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New music
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Funky
Drummer: Musical Meetings with Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill
11/25/08 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview (click for
first interview)
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Percussion madman Eric Bobo made his first public
appearance at the age of 5, performing on stage with his
father, Latin Jazz legend Willie Bobo. As the jazz scene
evolved through the 80s and hip hop became a dominant
force in music, Bobo found his calling, and ultimately
toured and recorded with the Beastie Boys. While
on tour, he met Cypress Hill and joined the group as
their percussionist. Bobo became an official full
time Cypress Hill member in 1994 and has toured and
recorded with the group ever since. Bobo's new
album ‘Meeting of the Minds’ brings together the
best of Bobo’s friends and creative collaborators.
Bobo speaks with us about his new CD and the future of
Cypress Hill.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Eric Bobo
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B-Real of
Cypress Hill Preps "Smoke N Mirrors" For February 2009
Release
11/25/08 - LatinRapper.com / Mac Media Press Release
Click Here to read our Past Exclusive
Interview with B-Real
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B-Real, a rapper of Mexican and Afro-Cuban heritage, is
best known for being the lead rapper in the hip hop
group Cypress Hill. Since the group's formation in 1988,
the pioneering rap-rock quartet Cypress Hill -- founders
B-Real, DJ Muggs, and Sen Dog, along with newest member
Eric Bobo -- have come a long way from the streets of
South Central L.A. Over the course of its 17-year
history, Cypress Hill has sold more than 17 million
albums worldwide, including more than 11 million records
in the U.S. alone. The group has garnered 15
multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications from
the RIAA; headlined Lollapalooza, Woodstock and the
group's own Smokin' Grooves tour. B-Real has appeared on
"Saturday Night Live," all the while breaking down the
musical and cultural barriers between hip-hop,
alternative, metal, rock, reggae, ska and Latin music.
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Recently, B-Real, along with Cypress Hill received a VH1
Hip Hop Honors, to celebrate the vision and innovation
that the group continues to bring to Hip Hop,
strengthening its force around the world. Other artists
honored in 2008 were De La Soul, Naughty By Nature,
Slick Rick and Too Short.
In B-Real's first ever solo effort, "SMOKE N MIRRORS",
he wanted to showcase his musical talent over beats
produced by Alchemist, Scoop Deville, & Sick Jacken
(from Psycho Realm). B-Real produced several songs on
the project as well, including the lead track FIRE with
Damian Marley. "Smoke N Mirrors" also features tracks
with Snoop Dogg, Buckshot, Kurupt, Too Short, Sen Dog,
of Cypress Hill, & Young De.
B-Real is confident his fans will appreciate "Smoke N
Mirrors" stating: "I am excited to be putting out my
first solo project. It's been in the works for a while
now. I want to show my fans a different side to my
creative abilities including my own production. I am
also excited to have teamed up with Duck Down. They have
a strong team and I believe they will push my project to
the fullest.”
Two Videos will be filmed off "Smoke N Mirrors" for
"Don't Ya Dare Laugh" featuring Young De and "FIRE"
featuring Damian Marley. SMOKE N MIRRORS is in
stores February 24th, 2009, courtesy of Audio Hustlaz/Duck
Down Records.
Tracklisting and credits for B-Real’s Smoke N Mirrors:
1.) Children of The Night f/ Bo Roc (produced by Scoop
Deville)
2.) Gangsta Music f/Bo Roc (produced by Soopafly)
3.) Don’t Ya Dare Laugh f/Young De (produced by Scoop
Deville)
4.) Everything You Want f/Buckshot (produced by Soopafly)
5.) 6 Minutes f/Young De & Tek (produced by Alchemist)
6.) Pyscho Revolution f/ Sick Jacken (produced by Sick
Jacken)
7.) Fire f/Damian Marley (produced by B-Real)
8.) 10 Steps Behind f/Young De & Tek (produced by J.
Turner)
9). Get That Dough f/Mimi (produced by Fifth)
10.) Dr. Hyphenstein f/Snoop Doog, Young De & Trace
Midas (produced by B-Real)
11.) Stack’ N Paper (produced by J. Turner)
12.) 1 Life f/Send Dog and Mal Verde (produced by
B-Real)
13.) Dude VS. Homie (produced by J. Turner)
14.) When They Hate You f/Mimi (produced by Salaam
Wreck)
15.) When Were F*cking f/Too Short, Kurupt and Young De
(produced by J. Turner)
B-Real solo
website:
www.brealonline.com
B-Real on
Myspace:
www.myspace.com/brealonline
Official Cypress
Hill website:
www.cypresshillonline.com
Rio Hip
Hop On the Edge: A Filial Release $1,99
11/25/08 - LatinRapper.com / Verge Press Release
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In a room on the edge of a tropical forest in Rio de
Janeiro, five friends lay down tracks on hacked software,
coordinating their takes with the purring of fist-size
cicadas and the occasional cry of a monkey. The sounds of
this global city bleed through every beat on Rio hip hop
crew A Filial's $1,99, out December 2, 2008 on Verge Records
, an independent label dedicated to supporting both
innovative global artists and music education projects in
underserved communities. Having kicked off Verge's
much-lauded debut compilation, The Inspiring New Sounds of
Rio de Janeiro, A Filial returns with their first U.S. album
presenting their distinctive hip-hop style. |
Unlike the harder-edged sound of Brazilian rap crews from
São Paulo, Rio's bohemian scene has sparked hip hop that is
perhaps more Brazilian and more cosmopolitan. A Filial's
distinct vibe is reflected on their home turf, the
neighborhood of Santa Teresa where most of the crew,
including founding MC Edu Lopes, grew up. Here, up on a
mountain overlooking the rest of the city, sunny exuberance
melds with dire poverty. Artists live next to favela
dwellers, and a democratic spirit of the neighborhood
underpins the music on $1,99. The album title refers to
Brazil's equivalent of the American ninety-nine cent store,
where you can get almost anything you need and which is
accessible to anyone.
A Filial came out of Rio's skateboarding scene and a hip hop
circle known as the Hemp Family. "Our first tape was made
using a Playstation, a karaoke set, a $10 mic, a toy that
made music, and a used cassette," Lopes recalls. "We wanted
to develop a hip hop sound that was more regionally based."
The following year a track was licensed to the skateboard
brand Agacê for their "Todos Ouvidos" or "All Heard"
compilation. The group's sound emerged in these early years,
which are documented with various music videos found on
YouTube.
Fifties bossa nova mixed samba with jazz, sixties tropicália
mixed samba with rock, and A Filial mixes Brazilian roots
music and other world influences in the envelope of rap and
hip hop culture. On $1,99, with the group's percussionist
Rodrigo Pacato, A Filial explores the unmistakable rhythms
and harmonies of Northeastern Brazil and the new spirit of
Rio's old samba spots in notorious neighborhoods like Lapa,
where racy nightlife meets crumbling colonial facades. While
trumpeter and MC Ben Lamar, who grew up in Chicago listening
to his dad's extensive Brazilian record collection, shares
the group's love of classic Brazilian popular music, Lopez
and the other Brazilian members share Lamar's passion for
classic rap from NWA to the Beastie Boys. The musicians take
turns writing songs that reflect the band's multifaceted
cultural reality.
The album's very structure is a nod to the roda, the
symbolic circle in which many dances of Brazil take place.
"A Ciranda Continua" gives listeners a taste of what's to
come, echoing the hip hop mantra "It don't stop!" and
calling out the names of the group members over a maracatu
rhythm and leading into "Calma Pedro," another maracatu. The
ciranda , a Northeastern Brazilian dance circle, runs
through interludes interspersed with the album's tracks and
is a metaphor for the cycles and rotations of the planet.
Things get serious on "Baiao One Two," whose name refers to
both a forró dance beat from Northeastern Brazil and a
favorite Brazilian dish. Lamar's lyrics come from his
first-hand experience with economic hardship in Brazil,
where many lack the luxury of easy access to food. He raps,
"Pass the peas like we used to say, but this time across the
ocean, to the world they rank as third, but I am thinking
first how to get this plan in motion."
"I think back to my time in Alabama, where my mother's
family is from," Lamar explains. "My grandma there taught me
that our dinner table extends beyond our family. You have to
share your nourishment. This song calls for that sharing on
a global scale."
Though the band's politics may be global, there's a special
local vibe on "Aqui Se Faz Aqui Nao Paga," which features
the vocals and cavaquinho of band member and sambista Flávio
52. The track is like a night out at a Rio institution, the
samba de boteco, a hole-in-the-wall bar where samba
musicians sit not on stage but at a table full of beers with
a couple of mics in front of them.
While Rio has its traditional side, it's full of characters,
people doing their own thing. On "Judy does Judo," A Filial
uses a classic Partido Alto-style samba rhythm to give a
shout out to quirky folks who break the mold; like the
song's heroine Judy, who jumps into a capoeira circle karate
chops blazing, sporting metallic tube socks that would make
Klaus Nomi green with envy.
The light-hearted humor continues on "Brown Sueter," an
homage to old school hip hop. "In old hip hop they might be
rapping about their Adidas, about material objects," says
Lamar. "One day Edu and I were both rocking these ugly brown
sweaters. And we were wearing them with pride. It doesn't
need to be a million-dollar thing." The track's big band
horn sample simulates the traffic and clamor of city life.
While Brazilian beats and Rio life are at the heart of
$1.99, A Filial also has a long-standing electronic
fascination. "Vira Lata," which translates as "mutt," is an
anthem of mixing up musical styles. A Filial does not claim
to have any technical pedigrees, but they're proud of their
voracious musical palette. Here the typical boom-bap of hip
hop merges with samba played on a drum machine and layered
with the old-school scratches by the group's DJ Castro.
"Like a Baby's Kiss" mixes the march-like frevo style of
Pernambuco with Chicago-style house music.
A Filial's home-brewed blend of old and new, organic and
electronic, North and South, is as natural as the wild
soundscape of Rio itself or the unexpected offerings at the
dollar store. "But being in a band is not always easy," says
Lopes. "It's like a marriage, but without the sex, and
without the money…if I had to describe our style of music,
it's music made with love [laughter]."
On the web:
http://www.myspace.com/afilial
Label Website:
http://www.vergerecords.org/
Dom Pachino of the Wu's
Killarmy Joint Venture Release
11/25/08 - LatinRapper.com
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From the Slums of Shaolin to the international ones
across the globe, flowing through the airwaves designating
into any true being that supports that real hip hop's
playlist, Dom Pachino of Killarmy Napalm Recordings has
submerged from the trenches and is back at it again.
This time he's dropping his first official joint venture
album between Napalm Recordings and Chambermusik Records
titled "Power Rulez" which will be distributed through Koch
Entertainment Distribution available November 11, 2008. |
Although it's his first album released through Chambermusik,
Dom Pachino is no new jack to the hip hop game. During his
stay in the Wu-Tang's Killarmy, the group sold over a half
million records while also garnering features in two gold
and one platinum record. Dom Pachino is the first member of
Killarmy to pursue a solo career, creating an indie label
titled Napalm Recordings.
Dom Pachino on
the web:
http://www.myspace.com/prterrorist
Chino XL -
Return of the Poison Pen
10/12/08 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Love him or hate him, few will deny the lyrical prowess
of the Afro-Latin MC known as Chino XL. From the
projects of Jersey, to world tours with the biggest
names in Hip Hop, the heavily respected lyricist
prepares for the Fall release of what he considers his
best album ever, "The Secret." After
earning his stripes in Jersey talent shows, Chino's
demos eventually caught the ear of Def Jam founder Rick
Rubin, who immediately signed Chino to Def American
Records. His debut album “Here To Save You All”
had an instant impact on the Hip Hop charts, and
solidified his image as an MC who gave no second thought
to speaking his mind.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Chino XL
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Sekreto's
"En Tu Area" In Stores October 21
10/12/08 - LatinRapper.com / Photo by Sal Rojas
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Sekreto's debut album "En Tu Area" features B Real of
Cypress Hill, Keen of The Subliminal Orphans, Aro Sanchez,
and Caballeros Del Plan G among others. Production includes
tracks from DJ Toy Selectah of Control Machete, Milkman,
Serko Fuentes, and Zed For Chemical Studio Productions.
Sekreto is currently on the tour throughout Mexico promoting
his first single "Mas Que Hablar" and will soon be returning
to California to follow up the promotion that was started
earlier this year.
His debut album "En Tu Area" is being released via Sones
Del Mexside / Universal Music Group Mexico. For more
information and complete show listings please visit: |
http://www.sekretorap.com
http://www.myspace/sekreto
For Booking Info:
daniel@planethype.com
Crooked
Stilo are on ‘The Other Side of Hip-Hop’
10/12/08 - LatinRapper.com
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Brothers Victor and Johnny López were so young when they
started stealing cars and taking joy rides that their little
heads barely appeared over the dashboard. They weren’t even
teenagers yet and had to peer through the openings in the
steering wheel to see the road. One of their capers ended
with a televised police chase and a one-way ticket back to
their native El Salvador, courtesy of their parents, not La
Migra.
Victor Miguel and Armida López, a salesman and a
seamstress, had risked coming to this country illegally in
1980 to flee the civil war back home. |
They weren’t about to lose their only sons to the street
gangs of Pico-Union whose members used auto theft as an
initiation. So in 1985, they used their last dime to enroll
Victor and Johnny, then 12 and 13, in a military school in
San Salvador.
Victor came home with medals and honors two years later.
Johnny came home to discover rap. The younger brother
remembers hearing his first rap song on the radio, something
by N.W.A, the Compton trio that shocked the world with its
gangsta lyrics. The boys were not allowed to live the thug
life, but they realized they could rap about it.
Today, Victor “El Lunátiko,” 37, and Johnny “El Duke,” 36,
are the creators of Crooked Stilo, one of L.A.’s most
successful Latin rap acts.
Their latest album, “Cumbia Urbana,” defines a sound that
blends hip-hop with the traditional tropical music their
parents loved, especially the Colombian cumbia so popular in
Central America. The duo performs later this month at the
Knitting Factory in a BMI-sponsored showcase titled “El Otro
Lado del Hip Hop” (The Other Side of Hip-Hop) that also
features Akwid, La Sinfonia and David Rolas.
L.A. has been overshadowed in bicultural hip-hop since the
early success of West Coast Latino pioneers Kid Frost and
Mellow Man Ace, who used to rehearse in the garage of MC
A.L.T. across from where the Lopezes lived.
East Coast varieties, especially reggaeton, have hogged most
of the national spotlight in the last decade. The scene here
survives in semi-underground fashion. A few years ago, the
industry took notice when Fonovisa, a major Mexican regional
label, started promoting local Latino rap as the next big
thing. But despite the initial success of Akwid, another
brother act, the style never quite broke through.
Crooked Stilo had its debut in 1991 with the self-produced
album “Crooked for Life.” It was sold by the brothers’
cousin at swap meets, the grass-roots marketplace for
immigrant music, where it was discovered by indie label
Underworld 805. Even the brothers say they couldn’t believe
it when the label ponied up $6,000 for the rights to their
music. Even more surprising was performing later in New York
and finding that fans knew all their lyrics.
“We just kept looking at each other and said, ‘Man, is this
true?’ ” recalled Victor.
They started bilingual, but the label urged them to follow
up with an all-Spanish album because people seemed to like
their Salvadoran lilt and lingo. Their 2003 “El Regreso”
(The Return) included songs such as “La Mota” (Weed) and
“Quieren Pleito” (They Want to Rumble) — plus a parental
advisory.
By then, the family had moved to Temple City in the San
Gabriel Valley, finally finding the haven they had been
seeking. But the brothers joke that it was hard to rap about
soccer games and backyard barbecues. “We were still thugging
it even though we were no longer in that [gang]
environment,” said Johnny. It was Fonovisa that finally made
it clear they weren’t getting into Wal-Mart with all that
foul language. So they switched to rapping about partying
and girls and soon were being booked on TV’s “Sabado Gigante.”
The label also helped them hit on the fusion formula that
would make them distinctive. The brothers had already
sampled songs from their father’s old record collection,
storing snippets from Mexico’s La Sonora Santanera,
Venezuela’s Billos Caracas Boys and El Salvador’s Los
Hermanos Flores. They hadn’t used the samples because, as
Johnny explains, “we didn’t think it was hip.”
But when they took a rap version of La Santanera’s “La Boa”
to the label, the reaction was immediate. “This is it,” said
Nelson Hernandez, a label exec.
“La Boa’s” irresistible hook — “Este nuevo ritmo, ya todos
lo saben” (”This new rhythm, everybody knows it now”) —
yielded the title of the first single, “Ya Lo Saben” (They
Know It Now) from their Fonovisa debut, 2004’s “Puro
Escandalo” (Pure Scandal).
In another song, they sampled “El Año Viejo” (The Old Year),
a Latin American standard heard every New Year’s Eve in
dance halls and home parties from L.A. to Lima, Peru. On
their new album, they replace samples with their own
original music, still in a cumbia style, and are putting
together a band for live shows.
The brothers knew they had hit on something when kids
started telling them that their parents had taken their
Crooked Stilo CDs. Among their biggest fans are Mr. and Mrs.
Lopez, who’ve been married for 37 years.
I met the parents at their impeccable Temple City home.
Their mother always has food for an army because, she
explained, though she has an empty nest she still has “a lot
of big cooking pots.”
Their sons live nearby and visit all the time with their
five children. The rappers still need to supplement their
incomes, Johnny with a courier service and Victor with a
software company. But now, when the brothers go back to El
Salvador, they’re treated like stars, not delinquents. At
concerts, they’re introduced as the creators of “cumbia
urbana.” They still look at each other in disbelief and say,
“We are?”
Malverde:
The Legend Continues
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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August of 2004, LatinRapper.com ran a music feature on
Coachella, California artist Malverde. The son of
migrant field workers, it was obvious from first listen
that Jesus was destined for big things in the Latin Hip
Hop industry. Four years later, Jesus Malverde is
standing tall with the support of urban Latin music's
most powerful label, and a hot new album under his belt.
With blazing production from bi-coastal producer Brett B
as well as guest spots from Tony Touch to B-Real of
Cypress Hill, he offers something for Hip Hop heads from
any time zone. He speaks with us about his new album "La
Leyenda Continua" in this exclusive interview.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Malverde
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Coast of
Houston and the Return of Artist Expression
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com/Streetscience press release
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Introducing an innovative artist that epitomizes Houston
hip-hop's new rising force: Coast. Coast's style is a
unique mixture of signature rap, blues, and pop with
thoughtful word play with the proven ability to touch and
appeal to a wide audience.
Coast grew up writing music on the north side of Houston,
Texas. His career began under the Houston-based label,
Dopehouse Records. It was there that he would form a group,
Twin Beredaz, with label mate Quotakey. As the times
and climate in the music industry changed, Coast continued
growing as an artist and working on fine-tuning his
abilities and he adapted as his career continued
progressing. After five years as a loyal Dope House artist,
Coast respectfully left the label to explore the music
industry as a solo artist. |
Coast is currently working on his first upcoming solo
project that will be backed by Grammy recognized
producer/engineer Jaime "Pain" Ortiz. Coast sees this
upcoming project as a great opportunity to introduce himself
and his style. He wanted the project's title to describe
just that. Coast titled his new project "Lively-Hood."
"Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines the word Lively-Hood
as 'a means of support or subsistence.' I want the project
to portray my up-bringing in my neighborhood. I want to
explain the elements that make me who I am. The album is
going to sound nothing like what most Houston rap albums
sound like seeing as how some of the songs won't even be rap
songs. A majority of the music will be thick with subject
matter. I'm more focused on making an album that sounds good
rather than an album that will fade out as a quick one-time
cash cow" says Coast.
Coast on the web:
http://www.myspace.com/coastspace
Vakero
Partners with Sunflower Entertainment
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com
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Sunflower Entertainment signed an exclusive worldwide
agreement with New York and Dominican Republic based record
label Jeremy Records’ recording artist, Vakero, the #1
Dominican Hip Hop artist and leader of the Rap Dominicano
movement.
The deal encompasses all of Vakero’s Recordings,
Publishing, Digital/Mobile Marketing and Merchandising.
Jeremy Records President, Francis Belliard, upon signing the
deal said, “The influence and popularity of Vakero is
undeniable and what better place to grow and prosper Vakero
than with Sunflower Entertainment.” |
“Vakero is the real deal. A global star in the making,” said
Jamar Chess, co-owner of Sunflower Entertainment, who was
responsible for the completion of the deal.
The Dominican Hip Hop movement is sweeping Latino
communities all over the East Coast, where over a million
Dominicans live. Vakero’s infectious tracks are heard at
night on street corners and from open car windows in New
York City, Boston and Providence. Major League Baseball
stars, such as the New York Mets’ José Reyes, the Boston Red
Sox’s David Ortiz and New York Yankees Robinson Cano and
Melky Cabrera, have all been using Vakero tracks as their
“at-bat” songs.
Work on the follow-up album to the highly acclaimed “Pa Ke
Te Mate” has begun featuring production from longtime
collaborator Villano Sam, Salsero legend Joe Arroyo and
Sunflower Entertainment artist/producer Propheta.
Sunflower Entertainment’s plans for the new album entail an
aggressive digital and mobile promotion campaign along with
pursuing strategic fashion partnerships to expose Vakero
merchandise and branding to include clothing, footwear and
accessories.
“We feel there is a vast potential for Vakero merchandise to
cross over to audiences all over the world,” said Juan
Carlos Barguil, co-owner of Sunflower Entertainment.
Riding off a successful Zurich, Switzerland club tour,
Miguel “Bombon” Taveras, Vakero’s E.U. representative, has
booked upcoming shows in Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona among
other large European cities to further Vakero’s worldwide
presence.
The album “Pa Ke Te Mate” is currently available on iTunes
and all major Digital retailers. The singles “Se Partio El
Lapiz” and “Hasta Mañana Negra Linda” are currently being
programmed on mun2 and mtv3. There have been over 1.6
million views on Youtube of Vakero music and promotional
videos.
Sunflower on the web:
http://www.sunflower-ent.com
Vakero on the web:
http://www.vakeromusic.com
Co-Headliners Baby Bash & Pitbull on MTV Tr3s Sucker Free
Latino Spring Tour
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com/RCA Music Group release
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Rap superstars, TVT Records’ Pitbull and Arista Records’
Baby Bash, come together to co-headline the MTV Tr3s Sucker
Free Latino Spring tour. The cross-country tour kicks off in
Orlando on Saturday, March 15 in support of their new
albums; The Boatlift and Cyclone, respectively. Pitbull and
Baby Bash have massive internet followings, are two of the
most searched for Latin artists on Myspace, and both have
been the #1 Latin artist on the site.
“It’s been long over due for me and Pit to hit the road
together; finally our fans can see us both together for one
ticket. You can’t beat that with a whoopin’ stick,” says
Baby Bash about the upcoming tour. |
Baby Bash’s first smash single from the new album,
“Cyclone,” (featuring T-Pain) has already sold more than 1.5
million digital singles, surpassed the 1 million mark in
ringtones, and hit Top 10 on the rap and mainstream radio
charts, making him one of the hottest stars in the country.
The second single, “What Is It” (featuring Sean Kingston) is
currently Top 10 on the rap chart and is heating up at
mainstream radio.
This is the first national tour for Pitbull since joining
Lil Jon on the Anger Management Tour in 2005. “I can’t wait
to get out on the road with Baby Bash. I want to use this
opportunity to connect with my all my fans and million plus
Myspace friends,” says Pitbull.
The Boatlift showcases Pitbull’s lyrical prowess as he
crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and captivating
rhymes on each song. Pitbull has created an incredibly
diverse album ranging from R&B-influenced sounds like first
single "Secret Admirer" feat Lloyd, to hypnotic club banger
“Go Girl” teaming with Trina and Young Boss, and current
Afro-Cuban melodic single “The Anthem” with a bombastic
chant by Lil Jon. " The Anthem" is number 17 on the Top 40
Rhythm chart and breaking big on Mainstream Top 40 (Pop)
radio.
MTV Tr3s and its weekly urban video countdown show “Sucker
Free Latino,” hosted by L.Boogs, are the tour’s exclusive
national TV partner and will help Pit Bull and Baby Bash
reach even more fans through on-air specials, a concert
ticket giveaway on “Mi TRL,” and a dedicated edition of TXTO
URB where viewers can text their shout outs over Pit Bull
and Baby Bash videos. Baby Bash will also be one of the
first featured artists on MTV Tr3s’ soon-to-be-announced
“Rock Dinner.”
“MTV Tr3ìs has long supported the careers of Baby Bash and
Pitbull and we are thrilled to take this support to the next
level by bringing our viewers this exciting live double bill
concert and a deeper connection with both artists through
our marquee programs” said Michael Galbe, Vice President,
Music and Talent for MTV Tr3s
Pitbull and Baby Bash will be performing in the following
cities (subject to change):
DATE DAY CITY/STATE VENUE
MARCH 15th Saturday ORLANDO, FL HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 18 Tuesday PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL CLUB LAVELA
MARCH 19th Wednesday MYRTLE BEACH, SC HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 21st Friday NEW YORK, NY FILLMORE
MARCH 22nd Saturday ALLENTOWN, PA CROCODILE ROCK
MARCH 25th Tuesday CLEVELAND, OH HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 26th Wednesday CHICAGO, IL HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 28th Friday TULSA, OK CAINS BALLROOM
MARCH 29 Saturday OKLAHOMA CITY, OK BRICKTOWN EVENT CTR
MARCH 30th Sunday DALLAS, TX HOUSE OF BLUES
APRIL 1st Tuesday DENVER, CO OGDEN
APRIL 3rd Thursday LONG BEACH, CA VAULT 350
APRIL 4th Friday SAN DIEGO, CA HOUSE OF BLUES
Tour updates can also be found at:
www.myspace.com/babybash
www.myspace.com/pitbull
Hustle and
Row: All Aboard Pitbull's Boatlift
1/16/08 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Hustle. It's a word that comes up often in
discussion with Armando Perez, and anyone who has ever
spoken with him about business understands his intense
work ethic. The son of immigrants, el Cubano
better known as Pitbull came up in Miami and established
his name after proving himself worthy to several Hip Hop
industry heavyweights. Pit has since released two
successful albums, scored a show on Mun2, and founded a
non-profit organization to provide college scholarships
to first and second generation immigrants. In our
third interview, Pitbull speaks on his new album "The
Boatlift", an 18 track voyage which moves in new
creative directions from past projects. It's guest
list is a veritable who's who of Hip Hop and urban Latin
music.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Pitbull
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Hip Hop Meets
Spoken Wordz 3 - Bronx Museum NYC Jan 25
1/16/08 - LatinRapper.com
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The first Latino Hip Hop DJ, DJ Disco Wiz presents the
3rd Annual Hip Hop Meets Spoken Wordz. The event will bring
poets and emcees together for the greater good of the local
community. Non-perishable food items and lightly worn
clothes will be collected at the door for admission. All
proceeds are being donated to Picture the Homeless, a non
profit organization founded by the homeless for the
homeless. Please visit:
www.picturethehomeless.org for more information.
Over thirty artists are confirmed to perform including:
GrandMaster Caz, JDL & DJ Tony Tone of the legendary Cold
Crush Brothers, |
Immortal Technique, Cuban Link, Hasan Salaam, La Bruja,
Rebel Diaz, Boca Floja, Nightwalker, Poison Pen, Props, Gif,
Patty Dukes, Rephstar, Rugged n Raw, Eli Efi, Marxman, Madd
Illz, Division X, Red Clay, Mauikai, B Boy Omega, Caitlin
Meissner, Survivor, Diabolic, Aja Monet, Ngoma, Rainmaker,
Abundance Child, Devin the Poet, Barbara La Guerrera, Mz
Nancy V, Precise Science and more!
SueLye will host the evening and DJs include: DJ Johnny
Juice Rosado (Public Enemy), DJ GI Joe & DJ Laylo.
Absolutely No Guest List! Admission can be non-perishable
food items (canned or dry goods), a lightly worn coat or
lightly worn clothing or a $10 donation. All proceeds will
be donated to Picture the Homeless. All ages welcome.
Come and Enjoy a Great Night of Hip-Hop for a Real Cause!
(This is a drug and alcohol free event)
Trains: D or B train to the 167th St./Grand Concourse. Exit
at rear of station, walk South along Grand Concourse two
blocks OR 4 train to 161st St./Yankee Stadium station.
Walk East three blocks to the Grand Concourse, then, walk
North four blocks along Grand Concourse to 165th Street.
Hip Hop Meets Spoken Wordz 3: Food & Clothing Drive
January 25th, 2008 / 6 pm - 10 pm
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
1040 Grand Concourse
Bronx, New York 10456
718.681.6000
www.bronxmuseum.org
DJ Disco Wiz online:
http://www.djdiscowiz.com
Mental
Hollow Points with B-Real of Cypress Hill
11/20/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Flash back to the late 80's Los Angeles: gang banging
was grabbing national headlines. In the midst of
this chaos, a young Latin banger lay on a hospital
gurney after a rival gang's slug had punctured his lung.
Yet rather than become another statistic, the South Gate
vato directed his life towards music. Fast forward
to 2007. As front man for Cypress Hill, one of Hip
Hop history's biggest groups, B-Real is in a much better
place: Millions of records sold, and an icon of Hip Hop
performances. This month, B-Real continues with
his mixtape series with "The Gunslinger 3: For A Few
Dollars More." B-Real speaks on his upcoming solo
and the new Cypress Hill album in this deep exclusive.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with B-Real
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Pitbull
Returns with "The Boatlift" on November 27th
11/20/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Respected MC Pitbull is joined by a star-studded crew of
artists and producers on the November 27th release of
his highly anticipated third studio album "The BoatLift"
(TVT Records). Pitbull teams up with GRAMMY award
winning producers Play-N-Skillz (Chamillionaire - "Ridin")
for his first single "Secret Admirer" feat R&B sensation
Lloyd. The single is racing up the charts having held a
steady position on the Rhythmic Top 40 charts for the
past 5 weeks and steadily climbing. In addition,
Pitbull recently shot the video for the single, directed
by up and coming director David Russeau. The video
features cameos from Fat Joe and Steven Bauer who
starred as Manolo Ribera in the cult classic, Scarface.
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"The Boatlift" showcases Pitbull's lyrical prowess as he
crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and
captivating visuals on each song. Pitbull has created an
incredibly diverse album ranging from R&B influenced
sounds with his hit single "Secret Admirer" feat Lloyd
to techno/dance inspired tracks like "The Anthem," as
well as songs like "Midnight" that are heavily
mainstream/pop influenced and down south inspired tracks
like "Dookie."
"The Boatlift" boasts standout appearances from Trina,
Jim Jones, Don Omar, Twista, Lloyd, Frankie J, Young
Berg, Trick Daddy, Fabo of D4L and Young Boss. Pitbull
teams up with Trina and Young Boss on the hypnotic club
banger "Go Girl," which he also filmed a video for in
Miami. Other album notables include "Sticky Icky"
produced by Lil Jon, featuring Jim Jones, "Fuego" feat
Platinum artist Don Omar, produced by Mr. Collipark and
the Twista assisted "Candy Man" produced by Echo.
"Most immigrants that came to this country came through
some type of boat lift, said Pitbull. "This is my way of
taking everybody on a ride through my eyes; this is my
boatlift -- my way of bringing them to freedom through
the universal language of music. Now let's ride!"
Pitbull's last album "El Mariel" produced numerous radio
hits including the club anthem "Bojangles," and the hit
rap single, "Ay Chico." In 2004 Pitbull surpassed gold
status for more than 600,000 copies sold of his debut
album "M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue" in the United
States. The feat gave Pitbull the biggest-selling
bilingual hip-hop debut since Cypress Hill's 1991
self-titled debut, and put him in the rare category of
Latino rappers who have achieved major success at
English-language radio. Bolstered by such breakthrough
singles as "Culo," "Dammit Man," and "Toma," Pitbull's
debut – as well as its highly-successful successor remix
album "Money Is Still a Major Issue" – have made Pitbull
an unstoppable voice in urban music.
For more information visit
http://www.pitbullmusic.com
Pitbull on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/pitbull
Baby Bash:
Latin Hip Hop's Quiet Storm
10/11/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Its been two years since we last chopped it up with
Houston rapper and Vallejo native Baby Bash (click
here for our first interview), and the super saucy
artist seems to finally be getting some well-deserved
shine. Although his upcoming album "Cyclone" isn't
slated for release until October 30th, Bash has already
earned the rank of #1 Latin artist on Myspace. His
recent boost in fame is validated by over
750,000 digital single and ringtone sales thanks to his
latest smash hit "Cyclone" featuring T-Pain. The flyest
Mexican under the radar speaks with us about making hits
but it keeping it low key in our exclusive interview.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Baby Bash
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Tego
Calderon Part II: El Abayarde Strikes Back
8/25/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Considered by many to be the most respected rapper in Puerto
Rico since Vico C, Tego Calderon is back with a new album, a
new movie, and a new outlook on life since his trip to
Africa. Our last interview with Tego (click
here) was a year ago after the successful release of El
Subestimado - The Underdog, which received international acclaim for
its mix of salsa and Afro-Caribbean rhythms
with hip-hop and dancehall reggae influences. Tego
returns with his latest offering "El Abayarde Contra-Ataca",
and a featured role in the new John Singleton film "Illegal
Tender", now in theaters.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Tego Calderon
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Chingo
Bling Knocks Down Industry Borders
8/18/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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As CEO of Big Chile Enterprises, Chingo recognized that
no one can download merchandise, thus his empire
includes everything from music publishing, bobbleheads
and even hot sauce, making Big Chile into one of the
most innovative labels in the industry. Since our
last feature, he's landed a national endorsement with
Jose Cuervo, graced MTV and MUN2, and has appeared in
all the major Hip Hop mags. The majors that
entered a bidding war over him didn't, when the smoke
cleared only Asylum was left standing. Chingo was
now at the helm of an $80 million dollar distribution
deal that allowed Big Chile to remain an indie label but
with major distribution.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Chingo Bling
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Latin Rap
Conference Returns September 12-14, 2007 in Los Angeles
8/18/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Following a successful series of Latin Rap Conferences
in the past few years, this highly anticipated event
arrives in the City of Angels in September for the 5th
installment. The Latin Rap Conference is the only music
industry conference focusing on the Urban Latin, Latin
Rap & Reggaeton genre.
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It has become the forum for the genre’s top music
executives, professionals, artists, producers and radio
personalities to discuss and take action towards the
goals of industry education and Latino community
empowerment. The mission of LRC is to educate, empower
and create a forum and network for high-quality business
and progress as well as community awareness and cultural
unity. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York honored the
LRC organizers with a proclamation for their dedication
and commitment to this cause. LRC held two outstanding
conferences in his city.
Latin Rap Conference 2007 in Los Angeles will be a three
day event and will consist of educational seminars at
the HYATT on Sunset Boulevard and performance showcases
and exclusive private events at world famous hot spots
The Key Club and The Whiskey on the Sunset Strip.
Artists currently confirmed include Kemo The Blaxican,
Psycho Realm, Frost, Mellow Man Ace, Notch, Malverde,
Chino XL and Baby Bash just to name a few.
Panelists, guests and media participants include- Si TV,
Power 106, LA TV, Latino 96.3, Machete Music, MTV Tr3s,
RikRaf, Jerry Heller, mun2, Yesi Ortiz, Brownpride.com,
and many more.
There is no other event on the planet like Latin Rap
Conference. Join the international coalition.
Be a part of history. Experience Latin Rap Conference
2007 in Los Angeles!
"Our goal is to continue the movement towards the
advancement and solidarity of Latino people in the Music
Industry and in all aspects of the American marketplace"
states Jesse Perez aka Shysti, Creator and Founder of
LRC.
For registration and more information please visit
http://www.latinrapconference.com
Know The
Game: Hip Hop Veterano Kemo the Blaxican
8/8/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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After 15 Years and four albums with Latin Hip-Hop
Pioneers Delinquent Habits, Kemo The Blaxican, the
Bilingual MC, returns with his strongest and most
musically ambitious work to date. The second solo album
from Latin hip hop legend Kemo The Blaxican, ‘Not So
Rich & Famous’, follows the success of Kemo’s 2005’s
‘Simple Plan’, whose single “La Receta” was included in
multiple films and landed videoplay on MTV, Mun2, and
LATV.
It's been two years since the release of ‘Simple Plan’
when we
last spoke with the conscious bilingual rapper, as Delinquent Habits’ only Spanish-fluent
MC he spent
twelve years with the group which released four albums and
went gold with their first
single "Tres Delinquentes."
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Kemo the Blaxican
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Garcia of
Miami Debuts Sophomore Album "Life Unscripted"
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Crazy Hood Productions and Latchkey Recordings present
Garcia’s new street album, Life Unscripted, set to hit
stores on July 17. Executive produced by platinum artist,
N.O.R.E, and Miami’s mixtape king, DJ EFN, with national
distribution via Koch Entertainment.
Garcia’s life inspired album combines Southern, East Coast
and Latin Hip-Hop sounds – making him a stand-alone artist
in the ever-evolving Miami Hip-Hop scene. Contributors to
the project include powerhouse producers such as Midi Mafia
(50 Cent), Reef (50 Cent), Diaz Brothers (Pitbull), Scram
Jones (Mariah Carey), Dani Kartell (Juvenile), DJ Honda (Fat
Joe), Omega One (Aesop Rock) and many more. Guest spots
include Bun B., MTV’s Sway and executive producer N.O.R.E. |
“Dejalo”, showcasing vocals by Liza Quin alongside Garcia &
N.O.R.E., debuted as the first street single late last year,
receiving the most requests in 2006 on Clear Channel’s Mega
94.9. Other singles will include “Pornostar”, “Who’s Crazy?”
and “GaveHerDat” featuring N.O.R.E.
Acclaimed in 2005 and 2006 as URB Magazine’s “Next 100” and
featured as the only unsigned artist on MTV’s “My Block
Miami”, Garcia’s second album is set to reach new heights as
his 2004 Anti-Social album was selected as the “Best Album”
by the Miami New Times. His talent and ambition earned
Garcia side-by-side performances with industry superstars
such as Busta Rhymes, Pitbull, Outkast, DMX and Mobb Deep.
“After 14 years in the music business, I am pleased to
present fans and the city of Miami with Life Unscripted
because it truly represents my life and my road blocks. I
have grown as an artist and person and I am blessed to be
where I am in my musical career,” states Garcia. With
influences ranging from Public Enemy, NWA and Uncle Luke,
Garcia is not your average Miami MC.
Garcia
on the web:
http://www.crazyhood.com
Garcia on
MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/garcia
Chingo
Bling Inks Deal with Asylum
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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With an independent empire consisting of music, bobble
heads, custom boots and hot sauce listed on his resume,
Houston rapper Chingo Bling isn't a guy to take handouts,
but when Asylum Records wanted to hand him a label deal, he
was all over it. The Latino rapper has inked a partnership
with Asylum Records for his own Big Chile Enterprises
imprint where he plans to release his next album, They Cant
Deport Us All.
Why did he get this deal though? The Latin rapper is
kind of out there. At first glance, you might think Chingo
Bling is a joke, a novelty of sorts with his 10-gallon hat,
Nike swooshed ostrich boots, and his Mexican flag inspired
diamond grill, but with a cult-like following, he's proved
being different is oh so sweet. |
Yes, Chingo is hard to miss. He appropriates all of the
typical hip-hop accoutrements, and flips them into something
that is not only 100% him, but also represents his people.
"Everyone wants to look like everyone else and talk about
the same old s**t," Chingo reflects. "Hardly anybody today
has their own style, their own voice. You gotta find what
you're about, and these days people aren't about too much. I
represent for my people, the millions of Mexican Americans
who started with nothing and really found their way."
Chingo started out much like most rappers do today --
releasing mixtapes and making sure he showed his face at
every major event in his Texas. After realizing he could
capitalize off of more than music, he branched off into
merchandise and street marketing before ever releasing an
official CD. This brilliant marketing plan sparked one of
the strongest movements in the South, with Chingo becoming
one of the most recognized faces in Houston hip-hop. His
successful independent grind sparked the attention of the
majors and a serious bidding war began, but after it was all
said and done, New York based Asylum Records came out
victorious. Via his newly inked deal with the label, Asylum
will provide Big Chile Enterprises with creative freedom and
allow the label to stay independent, with major, worldwide,
distribution.
"I passed on all the TLC deals," Chingo reveals of his
choice. "I wanted the Cash Money, No Limit, Ray Charles type
deal, so they brought out the big check books. I'm still
independent, but with distribution. Look what we as Big
Chile Enterprises have done independently, just think what
were bout to do now, stay tuned to the Chingo Bling Show!"
They Cant Deport Us All, the first release in the
joint venture, will feature a who's who list of Southern
heavyweights including Paul Wall, Trae, Fat Pat, Big Pokey,
N.O.R.E. and Pitbull, as well as rising Bay Area star Mistah
Fab, and Baby Bash.
Its first single is the Carnival Beats produced Like This
and Like That, which will be accompanied by a revolutionary
video, taking listeners on a journey across the border with
a Mexican immigrant.
"I'm not gonna be preachy on every bar." He explains, "I'm
talking about all kinds of stuff. I got the hustlers
perspective on there, I'm flossin' a little bit. But the
video paints a picture, showing what an immigrant goes
through and how a person could come to this country, really
not hurting nobody, really just working. That's really the
main gist of the song, but in terms of the movement, I think
that we need a little bit more understanding."
They Cant Deport Us All is slated for release August 14.
Chingo
Bling official website:
http://www.chingobling.com/
Chino XL Signs
with Machete Music (en
español -
haz click aqui)
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Machete Music in a collaboration with PAC Records,
announced today that it has signed hip-hop sensation
Chino XL. Chino XL is a music industry veteran; since he
was a little boy he has been an insider, traveling with
acts like Africa Bambaata and Ice-T.
In school he always performed at all the talent shows
and quickly separated himself from the rest for the use
of his powerful lyrics and amazing metaphors (not
surprisingly, he is a member of the MENSA club!). Soon
enough, he caught the attention of Def Jam and was
quickly signed to Def American Records, releasing the
highly acclaimed "Here to Save you All".
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The hits and albums kept coming, and during this time,
Chino XL collaborated with some of the best Hip Hop
interpreters of the time, basking in great success and
recognition. But he soon became un-enamored with the
music business and retired himself from the game.
He flawlessly made the transition into acting, appearing
in shows like Reno 911!, CSI: Miami, Young and the
Restless, to name a few. He also made the leap to the
big screen with a role in the movie "Alex & Emma"
(alongside Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson). Recently, he
debuted his solo project at the Sundance Film Festival.
Music was never far from his heart, though. He continued
to write until one day decided to jump back at the game;
this time under his own terms. He has enough material
ready to retake his position in the Hip Hop world. Sway,
from MTV, has heard some of the new material and has
this to say: " It immediately connected with me in a
major way. The music is different, not all in one style
or genre, its just good music all-around."
"Having Chino XL join the Machete Music family is a
great honor and we are extremely excited about the
project and the future!" states Gustavo Lopez, president
of Machete Music.
For more information, please visit
http://www.MacheteMusic.com
Sick
Jacken of Psycho Realm Inks Deal with Universal Latino
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com/D. Baron Media press release
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Universal Music Latino has launched Rebel Music Group, a
new joint venture with Jack Gonzalez aka “Sick Jacken”, the
frontman of L.A. based rap group Psycho Realm. In doing so,
the label has made a defining move in positioning itself as
the leader in Latin hop-hop music by aligning itself with
one of the most respected names in the underground hip-hop
scene.
“We are very excited to be able to work with RMG. We admire
the talent and credibility of Jack and his team and are
happy that we can be a part of this new stage in his
career,” comments John Echevarria, President of Universal
Music Latino. The new partnership with Gonzalez and
the Psycho Realm brings Universal Music Latino an alliance
with one of the most influential brands in rap music.
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The group has already solidified itself as an
international phenomenon, selling hundreds of thousands
of albums and selling out shows in the United States,
Latin America, Europe and Japan, all without the backing
of a major record label. This success can be attributed
to the group’s ability to connect with the streets by
highlighting social conditions while calling for
rebellion and change whether it be in Los Angeles or
other neighborhoods where gangs, injustice and tragedy
exists. In doing so, Psycho Realm has amassed more than
fans but “soldiers” and has transformed their music into
a movement.
Rebel Music Group will use this influence to market,
promote and distribute a brand of urban music that does
not confine itself to the boundaries that have become
commonplace in the genre. Both the product and the
marketing approach will remain unapologetically street,
while relying on Universal Music Latino’s reputation as
the leader in Latin music to take their successes to new
heights. The label will fuse street and lifestyle
marketing tactics together and will also focus on the
booming online digital market with the goal of
developing their artist’s visibility and selling
potential without sacrificing the integrity of the
music. “Were looking to provide a home for music that
doesn’t fit the current formula for mainstream record
sales, and we hooked up with the best in the business to
help us distribute this idea worldwide. The Rebellion Is
Coming,” commented Gonzalez.
Joining Sick Jacken as the General Manager of RMG is
Tone Lopez who has managed Psycho Realm for the last
three years and will be influential in mapping out the
direction that the label will take. “We are excited and
prepared for all the challenges that lie ahead with this
joint venture” stated Lopez. Also on board are Joey
Castillo as the Creative Director and Big Tiny as the
label’s Art Director. Both Castillo and Big Tiny have
been a big part of the day-to-day activities of Psycho
Realm and the various projects that they have been able
to roll out in the last few years and are ready for the
new tasks that lie ahead.
The first release from RMG will be DJ Muggs VS Sick
Jacken “The Legend of the Mask and The Assassin”, a
concept album that marks the first time that members of
Cypress Hill and Psycho Realm have collaborated since
the release of the Psycho Realm debut album in 1997. The
album is already one of the most highly anticipated
releases in the West Coast hip-hop scene and will fuse
Sick Jacken’s unparalleled lyrical skills with the
production of hip-hop legend DJ Muggs, a pioneer in the
genre. The album will be released on August 21, 2007 and
will include the two Spanish-language tracks. A full
length Spanish-language Psycho Realm album be released
in 2008.
Sick Jacken on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/sickjacken
Perrealo and Red Bull's Batalla de Los Gallos 2007
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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The world famous Apollo Theater is so much more than a
historic landmark - it is a source of pride and a symbol of
the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its
rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theater,
considered the bastion of African-American culture and
achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in
American history. Building on History and an American Staple
of artistry, Red Bull's Batalla De Los Gallos now enters
into this venue bringing a whole new art form to its
historic stage. Together with Perrealo.com, Red Bull is once
again making History by having the U.S. Finals at the famous
Apollo Theater. The very first Latin Hip Hop MC Battle to
ever take place at the Apollo will be held on September 23,
2007 and will bring together the winners from Los Angeles
and New York for this years Finals.
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8 MC's chosen from the East & West coast will represent
the fiercest lyricists which are to compete at the
pre-qualifiers August 26, 2007 (Los Angeles) & September
9, 2007 (New York)
The Pre-Qualifiers which will be held in both New York
and Los Angeles will be taking place in August &
September of this year and play a huge part in the
development of this ever growing genre. MC's from all
across the nation will meet to showcase their talents
and prowess in the art form of lyrical battle. After two
successful years of the batalla, Perrealo.com has taken
it a step forward and brought it to one of the most
popular and historic stages in the United States. 2005
marked the very first ALL Spanish MC Battle to ever take
place in New York and sparked an interest not only
nationally but internationally, spawning other events
similar in nature. In 2006 Los Angeles held its first
pre-qualifier and brought Sammie Cultura to New York for
the finals.
Now in 2007 with a whole new following and backing from
the industry, Perrealo.com is producing an event which
will bring forth the very best the United States has to
offer in Latin MC's. A genre still in its infancy,
although it has been around pretty much since the
inception of Hip Hop, Latin Hip Hop now has some of the
hottest artists out and growing ever so popular. With
Music now being played in English and Spanish & artists
going back and forth between both languages, it has
developed into the next popular sound. Batalla De Los
Gallos has played a key part in the bringing forth of
MC's performing and expressing themselves in Spanish,
and takes it world wide by having qualifiers in 14
different Spanish Speaking Countries and all meeting in
Venezuela for the World Championship Finals.
Registrants enter into an arena reminiscent of a cock
fight to combat each other with flows and lyrics in
hopes to defeat one another until the very last word.
They take shots at everything from the opponent's
outward appearance, to the lack of skills. These MC's
which all come from diverse backgrounds and sometimes
different genres all have one thing in common, their
love for Hip Hop and the fire to win and become number
1. This event has come to become one which no one in the
Latin Hip Hop Community wants to miss and all want to be
a part of, having already given birth to drama and
underground notoriety for rappers!
Press and Media:
Perrealo@gmail.com
Registrations:
PerrealoBattle@gmail.com
Online Registration & Event Information:
http://www.Perrealo.com/batalla
Frankie
Needles and the Urban Latino Movement
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Frankie
Needles is taping three episodes of his music TV show
One Nation under Hip Hop back to back at mun2 studios in
Los Angeles, and he's a tad tired. He gives his
trademarked signoff at the end of one show Latinos stand
up! and tells the audience hell see them "Tomorrow." "No
good, this is Friday's show and there's no show on
Saturday. Lets do it again" the director says. "I'll bet
money I didn't say that," Needles protests, but he gets
back on the set and reshoots the ending. This time he
falters in his lines. Third try, he gets it right. Now
he does a quick change from mauve sneakers and
sunglasses into the black Daddy Yankee outfit for the
next show. One of the top personalities at NBC
Universals bilingual youth cable channel, Needles is
working on becoming the urban Latin version of Russell
Simmons, building an entertainment empire for the
burgeoning population of bilingual, bicultural Hispanic
youth.
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"I see myself as a trendsetter. I want to brand myself," he
says in his smooth baritone. "That's the level I want to
take it to." Needles, who bears a disarming smile and an
easy manner, is well on his way. He has the TV show, a
syndicated radio show, Top 20 Urban Latin Countdown, a
merchandise line and an upcoming album with Pitbull. He's
also launching himself in movies with a recent stint on the
soundtrack of Illegal Tender, an action drama to be released
in August.
"Frankie is really plugged into the pulse of young Latino
Americans," wrote Illegal Tender producer John Singleton, in
an email to The Miami Herald. "This generation of Latinos is
united by their interest in music and fashion and the urban
lifestyle. Frankie is the voice of this generation."
Needles, who grew up in New York and Miami, was an early
proponent of urban Latin culture, which encompasses music
genres such as reggaeton, Spanish rap and hip hop and styles
such as souped up sedans and backward baseball caps.
It's a market that is increasingly luring the attention of
media companies. MTV recently launched MTVTr3s, and a Los
Angeles independent station, Hispanic youth music channel
LATV, announced national distribution on digital
frequencies. SiTV and mun2 are earlier entrants. "The fact
that you have four channels targeting young bicultural
opportunities says a lot about the richness of the
opportunity," says Manny Gonzalez, vice president/managing
director of Abece in Miami Beach, the Hispanic marketing
division of Hill Holiday.
Big marketers are also showing interest. Corona, Pepsi,
Chevrolet, McDonalds and Burger King have all sponsored
Needles shows and tours and Starbucks recently sponsored a
California reggaeton festival. That puts a veejay like
Needles in the catbird seat. His competitive edge is that
hes truly urban Latino. That gives him instant license in
this segment, Gonzalez says. "I think he has a strong
future."
The 30-year-old Needles, whose parents are Cuban with a dash
of Jamaican, started his DJ career as a teenager spinning
tunes at weddings, quinces and bar mitzvahs. "That's the
grind you got to put in," he says. "I learned how to
interact with the crowd."
Needles says being a role model for Hispanic youth is a key
part of his motivation. As a teen in Kendall, he started
hanging out with the wrong crowd, doing petty crimes such as
stealing car radios and shoplifting, until his parents
packed him off to military school in Georgia. He was
one of a handful of Hispanics and was the butt of many a
racial slur. The experience taught him discipline, as well
as gave him pride in his heritage and created in him the
impetus to start a network of youth centers in urban areas.
"Everyone was ashamed of being Latino," Needles says. "I say
always be yourself and proud of what you are."
Frankie Needles on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/djfn
AIM TV Launches New Online
Video Network for Latinos
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
The AIM Tell-A-Vision Group (AIM TV), now entering its
historic sixth season of broadcast syndication, has
announced the scheduled launch of a new video-on-the-web
network titled The American Latino TV Network. Amassing a
six year library of over 1,000 produced segments of
"evergreen," award-winning content, along with hundreds of
hours of never before seen footage, Robert G. Rose, CEO and
Executive Producer of AIM TV cites the move as a natural
progression: "We have the world's largest library of
evergreen video content for U.S.-born Latinos. Combined with
our powerful promotional platforms, the youth and early
adaptability of our target audience and built-in advertising
relationships, the formula for a success is there," says
Rose. "The American Latino TV Network will offer additional
content to our affiliates, an extended platform for our
advertisers and most importantly, an unprecedented library
of quality, culturally relevant content for our viewers."
The new ad-supported network will receive promotional
support from AIM TV's powerful platform of broadcast
syndicated programs; "American Latino TV," "LatiNation" and
the "American Latino Presents Specials" which deliver over
65 million impressions annually with unrivaled reach to
young, U.S.-born Latinos (a market representing over 60% of
all U.S. Latinos). The network will receive additional
support via AIM TV's radio, print, online & event partners.
In addition to the company's extensive library, the
pioneering producers have been busy creating original
content specifically for the network including behind the
scenes, event coverage, raw and uncut interviews with
celebrities and original content such as "The Intern
Chronicles," and "Help! Change TV." The company is also busy
developing new channels such as "Pasaporte" (travel
channel), "Hip Hop Unidos" (Latin Hip Hop) and "Punk Outlaw"
(a punk rock & rockabilly lifestyle brand & channel).
"Since the beginning my dream was to have a network with all
our work. I am excited to program quality content for
Latinos through the internet," says Renzo Devia, President
of AIM TV's Maximas Productions. "We're always working to
reinvent ourselves and the ALTV Network allows us to be more
creative and to interact more with our viewers."
American Latino TV Network demo:
http://www.ALTVNetwork.com
Indie
Film by Son of Edward James Olmos
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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The most
controversial independent film of the summer, Splinter,
directed my Michael D. Olmos premieres August 17 at
selected theatres and is presented by Dark Horse Indie
and Image Entertainment.
Only a few theatres in Los Angeles approved playing the
film due to its graphic content. In reality, the film
creates a realistic storyline of gang life and police
corruption in Los Angeles.
Splinter follows
two gang affiliated brothers, Dreamer (Enrique Almeida) and
Dusty (Noel Gugliemi) through murder, revenge and betrayal
in the mean streets of Los Angeles.
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Dreamer seeks revenge for the mysterious murder of their
older brother Shaggy (Billy Garcia), but suffers from
memory loss after a bullet wound that injured his head
during the same street battle. Rookie cop Detective
Graham (Resmine Atis) and the corrupt veteran Detective
Cunningham (Tom Sizemore) follow the murder case to
solve the mystery and try to prevent an all out gang war
with minimal support from Captain Garcia (Edward James
Olmos), only to discover whom among them is responsible
for the chaos in the streets.
Selected theatres include: MANN Theatres, 7876 Van Nuys
Blvd., Van Nuys, CA, AMC Ontario Mills 30, 4549 Mills
Circle, Ontario, CA, AMC Covina, 1414 N. Azusa Ave.,
Covina, CA.
As the son of acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos,
Michael is becoming an accomplished filmmaker in his own
right.He graduated from Columbia University in New York
and worked on countless movies, many along side his
father Edward and mentor Robert M. Young. He is
also co-founder of Chamber Six Productions, LLC, an
independent film production and comic book publishing
company founded in 2005.
The Boss
is Back: Daddy Yankee Returns to his Roots (en
español -
haz click aqui)
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Daddy's back, with the message that he's heading
more towards his Hip Hop roots this time around.
Ramón Ayala, better known to the world as Daddy Yankee,
is preparing for his June 5th release of his latest
album "El Cartel: The Big Boss" and readies himself for
a major U.S. tour kicking off this August. Yankee made his way from the
projects of San Juan to platinum record sales, a
syndicated radio show and a nod as one of the "100 Most
Influential" people by Time Magazine.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Daddy Yankee
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Cartel
de Santa rapper Says Deadly Shot was a Ricochet
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com
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The lead singer of Mexican rap group Cartel de Santa
said he accidently killed a band member during a
shooting, police said. Eduardo Davalos de Luna aka
el Babo was with bandmate Ulises Nayit Buenrostro at a
house in Santa Catarina, in the state of Nuevo Leon,
when he reportedly learned that the group's driver, Juan
Miguel Chavez, was driving to the house armed to settle
a dispute with the rapper, Hollywood Reporter said
Tuesday. Police said Davalos de Luna flashed a .38
Super pistol when Chavez arrived and fired several
shots, one injuring Chavez in the leg. According
to the singer's preliminary statement, another shot
ricocheted off the floor, killing Nayit Buenrostro.
Davalos de Luna turned himself in to authorities, said
police, adding that the incident was still under
investigation. |
Kemo the
Blaxican Drops New Album "Not So Rich & Famous"
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com
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After 15 Years and four albums with Latin Hip-Hop
Pioneers Delinquent Habits, Kemo The Blaxican, the
Bilingual MC, returns with his strongest and most
musically ambitious work to date. The second solo album
from Latin hip hop legend Kemo The Blaxican, ‘Not So
Rich & Famous’, follows the success of Kemo’s 2005’s
‘Simple Plan’, whose single “La Receta” was included in
multiple films and landed videoplay on MTV, Mun2, and
LATV. The Latin hip hop legends new album includes the
track “5th of May” (featuring Tetsuya Nakamura of War on
Harmonica), as well as the Anthemic “LCL (Left Coast
Latinos)” and the Lyrically-Charged Opener “You Know”. |
Two years after the release of his solo debut ‘Simple Plan’,
Kemo the Blaxican has stepped up the game with his strongest
and most musically-ambitious album to date, the
self-produced ‘Not So Rich & Famous.’ The conscious
bilingual rapper means business, as evidenced by the opening
refrain on the powerful first track “You Know”: “Sixteen
bars, three verses – forty eight in all, delivered with a
purpose.” Influenced as much by the west coast funk and soul
icons he grew up listening to as by hip-hop, Kemo the
Blaxican is joined by Tetsuya “Weeping Willow” Nakamura
(harmonica player for the legendary War) on “5th of May”;
the track is a groove-heavy indictment of urban commercial
radio, which has traditionally neglected Latino hip-hop
artists except on Cinco de Mayo, “the day they spin some
brown.”
As Delinquent Habits’ only Spanish-fluent MC, Kemo spent
twelve years with the group, releasing four albums and
taking the Delinquent sound beyond borders and around the
world. In 1996 the group struck gold with their very first
single "Tres Delinquentes", a song that masterfully fused a
traditional mariachi sound (courtesy of Herb Alpert's
"Lonely Bull") with the raw hip-hop backdrop of the streets.
Official
Website:
http://www.kemotheblaxican.com
Kemo on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/kemotheblaxican
Orishas
Present their New CD "Antidiótico"
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com/Universal press relase
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More than a music group, Orishas are an institution.
In Cuba, where they are considered national heros, and
in Europe where they continue their fusion of "Son" and
Hip Hop, and in all of America, where they are
undoubtedly known as pioneers of the rhythms that, in
the last decade, have given a Latin accent to street
credibility.
For this, and because their work is an unending spring
of inspiration and talent, the "Best Of" compilation of
their career is one of the most anticipated of 2007.
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Accompanied by remixed tracks and new ones, including
"Represent" featuring Heather Headly, originally from the
movie "Dirty Dancing, Havana Nights", and the other "Quien
te dijo" with a cameo from Cuban rapper Pitbull.
Other tracks include “Silencio”, “Una Página” and “537
C.U.B.A”. From the time they surprised the world with
"A lo Cubano", Roldán, Ruzzo and Yotuel haven't stopped
knocking down walls, with over 750,000 album copies sold in
Europe, twice-nominated for a Grammy, last in 2006 for their
extraordinarty "el Kil" and winning in the Latin Grammies
for for "Emigrante". And so, the reunion of their hits
in one CD titled "Antidiótico” is also available with a
special edition included in their second CD with exclusive
collaborations with Kalliah of French, Portuguese artists Da
Weasel and the legendary Beny Moré (RIP), also with remixes
“1999”.
Calle 13
Cross Spanish Rap's Musical Borders
4/17/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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While the Grammy-winning duo Calle 13 hails from the
musical hot spot known as Puerto Rico, it would be
incorrect to refer to them simply as reggaeton artists.
René Pérez aka “Residente” drops rhymes in Spanish over
an eclectic variety of beats courtesy of his stepbrother
Eduardo José Cabra Martínez aka “Visitante.” While
only a fourth of the tracks fit the reggaeton genre,
Residente's lyrical content definitely moves beyond
what's expected by painting vivid and sometimes comical
mental images with his music. Their new album
drops April 24th, Residente took a moment away from
promotion to speak with LatinRapper.com in this
exclusive.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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The Diaz
Brothers: Sounds of Success
4/3/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Luis and Hugo Diaz are real life hermanos who form the
Diaz Brothers music production team based out of Miami,
Florida. Known primarily for bringing Cuban rapper
Pitbull to mainstream recognition, the Chilean brothers learned the ropes of the music
industry while working for artists such as 50 Cent,
Juvenile, Beenie Man, Trick Daddy, Beyoncé and the
Marley Family, and producing for other notables. Luis speaks with
us
about the production and music engineering game in
this exclusive interview.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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Koch
Records to Release New Album by Joell Ortiz April 24
4/3/07 - LatinRapper.com/Koch Press release
Watch the new "Latino" video by Joell Ortiz:
click here
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KOCH Records announces the release of the debut album by
Brooklyn’s own Joell Ortiz. The Brick (Bodega Chronicles)
will be released on April 24th, 2007. Having earned a loyal
following from his lyrically-driven mixtape performances,
Ortiz is poised to make an impact with this
highly-anticipated debut. The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) also
features Immortal Technique, MOP, Ras Kass, Noyd, Graph and
Stimuli, plus production by The Alchemist, Showbiz (DITC),
Fame of M.O.P., Moss and more. |
Ortiz’s single, “Brooklyn” got significant airplay on New
York’s Hot 97, and Ortiz has been featured on mixtapes by
Tony Touch, Stretch Armstrong, DJ Whoo Kid, and DJ Kay Slay.
The first single off of The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) is
“Hip Hop,” and it will be serviced to urban radio shortly.
Ortiz says, ““I love this album because I made it while I
was going through the industry bulls**t of trying to get
signed and some tough times, personally. It’s full of pain
and rage and you can hear it. It’s a soundtrack to the hood
version of David vs. Goliath. That’s the best way to
describe it. If you’ve ever gone through some rough waters,
this album is for you. It’s the common man’s music. Industry
people, so-called ‘cool guys’ and ‘posers,’ don’t get this
music and they never will. It’s not for them. It’s for us.”
Watch the new "Latino" video by Joell Ortiz:
click here
You can listen to “Hip-Hop” by
clicking here.
Joell
Ortiz on the web:
http://www.joellortiz.com
Down AKA
Kilo to Release "The Definition of an Ese" ft Snoop, B-Real
& Nate Dogg
4/3/07 - LatinRapper.com/Machete Music Press release
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West Coast rapper Down AKA Kilo will release his first
solo effort "The Definition of an Ese" this coming May 22nd
under Silent Giant Entertainment/Machete Music. The album,
produced in its entirety by acclaimed hip hop producer
Fingazz (Lil' Rob, Kurupt), contains 11 new tracks including
the hit single "Lean Like a Cholo", a song already in high
rotation in radio stations across the nation and set to
become the anthem of the Summer.
The Definition of an Ese" features collaborations by
Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, B Real and newcomer Nikki Diaz.
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The well crafted songs, with lyrics written by the
multi-faceted rapper, gives the audience an education into
what really defines an Ese. From teaching everyone how to
dance in "Lean Like a Cholo" to giving a glimpse of an Ese's
soft side in the tracks "G's Need Love Too" and "I'm Coming
Home To You" Down AKA Kilo successfully delivers on what
will surely become the must have album of the year!
As an added benefit, the album contains a DVD with exclusive
videos and footage hosted by Pocos Pero Locos' own Khool
Aid. The DVD features guest appearances by Lupillo Rivera,
Jerry Heller, Nate Dogg and a special song with Jenni Rivera
called "Mami Te Quiero".
Down on the web:
http://www.myspace.com/kiloakacholo
New Omar
Cruz Mixtape 2007 B.C.
3/2/07 - LatinRapper.com/Geffen Press release
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Following up
on a blazing 2006, and the Scratch Magazine-endorsed
mixtape The Cruzifixtion, Los Angeles' lyrical assassin
Omar Cruz licks off another shot with 2007 B.C. (Before
Cruz). Hosted by DJ Skee and DJ Big Mike, 2007 fans the
flames for Cruz's forthcoming debut record on Interscope/Geffen,
Sign of the Cruz. "2007 includes some of the classic
joints that the streets been asking for, as well as a
bunch of exclusive songs," Cruz notes. "It's going to be
an understandable segue into my first album. Everything
before now was the era before me; it's time I stake my
place in the game." |
And Cruz is passionate for the game, not merely consumed
with his own shine: "People are forgetting the whole purpose
of this rap thing. For me, it's about making a name for not
only myself, but also Latinos. The 2007 title and cover art
reference holy war-- all the beefing and bickering that's
going on right now. I'm trying to break stereotypes and put
good music out there. One of the reasons album sales are
down is that people are making records with only a few
singles, and the rest is garbage. And fans are supporting
the garbage!"
Dead set against this trend, 2007 sets off right with lead
single "Vatos Locos," Other burners include "Armed Robbers"
alongside Big Pun, West Coast anthem "Just When" with
co-conspirators The Game and 2Pac, and the unforgiving "Gun
Talk." As much substance as style however, Cruz offers more
than a couple of high-profile guest
appearances: "B.Y.I. Entertainment's Music Producer "Rome"
and I are actually introducing a new sound in the game,
which I'm excited about. It's a vintage Latino soul sound:
heavy organs, heavy horns. This is soul street music unlike
any other. The tape goes hard for over 20 songs, and with DJ
Skee and DJ Big Mike as the hosts, we feel like we have the
best from the West and the East."
Among those 20-plus songs is a freestyle by LA emcee, who
won a contest via Omar Cruz's myspace page searching for the
hottest 16 spit by a Latin rapper. Despite eventually
choosing an LA cat to appear, Cruz was impressed by the
scope of the submissions: "The love was from all over: from
Canada to New Orleans to Mississippi to Chicago. MySpace is
a great way to get feedback and find out what's hot. Also,
you can create buzz without needing the machine behind you."
Omar Cruz is part throwback, part firebrand. He laments that
making an album is a "lost art in the game," and that each
should "should stand alone as a moment in time, as a piece
of art." He also promises that despite the effort invested
into each of his mixtapes, his debut album expected later
this year will take things to another level entirely.
Fighting words.
Look out for Omar Cruz on the Cuervoton tour this summer.
Termanology Drops "50 Bodies" Mixtape with Tony Touch
2/16/07 - LatinRapper.com
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More ammunition for the buzz on Termanology, as he's
teamed up with Tony Toca for a new version of the legendary
"50 MCs" mixtape series. Only there's one tiny minor little
difference: there's only one emcee on it. 50 Bodies
highlights the best 50 Verses from TERMANOLOGY, featuring
recordings from 2002-2007. Hosted by Tony Touch & mixed by
Term's DJ's Statik Selektah & Deadeye. This CD serves as an
appetizer for TERM's official debut album and provides a
lyrical bio of the upcoming MC. In the past year
Termanology has been featured in XXL, The Source, Scratch
and was recently handpicked by URB for their 2007 Next 100
issue. |
Termanology on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/therealtermanology
Costa
Rican Artist "Paco" Debuts Single "Maria!" on International
Music Feed
2/16/07 - LatinRapper.com/Street Tropical press release
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On Monday, February 16, 2007 the video for Paco's single
Maria! will air on the International Music Feed's (IMF)
show, Bridge Latin America. The show, targeting the fastest
growing demographic and musical genre, is well known for
bridging culture, music, and continents, by recognizing
diverse cultures and uncovering the best music from Latin
America and Spain, as well as Spanish-language artists from
all over the world.
Paco will be the first artist featured from Costa Rica
on the network. "I love the videos, music and range of
artists they showcase on IMF. It's a real chance to see and
hear great music from all over the world. It is such an
honor for my country to be on Bridge and I am humbled to be
the artist to represent for Costa Rica." |
Maria! is one of four videos that PACO has shot for his
album, Urbano, Latinoamericano. Produced and shot entirely
in Costa Rica, with local talent and crew, the video could
not be a more complete showcase of Costa Rica's rich and
beautiful cultural, musical and panoramic resources. The
video will air during Bridge Latin America's regular air
times, 11am, 3pm and 7pm EST. Please check with your local
cable provider for channel information.
PACO, a multi-talented artist from Costa Rica, released his
first album in 1996 as a founding member of the group, Ragga
by Roots. Both as a member of the group and as a solo
artist, PACO has performed in front of crowds numbering more
than 50,000, breaking records for CD sales, ticket sales and
awards in Costa Rica. His first solo album, Zafra marga
obtained the #1 position on the Costa Rican charts. PACO is
releasing his critically acclaimed album, Urbano,
Latinoamericano, independently. The album features songs
from a broad spectrum within the genre of urban Latino
music, including reggaeton, hip hop and alternative themes.
To hear his music visit
http://www.pacoonline.com
or
www.myspace.com/pacoonline
Dip Set
Capo Jim Jones Still Gaining Altitude
1/15/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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The Dip Set movement continues to weather the beefs and
build on their brand. Jones' new album "Hustler's
P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment)" moved over 100,000
unites in its first week and debuted at #1 on the
Billboard Rap Chart and #6 on the Billboard Top 200.
His third album to date and by far his most recognized,
the Harlem rapper has enjoyed greater mainstream status
thanks to the hit single "We Fly High". Jones
speaks with us about the success of his new album,
his ongoing beefs with select Def Jam artists and much
more in our exclusive interview.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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T-Weaponz
Rises to Number 6 on Billboard Charts
1/15/07 - LatinRapper.com
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From Brooklyn to Billboard, former LatinRapper.com
featured artists T-Weaponz's new single "Dem Boyz"
featuring Trae and Shamrock has risen to number 6 (HOT
SHOT) on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Singles Sales.
Rising in sales and radio play, the single has earned
almost 1,000 spins nationally.
Called "the most anticipated independent artists of the
year" by AllHipHop.com, T-Weaponz is poised to become
the first transnational Hip-Hop group.
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The momentum of "Dem Boyz," a radio track with southern appeal and East
Coast swagger, proves T-Weaponz's strength in the mainstream
urban market, beyond its debut Spanglish hit "Mira Mira"
featuring Pitbull and Notch, which saw over 15,000 radio
spins nationally and 50,000+ digital download sales.
T-Weaponz on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/tweaponz
N.O.R.E.
Testifies at Trial
1/15/07 - LatinRapper.com
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To rap star N.O.R.E., the Bronx gang members he
befriended weren't criminals. The rapper, who formerly
went by the stage name Noreaga and whose real name is
Victor Santiago, testified Wednesday on behalf of Darryl
Henderson, who has been on trial for the past month in
U.S. District Court in Manhattan on charges stemming
from the Jan. 21, 2002 triple murder a block and a half
from Yankees Stadium. Henderson faces a possible death
penalty if convicted. N.O.R.E. said he met Henderson in
the Bronx in 1998 or 1999 and brought him on concert
tours as a roadie, running errands such as ordering food
and beer for the performers.
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He said he also befriended members of Murder Unit, a Bronx
street gang, but did not know that some of them had violent
histories, sold drugs and carried weapons. "Hard-core
hip-hop tends to sell more records," N.O.R.E. said, noting
the advantage of a rough edge in the business. "It's about
selling an image." The rapper said he took members of Murder
Unit on tour with him to give them a chance in the business.
In opening statements, Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Rody
said Henderson and two other members of Murder Unit
committed the murders to steal 30 kilograms of cocaine worth
more than a half-million dollars.
He said two of the victims were stabbed more than 20 times
and all three had their throats slashed. Within three days,
Rody said, the three killers had fled to Miami, Fla., where
they were "drinking, partying, posing for pictures and
spending the money they made from the stolen cocaine."
Defense attorney David E. Patton has told the jury that his
client did not kill anyone and has never been in a gang,
though he did sell drugs.
On the witness stand, N.O.R.E. described his touring life as
a wild party in which he sometimes smoked marijuana before
he performed and regularly chased women.
Rody repeatedly attacked N.O.R.E.'s memory, which seemed
sketchy about the facts whenever violence erupted near him
but firm in the recollection that Henderson was never in the
middle of it.
N.O.R.E. made some jurors chuckle with his observations,
including that the prosecutor in his suit looked like a
music booking agent. He waved to them as he left the witness
stand.
Cruz
Control: Omar Cruz Stands up for the West Coast
12/5/06 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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The Game is known for his desire to put the Left Coast
back on the hip hop map, now the artist formerly known
as Blunts LLA hopes to do the same for Latinos in the
rap industry. After many years and several
mixtapes, the Los Angeles rapper has generated a well
deserved buzz. With BYI Entertainment's 50/50
joint venture with Interscope/Geffen Records and
endorsements from industry heavyweights Mister Cartoon
and Estevan Oriol, Omar prepares to release his heavily
anticipated debut album, we get the scoop in our
exclusive interview.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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"Fake
Gangstaz" Video ft ZEPS and Amen Almighty of the NY
Rhyme Exchange
New Underground
NY video featuring the New York Rhyme Exchange. Video
has explicit lyrics and content that
may offend some people,
you must be 18 or older to watch.
Click Here to watch the video
Mixtape Awards Pop Culture and More at the 2nd Annual
Latin Urban Mix
12/5/06 - LatinRapper.com/Ed Rosa press release
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After an astounding and satisfying turnout at last year’s
Latin Urban Mix debut, the Creative Media Group is dotting
its i’s and crossing its T’s in preparation for this year’s
(2007) much-anticipated one-day affair. DJs, musicians,
fashion designers, photographers, entrepreneurs and artists
(in all sense of the word) will converge in this given
amenity while simultaneously highlighting their individual
art.
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The appropriately-named Latin Urban Mix calls for the
opportunity to demonstrate how influential the Latin market
has been to mainstream by ‘mixing’ five key elements of
popular culture and entertainment: art, fashion, music,
media and entrepreneurship. In addition, the Mix establishes
a relevant opening for the artists to assist each other and
collaborate in their future endeavors (a graphics artist
designing a DJ’s album cover, a fashion designer donating
clothes to a musician, a photographer shooting a model’s
portfolio). A clear advantage for everyone attending, the
occasion, originally created by Creative Media Group CEO
Kevin “Pills” Montano, also opens the door for many
newcomers to become acquainted with the world’s most
exciting, yet demanding, market.
Last year’s Mix awarded and recognized well-accomplished DJs
Camilo, Tony Touch, Kazzanova, Prostyle and Sama for their
success in bringing Latino music, primarily reggaeton, to
the forefront and, consequently, having the genre accepted
into music mainstream. Latin Urban Mix 2007 will award the
mixtape DJs for giving the opportunity to artists to have
their music heard. The street is where it all starts, so why
not recognize those who continuously feed them with new
sounds. Anyone can vote for their favorites at.
www.latinurbanmixx.com
With over 450 associates from LA, Chicago, Louisiana,
Boston, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico and the Dominican
Republic, heavy-duty sponsors Hennesy and Sony BMG and
internationally-known artists, producers and DJs (Magic
Juan, Boy Wonder, Voltio, Tego Calderon) at last year’s Mix,
this year’s event is expected to ring in twice as many
hungry industry majors and minors. Expected DJs to attend
include Hot 97’s Enuff and Camilo, La Mega’s Lobo, La
Kalle’s Precise, Kazzanova, Spin One and Prostyle, Tony
Touch, mixtape DJ Willie, DJ Creme and mun2’s Frankie
Needles.
The Mix’s 2007 itinerary includes an art exhibition, an
urban sneaker display, an artist listening lounge, an
entrepreneur and DJ panel and a fashion show, all leading up
to the Mixtape Awards recognition dinner, held as the
closing event during evening hours. An after party, spot to
be determined, will follow.
The Latin Urban Mix 2007 will be held on March 10, 2007 at
the widely-recognized Albion Hotel in the heart of South
Beach, Miami’s Art Deco district. The Creative Media Group,
led by Kevin Montano, strives to provide strong
relationships between all aspects of the urban market
nationwide. Through various methods of promotion, marketing
and management, it works to emphasize the abilities and
success of Latino culture, whether it’s in music, art,
fashion or business.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING LATIN URBAN MIXX CONTACT:
ED ROSA INFO@EDROSA.NET
310-469-2827
Sen Dog's
Still All Bite with the Reyes Brothers
11/18/06 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Two years ago we spoke with West Coast artist Senen
Reyes, better known as Sen Dog of the multiplatinum
group Cypress Hill. The Perro is back with plenty
of ammunition, and three hot albums on the horizon.
Sen and brother Mellow Man Ace teamed up to form the
"Reyes Brothers", and the duo just released one of the
most heavily anticipated albums in Latin Rap history
entitled "Ghetto Therapy." Sen speaks to us about
a Spanish Reyes Brothers album, his upcoming solo, his
rap-rock group SX-10's new record, and the 2007 release
of Cypress Hill's next CD.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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Wu-Tang Affiliate Dom Pachino to release debut album
"Rice & Beanz"
11/18/06 - LatinRapper.com/Mach-5 Promotions press release
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Dom Pachino has released 12 independent projects under
Napalm Recordings after his major releases with Killarmy,
which were Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars, Dirty
Weaponry, and Fair, Love & War. Pachino was also
featured on gold albums such as RZA as Bobby Digital and
the Swarm Compilation. In 2002 Pachino established an
independent record company called Napalm Recordings,
which he released its first project Tera Iz Him which
sold 20,000 copies, followed by a stream of various
projects, DVD's and compilations.
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Now Dom Pachino unravels what is his best work to date
slated to be release first quarter of 2007 "Rice & Beanz"
executive produced by Dom Pachino. Dom Pachino track
previews: Explicit lyrics, you must be 18 years or older to
listen to the following tracks: "Box with me" (click
here to listen), "La Calle" (click
here to listen).
Click Here For our March 2006 exclusive interview with
Dom Pachino.
official website:
http://www.dompachino.com/
on myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/prterrorist
Pitbull's Album "El Mariel" Debut's at #17 on Billboard
Top 200 Albums Chart
11/18/06 - LatinRapper.com
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Best-selling Cuban American MC Pitbull’s much-anticipated
second studio album El Mariel (Diaz Bros./TVT Records) has
debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart
and #2 on the Billboard Rap Albums Chart, with an opening
salvo of 47,969 copies in its first week of release.
Bolstered by the number one single, “Dime” on the Latin
Urban Chart and second single “Ay Chico” poised to break the
Top 20 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 Chart, El Mariel is
off to a fast start.
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Pitbull is joined by a star-studded
crew of artists and producers on the new release. Pharrell joins Pitbull on “Jealouso”, while Wyclef Jean
guests with Pit on “Jungle Fever.” Other highlights include
“Bojangles” (with Lil Jon & Ying Yang Twins), “Que Tu Sabes
d’Eso”, and “Dime” (where the bilingual
Pitbull trades rhymes with popular reggaeton artist Ken-Y on
the Lil Jon-produced remix track). Following the popular
single “Bojangles”, Pitbull is gearing up for the release of
the album’s second single/video, “Ay Chico (Lengua Afuera)”,
a steamy call-and-response future club anthem.
Click Here to watch the brand new video for "Ay
Chico" by Pitbull
Diamante Studios Opens in NYC
11/18/06 - LatinRapper.com
Diamante Pictures is proud to announce the grand
opening of its new production, post-production and recording
studios in the former home of the legendary Fania Records.
Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Diamante’s new
4,000 square foot facility features state-of-the-art
editing, recording and design studios, along with an insert
/ green screen stage on site.
“With the industry evolving the way it is,” says founder Ben
DeJesus, “we feel fortunate to be able to offer the full
range in multimedia services and content.” Diamante Pictures
provides full-service production and post-production for
television, web content, music videos, commercials, dvd's
and documentaries. Recent projects include a web series with
Pitbull, several music videos, over 60 hours of programming
for BET, a television mini-series and more.
“With the Fania history that already existed in this spot,”
says DeJesus, “we felt this was the perfect place to take
Diamante Pictures to the next level.” Diamante’s clients
include MTV Networks, BET, Universal Records, HBO,
Univision, Atlantic Records, SiTV, Def Jam, Roc La Familia,
Warner Records, Urban Latino, La Calle Records, UBO, Sony,
Machete Music, The Connection and others.
As founder of Diamante Pictures, Ben DeJesus is one of the
rising director/ producers in the youth, urban and Latin
markets. Since his days as a producer/writer at MTV
(Cribs/News), DeJesus has been building his company into a
respected production and post-production one-stop shop,
while continuing to produce and direct for several MTVN
Networks, BET, HBO, Def Jam, Roc La Familia, Universal, SiTV
and more.
DeJesus recently directed and produced N.O.R.E.’s “Mas Maiz”
feat. Nina Sky, Big Mato, Fat Joe, Chingo Bling, and Lil’
Rob, and prior to that delivered Don Omar’s landmark video
“Reggaeton Latino” featuring N.O.R.E., Fat Joe & LDA
on the web:
http://www.diamantepictures.com/
Mellow Man
Ace: Words From the Godfather
10/11/06 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Godfather of Latin Hip Hop - Mellow Man Ace, recently
formed the "Reyes Brothers" duo with hermano Sen Dog of
Cypress Hill, releasing one of the most long awaited
group albums in Latin Rap entitled "Ghetto Therapy."
Mellow Man was the first artist to get
mainstream acceptance of Spanglish on wax with "Mentirosa",
the first single by a Latin rap artist to go platinum.
He teams up with brother Sen as the Reyes Brothers, and
October marked the release of their heavily anticipated
debut. Mellow speaks about the album and industry
perils in our exclusive interview
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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Frost Returns with La Raza Remix and New Tour
10/11/06 - LatinRapper.com
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Latin hip hop
artist Frost (aka – Kid Frost), has announced that he
will be officially on tour between September 29th and
October 21st, 2006. From Las Vegas, to San Antonio to
Beverly Hills, spreading the word on Goldmark, while
performing his undeniable hit tracks. Opening for Frost,
will be newly signed Hip-Hop artists Scoop DeVille, aka
Platinum Child, and Chedda Boy. Frost is very well
respected and wildly successful hip hop performer, who
is a major role model for up and coming hip hop and rap
talent. The veteran East Los Angeles rap artist, who
became a hip-hop icon in 1990 with his groundbreaking
single "La Raza" has stepped up his game in the last
decade, sharpening his lyrical skills and becoming an
authority figure in hip hop culture.
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This will be evident in every one of his shows. With
his hard-hitting mix of hard-core hip-hop, smoothed out
cuts, and laid-back songs, versatility is one of Frost's
strengths. "The thing that keeps my name in people's mouths
is that I keep reinventing myself," Frost explains. "I don't
just keep on making the same music. I wanted to make
bilingual hip-hop a trend. I was the forefront of one step
further while still kicking vivid rhymes about the code of
the streets with authenticity."
Frost also says "As I see the KRS-Ones and the LL Cool J's
still in it, I won't budge. A lot of people might say that
I'm too old. But I don't think it's your age or how you rap.
It's your rap skills that keep you in the game. As long as
we make that knocking Chevy music, we're going to stay in
this rap game."
Opening artists Scoop DeVille and Chedda Boy will inevitably
gain from being on tour with the hip hop legend, in addition
to their own successes. Scoop Deville, aka Platinum Child,
has already produced tracks such as "Get It" for Linkin
Park's album "Fort Minor" which was executive produced by
Jay-Z, "Mamacita" for Baby Bash, and Frost's complete album
entitled "Frost Angeles", all by the young age of 18.
Furthermore, Chedda Boy, has appeared in the 2005 August
edition of the Source Magazine for one of the hottest
mixtapes in the street, and was featured in Explosive
magazine as one of the premier New York artists on the rise.
Please visit
www.goldmarkentertainment.com for further
information on Goldmark Industries.
From the
Kennel to the Streets: Pitbull Brings Miami Heat
9/27/06 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Its been two years since we last spoke with Pitbull,
shortly after the release of his debut album.
Unlike some rappers who rest on their laurels, that "Lil
Chico" from the M.I.A. stayed on the grind with mixtapes
and guest appearances. The Cubano struck gold with
his TVT debut, and this time around may outdo his past
success with his new album "El Mariel", which drops
October 31st, Pitbull took time to speak with
Latin Rapper about the new CD, his 2007 all-Spanish CD
entitled "Armando", Bad Boy Latino, possible television
shows and more in this exclusive interview.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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Latin Hip
Hop College Scholarship:
Latino undergraduate students, check out the new
scholarship being offered by LatinRapper.com (click
here for details). This year we will forego
corporate sponsors just to build awareness, next year we
plan on receiving sponsorships and offering ten times the
current prize giveaway. So while we're taking a rain
check from them until next year, a very big shout out to the good
people at
Upstairs Records (Jose Melendez, Joey & Raul) who
immediately offered to match our contribution. Please
support a label that cares about the Latin community, go out
and get the New Ridaz CD dropping 10/10/06 and of course Lil
Rob's "Twelve Eighteen pt II" when it drops.
The
Reyes Brothers Release Long Awaited Album October 3rd
9/27/06 - LatinRapper.com
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THE REYES BROTHERS--Senen “Sen Dog” Reyes (Cypress Hill,
SX10) and younger brother Ulpiano “Mellow Man Ace”
Reyes--will now release their debut album GHETTO THERAPY
October 3, 2006 through Latin Thug Records in conjunction
with Koch Entertainment. The album was originally due out in
June.
In celebration of their new offering, THE REYES BROTHERS
have a whirlwind of events planned including an in-store at
The Warehouse in Downey. |
Followed by a party for Ghetto Therapy on October 4 at
Forbidden City (1718 Vine St.) in Hollywood, CA and then a
signing and appearance for the troops at Nellis Air Force
Base in Las Vegas on October 9. This will kick off a
tour of military base visits with stops at Fort Hood, Texas,
Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Tinker Air Force Base in
Oklahoma, the three largest military bases in the U.S.
“My family and I came to this country from Cuba with nothing
but the clothes on our backs. We were able to make a home
here and to create a life for ourselves and a future for our
families,” says Sen Dog. “The opportunity to meet, thank and
perform for the men and women who are serving in our armed
forces who defend our country and our way of life is a
privilege and an honor. Mellow and I are damn proud to be
able to share our record with them.” After their time with
the troops, THE REYES BROTHERS will return to Los Angeles to
headline at The Key Club on Sunset Strip on November 3.
“Ghetto Therapy is by no means a comeback album for either
of the group’s members,” heralded Barry Codell in The Source
(June 2006), “but instead the beginning of a new chapter for
some of Latin Hip-Hop’s all-time best.” The long-player’s
divergent styles mesh together seamlessly, sounding as if
Sen Dog and Mellow Man Ace have been recording together much
of their careers. To help them achieve this effect, they
tapped a top-notch selection of seasoned technicians such as
producers such as DJ Muggs, Warren G, B Real, Fredwreck
(Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent), DJ Ace (Ice T) and XL (The
Game).
Many have tried to capture the intoxicating “gas/break/dip”
energy of West Coast car culture, but few have mastered it
in the way that the 808 bass tones of the new single
impacting radio now “Traffic” do. Other highlights on the
album include the DJ Ace-produced “H.A.R.D.”--an excellent
introduction to the Reyes Brothers vibe. (“It’s one of my
favorite songs that we put together on the album,” says
Mellow. “It’s just so playful, it feels like we’re having
fun.”) Elsewhere, there’s “Fight Night” featuring B Real as
well as hotly tipped newcomer Bishop Lamont (recently signed
to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label). It’s one of the best examples
of how fresh and new everything sounds, an alchemy achieved
by combining veterans with talented rookies.
Reyes Brothers on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/reyesbros
Mellow Man Ace official website:
http://www.mellowmanace.com
Latin Thug Music:
http://www.latinthugmusic.com
Joell
Ortiz Signs to Aftermath
9/27/06 - LatinRapper.com
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Back in November we interviewed Brooklyn rapper Joell Ortiz
(click
here to read), speaking with him about being on the
grind. The work paid off, as the Puerto Rican MC just
inked a deal with Interscope. Joell provided details
to LatinRapper.com about the signing, and his first album
through Aftermath is slated for a 2007 release.
When asked as to whether or not we can expect some hot
production from Dr. Dre himself, Joell filled us in that the
good Doctor had recently sent him a "gang of beats" to rhyme
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As of the moment, there's no word on whether or not other
Aftermath artists will appear on the album, which Joell
hasn't begun working on yet. Aftermath isn't without
its detractors, however. Rakim, Truth Hurts, Joe Beast
and The Last Emperor were all signed to the label but never
had their albums released. When asked whether or not
this raised his own concerns of hopping on board, Joell told
LatinRapper that he knew nothing about those situations, but
that "I do know that my work ethic is very strong in and
outs of the studio and my buzz was getting pretty strong
long before the deal." He went on to detail how his
hustle would still continue. "Its funny 'cause so many
people told me before I got the deal that no one would sign
a fat Latin from NYC. Now that I have been signed, they
talking about how I'm never gonna come out. I love a
challenge!" He gave a shout out to his gente that
helped build his name up, and called for them to prove the
naysayers wrong once again.
When queried over any added pressure that being a Latin MC
on Aftermath might create, Joell explained to Latin Rapper
that he constantly reps for his community and people, but
isn't necessarily trying to represent for Latin rappers as a
whole. "I rap for the people, not for other rappers or
executives." the artist exclaimed. "Joell Ortiz is the
voice of the voiceless."
Joell
Ortiz on the web:
http://www.joellortiz.com
Diamonique
Doesn't Lose Sight of West Coast Queen's Throne
9/17/06 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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It seems that most women in the Hip Hop game hail from out
East, but coming straight from the Left Coast is an artist
that has built a respectable fan base. Diamonique
developed a strong buzz since dropping her album "Diamond In
Da' Ruff" and has long participated in worldwide tours.
Sharing stages with the likes of Pitbull, Lil' Jon, Ciara,
Baby Bash, D-12 and many others, the Inland Empire Latina
with the sexy, sultry voice has proved herself not only as
an MC but as an accomplished singerl. She speaks with
us about new projects as well being a Latina in the Hip Hop
game in this exclusive.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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Malverde
and B-Real promote Unity on Snoop Dogg's "Vato"
9/17/06 - LatinRapper.com/Cornerstone press release
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West Coast artist and Machete Music MC Malverde, as well as
B-Real of Cypress Hill fame, have made their mark on the
official remix of Snoop Dogg's latest street single entitled "Vato." Snoop has
collaborated with the artists in an attempt to promote unity
amongst Blacks and Browns, as well as to promote his
upcoming album The Blue Carpet Treatment.
Malverde is the process of
finalizing his Fall debut on Machete Music entitled
"La Leyenda Continua", with its first single "Baila Baila."
Malverde on the web:
http://www.malverde.com
Malverde on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/malverde |
Super Duo
Outerspace release "Blood Brothers" CD
9/17/06 - LatinRapper.com
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A burgeoning brand within the independent hip-hop
community, Outerspace are renowned for their deep rooted
affiliation with Jedi Mind Tricks and Philly’s vibrant
underground hip-hop scene. 2004's Jedi Mind Tricks
presents... Outerspace and subsequent full length debut
Blood & Ashes (executive produced by Vinnie Paz of Jedi
Mind Tricks) established Outerspace as successors to the
Philly underground hip-hop mantle, having scanned close
to 20,000 units amongst these releases. Coming off
of their recently successful stint as members of the
underground super group Army of The Pharaohs,
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Outerspace present their highly anticipated sophomore LP,
Blood Brothers. With executive producer Vinnie Paz
again in tow and touting guest spots by Vinnie Paz, Royce Da
5’ 9”, D-Block/The Lox’s Sheek Louch and production from the
likes of 7L and J-Zone, Outerspace's sophomore effort is a
defining achievement from a seasoned pair of underground
emcees, poised to once again raise the mantle of
expectations for east coast based independent hip-hop.
Outerspace on the web:
http://www.outerspacemusic.com
BabyGrande:
http://www.babygrande.com
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