New Jack Splash song featuring Kelis from “Heir To The Throne Vol 1″ (coming 11/11/09). No joke, Missy Elliott says he’s the next prince (see the insane list of quotes on him below). He’s done records for Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, Kelis, Estelle, Cee-Lo’s entire upcoming album, John Legend, Solange, Anthony Hamilton, etc. His album (and short film) coming in March 2010 is his opus (singing, rapping, producing and big guests) entitled “Technology and Love Might Save Us All”- on J Records.
Here is a link for the song he did with Kelis called “In the Future”- track off this first mixtape that starts off a 3 part series.
“Jack Splash’s album is so fun that I feel like I’m 5 again!” – SIA
“Jack Splash is the future of music” – R KELLY
“Just what I’ve been looking for, the new generation of funk! – MOS DEF
“Another piece of the movement a/k/a GOOD MUSIC! – CEE-LO GREEN
“Pushing buttons of electronic wonder while giving us the sweat and funk of humanity. There’s a beautiful techno funk combo happening within”. – CHEMICAL BROTHERS
“Jack Splash’s ‘Technology and Love Might Save Us All…’ is some Creative Futuristic Funk! Good Music is still Alive! -Kerry “Krucial” Brothers (ALICIA KEYS production partner)
“The next Outkast!” – Rolling Stone
“Jack’s gumbo of soul-disco and cosmic-hop spreads a message of Love” – Vibe Magazine
“This Album EXPLODES into a fast-paced, guitar-ridden soul party before winding down to the melodic whispers about love that complete the flawless course of this album!” – XLR8R Magazine
MIXTAPE TRACK LIST- “HEIR TO THE THRONE VOL 1″
1) Charlie Wilson (The Intro)
2) Girl, I Just Met You!
3) Baatin (Missin U…)
4) U Don’t Know What You’re Missin (Feat. T-Pain)
5) Little Richard (The Beef)
6) In The Future (feat. Kelis)
7) Sly Stone (The Throne) Like A Ringtone (feat R Kelly & T-Pain)
9) James Brown (2 cute 4 Jail)
10) My Dream Girl (part 1)
11) Luv Slut
12) Rick James (Nasty With The Bass)
13) Tangerine
14) Lauryn Hill (Ain’t Crazy)
15) A Little Mo Love Music
The forthcoming album “Technology and Love Might Save Us All…” coming March 2010 on J Records in America and Columbia for Europe.
MP3/Video: Diamond District – “Gully” / Freestyle Video Oddisee, YU, and X.O. Reveal The Birth Of Diamond District
The Song & Video:
Celebrating their recent release, the members of DMV’s luminary hip-hop trio Diamond District take fans back to their birth, re-introducing the track “Gully” off of emcee/producer Oddisee’s album Foot in the Door. This percussive, up-tempo track marks the first time that Oddissee, YU, and X.O. ever came together to create the signature sound that now defines this dynamic threesome. Oddissee’s grooving drum track and dragging, behind-the-beat melody underlie the three emcees as they take turns spitting their respective verses, creating the effortless chemistry that now is Diamond District. This track, released in 2006, was the beginning; the cornerstone to this group’s development. YU’s lyric says it all. “In a cocoon like a butterfly, before the wings, never thinking like a peasant, I was born a king.”
In addition to “Gully,” Diamond District recently recorded a video with all three showing their lyrical dexterity a cappella style, like true emcees do. XO and YU set off the cipher with strong deliveries and tongue twisting punch lines while Oddisee ends the session off with a scorcher, “I doubt they’ll ever cross over to the rap game so they rootin’ for me yellin’ cuz get a plaque mang, done and I don’t even want the rap fame, it’s a by-product when you always give a track flames, One.”
Check out “Gully” and all other tracks off Diamond District’s newest release, In The Ruff, available now on CD and digital download via Mello Music Group.
The group Diamond District is comprised of emcee/producer Oddisee, and emcees X.O. and YU. Greatly influenced by their surroundings and love for 90’s east coast hip-hop, Diamond District is on a mission to bring back the sounds of old with a new twist and represent for the DMV. X.O. who was born & raised in the North West quarter of D.C. defines what it is to be a black male raised in the district. With lyrics that depict street life and harsh surroundings, X.O. has a way of philosophizing that raw, gutter reality of DC life that is rarely looked at or spoken about when we discuss our nation’s capitol. Oddisee defines the experience of growing up in black middle class Maryland. Bordering the poverty that his and many other families fled to escape, they found out over time that the troubles of the inner city came along with them. Oddisee’s soulful, haunting samples over bass-heavy beat breaks create the perfect instrumentals for Diamond District to match the street savvy, politically conscious lyrics that capture the dynamic of being from the DMV. Y.U., having been raised in the district, Maryland & Virginia, brings that extra variety to the group and shows that D.C. culture has a huge influence beyond its 10 mile radius. Being that YU has lived in all areas of the DMV, his lyrics and stories compliment the rest of the group and define what it means to be from the DMV. In The Ruff, is available now via Mello Music Group.
About Mello Music Group:
Like Lao Tzu in hip-hop, Mello Music Group provides music for the soul, from the heart of American culture, opening the realm of the intelligent hip-hop experience through melodic evocations, beats that corroborate the truth, and voices that roar above the rising void and impose order on the terrible & triumphant moments of everyday life. This is the compelling sound of Mello Music Group. Industry newcomer Michael Tolle founded MMG in 2007 and is acting Director of Operations. MMG will be releasing projects from Oddisee, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Kenn Starr, Finale, Trek Life, Dudley Perkins, Sareem Poems, and YU in 2010. http://www.myspace.com/mellomusicgroup
MP3: Hip-Hop Super Group Trinity Pays Homage To DJ Roc Raida With New Single AG, Sadat X & DJ Jab Release First Single As Group, Album Dropping In 2010
For those wondering where hip-hop’s next super group is, Trinity has come to quell all inquiries. The triumvirate consists of AG, Sadat X, and DJ Jab and delivering raw, uncut hip-hop is priority number one on their list. After making their first performance appearance as a group at the recent Audible Treats CMJ ‘09 Showcase, Trinity is gearing up for an album release in 2010 via Fat Beats Records. In the meantime, the trio has come together to release their first single ever as a group, and with that single they chose to pay homage to the late, great DJ Roc Raida with “Roc Raida Tribute.”
The song is compromised of two different break beats, bringing forth classic hip-hop nostalgia fitting for one of the game’s most respected DJ’s ever. AG and Sadat X flow effortlessly over the golden age inspired beat and reminisce on Roc Raida and his unparalleled talents. Lines like, “And his name is Roc / International so his name won’t stop, ” and “They thought we had a bandstand and grand slam / Even Japan fans loved his hands” show the love that AG, Sadat X, and fans worldwide have for Roc Raida.
In a recent video all three members spoke about their personal relationship with Roc Raida and how the monumental DJ inspired them. AG had this to say about Roc’s talent, “Roc Raida was our only DJ. And I say only because anytime we went on the road Roc was always our DJ. To see him eventually win the world championship, it’s like damn I know him – my DJ is the best DJ in the world.” Sadat spoke on how, besides all the accolades and respect, Roc was a humble man at the end of the day, “You wouldn’t know he was so nice, he never blew his own horn… He never bragged about himself, just a very humble person, a family man… just a good dude.”
Be on the lookout for more info on Trinity and their upcoming album being released in 2010 via Fat Beats Records.
The group Trinity is comprised of emcees AG (Showbiz & AG), Sadat X (Brand Nubian) and DJ Jab (Fat Beats Records Owner). All three individuals have left their own imprint in the hip-hop world and by joining forces, Trinity is gearing up to bring forth the sounds of old and bring back the boom-bap hip-hop that is missing in today’s musical landscape. AG is the emcee for the critically acclaimed underground group, Showbiz & AG hailing from the Bronx, NY. Sadat X is part of the famed alternative hip-hop group Brand Nubian and is well known for his politically charged lyrics and poignant delivery. DJ Jab aka Joseph Abajian is the owner of Fat Beats Records and is responsible for developing yesterday’s and today’s most well respected underground hip-hop artists. Together, Trinity is set to take the industry by storm and leave their mark in the game.
Soulico Premieres Exclusive, FREE Mixtape; Announces New Tour Dates
Soulico – Exotic on the Speaker
Out Now via JDub Records
It was a busy summer for the DJs of Israeli collective Soulico, what with the releases of two hot singles (“Put ‘Em Up” featuring Lyrics Born and “S.O.S” featuring Pigeon John and Ceci Bastida), a free mixtape released on Pitchfork entitled Exotic on the Mixtape, and the release of their star studded, full length album, Exotic on the Speaker, not to mention a small tour to wrap it all up.
Lesser men would rest, but this crew launched a remix contest recently via Twitter, and now the boys are back with another mixtape premiering today on Impose Magazine, and available for free at the link below.
Showing no signs of stopping, our friends from JDub Records have also announced additional tour dates all over the US, stretching way into November, which you can check out below. Summer may definitely be over, but don’t worry – these guys aren’t done.
Amerie is back to top the charts with her new album In Love & War. Be sure to preview the album on Imeem before it hits stores on NOVEMBER 3rd! Also, post it to your sites and blogs if you can! Thanks again we appreciate the love here at Def Jam!
CHECK OUT THE PREMIERE OF AMERIE’S NEW ALBUM IN LOVE & WAR EXCLUSIVELY ON IMEEM
One of the original members of NYC based hip hop crew Diplomats (Dipset) Hell Rell is back with ‘Live From Hell,’ a 12 track official album, his first in a year.
Born Durrell Muhammad raised in Bronx NY, he paints a visual picture of everyday life in NYC. Hell Rell is considered by many, including members of the Dipset crew, to be the leading street force. And for that he has developed an impressive ‘fanbase’. Featuring the singles Turn The Party Out and So Cold, Live From Hell will be in stores and online November 3, 2009.
NEW ‘Live From Hell’ Tracklisting:
1) Intro (2:22)
2) Turn The Party Out (2:56)
3) So Cold (3:09)
4) Close My Eyes (2:38)
5) Exterminate (3:01)
6) Return Of The Grind (2:48)
7) By Your Side (3:46) So Special (3:11)
9) Profit (4:19)
10) Top Gunna Takeover (3:28)
11) Greatness (1:56)
12) Motion Picture (3:39)
13) I Heard They’re Looking For Me (2:43)
God-Des and She Prepare to Release Genre-Bending Third Album Three Boasts Big Hooks, Production From Legendary Brian Hardgroove
(October 28, 2009- Brooklyn, NY) Hip-hop/pop/soul duo God-des and She are proud to announce the upcoming release of their third album, Three. Produced entirely by Brian Hardgroove of Public Enemy fame, the album will be released on November 3, 2009 via G&S Records.
God-des and She have always been unique- a female hip-hop/soul duo whose sound varies as widely as their subject matter. With their third album, appropriately titled Three, God-Des (the rapper) and She (the singer) now embark on a journey to cross over from substantial underground success to the mainstream. In making that transition, the group has managed to both hone their existing sound and expand into an eclectic mash-up of other styles, including hyperactive dance music (”Drum Circle”), all-American rock (”Change”), anthemic electro (”Radio Up”), and feel-good, windows-down pop (”Get Your Bike”).
While delving into so many genres on one album could easily sound disjointed, a confident identity forged over years of working together, as well as sure-handed production from Hardgroove resulted in a cohesive, dynamic set of songs. “So many of our fans comment on how much we grow every time they see us live or hear the next song we are working on. Our first two records were great in their own ways, but we hadn’t truly found our voices or sound. Three cannot be compared to any other artist. It sounds totally unique and crosses all boundaries and is hard to even put into a style of music.”
God-des and She found an ideal partner in producer and current member, bandleader, and bass player of Public Enemy, Brian Hardgroove, who has worked with such veteran acts as Wu Tang, Burning Spear, and Aerosmith, and also plays with Bootsy Collins. “He gave us a lot of freedom but guided us and made the songs better. He has an incredible ear and totally understood and supported our vision for the music. He didn’t try to box us in to one genre.” While the duo may have initially been star struck in working with Hardgroove, the legendary producer was impressed as well. “They are easily as good as the best that hip-hop has to offer,” Hardgroove says of the duo, “and far more interesting.”
Bred in the Midwest, God-Des and She have played to packed venues all over the world, from Lacrosse, Wisconsin, to Stockholm, Sweden. Ever since they appeared on Showtime’s The L Word four years ago, performing their infamous single “Lick It,” the pair haven’t had a moment’s rest, selling over 30,000 albums, and holding down the #1 song spot on MTV LOGO with their song “Love You Better.” God-Des and She’s new album, Three, will be available November 3rd via G&S Records.
Hip-Hop Legend
RAKIM
Drops New Single “Walk These Streets” On October 27, 2009
Long Awaited Album THE SEVENTH SEAL In Stores November 17, 2009
(Ra Records / Tuscan Villa / SMC Recordings/ Fontana/UMG)
ON TOUR NOW
On October 27, 2009, the man many call The God MC, Rakim Allah, will release “Walk These Streets,” the new single off of his much anticipated new album The Seventh Seal. Produced by Needlz for Dry Rain Entertainment, “Walk These Streets” features Maino and Tracey Horton. Additional guest artists featured on The Seventh Seal, which drops November 17, 2009, include Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, IQ, Styles P, and others, including Destiny Griffin, Rakim’s own daughter. The artist’s Ra Records shares the imprint in a joint venture with Tuscan Villa and SMC Recordings and is distributed through Fontana/Universal Music Group. Rakim is currently on the road previewing the album and testing out new material at intimate venues across the United States.
“Walk These Streets” Rakim feat. Maino & Tracey Horton
“Walk These Streets” Rakim feat. Maino & Tracey Horton
Rakim “Holy Are You” with lyrics
Since its release, the album’s set-up single “Holy Are You” has won praise from critics and fans alike. USA Today states, “The God MC previews his long-awaited The Seventh Seal with a lyrically adept reminder of how he earned the name,” with Billboard proclaiming “Rakim is in top form, richly merging self-mythologizing reflections on his legacy with religious imagery.”
His first full album of new material in almost a decade, The Seventh Seal is Rakim’s contemporary observation of the Hip-Hop culture he helped define. While staying loyal to his New York roots, Rakim has created a body of work that encompasses the very best of regional, underground and mainstream styles that are reformed and delivered through his intricate lyricism and the seemingly effortless flow for which he is revered. He has enlisted a slew of production talent including Needlz, Nottz, Jake One, Nick Wiz, Ty Fiffe and more on the album’s well-rounded tracks.
The artist states, “The Seventh Seal is my own revelation…my way of taking the best of what Hip-Hop has to offer, what we as a culture and a community have to offer, putting my stamp on it and leading us forward while constantly respecting what we’ve already accomplished. When you’ve been blessed with a career like mine, you develop a deep relationship with the music, and that love is recognized by the true heads that share it with you. You’ll see us keep building as we break through each Seal…showing the best of what I can do in many forms, bringing the energy and having fun, but first I’m laying that foundation and give my longtime fans the conscious fire they expect.”
For up-to-date news on the release of The Seventh Seal, check out http://www.Rakim.com
US TOUR 2009:
October 28 El Rey Los Angeles, CA
October 29 Canes San Diego, CA
October 30 Venue of Scotts Scottsdale, AZ
November 3 House of Blues Houston, TX
November 4 Emos Austin, TX
November 6 House of Blues New Orleans, LA
November 9 Amo’s Charlotte, NC
November 11 Music Farm Charleston, SC
November 12 Lincoln Theater Raleigh, NC
November 13 Hat Factory Richmond, VA
November 14 Dragonfly Harrisburg, PA
November 15 Black Cat Washington, DC
November 17 Toad’s Place New Haven, CT
November 18 Lupos Providence, RI
November 19 BB Kings New York, NY
November 21 Asylum Portland, ME
November 22 Paradise Boston, MA
*Please let me know if you would like press tickets for online coverage
ABOUT RAKIM ALLAH:
Universally referenced as one of the Masters of the Microphone and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986 with long time collaborator Eric B. The single marked a turning point in the Rap world – raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered. Rakim’s intricately, intellectual lyrics draw their force from his worldly experience, inner faith and progressive contemplation, fueled by a deep understanding of not just Hip-Hop, but also the Jazz and R&B influences that have surrounded his family since his youth. Rakim’s recordings – including the all-time classics, Paid In Full, Follow the Leader and The 18th Letter – have sold in the multi-millions worldwide. Billboard, Rolling Stone, MTV and a host of others consistently refer to Paid in Full as “the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time” – a claim often repeated in audience polls. The Seventh Seal marks the first album under his own imprint, Ra Records, allowing a true freedom in creative control unparalleled since his monumental first recordings.
ABOUT SMC RECORDINGS:
Established in March of 2005, SMC Recordings is home to independent music and artists. Based in San Francisco, CA, the company’s prized accomplishment is its unique philosophy of artist development, where artists are encouraged to participate with the label from inception through maintenance of their career. This innovative structure has garnered industry veterans to join the company and aid in its growth. SMC’s range of artist owned label partners includes national heavyweights like Rakim and Killer Mike along with a staple of regional acts constantly being developed such as Messy Marv, The Jacka, and the Town Thizzness brand…SMC is distributed by Fontana, the indie subsidiary of Universal. It is SMC’s humble regional beginnings and loyalty to their artists and their careers that will guarantee the company to always be on the precipice of creativity and expansion in the music game.
Free Download: ProlifiCal ft. Big Pooh “Samurai Rhymes”
Now available for free download is the first single from ProlifiCal featuring Big Pooh titled “Samurai Rhymes”. The single is taken from their upcoming release “Lyricist Parlae Vol. 1″ on Domination Recordings. More about ProlifiCal: Raw and digable vibes from the Golden State duo, ProlifiCal, permeate their classic digital release expecting to make the elite list of underground favorites in 09′. Through the solid support of Domination Recordings, Drypht Avenue and Praduct present the ill creation of their debut album entitled “Lyricist Parlae Vol. 1 – Train Of Thought”. The heads of some of your favorite emcees have joined the ProlifiC movement by contributing their skills and producing a heavy arsenal of collabs including the Gold Chain General himself Planet Asia, Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother and the Diamond District emcee Oddisee. Tha Connection, Bay Area lyricist Mikial, and the cypher kings themselves along with production from their inner circle’s best, makes this LP a definite entertaining audio journey. So grab your boarding pass for the Train Of Thought, and allow your expectations to be exceeded. And once again, enjoy the listening…