Friday, August 21, 2009

J. PeRioD & K`NaaN PReSeNT: "The MeSSeNGeRs EP"...

There`s a nice write up below so I`ll just leave the music speak for itself, just check it out & enjoy...


J. Period & K`naan Presents - The Messengers Digital EP
Released: August 18, 2009




1. Let`s Start (Fela Kuti Tribute)
2. Belly Full (Bob Marley Tribute) {ft. Kardinal Offishall, Steele & Bajah}
3. Relationships Lay (Bob Dylan Tribute)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY (August 18, 2009) – Some artists are defined by their environment. Some redefine their environment. Still others push the boundaries of convention so fully that their influence is felt around the globe, and across generations. Their music compels us not only to dance but to think, not only to celebrate but to strive, not only to listen but to truly hear. Fela Kuti, Nigeria’s eminent musical activist; Bob Marley, Jamaica’s emissary of struggle and unity; and Bob Dylan, America’s reluctant Civil Rights song leader, are three such artists.

These are “The Messengers.”

Today, August 18, 2009, acclaimed DJ/Producer, J.Period, and rising Somali-born MC, K’NAAN, are pleased to announce a unique and powerful remix project, paying tribute to the lasting legacy of these musical giants. Weaving afro-beat, reggae, ska, folk music and rock into this genre-bending musical experience, The Messengers stretches the boundaries of hip hop—and the mixtape genre itself. Remixing the classic work of Fela, Marley and Dylan, The Messengers captures the timelessness of their sounds and the continued urgency of their messages. The result, as fans have come to expect from J.Period, is like no mixtape you’ve ever heard.

The Messengers arrives on the heels of K'NAAN's sophomore release, Troubadour (A&M/Octone Records), released January 2009. Having already made a powerful mark with his breakthrough debut, K’NAAN’s Troubadour debuted at #32 on Billboard’s Top 200, continuing his rapid rise on the world stage. Filled with eloquent and thought-provoking lyrics in the tradition of great folk singers and protest songs, the album also features all-star collaborations with Damian Marley, Mos Def, Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Adam Levine & James Valentine (Maroon 5) and Chubb Rock.

With a track record for game-changing remix projects (his recent collaboration with Q-Tip yielded over 600,000 downloads), J.Period’s ever-expanding highlight reel boasts remixes for heavyweights from Mary J. Bilge to The Roots to Kanye West, as well as original production for blockbuster films and video games. Commissioned by labels, artists and lifestyle brands for his groundbreaking promo campaigns, J.Period has not only elevated the mixtape to an art form, but consistently proved its viability as a potent promotional tool. Each release raises the bar, and with The Messengers, J.Period proves that his musical ear and signature documentary style are at home in any genre

K’NAAN’s compelling personal story (raised in war-torn Mogadishu, descendant of famed Somali singers and poets) has also fueled his international appeal: bridging styles and audiences; re-invigorating hip hop’s global influence; and altering perception of his homeland, Somalia (recently hailed as the world’s “Most Dangerous Destination” by Forbes Magazine). In hip hop, where MCs wear bullet wounds like badges of honor, few have actually lived through war, and even fewer emerged with a message of peace. K’NAAN has, making his lyrics on “The Messengers” not just a tribute to Fela, Marley and Dylan, but a testament to the transformative power of music itself.

"This project is really special to me,” says K’NAAN, “Not the product of ego but of passion. Far from a marketing tool, it is an honest musical offering. Nothing gives a better window into the root and concept of my own sound than The Messengers"

“A lot of people say hip hop is in a stagnant place, but I see few actually doing something about it,” says J.Period. “I love the The Messengers because the concept is completely unique, but still true to the original spirit of hip hop: combining the best elements from everywhere to create something fresh, to make a new statement. Fela, Marley and Dylan proved that when great music meets a powerful message, the result lives forever. I hope K’NAAN and I have done their legacies justice with this project.”

After an Invitation-Only Launch Party in Toronto (K’NAAN’s current home) on August 15, The Messengers will be released in 5 parts over the course of 5 weeks, beginning with the first installment—a 3-song digital EP featuring one Fela remix, one Marley, and one Dylan—on Tuesday, August 18. Following the EP release, J.Period & K’NAAN will pay tribute to each of “The Messengers” individually with a new release every Tuesday in September, beginning with a tribute to Fela Kuti (September 1), Bob Marley (September 8), Bob Dylan (September 15), and culminating in the release of The Messengers in its entirety (including additional bonus tracks and artwork) on September 22.

Each digital release will also be accompanied by an exclusive illustration by graphic artist, Fuse Green (http://www.fusegreen.com), the tremendous talent behind J.Period’s iconic cover art (Q-Tip, Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Game Rebellion)

The Messengers boasts a lineup of talented guest artists from around the globe: New York’s M1 (Dead Prez), Toronto’s Kardinal Offishall, Sierra Leone's rising talent Bajah + Dry Eye Crew (http://planetbajah.com), Brooklyn’s Steele (Smif’N’Wessun), Oakland’s Zumbi (Zion I), Game Rebellion front man Netic the Rebel, bassist Brian Satz, talented producer DJ Preservation, and mixer/engineer, Alex Moulton (www.expansionteam.org).


###

For All Press Inquiries, Please Contact::
Tasha Stoute
Strong Arm Media
tasha@strongarmmedia.com

Carleen Donovan
Press Here Publicity
carleen@pressherepublicity.com
PH: (212) 246-2640
FX: (212) 582-6513
http://www.pressherepublicity.com


http://www.jperiod.com/knaan/








N`JoY...

Thursday, August 20, 2009

EaZy-E`s "MeGaMiX [12 iNCH PRoMo]"...

Got a lil` somethin` for y`all Eazy-E fans out there & it comes in the form of a 12 inch. I think that Ruthless Records put this lil` promo 12 inch Eazy-E Megamix out around the time that the Greatest Hits compilation "Eternal E" dropped. It`s a nice mix & comes in 2 versions; the first being a cleaned up radio version & then the flip side is an extended version that starts out clean/ edited but towards then end gets a lil` explicit....LoL, guess they forgot what they were doin` or somethin`. If you`re a fan of Eazy this is definitely worth the DL, so check it out...



Eazy-E - Megamix [12 Inch Promo]
Label: Ruthless Records/ Priority Records
Released: 1995



A. Megamix [Radio] (4:38)
B. Megamix [Extended Version] (9:53)











R.i.P. EaZy-E...

HaVoC`s "FRoM NoW On [The MiXTaPe]"...

Got some new Havoc tracks for y`all courtesy of his new mixtape titled "From Now On", another iNBoX GooDie. I haven`t had the chance to give it a listen yet, but I have heard a few tracks. So far I`m DiGG`n the 2 bonus tracks "24k Rap" with Raekwon & "Evil Deeds" with Ghostface & RZA, as well as "Smells Like 9/5". The link`s a ZShare joint, I know many folks don`t like it so if there`s enough headz out there that request it, I`ll re-up it on Megaupload -- anyway give it a listen & enjoy...




Havoc - From Now On The Mixtape
Released: 2009




1. Smells Like 9/5
2. What`s That Smell?
3. Bang-Bang {ft. Lloyd Banks}
4. That`s How You Feel?
5. Fly With Me
6. Always Have A Choice
7. Letter To P
8. Handle My Handle
9. Call From Cousin Ferb [Skit]
10. H Is Back
11. You Know My Name {ft. Philthy}
12. Keep On Talking {ft. Prodigy}
13. Computer Crash [Skit]
14. Going OT
15. Sex Tape
16. You Take Her {ft. Freeway & Termanology}
17. Believer
18. 24k Rap {ft. Raekwon} [Bonus Track]
19. Evil Deeds {ft. Ghostface & RZA} [Bonus Track]








N`JoY...

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

JaNiSe`S "RoCKSTaR MeNTaLiTy"...


There`s not much info` out there on this female emcee out of Toledo, Ohio so I`ll do what I can to get y`all 'edjamacated'....LoL, so here goes...



Janise was born in Toledo, Ohio but currently resides in Detroit, MI. She`s the first lady of Papertrail Ent. & has apparently been rappin` since she was 3 years old....LoL, before rappin` she was a basketball player. She started playing in the 5th grade until her 3rd year of college when she finally realized that her true love was music. She started off as part of Steady Flowin`, an all female group that included homegirls Ms. Nene & Lauren "Lil` Balla" Crockette -- however after they all left for college they decided to go their seperate ways. Janise lookin` to get her solo career spark`D off met Prophecy, the C.E.O. of Papertrail by networking on myspace. He dug her potential & signed her to his Papertrail Ent. label. This here is a mixtape that Janise dropped for free to introduce herself to the world, so check it out & enjoy...








Janise - Rockstar Mentality [MiXTaPe]



1. Intro
2. All About Me
3. Day Dreaming
4. Where The Money At?
5. Put It On Me
6. Put `Em To Bed
7. Yo` Nigga Ain`t Shit
8. Fly
9. Shut It Down
10. Get Dough [Rmx]
11. Rockstar






http://www.myspace.com/HUSTLEGURL22



N`JoY...

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

AuGuST`s iNBoX GooDieS Pt. 1...

S`up my readers/ vistors? Today I`ve got a few more inbox goodies for y`all ears` listening pleasure. I`ve got a joint off Warren G`s upcoming album, a fresh track off Raekwon`s "Cuban Linx II" & a hand full of new Havoc tracks. So enjoy, feel free to leave ya` thoughts on these tracks as a comment...












Warren G {ft. Snoop Dogg & Cass} - Swagger Rich

Warren G Returns With New Studio LP, The G Files, With Special Guests Snoop Dogg, Ray J & Travis Barker

* * * * * * * * *

The G Files, Produced By Warren G, Will Be Released On 9-29-09

Los Angeles, CA (August 3, 2009) -- With six LP’s already under his belt and 10 million copies sold worldwide, Warren G will release his seventh studio LP, The G Files, on 9-29-09. The album features the Snoop Dogg assisted lead-single, “Swagger Rich” and highlighted tracks, “Crush” with Ray J, “Let’s Get High (420)” with Black Nicc and guest Travis Barker on drums, “Suicide” with RBX and “100 Miles and Runnin” with Nate Dogg and Raekwon.

His laid back flow and production have made him an undisputed Hip-Hop legend, but those attributes and accomplishments have and always will certify multi-platinum rapper and producer, Warren G as a West Coast icon.

Warren G exploded out of the burgeoning Long Beach rap scene in 1994 and while many of his West Coast contemporaries such as Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop signed record deals with LA's Death Row Records, Warren G took an alternative route and signed with Def Jam in New York, quickly proving he had something remarkable up his sleeve. His 1994 debut album, Regulate...G Funk Era, certified Warren G as a multi-platinum internationally acclaimed artist. He also received multiple award nominations (Grammy, American Music, Soul Train) for his smash hit “Regulate.”

Def Jam founder and the God Father of Hip Hop, Russell Simmons, would later cite Warren G's signing as “a turning point" for the storied Def Jam Records imprint and its subsequent mega-success. "After that, Def Jam never looked back," Simmons wrote in his book Life and Def. Likewise, as one of the first rap artists to appear on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” Warren G helped put the West Coast on the Hip-Hop map with his success and by nurturing the careers of many other talented artists that would follow in his path.

Subsequent albums Take a Look Over Your Shoulder (1997) and I Want It All (1999) were certified gold and generated hits "I Want It All" and "I Shot The Sheriff," a cover of Bob Marley's popular song by the same name. Warren’s 2001 release Return of the Regulator showcased his studio skills through working with legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and George Clinton (the two, alongside the late Tupac Shakur, are cited by Warren as some of the great highlights of his extensive collaborations over the years). In 2004, Warren reunited with his teenage group, 213, (which also features Snoop and Nate Dogg) to release Hard Way, which quickly went Gold and further cemented Warren’s legacy.

Warren’s musical accomplishments have also translated to the silver screen, where he made an unforgettable cameo in “Old School” and he has also appeared on numerous reality shows including VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” Flavor Flav’s “Flavor Of Love,” Ray J’s “For The Love Of Ray J” and he appeared as a mentor on “Celebrity Rap Superstar.” Warren has also appeared on television shows such as “The Parkers,” “Clueless” and “The Parent Hood” and contributed to countless movie soundtracks (including “Poetic Justice” “Above The Rim” “Bad Boys” “Barbershop 2”) and appeared on video games (NBA 09 and Def Jam Fight For NY).

Not only is Warren G back with The G Files, but the West is back!!









N`JoY...

Sunday, August 02, 2009

EBoNy EyEZ` "7 DaY CyCLe"...


Ebony Eyez is one of the first (if not the first) female emcees to rep St. Louis, MO -- making her debut on "Show Your Ass", a track from J-Kwon`s 2004 album "Hood Hop". That was the first time Ebony Eyez had worked with the TrackBoyz (producers Mark Williams & Joe Kent), but it wasn`t the last because they connected once again to work on "Get XXX`d", a track from the 2005 film "XXX: State Of The Union" that also featured J-Kwon & Petey Pablo. Her album "7 Day Cycle" followed a little later that year, produced by the TrackBoyz of course. This is how Ebony Eyez explains the meaning behind her album`s title...

"Seven is the number of completion & we`re looking at the typical seven days of a woman," she explains. "It`s about the typical emotions we go through in a 7 Day Cycle. I`m trying to represent & speak from a woman`s point of view & let people understand everything. We`ve got songs for Friday & Saturday, when maybe you want to go to the club. We`ve got the relationship songs where everything is going bad for you. It`s all about the different things women go through in seven days..."



She generated a lil` heat with 2 singles & a remix; the R&B flavored "Take Me Back" featuring Slim & Q of 112, the sex`D out club anthem"In Ya` Face" & the remix which features Da Baddest Bitch, Trina. Ebony came up with the concept for "In Ya` Face" after some kat at the club stepped to her...

"It was kind of a joke song at first," she recalls. "We were out one night at the club & this dude came up to me & was like, 'Let me see you bend over.' I was like, 'If I bend over will you let me put my ass in your face?' Then I came to the studio & I was like, 'Let me do this song.' It`s not meant to be taken so literally. It`s an equal opportunity song. If you think it`s OK to say those kind of things to me, then I feel it`s OK for me to say that..."





Don`t think that she`s a generic female rapper based on her 2 singles, I mean although the album itself was a commercial failure Ebony Eyez does showcase some skillZ on the mic. She gets real deep & emotional on the track "Dear Father", kicks an ode to her dildo on "Good Vibrations" (love the twist on the Scarface quote "Say hello to my little friend"....LoL) & drops "Act Like A Bitch", a track that let`s the lame~ass dudes know what some woman want...
















I`ve got no idea what she`s up to now so if anyone does go `head & let me know, anyways enjoy the music videos & give her album a listen...




Ebony Eyez - 7 Day Cycle
Released: October 4, 2005
Label: Capitol/ EMI




1. Intro
2. Heart Of A Soldier {ft. Trey Songz}
3. In Ya` Face
4. Drop It
5. Stand Up
6. Broken Wings {ft. Capo}
7. Act Like A Bitch
8. Real Life {ft. J-Kwon & Tarboy}
9. Hot Chick {ft. Trey Songz}
10. Take Me Back [Interlude]
11. Take Me Back {ft. Slim & Q of 112}
12. Good Vibrations
13. Lame Ass
14. Right Back
15. Dear Father
16. In Ya` Face [Rmx] {ft. Trina}










N`JoY...