Artist Feature: TaylorMade

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Artist Feature: TaylorMade

We back on that Canadian Hip Hop shit again...where else? So this time around, we linked up with the homie TaylorMade, representing Toronto (Scarborough in particular, so dude is speakin' to us). Made has a bit of a rep in his 'hood as a dude who speaks for the locals; I remember my boy Scott telling me about Made while Bekah and I were living in Scarborough, and quoting me his raps coz dudes there related (the one that comes to mind is 'Liquor store looking like a parade on Friday' off Made's 2004 shit). That's real to me, and that's why I reached out and connected with the homie.

We caught up with Made to talk about his third and latest mixtape, 'Hustler's Wit', Canadian Hip Hop and what's next with the man. I'ma let my dude speak on it...

TaylorMade

Cee: What up, Taylor? How's things fam?
Taylor Made: Things are good homie. Jus' out in the T-Dot tryna do my thing.

Cee: Aight, you've recently dropped your latest mixtape, 'Hustler's Wit'. Tell the people about this joint.
Taylor Made: 'Hustler’s Wit' is for people of all demographics and different walks of life. I tried to balance the project by not only addressing street issues but life issues. I try to touch on feelings that everybody has been through at some point. After playing the CD in its entirety, each and everybody has to have heard something they can identify with. I’m happy with that.

Cee: How has the response been so far to the mixtape?
Taylor Made: The feedback has been positive. My peers respect my skills too which is also a plus. It’s the people who enjoy my music that keep me going in this cut throat business.

Cee: This is your third mixtape, right? How do you feel you've grown over your releases?
Taylor Made: I feel I’ve grown by different experiences I’ve been through during the timespan of the 3 projects. The fast life, drivin' luxury vehicles, the hustler’s paranoia, loyalty, betrayal, love, beautiful women, triumph, pain. I went through all that and that’s what fuels the music I make. The more I gained experiences the more I gained newer perspectives which translated into new songs.

Cee: Are you planning to work on a full length album any time soon?
Taylor Made: A real album is looking very likely. I usually do mixtapes rapping on industry beats just for practice and to stay sharp, but I think its time to give the people something completely TaylorMade. But I do wanna expand my brand considerably before releasing an LP.

Cee: Who have you been working with lately, as far as producers and MCs?
Taylor Made: Jinx Beatz outta Hamilton gave me a couple joints for this project. I also worked with Set2 who’s another great artist outta Toronto. I usually do my own thing because I’m tryna pay my dues and put in my work on my own first. I called couple producers for some beats but they ain't holla back. Politics as usual. It is what it is, I just keep working.

TaylorMade

Cee: Have you been doing any shows lately?
Taylor Made: I got some things I’m linin' up, stay tuned for dat.

Cee: Do you think the Canadian scene has had a lot more shine on it since cats like Drake and Kardinal blew up?
Taylor Made: I think the Canadian scene is bigger than its ever been. People are watchin' so let’s give em something to see. There’s a lotta hate in the city but as far as I’m concerned doors got opened so there’s no time for non-sense, just walk through.

Cee: What's next for you?
Taylor Made: Whats next for me, I got a daughter coming into the world shortly so I’m gonna be getting some barf on my shirt for a while and will be watching alotta Treehouse. In a while though be prepared to see me bring that lyrical, witty, smart ass rap to the microphone again.

Cee: Hit the people with your contact details and where they can get the mixtape!
Taylor Made: My contacts are:

YouTube
MySpace

I can be emailed at TaylorrMade@msn.com (with two r’s). Most of the mixtape tracks can be found on the YouTube page. Big up to The Movement Family for bringing the real Hip Hop to Australia and abroad. Big up all my supporters, I’m nothing without you. Shout out Kitty Kat my angel investor. Signin' out. TaylorMade. L.O.T. Records.

TaylorMade

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Muhsinah - Always (video)

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Muhsinah - Always (video)

Muhsinah // "Always" - The Oscillations:Triangle from Rock Slinger Incorporated on Vimeo.

Y'all might know the name from Little Brother's ish. Muhsinah is on her grizzy, check the jump below, spotted @ Illroots.

"Brand new video from Muhsinah, for the self produced song entitled “Always,” which is off of her latest project “The Oscillations: Triangle” released today as an iTunes exclusive. The album is mostly self produced by Muhsinah, but has guest production from Flying Lotus, Exile, Oddisee, and Mike Slott."

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Model Feature: Eboni Sade

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Model Feature: Eboni Sade

This week I am proud to present the beautiful Ms. Eboni Sade coming reppin Jersey City, NJ like no other. Luckily, I was able to catch with Ms. Sade during one of her rare free moments. I will tell you this don't be shocked if see Ms. Sade on television and also in some of your favorite magazines.

Check the interview below.

DJ Grain: What's your name? Eboni: My name is Eboni Sade.

DJ Grain: Where are you from? Eboni: I am originally from Jersey City, NJ. But I spend time between NJ, NY, and DC.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling? Eboni: I've been modeling for approximately 2 1/2 years now.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue? Eboni: One of the misconceptions people commonly have about models is probably that we are not people. Models are human, we deal with insecurities, triumphs and setbacks like anyone else; heartbreak included.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in? Eboni: Most recent, I am in the Spring 2010 Harley Davidson Catalog. I've also done Beeing Clothing catalog, Hype Hair, HIV Awareness Print Ad, Jazmine Sullivan's "I Need U Bad" video and was a featured model at the Make-Up Show NYC 2008 for Big Girl Cosmetics.

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with? Some of the photographers that I've worked with include Jerris Madison, Dallas J. Logan, Itaysha Jordan, and E. Hinn Eboni: What photographers would you like to work with? I've always wanted to work with Bruce Talbot, Maya Guez, and Matthew Jordan Smith.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry? Eboni: It is a continuous, never-ending grind. It consists of constantly updating your portfolio and promoting yourself. It involves being told "No" and coming back a few months later, bigger and better. As with anything, breaking into the modeling industry involves progression and perfecting your craft.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry? Eboni: Research. Know Your Market. Stay Aware... Research the industry; especially those looking for agency representation. Know your market; are you a commercial, high fashion, or glamour model? And Stay Aware; be mindful that there are scams and scam artists out there. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking? Eboni: eboni.sade@gmail.com.

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PNC - Bazooka's Theme (video)

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PNC - Bazooka's Theme (video)

Here's the final video from NZ MC PNC's (acronyms, son) latest album, Bazooka Kid, called 'Bazooka's Theme'. Dope video.

I gotta say, I slept on this one. Rookie Card was my joint, though, I've just been lazy. I'm on it.

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Whisper feat Lee Sissing - Stand Up (video)

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Whisper feat Lee Sissing - Stand Up (video)

This is fucking brilliant. The big homie Whisper comes through with his latest video (not your debut, though, right?), 'Stand Up', featuring vocalist Lee Sissing and beats by M-Phazes. Great song, fresh clip...can't wait for this album!

Oh and if y'all ain't already know, check for Whisper on 'In Control' off Cee & Bekah's 'The Soul Movement Volume 3: The Final Chapter', on 'New Wave' off Notion's 'World Domi-NoTiOn' and on production for 'Anything For You' off Cee & Bekah's 'The Soul Movement Volume 2'.

http://ceeandbekah.bandcamp.com
http://notion.bandcamp.com

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City of God's Son by Kenzo Digital

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City of God's Son by Kenzo Digital

Wow. Peace to the homie Micnificent for hitting me with this one.

“City of God’s Son” is an experimental hip-hop opera starring Nas, Jay Z, Ghostface, Biggie Smalls, Raekwon, Samuel Jackson, Delroy Lindo, and Laurence Fishburne. It is a crime drama/coming of age tale of three fictitious characters growing up in a crime ridden city in a jungle. This project explores the icon of the gangster in modern media, and weaves musical history and gangster film history into an operatic music based story of brotherhood and survival. An homage to 90’s New York hip-hop, “City of God’s Son” is the redefinition of the remix. Featuring legendary soul singer Joe Bataan. The musical/soundscape portion of the project is available for FREE download on this site, the visual/installation is coming this summer to NY.

COMING THIS SUMMER: City of God’s Son art installation:  This summer I will be creating a new form of Cinema, Theater, and Opera in an outside gallery space in NY's Chelsea art district. There, the listener will be able to experience COGS in the form it was initially intended, as a psychedelic abstract combination of visual and audio sensory over stimulation and deprivation in a unique outdoor setting. The installation is not a literal interpretation of the narrative, but rather a space that will help drive the listeners own visualization of the story through a mix of color, live action movement and gesture, sound, and space.

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Press Release: HiPNOTT Records Signs Cymarshall Law & K. Sparks‏

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Press Release: HiPNOTT Records Signs Cymarshall Law & K. Sparks‏

Cymarshall Law & K. Sparks‏

Aight folks, so here's an update from the boss on new developments for HiPNOTT Records. Gonna be a MASSIVE year in 2010! Check out the updated HiPNOTT website too...

HiPNOTT Records Signs Cymarshall Law & K. Sparks

Miami, FL, November 29, 2009 - As with any new record label in their first year, 2009 has been a slow start for HiPNOTT Records. But that's not to say that it hasn't been productive! As we look into 2010, HiPNOTT Records is already looking to make its mark on the map and the hip hop world. And we'll be kicking the year off right with two brand new artists on our roster: Cymarshall Law and K. Sparks.

Cymarshall Law has been working harder than ever in 2009, since the release of his highly acclaimed album with Mr. Joeker, Hip Hop In The Soul. Released just a year ago, the album has received rave reviews from top hip hop sites such as Okayplayer and Hip Hop Linguistics. Cymarshall Law has also been recognized by peers such as Talib Kweli, who has said, "Cymarshall Law represents the best hip hop has to offer his energy and passion is refreshing in todays climate" and EMC's Wordworth, "Cymarshall Law has his own flow and originality that Hip Hop lacks plus lyrics."

On January 19th, Cymarshall Law will be releasing his first project on HiPNOTT Records; Creator's Kid EP. The 7 track EP is solely produced by D. Slaps, with the exception of one track produced by Remot. Creator's Kid showcases some of Cymarshall Law's best work to date and includes features from DJ JS-1, Silent Knight, Skit Slam, and Mary Lou. To give you a taste, we are dropping the first single today, "Harder Than Thou" featuring DJ JS-1.

Quite possibly the hardest working emcee of 2009, K. Sparks is scheduled to release his HiPNOTT debut in February 2010. Probably best known for his Manic Monday series, in which he released a new song every Monday for 52 weeks straight, K. Sparks has also released a countless number of mixtapes/albums this past year. With his hard work ethic and dedication, signing Sparks to HiPNOTT was a no-brainer.

As for K. Sparks' upcoming project, it's still too early to release all the details. Tentatively titled, A Day in the Life, the album will be solely produced by HiPNOTT producer G.C., who just recently released his $5 Cover project with emcee MaG.

Both albums will be available next year on iTunes and all other digital outlets, such as Amazon and eMusic. Check out the newly updated hipnottrecords.com where you can read more about Cymarshall Law and K. Sparks, as well as hear music from all of the label's artists.

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Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Le Da Soul mixtape

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Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Le Da Soul mixtape

The homies Mick Boogie & Terry Urban don't quit. They just came out with their latest project, a De La tribute...peep the info...

"Inspired by 20 years of greatness from hip-hop’s most consistent group, De La Soul, this project unites the cream of the crop in hiphop… including old school legends (Phife, Camp Lo and Skillz), current hitmakers (Talib Kweli and Kardinal Offishall) and future stars (U-N-I, Tanya Morgan, Tabi Bonney) to remake their favorite De La classics."

Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Le Da Soul mixtape

Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Le Da Soul mixtape

Download Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Le Da Soul mixtape

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