all know right? Then my grudge should be with James Amuta – he wrote one brilliant ‘crap’ I have not seen in a long time, crap in a good way now – If your publicist can’t write what I call crap, honestly fire him or her. I have been reading a lot of gossip these days. I can’t remember a lot of what he said but the mention of Naeto C’s lyrical scepter was one of the things that caught me but I thought: is it not Naeto on 'sitting on top', ‘You know my P’ and ‘Kini Big deal’? Here’s a confession before we move further and I know I am the only one in Lagos with out Naeto Chukwu’s debut album. I had my reasons plus I was not in Lagos when it was released and when I finally got here, it really didn’t pull me to buy it. ‘Kini big deal’ was bumping but I couldn’t get into any other of his track and let me just chip in that I have Ikechukwu’s ‘Life and Times of e kills’ album. My issues with Naeto’s music started with ‘sitting on top’, I still struggle to feel his delivery and hey! It is just me.

Now why would I pick a pen to write what is probably obvious? After I read James’s note, I went up and down to get the new track ‘Ako mi ti poju’ and eventually I got it after 4.37 hours of search. I downloaded, listen and wallow! I am like ‘James writes crap!!’ Funny, honestly and almost immediately, my attention moved to James write up – he is a damn good publicist!. Bluntly,I am saying his write up was a lot brilliant than his client’s music and here’s my apology if that got on your nerves.

One thing then crossed my mind, it might just be like ‘You Know my P’ album. I thought he was not ready to rap when the ‘sitting on top’ track was all over the place then he dropped ‘Kini big deal’. I might not just be liking ‘ako mi tip o ju’ but I am still so looking forward to hear from Naeto C and hey James, Naeto C has not broken that sophomore jinx like you mentioned. Not just yet!
‘Ako mi ti poju’ is got a crunk feel. It is crunk to the hook with ‘Ako mi ti po ju’ getting repeated and another ‘I too (2) much men, I 3 much men, I 4 much men, I 5 much men’ running over it. Forget the hype – ‘ako mi tip o ju’ doesn’t do it and then James mention of Naeto’s lyricism on ‘Ako mi ti poju’ eventually wasn’t a bright move and his write up was just a publicist’s review of his client’s music and a Client’s music is never crap but then my review for ‘Ako mi ti po ju’ would be download free but don’t buy from Itunes or any where else.

Yes boss!

Download Naeto C - ako Mi Ti Poju

P Square puts career in danger.

2009-09-02T02:24:00.000-07:00

Bet you would ask who made me the judge? I made myself one so shoot me! (sic) I was in good mood, surprised myself that I was singing the chorus of 'danger' hours before I met my boss yesterday who actually made me notice it was a techno beat. Before I met my boss, somehow I was singing along with the hook after I had previously not decided if I liked the song or not – I concluded that it was that kinda song you need to listen to more than once, twice or thrice to like and P Square might just settle with getting it frequent airplay. My boss thought otherwise but not exactly stating firm his dislike, ‘ This is different from the previous P Square’, he commented.

With the release of the ‘game over’ album, P Square became the industry untouchables. I was in Jos when the album dropped – Jos sure knows how to support her own. The campus was flooded with the album days after it was released. Every jinx was broken and the question after you got the album and had it on repeat is how did they do it? I concluded that it was talent, self discovery, work combined with good ears, nothing else and hey, their dance moves definitely contributed in its own way.

First, the P square approach had never been premiering on the internet but I remember Peter in an interview saying they would strife to reply fan mails so they would be getting their PCs connected to the internet 24/7. The new single branded ‘danger’ was uploaded to a file sharing website and the link to download it was sent to all and we all downloaded and still downloading but I only bookmarked the link waiting for comments before I listened for myself. Comments were not particularly ‘hey, it is a classic!’.

P Square’s decision to sing over a techno beat definitely was fuelled by the remix of ‘Busy body’ with Weird MC. A track I still would not like even if listening to it is prescribed as therapy, my favourite remains the original. In some way I am beginning to feel guilty about my note at my Tru spot! Where I said ‘Techno but not crunk is Nigerian’ – inspired by the faceless lyrics by Nigerian artistes whose songs I heard some time back,foreseeing a move by Nigerian acts to do crunk (hey, have you heard Steel and Nikki Laoye's taka sufe? me likey!) and suggested they try techno as a Nigerian fan would want to dance and not want to learn the ‘technical’ dance that comes with crunk in addition to the fact that crunk lyrics are expectedly and annoyingly too nursery. If P Square decides to do a typical crunk song in beat and concept – here I say sing (not rap) about what they have (material possession as crunk requires), It would go down well with me (and maybe just me).

I might not be exactly sure of what I feel with the 'danger' song but they evidently were having too much fun on that record, it is a party song? Which Nigerian party would dance to ‘danger’,none ! and made it's just me. Their decision to keep the video simple like their previous is commendable, nice shine, brilliant picture quality but again, the decide to jack another concept with the robotic movement.

The good side? It is a typical radio friendly song. ,Let's forget their previous record, What do you honestly think of the song?

Click Here To Download BB - Mo BB

Modenine's Malcom IX

2009-08-24T02:16:00.002-07:00

The Case of The Rooftop MCs

2009-08-09T01:36:00.001-07:00

When the Rooftop MCs sent out a mail from their facebook group that they were done with a track with a Jos based rock group - Threadstone. I believe some excitement went down my spine because I remember that mail every well. First, Jos is home Lasgidi (Lagos) can't be compared to then Rooftop MCs relentless at switching their style was exciting too.Then Hnic Doc Gee kept me up all night listening to his radio show on Raypower 100.5 FM (Saturday 10PM) where he played the song - a Rap/Rock song. Hiphop has always had a tumultuous relationship with its rap/rock subgenre (I believe it is now a sub genre as Rap/Fuji would soon be,thanks to the Rooftop MCs). Many hiphop fans refuse to recognize it as hiphop unless songs include an already established rap act,brings to mind JayZ and Linkin Park. Many feel rap/rock collaboration is a bastardization of the culture and the rappers who lead these groups are unskilled phonies who need a band backing them because they can't hack it with just two turntables and a microphone.

However,I feel that school of thought is missing the point entirely and selling hiphop music short. Lyrics being hiphop is not been argued and probably you have to be able to flip complicated couplets that are lush with metaphors and similes to be an effective emcee ( a standard Modenine's career would be remembered for) but that is hiphop while Rap music that is its core is not,absolutely not.. Rap music is about two main things — authenticity and emotion. It's about making the listener feel what you're saying ( brings to mind the situation where my chic called me a sell out hiphop head/fan when she recently heard a song I recorded with a group way back @ http://www.myspace.com/365naijaboiz ) and do Good rap/rock song particularly from Rooftop Mc's So Snatch and So Kleva does this? Hell Yeah!.

One mark that Rooftop MCs would be remembered for in the Nigerian music history is the emotion and soul they put to rapping in addition to their risk taking to create a sound of their own out of sounds we are familiar with.While rap/rock songs from overseas sound emotionless,So Snatcher puts that emotion as So Kleva brings the wit to every of their songs.

"We're trying to be pop stars." that stinks off the track is what is killing every new artiste trying to be a part of the scene now and Music fans,particularly Nigerian music fans can tell the difference between a soulful artist versus one whose sole goal is fame though I accept that a few still embraces the faceless and soulless which explains why I'm angered at a bunch of act getting attention.

Honestly, We're facing the worst economic crisis we've seen in our lifetimes; if there was ever a time to get mad and say something, it's now. We are pissed off #lighupnigeria - ing on twitter and right now is a time when we could use some of that emotion,Rooftop MCs' music has to offer. You think otherwise?

Quickies - Anger, Terry G, Word Smith, Kel, #lighupnigeria, Olu Maintain, Keke and D1

2009-07-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

This might be burning bridges but I have never being a kiss arse.i could just hush up but that's not Dro- Dro is easy going yeap but blatantly real.Let's talk a few church truth but before that my homeboy, Wale Onifade who is the Media Monitoring Officer for A.Y.E.N.I entertainment just jack what I wrote as my profile somewhere for his facebook - I feel really good about it,the only problem is he should have let me know when he did it and to the church truth before we start, If I mention you it means i am a big fan of your work.

I first thought Jay Z direction for his Blue print 3 sucked with the single taking a jab at autotone then I got Jim Jones response, I felt he took the words out my mouth but hey, his album had to be built round something but funny the autotone maker were inspired by the Jay Z's song that they made some new additions to the software. Undoubted is the fun in the record and when player, Wordsmith informed that he rode the beat and had his own version of 'Death Of Aututone'. I knew it was gon be something. Wordsmith uses part of the second verse to take some hard jabs at Reuben Abati who is the editor of one of Nigeria’s biggest newspapers (The Guardian). Click Here To Download Wordsmith-Death Of Autotune, a must download.

Muma Gee should please ditch a present album project and catch the kade buzz again, I understand debut 'Kade' album didn't move units and all but here's my word African Juice wouldn't get a marketer and if it does, it would not be seen on CD shelves.

1.Olu Maintain is got a new album in the works and i assume his team is at work pushing it everywhere but while do it on the heels of Yahoozee. It even got to global and Washington Post. I assume there was not a choice for his publicity team or it just happens to be coincidence - olu Manitain's album dropping and everybody wants to writing on 419 and scams.

2. I'm still lost at Kel's direction. That was just wrong PR or decision releasing a remix for waa wa alright.Sasha took forever to break that one hit wonder shack and to see another femcee thread that lane gave me a running stomach. Then Too fine rocks, I love it but it was in no way original as a concept but i honestly hope it does it.

3. The #lightupnigeria campaign is big and I am so glad to see such a cause. If you have not tweeted the hashtag, you suck but I really wish it could make a difference. The excitement is in the unity and the extent this would go , probably even go down in Nigerian history but then it wouldn't give us constant electricity in the next 5 years - It is like they are aware of the campaign and trying to beat us out of it.Seriously, It only requires a Fashola as president with a priority of providing electricity topping his manifesto and not a twitter campaign.

4. The duo of Mr. Kenny and Dayo, yea i'm about to thread and clash at an ominipotent path - committing what would be a suppose sacrilege. It is no Nigerian factor to expect that they fall behind to the background and youngstars break into TV/radio presentation. I'm excited that Centage superstar is actually their brainchild - their only project that would be seeing them make someone from the start/scratch. I am a sucker for keeping up from days of humble beginnings and not trying to bank when you didn't discover or believe at first. at least,they should have interns.

5. The New set of music acts need to understand DIY approach rocks but don't take it offline. DIY offline ended 10 centuries ago. Get a manager or someone who would give just a hour to your music career a day or make 2/3 minutes call on your behalf.I knowwhat I'm saying - I recorded a rap/spoken word album years back and it has not seen the blight of day technically it hasn't but Sage Hasson and Hnic Doc Gee heard 1/2 tracks off it.

6. Terry G's followership is amazing, he even amazes the most read PR executive but looking like he would need a PR person to land that major corporate endorsement? By the way, watch out for the collaboration between Harry song and Terry G,It's fire.

and here's an excerpt of an article on 'anger' i wrote over the weekend - The consequences of untamed anger is not justified in any way yet anger is human, God is got a temper just like you and me - Remember we are the very image of God but the outcome of an uncontrolled fury is anything but not godly. Let me justify anger as being one godly emotion like every other emotion a human can feel one last time......

Please comment

Case Study Of Da Grin - When Buzz goes bad!

2009-07-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Case Study Of Da Grin - When Buzz goes bad!

Buzz has been a keyword in the music world all over - local and overseas. It’s supposed to indicate that there’s a lot of talk swirling around an artist and that he, or she, is on the verge of stardom. As we near the end of the decade, however, it seems that having buzz has almost become a negative thing as the majority of the artists that are buzzed about never even come close to living up to their hype some even after a single - I am so tempted to call names of this artiste but let's take just one,your boy and my boy - Da Grin.

Da Grin for instance has been highly buzzed about over the past few years even MI said he is his favourite Nigerian rapper. Do I need to tell you he has fallen flat, not totally though. we were told he would be Hiphop Jesus, leading a new generation of artists, but aside from a guest appearance on a collaborations here, or a minor hit there with 'pon pon' oops, let me leave out the word 'minor', they’ve been major disappointments. The key part of that sentence is the phrase “We were told.” Websites (they still even do), radio and magazines listed the emcee on their “next” lists and people bought into them despite having not really heard very much of their work - prove me wrong and tell me three songs by Da Grin besides - pon pon, rap rule anthem and the recently leaked, hola hola song. I would ask is the buzz has a result of his music, but rather a good PR campaign and the knowledge that Hip-Hop fans feel some sort of bragging right when they can say “I knew about so and so first.” That looks answered - it is music,humility and good vibe that oozes off him. As a person,he is a great dude.I had the opportunity to talk to him after he had a discussion with DJ Spin'all at one of Hnic Doc Gee's Club Rockaway event. He is one hella good fella. freakin humble!

The irony in all this is that the majority of the biggest names like M.I., Naeto C, Darey, Ruggedman and Illbliss. all these artists became famous because they released a hot single and an eventual hot album, that people connected with and wanted to hear more of. Had anyone even heard of Rick Ross before “Everyday I’m Hustlin?”. My point? Music builds careers, not hype. Da Grin didn't follow with another single and didn't even talk of a video for Pon pon. Even withe the buzz, he didn't chase a record deal - I know of a record label reaching out to him but he could not create the time to sit with them.His excuses were outrageous. Today, he is not sitting pretty as he has been the caller now but it going to get better for him. My complaint is why did he postpone it when it should be happening.

The key,fellow fans is to find out more about the artists, listen to their 'musics'- body of work, and get excited about what you hear coming out of your speakers rather than what you hear coming out of other people’s mouths. Let's make some deserving artiste celebs,what i mean? I don't know myself. There’s also no reason to feel like you’re not in the know whenever an artist blows up that you’ve never heard of.

2009-06-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

The Crusader best known as HMan whose second version of Ndoli ndoli has been enjoying enormous airplay is reported to be signed to Roll A Dice Entertainment.Roll A Dice would be managing his music career from now and as well as direct plus publish his next album/video works. "they would be re packaging the 'ndoli ndoli king' album",Sources informed.Papers are to be signed on the 26th of June and then He performs at the Nigezie launch in UK. Click Here to read more

AQ's Love and Money Mixtape. Powered bY tRu Spot!

2009-05-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Truspot presents AQ in LOVE n MONEY mixtape.that's the long and short.Download from http://www.mytruspot.com/AQ/store.php.Let me know what you feel.

AQ's Love and Money Mixtape (Free Download)

2009-05-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

A-Q puts out a not to be bootlegged mixtape for you and yours. Love and Money as it is branded is a 13 track mixtape + a bonus remix to a song. He featured DJ Jimmy Jatt and Morachi each on a track. And he also worked with producers like Laylow, Kraft, Bionic and Teckzilla.

Track List

1. Intro
2. Why you act like that
3. Thumbs up
4. Q comin through
5. Make Money feat. Morachi and Xtrim
6. Too late
7. 123 shots
8. You say
9. Letter
10. Best Than Ever Did it
11. Academics
12. Freshest
13. Realer than most feat. Dj Jimmy Jatt
14. Thumb up remix

Download and ask a friend to.

Download: AQ - Love and Money Mixtape

Escafini f/ Kannybeat - Number One

2009-05-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

Escafini,the sings and this particular song,Number one is something really fresh.a break from the norm.I love the lyrics,the content and the beat,it's infectious.I absolutely love the song but you listened for yourself at www.soundclick.com/escafini.It's produced by a good friend,Kannybeat and features Kannybeat,the song is big!.And if you need a producer for that hit,a producer who give syou mad beat and could also put together a hook,Kannybeat is who you need.Click Here to Give him a shoot over facebookKannybeats produced the d'accord first single and worked with Zaaki Azzay,just to mention a few.

Escafini @ Soundclick

First African born Play Mate.

2009-05-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ida Ljungqvist(that name-can't pronounce) is Play Boys play mate of the year 2009 and the Magazines 50th woman to hold that title (it’s a lovely magazine).

She is the first African born Play Mate, and Born in Tanzania to a Swedish father and a Tanzanian Mother. Has lived in Uganda before… Hmm. And also speaks Swahili, English and Swedish.

The 27 year old brunette earns herself the title of 50th play mate of the year and with that comes, $100,000 in prize money and a new Mazda6 car.

Dj Spin'all puts out an exclusive 23 minutes mix

2009-05-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Dj Spinall whose government names are SODAMOLA OLUSEYE DESMOND is 2FACE IDIBIA's HYPE DJ. DJ Spin'all is a Lagos-based DJ who knows a driving beat and aggressively risky mixing technique in a town better known for its bumpy music style. For over seven years He has brought his vigorous style and enthusiastic stage presence to events throughout Lagos and beyond. Spin'all is workin on a '2face' remixes CD (Keep a tab on Spin'all for details of this) and being militant with remixes He's already done remixes for Sound Sultan that made it to his SS3 album and W4. He is also a Freelance DJ in Eko and Raypower FM,lagos.Dj Spin'all is known to be fearless while on the mix,while other deejays struggle not to mess up a mix,Spin'all plays well on the deck with out an aorta of fear,cuttin,cueing,fading,scratching and more Dj Spin'all also remains active in the Nigerian underground music scene as he plans a mixtape that would be dropping soonest.

Click here To Download
Dj Spin'all @ Facebook

TIALLONDRA KEMP's Prologue for her book

2009-04-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

I looked at my watch, it was 4:30pm on January 21, 2009, the day I had been waiting to come for eight months. It was the day of the deposition in the child support case I had filed against the father of my third son, William Leonard Roberts Jr. also known as the big-time rapper (not the notorious drug dealer, don’t get them confused) Rick Ross.
I had started this battle against William 17 months earlier after our tumultuous four-year relationship filled with passion and pain. My lawyer Ileana M. Almeida had spent the last eight months trying to get Will’s lawyer Allan Zamren to make Will do the deposition for the case. They’d canceled two times already so I was surprised that William had finally showed up and was glad we were gonna to get things going. Ever since he’d become a celebrity, Will had been a different person. That mixed with his touring and promotions schedule and the life of a rap star is what made it so hard for anything in the child support case to move forward. His attitude also made things difficult.

The deposition took place at my lawyer’s office, which was across the street from the Broward County Courthouse in Ft. Lauderdale. Will showed up with an entourage but only he, his lawyer, the court reporter, Ms. Almeida and myself were allowed in the room. The focus of the day was William’s financial details and his level of interaction and responsibility with our son, William Leonard Roberts III, or as I call him, Lil’ Will. Ileana and I wanted to gather information for my child support case since Will and I would be going to trial at some point over how much he would have to pay in child support. In order for my case to be fought fairly, my lawyer and I needed to know the correct information for how much William would and should be able to provide for his son.
Will was dressed in a nice custom tailored burgundy linen suit with brown and burgundy Gucci dress shoes. He wore no jewelry but had on his Rick Ross sunglasses during the whole deposition. I don’t know why, we were inside. It wasn’t sunny in the office. Will never wore sunglasses before he got his deal so it kinda made me laugh when I saw him with them now.
It was a bit overwhelming to finally be sitting in the deposition after all the time of the time spent trying to get there. Hearing Will talk about where he lived, what he did for a living, how he was signed to Def Jam and Slip-N-Slide, was managed by Poe Boy, it was all so familiar but he was such a stranger. I knew Will was going to lie throughout the whole case. He didn’t want me to have give me a dime of his money but I didn’t understand why he didn’t want to take care of Lil’ Will properly. How did it get so bad?

Tia and Rick Ross

It was a long and frustrating day. From the beginning Will was nervous and uncomfortable and so was I. For over six hours with a short lunch break in between, Ileana drilled Will and she covered a lot of ground. As the day went on the cagier he got. His partial financial records we had been given made no sense and as Ileana asked him to explain certain items, Will would refuse to elaborate. He claimed in his financial affidavit he spent $50 a month on clothing total yet I knew Will was a clothing and sneaker freak, always buying himself and Lil’ Will the newest gear. The baby had new Gucci sneakers every month. Ileana had a list of Will’s charges at the Gucci store, and other clothing stores and brand name chains for thousands of dollars at a time and William would explain that it was his mother and sister using his card to shop, not him. When Ileana asked him about the expense of his custom diamond chains, pieces and jewelry, Will swerved around the questions saying he didn’t buy anything, it was either his boy Gun Play’s jewelry or it was promotional stuff he got from jewelers, that he would swap out. Even the custom diamond piece of his actual face. Who would want to swap that? He wouldn’t say what he paid for one piece of jewelry. The affidavit said Will spent $200 a month on food. I know how that man ate, $200 wasn’t gonna make a dent no matter how much McDonalds he said he ate.
Tia PicThe problem was none of William’s financial records made sense and only half of them were provided. He said he had only one checking account, we knew he had two. After selling two gold records, both being number one albums and making several guest appearances on some big records, Will claimed he had only made $202,439 a year in 2006 and 2007. That just seemed off.
Ileana was a beast but Will spent a majority of the time dodging her questions or gave her nonsensical answers. If she asked him anything about money he basically directed her to talk to his accountant or his mother who handled all his business and personal finances. William mentioned his mother over and over during the deposition but it was no surprise, she was always right there in my face during our relationship.
There were points in the deposition that Ileana really pressed Will on. Only because they just didn’t make sense. He owned eight houses and the one he bought last year he put $250,000 down on, and it cost over $1.2 million. If Will was only making $202,439 a year how could he afford a putting $250,000 down on a house and also pay for his other houses, his leased Escalade and Maybach. He didn’t own his cars, just leased them.
I just sat there and listened as Will pretended he didn’t make much money as a successful rapper and his expenses were almost more than he actually made. I knew that wasn’t true. Will could definitely afford to do more than buy his son fancy sneakers he was only gonna get dirty and grow out of. But I wasn’t allowed to say anything during the deposition. The only time I talked was when Will told Ileana he provided heath insurance for our son. I had to speak up and let them know Lil’ Will was on Medicaid and William had not gotten his son any health insurance.
We needed to cut the day short and end at 5:00pm so I could pick Lil’ Will up from day care near our home in Miramar, 45 minutes away. I was anxious to get out of there and pick up the baby. My other two boys, DeAngelo, who’s 12 and DeAndre, who’s 10, already had arrangements for when they got of school a few hours earlier but I had to pick up Lil’ Will and continue the deposition another day.

Tia and Rick Ross 2

Will had been abrasive all during questioning. I knew he wasn’t happy to be there but ultimately, neither was I. If he just would’ve taken care of his son and made a deal with me for support outside of the courts, it wouldn’t have gotten to this point. But Will had bugged out on me, refusing to help pay bills and rent to the degree that he could. While I literally watched him make millions, I struggled to take care of my three sons, the littlest being his. So I was just trying to get what I was due. I wasn’t asking for anything outrageous—$4000 a month is nothing crazy. Especially when you’re driving around in a Maybach, rapping about how much money you’re making.
I watched the next several minutes click by and listened while Ileana wrapped up with her questioning for the day. At 4:45pm they let William leave. He got out 15 minutes before me so that he would be completely gone when I exited the building and we wouldn’t have a confrontation. When security made sure he had vacated the premises they told me I could be excused.
I said goodbye to everyone in the office and headed outside toward the parking lot ready to jump the road and go pick up Lil’ Will. When I walked to the lot my heart dropped. My Infinity QX56 was gone.
Tia and 50 Cent“Where the fuck is my truck?” I said to myself. And then I knew it. Will must of had the Infinity he bought for me two years earlier, removed from the parking lot while we were in court. He had to have gotten another key from the dealer and had one his boys from his entourage drive it away.
I knew Will’s lawyer would still be in Ileana’s office so I rushed back up, burst inside said to everyone there, “The truck is gone. My truck is gone. Will took my truck.”
“What?” Mr. Zamren asked.
“Are you sure?” Ileana followed.
“Yeah, I’m sure. I know where I parked it and it’s not there.”
Ileana directed her attention to Will’s attorney. “Can you call you client and ask if he took the truck because we need to see if he took it or if it might have been towed.”
“I parked legally,” I assured her. “I parked in your parking lot. William took the truck. I know it. That’s something he would do. He threatened to take the truck before but that was like a year ago.”
Mr. Zamren called Will and he answered. “William, Tia’s truck is gone and she has to pick you son up from school. I have one question, did you take the truck?”
“Yeah, I took it,” Will told him.
“Okay, thank you,” he responded and hung up then turned to me and shook his head. “I am so sorry. I had no idea he was going to do that. I’m really sorry. Do you have anyone to pick up your son?”

Mr. Zamren really felt awful. I could tell he was a good guy even though he was a lawyer. He just had a difficult client. I was so angry but there was nothing to do at that moment. I couldn’t make myself look bad. I had to focus on getting Lil’ Will dealt with. I stepped away to a private area, called my sister Ebony and arranged for her to go get him then called my friend Biya who lived close to the courthouse to come pick me up. Then I went back to talk to the attorneys.
I had a lot of expensive stuff in the truck that I wanted back. Designer sunglasses, my baby’s car seat and toys, children’s DVDs, dozens of CDs, a duffle bag full of brand name party dresses and jeans I had packed to take to the cleaners that day. My lawn chair I used when I watched my son’s play football and baseball, all of my chargers, personal paperwork.
I had no idea how I would get it all back but I felt like the lawyers should at least try to. I knew I would never see the truck again. Fuck it, anyway. Yeah, I loved that truck but if Will wanted to use it as a weapon against me, he could have it. It only made him look bad in court.

By the time Biya picked me up I was steaming. I was so angry over what had happened that day but also everything Will had put me through the past five years since I first met him. It wasn’t just the child support case that was getting me down. It was all of it. How he treated me like he was better than me and smarter than me during our whole relationship, how when I dated him it was almost like I dated his momma because she was so involved in his life, how his pathetic first baby’s mama did everything she could to disrespect me every step of the way and he did nothing, how he verbally and physically abused me, how I left my marriage to be with him.
This was the last straw. I didn’t know what I was going to do but I had reached my limit. As an overall nice and patient, caring person, I could get mean. I could play dirty. Up until this point I tried hard to let things be dealt with the right way without making Will look bad. I was being generous. He was a man that barely visited his baby, didn’t want to pay child support and didn’t care if his son was stranded at day care? I could play this game also. He was about to see. I decided it was time for exposure. I had been nice and quiet but you have to set the record straight sometimes. William was a fake, a phony, from his background to his lyrics. And if had to be me to clear that up for everyone and let them know the truth, so let it be.

2face ft. Sway - Go Down There

2009-04-17T01:48:00.000-07:00

H man - Uwadiwe

2009-04-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing but the truth about Club Rockaway

2009-04-15T14:19:00.001-07:00

Club Rockaway prides itself as one of the very few events that provides a platform for promising new acts to share the same stage with reknown hiphop artistes.
Club Rockaway, a monthly event debuted in January 2009 with the Spartans Edition and took Tuface, Mode 9+Jonah d Monarch & Kraft, Sauce Kid, Fresh, Da Grin,YQ, Mi-Fliss, Tito d Fire to perform at Dee Party Zone, Americas’ Best Hotel, Sango-Ota for the first time ever. Event has overtime been anchored by Dro Ameh, Tito d Fire, Aibeekay, Plumbline & d hilarious comedian Jackostic.

Other artistes who have been on the bill for da Obama & Kalibliss Editions include M.I, Illbliss, Terry Tha Rapman, Sage, Rocksteady, Kalifate, Ruffman, F Shaw, Micworx, X-Boiz, Roof Top MCs, Ice Prince, Protek, B-Elect, MoDawg, Pasha, X-O, Dr.Cuib, 5Mics, Venomous, Ugo et al.
Continue reading @ http://www.downtowninc.net

The African Hiphop Movement Set To Take Off

2009-04-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

The Theme Song By Modenine

It's the africanhiphop movement,the real hiphop for Africa x4

Realness is back mayne,like the centre defender
now you are getting served by the 16 bar tender
they said it couldn't happen,chances was slender
but he kept on pushin,reaching to every gender.we taking over,tight beats you bump steady....
Where the heads at?...real hiphop just came out the hiding...We unifying all sections...!
www.theafricanhiphopmovement.com

Str8buttah's RCube & Freestyle With Wyclef Freestyle

2009-04-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Wish i heard Rcube but with what i heard Wyclef killd it and listen up for the Wyclef's wordplay with Reefugees (rare -few -Gs)

Modenine Talks Comedy Money

2009-03-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S NEXT? TAKING COMEDY MONEY

COMEDY GUYS ARE GETTING DOE LIKE MAD YO
HIT EM UP AND GRAB WHUTEVER I CAN YO
TOLD BASKET MOUTH TO PUT THE GLO DOE IN THE BASKET
IM NOT ASKING, DON’T LET ME BLOW A GASKET
IF I GO DIE WAN KPAI PUT HIM IN A CASKET
JEDI , STEADY CUSTOMER HES GETTING HIS ASS KICKED
ALI BABA,S KING SO I WALKED RIGHT PAST HIM, NO HARRASSING
HEARD HE ROLLS WITH A BODY GUARD
ROBBING TEJU BABY FACE WILL NOT BE HARD
IF HE TRIES TO BEG ,HIS BABY FACE WILL END UP SCARED
JULIUS AGWU,S LIVING LARGE FROM CRACK YOUR RIBS
TOLD HIM TO GIMMIE THE CASH OR AMA CRACK YOUR RIBS
KLINT GOT SOBER GAVE ME THE KEYS TO HIS CRIB
D DONS GETTING BASHED UP LIKE A CRASH DUMMY I AINT ROBBING HIM FOR ONE REASON…HIM NO FUNNY
OKEY BAKASSI’S GETTING STUCK FOR IMO MONEY
GANDOKI TRIED TO ACT UP , WHUT THE HELL HE SMOKING?
ONE SLAP LET THE JOKER KNOW I WASN’T JOKING
SCOPING WALE GATES AT HEATHROW BEFORE HIM FLY HOME
PUT PLASTIC GUN TO HIM BACK AND TOOK HIS I PHONE

STEP TO LAPACIOUS BOSE YOU DROP THE BREAD
AND I MEAN THAT LITERALLY DROP THAT BREAD
PUT TWO IN HER BELLY WONDER WHY SHE AINT DIE YET (DIET)
KOFFI’S KINDA LOUD BUT THE KNIFE MAD HIM QUITE
BLOCKED AY AND HOLY MALLAM AFTER CHURCH
LIKE WHICH ONE OF YOU CLOWNS WANNA DIE FIRST
NOW RUN YA HAND CHAINS YA RINGS AND YA BLINGS
UH HUH UH HUH JOKES ON YOU AND IT STINGS
GORDONS JUST GOT BACK WITH A SUIT CASE
TOLD HIM TO HAND IT OVER PLUS THE GHANA LACE
OR ITS ABOUT TO GET UGLY LIKE OMOBABA’S FACE
I GO SAVE WAS ACTING LIKE HE DIDN’T REALLY SEND
TILL I PUNCHED HIM…CHANGE YOUR NAME TO I GO SPEND
ENEMY OR FRIEND GIMMIE THE LOOT GIMMIE THE LOOT
TALKATIVE CAUGHT A BAD ONE NOW SON’S MUTE
THE AIRPORTS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO JAM LUCK
SAW GBENGA ADEYINKA WITH A BAG ALL PADLOCKED
I MADE AWAY WITH TWO PHONES AND A LAP TOP.

Poetic Seraph Presents Forbidden Memories(FREE)

2009-03-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Forbidden memories is a collection of forty poems written by Poetic Seraph.I was opportuned to review it some time back and on bein impressed by the content of Forbidden Memories,I pitched the idea of a free version to the author,I got the go ahead and here it is! Click here to download and let a friend know.

Illbliss f/ Terry G - AiYE PO GAN

2009-03-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

You heard the track and even danced to it,Illbliss a.k.a Dat Ibo Boi featuring Terry G -AiYE PO GAN.
Here's all lil message from Illbiss

My fans remain my greatest assets..I would be nothing without my followership and I thank you all immensely for supporting my career. watch the Enough Space video on facebook and youtube (and dirtyhiphop head blog).It's a banger. Album is titled DAT IBO BOY.Out in two weeks.

Much Love iLL

A Pre album mixtape hosted by Nigeria's Radio Icon,Hnic Doc Gee should come before the highly anticipated album.Video is directed by Clarence Peters.

Re - Introducing Fecko - Hello Nigeria !

2009-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

For the umpteenth time,I want to introduce the next rated lyricist.He appeared on a track with a group of mine -365 Naijaboiz and did he nail it on a the two tracks he was featured? hell yeah! with lines like 'I'm so dope like ganja',a listener was set for ride along punchlines.Fecko puts work into every lines he draft,ask Terry Tha Rapman who he has being trading rhymes with for a while now.His government names are Ifeanyi Ibegbunam but you either catch him being called 'Feck' or 'Fecko'.Check out the most insightful interview ever on Fecko,a writer/lyricist,enterpreneur and mathematician,that's right!

Complete Reading @ Tru Spot!

Judith Mazagwu - Somebody Help Me

2009-03-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hymen Dos - Mafimisayo!

2009-03-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

RE: IS IT OUR HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS OR ALIENS?

2009-03-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

I was chilling,Thinkin of how I would head to Silverbird to drop a letter when I logged in to my facebook account and big playa,Word Smith hollered,sent me the link to check out a note by Noble that he called 'funny'.It was Noble,I peeped a number of his previous notes and guessed he was on that 'prank' with hiphop world awards but then scrollin down,I saw homeboi,Finbarrs typed 'ignorant shit'.It was like wow! dropped a few comments and hit the log out button. On my way to the Island in the public transport,I had more than enough of my time to actually think of the note and all it mentioned including the comments that pissed Wordsmith off.Quoting hiphop world magazine,'opinions are like asshole,we all got one' only some stink that the others.

In addition to Paul of Illific comment,Noble's point was if Mode9 and Tuface 's albums made it to the album of the year category some other albums too should have and Terry Tha Rapman just took the words out my mouth.Noble wanted to see Naeto C's You Know My P and Eldee's Big Boy and yea,probably they deserved to be nominated.I was tempted to think just cus he knows them-Banky W,Eldee,Naeto C (y'all must agree with it that it clearly oozes out of his note and alot of us got thinkin so too) but then the selling caption for the awards is "a prize to die for" and that just explains it but then buttressing what Terry Tha Rapman said but let me quote Noble,"Mode 9 is a good artiste but if his album is there then some other ones should make it.",I snapped on readin the comment @ first. I would first suggest you get the album,listen to it instead of working with what you were told about he dissing Ruggedman (did somebody say it's deeper than that?) and even the track with Banky W didn't get you to check the album?
Tuface's unstoppable album is one hell of an album,I could bet alot of those lashing at it where told by a friend that was told by another friend that the album sucks or only listened to the collabo with R.Kelly but didn't blow their minds in addition to the naughtiness in the theme.The only fault with the album is two things.Tuface lost his 'humility' a bit but c'mmon after two albums of being humble,you expect another boy? Tuface got matured and was a man on 'Unstoppable'.The second is *i cant seem to remember*(do pardon me,i need to get back to editing some magazine materials but would drop it as a comment as soon as i remember) besides that,'Unstoppable' had the same melody and sing along choruses like any other of Tuface's previous album plus I also wondered what it would have sounded like if Tuface had done the 'can't live with out you' chorus where he featured Melissa Briggs (by the way Hnic Doc Gee actually made me like the joint) ,something tells me it would rock like 'African queen'.
Unstoppable is the prelude to Tuface the businessman, people!

Modenine's Paradigm shift is a classic and I actually thought it had alot of what would cut across to more than the hiphop heads with joints like 'big boy' and 'nine' and even the 'talking to you'.Well!

I'd say the Hiphop World Awards nomination list is just good and on the setting standards tip.Could I also suggest a category for 'Hustler of the year' :) that should go to someone who has played that background role,moved from more than making music to something else and promising.I already have nominees,somebody wants to see my list?

Noble's Original Note can be read @ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1537870409&ref=profile#/note.php?note_id=57957909452&ref=mf

Okay with that said,check out the
Nigerianhiphop.net Presents Fresh Gbedu [Mixtape] (Download @ http://nigerianhiphop.net/blog/2009/03/17/nigerianhiphopnet-presents-fresh-gbedu-mixtape/)
featuring
1. Intro - Phizzle
2. Diamonds - Phizzle
3. Swagger Dance [Remix] - JMartins
4. Wine Am 4 Me - Piper ft. Terry G
5. Wetin You Go Do [Shake Ma Body] - Illmyk
6. SpaceGirl - ND
7. If U Sabi - Icon Jah
8. Sepe - D’Supremes
9. Egwu Dance - Sydaman ft. Timaya
10.Dem Don Dey Move - Kel ft. iLLBliss & Tha Suspect
11.Lasan - Blaise ft. Ego
12.Scorching - Victoriouz
13.Rush Rush - Dunte Masterminder ft. Olumaintain, Konga & Kanni
14.If U No Mind - 2Shotz ft. Terry G
15.Facebook - Toba Gold ft. M.I.
16.Nollywood - Fecko ft. Terry Da Rapman
17.Ur Luv - The Playbuoy ft. Terry G
18.F.B.I.[Female Booty Inspector] - AKS
19.Bix Gels - Nyja
20.Cheatin’ - Matt Sesoo ft. ND
21.Naira - Swagger 101 [Remix]
22.My Shuma - DJ Zeez
23.Fast Money - 2Shotz ft. Ay.Com
24.Cry For You - Dr.Frabs ft. Naeto C
25.Point & Kill - 19-24
26.Outro - Phizzle

QuestionMark Newly Signed,D'Supremes Release New Singles

2009-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

D'Supremes is an impeccable mini but large group made of two artists-Ejaife " lil tee" Tito and Austine "Steen Prof" Aleoghena, who hail from Delta and Edo states respectively.
Their journey into music was initiated in the 90's for them individually,miming and performing in events,Until 2004 when they met in a freestyle competition,where their rich talent for music became apparent that they can complement each other.
Finally in the year 2007 they decided to make working with each other formal then came "THE SUPREMES". Over the years, they have metamorphosized into an impressive, multitalented artists,through accidious work performing shows.

Complete Reading @ My TruSpot!

Not A Fan Of D'banj - Deebee

2009-03-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

Deebee didn't just make a song titled 'collabo' but included the word 'collabo' into the local slang vocabulary.The word 'Collabo' now would mean to partner up just like it's standard meaning in english.Deebee's album that would be released by Rasta Records soon after the album Launch on 28th of March, would contain 'commercial songs' that would be played more in the clubs and 'street song,a standard to D`banj recent album' in the words of his manager.The album would contain nine songs to the suppose ten mentioned earlier in a TV interview.'Substandard song has to be dropped',he gave as the reason.Deebee sees every track on the album that took him two years to complete as his favourite.He also talk about the concept of the 'Collabo' video whose song was produced by Mr. Daz two years ago.

Complete Reading @ Spin Earth.TV

Naira To Make 'Lost In The Translation' Available For 7 days Download

2009-03-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

Naira unequivocally steams off strong vibe and energy to keep every other female gender emcee in check and being noted for her lyrical abilities in the rap world as her sweet vocals in the singing are,male hiphoppers really don't have a choice.

Links for the mixtape that would be available for download for seven days would be available on her myspace,facebook and website as well as the Dirty hiphop head blog.
Here,She pens the term for the music that she represents as “Urban-Soul”; pulling from influences of gospel, jazz, funk, blues, fuji, reggae, and r&b along with the youthful, free, and edgy energy of hip-hop. In essences her creation is a blend that has never quite been touched before.With mixtape titled 'lost in the translation',I would wonder why you wouldn't download and even beg Naira to keep it available for a longer period of time.You might wanna subscribe for my email alert

Complete Reading @ Tru Spot!

Check Out Video for WORLDWIDE THE REMIX

N.A.I.R.A by the way is an acronym for NIGERIAN AMERICAN I REPRESENT AFRICA.

Pype to sing more that a hook and verse

2009-03-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

Pype was the strong reggae spice we heard in the teazer track where he was featured by the incredible rave of the moment,M.I. inaddition,he was being featured in over 79 other songs from Bigiano to Female rapper,Sasha.Pype that is an acronym for Prolific Youth Positive Entertainer cut his education short in secondary school to pursue a career in music as a Reggae/Dancehall and Pop artiste.
Born and raised in the ghetto of West Africa, PYPE (Prolific Youth Positive Entertainer)is a true ghetto soldier who is determined to show the reality about the ghetto. Born Majekodunmi Olayiwola Ibrahim, in the early eighties.

Complete Reading @ Spin Earth.TV

Questionmark Ent. Hunts For New Talent/Artiste

2009-02-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Questionmark started to fill the gap that was missing in the music industry while upholding the African dream. It started with Asa as her first artist,then went ahead to discover and produce award winning artists like Modenine, Streetmonks and a few others.Qmark is on the search for the next big thing in the music industry, if you hot and got what it takes just send your info to 35120, with the keywords Qm, DEMO to 35120

According to Kevin Luciano,the president, setting up a record label is not a straight boulevard strewed with roses. It has not been easy for him and he has got scars to show for it.it is their quality that made Nigeria BReweries contact to produce and manage D'accord the 2006 and winners of star quest

SMS Qm, DEMO 'your name' to 35120

Complete Reading And Qmark Profile Comin Soon @ Tru Spot!

Ice Prince To Speak 'Words' With Dj Jimmy Jatt

2009-02-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

Ice Prince grewn cold on us after he featured on the brilliant blaze track by M.I.On the hills of 'only smoking mic cables' as he mentioned on the blaze track on M.I.'s Talk About It Album,Ice Prince just released a single branded 'rewind' produced by one half of the Abaga brothers,Jesse Jagz where he wants to see all the sexy ladies wind to the tune and if the questions is could the song get you winding? then the response be in affirmative.

Complete Reading @ Tru Spot!

Judith Mazagwu - The Complete Entertainer

2009-02-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

Judith Chichi Opara Mazagwu, known professionally as Judith Mazagwu is a complete filmmaker, actress/model,scripwriter, song writer and soon to be a recording artist. At the moment, she is busy in the studio recording and her first single titled “Somebody Help Me” be released later this year .Judith Mazagwu was born twins July, 12 1971 in a small town in Nigeria into a well artistic family.

she started off acting first during her teenage hood while performing in high school plays, Ms. Mazagwu dropped drama in college to pursue a career in Administration. It was after College and Marriage that the idea of acting popped up again. While on a commercial photo shoot with her daughters, the modeling agent (King George Models) discovered her and suggested that she goes into acting. She started out with commercials for multinationals like Coca Cola and playing extra roles in the movie. Complete Reading at Spinearth.TV

The Kalifates with The Ikira Buzz.

2009-02-20T04:50:00.000-08:00

The represent hiphop in all facets,I'm about to introduce you to a trio and If you loved the graffiti work in Dj Jimmy Jatts's Stylee Video,Then Samuel Achema a.k.a PSALMURAI, Maurice Ugwonoh a.k.a AN-I-MUS and Anthony Obi a.k.a DASUKI that make up the Kalifate.Their debut single"Do good" in 2000 was a radio hit. Subsequently, the group released it's second single "Lagos City's Finest". Complete Reading @ Mytruspot.com

Meanwhile,enjoy their all hail video and keep an eye out for the brilliant graffiti work as it proves their staunch creative prowess through relevant lyrics, a powerful music that is a blend of jazz and contemporary Afrobeat and Graffiti.

Everybody Else Faeturin' TPain BY Freestyle

2009-02-19T02:21:00.001-08:00

The Collaboration Between TPain and Freestyle of the now defunct Trybesmen came to my notice in an entertainment report by STV.Then it was two things for me really,first was the excitement for him even with the status of our ever rocking twin of the Psquare who couldn't pull off the collaboration with Busta Rhymes and lost a huge sum in the process (don't say I told you if you just found out) and just as that thought struck with the money involved the next came calling,how much did Freestyle pay to see the collabo happen and what possible arrangement could they have reached cuz even with Tuface,I hear since facilities to measure royalties R Kelly gets is on not solidly on ground here,Tuface had to pay handsomely but don't border fans-he got an handsome reward from Marketers of the 'Unstoppable' album.
Complete Reading @ Downtowninc.NET (You might need to be a member)

Ollydave A.K.A. A Hole In Ya Grave

2009-02-19T00:53:00.000-08:00

Every so often an exceptional artist lurks beneath the shrouded depths of the underground world waiting for the perfect time to pounce into the spotlight with ferocity. At a time when society is tired of the monotonous sounds of today’s music and cries out for someone to break the barriers of the norm and one man stands to start a revolution. The cries have been heard, that is time is now and that man is Ollydave

As a dedicated artist, Ollydave has been rapping for close to a decade. In 2007, Ollydave turned this hobby into a more serious effort. He was born in West Africa,Ibadan and where he spent most of his teenage years . His life has been less than perfect and his passion for rapping has created a platform to confront his demons. Clever rhyme scheme, meter and simile’s reflect this “passionate” poet’s motive to resurrect his listener’s deepest and most intimate feelings about life, death and the everyday struggle. His sounds generate a tornado of thunderous ground shaking beats and silky but fiery lyrics interweaved with machine-gun quickness to fuse order and mayhem into one atomic ball of electricity.In addition, this multi-talented artist is arduously involved in every aspect of the production of his original beats in the production company he created titled "Top Record Productions".
Ollydave, real name is Olaitan Olamide David Folaranmi, was born in Ibadan on the 22nd of september 1986.

Complete Reading Checkin Out Ollydave.com

A Kaynon Set To Let Loose

2009-02-18T03:39:00.000-08:00

Loose Kaynon is set to release his album titled' Cant look BacK,with at least 15 tracks which would feature M.I.,Gotti and Pype on the stables of 3D Entertainment.Here's a little background check on LOose Kaynon.Born Joakin Ikazoboh on 14th June 1985 in the unique town of Kaduna north-central, Nigeria. Lived and was brought up in the air force military base, Kaduna.
Fondly referred to as, "THE HEART OF THE NORTH" by his teeming fans got introduced to music at an early stage.In his words "My dad was really crazy about his music so he had a large collection of records that got etched into my brain as early as 5yrs old".Fast-forward to the early 90s when rap started taking over mainstream music, a monster was created immediately Kaynon got his hands on a copy of the kriss-kross' debut album.
Complete Reading @ Downtowninc.NET. Additional reports by Timmynaija.com

The 'Questionmark Ent.' Thriller Part Two.

2009-02-18T02:07:00.000-08:00

DO you remember those who brought you Modenine,Asa,Nnenna,Street Monks,Siver Saddih and Cobhamz. .Well,Kevin Luciano's Question mark is set for a shocker,another industry take over with a new team.Do I sound like a hack writer? what do you call it an institution turns out a stream of act along side quality world class video and contributed immensely to content on Channel O and MTV.No day passes without having something from the stables of Question mark in your fan whether you got cable TV or Not plus taking Modenine to the Channel O to clinch one.two and three awards.WEll,word is Question mark is gearing up to get in your face.What you shuld expect I don't know but brace yourself.Okay,I accept- i'm really excited about this-I'm a big fan of theirs,yeap!

Questionmark is to hit the radio next week with brand new artist and for those wanting to get send to Qmark.Send QM,demo and name to 35120.

Keep an eye on this blog

Let Me Introduce Rolladice Entertainment

2009-02-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

To the UK Music Scene,they might not be new but definitely,new to we Nigerians.What they are about? Roll-A-Dice entertainment company is based in Hampshire, Uk and has strong ties with the Nigerian entertainment industry and is headed by Donald Iro who is a UK based Nigerian. Under this leadership, the company has brought alot of exciting packages to the Nigerian diaspora, including the just concluded Southampton Megajam 2009, in collaboration with grafton records, which featured performances Kc presh, Mtrill, Blacknights and Dj fresh.

The name rolladice was used extensively in 1996 for putting up college shows in port harcourt and 10 years later, the label was born, encompasing a broad range of businesses including, artiste and event management,music recording and publishing as well as promotions.

Currently signed to the label are Jahborne, Letura,Olushizzy and Kome.

For bookings contact: Nigeria: Patrick on +2348037147801
U.K: Roll-a-dice management on +447920406728
Www.rolladiceent.com

Poet Sage Has.Son Set For A Grand Second Outing

2009-02-16T03:54:00.000-08:00

Sage Has.son came to my notice when he made an appearance at the Hiphop World Awards,He performance was breath taking and then I wondered why a dot separated his 'surname' as I thought has.son was his surname then.Well,Sage Has.son means a wise person has produced an offspring which would translate to Sage producing the wisdom and entertainment through his art of spoken word and songspeak poetry.

Complete Reading @ Downtowninc.NET

Gino Recovers From Virus Attack

2009-02-16T02:43:00.001-08:00

At some quarter he is believed to have redefined the face of video conceptualisation with his debutting 'No Be God' Video directed by Wudi Awa.The CEO of Mo'BB Entertainemnt ina recent chat spoke on why he has not being hera from in a long while,saying it was actually intentional. "I'm just intentionally stayin outta sight, dont wanna get in the mix" He confirmed after informing of the song data for the first single off his Pain Plus Work 2 album being lost from his computer to a virus,"As we speak i done lost the data,so i'll have to do it again
(and) lost a couple of other stuff too so i'm having to start the album all over but i'm up for it" He concluded.

Click Here For Complete Reading

KRAFT: Carving a niche, one beat at a time.

2009-02-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

As African children, we adhere strictly to the teachings of our upbringing: be polite, be nice and never, ever, ever be BOASTFUL. As Hip-Hop heads, we defy all the rules (creatively so). Rappers are generally known for their name dropping and braggadoccio. KRAFT, music producer/rapper is one of the few of the lot that we can certify to have earned the bragging rights.

What with a music production and rap portfolio that includes past collaborations with Mode 9, Silver Saddih, Dj Jimmy Jatt, MI (Fast Money, Fast Cars on the ‘Talk About It’ album) and on going collaborations with: the Hapuya Master, Six-O, Sauce Kid, Whiz Kid, Ill Bliss, a new mixtape with Mode 9, Jonah the monarch, Kel, Loose Kaynon, The Khalifates, Devyne, Harriet, C.O.N.tradiction, Terry tha Rapman, O.D., Showboy, Da Grin, YQ, etc.

Click here to complete readin

'Ruggedman And Modenine Saga' Article For Sigma Emperor Magazine

2009-02-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

Two Hiphop heads/artiste who start on the front line of Nigerian music scene are Oluwasegun "Modenine" Babatunde and Michael "Ruggedman" Stephen.
The mention of their names sounds persistent and rising above major setbacks.Modenine on one end refused to compromise all he held dearest to 'sell out' while Ruggedman made a move that some then called placing your feet in a dark crocodile infested water,voiced out loud and lashed at mediocrity that prevailed the Nigerian music industry.This two individuals obviously created the graceful run for new breaking acts like M.I.,Naeto C and Da Grin to make music that would fit into any hiphop community in the world.

Right from when the going was presumed to be going fine,a storm began to brew in the tea cup.Indirectly,Modenine and Ruggedman took jabs at each other but refused to directly admit it.Just then Ruggedman dropped his collaboration track with 9ice and the media went hard eventually the bubble burst and fans grabbed Modenine's new paradign shift album with a track twenty two dressed as a diss at Ruggedman. ......

Hiphop being a medium of expression has permitted lyrical feud between it's faithfuls but then the question is: are they,Modenien and Ruggedman not collaborating to the "already bastardized hip hop on the right track," in the words of a friend or the nascent hihpop scene in Nigeria needs such a competition as blank lyrical shots have being lacing up of few of the songs on the scene.Evidently,They both stand on two different end of the game so before we just into making conclusions we should know that while Modenine puts effort into his every lyrics,Ruggedman puts more emphasis on music that sounds good-beats and rhyming.

With the battle line drawn,which side are you on?

With the battle line drawn,which side are you on?
Get The Complete Reading When You Grab Your Copy Of Sigm Emperor Magazine,I'll Keep You Posted On How To Get Your Copy

A Word For Nigerian Record Label BY Adam Bernard

2009-02-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

I bumped into this on Adam Bernard's blog As I was wondering after my conversation with GIno where he mentioned the marketers not paying for good music.Something I'd talk about later.Here's the write up:

For decades all the indie labels out there have essentially been the Little Mac’s of the industry and when it came to the big fight they had to dodge every jab thrown their way and wait for the Mike Tyson’s of the music world to blink so they could finally have a chance to get a punch in. Now, however, with major labels failing to adapt to the internet and budgets for big releases shrinking by the day, the indies finally have a real chance at a fair fight. This is why now is the time for indie labels to step it up. How can they do this? Well, I have a few ideas.

Obviously I’ve never run a label, I’ve only seen how things work from the outside. That being said for the purposes of this article I’m going to put myself at the head of my own fictional record label and go over how I’d tackle this situation.

First, I’d make sure my artist roster is small. Just because the majors have less money doesn’t mean the indies have more. This is why indie labels can’t go dividing their funds up among numerous artists. If they want their artists to actually compete with the artists on the majors they need to try to both fund and work them as similarly as possible. Rather than giving everyone a small budget, I’d find the two to three artists I felt had the best chance to make the biggest impact and put all my time and effort into them. History has shown that once a label has a flagship artist, an artist the blows up in the mainstream, they will have a loyal fan base for a number of years. Just look at how Def Jam and Rawkus started as examples. A few artists blew up and their imprint became known as a symbol of great Hip-Hop for years to come (even when they were in the process of falling off).

Once I’d chosen the select few artists I wanted to work with I’d really work their albums. One thing I’ve noticed with the majority of indie releases is that the labels feel that putting out the album and sending one single out to college radio is all the promo they need. While this may generate enough sales to cover expenses and possibly even turn a minor profit (does anyone know if it actually does? If so, please leave a comment), it doesn’t work to create a long lasting awareness of the artist or the label. It creates more of a passing awareness. You’ll get your artist known for a month or two but then DJs and listeners will move on to whatever is sent their way next. This is how I see indie labels doing things now. They send out a single for one artist, get awareness for them for a month or two, then send out a single for the next artist on their roster. Why not send out a second and a third single for that first artist? Is his or her product not still on the shelves? Doesn’t he or she have more good songs on their album people should hear? Can’t you generate a lot more in profit this way rather than enduring the costs of having another artist record an album and having to put that entire package together?

A number of artists have proven that sometimes it takes more than one single to generate the buzz necessary to make an album a hit. Even Usher had to release a number of singles before getting the buzz he needed for the release of Confessions in 2004. By releasing a number of singles a constant awareness of the artist is created, which is something that should lead to more album sales (and concert ticket sales). By investing the money you were going to spend on another artist’s studio time to instead release another single or two and continue the promo push for your flagship artist you’re not only potentially reaping an equal, if not bigger, reward sales-wise, you’re making your flagship artist bigger and more well known, which in turn makes the label bigger and more well known, which should generate more interest in all your future releases.

I know, there’s an old adage about not putting all your eggs in one basket, and for the most part it’s a really good rule to go by. In these times, however, if an indie label wants to make the push to take it to the next level they may have to take this substantial risk to do so. The fact of the matter is all the indies out there need to realize right now is one of the few times in history that all the Little Mac’s out there have a legitimate shot to beat the Mike Tyson’s of the industry and if they don’t take advantage of it they might not see another opportunity like this ever again.

Modenine Talks About New Album 'Paradigm Shift'

2008-11-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of Mode Nine's new album, I felt a Q&A would be proper. So, I decided to holler at him and ask him a few questions that needed to be answered and he was kind enough to provide the answers.

The album Paradigm Shift will hit every street in Nigeria on the 22nd of November...

Mode9 What were you doing prior to rap and how did you get to the point of "O I want to be a rapper"? Did you grow up and school in Nigeria?
I never thought I was gonna be an emcee, shit just kept on unfolding. I grew up in London

The first time I heard a track from you was November of '07 and it was with you and Terry the rapman on Spazmodicl "Ay yo terry you got the mic ready.... ".
When did you start rappin and what influenced or led you to go the hard core route without any sort of dilution in your style considering that you grew up in Nigeria?
Spazmodic ..with terry is one our later tracks. We've been doing shit way b4 that!!! I don't consider myself a hardcore rapper...I'm just a lyricist!!! If you listen to my songs a lot of 'em have bits and pieces of local lingo..some of 'em have hooks in Nigerian languages ..people just hate cause they can't juggle words the way I do!!! Simple ...So forget that mother tongue issue!!! it's wack!!!!
I was born in London, and your up bringing plays a very important role in what you'll eventually turn out to be in life.. You feel me?

read more at http://www.downtowninc.net

Downtowninc.NET's 'Rasheeda & DTI Troop' Mixtape

2008-11-14T03:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a chance to rap the same song with Rasheeda,email your music with a blank verse for her verse to mxtape@downtowninc.net or htgunna@yahoo.com...

Rasheeda's Myspace

Downtowninc.NET Mixtape By Nigerian Emcees To Be Hosted By Rasheeda

2008-11-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

Here,lemme get the cat out the bag.Courtesy www.downtowninc.net,There's talk to get the exotic female rap artiste to host the first edition of the downtowninc.net mixtape, amixtape to feature Nigeria's finest emcees.Nothing concrete here though but chances are looking bright

Here's Rasheeda's My Buuble Gum Video

The Reincarnation Of An Activist With Reggae Emblem

2008-11-12T02:34:00.000-08:00

Exaggerating with the title? i really doubt it! Hymen dos' music not only work to break down barriers and misconceptions, they also push the boundaries of Hip-Hop and work to expand its definition. He is versatile but ultimate carries me as a fan when he is kicking his chord on the reggae tip,he's got depth and convincingly does it.Together with his homeboiz at Boy Blac Entertainment I don't see him doing it wrong.Here's a chat with him but then homeboys,Kalifate sent me this:

The quest for Change isn't over yet everyone! Please...all i need is 1 SMS vote from you to push me closer to winning the a prestigious category at he Nigerian Music Video Awards december 2008. Just txt, nmva# mainstreamhiphop#all hail. The Kalifate to 33325 (add +234 before code if outside Nigeria). Thanks for pushing me a step ahead. Thank you!

support real hiphop!

Start me off with a little bit of background info. Who is Hymen dos, where is she from and when did she get into music?

Real Michael .A. Ekata, I hail from Edo State , we 9 in My famiy, schooled in Benin and Grew up in Benin .

HYMEN DOS is A Rapper (Witta Lil’ Influence In Singing), Songwriter and Producer.

Grew up listening to lots of Hip Hop (East Coast, West Coast emcees and few ATL emcee).

Gain aot of influence from Western World, not forgetting Reggae & Afro Juju (Laugh)…

I came into the music scene 1999 (Stil Yung performing My first ever rhymez written by Me Ova Eminem’z Beat sampled by the DJ then) when I perform at our school party I.C.C Benin…. After then my homies will called me Emcee…. Later on when I wanted to go do my Demo at 2000…. I choose my underground stage name Emcee Massyve (Dat name Influence is “I Look Yung But Spit Massively).

CLICK HERE TO Listen to MAFIMISAYO,UNDERGROUND BOIZ AND BUM PARTY

What are the qualities that Make up a hymen dos song?

My Inspiration, My Lyrics, My Delivery and My Instrumental….

With pop-rap, straight commercial music having taken over urban radio playlists, what do you feel an independent artist like yourself needs to do in order to get heard?

Crack the Underground Fan base, Be Loyal D Game, Put Ur Fans first, Deliver Meaningful Message with Great Sound, Make sure when you’re doing your song, it’s something New, Fresh and Hotttt…. Always Step Up Ur Style, Add Creativity and Try and Make Free cds (according to your budget) Send to Universities, Clubs and Places where People hang out…. The rest will be history (It will take time and hard work).

How'd you end up with the name Hymen Dos? What’s the meaning behind it?

HYMEN DOS (EHIMEN Crack: E-HIMEN = HIMEN – I 4 Y =HYMEN…. It’s a name I created outta My Father’s Tribal Name….) (DOS Crack; Dominator Of Souljas…. The fact that they are a lot of Souljas, I Dominate!)

Why should people want to pick up this album and listen to your work?

My album is a 16 track album, You’re gonna find Hip Hop, Afro and Dance (Yeah Dance definitely) in the album…. My album has got meaningful lyrics (not just spitting without really saying anything)…. My album has songs with Messages on different issues…. My album is what you’ve not heard before…. My album is Classic…. (Get It)

What has been your proudest moment as an artist and producer?

My proudest moments as an artist is when good listeners tell me there’re inspired by my songs (or any particular song)….

As a producer is when I hear the song I produce in the club, on radio or stereo banging speakers (Laugh)

How would you describe an Hymen dos groupie? ((smiling)

HYMEN DOS is straight….

What kind of advantages / disadvantages does the Nigerian music scene have versus the American scene?

The kinda advantages we have is that, there’s a lot of bright talents with music of great potential to storm America scene like “JAMYCAI ARTISTE STORM THEN WITH REGGAE”….

The disadvantages we have is in effect to our advantages, i.e: No Sponsor, No Encouragement, No Government Support, Wack artiste Making their fame all over the Nigeria Market scene, Wack Record Labels and worse among all is No Unity among the Nigerian Artists

Do you feel and What do you feel you can say through your style of music that you might not be able to say through another form of music?

My style of music can blend into any other form of music…. (artiste creativity and versatility) So long is another good form of music…..

In the end, what do you want people to feel when they put on a Hymen dos album?

Good Lyrics, Feel Inspiration, Feel Creativity and Enjoy good music….

Finally, if you could only accomplish one goal in your career what would it be?

FAME….

HYMEN DOS Links -

www.boyblacentinc.com

www.myspace.com/boyblacent

www.garageband.com/artist/boyblacent

www.last.fm/user/boyblacent

All Hail The Kalifates!

2008-11-05T06:53:00.000-08:00

Kalifate is a hiphop group based in LAGOS,Nigeria consisting of Samuel Achema a.k.a PSALMURAI, Maurice Ugwonoh a.k.a AN-I-MUS, Anthony Obi a.k.a DASUKI.You want realest that serve hiphop that would make you feel hiphop is alive and tripping in Africa.Their debue single"Do good" in 2000 was a radio hit. Subsequently, the group released it's second single"Lagos City's Finest" a song that held Lagos and indeed the country hostage and amazement in 2002. They came to my notice through Hnic Doc Gee (radio dj and owner of www.downtowninc.net) who unrelently aired their song on his show every saturday night on raypower 100.5 FM. With the 2007 sophomore album titled “Re-ink-a-nation” just weeks from release, Kalifate once again launches a long anticipated comeback.you need tyo belive me and trust me on this. The sixteen tracker album has already began it's gathering of comments and excitement as Kalifate fans await the long overdue release of a Kalifate album. Fortunately for the fans...they will have what they wish for The Kalifate already has two more albums planned to be released after Re-ink-a-nation,talk of full time emcees!. The first post Re-ink-a-nation is tentaively titled "Motherlan" and the crew has already began talks with the great Afrcano maestro Lagbaja who will also play a significant role in the Album.Distribution would be going their way,I was informed of limited copies to be mass produced,about 5000 copies yea,i know but getting your copy as a dirtyhiphop head blog reader is no issue even with the limited copies,email me-htgunna@yahoo.com with a clear heading please,if you want to make order or state your interest on the shout out box on your right.

for more info

http://www.myspace.com/kalifatism

Check out the All Hail video,it is the first video off the 2008 Kalifate album. In All Hail, Psalmurai, dasuki and An.I.Mus prove their staunch creative prowess through relevant lyrics, a powerful music that is a blend of jazz and contemporary Afrobeat and Graffiti.

Click here to check the 'All Hail' video

My African Hiphop Video Facebook Application

2008-11-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hi there,
I just Put together an African Hiphop Video Application,Check it out at http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=15113139977 and endeavour to be a fan so i could submit to the facebook directory.I used the Modenine's African Hiphop Movement grafx,it just made sense to have it.Also watch out for the African Hiphop Movement website,Comin' Soon!!

The 'Keepin It Real' Hypocrisy

2008-11-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

The 'keeping it real' hypocrisy.The controversy of fusing the mother tongue seems to be brewing with lots of emcees addressing this As i heard once again Eldee saying on his 'return of the king' album- 'i've been doin; it before the days of democracy,i've been doin' this before the days of keeping it real hypocrisy'.First and foremost, I believe that many take the statement “real hip-hop” out of its context. When I think of real and fake, I think of authentic and replica, original and re-make, certified and uncertified.It is most discussed even as alot of parleying up between acts.s more emcees pick up a microphone, more producers grab a drum machine and more record labels drop a record.
Let me add an instance, the sale of authentic fur coats are protested by animal rights activists and the Humane Society because animals are being killed for their fur, so many people buy replica mink and fur coats to avoid the hassle of getting cornered by an angry mob of activists. My point is simple; the real versus fake stamp can be applied to something tangible like clothing, but how do we classify hip-hop music as being real?
Many base their opinion on what real hip-hop using lyrics as the baseline.Normally if 90% of an emcee’s lyrics are about something material or anything equivalent, that is considered the opposite of real hip-hop. But if 90% of an emcee’s lyrics are about something with substance, something the poor and middle class can truly relate to, that is considered real hip-hop. Using this approach usually eliminates those artists who I (we) hear frequently on the radio. Now my take,I personally believe that real hip-hop music is music that warms the heart, music that one can relate to, music that people can gain something from. In my opinion, real hip-hop artists are those who live the struggle, know the struggle and profess the struggle in their music.Many of the artists i see now (i'm tempted to call names but nope) don’t do any of the above but instead avoids the struggle by staying in the pockets of those who can make their struggle easier or are basically paying their way out.

Does this standpoint make me a hater? No, because I love hip-hop, from conscious hip-hop to gangsta, east coast to west, Common to Ras Kass, Public Enemy to NWA, Jay-Z to Snoop. Because I love all types of hip-hop music, I feel I am to some extent a hip-hop connoisseur, not a hater. To me a hater is someone who is wedged in a box of ignorance and hates everyone outside of it, someone who refuses to accept differences of views and cultural change like those who hit Bizzle on the honesty box . This is where I differ, despite my personal beliefs I can still listen to the radio and find something I enjoy.
Honestly, the term “real hip-hop” is too broad to sum up one group of artists or one group of songs. I believe this topic must be broken down into several categories because there are many sub-genre’s in hip-hop, from lyricism, east coast, dirty south, to conscious and many others.

My message is, support the artists who you believe are worth your time and money, the artist whose music you truly appreciate. Don’t settle for what the radio provides, search for artists outside of the box, you never know what you might find. For those underground unsigned artists, before you talk real hip-hop, make sure you are pleased with your current level as an artist. If you aren’t pleased with your talent, you won’t be pleased with hip-hop as a whole. Artists who are established and pleased with there career level aren’t arguing about who is real or not.

congratulatios to all those who were nominated at the Channel O awards.

-Dro Ameh

Protek- Dat's The Deal

2008-11-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

Open Letter On Press Release(The Artiste Manual Series)

2008-10-24T03:49:00.001-07:00

Hi There,
yeap,another open letter? yeap the first was at downtowninc.net-there's this thing with writers,intellectual property owners and credit.i bet you understand and if you don't never mind.A letter makes me feel i'm getting credit besides the fact that i write just how i yap.Okay on the issue now,With this i intend to provide a periodical that would provide comprehensive insight on how to break into the industry and stay relevant.like i stated on my previous post.A press release should not be a blatant note advertising your product,event or launch they say.not every one of us can afford running a paid ad on every radio,magazine(ezine or real time) and TV station and hence a press release i'd say it a broke artiste way of reaching out to a show producer or director (avoid third party/middlemen if you want to get it read) 'begging' on getting the word about either your album or show out to the public.Dropping the press release at the right time,not the morning of the show and then following up with phone calls is the advised practise and secret to very successful one.Myabe it's not down here in Nigeria but c'mmon show producers/directors we need this!
A press release format should look like for an undergorund or new act.First and formeost,getting something done to relate to a fairly known act,that's the cheapest and laziest way to go about getting your press release sunk in by listeners.But besidesRelating yourself to a fairly known person (artiste) or event-collaboration or otherwise in the release by the way is accompanying a good feature/bio with controversy (find a issue to get contorversial about) or a video/audio/an exciting event (these are realistic approach) ,press releases can be written for an album/mixtape release,letting folks know yor progress(news) and tour(shows)

here are more guidelines

Contact all of the music media outlets to which you hope to promote your music, and ask them about their deadlines. Start a database on your computer tracking this information, so you always have it on hand. You should do this far enough in advance that you haven't missed deadlines by the time you get around to making your calls. For instance, if you know that you will be releasing an album in 6 months, make those calls now. Contact any freelance writers how? i belive most writers have their email addresses on the magazine and newspapers they write for (i'd advise you try calling-phone),getting the publishing address and paying them a visit or facebook and ask them how far in advance they need news from you to be able to run with it. Add this information to your database as well. ( I'd talk about database in other post to come)Your database will probably primarily include national outlets, plus local outlets in your area. However, don't forget to contact local outlets in towns that the band plays often, or if you have a tour planned, local papers/magazine/radio in the towns on the tour. You might not be able to plan for these contacts as far in advance as you might like, but do it as soon as the shows are booked.
I'd keep you posted

Truly,
Dro Ameh

The Artiste Manual Series

2008-10-24T02:40:00.000-07:00

With this i intend to provide a periodical that would provide comprehensive insight on how to break into the industry and stay relevant.In this series you'd see

How to combine digital(internet) promotion with a low budget video for maximum exposure.
The need for a publicist(do it yourself approach and no pride lost option).
The Importance of press releases and why Nigerian Media and TV/Radio show producer should .

Thinking out loud

If press releases get read a soon as they drop,yeap the big money bag received
by broadcast houses from the corporate world would fall short,that understood,we
would also wonder why a producer or director would give a fuck abou tgetting the
'meagre' peanut from an artiste before the act,press elease or music get
featured on his Radio or TV Show.

How to get Gig.
What you should know before you sign a music management or record contract.
Also putting together you own show and much more.

The Nude Nollywood-Nigeria's Porn Industry

2008-10-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

This article is kinda old but you'd love it!

"Months after Saturday Sun expose on child sex industry and the consequent police raids on Lagos brothels housing teenage girls, EMMANEL MAYAH (emmamayah@yahoo.co.uk) investigates yet another vice; this time, the underground world of pornographic filmmakers. He discovers some secret locations, recruitment mode and the Mafia-style creed turning the wheel of an industry nicknamed Nude Nollywood.

Ever wondered what became of the hundreds of Nigerian ladies deported yearly from Italy and other parts of Europe where they had sojourned on sex trade? Ever heard of one success story out of the much-publicised scheme designed to give a new life to those victims(?) of human trafficking? In other words, have you ever seen one former comfort-girl, plucked from the glitzy life of Torino, now sweating it out as a waitress or apprentice fashion designer, all in the name of rehabilitation?

In more ways than one, the Italy returnees, already used to measuring their essence in dollars and Euro, have proved that the leopard cannot really change its spot. Wanting in skills and good academic qualification, the last thing anyone heard about these girls was the unsuccessful bid, of some of the most desperate among them, to return to Europe. For those that went underground, never to be heard of again, the conclusion was that a few truly slipped across the border while the majority stayed back in the country to do other things.

Those “other things” may never had been known but for a discreet newspaper advert tucked away in the crowded pages of society magazines including Fame, Encomium and City People. The message was innocuous and simply informed the reader of the availability of a collection of adult home videos made in Nigeria. The advert further listed the addresses of some distributors in Lagos, Ibadan and other cities where these items could be purchased. The year was 2001"... click here to read more

Linkin Park's Michael Shinoda Shows Up At The Blogs.

2008-10-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

A Plea To Facebook- Help Out!

2008-10-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

My facebook account has being disabled.I've sent several emails to disabled@facebook.com and got on response besides that my mail has being received and they working on my request.I plead with you to help solicit on my behalf to enable my account.email addy is htgunna@yahoo.com and name's Dro Ameh.Send as many emails on my behalf
I can't imagine losing that account,opening a new one is not an option.

Talib Kweli - "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1" (behind the scenes) shot in Lagos,Nigeria

2008-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Talib Kweli - "Hostile Gospel Pt. 1" (behind the scenes) from .

Get The Incredible Online Presence Without Spending A Dime

2008-10-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to 'broke' rappers and artiste like myself. This is a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on setting up your online operation right. It involves spending no money whatsoever, and you could easily sit down and get it all done tonight. If you find this useful, please pass it on,letting them know it's from Dro Ameh but first i have this application at http://www.new.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=33028066662. check it and click on the become a fan option,i need like six fans to be able to submit it to the facebook application website.I'm also working on another application to stream the latest Nigerian video with support from Raypower's Radio Mixshow Veteran's webiste at www.downtowninc.net

Ikechukwu At The 2008 Channel O Music Award

2008-10-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

Ikechukwu won the Best Male Video award for 'Wind Am Well'. Incidentaly, he also performed it at the awards. Enjoy the one minute clip of the performance... See the list of all the other winners below the video

BEST MALE VIDEO – Ikechukwu – “Wind Em Well”
BEST FEMALE VIDEO – Lizha James – “Nita Mukuna Nwini”
BEST NEWCOMER – Buffalo Souljah – “Bubble You Bumz”
BEST DUO OR GROUP – P Square – “Do Me”
BEST DANCE VIDEO – Lady May – “Chokola”
BEST RAGGA DANCEHALL VIDEO – Buffalo Souljah – “Bubble Your Bumz”
BEST R&B VIDEO – Gal Level – “Falling In Love”
BEST KWAITO – The Dogg – “Can U Feel It”
BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN – Freshly Ground – “Pot Belly”
BEST WEST AFRICAN – M-Trill – “Bounce”
BEST EAST AFRICAN – Witness – “Zero”
BEST HIP HOP VIDEO – KC Presh – “Sengemenge”
VIDEO OF THE YEAR – P Square – “Do Me”

'Do It' Documentary,You Need To Grab This!

2008-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Quanstar Presentation
Underground hip hop icon and star of the critically acclaimed film, 'Do It!: A Documentary', has just finished his first book, 'Water From Turnips: The Story Of The Greatest Rapper To Never Be Signed'.

"Water From Turnips" is the first hand account of this written in heart wrenching, conversational prose covering dreams and goals, love and loss, heartbreak and triumph. Quanstar tells his story with unbridled candor while baring his innermost thoughts of where he has come from,what life changing moments and experiences have shaped him, the dream she's chasing, and the driving forces behind those dreams; and even though it is evident that this particular turnip is as dry as it gets, as the pages turn you witness the heart and thoughts of a true fighter.

Below is the link to 'Water From Turnips' along with the press kit.
http://www.divshare.com/folder/390349-a1f

to download for a limited time

Yeap! A Lil Something For My Deejay Colleagues

2008-10-12T08:27:00.002-07:00

After I got into music with my homeboi Nextedge back in high school then,that saw me recording an demo-still got one of em songs on myspace page at www.myspace.com/thehostdroameh titled take a look.my next venture or love affair would properly describe it was deejaying.i bumped into it while i asked the engineer who helped with the demo to fuse two of my joints back to back and he got me on the virtual software dj ever since myself and the software have being inseparable! Then i got admitted to the University of Jos,shit happened and i got rusticated.Yeap,the rush bug bite me-the rustication had a terrible effect on my psyche .I gave in to the reality and decided to get a diploma in computer science that consequently left me with enough time to move around.Hooked up with Dj Hans and from virtual dj software moved on to Hans' two decks and the Dj Teezer's both based in Jos.After lately i've had to let that lie.Some of my best memories was behind the wheel of steel so i'm on that Dj remix now.worthy of note is that Dj Strambollera mix for Ruggedman, Kalina and faze (the originality album by faze is in stores now,check out the originality remix featuring mode9 at www.downtowninc.net).

A remix? Speaking classically, a remix is where a producer takes the original multi track tape of a commercial piece and remixes a new master recording. The original drums, bass, guitar, keys and vocals all recorded on isolated tracks may be kept or replaced with new performances. With the emergence of digital samplers and drum loops (often called "beats") a form of music became popularized where old classic songs were put to a new rhythm track to make them "danceable". This is usually what most people mean today when they use the term remix. The Tempo or BPM (Beats Per Minute) can be set at a faster speed. The vocals are then cut up and stretched or compressed to fit the groove. The bass and other instruments may be rerecorded, though snips of the original tracks may be retained to give it authenticity.
To make that remix for that song,the cheapest means is the 'music computer',i mean softwares There's many ways to achieve a remix today in software. All of them involve using digital audio. You can do a remix entirely in software using an audio sequencer (Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Vegas, Acid, Ableton live and others) and some form of time stretch facility. Some programs now do time stretching "on the fly" like acid, Ableton live, and the big sequencers like Cubase, Logic and Sonar. Others like Reason, may need Recycle to carry out the important time stretch function. One really cool program is Melodyne, which can re-pitch and stretch the vocal. You can find Melodyne like qualities in Motu's Digital Performer. A sampler may not be required, but it will certainly help. If your sequencer can use a software sampler, like Kontakt2, the Emagic EXS (for those that use Logic), or Halion, or Emulator X2, you will find things will go easier, particularly with the vocal. You simply cut up the vocal into phrases, sometimes words, and assign each of these to the keyboard. Once you have your basic beats in place you can "play" the vocal on the keyboard, then edit the positions in the sequence till they fit in a pleasing way.

One secret to using software to make club mixes is to build in imperfections. Don't match all the loops to BPM exactly, don't start them exactly on the bar. If it's too perfect, like these programs tend to calculate, it will sound like dance Muzak. Have you heard that coming from your monitors? Be honest now. I have.

If You Neva Sabi,K16's Declaration!

2008-10-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

I assure you,you won't pull through,bazooka rhymes-metaphors that need not explain and packed with great humour,punchlines are unnecesary but K16 doesn't wrap up a song without one.clearly pronounces his rhymes stands him out,you'd feel disappointed in your english lecturer.A rapper of ibo descent that does it best and keep every ibo boy on his toes and make you lose interest in those ibo boy rappers who knock it out on a yoruba cliche and then on a freestyle joint claims to be 'chukwu' or get a producer that's of the same tribe with me and Tuface to produce a sell out dance hall beat and adulterate the scared track with another language on the fallacy that only in such language an act could make a hit song.Okay,some of my take might come off as blatant hack writer' content but his music is packed
and i don't see k16 a.k.a killer 16 bars coming through very slightly!
Check out 9ice's gongo aso remix ft. k16

what do you think?

Check out the Downtowninc.net playlist below for new song-'ikebe' and 'na wa for you' from K16

A Lil Somethin' For My Dj Colleagues

2008-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Gimme 24 Hours to drop this and in the meantime endeavour to subscribe for my blog via email.

Rick ross Admits To Being A Prison Guard And I'm Confessing Too!

2008-10-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

I'm admitting to have bein rusticated once from school-
details? fuck u! :) I guess it's confession time,i was feeling i let out a few skeleton out of my closet yea! washin my damn! dirty linen outside on a few things When i bumped into Rick Ross admitting to being a correctional guard simple put,prison warder! (i'm crazy and that's crazy!). Rick Ross has finally given up the denial and is admitting to in fact being a Florida correctional officer for 18 months. Pictures first surfaced showing Ross in a correctional officer uniform then TheSmokingGun published actual documents proving that "William Leonard Roberts" (Rick Ross's real name) was in fact an officer. At first Rick Ross denied it telling any website that the photos were simply doctored, "Online hackers put my face when I was a teenager in high school on other peoples' body."

NOW Rick Ross has given up denying it. In the recent issue of Don Diva magazine, Rick Ross says "Yes, it's me." continuing "I never tried to hide my past. I put my name inside my CDs. My company has my [Social Security number]. I could've put a company name...I done been up and I done been down and that's what makes me what I am. I never ratted on a nigga. I never prosecuted a nigga. I never locked up a nigga, that's first and foremost. I always felt that me being the nigga that I am, I never owed a nigga an explanation. When I'm making my music and I'm talking about blow, it's because I did it. When I say that I'm rich off cocaine, it's because I did it. Those are the street principals that apply."

Isis Blog: An Open Letter to hip-hop it's your fault that we lost

2008-10-10T03:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I read today that the birthplace of hip-hop has been sold for 7million dollars. You know I'm getting sick and tired of people always throwing up in my face about hip-hop is a business this is a capitalist society. You Africans are so lost and caught up in the money and your own personal selfish gaines that you have forgotten. You have forgotten that you made millions of dollars off of the legacy that the founders have left you. You have forgotten to take care of your own people. So you say to yourself "Isis I don't know those people they have to fend for themselves." Yeah thank you Kool Herc for creating hip-hop thank you for the millions of dollars that I have been able to make so I can live a comfortable life and my kids will have something when I'm gone. But the question is what will your kids have?

By the time they grow up there may not even be anymore hip-hop. Most of the youth today don't even know the founders of hip-hop. How could you let the birth place be sold for 7million dollars? HOW?? How is it Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, 50 cent, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Diddy and countless other hip-hop millionaires could not save the birth place of hip-hop. Now I can continue to go down the list of rappers with large amounts of money but just you few guys alone could have come together and helped save the birthplace of hip-hop. Niggas today want to spend more time gloating what they have, chain snatching, women, shooting niggas, suppressing your own people in the hip-hop community like that's cool but couldn't none of you have a enough common sense to come together and unite to save the birthplace of hip-hop??? As far as I'm concerned you negroes ain't no different then Bob Johnson for selling BET. Look at our legacy. Look at all the wonderful creations that god has blessed us with only for your sorry asses to turn your back on it. Why is Kool Herc not a millionaire? How do you take on a individual separatist mentality that god did not give you upon birth and pretend like you don't see nothing? Why because you can't relate to that anymore? Word???

7million dollars ain't shit to you guys. 50 you got to be sitting on at least 200mill. Jay-z they claiming you are worth a billion dollars. Russell now come on now. Are you guys going to sit up here and tell me that the 3 of you could not come together and work a common goal? But you are quick to purchase stadiums, and sports teams, houses worth 7million and driving cars worth 7million and everything else. But you couldn't save the birthplace of hip-hop??? Why? It saddened me to see Kool Herc make this statement:"I was disappointed that no one from the Hip-Hop community "stepped up to the table in some form of fashion" to show support." Damn the man said some form of fashion damn you could have at least just showed up or made your appearance or hired a lawyer or something damn!!! You really should be ashamed of yourselves and I think I lost half my respect for any of you in the rap game. Masta's money and luxuries got you hoodwinked, Bamboozled, you have been run a muck with the Illusion. We have sold ourselves out to the point where there ain't even any money in this anymore. There is no money in hip-hop anymore.

Well I'm going to say this and then I'm out. Behold of the man who forgets the legacy of his wealth and the community that supported you to where you are now. You have turned your back on your own and the temporary gaines you have in the physical you won't be taking with you. You have turned your back on the youth and I'm holding each and every person who has benefited off of hip-hop who was not strong enough to take a stand and save it's birthplace accountable that had the ability to do so. It's your fault that you couldn't reach back and make sure that our youth had some history to look back upon. It's your fault! There is nothing that you could do that would make sense to me at this point in the game in your business hip-hop careers or endeavors. And I'm speaking on behalf of the hip-hop community since you people seem to be so out of touch. I can't say that I will write about another hip-hop artist that's on the mainstream ever again. I just don't see the point, you done let go of the root. You know we really just don't get it do we? Now I understand why we can't own anything. It's your fault hip-hop that we lost our legacy!

You Need A campaign And All That Razz,Bro! Part 1 & 2

2008-10-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

You need a campaign (might be redefinition the context of campaign here but you would get the hang of it before you complete this reading)through every step of your music career.There have being project that didn't gather enough moss not because it lacked in quality or content of any sort (though alot of the artiste are quick to blame their manager/label for inadequate publicity/promotions,then you wonder if their vision and foresight was a restored thing) Undoubtedly the labels hold their own shame,wonder how a recording studio would get the rights to call itself a label and still not have the resources to operate as one,would they be blamed or the licensing body or PMAN? next time talk!
I could give an instance of a record of such if you disagree -six foot plus's last album (can't even tell you the title now but y'all watch out his next coming won't be eazy ) But let's not linger in the past failures.
The most remarkable records have left a mark whether a 'one night fling type' or eternal in form of a movement,a cliche (phrase) or controversial insight being in accordance with a mass belief of the audience.which of them works best might be difficult to point out but the latter of the three mentioned (controversial insight) might be the less effective as it cuts across more to the informed (you don't know so you can't tell!) while for the dance option.it might seem to fade as a bone of contention in a short time but remains on the party ground till grey hairs begin to grow (something like a body language?)
For the cliche,in some quarters might be the best measure for commercial success from 'no long thing' 'the koko' and sorts (dbanj),'nothing do me' (would that be dbanj too or durella),'boiz are not smilin' (terry tha rapman),'nothing dey happen' (tuface or rayan t),'abiniby not ability' (ruggedman).'karma kazee lo' (olu maintain),'no be god?' (gino),'shake something omo'(jazzman olofin)... help add more abeg! By the way,it brings to mind 'It is a cliché that most clichés are true, but then, like most clichés, that cliché is untrue.'
and to all em artiste mentioned,sorry for writing your name in small letter. There are other various ways to get your image,lyric or song stuck in a fan's head for those who might see themselves doing the aforementioned but if You doubt it,try it in your next song.

To be continued and watch out for my issues with M.I.,Gino,K16,Terry Tha Rapman,Hymen Dos and My talk of Africa's biggest Mixtape.
'wiskolowiska the incredible mister,M.I. Abaga' tell me lines off the safe song with Djinee ain't playing in your head.

There's this 'new' (or latest) dance that caught my eye first where i saw Marvelous Benjy's 'give it to them' video (by the way,if anybody know Marv,he's featuring on my album though i don't have a direction of the collaboration now but it must happen! and i'm including abeg if need be.) back to his vid,
that girl (dancer) in the vid can dance! Then the same dance move was seen in Big Bamo's vid ft. Tolu directed by Clarence (he seems to be directing every thing now,where's Dj Tee & Wudi? and sources say he's (clarence) not cheap! anybody know the secret? yea i know the obvious ones like great quality and concept,i mean that i don't kno).The dance move is got you checking your hands like it's too hot to hold.
Phrases become cliché because so many people find find them interesting that they use those phrases until they become common place.When i spoke about cliches in the part one,i never meant building a track on a word that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty.Making a joint (song) with already mentioned clichés do not have the impact of "fresh" lines.Really learning to write your own phrases is more creative (and eventually rewarding) than merely pulling pre-conceived phrases out of a box in our head and inserting them into our songs.
check out the collabo mixtape between myself and ollydave titled 'the take down'
I understand coming up with a fresh cliche could be tasking and 'might not be your style'. well,check this out:

Showcase your best lines. If you’ve written a song, and you found three or four lines that your absolute favorites give them a strong position in the song. You can either put them at the end of the verse, the beginning of the verse, or any lined it ends on a downbeat. For example if you have four measures the most powerful places are the second scratch that the most powerful lines should be second in the fourth. Think of it like volleyball; the first line sets for the second line or you could decide killing(stopping) the beat for a mini seconds like i never miss that part (line) of the Naeto c 'kini big deal' song that's goes like 'pause i know i rather be yours' why? the beat! take another listen!.
I'd mentioned a few songs that have kept one two of their lines(lyrics) in my head forever in subsequent post.keep an eye on my blog at www.dirtyhiphophead.blogsp

ot.com......
Might just be dropping a part 3 (mos def would be-something exciting is cookin up in my head already,let me jot it down and make a full blown note,part 3 Comin Soon!) .Anybody got this?!

Shots out to my home boi Tayo 'Teckzilla' Odutayo on the recommendation on linkedin,producer/emcee with the str8buttah-Africa's illest hiphop group.Shoot me a link to your video,Being searching on youtube and not gettin it.

Rihanna Is Broke

2008-09-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

There is an interesting story going around the net that Rihanna, despite having some of the biggest hits of the past half decade, only has 20G’s in the bank. Now, I have no idea if this story is true, but I can say I know this has happened to plenty of other artists in the past. Massive hits don’t necessarily equate to lined pockets. Why is this? For many it’s a result of signing bad recording contracts. Avoiding such contracts has been the reasoning behind more and more artists going indie. The problem is that while artists don’t deserve to be stripped of their earnings the record industry still has the correct model for putting out music; it just has the wrong people working within it. The model of record labels being one stop shops for everything an artist needs, from recording to touring to promotion, is exactly what every artist is looking for. The problem comes when there are too many of the wrong people in positions of power at those labels. That, in turn, makes the labels places no artist would want to be. Sadly, most record labels fall into that category in 2008 and there’s one reason behind it – Greed.

Ruggedman Vs Modenine: Clash Of the Titans!

2008-09-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

The mention of the name 'Ruggedman' in the Nigerian Music circuit and a follow up controversy wouldn't surprise the very least informed music/hiphop fan.Ruggedman who broke out being very disrespectful and unlike the typical Nigerian artiste of the early twenties who would either trade his skills to be successful or remain hush hush and unspoken as 'true heads'.He took a step probably thinking he would be doing his conscience lots of good and every skeptical about his future after it was done as it was a move against the music heavyweights as he had decided to settle for another form of livelihood. Behold! the 'Ehen' track dropped and a revolution was to begin and it began.Quality music and original content was the other of the day else announcing the new kid on the block who with no aorta of consideration rip mediocrity apart.The misgruntled and unimagined gruntle of an Akoka raised hiphop artiste transformed an individual into a face of hiphop at this side of the globe.

On the other line is Modenine a.k.a Nigel Ben,Modeistein,Mr. Red Eye Red Eye.A former cartoonist for Nigeria's premier hiphop and lifestyle magazine and A one time radio dj.Claims were Mode9 was advised by radio personalities,colleagues and 'well wishers' to switch his rap style as the Nigeria public was not informed enough to listen,He should settle to rap in the popular 'pidgin' english but he turned a deaf ear but still not to break the heart of his 'well wishers' added a bonus 'small boi' track on his malcolm ix mixtape ,a classic and artistically acclaimed! Mode9 became the most heard from the 'underground train' (a bunch of emcees who were not caught up and bent on making music to rock the club but spending their energy on their lyrics-punchlines,metaphor

s and stressing their love for the game,reminds you of the african hiphop movement? check out my post at www.africanpath.com to get what African hiphop movement is all about).Modenine rubbing off very intellectual in every track he put out and Ruggedman's every rhyme and even to his diction giving him out as a Nigerian and all was good,the cliche 'It was happy ever after' should come in where the concern should be affiliating and giving the Nigerian hiphop scene a global representation.

Ruggedman's 'Thy Album Come' album dropped with the 'Ehen' track having a follow up titled 'big bros' were there were another claims that the music heavyweights were trying to get his music from the media houses,Ruggedman had financial returns that was enough to get him to reconsider pursuing a job in with his political science degree for music.(another classic on the album was peace or war,if i must add)Then Rugged man released 'Ruggedy Baba' album with sublimial shots at what would be called the 'Underground Train'.where he thought they were saw no use of their 'metaphorical out of place tight ish' (hope i got it?),in his lyrics from the collaboration song featuring the hit maker,9ice as he felt they were not representing Nigeria and Africa enough-putting too much effort on being the most lyrical and not talking Nigeria enough.The non existent relationship between mode9 and Ruggedman helped in seeing this as a shot at Mode9 who was front lining this course of being real and not selling out.(putting out a hit song,a club track and falling short on a whole as an album)
One thing happened,They both knocked out Eedris Abdulkareem to become the two major faces for hiphop in Nigeria (or am i wrong?! anyhow i put am,i'm still a crazy fan of eedris 'eje ta la re ra jo!').Then the comparison between them on who was better crept in amongst fans from all quarters.

The latest offering from Modenine featuring Banky W listen at http://rapidshare.com/files/134531324/modenine_ft_banky_w_talkin_to_u_ruggedman_diss.mp3 where he played around the 'baba' word,a word that has being an addition to Ruggedman name after the release of his sophomore album (Ruggedy baba) but Modenine was quick to say he wasn't targeted at Ruggedman as even his real name is Babatunde Oluwasegun.
'i could better still could have being talking to my self' phrasing his words

Like a typical loyal fan,Nigerian fans lose their regard for any other fan when they talk or give their opinion on this two heavyweights.The most recent that has got their fans head locked against each other is the track when Mode9 sampled 2face record and raps in pidgin english.
here's an excerpt of opinions from fans
"whether English or vernacular, I'm spectacular (mode 9). it's not the language used in conveying the message but the message bro."an upcoming emcee,apopyalips noted.
"i heard Mode9 rap in pidgin from a song some years old. He was very lyrical with it and when u hear it the first that comes to your mind is this is hip hop. He sounds better than ruggedman whether he is using pidgin or normal english."
Another said "as for me my grouse against pidgin is two-fold-firstly,who says we all speak pidgin in naija as slangs or vernacular or whatever huh? secondly the mofo doesnt have enough vocabulary in its entire lexicon(if u can call it that)to encourage serious creative wordplay or intricacies.
it aint personal so dudes better stop "trying to" school(they aint schooling shit) us niggas that don't feel the whole pidgin shit on how to we shud "put small pidgin" "
"Lotta cats have been clamouring for mode9 to show ruggedbaba who da boss is....fortunately he just listened to that and busted wordsplays and few punchlines to make a big statement" yet another commented.
I conclude this with saying watch out for Modenine's new album and catch the video with mode9 and terry tha rapman performing in singapore at www.downtowninc.net
now what's ya opinion?

How to Present Your Demo: 10 Biggest Mistakes Artists Make and How to Avoid Them

2008-09-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Your demo will introduce you to the eyes and ears of many music industry professionals. Take this introduction very seriously — it’s your job interview.

Here is a short checklist that summarizes the biggest mistakes I see new artists make all the time. Avoiding these will maximize your chances of getting heard and respect the demo listener’s time.

1. Sending more than 3 songs (unless specifically requested).
Demo listeners like to watch the “In” pile on their desk shrink and the “Out” pile grow as quickly as possible. If the listener has limited time, which is usually the case, the tendency is to listen to a tape/CD they know they can complete.

So if you send a 10-song demo and someone else’s demo has one song, you can bet that the “Out” pile will grow quickly with one-song demos.

There’s also the psychology that implies, “I’ve sent you the song you need!” This is particularly true in pitching songs to producers for a specific artist.

Along those same lines, most people resent getting MP3s/CDs/tapes with 20 songs and a letter that says, “I know you’ll like at least one of these, so just pick out what you want.”

They want you to do that and send them three songs or less that you totally believe in. If you’re not far enough along to be able to decide, you’re not ready. When sending CDs with more than three songs, highlight three you want the listener to focus on first, and include the numbers of the cuts in your cover letter and lyric sheets (so they have a reference while the CD is on their player and they can’t see the label). If they like those, they’ll listen to the others.

Send CDs in standard, hard, jewel boxes (not soft, thin vinyl) labeled on the spine so when they stack them they can find them later. And please remove the shrink-wrap!

2. Not placing their best and most commercial song first.
If you have a strong up-tempo song, start with that. If the listener doesn’t like the first one, it may be the only shot you get.

3. If they ARE using a cassette, not cuing it to the beginning of the first song.
You don’t want to put the listener in a bad mood because you just wasted his time making him rewind your tape. When you make your copies, leave four seconds between songs. Most professional cassette decks (but few portables) have an automatic search feature, which finds the silence between songs, stops the fast-forward and automatically starts playing the next song. Obviously, this isn’t a problem with CDs. If your CD contains more than the first 3 you want heard, clearly mark on the CD and printed insert, which ones you want them to hear.

4. Not sending a lyric sheet, neatly typed or printed.
Letterhead is impressive. It says “This is my business and I take it seriously.” Some don’t like to look at lyrics while they listen, but most do. It’s a time saver to be able to see it all at once and to see the structure of the song graphically laid out on the page.

Lead sheets (with melody and lyric together) are not sent out with demos. They’re bulky to mail, it’s too difficult to follow the lyric and visualize the song’s form, and many industry pros don’t read music anyway. If they want to record the song, then send them a lead sheet.

When you type your lyric sheet, separate the sections of the songs with a space and label each one (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) at the upper left side of the section or otherwise differentiate them by indenting or bolding the chorus or typing them in capital letters. If you’re repeating a chorus, note where it goes. Do not type your lyrics in prose fashion. Lay them out with the rhymes at the ends of the lines so the structure and rhyme schemes of the song can be seen immediately.

5. Not Putting on a Copyright Notice
Make sure there’s a copyright notice (© 2007 I.B. Cool, All Rights Reserved) on the bottom of the first page of the lyric sheet and on the tape or CD label. Technically, this isn’t necessary but it alerts everyone that your song is protected, whether it’s registered or not. (See the U.S. Copyright Office Website for info and forms.)

6. Blowing the Cover Letter
Cover letters should be short and to the point. Let the music speak for itself and avoid hype. A professional presentation will do more to impress someone than “I know these are hit songs because they’re better than anything I’ve ever heard on the radio.” Don’t hype, plead, apologize or show any hint of desperation. It only gives the message that you have no confidence in the ability of the songs to stand on their own.

Here’s what should be in your cover letter:

It should be addressed to a specific person in the company.
It should state your purpose in sending the demo. Are you looking for a publisher, a producer, a record deal for you as an artist? Do you want the listener to pay special attention to your production, your singing, your band, or just the song? Is the song targeted for a specific artist?
List any significant professional credits that apply to the purpose of your submission. If you want your song published, list other published or recorded songs, contests won, etc. If you’re a performer submitting an artist demo, resist the temptation to grab at weak credits: “I played at the same club that (famous star) played.” Tell them what drives you, what inspires you. Keep it short. List real sales figures. Don’t lie.
Include any casting ideas you might have if you’re pitching to a publisher.
Ask for feedback if you want it. Odds are you won’t get it but give it a shot.
List the songs enclosed and writers’ names in the order they appear on the CD/tape. (Lyric sheets should also be enclosed in the same order the songs appear on the demo.)
Thank them for their time and attention.
7. Not putting their name, address and phone number, e-mail address and Web site on the tape or CD, the box, and on every lyric sheet.
It seems like such common sense. In fact it would be embarrassing even to suggest that you might forget to do it but I see it happen constantly. The problem on this end is that, between listening sessions at the office, the car, and home, it’s so easy to separate the tape/CD from the box or lyric sheet. Once they’ve gone to the trouble to find your hit song, not finding you is a fate neither of you deserve.

8. Not using adequate postage.
You’d be surprised how often this happens. Take the time to weigh your package at the post office and use the proper postage.

9. Sending tapes/CDs in ordinary stationery envelopes.
It’s risky because rough postal handling could force the edge of the case through the envelope. Use a special envelope with an insulated lining. Some people also prefer the soft “bubble” tape box because it doesn’t have sharp edges and it’s lighter to mail.

10. Sending song fragments or intro clips.
Like “a verse and chorus of each song to save their time and give them a taste.” Seems like a good idea if you’ve never been in the listener’s position and really like the verse and chorus, then have to wait until the writer can send you the rest. Frustrating! If I only want to listen to a verse and chorus or less, I’ll just skip to the next song.

BONUS: USING THE INTERNET — YOUR DEMO AS A DIGITAL AUDIO FILE

There are a couple different procedures for this:

Send an E-mail with the audio file attached. Follow the suggestions listed above for cover letter (Include phone number(s). Also include your Web site address so they can click it and go directly to it. When they get to your site, they’ll hopefully find additional bio material, photos and lyrics.
Just send them an e-mail intriguing enough to get them to go to your site and hear your music there.
Use an Electronic Press Kit (EPK). Sonicbids has been very popular for a few years now, but most artists will use their MySpace page as their EPK. A better choice is creating an “EPK” page on your own personal website and sending people there. (Example: www.nickdaugherty.com/epk/)
Indie marketing guru Tim Sweeney suggests that because of the limited amount of time someone may want to spend at any site and the degree of difficulty their online access speeds may present, it’s important to help them decide quickly which of your songs may be of most interest to them. You can help by providing a short description like this one provided on the site of Franklin Spicer and Valerie Ford’s Pegasus Project, a soft jazz, world music group.

“One People”
“The first song Franklin ever heard from Val was a reggae tune she had recorded called One People. He really liked the positive message and the infectious chorus. Franklin talked her into doing a rewrite and making it a Pegasus Project tune. They wanted to share a positive message of how we all are part of one global family. This song was shaped from a number of African musical influences, including the Tuku style. The huge chorus backup vocals were done in two days of recording using seven different singers.”

Note that the description includes information on the style, what it’s about, why it was written and how it was recorded. Their site also includes lyrics to all the songs.

Remember, your demo should look good, have something important to say, and say it well. There are a lot of other applicants for the job. The pros are looking for the best. Be the best!

How to Reach 25 Million New Fans on Facebook

2008-09-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Facebook is the fastest growing social networking website in existence among high school and college students, and as of late 2007, they finally opened their community for bands to put up musician pages. That means there are about 25 million potential new fans just waiting to hear your music.

If you’re in a hurry, you can set up your Facebook Musician Page in about 10 minutes here.

Hey, I know what you’re thinking… “[Groan] Another social networking site to suck up my free time. I’m already busy enough.”

But hear me loud: As a serious artist, you NEED to promote to these new fans, since many Facebook users (especially college students) may never venture over Myspace to find you.

Plus it turns out there are some pretty smart people out there inventing new ways to help you manage all of this, and save you time too. Keep reading and I’ll tell you how.

Facebook allows you to add little “applications” to your page to do things like play music and YouTube videos, leave comments, post pictures of your shows, etc. Savvy Facebook users might even add more applications by third-party companies to play trivia games online or chat live with friends. But by adding a specific combination of musician-oriented apps to your page, you can transform your Facebook page into a lean, mean promotional machine.

For now, go ahead and setup your Facebook Musician page.

When it comes to configuring your Facebook Musician page, there are hundreds of third-party applications you can add. However, there are two monster apps I use that will supercharge your band’s page in no time, iLike this Artist (by iLike) and My Band (by ReverbNation).

ReverbNation was the first company to give artists a direct presence instantly, with complete artist profile pages and a music player that lets Facebook users play, share, and purchase tracks. You’ll need to create an Artist Profile at ReverbNation.com (it’s free), and your info will automatically be inserted it into all of their Facebook applications.

The main ReverbNation app you’ll want to use is called “My Band,” which now works on both personal Facebook profiles , and Facebook Musician pages

You can also split up the app’s functionality into two separate pieces:

Music - Lets you add up to 30 of your songs (full-length) to your Facebook Musician Page
Shows - Adds a custom show schedule to your Facebook Page including ticket links and an interactive Yahoo Map

There’s lots more to talk about regarding ReverbNation (I think they’ve solved a huge piece of the puzzle), but let me focus on Facebook Musician pages today…

Next is iLike this Artist, which adds a lovely orange button to both your personal Facebook profile and your Facebook Musician page. It ties in with iLike’s Universal Artist Dashboard, which will automatically give you a presence on Facebook, iLike.com, iTunes, Windows Media Player, Ask.com, Ticketmaster.com, and soon Orkut, Hi5, Bebo, and more.

Every major artist on the radio today is on iLike and most are also on ReverbNation. So take the plunge implement both these apps into your Facebook page. Then post your link below in the comments section for all of us to see!

Friends, the game has changed. The rules are being rewritten so fast no one can really keep up. That’s why I want to teach you a new word that will soon become your new best friend: WIDGETS.

Life Hacker Tutorial: Become A Gmail Master

2008-09-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

Gmail is hands-down the best web-based email service on the 'net. Conversation threads, search, tagging, and keyboard shortcuts have completely revolutionized the way I look at my inbox. I manage all of my email from my personal Gmail inbox, including the daily flood of Lifehacker messages. At this point, I can't imagine a program I could use to manage my email any more efficiently.

Despite my undying love for Gmail, there are still a lot of people who aren't won over by sheer enthusiasm alone, and still others who just aren't taking full advantage of the features and functions they've got at their fingertips in Gmail. Either way, the only thing a Gmail naysayer needs is a better understanding of everything you can do with Gmail.

Today I've got a rundown of the methods and add-ons I use to make Gmail more powerful. By the time you're done with this article you'll be a bona fide Gmail power user, too.

Let's get started down your path to Gmail mastery.
Set up labels

The first thing you'll want to do to flex Gmail's muscle a bit is set up a few labels. If you're new to labels, think of them as folders, or better yet, tags. [1] Your email doesn't have to specifically reside in any folders to be just as accessible. In fact, labels are great specifically because you can apply multiple labels to one email, making your email that much easier to find. Setting up labels is super-easy:
gmail-label.png

1. Go to Settings, and then select the Labels tab.
2. In the textbox labeled, "Create a new label:" simply type your label and click Create.

Yep, that's it. I'd suggest going through your email and figuring out how you might want to categorize and label your emails. I generally create labels for any mailing lists I'm on, along with labels for different work-related emails and an ever-important Follow-up label for the emails I want to make sure I remember to reply to (e.g., those emails I'm not going to reply to immediately but I don't want to fall through the cracks).

Of course, your labels will revolve around your needs (as they should), and if you don't already have an email system, I'd encourage you to examine your email and develop one.
Set up filters

While labels are great on their own - and I label a lot of messages after they land in my Inbox - there are a lot of instances where you can assign labels automatically based on the characteristics of the message, thus saving yourself the work. That's where filters come in.
gmail-filters.png

Gmail can filter an email based on six criteria: From, To, Subject, Has the words, Doesn't have, and Has attachment. Obviously this setup offers a lot of power for filtering your incoming mail. After you choose your criteria, you can choose any combination of the following options: Skip the Inbox (Archive), Star it, Apply the label..., Forward it to, and Delete it.

When I set up a new filter, I commonly choose to Skip the Inbox and Apply a label. For a detailed description of how to do this, check out my feature on bookmarking with Gmail [2].
Managing multiple email accounts with Gmail

It's not at all uncommon to have more than one email address these days (actually, for many of you it's been pretty common for years now). Though you may never be able to consolidate all of your email to one address, you can at least deal with all of your email from one account.
gmail-multiple-email-addresses.png

If your non-Gmail account allows for email forwarding, set it up to forward your mail to your main Gmail address (this process will vary based on your email account, but it's generally really easy to do somewhere in the settings). For example, all of the Lifehacker tips email (which comes to Gina, Keith, and me) comes straight to my personal Gmail address, at which point it's filtered out of my inbox and labeled "Lifehacker Tips."

With Gmail's recent addition of smart replying, you shouldn't have to worry about sending email from the wrong address. When someone sends you an email, Gmail will automatically use the appropriate email address when replying (whether it's a Gmail address or not).
Using keyboard shortcuts

This is where Gmail really starts to shine. Despite the fact the Gmail does a lot of things very well, a lot of these features were just sort of ho-hum for me. It wasn't until I started using keyboard shortcuts, and then the Gmail Macros script, that I completely fell in love with Gmail.

The first thing you'll want to do is enable keyboard shortcuts in Gmail. This is as simple as navigating to the General tab in the Settings and selecting "Keyboard shortcuts on." The keyboard shortcuts let you navigate through your messages, within your conversations, archive a conversation, and jump to your inbox without ever having to go for the mouse. Here's a list of the default Gmail keyboard shortcuts.

Gmail's keyboard shortcuts by themselves are great, but if you really want to take control of your Gmail inbox, I very highly recommend installing the Gmail Macros script for Greasemonkey. Though it does a lot, the most powerful thing you'll use the Gmail Macros script for is navigating through your labels (including your inbox, trash, drafts, etc. - after all, they're all just labels) and labeling your conversations with a really slick Quicksilver-like interface.
gmailgreasemonkey.png

First you'll need to install the Greasemonkey Firefox extension if you don't already have it installed. Next, install the Gmail Macros script. There are a couple of different scripts available on the linked blog post, but I prefer a patched version of the script that stays more true to Gmail's original keyboard shortcuts.

Here's a quick look at the key commands that the Gmail macros script provides (click for a larger version):
gmail-key-commands.png

It may take a little time to get the shortcuts embedded in your memory, but you can easily bring up the list of shortcuts at any time in Gmail by typing a question mark (?).
Knock out repetitive email

If you do a lot of repetitive typing in your emails (if I type the same thing three times a day I consider it repetitive), you can really knock down your repetitive emails quickly with AutoHotKey HotStrings. I'd never get through my inbox without them, and they're very easy to set up and edit.
Searching your Gmail inbox

Of course, a solid Gmail tutorial wouldn't be complete without a quick rundown of searching your Gmail (it's Google, after all!).

Search operators in Gmail work much the same as they do with Google. Type the operator followed by a colon, and then your search term (e.g., to:tips@lifehacker.com). Likewise, you can exclude terms from your search with the hyphen (-).

The search operators allow you to limit the scope of your search to the to (to:), from (from:), and subject (subject:) fields. Easy enough, right? You can also search based on labels (label:), emails with attachments (has:attachment), and even dates (after:/before:yyyy/mm/dd).

Search operators will come in especially handy if you need more flexibility when setting up filters (you can add any search term to the "Has the words" field). Here's a comprehensive list of Gmail search operators.
Take your Gmail toolbox on the road

Finally, to make my Gmail add-ons (Greasemonkey, Gmail Macros script, and AutoHotKey assignments) as portable as possible, I email them to myself as attachments so that whenever I'm away from my computer I can work just as efficiently as if I were at home.

With all of my systems in place, I'm more pleased with Gmail than I have been with any other email client, desktop or web based. Of course, I'm sure I haven't exhausted the matter. Gmail users: what tips and tricks do you use to enhance your Gmail experience? Non-Gmail users: What methods do you use that blow Gmail out of the water? Give me your thought

Get The Incredible Online Presence Without Spending A Kobo

2008-09-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to broke rappers and artiste like myself. This is a detailed, step-by-step tutorial on setting up your online operation right. It involves spending no money whatsoever, and you could easily sit down and get it all done tonight. If you find this useful, please pass it on,letting them know it's from Dro Ameh but first i have this application at http://www.new.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=33028066662. check it and click on the become a fan option,i need like six fans to be able to submit it to the facebook application website.I'm also working on another application to stream the latest Nigerian video with support from Raypower's Radio Mixshow Veteran's webiste at www.downtowninc.net

1. Get a Gmail Account.

Sign up here. This doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your existing email—you can easily set up gmail to forward your messages to your current account. Even if you’ve already got a personal gmail account, get a professional one, too: yourstagename@gmail.com just plain looks better when you’re handing out contact info.
complete reading at http://downtown-inc.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2298534%3ABlogPost%3A601

Remember it's from Dro Ameh and don't forget to log on to http://www.new.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=33028066662.

The EP – An Indie Artist's Best Friend (Nigeria Artiste Learn!)

2008-09-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

I go to a lot of shows and get handed a lot of albums. Most of them are CDs filled to their 79 minute capacity with songs by an artist who is looking to make his or her name known. I know what the feeling is when an artist creates an album like this, they want as much of their work as possible to be heard and they feel the more people hear the better a chance they’ll become fans. This is also why they usually price their extended LPs at a mere $5 an album. A better way to go about things would be for artists, especially ones who are still selling their albums hand to hand, to create an EP. Seven songs, no more than thirty minutes in length. Here are some of the reasons why an EP is a much better way to start your career than a 79 minute album.

A $5 LP hurts your future earning ability

Sure, it seems like a great idea now, putting a cheap price tag on your work to get it out to people, but if you’re pricing your full length albums at $5 now making the jump to $10 in the future is going to be tough. Your fans will already be used to the $5 price tag for your work and the 100% increase for either the same, or possibly even less, music won’t seem fair to many of them no matter how much you feel you may have gotten better as an artist. If you have a $5 price tag on your EP you’re making the same amount of money and creating a value associated with your work that will make a future $10 price tag on a full length album seem reasonable.

An EP will garner more repeat listens

There are only so many times a person can sit through a 79 minute album. It takes a real effort to do so. An EP, however, can be listened to in a trip to a friend’s house and back. The repeated plays, much like the repeated radio airplay mainstream artists receive, will make the listener like the songs more and more and eventually they’ll even know the lyrics. Through repeated plays you’ll also find listeners developing favorite songs and the next time you have a show you’ll see a lot more fans singing/rapping along with you, which will make any kind of call and response authentic rather than forced. Seeing this, the new fans at the show who aren’t familiar with your work will be more inspired to pick up the EP for themselves.

An EP lessens the risk of boring a listener

I know, I know, you’re the shit. You’re the greatest artist of all time. That being said, how many people can you name that you’d like to hear talking for over an hour? The number is probably small. I understand you want to be one of those people everyone wants to hear from for that long, but you have start slow. There’s a reason newer artists don’t get hour long sets at shows. Those time slots are reserved for veterans who have established they can keep a crowd entertained for that long. If you’re only rocking 15 minute sets a 79 minute album will feel like a lot of filler to the concertgoer who just wants to pick up an audio reminder of the show they just saw. Start by giving potential fans exactly what they want, even if it may be a little less than what you want them to have.

You’ll save songs for future projects

So you have a bazillion songs, there’s no need to give them to everyone all at once. For starters, they’re probably not all bangers. As the months and years pass and you get better and better as an artist you’ll probably be glad some of those older songs never saw the light of day. Of course, there will be a few you’ll still like, maybe even more than a few. The good news, there are a number of ways you can get that music out there. You can include the songs in a future project, or use them on your website as free downloads to both keep your current fans happy and attract potential new listeners. There’s no real downside to this unless the music is topical and the subject matter runs the risk of getting stale.

Well, that’s my two cents on the advantages of the EP. If you have any thoughts or comments, especially if you’re an artist who has gone the EP route, please feel free to share. I’d love to hear your opinions on the topic.

by Adam Bernard

OlaDELe's Bringing Razzness Back

2008-09-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

OlaDELe is set to released his debut solo album "Razz Is The New Cool" on the 29th of June. It's been over 4 years since he stepped out onto the music scene when he featured on Da Trybe's smash hit "Oya" back in 2003! He also released singles such as "Lagos Life" "No shakin" and "Maximum Shi Shi" which got a lot of airplay and were even featured on various mixtapes and compilation albums.

This album is a classic and features hit singles such as "Oyinlomo" "You Like It" and "Spray Me Money." The album features collaborations with various guest artists which include eLDee, Keno, Sauce KiD, Trafic, Zara, Tk and DJ Dee Money. Producers on the album include eLDee, KiD Konnect (Nominated for best producer of the year for the track "Spray Me Money"), SolEternity, Tk and Chinomso.

The singles "Oyinlomo" "You Like It" and "Spray Me Money" are goin to be available exclusively 4 listen @ www.downtowninc.net and you can even download "9ja boy" the hottest song on the airwaves in Lagos right now! Yes it's official! Razz IS the new cool!

COPS DISRUPT FUN FOR NIGERIANS AT NOTTING HILL

2008-09-05T12:25:00.001-07:00

The Notting Hill carnival has come and gone but the memories remain as fresh as last weekend. No doubt, Nigerians attended en mass and the green-white-green was proudly flaunted by both visiting and resident Nigerians all over the arena.

This year, there were two outstanding spots for Nigerians: The African Independent Television (AIT) and the Blackknights/Grafton stand. But it was the latter, stationed along Westbourne Park Road that attracted more crowds as well as celebrities from Nigeria. With hot jamz reeling off the speakers and live performances, a lot of people stayed glued to this spot to get their groove on.

Nevertheless, as the case has been for two consecutive years, the cops would not ignore the Naija peops who have come to represent their motherland.

In 2007, officers from the U.K Metro Police barricaded Cambridge Gardens, the major hang out for Nigerians. According to eye-witness reports, Nigerians roamed that zone with no drift to go after. There was no foremost meeting point to network, apart from the Obalende Suya spot where many caught up to gist in the absence of music.

The increasing crowd was later dispersed by always-suspicious-Metro-Po

licemen, who probably have a phobia for the green-white-green colour in London. They apparently added insult to the injury as they out-rightly shattered the hopeful Naija gathering.

This year, the Rivers State government which had earlier announced her interest for a stand at the carnival seem to have changed its mind at a point. Branded materials carrying the State's logo were sighted laying carelessly at a stand, with nothing to show that the troupe or officials from the State were on ground.

Unconfirmed reports had it that apart from the inability of most of the officials to acquire visas to the Queen's land, the few attendees were cautious not to cross their boundaries as the metro cops have demanded - even after the state government had paid the sum of $5,000 to hire a stand on the carnival ground.

In an interview last year, Tokunbo Odebunmi, CEO of Obalende Suya said that the success of the 2006 edition of the event may have brought misfortune to the subsequent year.

He also assumed that a group of people wrote a petition to the Police, alleging that some 3,000 illegal immigrants were chilling at the Nigerian spot.

We also gathered that Nigerians were harassed last year because it recorded the largest static crowd, and the Metro police had a great deal of challenge managing the crowd.

While reasons for these disruptions remain sketchy, HHW gathered that early deliberations have begun to avoid a reccurrence in the coming year.

THA RAPMAN DAZZLES FANS AT ‘THE GREEN CRYSTAL AWARDS’

2008-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

The venue was Hallmark Hotel, Itori, Abeokuta express way. The guest artiste of the evening was rapper, Terry Tha Rapman who thrilled his fans at ‘The Green Crystal Award’, packaged by the Engineering department of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State (Ibogun Campus) on Saturday, August 23.

The event which was fashioned to lighten up the academic tension within the school environment was also used to appreciate outstanding students in selected social areas.

The awarded students emerged from a number of categories like ‘Best Car on campus’, ‘Best Couple’, ‘Best Dressed’, ‘Most Beautiful’, ‘Most handsome’, ‘Most Outstanding’ to mention a few.
Gbemi, a 400 Level student doubled as the comedian of the night. He also piloted activities of the event from 10:30p.m till when it faded out.

When Tha Rapman was called to the platform, students cheered and rushed to the front stage with him. First, he took the house on a freestyle journey with D’banj’s instrumental for “Mo gbona feli feli”. The crowd went insane when he rendered “Only 4 Naija” while his performance was wrapped up with his classic “Na Beanz?” Excellent performance, wild dance steps and a lot of sweating were the trademarks of his exit from the stage.

Daniel ‘MYRO’ Ozah C.E.O, DNA Alien gear was the official designer for the evening while top notch entertainment from the wheels of steel was supplied by DJ Spinol who is one of the students and of Ray Power FM.

We know all of these because HipHop World was in attendance to show love to the students.

ID CABASA ESCAPES ROBBERY ATTACK

2008-09-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Olumide Ogunade a.k.a ID Cabasa escaped death by the whiskers after several shots were directed to his car by dare-devil robbers.

Talented producer who had gone to drop off a friend was returning between the hours of 12 and 12:30a.m on Monday, September 1st when the incident took place.

Describing his escape, he said “our security men saw the robbers when they were coming after me, and so they rushed to close the gate after I drove into my street”

According to him, the robbers left several bullet hits on the gate before they drove off.

In his words, “it took the grace of God for me to have escaped because the robbers were really ready for the worse”.

This incident is just another one among several reports of attacks on artistes and citizens alike. The issue of security in the state and Nigeria as a whole should be taken seriously like the electrical, transport, oil, banking, and every other sector that has been suffering and lacking constructive attention.

Cabasa is not only a major player in 9ice’s music career, he is also notable for producing songs for acts like, Ajasa, Jah Bless, Faze, Sound Sultan, Banky W, Durella, 2Step, Phat, 2Shotz to mention a few.

Siji

2008-09-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, I received email saying that I had been tagged in a video on Facebook. Anyone familiar with facebook knows that more often than not, you’re not actually in the video, but rather someone ~~wants to spam you~~ wants you to see something.

I was pleasantly surprised to see an awesome video about a yet unknown to me musician, Siji. The video promos Siji’s sophomore album project “Adesiji” that features a sharp cast of musicians and co producers including Rich Medina and King Britt.

The wonderfully chill soul sounds are a refreshing complement to his ideas on music, production and the like. Look forward to more from Siji. New album drops September 2008.

His official website launches soon: http://www.sijimusic.com

In the meantime, check him out on myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/sijimusic

Siji’s debut album is available for purchase here on itunes

Update: Higher quality video courtesy of Siji

Nigeria: Advance Warning On the Future of Nigerian Music

2008-09-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

t is one of the most forward-looking initiatives ever to hit the Nigerian entertainment industry. Reason: The artistes who are being given a lifeline on the Zain-MTV 'Advance Warning' platform are those whose career has taken off but are yet to gather enough momentum to send them off to a flying start.

Their career is just at that crucial make-or-mar period, where a little slip or push could mean the difference between failure and success; between a dampened spirit and encouragement.

The 26 artistes whose ambition are being fired by the 'Advance Warning' project have some degree of recognition, but it is nothing compared to huge exposure that is coming to them from the combined energy of two corporate giants-Zain and MTV. This, for many of them, is the global shot they were praying for to reach a wider audience and to seek the kind of acceptance they have always craved after.

Given a broad interpretation, 'Advance Warning' describes the attempt to draw attention to the next set of Nigerians who have carved a niche for themselves and should make a natural progression (all things being equal) to the zenith of their game. But the world of the arts and musical entertainment (in particular) is a slippery ground and nothing should be taken for granted. A hot product- from an artiste and producer's point of view- does not always guarantee a hit in the market place. Ultimately, the buying public determine an artiste whose fame will rise. And so many factors come to play in producing a top selling album.

The latest collaboration between Zain and MTV was announced at a colourful media event at Planet One, Lagos attended by senior officials of both companies including Norman Moyo, chief marketing officer, Zain Nigeria and some of the participating artistes. Journalists at the event got a hint of what to expect as each artiste went into brief ecstasy of hype during the session of self- introduction.

However, 'Advance Warning' has created a pool of confident musicians by enlarging its safety net. Chances are that a good number of these 26 artistes will rule their different genre on the Nigerian music scene in the near future. So, 'Advance Warning' is saying that everyone should take heed now (you are being told ahead of time) beforethey break loose: Here come the next big artistes on the Nigerian music scene!

This is how 'Advance Warning' is going to work. Every week, beginning from today, two of these artistes will square up against each other. There is a schooled panel of judges watching their every move to award marks. But the better part of the appreciation will come from the voting public who will watch these performances on various local Nigerian television stations, and, of course, on MTV. That will be 13 weeks of musical battle. The first episode today, is between Durella and O.D. We also get to see the television presentation skills of MTV VJ (Video Jockey), Sizwe Dhlomo, who will be getting some assistance from Big Tyme, Jimmy Jatt, 9ice and Shasha.

The last two contestants- M. I. and Kenzos- in what can be termed the knock-out stage come on air on November 23.

On December 7, the 13 semi-finalists come before a live studio audience and the three judges to put up their best show.

Three finalists will emerge on December 14. Now, this is where the contest gets very interesting. It is no longer a matter of artistic prowess. The capacity of each of these finalists will be put to the test at a boot camp, where experts on various aspects of the music industry have been contracted to help the finalists sharpen their skills in the use of digital equipment for production. Other topics to be covered include the 'business of show business'. That is on December 21.

With Yuletide in the air, it promises to be a very merry and memorable Christmas for the MTV Advance Warning with Zain Winner who will emerge on December 28. What are we talking about? With N5 Million in the kitty and a chance to have a music video shot free of charge by a top international video director, who would not paint the town red!

Advance Warning completes the tripod of support offered by Zain to the Nigerian music industry. The company supported Idols West Africa, which seeks to develop raw talent from the grass root; and a few weeks ago, it entered a working relationship with MTV to celebrate the best established musicians in Africa through the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAS).

1000 Watts: L.O.T.T The Mixtape Update

2008-09-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

The compilation (1000 watts: land of the trilla mixtape) is done.Shots out to all those who made this happen and my apologizes to those who didn't make it to the mixtape and it's way past time to considere any track for the mixtape.My thanks to those who ever considered making the internet,all it all happened thanks to the networking abilities provided by the resources on the internet.
The mixtape for those who ain't heard is titled 1000 WATTs: L.O.T.T The Mixtape (L.O.T.T is an acronym for Land OF tha Trilla-The Mega Mixtape Project From 365 Naijaboiz-The Team that's got me hot on the street).It's got illest underground cats-fecko,kalifate,str8buttah,ollydave,hymendos,outta town(guys who did Asa's bibanke remix) also got award winning illbliss and mode9
All I'd say at this moment is Better be prepared for an
onslaught of potent beats and burning hot melodies, all topped off with remarkable
vocal skill and lyrical mastery.I intend to redefine the new horizon of hip-hop and the music industry
will forever be different after the appearance of this top notch mixtape from yours truely,hype? we'd see!
Download the intro track performed by ollydave of about 2 mins ,click here
or here
and a complete trailer of about 10 mins, click here
or here
Watch out for the track list and mixtape cover in the next few days to come!

Rappers bare their mind on Barack Obama

2008-09-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

It's no news that Nigeria,at least a majority of them stand solely behind Obama to prove this is a website by an African initiative for obama at www.obamanigeria.org,though suffering from a number of accusation of it being illegal and on the basis of raising a fund raiser in the name of Barrack Obama.Deails? log on to www.africanpath.com

In the wake of Barack Obama’s historic Democrat nominee acceptance speech, the stars of Hip-Hop are voicing their opinion of what the moment means for them and the responsibility of the culture moving towards the November 4 general election.

Last night in Denver, Barack Obama officially accepted the Democrat nomination for president of the United States, a feat coming on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.”

Obama sought to immediately create distinction between his policies and that of his opponent John McCain, blasting his rival on healthcare, the economy, his support of President Bush, and for being out of touch with middle-class America.

“It’s not because John McCain doesn’t care,” Obama stated. “It’s because John McCain doesn’t get it…It’s time for us to change America and that’s why I’m running for President of the United States.”

Bun B, who plans to also attend the Republican National Convention, reviewed the importance of Hip-Hop culture having a visible presence at each convention.

“I’m out here to show my support for the process. I think people get caught up in the party and the politics,” Bun explained to AllHipHop.com. “I’m here to show Hip-Hop’s support for the process. It’s important for people to see that Hip-Hop cares and is showing responsibility. And that our voice matters in this election.”

Fellow Houston rapper Chamillionaire was awed by the event and humbled to witness history.

“The imagery and message behind Obama’s speech was more powerful than any that I have ever seen in my lifetime,” an inspired Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com. “It’s really refreshing to see history unfold like this.”

Not everyone was won over by Obama’s eloquent words and policy points.

Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee remained firm in his endorsement of John McCain, who he feels has a stronger track record with the Hispanic community.

“I am here to endorse Senator McCain because I believe in his ideals and his proposals to lead this nation,” Daddy Yankee stated yesterday at a Phoenix appearance with McCain. “And like I said before, he has been a fighter for the Hispanic community, and I know that for me personally, I chose him as the best candidate because he has been a fighter for the immigration issue.”

Viewing the political process through the lens of a father, Rev. Run chose to focus on Obama’s family as the foundation that made his ascent a reality.

“I feel ultimately that the love he has at home is what made last night possible, because the love of family is what all of us need to tap into if we’re going to help Obama reshape America,” Run reasoned. “I know it and Obama knows it; nothing can help make your dreams come true more than a loving family.”

Dr. Ben Chavis, CEO of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, analyzed the moment by crafting Obama as the potential bridge between the Civil Rights Movement and Hip-Hop culture.

“His speech transcended status-quo politics, race, and divisive ideology. Obama’s address, in the vein of Dr. King, was one of the greatest and most impactful speeches of the 21st century,” Dr. Chavis disclosed to AllHipHop.com. “From a Hip-Hop perspective, Obama’s speech was hot; it was the new America speech and it powerfully reverberated a new vibe about the reality that now is the responsible time to change America and the world into a better place.”

Rapper and activist David Banner was more direct his analysis, stating that Obama simply did what no presidential candidate in his lifetime has done; show a backbone.

“Obama showed America that he wasn’t no punk,” Banner affirmed. “He showed his strength by addressing what people viewed as his weaknesses. He didn’t run from them. I’ve never seen a Presidential candidate do that.”

While many focused on the bullet point details of the speech, Banner emphasized that he was more impressed by the Democrat nominee’s poise in a moment rife with staggering emotion, which in turn helped illuminate the stark alternative he represents to the Republican party.

“Most black orators are often too emotional and wear their hearts on their sleeves. I was impressed that you could see the passion in Obama’s eyes, but it didn’t weaken what he was actually conveying,” Banner explained. "Please Hip-Hop generation don’t take this election lightly...get out and vote.”

Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain will make his own presidential case on September 1 through September 4 in Saint Paul, Minnesota at the Republican National Convention.

Faith Evans insult 2Pac's memory? Outlawz speak!

2008-08-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

If you're not aware, Faith Evans has a book coming out. And what sells better than sex or controversy? Controversy ABOUT sex!

MissInfo.tv recently leaked two pages from the book where Faith insults Tupac's memory by alleging that he was abusive towards her and that she never slept with him and also Biggie's by admitting she was always cheating on him and that he was abusive too; while all the time she is the innocent do gooder victim. Read them BELOW

The Outlawz; both blessed and burdened with the torch of Tupac are of course his representatives while he isn't here, and EDI wanted StreetHop.com to release this statement about the allegations, book, and Ms. Evans.

"Let me start off by saying that this is not an attempt to fight Tupac's battles. Over the past twelve years there have been numerous articles, books, DVD's, movies, interviews, etc about Pac and his life. We normally do not speak nor comment on shit because it's really not worth it and we all have better things to do than argue with idiots.

But recently I heard about a book by Faith Evans and there is an excerpt released to the media in which she portrays Tupac as some sort of sick gorilla pimp or sex offender. Of course Ms. Evans wants you, the reader, to see her as the victim, even though she admits to cheating on her husband with not one but two different men at the same time; but Tupac wasn't one of them? Of course!

Look none of us was there when it happened but I know what Pac told us and Pac was a lot of things, but a liar he was not.

I am sure the publishers would not have cut her the check if my homies' name was not in the book, so I understand her dilemma. But it is cowardice to make such an allegation when he isn't even here to defend himself.

Would she be saying this if Pac or Biggie was alive? Too bad we'll never know. What we do know is that times must be hard for the former "First Lady of BadBoy" if she has to stoop to these levels to sell books.
-- EDI, The Outlawz"

Real talk. Now ask yourself this. If Ms. Evans' story is true and that was the extent of her relationship with Tupac, why the above sexually suggestive photo? If Tupac's claims to having slept with her, Biggie's wife, were false, then why didn't she or Biggie deny it at the time? Why did Biggie admit to it in a song saying that "if Faith had twins, she'd probably have two Pac's. Get it? Tupac's!"

Do you think if Pac tried to force himself onto Faith Biggie would joke about her having Pac's children rather than call him out on it? Come on now, we just hope that people use their own heads

Mode9 Raps in Pidgin Englsih gettin support from 2Face Idibia

2008-08-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'm saying nothin' than the joint was still mode9d but then click here to listen to the single

"DOUBLE K" UNCUT STUDIO FOOTAGE

2008-08-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Heard the song with a hook tha goes like 'Oh boi put pidgin and give ur self a livin:
all this america rap no get money...",here's the emcee,Double K from PH and if have not heard of the dude,he's ill-got this thing in common with Od (overdose)

"DOUBLE K" UNCUT STUDIO FOOTAGE NAIJA
Uploaded by 9ja9igga

Nigerian acts set for channel O Awards for 2008

2008-08-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

KC Presh, 2Face Idibia, Ikechukwu, Sasha, IGHO, P-Square, BBD, Naeto C, Faze, D'Banj and M-Trill contending with other Africans across the continent for the Channel 0 'Uniting Africa through Music' Awards

Best Male Video
Ikechukwu - Wind em well (NIG)
Prokid - Bampa (SA)
HHP - Music & Lights (SA)
Blac - Kwa Masela (TAN)
Simba - Lovely Day (MOZ)

Best Female Video
Lizha James - Nita Mukuna Nwini (MOZ)
Lady May - Chokola (NAM)
Becca - Sugar (GHANA)
KB - Moni Fe Re (SA)
Sasha - Adara (NIG)

Best Newcomer
IGHO - 9 Ja Boy (NIG)
Camagwini - Imvumi (SA)
Simba - Ndono (MOZ)
Kast - Ndono (BOTS) (Nje!)
Buffalo Souljah - Bubble Your Bumz (ZIM)

Best Duo or Group
Jozi - Muthaland (SA)
P Square - Do Me (NIG)
Irene and Jane - Heaten Up (GHANA)
Witness ft Fid Q - Zero (TAN)
Bleksem ft Krazy Boy - How Low Can You Go (SA)

Best Dance Video
DJ Cleo - Sis Ng'hamba Nawe (SA)
Leroy - Merathe (BOTS)
DJ Vetkoek vs Mahoota - Qolo (SA)
Lady May - Chokola (NAM)
Durban's Finest - Uyosholo Wena (SA)

Best Ragga Dancehall Video
Buffalo Souljah - Bubble Your Bumz (ZIM)
Zeus ft Stagga - Imagination (SA)
Mapaputsi - Nangu Mapaputsi (SA)
Baba Dee - Blaze (NIG)
Ofori Amponsah - Odwa (GHANA)

Best Kwaito
Sunnyboy - Summertime (NAM)
Kabelo - Bongwana (SA)
Arthur - Sal'basalayo (SA)
Big Nuz - Ubala (SA)
The Dogg - Can You Feel It (NAM)

Best R & B Video
Danny K - Outta Control (SA)
Amani - Missing My Baby (KENYA)
Loyiso - I Want You (SA)
2face - True Love (NIG)
Gal Level - Falling In Love (NAM)

Best Hip Hop Video
KC fresh - Sengemenge (NIG)
Naeto C - U Know My P (NIG)
Prokid - Bampa (SA)
Witness ft Fid Q - Zero (TAN)
Silkour - Umsindo (SA)

Best African Southern
Freshly Ground - Pot belly (SA)
Ziqo - Vamos Embora (MOZ)
Gal Level - Falling In Love (NAM)
HHP - Music & Lights (SA)
Taygrin - 2By2 (MALAWI)

Best African West
Becca - Sugar (GHANA)
Ikechukwu - Wind em well (NIG)
Faze - Everyday (NIG)
D'Banj - Move Your Body (NIG)
M-Trill - Bounce (NIG)

Best African East
Witness ft Fid Q - Zero (TAN)
Blac - Kwa Masela (TAN)
Amani - Missing My Baby (KENYA)
Azari - Oliwenge (UGANDA)

Video of the Year
Freshly Ground - Pot belly (SA)
P Square - Do Me (NIG)
HHP - Music & Lights (SA)
Ziqo - Vamos Embora (MOZ)
Ikechukwu - Wind em well (NIG)

Fans can vote via sms (+27839208400) or on www.channelo.tv between 24th July to 24th September 2008. Show some love!

Russell simmons to faciliitate a seminar in Nigeria

2008-08-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Nigerian
music scene has grown in leaps and bond these past years, throwing up new stars
and adding more glitter to Nigeria's image abroad than anyone could have
imagined. Fresh stars have joined the fray, and many businesses have emerged,
throwing up what would seem like an 'industry', to the casual observer.
But those who
know the norm, who are familiar with global trends would easily admit that the
journey to a proper industry is only now beginning.
'It's still a building process for the entire practitioners, and we're at a stage where
everyone should be involved in the building', said Joice Ize Iyamu, talent
manager and CEO of Rogue entertainment.
Perhaps it is
against this backdrop that Rouge and a foremost training expert Hamzat Subair
& Co are putting together the first in a series of seminars to educate
artistes, emphasize the importance of major elements of the industry, and
provide an atmosphere where players will rub minds, share ideas, compare notes
and network.
The seminar,
tagged 'understanding showbiz, is already generating wild interest amongst
members of an industry in search of direction. Mrs Yemisi Subair, a former
banker who has facilitated seminars and training programmes for major blue chip
companies in Nigeria and overseas, told Journalists during the week 'it's an
opportunity for us to help the showbiz industry unlock the potentials it has.
Music, acting and performance are arts. But they have very strict business and
developments aspects tied to them. We can't afford not to understand these at
this stage. Why should an artiste go broke 10 years after recording a hit
album? What kind of investments can guarantee a good life after performance?
Where should artistes put their money? What are their colleagues abroad doing
now? How can they use the media to their advantage? How about personal
development and networking? There's so much to talk about, so much to learn.
But this will be just a one-day seminar'
Joice Ize Iyamu,who has been working with talents for over a decade, adds: 'we need to get to
that stage where artistes know that they can make the right decisions too. That
even though they can surround themselves with professionals who can take care
of their interests, they also need to have some basic knowledge. Artistes are
very intelligent people, and they are our prise. It's sad each time I see an
act who used to be big, struggling to eat, or regretting some decisions they
took when things were still smooth'.
Interestingly,
the one-day seminar is not about artistes alone. Also expected to participate
are agents, publicists, showbiz journalists, managers, marketers, songwriters,
and other allied professionals. 'Every arm of the business needs the right
information. So we must carry everyone along. That's the only way we can
eventually enthrone a proper industry', said Ize-Iyamu.
Already, top names like 9ice, Weird MC, KC Presh, Ayo Animashaun, Toyin Subair and many more have indicated interest to be part of the training.
'We'll only
continue to grow if we don't stop learning. So I'm always open to new ideas and
new concepts. I believe in training and reorientation. That's why I think we
need a thing like this seminar now', said Weird MC.
Facilitators at the seminar include Ovation publisher and critic Dele Momodu, globally respected hip hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons, Ajibaba Subair, a financial
investment expert and Oromena Ajakpovi, a seasoned lawyer and partner at
Abraham & Co. other speakers will be confirmed.
Understanding Showbiz will hold at the Sheraton Hotel,
Lagos on September 17, 2008.
'Of course, it wont be all about talk', said Mrs Subair. 'This is showbiz we're talking about.
So you can expect to see a celebrity carpet segment, as well as all the
paparazzi, cocktails, autograph signing and all what a celebrity event should
look like'.

GOngo Aso and Yahoozee Rendition by Nicholas(A german internet whiz)

2008-08-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

You might have seen him on Hip on TV show where 9ice was glad to have his song rendered by a foreigner.About Nicolas Georgakis in his own words

"Hallo I am Nicolas Georgakis from Germany( Nienburg). I was born in Nienburg too. I have One Older Brother his name is ARIS. My Mum is a german and my dad is a greek. So Iam a REMIX =). just jokin. I finished at June 2008 my school and at the First of August 2008 I will start a Trainidcurse at a MERCEDES repair Garage. In my freetime I make a lot of Music and i go 3-4 times a week to my Sport activity (Fitness/Bodybuilding). Iam a Christ and I want to Live my Life with Jesus way. That is my Life in a few Sentences.

Nicolas Georgakis "

gongo aso by 9ice

yahoozee by olu maintain

Rappers give their opinion about Rick Ross being a prison guard and Trick Daddy denies

2008-07-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

After a photo of a young Rick Ross in a correctional uniform hit the net, rumors started that the man behind it was fellow Miami rapper, Trick Daddy. Trick Daddy has now told AllHipHop that it's not true. “We don’t deal with rap beef down here,” Trick said, continuing “That’s not in our character. That’s not something we do. We’re the only city that ever gets compared to other people’s entire states. Whoever put my name in this is really attacking all of us.” Trick even went on to defend Ross saying “So what if he [was],” Trick asked. “That just means he avoided something a lot of us in the hood haven’t, including me. I’m not proud of being an ex-con. Now that means I always got one foot in and one foot on a banana peel. I’m not proud of the things I did to land in that position.”

More details are hitting the net about Rick Ross being a correctional officer. TheSmokingGun.com obtained 86 pages of Ross' personnel file from the DOC for his year and half employment including his application, finger prints, clean criminal background and even his loyalty oath and his perfect attendance record.

Various rappers recently gave their opinion to MTVon what they think about Miami rapper Rick Ross being a correctional officer in the past.

As reported earlier, a picture showing Ross dressed as a prison guard had been circulating the internet and Ross repeatedly denied being a prison guard and claimed that the picture was photoshopped.

Earlier this week, TheSmokingGun.com would release corrections records proving that Ross (born William Leonard Roberts) worked as a prison guard from 1995 to 1997. [View Documents]

“The thing I wish is he came clean, if in fact that is him [in the photos].Cause you ain't gotta make no excuses for whatever you did,” Malice of The Clipse told MTV. “You might have thought differently at one point in time. I don't think that should discredit that man.”

“I'm not even going to go that far into it, “said Mal's brother, Pusha T. “I don't know what it's gonna do to him, what it can or what it should d o to him. I know the hip-hop community has given passes for much [worse].”

“I don't know if it will really hurt him,” Fabolous said. “As an artist, I think Rick Ross makes great music. He's always shown me love and respect whenever I met him. Everybody has a past. I don't know if [being a prison guard] is his past or not. That's not my place to say. I think if he continues to do what he does, sweep all that garbage under the rug — you know what? That's success. That's success taking a shot back at him. All of a sudden past pictures come up. He should just keep doing what he do.”

“He's a great dude. He's my friend,” Fat Joe said. “We'll just wait to see what [else] he has to say about it.”

“I'm disappointed,” Brooklyn rapper Maino said. “I'm really disappointed. I pride myself on being 100 percent who I am. If I went to college and had a job before, I would just say that. ... Him, in my opinion, I just think he should have just addressed it. ... 'Look, man. I was 19. It was a part of my life. ... I got to the coke later.'”

Dj Dro 'Mixtape Militant:The First Impression' Mixtape Droppin' Soon!

2008-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Need that traffic for your online presence,got crunk good music,Dj Dro is still accepting tracks! send 'em with details to htgunna@yahoo.com with details.

Nas Fires Back At 50 Cent? You Decide

2008-07-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

50 Cent might be adding another rapper to the never ending list of enemies. Rumors are starting to talk about Nas going at 50 after Nas has been at the recieving end of many insults over the years. On a new track called "Queens Get The Money" from Nas' new Untitled album, Nas fires back at the G-Unit general, although it isn't direct. The lyrics go as follows...

"Niggas is still hatin' / talkin that Nas done fell off with rhyming / he'd rather floss with diamonds / they pray please god let him spit that oozie in the army lining that shorty doo-wop rolling oowops in the park reclining take twenty-seven mc's put em / in a line and they out of alignment / my assignment said she said retirement hiding behind 8 Mile and The Chronic / get rich but dies rhyming / this is high science / now add 23 more from Queens to B'more / I'm over they heads like a bulimic on a seesaw / Now that's 50 porch monkeys ate up at the same time"

How To Start A Clothing Line

2008-07-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

Here is an article to help out acts who might wanna get into the fashion industry,taking to the foot step of their foreign counterparts).

The name of your clothing line is everything. Choose a name that best represents you now and where you would like to go in the future with your clothing line. The next thing or even the first thing you should do at this exact moment is get your web site name for your clothing line. Web sites names are going super fast so get your today’s for as little as $10. We recommend the service below because they are one of the cheapest on the internet when it comes to getting a domain name. Use the link below to see if your name is available. If it is, Register it now!
Register a domain name for your clothing line at GoDaddy.com $1.99 Domain Names Today

technical sketches - how to do them

* Next, do a search trademark search for your name. If it is available - register it with the United States Trademark Office (about $325).
* Go to your city clerk office and register your business and then open a bank account in your business name.
* Now you should be thinking about what type of clothes you want to make first. Do you want to start with T-shirts, jeans etc. Keep your scope limited at first until you build a name for yourself.
* Buy a fashion design program like Digital Fashion Pro to lay out your fashion designs with (www.DigitalFashionPro.com). Get all of your sketches together and figure out which ones you want to produce first. Show them to friends and family and see which ones people like the most. Next you can use your professional sketches to give to a seamstress, manufacturer, or screen printer who can make your designs for you. (Read article on fashion design software and the fashion design process)
* Next decide how you want to get your clothing made. Do you want to mass produce or just produce a few to see how things go. Producing locally or within the US. is your best bet for small production runs. Use the internet to find contractors or by contractors listing to help you.
* How much money does it cost to start a clothing line? The answer to this question is different for everyone. First you should make your business plan and determine how much money you need to get your line off the ground. To do this, you should find out how much a production run will cost, advertising etc. Coming up with the capital to launch your clothing line can be tricky depending on your situation. Keep this in mind; banks traditionally don't give loans for clothing lines because it is an intangible business. Banks will loan you money if you have collateral such as a house to put up. The Official Guide Book offers creative ways to finance your clothing line plus a better understanding of exactly what it will cost you to get started.
* Now that your clothing is being made it very important that your contractor / manufacturer deliver you quality goods and on time.
* Branding. As a clothing line owner, you have to think about new ways to brand your line everyday. It is important that you give consumers and store owners a reason why they should choose to support your line. Make sure you stand out. Being different and unique is a good thing in the fashion industry.
* Now that you have goods on the way. Begin taking orders for these items if you haven't already. When my partner and I started our line, we would go to summer festivals, church festivals etc. and rent booths to sell our line. One summer we made over $15,000 selling T-shirts. T-shirts are actually an excellent way to market your line. Sell your items to any and everyone you know. People will see them wearing it and ask how they can order. Make sure you offer deals if people buy more than one. This is called building a local selling network. Once you have a network that loves your clothes you can always sell them your new releases. Make sure you maintain a contact list of all of your customers. This is good for cash flow.
* Where can I sell my clothing? First think about putting your line in local stores. Make appointments with them to go in and show the buyer your line. After getting your line in stores locally and learning how things work you can then move on to thinking about national distribution.
* How to Marketing a Clothing Line. Marketing is an essential step in the success of your clothing line. People must know you exist. Make sure you have a professional looking web site first and foremost. Make sure you put out a press release about your line. You can also advertise your line online and in magazines etc. One thing you must have is post cards. Make sure you blanket your city with post cards that advertise your clothing line. The important thing is to build buzz and momentum surrounding your clothing line. Contact your local radio stations and see if you can get them to interview you. You can also think about attending local and national clothing trade shows like Magic International (www.magiconline.com). Attending clothing trade shows that will put you right in front of clothing buyers is the way to go to distribute your line nationally.
* Management. Manage your money, your orders, production, delivery and everything else about your line to perfection. Believe it or not, this is where most new clothing lines falter. Resources like www.startingaclothingline.com was created to help fashion entrepreneurs develop solid strategies to advance their fashion lines and ideas.
* The thing about starting a clothing line is that you must have the passion for it. Sleep, eat and breathe it. Nothing feels better than seeing others wearing your creations. Making money off those creations feels even better. Make sure you have adequate price points on your merchandise that will allow you to make money via wholesale and direct to consumer.

Bright Ways To Promote Your Self

2008-07-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

I've recently been promoting myself insanely throughout the internet and a little bit locally. To do so, I did some MASSIVE research on promotional tips etc. I decided to give out some really good ideas I found and compile them. Check it out.

1) Networking: Okay, early on in your promotion, networking will be tough. You don't know anyone and chances are, if you do, they don't or they couldn't care less. You may think your different, in fact you may even be, but they don't look at you that way. They see you as another small-time artist trying to get a deal. Yes, seems dead-end, right? Wrong. Who cares if they don't want to hear it? Keep yourself steady - make sure they hear your name more than once. Sooner or later someone is going to realize that you have something special. But hey, networking doesn't mean contacting the biggies of the industry, it also means contacting fellow rising artists. Make friends with artists who are coming up, work with them, and help each other out. Make sure if your name is coming up that their name is coming up with you. That way, if any time someone does something substantial, your going to get your dues paid. Don't be the shark who throws out the people that helped you get where you were either. If you worked with them when you were nothing, you should work with them when your something simply because that was your first step into the industry.

More at www.crunkcompilation.blogspot.com

Do Naija Artiste Myspace Suck?

2008-06-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

A wise man once said, “You can’t do what you want. Want what you can do.” You can’t turn a poodle into a championship racer. For that, you need a greyhound. But you could groom a poodle to take first prize at the Westminster dog show. There are far more people who deny the reality of limitations than there are people who accept it.

There is perhaps no better place to see this happening than on MySpace. MySpace Music has become a breeding ground of opportunity for many music artists who would otherwise have no voice. Now they can be heard by thousands who also want nothing more than the chance to be heard themselves. Myspace Music represents the power of technology and the Internet to connect everyone, but it’s also a huge playground for people who love to deny reality. Let me explain.

David Brroke,an american writer once wrote “People visit their friends’ pages and drop lovebombs. There’s scarcely a critical word about anyone or anything in the whole network. It’s just fervent declarations of friendship, vows to get together soon and memories of great times gone by.” Brooks is right. Log onto MySpace and look through all your friends’ pages. You will be very hard pressed to find a single condescending or critical remark about anyone, anywhere.

One would think that Myspace Music—where millions of bands and groups host their homepages—would make room for criticism, but that’s not the case. Far from it. Even though Myspace Music is a more formal and business oriented network than regular Myspace, people are just as nice and approving of each other.

Check anyone’s page on any day. You’ll see people leaving messages like, “dropping by to sho sum luv yor shits smashin.” Or, “Wasup? I’m feeling ya style…I got some sick shit.” Or how about the guy who says, “Wats good my dude? You doin some big things out here, hyping that real underground hip hop! That’s wassup. I joined your mailing list because im lookin to grab your album, songs on your page is soundin SERIOUS. I let you get real by doin your thing, but if you got time, check out and comment on my newest track.”

There’s nothing wrongs with comments, but the problems begin when comments become an opiate. Many people become so addicted to the affirmation and praise they get through them that they forget that most of the people leaving them aren’t doing so because they actually give a damn about their music. They’re doing it because they want them to check out their own pages to leave comments about them. People know this but they forget it very easily when getting wrapped up in the emotional absorption of reading other people’s “praise.”

The result of all of this is that many people are deluded into believing that they’re better than they really are. If there’s one thing that can’t be denied, it’s the bad quality of much of the music on MySpace. But, but…there are also some very talented people on MySpace. But the law of averages ensures that most people’s music won’t be any good. Talent really is rare. MySpace just makes that even more evident.

Although MySpace is an excellent venue for showcasing music to the world, one unintended side effect of it is that it gives people inaccurate perceptions of the music industry and how one goes about being successful in the new world of music. One of the more damaging notions that the whole MySpace phenomenon promotes is the idea that the music industry is really about music.

The music industry is about business. It’s about the marketing of image and persona. Some people trying to get their music heard are aware of this but they have a very poor understanding of how media-oriented businesses work. They also don’t understand how people go about starting successful media businesses, which is exactly what a record label is. Getting into the music business requires similar sets of skills. With all its flash and pomp, MySpace Music gives outsiders the impression that there is a limitless supply of future music stars out there waiting to be discovered. The reality is far different, of course.

The fact of the matter is that even if you’re a talented music producer or artist, your chances of raising eyebrows at a major record label through demo submissions is next to nil. Only 5 major record companies dominate the relatively small industry and each receives hundreds of demos per week from aspiring artists and producers from all over the country. Many of those demos collect dust in A&R offices in the US
To put things into perspective, think of it this way: There are arguably only about 10 major hip hop music producers out there at any one time. These are the people who produce most of the known music for the well-known artists, of which there are also only dozens who are firmly planted.
It’s hard to estimate how many people out there are aspiring music producers, but let’s assume the generous figure of 100,000 (2000 per U.S state) across the entire United States who actually own equipment and software sophisticated enough to produce and record music. About 1000 of that 100,000 could probably be considered good and about 10 out of that 1000 could be good enough to get a call back from an A&R(if he/she is organized enough). Out of that 10, only one will likely have a shot at true success. That gives you a 1/100,000th odd. If you’re a singer or rapper, your odds are probably in the millions. In some places you may have a better shot at winning the lottery.
AND FOR nIGERIA WE ARE TALKING THE SAME FIGURES

For the average no-name artist, lack of connections presents a marvelous catch 22: If you can’t get your demo heard, how do you make connections? And if you can’t make connections, how do you get your demo heard? An independent music artist is much better off in this day and age if they build their own brand by themselves, brick by brick, rather than hoping for a major label deal.

That means using the power of the Internet—especially MySpace—to network with the right people. It’s much easier to do than you think. It just requires that you have a good product and in order to make your product good, you have to put a lot of effort into it.

It’s called being an entrepreneur. The new landscape of the music industry is tough, but at least the artist has control. You don’t have to sit on your hands waiting for the A&Rs to respond anymore. Maybe you won’t end up making as much money as the megastar who gets the record deal, but you have a much better shot at making some kind of money if you’re an average music artist who wouldn’t get signed anyway. It’s a much more democratic music industry thanks in large part to MySpace and the Internet.

Word To Record Label Owners!

2008-06-05T05:42:00.000-07:00

The reason most businesses fail isn’t because business is risky. It’s because many business people do risky and stupid things. Business isn’t that risky folks. Let me say that again. Business isn’t that risky. Of course, that phrase should always go along with fine print that says, “…if you plan well.” And that’s a big if that most people who go into business ignore at their peril. And a record label is a business. Now, many people I’ve met who are involved with a record label in some way haven’t fully realized that a record label is a business and they wonder why they aren’t making it.

Doesn’t it seem like everyone today has their own record label? Record labels today litter the landscape like cat turds in a kitty box. If I got a nickel for every guy who told me he was part of or thinking of becoming part of a record label, I’d be pretty damn rich by now. Thing is, in my experience, usually a record label just consists of a few guys with a loud, crappy MySpace and some recording gear who yearn to be taken seriously, but who are usually doing little more than just screwing around.

And they don’t know it. They think they’re not screwing around. In fact, in their minds, they’re 100% convinced that they should be taken seriously. But in reality, they’re just screwing around. I know that sounds harsh. But the uncomfortable truth is that many people who think they’re running a real record label need to open their eyes and see how badly they’re shooting themselves in the foot through the downright silly and sometimes stupid decisions they make.

A record label is no different from any other business in that regard. When it comes to sound decision making there is one crucial area that usually spells death for most music ventures. It’s the main reason why most record labels either never get off the ground or run out of steam. It’s called leadership.

The way most record labels start out is that a few people will get together because one person sings well, the other produces and the other is good with numbers or knows management or something like that. They realize that if they put their talents together they can create a business that produces and sells music. In the beginning everyone is super excited about all the possibilities and they all think they’re the hottest new thing out and they’re going to take over the world. I actually saw that on one band’s MySpace. They said they’re “Taking over the world,” like the Dark Overlord or something. But then the rubber meets the road. They actually have to take action and do the numerous daily chores that the business requires to succeed. The real world hits them like a fist.

Time passes by and the enthusiasm begins to wear off. It wears off because people begin to realize that dreaming alone isn’t sufficient. To build a real business they realize you have to constantly do many small, boring, unglamorous tasks you may not like. And you have to do them day after week after month after year. And over time, all the tiny little things that the business requires add up and spin out of control, unless there is someone there to keep them all in order. The producer isn’t meeting deadlines, the artist is often late to recording sessions, etc.You see, the problem with most record labels isn’t that people aren’t making enough decisions. The problem is that nobody’s really in charge to make sure that the right decisions are being made. Many people think that because record labels are about music, that business principles don’t apply as much. But a record label isn’t really about music. It’s about business. There needs to be somebody at the top who oversees everything with an iron fist if necessary.
Some labels will have two CEOs. They’re usually friends who decide that they can wriggle their way out of having to be their friend’s boss or subordinate by sharing power equally. But it doesn’t work that way. It’s a very stupid thing to share power like that because business isn’t about friendship. It’s about decisions and profit, and everybody’s not equal. There needs to be that one guy at the top who makes sure deadlines are being met, projects are being completed, relationships are being maintained and a million other things. Otherwise you just have a bunch of jackasses who think they’re running something. Call this head person the CEO, Director or whatever you want to, but the title’s not important. It’s the character and knowledge of that person that counts.

Lots of record labels do have people who call themselves CEOs, but so many times, they’re leaders in name only. You can’t just slap a title on somebody and expect them to lead. A person needs qualifications. There are four absolutely crucial things to look for when deciding who it is that’s going to lead a business.

The first is intelligence. Forget all this 7 theories of intelligence BS. Smart is smart. You know it when you see it. A leader must be able to carefully, clearly and objectively analyze situations, think into the future and strategize in order to take the label in the right direction. If you can’t plan several years into the future, you shouldn’t be a leader, plain and simple.

Second, a leader needs to be a good communicator. That means being the most articulate and good at dealing with people. Not just verbally, but through writing too. It doesn’t necessarily mean being outgoing. In fact, if somebody tells you this crap about being a "people person," know that they're probably not fit to lead anything other than their tongue. Being a good communicator is about knowing how to sell ideas and make other people feel at ease.

Third, they need to be curious about learning new things. The last person you want leading anything is some guy who hasn't read a single book since 12th grade English class. Or who doesn't even trawl the Internet every single day for information because he's hungry for new ideas. Or a guy who never asks questions because he's got too much pride. Otherwise, the company goes nowhere and the competition wins.

Fourth, a leader needs to be able to take responsiblity for his actions. If he makes a mistake, he should be able to take the blame. If things go well, he should be able to praise everyone else before praising himself. A true leader leaves his ego at the door. Like a true captain, he should be willing to go down with his ship.

Emceeing 101

2008-04-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Emceeing:
Emcee is derived from the abbreviation M.C. or "Master of Ceremonies," which also implies "move the crowd." An emcee is a person who raps to inspire people with well-written, crisply-delivered, clear and concise lyrics. Most people would rather 'rap' or rhyme words in a catchy manner, but very few take the time to actually emcee. The likes of Melle Mel and Nas rarely falter in the field of emceeing.

From An Emcee's Perspective:
In his book, *The Art of Emceeing, Stic.man of dead prez writes, "A rapper is to an emcee what an average street fighter is to a trained martial artist. They are both fighters but the degree and depth of their skill is very different."

The Origin of Emceeing:
Emceeing has been in existence prior to the days of slavery, way before the United States even existed. African griots or poets, who delivered their rhythmic folk tales over drums and other forms of instrumentation, are often cited as the innovators of what is now known as rap.

Elements of Emceeing: Certified emcees stand out because they share certain elements in common.
Rhyme Scheme: This is also known as rhyme structure. An emcee's rhyme scheme refers to the pattern of his rhymes. This ranges from basic (Kanye West) to complex (Eminem).

Delivery: The way an emcee flows may depend on his cadence, speed, melody, intonation, rhythm, enunciation, and even accent. This is known as delivery. Both Eminem and Jay-Z possess the ability to alternate their flow and delivery with adept swiftness.

Word Play: One listen to the late Notorious B.I.G. and our session on word play is complete. Biggie had the ability to experiment with words creatively.

Some Notable Emcees:
Nas
Rakim
KRS-One
Black Thought
Eminem
dead.prez
Common
Melle Mel
Chuck D
Mos Def

Ayo reppin large from UK

2008-03-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

here's an article on Nigeria's Ayo.she can down to Nigeria,shot her vid and she's getting feature at vibe (she movin up!)

article titled:Ayo - “I had to write them in order to grow."

Even when talking about the early days of her career, when people were trying to turn her into a Britney-ish pop-tart, Ayo can’t help but erupt into a contagious cascade of giggles. Typical. The 27-year-old boho beauty’s name means “joyful” in Yoruba. And over the phone, a continent away, her playful spirit is unmistakable.

“It’s so beautiful watching your family playing on the playground and having nothing in your schedule,” says the guitar-cradling soul singer, calling in from a park bench in Germany. She just wrapped up a month long European tour that took her to France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and she’s milking every second of her time at home. She interrupts the conversation for a moment to smooch her 2-year-old son, Nile — “like the river” — who runs over from the swings “just to get a little cuddle.”

A self-proclaimed nomad who’s lived everywhere from Paris to New York City, Ayo is the product of a Nigerian dad, a onetime DJ, and a Romaniain gypsy mom. Her music has the soulful-yet-folksy flavor of Corinne Bailey Rae, but with a dash more sadness. On her first single, “Down On My Knees,” her voice flutters delicately over Tracy Chapman-esque strumming and dips playfully in and out of African acoustic renderings. “I never wrote these songs to put them on a record,” she claims. “I had to write them in order to grow. I started playing music for selfish reasons — it’s what makes life pleasant for me.”

Her debut, Joyful (Universal), a gorgeous collection of billowy ballads, was initially released overseas and has already gone double platinum in France and platinum in Poland. It caught the ear of Interscope’s Jimmy Iovine, who, while traveling in Paris, asked Ayo to a restaurant where he was dining. She performed for him amid tables and chairs.

Ayo’s never not at ease. “I feel more like a citizen of the world. I could feel at home anywhere,” she says, as she watches her son soaring in a swing. “At first I was escaping — now it’s more like freedom.”

Rap Vs Hiphop

2008-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Rap is definitely a more powerful word than Hip-Hop. Just say both of them and you can easily tell which one is more likely to make people take notice. Rap sounds hard and forceful. Hip-Hop makes people think of something softer, probably because our first association with the word “hop” involves rabbits. Rap has always been the music of the culture that is Hip-Hop. We’ve all heard the KRS-ONE quote ad nauseam, “Rap is something you do, Hip-Hop is something you live."A little over a decade ago things became murky genre-wise as people started to make distinctions between types of Rap music. They wanted a way to separate what they deemed positive Rap music, the socially conscious, more jazz influenced material, from the more street oriented reality raps that were so prevalent in Gangsta Rap’s heyday. They called the former Hip-Hop while keeping the Rap tag on the latter. The ideology behind the move still remains bothersome because people basically said “I like this, let’s call it something else so people don’t think I like that.” What it did was make Rap music second class to what was now being called Hip-Hop music.

While I don’t like the original sentiment that created the distinction, I can see why many people felt some sub-genres within Rap music needed to be made. The same way rock fans wouldn’t lump Korn with The Doors, rap fans wanted to find a way to differentiate between The Lox and Common. Each pair of artists I just named do vastly different forms of the same genre of music. No one would say Korn and The Doors sound anything alike, yet they are both under the umbrella of Rock. This is why subgenres can actually be helpful. Those who wanted to make the separation within Rap music, however, should have come up with an original word to describe the distinction they were trying to make. Hip-Hop was already in our lexicon as a culture made up of rapping, DJing, break dancing and graffiti art. You can’t just take that word and suddenly give it a new definition. This is where I start to side with HiCoup’s argument again.

The way I see it, a lot of the folks who decided certain music should be labeled as Hip-Hop did so to try to redefine the culture as a whole. They wanted to say this is Hip-Hop music and that Rap music, no, that’s not us, can’t be, we have this Hip-Hop music. Rock n Roll has Alt Rock, Punk, Metal, etc. Reggae has Dancehall, Roots Reggae, etc. If people are going to start separating forms of Rap music they need to find some new words with which to do it. Many of us already use subgenre creating phrases such as Conscious Rap to better describe an artist or album, so it’s not like we don’t have the terminology. Yes, I realize it’s putting artists into boxes, which they can’t stand, but it makes sense for the topic at hand.

I actually don’t mind people using Hip-Hop and Rap to mean different things as long as they’re not using it solely to differentiate between what they like and what they don’t. Please remember this, there’s no rule that says you have to be dope to be in Hip-Hop. There are plenty of wack rappers. You may know a few yourself. Just because they’re wack, however, doesn’t make them any less Hip-Hop than the dude who just blew your mind with a 16 the likes of which you’ve never heard before. They’re both rappers, and they’re both Hip-Hop.

If you want to call someone a Hip-Hop artist because you feel their music is jazzy, or socially conscious, I’m cool with that. If you want to label anything that involves an MC on the mic Rap music I’m fine with that, too (told ya I’m straddling the fence here). My lone issue is in when people start using the terms to create differentials based on their likes and dislikes, which suddenly makes genres of music matters of taste. “He’s good,” or “he sucks” doesn’t define a piece of music, it defines one’s opinion on a piece of music, and has nothing to do with where it should be placed in the CD rack at your local record store.
listen to a conversion on rap vs hiphop by Dj Halo

Best of Mo'bb CEO;Gino

2008-02-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

No be God remix

farabale

lord have mercy

Wande Coal 'Booty Call' Video

2008-01-16T04:52:00.000-08:00