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Hustle Hard Entertainment/Atlantic recording artist Maino has announced the world premiere of his latest video, “Let’s Make A Movie.” The video – directed by Adam Donald & Shamikah Martinez – will debut on Cinemax this Saturday, November 21st at 9:55 pm, immediately preceding the network’s Pay TV debut of the Notorious B.I.G. biopic, Notorious at 10pm. “Let’s Make A Movie” will be featured on the DVD of Maino’s breakthrough debut album, “IF TOMORROW COMES…,” slated for release in early 2010.

“Let’s Make A Movie” is just one of the many highlights on “IF TOMORROW COMES…” Stacked with a broad spectrum of bangers, the album makes an indelible first impression of a serious new hip-hop star. The first major label debut to be released by a new Brooklyn-based rapper since Fabolous’ 2001 classic “GHETTO FABOLOUS,” “IF TOMORROW COMES…” sees Maino showing off his unadulterated candor and staccato flow on such recent singles as “Hi Hater,” “Million Bucks (Feat. Swizz Beats),” and the RIAA platinum certified smash, “All The Above (Feat. T-Pain).”

Produced by Just Blaze (T.I., Jamie Foxx, Saigon) and Nard & B (T.I., Plies, Ludacris), “All The Above” was an out-of-the-box sensation upon its March release, scoring the highest first week single sales for a new rap artist since Flo Rida’s “Low.” The single went on to become one of the summer’s biggest hip-hop radio hits, riding high on the Rhythmic Top 20 and Urban Top 40 (having impacted as the #1 most added single at the format).

In addition, the “All The Above” companion video – which will be included on the “IF TOMORROW COMES…” DVD – also proved a runaway success. The clip had its multi-platform premiere across the MTV networks (including MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, and MTV.com) and was featured as MTV Jams’ “Jam of the Week.” At BET, “All The Above” was a “Heavy” rotation favorite after a Top 10 run on the 106 & Park countdown.

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Maino – a past guest on The Gayle King Show on Sirius Radio’s Oprah Station – exploded onto the scene during summer 2008 with his blockbuster street anthem, “Hi Hater.” The track drew extensive airplay at Urban radio outlets nationwide, while the “Hi Hater” remix video (featuring guest appearances from T.I., Plies, Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss, and Fabolous) was a “Heavy” rotation blockbuster on BET’s Rap City and 106 & Park. The clip also scored at MTV Jams, where Maino was named among the featured artists in the network’s “Fab 5 of Summer 2008” programming.

Nominated as “Rookie of the Year” at 2008’s BET Hip-Hop Awards, the MC became an instant hip-hop superstar with his surprise performance of “Hi Hater” at the 2008 Hot 97 Summer Jam in East Rutherford, NJ. Maino was brought to the Giants Stadium stage by none other than multiple Grammy Award-winning superstar Alicia Keys. Since then, the BK-based MC has stolen the show at two major hip-hop extravaganzas, including 50 Cent’s “ThisIs50 Fest” and this year’s star-studded Hot 97 Summer Jam.

Already notorious in the hip-hop underground for a number of buzzworthy mixtape joints, Maino has been hailed for his blend of gritty lyricism and riveting street flair. An acclaimed new mixtape, “DJ WHOO KID & DJ SCREAM PRESENT: MAINO – UNSTOPPABLE,” has just been released.

With over 45 million plays already logged at his official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/maino, Maino has become a true online sensation. A second season of his hugely popular “Up Close and Personal” webisode series recently premiered, with further exclusive videos and webisodes promised for the coming weeks.

Maino – who is already hard at work recording the follow-up to “IF TOMORROW COMES…” – has been profiled in a wide range of national publications, including a cover feature in both Urban Ink and Don Diva. Other press appearances include Black Men, Complex, Rap Up, Vibe, Hip Hop Weekly, Murder Dog, King, XXL, Giant, and the New York Times.

In the wake of the incredible acclaim heaped on Cage’s stunning third album Depart From Me, the Definitive Jux recording artist has answered to the call of fans and critics alike with a flurry of new tour dates. The highly anticipated tour kicks off in Pittsburgh on November 23rd and concludes December 18th in NYC (dates below).

This has been a monumental year for Cage, from being first artist to release an EP through MTV (the free 7 song EP “I Never Knew You”, which garnered 40,000 downloads in its first two weeks on MTV2.com, to hosting MTV2’s Subterranean, to being covered by several high profile media outlets including LA Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, and a 6 page feature in SPIN.

In addition to the many headlining shows on the tour, several shows will feature Cage supporting underground mainstays Less Than Jake. The combination of Cage’s intense live show and Less Than Jake’s anthemic rock will likely stupefy the weak of heart, but is of the highest recommendation to those who thrive on energetic, heartstopping performances.

Check the video for “I Never Knew You” directed by Shia LaBeouf:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Sxm6zx4e8

Press on Depart From Me:

“Frightfully focused… one of the year’s surprising artistic
breakthroughs.” – SPIN

“This is angsty, downright unsettling hip-hop… (the kind) Eminem can
only dream of making.” – MTV NEWS

Tour Dates:

11/23/09 Pittsburgh, PA Diesel

11/24/09 Chicago, IL Reggie’s Rock Club

11/25/09 Iowa City, IA The Picador

11/27/09 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre

11/28/09 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge

11/29/09 Missoula, MT Badlander

11/30/09 Seattle, WA The Showbox w/ Less Than Jake

12/1/09 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom w/ Less Than Jake

12/2/09 Chico, CA Senator Theatre w/ Less Than Jake

12/3/09 San Francisco, CA Regency Theatre w/ Less Than Jake

12/4/09 Hollywood, CA House of Blues w/ Less Than Jake

12/5/09 Pomona, CA Glass House w/ Less Than Jake

12/6/09 San Diego, CA House of Blues w/ Less Than Jake

12/7/09 Tempe, AZ The Marquee w/ Less Than Jake

12/9/09 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre w/ Less Than Jake

12/10/09 New Orleans, LA House of Blues w/ Less Than Jake

12/11/09 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues w/ Less Than Jake

12/12/09 Fort Lauderdale, FL Revolution w/ Less Than Jake

12/13/09 Tampa, FL The Ritz Theatre w/ Less Than Jake

12/14/09 Atlanta, GA 529

12/15/09 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506

12/16/09 Washington DC DC 9 Nightclub

12/18/09 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club

Dres, of the legendary Queens outfit Black Sheep is proud to announce the first of two brand new Black Sheep projects to be released in the next several months. The Native Tongues veteran is gearing up for his first full length since 2006, the forthcoming From The Black Pool Of Genius. Before the album is released in Spring 2010, Dres has decided to whet Black Sheep fans’ appetites with From The Black Pool of Genius: The Prelude, a five song EP to be released on December 1st, 2009.

The Prelude finds Dres showcasing his extraordinary skills without appearing to break a sweat. He manages to sound effortless while walking a lyrical tightrope- wielding his uniquely bouncy flow while addressing serious, deeply thought-out issues. Dres, one of the most experienced and insightful voices in hip-hop today, is using the album as a means of communicating what he believes the meaning of hip-hop truly is. “I once heard a poet say that ‘hip hop backward is ‘pih poh (people)’- the way I see it, many artists are a lot more hip-hop than they ever realized. I would dare to say that any artist over time, regardless of genre, that makes music for the ‘pih poh’… is hip-hop.” This type of inclusive, outside the box thinking is a hallmark of Black Sheep’s music and is very much on display on From The Black Pool of Genius.

As for the title of the album, Dres explains that, “‘Black Pool’ doesn’t refer to black people. It refers to the color black’s unique ability to absorb light. This deep, vast pool of soul, of artistic insight; although it’s not always understood, the light it reflects back to the ‘pih-poh’ is necessary.”

Watch out for From The Black Pool of Genius: The Prelude on December 1st, and From The Black Pool of Genius full length in Spring 2010.

“Forever Luvlee” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm-ttJ55_mo
“Forever Luvlee”: http://media.audibletreats.com/Black_Sheep-Forever_LuvLee.mp3

The Background:

It all began with a thundering baseline and an unmistakably classic phrase – “this or that.” One of the most widely recognized songs in rap music history, the 1991 classic “The Choice is Yours” was hailed by VH1 in 2008 as one of the best rap songs of all time. The highly respected Queens emcee Dres, along with DJing partner-in-crime William “Mista Lawnge” McLean took the music industry by storm in the early 1990’s as part of the groundbreaking collective Native Tongues. Penning such Billboard standouts as “Flavor of the Month” and “Strobelight Honey” for the duo’s platinum-selling debut album A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing in 1992, Dres would continue to crank out the hits on the group’s second release, Non Fiction. After a brief reunion with Mister Lawnge in 2000, Dres again set his sights on recording. He released the innovative online-only album 8WM/Novakane in 2007. Now he’s back in the studio, writing the next chapter of his storied career. Dres’ highly anticipated new project, From the Black Pool of Genius, out Spring 2010, promises to pair thought-provoking lyrics with astounding beats constructed by a corps of new and established beatmakers. They include Bean One, Showbiz, Tough Junkie, P. Locke, Urban Soul Music Group, and Willie Evans. He’s also got an impressive line-up of guest stars, including De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Rhymefest, AZ, and Tough Junkie, among others. Leading up to the release of his next full-length, Black Sheep will be releasing a precursor EP, From The Black Pool Of Genius: The Prelude, available December 1st.

Legendary New York MCs O.C. & A.G. are gearing up for the release of their debut album, Oasis, which hits stores next week via Nature Sounds, by streaming the entire record on their MySpace page. It’s also featured on the home page of MySpace Music all week.

Last week, the D.I.T.C. crew members released live footage from their record release party in Brooklyn, which you can check out below. Along with offering the full album stream for your listening pleasure this week, the duo are also giving away lead leak “Oasis,” so if you haven’t grabbed it yet, now’s your chance.

Listen to O.C. & A.G.’s Oasis [Nature Sounds] on Myspace now

Download and share O.C. & A.G.’s “Oasis” from Oasis [Nature Sounds]

Tracklist w/ producers:

1. Oasis – Produced by Statik Selektah

2. Keep It Going – Produced by E Blaze

3. Give It Back – Produced by Lord Finesse

4. Alpha Males – Produced by Lord Finesse

5. Young With Style – Produced by Show and KC

6. Every Day Life – Produced by E Blaze

7. Think About It – Produced by E Blaze

8. Against The Wall – Produced by E Blaze

9. Put It In The Box – Produced by E Blaze

10. Boom Bap – Produced by Show

11. Reality Is – Produced by E Blaze

12. Contagious – Produced by E Blaze

13. Supreme Squad – Produced by Show

14. God’s Gift – Produced by E Blaze

15. Get Away – Produced by Lord Finesse

16. 2 For The Money – Produced by Show

17. Pain – Produced by E Blaze

The film is both inspired by and based on co-executive producer Howard Zinn’s books A People’s History of the United States, which has sold more than two million copies, and, with co-executive producer, Anthony Arnove, Voices of a People’s History of the United States. The film was also produced by Josh Brolin, Matt Damon and Chris Moore.

The film will feature dramatic performances chronicling the history of this country, including charter documents, letters, diaries and more, from such celebrities as Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Viggo Mortensen, Kerry Washington, David Strathairn, Marisa Tomei, Don Cheadle, Q’orianka Kilcher, Michael Ealy, Lupe Fiasco, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Allison Moorer, Jasmine Guy, John Legend and more.

VOICES OF A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES (www.peopleshistory.us) seeks to bring to light little known voices from U.S. history, including those of women, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and laborers. The goal of Voices of a People’s History of the United States is to encourage civic engagement and to further history education by bringing the rich history of the United States to life through public readings of primary-source materials.

The “classy” ladies of ‘For The Love of Ray J 2′ recently had a dance competition using 2 of Kovas’ songs. The ladies used these songs to create and perform for Ray J. To hear Kovas’ new song, “Grape Drank”, see the download link below:

12-City U.S. Tour Kicked Off Yesterday In Atlanta, GA

Guetta And Akon Will Perform “Sexy Bitch” On TBS’ Lopez Tonight Nov. 30th

International DJ/Producer David Guetta scores his first U.S. top ten radio hit and gold single with “Sexy Bitch” featuring Akon. Most radio stations around the country are spinning the clean version “Sexy Chick,” both are available at iTunes. The single, from Guetta’s critically acclaimed album One Love, is his most successful hit to date in the U.S. “Sexy Bitch” has sold 800,000 downloads thus far and it continues to race up the airplay charts where it is currently # 8 at the Rhythm format, #13 at Top 40 and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The “Sexy Bitch” video was just added to MTV with spins beginning this week. Guetta embarked on his most extensive U.S. club tour to date yesterday in Atlanta, GA, running through Dec. 3rd in Denver, CO (full schedule below). Guetta and Akon are confirmed to perform “Sexy Bitch” together on the new TBS late night show “Lopez Tonight” on Nov. 30th. Today, Guetta will make a special appearance along with Diplo, Will.i.am. and Dr. Dre at the brand new Best Buy store in NYC’s Union Square to help promote the chain’s new Club Beats™ program which One Love is a part of and will be featured along side 6 other albums in the new DJ experience section of the store.

David Guetta continues to reach new heights around the world since the August release of One Love. The album reached #1 in Europe has sold over 900,000 copies worldwide. Both “Sexy Bitch” and the album’s first single “When Love Takes Over” featuring Kelly Rowland were both #1 songs on the European airplay and sales charts and both hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard dance chart. As a producer, Guetta produced one on the year’s biggest hits, The Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling.” He was recently named the European ambassador and spokesperson for DJ Hero. The game features 3 tracks from One Love, “Sexy Bitch,” “When Love Takes Over” and “On the Dancefloor” – in an exclusive download package format. One Love’s 3rd single, the title track featuring Estelle, is currently climbing the charts overseas and with a stellar remix package including re-rubs by Calvin Harris and DJ Chuckie, will impact U.S. clubs and dance radio next week.

Guetta released One Love, a non-stop, party-thumping musical hybrid of dance beats and hip-hop/R&B vocals to rave reviews in August. People Magazine called ‘One Love’ “a party-rocking album” and the Associated Press agreed, “Guetta’s CD is one big party,” The album features vocals from some of music’s biggest names that includes Akon, apl de ap, Estelle, Kid Cudi, Ne-Yo, Novel, Kelly Rowland, will.i.am and Chris Willis. One Love, Guetta’s fourth studio album has already reached platinum in France, Gold in Canada, South Africa and Belgium…to name a few.

You know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby.

D-Sisive returns with his newest creation, Jonestown. The free album is the follow up to his Polaris Long-Listed album ‘Let The Children Die’, which featured the SOCAN/Echo award winning song ‘Nobody With A Notepad’.

“It’s the Kool Aid,” describes D-Sisive of his newest LP. The Juno nominated artist decided to take a break from his dark/depressing content to focus on the “punchline/battle-rap” style he became known for in the late nineties. The album boasts production from heavyweights Muneshine (Sean Price), Moss (Ghostface, Obie Trice), Anonymous Twist (Planet Asia), Murr (LAL, formerly of The Grassroots), Toronto-born/NY-based Marco Polo (Heltah Skeltah, Masta Ace), 9th Uno and Shinogo. Toronto artist Slim Twig (paper bag records) also makes an appearance on the Shinogo produced ‘Around The World’. The Muneshine produced single ‘West Coast’ is already charting across the country.

“It’s a secret,” laughs D-Sisive after asked to explain the connection between the album’s content and it’s title. Jonestown is available starting Wednesday, November 18, 2009, also marking the 31st anniversary of the Jonestown Massacre.

D-Sisive:Jonestown is available exclusively through www.d-sisive.com

Welcome to Jonestown.

Available for free at www.greenlabelsound.com

Green Label Sound, a free exclusive singles label, today released its latest track “Humdrum Town” by the Brooklyn rapper, songwriter and producer Theophilus London. “Humdrum Town” sets London’s breathy, unpredictable flow against his undeniable blend electro, hip-hop, pop, and soul. “Humdrum Town” is available as a free download exclusively at http://www.greenlabelsound.com.

“The original version of the track came out on This Charming Mixtape, which was written during a different time in my career,” said London about the song. “When the opportunity to release a track with Green Label Sound presented itself, I immediately knew that this was the song. I already had in my mind what I wanted to do to it.”

“I visited a town once with someone, and it was great and amazing–kids and dogs outside in the sun,” explains London. “‘Humdrum Town’ is about coming back to the town without that person and having the opposite experience. It’s gloomy, it’s dark in a humdrum kind of way.”

Recorded at Brooklyn’s Casa Nova studios, mixed by Alexander Aldi (Passion Pit, White Rabbits, Harlem Shakes) and mastered by Joe Lambert (Wyclef Jean, Animal Collective, Gang Gang Dance), “Humdrum Town” tells an elliptical tale of love and loss–all dark chords, basic beats, and a ghostly melody with London’s signature vocals at the fore.

“Humdrum Town”

Green Label Sound, supported by Mtn Dew, is a music label designed to elevate and empower independent artists. To date, GLS has released tracks and videos by Matt and Kim, Chromeo, Holy Ghost!, The Cool Kids, Solid Gold, Flosstradamus and U-N-I.

SMC Recordings and Town Thizzness prepare to reprise their recent success with a new wave of releases, including albums by Oakland eminent artists, Philthy Rich, J Stalin, internet phenomenon D-Lo and newcomer Sleepy D.

Coming from Bay Area label Thizz Nation and former home to slain rapper Mac Dre, Town Thizzness CEO Chioke “Stretch” McCoy felt the urgency to build an outlet for underrepresented Oakland artists to tell their story. “Oakland has a lot of talent but not much of a platform to be heard,” says Stretch. “I wanted Oakland’s story to be told by its own natives, because it’s been so misrepresented in the past.” And Philthy Rich, J Stalin, D-Lo and Sleepy D will get that chance, starting next month.

Riding high on his current buzz, Philthy Rich (Anthony Beasley), the star of the highly debated Discovery Channel’s “Gang Wars” (Oakland episode) is not afraid to tell it like it is in front of a camera or a mic. The 26-year-old rapper from the infamous “Sem City” neighborhood of Oakland speaks his truth on his debut album Funk or Die. A sobering chronicle of life on the streets of Oakland, Funk or Die offers a compelling look into the often dangerous world he comes from.

West Oakland’s J Stalin (Jovan Smith, 26) prepares to release his sophomore debut, “Prenuptial Agreement” this winter. The charismatic rapper dubbed “the future” by Bay Area rap veteran E-40, kicks things off with lead single “Birthday,” a feel good track about celebrating everyday as if it’s special. Stalin’s grittiness and knack for vivid narrative offers listeners an optimistic perspective to an otherwise grim existence.

D-Lo (D’angelo Porter, 21) has experienced the type of success most artists dream about in just two short years. His underground hits “No Hoe” and “You Played Me” generated a fervent following both in the streets and cyberspace. Impressively, “You Played Me” generated 1.1 million plays within a couple of months and found itself on heavy rotation on KMEL, the #1 rap/urban radio station in the Bay Area. D-Lo is gearing up to release his first project through SMC, You Played Me EP, later this year with a full-length album to follow in 2010.

Sleepy D (Devon Porter), D-Lo’s younger brother, didn’t start out dreaming of a career in hip-hop. “Rap was kind of an accident” recalls Sleepy D, the soft-spoken, 20-year-old East Oakland native. That “accident” has turned into a considerable street buzz and the forthcoming release of his debut album, Sleep Deprivation.

In the last five years, Thizz Nation has experienced a swell of success with over 100 releases to date, including PSD, Messy Marv and Keak da Sneak’s Da Bidness and Mistah F.A.B.’s The Baydestrian. Both albums sold over 20,000 units in conjunction with SMC Recordings, leading to a subsequent partnership in early 2007.

Thizz Nation and SMC made it official with the launch of Town Thizzness, the subsidiary that exclusively works with Oakland artists. “Town Thizzness is all about keeping it’s finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the streets of Oakland and delivering it raw and uncut,” says Will Bronson, co-founder of SMC Recordings.

2010 looks to be a promising year for Town Thizzness’ with it’s current line-up in addition to the launch of it’s counterpart, Thizz City, an imprint that will look to develop and release San Francisco artists. Already in the works are projects by Messy Marv and new recruit, Roach Gigz.