Beeda Weeda extraordinaire, the 24 year-old Producer/Rapper from East Oakland, CA, hit the scene in the early 2006 with his first single “Turfs Up.” Soon after, he made Bay Area history by remixing the smash to include such greats as E-40, Turf Talk, Dem Hoodstars, Too Short, San Quinn and Eddie P. You may have heard his production for such artists as: Suga Free, Yukmouth, Askari X, Under Survalance and the Brooklyn-based Wildcats. You may have heard him rhyme on a number of Bay Area compilations and collaborations. Beeda's homebase is Oakland’s PTB Records (Pushing the Beat) who not to long ago merged with Clear Label Records (founded by Tajai of the legendary Hieroglyphics) to form the ClearBeat label. This was unexpected move for both labels considering they march to beat of a different drum, (for lack of better words) yet both have had great independent success.
Young Beeda Weeda hails from the notorious Murder Dubbs neighborhood in East Oakland, which sets the backdrop for his raw and uncut lyrics. He first showcased his skills on a national scale with Homework, an all-original mix-album (ClearBeat, May 2006; Mixed by the Bay Area Mixtape Kings The Demolition Men) in May of 2006. Not long after Beeda released his now classic debut album, Turfology 101 (ClearBeat/Hiero Imperium, July 2006) which has definitely created a major buzz and enabled Beeda to solidify his presence in the industry. The “Turfs Up” video aired on 32 stations and generated over 1,000,000 hits online. Beeda was also number 3 on Myspace's top 10 Hip Hop/Rap artists.
Even without such impressive stats, it is easy to see that Beeda is talented and exudes a captivating swagger. He is also versatile, prolific and produces classics. Beeda plans to further build his legacy in 2008 and beyond. Since dropping Turfology 101, Beeda has featured on numerous albums and made several TV appearances. He has also filmed 2 more videos; "On Like Shit” (from the Homework album) and "U Don't Hear My Tummy" (from his upcoming SMC/Thizz/Clearbeat, Fall 2008 album, The Thizness). The latter is in heavy rotation online and generating major views. Beeda also recently released his second all-original Mix-album "Talk Shit Swallow Spit" (ClearBeat, 2008; also arranged by the Demolition Men), and is now putting the final touches on his 2nd full-length album, Baserock Babies (ClearBeat, Summer 2008). This album, produced by Dj Fresh of “Tonite Show” fame, is a throwback to the gritty sounds golden-era Hip-Hop. All of this is done in preparation for the release of his opus, Turf Radio (Clearbeat, 2009), which promises to be another classic. Yes, the boy is busy! Obviously a trendsetter and not a follower; Beeda Weeda is definitely on his way to superstardom.
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Scarface
Scarface quickly became the South's most admired rapper and remained so throughout the '90s after breaking away from the Geto Boys to launch his solo career in 1991. Even if he never scored any national hits or stormed up the Billboard charts with any of his numerous albums throughout the '90s, no one could question his clout throughout the South. He essentially defined what it meant to be a Southern thug rapper years before anyone even coined the term Dirty South. This became glaringly evident in the late '90s when a massive wave of young MCs arose from Houston, New Orleans, and Memphis emulating his style of hard-boiled, ghetto-bred, straight-up hardcore rapping. Besides serving as the father of Southern thug rap, it seemed as if every hardcore rapper wanted to align himself with Scarface during the '90s -- everyone from Ice Cube and Dr. Dre to 2Pac and Master P collaborated with the former Geto Boy -- all in an attempt to foster credibility among the loyal Southern rap audience.
Yet despite his unquestionable influence, Scarface never crossed over to mainstream acceptance. His albums were often plagued with filler, his lyrics were simply too harsh for radio, and his uncompromising devotion to producer Mike Dean led to a stagnant, albeit trademark, sound. Still, likely because Scarface never crossed over and remained aligned to the streets, his influence never waned, making him one of the few veterans able to sustain in the here-today, gone-tomorrow rap game. In the early 2000s, Def Jam Records rewarded his staying power with a lucrative contract, a wealth of industry connections, and a powerful marketing push. Scarface consequently enjoyed the most successful album of his career, The Fix (2002), and a revival of interest in his back catalog, which his former label, Rap-a-Lot, repackaged that same year on Greatest Hits.
Before Brad Jordan became known as Scarface, he called himself Akshen. As such, he began his rap career first as a solo artist in his native Houston during the mid-'80s for James Smith's then fledging Rap-a-Lot label. Smith was trying to launch a group he tagged the Geto Boys, and he eventually asked Akshen to join the group in the late '80s. The Geto Boys' debut album -- Grip It! On That Other Level (1990), later repackaged and re-released that same year simply as The Geto Boys -- shocked many with its vivid depictions of violence and its overall extreme nature. This album featured the song "Scarface," which introduced Akshen's alter ego, a title he would keep from that point onward. The ensuing controversy surrounding the group's debut put the Geto Boys on the map and set the stage for the impressive We Can't Be Stopped (1991). In the wake of the group's national success came solo albums, one of which being Scarface's debut, Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991). The album made it evident who the group's most talented member was, and the acclaim showered on Scarface resulted in bitter tensions among his fellow Geto Boys, Bushwick Bill and Willie D. By the time Scarface returned with his follow-up album, The World Is Yours (1993), his reputation overshadowed that of his group's. Willie D consequently departed, and the the Geto Boys never again rivaled We Can't Be Stopped, releasing half-hearted, albeit popular, efforts with a new lineup before later reuniting in the late '90s. In the meantime, Scarface continued to funnel his efforts into additional solo efforts: The Diary (1994) and Untouchable (1997). He then released the double-disc My Homies (1998), a bloated effort laden with guests, many of the South's leading rappers.
It wasn't until 2000, though, that Scarface won substantial admiration from the greater rap community with Last of a Dying Breed, his most personal and focused album in years. As a result, he was awarded Lyricist of the Year at the 2001 Source Awards and was offered a promising deal with Def Jam Records. The powerhouse East Coast label wanted Scarface to helm its Def Jam South subsidiary division, and the rapper obliged, first signing Ludacris, who became an overnight superstar, and then releasing his own album, The Fix (2002). Led by a Kayne West-produced collaboration with Jay-Z, "Guess Who's Back," it spawned a popular single, "My Block," and attracted widespread embrace. Rap-a-Lot furthered Scarface's newfound coast-to-coast acceptance with the rapper's first best-of collection, Greatest Hits (2002). In 2005, he reunited with Willie D and Bushwick Bill and put together The Foundation, another Geto Boys album. A year later he introduced his new crew, the Product, with the album One Hunid and released a second volume of My Homies. Also landing in 2006 was 2 Face, a collection of tracks featuring Scarface and the late 2Pac.
Godfather of the south introduces the future of Texas with Green City
His Label – Underground railroad (has put out 1 album on Koch in 2006) –
name of group: The Product – did same deal with SMC for Green City
He formed the label to discover new talent and develop it just like he did with Ludacris and with Devin the Dude.
1st record on SMC is a group from Killeen, TX named Green City, he appears on the album, available for interviews, etc. Green City – 7 members. Heard music when he was at a gym and found out these guys were not on a label and spoke to them that day and signed them on the spot. He met group in Houston (they flew in from Kailleen) 2 weeks later and Green City began recording their album – “Brand New Money”.
Album features Manny Fresh, Scarface
2 semi-pro boxers from Killeen that went to high school with the guys and they were playing the music at the gym in Houston.
Members:
Spark Dawg – main rappers - President
Mike Hee – main rappers (Ali is his manger and also Vice President of the label)
Yung Texxus – main rappers Co-CEO
MJ
J. Scott
Big Spade (member – but in jail – parole violation – on a track or two)
G – Ni (from Atlanta – member – in house producer, produced a few tracks for the album, that is how he started up in group – Spark Dawg brought him in, was a producer on Spark’s solo joint – lots of mixtapes)
Patiently waiting section of Ozone Magazine – October 2006
Scotty Lee – CEO of label Green City and he also founded the group, but not a rapper, a business man. Group was his dream, he brought the guys together in high school to form the group.
Green City – what does it mean – it represents the name Killeen, it rhymes with the city and it also represents money. All the members attended Killeen high school and became good friends, Spark made grills for people in school, that is how he met the others.
Green City is also a click, and a movement – there are other people that are in the click, but not as rappers.
Killean is a Milatary town and it is connected to Ft. Hood (the biggest millarty base in the world). 45 minutes north of Austin. How is their style different – they are real 80’s babies (early 20’s), they are young and new artists are their legends and who they grew up listening to – Swishahouse, Fabulous, Ludacris, TI, Bum D, Scarface hero (even before the deal)
Being from a military town – there are people from all over the country and they hear stuff from all over the place. Have a sound that is mixed with Texas influence with a whole national feel. Nothing like the Houston sound.
What is it like working with Face? Face is not Hollywood at all, he is well respected, and is very down to earth. Easy to chill with, regular dude, “Uncle Face”. It is surreal that they are working with him – he is a hero, a legend in their eyes, Face makes it real easy by being real and acting like a regular dude. No other Texas person can give you such a big co-sign is Face. Can’t lose with him backing them up/haiving their back.
“No one else in Texas can give you a bigger co-sign than Scarface, we are blessed to working with him.” - Spark
What is the first single – “Party like a Rock Star” – featuring Manny Fresh (possibly with Mike Jones – he might be on remix), produced by Da Champ (young 18 year old – Spark manages him, found him in Austin)
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Yet despite his unquestionable influence, Scarface never crossed over to mainstream acceptance. His albums were often plagued with filler, his lyrics were simply too harsh for radio, and his uncompromising devotion to producer Mike Dean led to a stagnant, albeit trademark, sound. Still, likely because Scarface never crossed over and remained aligned to the streets, his influence never waned, making him one of the few veterans able to sustain in the here-today, gone-tomorrow rap game. In the early 2000s, Def Jam Records rewarded his staying power with a lucrative contract, a wealth of industry connections, and a powerful marketing push. Scarface consequently enjoyed the most successful album of his career, The Fix (2002), and a revival of interest in his back catalog, which his former label, Rap-a-Lot, repackaged that same year on Greatest Hits.
Before Brad Jordan became known as Scarface, he called himself Akshen. As such, he began his rap career first as a solo artist in his native Houston during the mid-'80s for James Smith's then fledging Rap-a-Lot label. Smith was trying to launch a group he tagged the Geto Boys, and he eventually asked Akshen to join the group in the late '80s. The Geto Boys' debut album -- Grip It! On That Other Level (1990), later repackaged and re-released that same year simply as The Geto Boys -- shocked many with its vivid depictions of violence and its overall extreme nature. This album featured the song "Scarface," which introduced Akshen's alter ego, a title he would keep from that point onward. The ensuing controversy surrounding the group's debut put the Geto Boys on the map and set the stage for the impressive We Can't Be Stopped (1991). In the wake of the group's national success came solo albums, one of which being Scarface's debut, Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991). The album made it evident who the group's most talented member was, and the acclaim showered on Scarface resulted in bitter tensions among his fellow Geto Boys, Bushwick Bill and Willie D. By the time Scarface returned with his follow-up album, The World Is Yours (1993), his reputation overshadowed that of his group's. Willie D consequently departed, and the the Geto Boys never again rivaled We Can't Be Stopped, releasing half-hearted, albeit popular, efforts with a new lineup before later reuniting in the late '90s. In the meantime, Scarface continued to funnel his efforts into additional solo efforts: The Diary (1994) and Untouchable (1997). He then released the double-disc My Homies (1998), a bloated effort laden with guests, many of the South's leading rappers.
It wasn't until 2000, though, that Scarface won substantial admiration from the greater rap community with Last of a Dying Breed, his most personal and focused album in years. As a result, he was awarded Lyricist of the Year at the 2001 Source Awards and was offered a promising deal with Def Jam Records. The powerhouse East Coast label wanted Scarface to helm its Def Jam South subsidiary division, and the rapper obliged, first signing Ludacris, who became an overnight superstar, and then releasing his own album, The Fix (2002). Led by a Kayne West-produced collaboration with Jay-Z, "Guess Who's Back," it spawned a popular single, "My Block," and attracted widespread embrace. Rap-a-Lot furthered Scarface's newfound coast-to-coast acceptance with the rapper's first best-of collection, Greatest Hits (2002). In 2005, he reunited with Willie D and Bushwick Bill and put together The Foundation, another Geto Boys album. A year later he introduced his new crew, the Product, with the album One Hunid and released a second volume of My Homies. Also landing in 2006 was 2 Face, a collection of tracks featuring Scarface and the late 2Pac.
Godfather of the south introduces the future of Texas with Green City
His Label – Underground railroad (has put out 1 album on Koch in 2006) –
name of group: The Product – did same deal with SMC for Green City
He formed the label to discover new talent and develop it just like he did with Ludacris and with Devin the Dude.
1st record on SMC is a group from Killeen, TX named Green City, he appears on the album, available for interviews, etc. Green City – 7 members. Heard music when he was at a gym and found out these guys were not on a label and spoke to them that day and signed them on the spot. He met group in Houston (they flew in from Kailleen) 2 weeks later and Green City began recording their album – “Brand New Money”.
Album features Manny Fresh, Scarface
2 semi-pro boxers from Killeen that went to high school with the guys and they were playing the music at the gym in Houston.
Members:
Spark Dawg – main rappers - President
Mike Hee – main rappers (Ali is his manger and also Vice President of the label)
Yung Texxus – main rappers Co-CEO
MJ
J. Scott
Big Spade (member – but in jail – parole violation – on a track or two)
G – Ni (from Atlanta – member – in house producer, produced a few tracks for the album, that is how he started up in group – Spark Dawg brought him in, was a producer on Spark’s solo joint – lots of mixtapes)
Patiently waiting section of Ozone Magazine – October 2006
Scotty Lee – CEO of label Green City and he also founded the group, but not a rapper, a business man. Group was his dream, he brought the guys together in high school to form the group.
Green City – what does it mean – it represents the name Killeen, it rhymes with the city and it also represents money. All the members attended Killeen high school and became good friends, Spark made grills for people in school, that is how he met the others.
Green City is also a click, and a movement – there are other people that are in the click, but not as rappers.
Killean is a Milatary town and it is connected to Ft. Hood (the biggest millarty base in the world). 45 minutes north of Austin. How is their style different – they are real 80’s babies (early 20’s), they are young and new artists are their legends and who they grew up listening to – Swishahouse, Fabulous, Ludacris, TI, Bum D, Scarface hero (even before the deal)
Being from a military town – there are people from all over the country and they hear stuff from all over the place. Have a sound that is mixed with Texas influence with a whole national feel. Nothing like the Houston sound.
What is it like working with Face? Face is not Hollywood at all, he is well respected, and is very down to earth. Easy to chill with, regular dude, “Uncle Face”. It is surreal that they are working with him – he is a hero, a legend in their eyes, Face makes it real easy by being real and acting like a regular dude. No other Texas person can give you such a big co-sign is Face. Can’t lose with him backing them up/haiving their back.
“No one else in Texas can give you a bigger co-sign than Scarface, we are blessed to working with him.” - Spark
What is the first single – “Party like a Rock Star” – featuring Manny Fresh (possibly with Mike Jones – he might be on remix), produced by Da Champ (young 18 year old – Spark manages him, found him in Austin)
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Killer Mike
SMC PLEDGES ALLEGIANCE TO KILLER MIKE & GRIND TIME OFFICIAL
San Francisco, CA, November 6, 2007 - Killer Mike and his Atlanta based label, Grind Time Official, have joined forces with Bay Area based record label, SMC Recordings. The first release from this dynamic partnership will be the continuation of Killer Mike's critically acclaimed Pledge series and will be titled, I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II.
Killer Mike got his formal introduction when he first appeared on the Outkast single "The Whole World" for which he won a Grammy. Mike then signed to Outkast's Aquemini label, which was distributed by Columbia Records, and in 2003 released his debut album, "Monster" which went Gold. After a short stay at Big Boi’s label, Purple Ribbon/Virgin, Mike decided it was time for him to make moves on his own and he established Grind Time Official in 2004. With no distribution, Grind Time still made an impact with Killer Mike releases including, “Dec Crack” in 2004, “The Killer” which won the SEA Mixtape of the Year Award in 2005, and “I Pledge Allegiance to The Grind I”, which won Best Street Album at this years Ozone Awards.
The first single from I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II will be released in December, the street date for the album release will be early 2008. Pledge II boasts an impressive line up of both Southern and Bay Area rappers, which will include appearances by notable legends, 8 Ball and MJG, UGK and Trae, with more to be announced. As he did with “I Pledge Allegiance to The Grind I”, Mike will reunite with producers Chaotic Beats, Heatwave and The D Majors for part II and also will include beats from Marvelous J and The Beat Bullies.
Killer Mike is excited about teaming up with SMC, about being his own boss and is looking forward to bringing new music to his fans, “If you work hard and grind hard, it will pay off in the end! I was a worker, now I’m a boss!” Will Bronson, co-owner of SMC Recordings, is ready for the 2008 release, “All we wanna do is release great records by dope and refreshing artists– Killer Mike and the Grind Time Official artists embody that. Needless to say, (Killer) Mike is f**king perfect to kick 2008 off with!”
Grind Time and SMC are looking ahead and after kicking off the partnership with I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II at the on-set of 2008, they plan to continue their partnership with a release from SL Jones and other members of the Grind Time Rap Gang. Be sure to be on the look out for I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II in 2008 and Grind Time Rap Gang, Bang! Bang! Bang!
You can also catch Killer Mike on his web show Super Deluxe – Killer Mike’s Grind Time Sport’s Show - http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/artist/killer_mike
http://www.myspace.com/grindtimeonline
Posted by Anna Nathanson
San Francisco, CA, November 6, 2007 - Killer Mike and his Atlanta based label, Grind Time Official, have joined forces with Bay Area based record label, SMC Recordings. The first release from this dynamic partnership will be the continuation of Killer Mike's critically acclaimed Pledge series and will be titled, I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II.
Killer Mike got his formal introduction when he first appeared on the Outkast single "The Whole World" for which he won a Grammy. Mike then signed to Outkast's Aquemini label, which was distributed by Columbia Records, and in 2003 released his debut album, "Monster" which went Gold. After a short stay at Big Boi’s label, Purple Ribbon/Virgin, Mike decided it was time for him to make moves on his own and he established Grind Time Official in 2004. With no distribution, Grind Time still made an impact with Killer Mike releases including, “Dec Crack” in 2004, “The Killer” which won the SEA Mixtape of the Year Award in 2005, and “I Pledge Allegiance to The Grind I”, which won Best Street Album at this years Ozone Awards.
The first single from I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II will be released in December, the street date for the album release will be early 2008. Pledge II boasts an impressive line up of both Southern and Bay Area rappers, which will include appearances by notable legends, 8 Ball and MJG, UGK and Trae, with more to be announced. As he did with “I Pledge Allegiance to The Grind I”, Mike will reunite with producers Chaotic Beats, Heatwave and The D Majors for part II and also will include beats from Marvelous J and The Beat Bullies.
Killer Mike is excited about teaming up with SMC, about being his own boss and is looking forward to bringing new music to his fans, “If you work hard and grind hard, it will pay off in the end! I was a worker, now I’m a boss!” Will Bronson, co-owner of SMC Recordings, is ready for the 2008 release, “All we wanna do is release great records by dope and refreshing artists– Killer Mike and the Grind Time Official artists embody that. Needless to say, (Killer) Mike is f**king perfect to kick 2008 off with!”
Grind Time and SMC are looking ahead and after kicking off the partnership with I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II at the on-set of 2008, they plan to continue their partnership with a release from SL Jones and other members of the Grind Time Rap Gang. Be sure to be on the look out for I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II in 2008 and Grind Time Rap Gang, Bang! Bang! Bang!
You can also catch Killer Mike on his web show Super Deluxe – Killer Mike’s Grind Time Sport’s Show - http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/artist/killer_mike
http://www.myspace.com/grindtimeonline
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Mistah F.A.B
Mistah F.A.B. readies his highly anticipated indie release, DA BAYDESTRIAN
Although Mistah F.A.B. has endured much scrutiny in the national press over the past few months for his single, “Ghost Ride It”, he prepares himself for his upcoming release on SMC Recordings this May with DA BAYDESTRIAN.
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, FAB encountered his first taste of fame when he entered The Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype Freestyle Battle” in 1999 and placed 3rd. This brought him to the attention of a local Bay Area based label – Straight Hits, who signed him in 2001. FAB released his first underground album with the label in 2003 entitled, “Nig-Latin”.
Bay Area legend, Mac Dre took notice of this fledgling rapper and enlisted him as one of the original members of the Thizz Nation. With the backing of this renowned rapper Mistah F.A.B. released “Mac Dre Presents Mistah F.A.B. – Son of a Pimp” in 2005 featuring the huge regional hit – “Super Sic Wit It” featuring E-40. The single ends up taking the Hyphy movement in a whole different direction, with the song lyric – “I do the dummy, retarded, and ride the yellow bus”. The Hyphy movement revolves around acting a fool and FAB took it one step further with these lyrics.
The song and the album propelled FAB to regional stardom. Soon every artist in the bay area started calling, wanting him to guest star on their albums. He was also featured on the MTV special, “My Block – The Bay” which caught the interest of many major labels - FAB decided to roll with Atlantic Records.
It is not unusual these days for an artist to be signed to two labels at once. After negotiating with Atlantic, the Bay Area giant, SMC Recordings was able to secure a deal with FAB as well. Will Bronson, Co-Founder of SMC speaks on his longstanding business relationship with FAB, “FAB and my history is crazy, we pretty much came up together. To be involved in this album and everything FAB's got going on- as corny as it sounds- is beyond business, this shit is personal, but that’s the way independent music should be."
Recording his album – DA BAYDESTRIAN in record time, the release will also feature FAB’s infamous DVD, “The Freestyle King” as a bonus as well as a “Yellow Bus Pass” to download “Son of a Pimp” for free. FAB explains why he decided to add extra features to his album, “"I'm puttin the Bonus DVD and free download of 'Son Of A Pimp' in there because that's the album that got my buzz crazy in the Bay. We're sayin' "Da Baydestrian" is the prequel to "Da Yellow Bus Rydah" so I wanna give you as much of me to get you ready for that."
DA BAYDESTRIAN will feature production by Rob-E, Sean-T, Traxxamillion, Young L among others and guest appearances from Too Short, Keak Da Sneak, Fabo from D4L, Mesy Marv and Spice 1. FAB’s next track off the album, “Get This Shit Together” has already been leaked on line and has been popping up on West coast radio stations. FAB wants everyone to know, "'Da Baydestrian' is for all the fans that’s been waiting for the last two years for something new. It's a project that's gonna rep the Bay to the fullest no strings attached and show everyone there's more to me than just goin' dumb. People forget that I really spit and think that all I do is ride Da Yellow Bus".
Never one to slow down, F.A.B. is already back in the studio working on his next album, “Da Yellow Bus Rydah” being released on Atlantic Records, "I know everyone is like what's up with the whole Atlantic deal? Yes, Atlantic is goin' to drop "Da Yellow Bus Rydah", DA BAYDESTRIAN is just the in between process. The music business is crazy. I'm puttin my heart into it, so to all the fans just be patient and post up at the bus stop".
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Although Mistah F.A.B. has endured much scrutiny in the national press over the past few months for his single, “Ghost Ride It”, he prepares himself for his upcoming release on SMC Recordings this May with DA BAYDESTRIAN.
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, FAB encountered his first taste of fame when he entered The Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype Freestyle Battle” in 1999 and placed 3rd. This brought him to the attention of a local Bay Area based label – Straight Hits, who signed him in 2001. FAB released his first underground album with the label in 2003 entitled, “Nig-Latin”.
Bay Area legend, Mac Dre took notice of this fledgling rapper and enlisted him as one of the original members of the Thizz Nation. With the backing of this renowned rapper Mistah F.A.B. released “Mac Dre Presents Mistah F.A.B. – Son of a Pimp” in 2005 featuring the huge regional hit – “Super Sic Wit It” featuring E-40. The single ends up taking the Hyphy movement in a whole different direction, with the song lyric – “I do the dummy, retarded, and ride the yellow bus”. The Hyphy movement revolves around acting a fool and FAB took it one step further with these lyrics.
The song and the album propelled FAB to regional stardom. Soon every artist in the bay area started calling, wanting him to guest star on their albums. He was also featured on the MTV special, “My Block – The Bay” which caught the interest of many major labels - FAB decided to roll with Atlantic Records.
It is not unusual these days for an artist to be signed to two labels at once. After negotiating with Atlantic, the Bay Area giant, SMC Recordings was able to secure a deal with FAB as well. Will Bronson, Co-Founder of SMC speaks on his longstanding business relationship with FAB, “FAB and my history is crazy, we pretty much came up together. To be involved in this album and everything FAB's got going on- as corny as it sounds- is beyond business, this shit is personal, but that’s the way independent music should be."
Recording his album – DA BAYDESTRIAN in record time, the release will also feature FAB’s infamous DVD, “The Freestyle King” as a bonus as well as a “Yellow Bus Pass” to download “Son of a Pimp” for free. FAB explains why he decided to add extra features to his album, “"I'm puttin the Bonus DVD and free download of 'Son Of A Pimp' in there because that's the album that got my buzz crazy in the Bay. We're sayin' "Da Baydestrian" is the prequel to "Da Yellow Bus Rydah" so I wanna give you as much of me to get you ready for that."
DA BAYDESTRIAN will feature production by Rob-E, Sean-T, Traxxamillion, Young L among others and guest appearances from Too Short, Keak Da Sneak, Fabo from D4L, Mesy Marv and Spice 1. FAB’s next track off the album, “Get This Shit Together” has already been leaked on line and has been popping up on West coast radio stations. FAB wants everyone to know, "'Da Baydestrian' is for all the fans that’s been waiting for the last two years for something new. It's a project that's gonna rep the Bay to the fullest no strings attached and show everyone there's more to me than just goin' dumb. People forget that I really spit and think that all I do is ride Da Yellow Bus".
Never one to slow down, F.A.B. is already back in the studio working on his next album, “Da Yellow Bus Rydah” being released on Atlantic Records, "I know everyone is like what's up with the whole Atlantic deal? Yes, Atlantic is goin' to drop "Da Yellow Bus Rydah", DA BAYDESTRIAN is just the in between process. The music business is crazy. I'm puttin my heart into it, so to all the fans just be patient and post up at the bus stop".
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Saturday, 1 November 2008
Capone-E
As one of the forefathers of the Latin gangsta rap movement, Capone-e has made quite a name for himself while still only in his ‘20s. Capone-e’s latest effort, Don’t Get It Twisted (SMC Recordings) is an album designed to set the record straight about who rules the West Coast music scene.
Growing up in San Gabrielle Valley (SGV) in East LA, Capone-e was fed a steady diet of Nate Dogg, West Coast gangsta rap and oldies. He was heavily inspired by gang culture and watched as many of his childhood friends found themselves embroiled and eventually vanquished by it. Instead of falling into the same trap, Capone-e redirected his efforts into performing at house parties. He is now regarded as the first rapper to come out of the SGV and is a well known presence along the West coast.
The album, Don’t Get It Twisted, features a lead single by the same name, featuring the mega-successful Twista. With the release scheduled for Fall of 2006, Don’t Get It Twisted features production by Fingerz and Lil Joe, as well as additional cameos by Lil Easy E, Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone and Lil Flip. His will continue his collaboration with Lil Flip later this year on an effort entitled “Lil Flip and Mr. Capone-e present…”
Don’t Get It Twisted is a record that all can enjoy - perfect for a party, but still gritty enough to earn respect on the streets. Capone-e is confident that his new alliance with SMC Recordings will ensure that the album reaches everyone with ears. “I like SMC for their independent label style, but they work hard and are organized. They deal with PR, radio and promotions like a major label and I like that they have distribution by Fontana,” he says.
Ralph Tashjian, CEO of SMC Recordings, shares in Capone-e’s excitement. “When I heard this album, it confirmed my belief that Capone-e was a perfect fit for SMC. He’s a break out star and we expect incredible sales,” he predicts, “This one can go the distance.”
Don’t Get It Twisted.
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Growing up in San Gabrielle Valley (SGV) in East LA, Capone-e was fed a steady diet of Nate Dogg, West Coast gangsta rap and oldies. He was heavily inspired by gang culture and watched as many of his childhood friends found themselves embroiled and eventually vanquished by it. Instead of falling into the same trap, Capone-e redirected his efforts into performing at house parties. He is now regarded as the first rapper to come out of the SGV and is a well known presence along the West coast.
The album, Don’t Get It Twisted, features a lead single by the same name, featuring the mega-successful Twista. With the release scheduled for Fall of 2006, Don’t Get It Twisted features production by Fingerz and Lil Joe, as well as additional cameos by Lil Easy E, Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone and Lil Flip. His will continue his collaboration with Lil Flip later this year on an effort entitled “Lil Flip and Mr. Capone-e present…”
Don’t Get It Twisted is a record that all can enjoy - perfect for a party, but still gritty enough to earn respect on the streets. Capone-e is confident that his new alliance with SMC Recordings will ensure that the album reaches everyone with ears. “I like SMC for their independent label style, but they work hard and are organized. They deal with PR, radio and promotions like a major label and I like that they have distribution by Fontana,” he says.
Ralph Tashjian, CEO of SMC Recordings, shares in Capone-e’s excitement. “When I heard this album, it confirmed my belief that Capone-e was a perfect fit for SMC. He’s a break out star and we expect incredible sales,” he predicts, “This one can go the distance.”
Don’t Get It Twisted.
Posted by Anna Nathanson
San Quinn
San Quinn was born in Oakland, CA and later moved to San Francisco at age three to the Fillmore District. Like so many other rappers, he began rhyming to stay out of trouble. Quinn was raised in the same neighborhood as San Francisco legends- Rappin 4-Tay, JT the Bigga Figga, Messy Marv, and Andre Nickatina (AKA Dre Dog). Signed to Get Low Records at the tender age of fourteen, San Quinn released his first song "SFC" with GLP and RBL Posse. His debut album entitled Don't Cross Me under Get Low/Buck Fifty Records followed shortly thereafter. The genesis for his current stardom began, as Quinn went on to work with Master P and was featured on West Coast Bad Boyz 1 & 2, both of which have been certified Gold. He then dropped Live N' Direct, which featured the San Francisco anthem "Come On In" under Get Low Records in 1995.
By 1996, Northern California had created a deafening music buzz, nationally. Priority Records was doling out a handful of distribution deals, which included Master P’s No Limit Records, along with Get Low Records. With news of a new deal, San Quinn jumped right back in the studio and recorded The Hustle Continues under Get Low/Priority Records. By the age of eighteen, Quinn had been featured on multiple gold certified albums, released three solo albums, and became apart of the group: G.L.P. Quinn was at a turning point when he and his cousin Messy Marv joined forced and released Explosive Mode in 1998. From there Quinn began to tour extensively, performing with Jay-Z, Master P, and Monica, among others.
San Quinn's mission became clear; he decided to do whatever it took to bring San Francisco and the Bay Area to the forefront of the music industry. In 1998, he launched Done Deal Entertainment and by 2001, Quinn released The Mighty Quinn, which featured the single "Give It Up.” This track brought back the resurgence of Bay Area radio support for local music. Done Deal collaborated with former NBA superstar and longtime friend, J.R. Rider, to release San Quinn’s follow up album I Give U My Word. It was not until Quinn collaborated with SMC Recordings in 2006, that he released his biggest selling solo album to date, The Rock-Pressure Makes Diamonds, which spawned the regional smash “Hell Yeah.”
Quinn continues his partnership with SMC Recordings as he readies his second solo album, From A Boy To A Man, with the Bay Area label. Quinn’s achievements have helped shine a spotlight on his hometown’s music scene and looks forward to continued triumphs!
Posted by Anna Nathanson
By 1996, Northern California had created a deafening music buzz, nationally. Priority Records was doling out a handful of distribution deals, which included Master P’s No Limit Records, along with Get Low Records. With news of a new deal, San Quinn jumped right back in the studio and recorded The Hustle Continues under Get Low/Priority Records. By the age of eighteen, Quinn had been featured on multiple gold certified albums, released three solo albums, and became apart of the group: G.L.P. Quinn was at a turning point when he and his cousin Messy Marv joined forced and released Explosive Mode in 1998. From there Quinn began to tour extensively, performing with Jay-Z, Master P, and Monica, among others.
San Quinn's mission became clear; he decided to do whatever it took to bring San Francisco and the Bay Area to the forefront of the music industry. In 1998, he launched Done Deal Entertainment and by 2001, Quinn released The Mighty Quinn, which featured the single "Give It Up.” This track brought back the resurgence of Bay Area radio support for local music. Done Deal collaborated with former NBA superstar and longtime friend, J.R. Rider, to release San Quinn’s follow up album I Give U My Word. It was not until Quinn collaborated with SMC Recordings in 2006, that he released his biggest selling solo album to date, The Rock-Pressure Makes Diamonds, which spawned the regional smash “Hell Yeah.”
Quinn continues his partnership with SMC Recordings as he readies his second solo album, From A Boy To A Man, with the Bay Area label. Quinn’s achievements have helped shine a spotlight on his hometown’s music scene and looks forward to continued triumphs!
Posted by Anna Nathanson
Monday, 27 October 2008
Cash Money @ The Elbow Room
The Doctor’s Orders & Stacked present
CREDIT CRUNCH
WithDJ CASH MONEY Spin Doctor D.Bo & GETO
9pm-3am Saturday
8th November 2008
@ The Elbow Room, 89-91 Chapel Market, London N1 (Angel Tube)
ONLY @ £2 all night!
Worried about the credit crunch? Trying to figure out how you can go out and large it without breaking the bank?
Well The Doctor's Orders have teamed up with Stacked to bring you Philadeliphia native DJ CASH MONEY "The World's Greatest DJ" for only £2 all night. The last time he played in London tickets were £15 so this is an opportunity not to be missed!
The man who was banned from competing in the DMC's for being just too damn good has been packing clubs across the globe for the last 20 years and never fails to raise the roof. Combining phenomenal technical expertise with rocking track selection there is no doubt that London’s Hip-Hop community will be turning out in force to see and hear this living legend doing his thing,
For one night only you get the chance to hear him alongside London's finest Spin Doctor & Stacked residents D.Bo & GETO for a night of the finest Hip-Hop, R&B & Bashment for only £2!!!!
Stacked runs a FREE policy every Saturday night (except this) & features London’s best DJs plying the best Hip-Hop, R&B & Bashment.
Posted by Anna Nathanson
CREDIT CRUNCH
WithDJ CASH MONEY Spin Doctor D.Bo & GETO
9pm-3am Saturday
8th November 2008
@ The Elbow Room, 89-91 Chapel Market, London N1 (Angel Tube)
ONLY @ £2 all night!
Worried about the credit crunch? Trying to figure out how you can go out and large it without breaking the bank?
Well The Doctor's Orders have teamed up with Stacked to bring you Philadeliphia native DJ CASH MONEY "The World's Greatest DJ" for only £2 all night. The last time he played in London tickets were £15 so this is an opportunity not to be missed!
The man who was banned from competing in the DMC's for being just too damn good has been packing clubs across the globe for the last 20 years and never fails to raise the roof. Combining phenomenal technical expertise with rocking track selection there is no doubt that London’s Hip-Hop community will be turning out in force to see and hear this living legend doing his thing,
For one night only you get the chance to hear him alongside London's finest Spin Doctor & Stacked residents D.Bo & GETO for a night of the finest Hip-Hop, R&B & Bashment for only £2!!!!
Stacked runs a FREE policy every Saturday night (except this) & features London’s best DJs plying the best Hip-Hop, R&B & Bashment.
Posted by Anna Nathanson
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