New years demand fresh tactics. So when Jake the Snake moved to New York this year to pen his new release, When in Rome, he shed his skin and emerged from underground a tougher, more enlightened J the S.
At this point, Snake has amassed as strong a career as an MC can build in Boston. Before he could legally buy alcohol, he graduated from the local battle circuit and begun to script vicious narratives. In just four years, J the S dropped two internationally distributed full-length albums and a pair of venomous mixtapes, landed singles on Rap Network, Rap Attack Lives and CMJ charts, and enjoyed rotation on more than 300 college radio stations including Boston’s renown WERS, where he earned “Artist of the Month” honors in June 2007.
On the strength of his 2006 album, Strategy of the Crown, which featured guests including Ras Kass, Trife Da God and Devin the Dude, J the S followed up with his DJ Vlad-hosted Year of the Snake Vol. 2. The sequel to his Peter Parker-hosted Vol. 1, the mixtape proved that he could rock consecutive projects with – or without – headliner associates. Featuring limited assists from Boston cronies such as Loose Notes and his own Greater Good crew, J the S gave fans enough original material to choke on until now.
In May 2008, J the S drops his most important project yet. Beyond cameos from the likes of Joell Ortiz, Skyzoo, Slaine and Ras Kass, When in Rome introduces rap fans to an MC whose pilgrimage to Hip-Hop’s pinnacle was a long, disciplined and rewarding journey.
Though he was bred in Boston, J the S spent his first years in the West Indies, where his father hustled. After his mother got concerned and relocated to Massachusetts, a young Snake was introduced to criminal elements on the street and at home. A volatile domestic situation and negative role models inspired a notebook full of rhymes, as well as a dedication rarely seen in young artists.
Despite coming up in Boston behind underground icons such as Mr. Lif and Esoteric, J the S remained faithful to blacktop Hip-Hop. As a result, he became a regular show opener for hardcore artists such as Kool G Rap, Cormega, The Beatnuts, Boot Camp and Wu-Tang. Beyond his East Coast ethos, J the S is also marked by his experience as a middle school teacher and his socially progressive mission, which has landed him on bills alongside Dead Prez, Brand Nubian and KRS-ONE.
“I’m an intelligent artist, but I’m more about pimping the system before it pimps you than I am about some unrealistic optimism,” J the S says. “I tell stories and innovate too, but I’m not on some backpacker nerd shit either.”
He might be an anomaly, but J the S is poised to be a factor in roughneck Hip-Hop’s return to form. With his When in Rome (which will feature collaborations with fellow rising stars Skyzoo (“Pump”), Slaine (“Get Low” Remix) and Joell Ortiz (“Do You”) prequel this March and subsequent third album, The Last Days, coming next year, he is determined to penetrate rap music’s commercial consciousness. If he can pull it off in Boston, where pushing Golden Age street styles is less common than being a Republican, he can do it anywhere. - Matt Conaway
No hush hush news. Its coming. June 24th marks the release of "The 3rd World", one of the most anticipated albums in years. Yes, actual anticipation after almost 5 years since Immortal Technique's previous release. While no album has surfaced since Revolutionary, Vol. 2, he has released several freestyles and singles such as "Bin Laden" Featuring Mos Def and Eminem , which became an internet craze. Other noted releases include the "Watch Out" freestyle (Over Rick Ross's Hustling beat) and the music video for AKIR's "Treason" that featured Immortal Technique daily on national television since the BET Freestyle Friday battles.
Immortal Technique, the revolutionary, has made further recent news in regards to the Sean Bell verdict by not only attracting press, but also by drawing in over 100k unique "visitors" to his 'Myspace page in the last week alone. He has created a blog entry called the "Police State Chronicles: Excerpts from the Street" that calls action to those victim of police brutality and abuse of authority. In total, over 400 personal stories have been collected and gathers for a larger packet that will be sent to congress. No gender or race has been segregated from these files. Its is a national issue that all citizens must be aware of since it interferes with our constitutional rights. This is just one of the daily contributions that has kept Immortal Technique engaged in our society.
DJ Green Lantern (DJ for Jay-Z) and Immortal Technique will be live on Sirius Satellite's Shade 45 channel on Monday, May12th for more updates on this "phenomenal" release. The album's premise is far from "Playing it safe". "While most every artist in the last year has stepped away from breaking the boundaries and tackling issues that we are still currently facing, Immortal Technique proves why he is still considered a Revolutionary of the world." The album release party has already been set in place, so no worries on this album to be anticipated after June 24th. Two worlds will collide for the birth of "The 3rd World". (Press Release)
The 3rd World Tracklisting
1. Death March (featuring DJ Green Lantern)2. That's What It Is3. Golpe De Estado (featuring Veneno & Temperamento)4. Harlem Renaissance5. Lick Shots (featuring Chino XL, Crooked I)6. Interlude7. The 3rd World8. Hollywood Driveby (featuring Psycho Realm & Street Platoon)9. Watchout (RMX)?10. Reverse Pimpology (featuring Mojo)11. Open Your Eyes12. The Payback (featuring Diabolic & Ras Kass)13. Adios Uncle Tom-Skit14. Stronghold Grip (featuring Poison Pen & Swave Sevah)15. Mistakes16. Out on Parole17. Crimes of the Heart (featuring Maya Azucena)
(May 7, 2008 - Brooklyn, NY) In celebration of its 10th anniversary as an independent label and hip-hop collective, Hiero Imperium announced details for a massive North American tour that will span from mid-summer into fall. As creators of classic music and trailblazers in the entertainment business and technology fields, the crew and label have grown to represent more than just hip-hop music. Since its inception in the late 70's, hip-hop culture has permeated mainstream consciousness and its influence has infiltrated fashion, sports, and entertainment on a global scale. Combining elements of fashion and music, The Freshly Dipped Tour is a nod to Hiero Imperium's prolific past ten years as indie hip-hop industry leaders as well as to the bright future of Hiero Imperium. The 3-month long tour, which runs from July through October, includes spot dates all across the US, as well as select dates in Canada.
"We are putting this tour together to thank our fans for their years of loyal support, expose them to our new projects including our brand-new lifestyle line, Hiero Jeans (www.hierojeans.com), and to celebrate the ways that hip-hop style has influenced the fashion world," explained Hiero Imperium CEO Tajai Massey. As a thank you to their fans, Hiero Imperium recently hosted a contest in which fans submitted artwork to be considered for the official tour logo. The winning design (pictured at the top of the tour graphic here) will be featured on all tour merchandise and signage.
In addition to publicly debuting their Hiero Jeans clothing line, Souls of Mischief emcee Opio will be showcasing material from his upcoming album, Vulture's Wisdom, Volume One, which will be released this summer. Joining the tour and building on the trends set by The Hieroglyphics will be Seattle's Blue Scholars, who are hugely popular in the Northwest hip-hop scene. Both groups are known for their strong live shows, and represent the best hip-hop the West Coast has to offer. Hiero Imperium will also debut a special, limited edition Freshly Dipped Tour 7? this summer. Available exclusively at the shows, the 7? will include a Hieroglyphics remix of a Blue Scholars track and a Blue Scholars remix of a Hiero track. Also available at the shows will be a selection of Hiero Jeans denim and shirts. (Press Release)
Following the strong response to the posse track "3rd Degree" and the new street leak "Da Livest", Nino Bless sets out to release the long-anticipated street-LP, Untold Scriptures, on 5-20-08. "I have notable veterans of the game helping me push this project, including Big Mike, Mick Boogie, & J Love." The street-LP runs 19 tracks deep with features from Styles P, Joe Budden, Kool G Rap, Saigon, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz & Grafh. Original production from Focus (Aftermath), Scram Jones, Veterano, & Blackout Movement sets the backdrop for the mixtape for the Puerto Rican MC out of Brooklyn, NY.
"I put this together like an album with 19 joints – and the majority of them are full length records," Bless says. "So far, the response has been dope. At this moment I have to keep it going and I think this is a good representation of what I can bring to the table." However, Nino isn't stopping with Untold Scriptures as he plans to release another project at the end of this year. "Crooked I and myself are setting up to drop a mixtape towards the end of the year. Dow Jones from The Bizness is going to chip in with some beats and help put the project together along with somebody else; we ain't sure who yet but it'll be from the east coast." - Matt Conaway
Soul singer, songwriter and producer Dwele, will release his highly anticipated 3rd studio album Sketches of a Man on June 24th through RT Music Group/KOCH Records. Sketches of a Man, a long time in the making, will be lead by the soulful single “I’m Cheatin’,” produced by G-1, the man behind Dwele’s breakthrough hit “Find a Way” (from Subject). “I’m Cheatin’” is a mind bender which tells of a man who loves his girlfriend’s conservative side as well as her care-free side and dreams of cheating on one with the other as if they were two different people. “It’s based on a true story that I put a spin on. Unless you really pay attention, you might get the wrong idea, “Dwele admits
This year, Dwele was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” category for his interpretation of “That’s The Way of the World,” from the Stax Records compilation, Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also appeared on long-time friend Kanye West’s Grammy-winning mega hit “Flashing Lights” and on rapper Common’s Grammy-nominated single “The People,” which made Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Best Songs of 2007.”
“Sketches of a Man is ultimately what I am and where I am in 2008,” Dwele explains. “It is inspired by life and love, and it is about finding out how I fit into these different musical genres, or how I would fit into these new cultures. Like, if I spoke French, how would it sound? . . I think that's what inspiration is.”
Sketches of a Man finds Dwele writing, producing, arranging and playing all instruments on nearly all of the tracks on the project. One of the few exceptions is “A Few Reasons,” a bouncy groove with a hip hop feel written and performed by Dwele with production from Nottz (Snoop and R. Kelly’s “That’s That”). Dwele shows us his hip hop side on Sketches… with tracks like “ Body Rock,” and funky ballads like “Open Your Eyes,” (a Bobby Caldwell cover), and “Love Ultra,” but doesn’t stray too far from the soulful roots that we love on tracks like “Vain.” On “Vain” Dwele speaks of how difficult it is to hold on to a relationship. “With my music I try to touch on things that everyone can relate to. Things like, being a musician and trying to find the balance between work and love,” Dwele says of “Vain.”
Dwele is also a fine artist and has created a series of color and black & white mural-size works in acrylic. He is also an accomplished photographer who works in digital as well as the old-fashioned way – using manual cameras.
One of the most refined and stylish singers to emerge in recent years, Dwele infuses the musical traditions of Motown visionaries Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, who he listened to growing up on Detroit’s west side, into his own contemporary sound. He taught himself to play several instruments including piano, trumpet, guitar and bass before embarking on his journey as a soul singer. His demo tape, 1998's The Rize, got significant buzz around the Motor City and collaborations with fellow Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village also helped Dwele gain visibility.
He released his critically acclaimed full-length debut Subject in 2003, and cemented his appeal to European audiences with an extensive tour that summer. His second album, Some Kinda, followed in 2005, and featured production from the late J Dilla, as well as Mike City and G1. (Press Release)
SAN FRANCISCO– With albums slated to drop in the first half of 2008, San Francisco-based, independent label, SMC Recordings continues to diversify and grow. Formed in 2005, SMC gets a further boost May 13 with the release of Killer Mike’s ‘I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II’. Following it up in July is the long awaited return of Capone-N-Noreaga. At summer’s end is a third SMC release from Pastor Troy. All titles will be distributed through Fontana/Universal in the U.S. where SMC is one of the top selling urban/hip-hop labels.
“We have the best of both worlds–the flexibility and connection to the streets of an independent label and the ability to reach the masses that major label distribution affords,” says SMC co-founder Ralph Tashjian. Tashjian’s SMC co-principals are George Nauful, who oversees business affairs and financial operations, and young A&R star Will Bronson, who heads up artist relations. “I’m proud to be in partnership with SMC,” said Ron Spaulding, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Fontana Distribution.
SMC’s partnership with Killer Mike, who first gained notoriety appearing with OutKast and had a Billboard Top 10 album debut with 2003’s ‘Monster’, also embraces an alliance with his Atlanta-based label imprint, ‘Grind Time Official’.
Killer Mike came to SMC at the urging of another SMC artist, Pastor Troy. Troy’s third album for SMC is due out in late summer 2008. His 2007 debut for the label, ‘Tool Musiq’, outsold his previous two releases.
The latest addition to the SMC roster is the legendary New York duo Capone-N-Noreaga. The tentatively titled, ‘Report the War’, is their follow-up to the gold selling ‘The Reunion’. The album is set to drop this July.
With an efficient business model that turned a profit in the company’s second year, SMC Recordings is poised for even greater success with new titles from their roster. Last year, Billboard included SMC in its list of “Indies On The Verge – Little Labels, Poised For the Big Time.” This year, SMC will prove them right. (Press Release)
“LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL,” the chart-topping second album from 1st & 15th/Atlantic recording artist Lupe Fiasco, has been certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000. The critically acclaimed album – which features the hit singles, “Superstar (Feat. Matthew Santos)” and “Hip-Hop Saved My Life (Feat. Nikki Jean)” –debuted on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” chart at #1 upon its December 2007 release, and remained in the peak position for nine weeks.
In February, the Chicago-based MC earned his first-ever Grammy Award, bringing home the “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” trophy for last year’s smash, “Daydreamin’ (Feat. Jill Scott).” The track is now being featured in AT&T’s national “Celebrate Spring” ad campaign.
“Superstar (Feat. Matthew Santos),” the first single/video from “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL,” is without doubt one of 2008’s foremost hits, maintaining its top 20 status on this week’s Billboard “Hot 100.” The track is also a top 10 sensation on the “Hot Rap Tracks” ranking, while still standing strong on a variety of other charts, including “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs” and “Hot Digital Songs.” What’s more, “Superstar” continues to score at radio, where it remains a top 20 favorite on both the CHR/Top 40 and Rhythmic airplay charts. The track is also drawing significant play at Urban outlets nationwide. The “Superstar” companion video – directed by the great Hype Williams – remains a hugely popular clip at all music video outlets, including MTV, BET, Fuse, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, MTV TR3S, VH1 Soul, the N, and MUN2.
“Hip-Hop Saved My Life (Feat. Nikki Jean),” the album’s latest single/video, is slated to impact at multi-format radio outlets across the country in late May. It has already been added into rotation at the biggest hip-hop radio station in the country, New York’s Hot 97. The track’s companion video – directed by Dr. Teeth (T.I., Paul Wall, Mike Jones) – is already in play across the MTV spectrum, including MTV2, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, mtvU, and FUSE. The clip, which features a cameo appearance from rap icon Bun B, is now in “Up To The RC” rotation at BET, where Lupe recently made a stellar live appearance as part of the network’s annual Spring Bling coverage. “Hip-Hop Saved My Live” is also a top 10 success at BETJ.
In addition to his recent performance on BET, Lupe has made a variety of high-profile TV appearances in recent months, performing live on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman, CBS’ Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly, NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno, PBS’ Tavis Smiley, MTV’s TRL, and the syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Surely one of hip-hop’s most electrifying and active live performers, Lupe is currently on a major North American tour, supporting his longtime friend and associate Kanye West on his blockbuster “Glow In The Dark Tour.” The trek is now lighting up arenas across the continent, with dates continuing through a June 13th finale at Cincinnati’s US Bank Arena (see attached itinerary). That very same day will see Lupe playing an additional set in Manchester, Tennessee at the Bonnaroo Music festival. (Press Release)
Homeschool and Atlantic Records have announced the upcoming release of “SHINE,” the hugely anticipated US debut album from British hip-hop/soul sensation, Estelle. The album – which features the current UK #1 single, “American Boy (Feat. Kanye West)” – lands in stores across North America on April 29th.
“SHINE” marks the premiere release from John Legend’s new Homeschool Records label, in partnership with Atlantic Records. “Her sound is a unique blend of hip-hop, pop, reggae and soul,” explains the Grammy Award-winning Legend. “She has a special voice, unlike any other voice out there in mainstream music, and she can really write. I’m excited and honored to have Estelle as the first artist on my label. I believe the world is going to fall in love with her album, as I already have. Estelle is an amazing talent, and she’s going to do big things.”
Legend – who executive produced “SHINE” alongside Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman – is hosting a number of dates on Estelle’s current US club tour. The shows continue through a May 1st performance at Los Angeles’ Temple Bar (see attached itinerary).
“American Boy (Feat. Kanye West)” continues to dominate the UK singles chart, standing tall at #1 for its fourth consecutive week. Last month, the track made history as the third-ever #1 UK single based on digital sales alone, following in the international smash footsteps of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” Here in the US, “American Boy” has just impacted at multi-format radio outlets nationwide, including Urban, Rhythmic, and CHR/Top 40.
What’s more, the “American Boy” companion video is looking like an out-of-the-box breakthrough for Estelle. The clip – directed by Syndrome (Danity Kane, Day26, Lupe Fiasco) – has already been added at MTV, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, mtvU, and BET J. Estelle has also been tapped fort he prestigious BET “Rated Next” and Vh-1 Soul “You Oughta Know” programs.
On April 24th, Estelle made her network television debut on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. Additional television performances will include, the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, CBS’s Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“SHINE” is now available for pre-order via the iTunes Store. An exclusive “Deluxe Edition” is also on offer, featuring bonus tracks such as “Life To Me,” Estelle’s 2007 collaboration with renowned hip-hop producer Hi-Tek, as well as the music videos for “American Boy” and “Wait a Minute (Just a Touch).”
Executive Produced by Homeschool Records founder John Legend and Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman, “SHINE” is without question one of the year’s most anticipated releases. The album features production from an array of studio superstars, including Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen), Wyclef Jean (Mary J. Blige, Shakira), Swizz Beatz (T.I., Jay-Z, Beyoncé), will. i. am (Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Chris Brown), and Supa Dups (of the famed Black Chiney sound system). Joining Estelle behind the mic are such talented artists as John Legend, Kanye West, Cee-Lo, and acclaimed Canadian dancehall/hip-hop MC, Kardinal Offishall.
Even with the star-studded guest roster, it is Estelle who shines brightest throughout the collection. Her idiosyncratic vocals – sensual, swaggering, and always special – unite the album’s diverse spectrum of sonic styles, spanning funk, reggae, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and anything else which strikes the West London girl’s fancy. Tracks such as the dancehall party jam, “Magnificent,” or the brass-powered “Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)” display mature confidence, deep soulfulness, and a remarkable gift for no-holds-barred emotional expression.
With “SHINE,” Estelle more than fulfills the promise of her 2004 debut, “THE 18TH DAY.” That album earned her widespread acclaim, as well as a series of honors including a 2004 MOBO for “Best Newcomer” and three consecutive received “Best Female Artist” trophies from the UK Hip-Hop Awards.
“SHINE” has already received ecstatic critical hosannas in Estelle’s home country. “Equal parts reggae, pop and hip-hop, it's stuffed with potential singles,” declared the Guardian’s Caroline Sullivan in a four-out-of-five starred review. “There’s a nothing-to-lose confidence in these songs that defies resistance,” raved the Times’ Peter Paphides, hailing the album as “an almighty new beginning.”
Here in the US, Estelle has been acknowledged as one of the year’s most extraordinary new stars. She is among Rolling Stone’s “Ones to Watch in 2008,” Billboard’s “What Great in 2008,” the New York Post’s “New Faces of 2008,” and Paste’s “4 to Watch in 2008,” as well as one of Vibe’s “Next” artists.
Also offering prolifigate praise are Estelle’s fellow artists. “I have never worked with a young artist that reminded me so much of Lauryn Hill,” offers Wyclef Jean. “Estelle is such a talented singer, rapper, vocal arranger, and songwriter,” says Mark Ronson. “I can’t think of anyone else who can do all those things as well as she can. Any time that we work together in the studio, she never comes up with an idea that’s uninspiring.”
“Estelle has a strong unique voice,” notes Cee-Lo, “reminiscent of old soul. Her ability to think outside the box draws me to her, and this is what will draw others to her.” “I feel she will be the next big thing in the R&B/soul game,” adds Swizz Beatz. “She is a great person to work with and I feel her album is a new feel for ‘08.” (Press Release)
