Bridges to Nowhere

For Immediate Release – (New York, NY – November 22, 2011) – A-Alikes release single “Bridges to Nowhere” off forthcoming album Us Against Them.

Known for their politically-rooted lyrics, Occupy Wall Street was the appropriate backdrop for the “Bridges to Nowhere” video shoot capturing the sign of the times and radical change for which the revolutionary-spirited hip-hop group is known.  “Bridges to Nowhere” was produced by the late DJ Metaphysic [June, 2011 passing], who also produced for such artists as Immortal Technique, Dead Prez and Action Bronson to name a few.

A-Alikes branched off into film after the release of their last album I Eat You Eat [2006] with “Ballot or the Bullet” documentary chronicling President Obama’s election [screened countrywide and abroad, 2008].  Ness, one half of the A-Alike duo, cites DJ Metaphysic as the catalyst for completing the album and further attests, “Us Against Them is about a world in transition… it’s about conflict, it’s about community, it’s about us and it’s about them.”

The video shot by Exile Ramirez, features Afaya (also featured on previous lp I Eat You Eat), as well as spoken word poet, J. IVY (featured on Kanye West’s first project) and  cameo appearance by Russell Simmons.

A-Alikes’ involvement in Occupy Wall Street was reported in Huffington Post article http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/14/occupy-the-hood-occupy-wall-street_n_1009850.html.

From music to the big screen A-Alikes remain steadfast in their advocacy for political freedom and progression. Stay tuned for more videos by A-Alikes in coming weeks.

Us Against Them will be available on iTunes and A-Alikes.net the first quarter of 2012.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE80K3awXPI

What is Mix-hop? The LP

What is Mix-Hop? Aquavibe is the answer with its uncompromising, eclectic blend of hip-hop, turntablism, r&b, rock, soul and dance fused together for one original sound.  Mix-hop as they describe it is culture remixed and genre evolved. Aquavibe transcends popular trends while remaining unapologetically original. Its live. Its new. Its a spectacle – and don’t you look away.

Committed to the Groovement for the past 10+ years, the five-member band have album sales on six continents, and have performed at numerous reputable venues including Pianos, Lion’s Den, Southpaw, Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe, CBGB’s, Caroline’s Comedy Club in Times Square and a little place you may have heard of: The Playboy Mansion, which they not only rocked the socks off, but three of Aquavibe’s songs are featured on the soundtrack to the mansion’s video game [Playstation, X-Box, PC], and the members are featured characters in the game as well.

Aquavibe has provided music for several indie films including 2007’s Blackout and cameo in the upcoming Accountants Story. Lead singer and musician, D1, produces all of the band’s music and has composed commercial music for the likes of ESPN, Samuel Adams and Victoria’s Secret. Emcees Dyverse the 1^st and Paradox or “Dox” are successfully expanding into film careers in front of and behind the camera.

Aquavibe’s new lp, What Is Mix-Hop?, is set to splash winter 2011 [on iTunes] with a bevy of potential singles showcasing their creative versatility while lending a unique vantage into their onstage presence.

For more information visit www.aquavibe.com

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Adtl press:  http://theindustrycosign.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/aquavibe-dont-wanna-go-home/

Known Associates

American actor and emcee, Lord Jamar, releases “Known Associates” this fall on Universalindie.com and all major digital outlets.  The album is a compilation of tracks featuring such artists as Capadonna, Hasan Salaam, Lord Superb, Saigon and Xzibit, to name a few.

The forthcoming album hearkens to Lord Jamar’s long-standing subscription to the The Nation of Gods and Earths [Five-Percent Nation] – a soundtrack to the Hardbody-Godbody way of life:  “It’s good hip hop, but has these elements on it because it’s who I am.”

A member of legendary, classic hip-hop group “Brand Nubian” Jamar reflects on the evolution of the industry over the past 20 years: “Everything changes… I don’t think I’m changing according to other people, but I am changing according to my own evolution. Even with Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down, statistically, people weren’t expecting me and Sadat to succeed.”

Jamar has an appreciation for other genres. Influenced by classical, spanish and old soul music, the beats dictate his music production.

“Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding impacts me and grows within me, daily.  Although I’m changing, I’m staying consistent with my core message.”

Widely known for his role on HBO’s OZ as “Supreme Allah,” and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Third Watch, The Sopranos, and most recently in Dennis Leary’s television show Rescue Me, Jamar is looking to expand beyond music and do more acting and production.

Lord Jamar says, “Whenever you’re pursuing your dreams you’re doing a courageous thing… It may have sounded absurd to some people [being an emcee] because I wasn’t from any of the 5 boros; I was from Westchester… I pursued it despite the naysayers. Same thing with acting; I didn’t have acting under my belt, but I wanted to do it. Courage comes in different ways, like whenever you’re pursuing something you love, but you’re not sure about.”

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 Adtl press:

http://www.suprememanagement.net/?p=1538&preview=true

http://hotspotatl.com/national/atlantashottesthiphop/brand-nubians-lord-jamar-goes-from-hip-hop-to-hollywood-back/

http://theurbandaily.com/music/casey-gane-mccalla/brand-nubians-lord-jamar-goes-from-hip-hop-to-hollywood-and-back/

http://theindustrycosign.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/known-associates/

PANIC SEASON IS HERE

Emerging artist Charles Walker also known as “Chedda Bang,” has several tricks up his sleeve for 2011, one being his featured appearance on Inspectah Deck’s upcoming album “The Rebellion” due this summer.

Recently released [2009] from a 9-year stint with the New York State Correctional system, this reformed hustler has created a portal  to exhibit his mastery of both business and music through: Don’t Panic Entertainment, a multi-level music group consisting of various notable producers, musicians and marketing professionals alongside Chedda delivering a re-surging, uncompromising style of music to hip-hop’s eroding genre.

Chedda began cultivating his relationship with music at the ripe age of 9 in his hometown of Staten Island.  The daunting reality of his incomplete family inspired him to transform his challenge into poetry.

Being the eldest son of his fatherless family, he learned early what the weight of the world felt like on his shoulders and shortly after graduating high school in 1994, Chedda succumbed to the pressures of supporting himself and fell prey to the allure of the streets. The music became secondary.

Chedda had plenty of time behind bars to ponder his crimes and change his perceptions. He returned to the world with a new found determination to perfect his craft in hopes that his story would be if nothing else, inspiring to music lovers, and to those navigating similar challenges, investigating outlets to channel their experiences.

Although gone for nearly a decade, Chedda Bang is more relevant than ever  and says that his talent “can’t be contained by walls or years.” After partnering with several  Wu Tang aficionados, he formed DPE [www.dontpanicent.com].  His you tube page alone garnered over 50,000 views in under two months.

In addition to “The Rebellion,” Chedda currently has exclusive heat available at datpiff.com with mixtape, “Panic Season.”

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BIG BOY | The Album

Emerging artists Ra Capone and Shay Swinga are poised to release their single, “Next First Kiss” off their BIG BOY MUSIC album, projected to drop January 11th, 2011 at all major music downloading portals including iTunes and Amazon.com, through Rama Music LLC. Without nary a celebrity endorsement or official record deal, the feedback to this project has been tremendous.

All of the songs on the album were written and produced by Capone and Swinga for the exception of Losing My Religion and Let’s Make a Baby, which were produced by Derek “D.O.A.” Allen, who also produced hit records for such artists as Tyrese, Dave Hollister, Slim [of 112] and Bobby Brown.

The duo’s humble beginnings with music are rooted in their past, making music in New York, where they were born. As teenagers these cousins experimented with beat-making and mixing in the basement of Swinga’s house, where they honed their production skills.

Swinga says, “I’ve been doing this since I was 14. It’s an art form that just pulls you in and makes you want more.  What level can an artist reach with their project? I’d think to myself… That’s what makes it so unique.  There’s no right or wrong answer.  It’s just about what you feel and when you love what you do, it shows in everything you do.”

Capone and Swinga later relocated to California and Las Vegas, where they continued to cultivate the groundwork for the Big Boy project. While they appreciate how the culture has evolved, they believe hip-hop lacks the essence that it was built on.

“Now it’s turned into a look how much money I have game. No one really talks about anything of importance anymore…” says Capone.

They say they are returning to the music, what it gave to them:  Life.

To hear samples off the highly anticipated album, visit Myspace.com/racaponenshayswinga

&  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/next-1st-kiss-single-single/id410076725?ign-mpt=uo%3D4  

&   http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_box_/178-6250688-5127913?k=Ra+Capone+and+Shay+Swinga

Radio interview with Damatrixstudios.com, www.stickam.com/919live

Addtl press http://www.usatoday.com/topics/article/Culture/Computers+and+Internet/Amazon.com/0cxndJg1pbdj8/42

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Undaground Vet

There are two types of people in this world:  Those who ride the bus and those who drive the bus. With regard to music, the two main forces behind the success or failure of an album, are artist and producer.

Having worked collaboratively with music innovators and trendsetters for over a decade, Baby Paul (a.k.a. BpZy) isn’t just producing: He’s co-creating the standard, born of which, are the dreams and plans people make for the future. Though many of us recognize the artist, how many of us recognize the person who laid the beat that we nod our heads to?

For some artists, the completion of an album is the end of the road for them until their next project releases, but a producer’s work is never done. The wheels stay turning for this industry giant, who’s recent “Undaground Veteran 1.5″ mixtape garnered over 100,000 downloads at coast2coastmixtapes.com. Ever inventive and reflective, BpZy is the quiet, yet solid foundation on which these classic hits sit.

The mixtape is a compilation of songs released between 2005-2010, along with some surprise tracks that haven’t seen the light of day ’til now.  It features Beat Fanatik, Nas, AZ, Heltah Skeltah, Black Moon, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Smif-N-Wessun, MOP, Buckshot, Fab 5, Naughty By Nature, Pharoahoe Monch, John Legend, Consequence, Amil, Mikey Bloodshot, illite, Fat Kid Dodgeball, Kanye West, Remy Ma, NoVa and more!

Download Link:

http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com/mixtapes/mixtapedetail.aspx/babypaul-undaground-veteran-1-5-revisited#ixzz0dqFX1aNL

BpZy- iStandard Blog/Mixtape Promo Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUG-E8f7JMI

Also check recent project, “Hood Superstar” with artist, “Rep” featuring Brian Frank of Fatkid Dodgeball.

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

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http://theurbandaily.com/music/caktuz13/veteran-nas-black-moon-producer-puts-out-all-star-mixtape/

Media Dynamo

A diamond in the rough, Caktuz..?13 [pronounced Caktuz] is a witch’s brew of talent.  An accomplished author by the age of 18, he wrote and illustrated his first graphic novel noir ‘Futprintz’ for The American Red Cross. As the first urban graphic novel focusing on AIDS Awareness, the book was heavily distributed all over the U.S. and reprinted many times over. Since then, Cak..?13′s writing has advanced into screenplays, novels, animation, and storyboard production for commercial and theatrical scripts (Wesley Snipes’, Ford, Spike Lee).  Cak..?13 was commissioned by the legendary Melvin Van Peebles to illustrate the feature film adaption of his most recent movie, Confessions Of A Ex Dufus Itchy-Footed Mutha.

Cak..?13′s 2009 induction into the The Official Hip-Hop Tarading Card Company’s first inaugural collection, left hip-hop fans and industry incumbents baffled as to why they would honor an indie artist, who had never held a major deal. In short, “Who is Caktuz..?13 “…”Why him?”

Caktuz..?13, also known as AMAS Multi-Media, has worked with such artists as Bilal, dead prez, Boot Camp Clik, SA-RA, The Dey, Brand Nubian, M.O.P., Young Guru, Michael K. Williams aka Omar from HBO’s Emmy Nominated The Wire and many more.  He is a Carolina blues man by blood.  His first album,  (critically acclaimed) 2 Hevi 4 Heaven, established Caktuz..?13’s place in the industry as a musical and genre innovator. Creating his own ‘Carolina Bluez’ sound and weaving live performance art into his stage shows, set him apart from the rest.

From music and media – to gracing the Broadway stage with the legendary Melvin Van Peebles – his DRX art group performance raised the energy of the show.

Cak..?13  held the Music Director seat  for Wheat Bread Radio – a show he created and directed – for the lifestyle brand of Wheat Bread’s media division.

This country’s strange fruit is an award-winning graphic illustrator/designer, working with virtually all of the most relevant designers such as Ecko, Apple Bottoms, Parish, Timberland, Rocawear, Shady Ltd. Having laced celebs such as Wendy Williams, Queen Latifah and Chris Brown, his work has become heavily sought after by Hollywood’s finest.  Many corporate clients, such as Smirnoff, DC Comics, TBS, Pepsi, Wal-Mart, have called on Cak..?13 by name.

His on-air charisma catapulted him into the acting spotlight.  Cak..?13 (or his distinctive voice) has appeared in numerous film and television efforts, including his mentor Melvin Van Peebles’ new film, The Eddie Black Story (formerly titled Deceptz), the controversial, semi-biopic on the infamous NYC street gang The Decepticons, and even more films in production now.

With all this and still more to come… Caktuz..?13 is the poster boy for a multi-media revolution. Thus, a Media Dynamo, really.

For information on Caktuz..?13′s current project, “GODZ PORNO,” visit www.caktuztree.com where you can read the controversial reviews and download the 13-track album – deemed a masterpiece by fans.

Emily Ellis is Valentine

California-based rockstress, Emily Ellis, held her first U.S. album listening party at a jam-packed La Pomme nightclub in New York March 5th, 2010. Ellis, also known as “Valentine” released her album Today It Begins on iTunes through Japanese indie label, Spinning Inc./Grizz Rhythms.  The rising rocker is currently considering U.S. record label offers.

National audiences appreciate Ellis’s explosive stage shows as seen on her Warped and Taste of Chaos tours. She and her band are gaining substantial notoriety as a “Band to Watch For” in 2010 with recent press in Japan’s Burn Magazine for song “All Or Nothing” voted among the top-ten best of 2009, and in the Rolling Stones’ “Hottest New Band” section.

Ellis is one of few contemporary artists that integrate hip-hop with her rock platform, as seen with the Beastie Boys, Jay Z and Linkin Park. Ellis says, “I don’t believe that one genre is more dominant than the other; they are both so rhythmic and heavy, and the crowd loves to hear them, together.”

Ellis began working with industry-renowned hip-hop producer, BpZy [bee-peezy], when a track originally created for Lil Wayne’s project [2009], was shelved by Universal Records due to the artist’s growing legal controversy. The track was then re-distributed to Ellis by manager, Kim Williams [owner, artist manager / Onevakynd Management Consulting, LLC (O.M.C, LLC.)], and she and her band created a rock version of the track, to be featured on BpZy’s upcoming project.

In his former days, BpZy was a member of the Beatminerz and later produced records for Black Moon, Smiff ‘n Wessun, Nas, Naughty By Nature, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Consequence, AZ and Amil to name a few. With label imprint underway, Divine Order Entertainment, BpZy enjoys the autonomy of exploring other genres with his music. He says of his relationship with Ellis, “I come from the ‘digging in the crates’ era and have a broad foundation of musical interest that helps me appreciate all genres.”

At the helm of this rock-hop collaboration is Kim Williams, who says, “When I deal with an artist, I like to get to know them personally. I know Emily’s writing and her musical style. I also know that she really digs hip-hop. I thought it would be cool to bring both elements together; it’s something that hasn’t really been tapped into as of yet. I wanted to pursue this, along with her straight-ahead rock and roll sound.”

Williams is poised to bring similar collaborations to the forefront this year, and says of the evolution of music: “People, who don’t think outside the box stay in the box.”

For more information on Emily Ellis, visit myspace.com/Valentine

Addtl press – http://globalgrind.com/channel/gossip/content/1476011/emily-ellis-is-valentine-interview/

Photo by Harold Hartman

Hair & makeup by LaZelle James

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2

(New York, NY) August 25, 2009 – Hip-Hop Legend Raekwon the Chef celebrates the release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II at Santos Party House on Tuesday, September 8th.  Sean “Diddy“ Combs will host this long-awaited event, and HOT 97′s morning personality, Peter Rosenberg and DJ Kid Capri, will be on the wheels. 

 The album release party [presented by Ice H20 Records and Littles] is expected to be another legendary moment in New York City Hip-Hop history.  Easily considered one of the most influential Hip-Hop albums of it’s time, Raekwon’s 1995 smash solo project “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx” remains at the top of every Hip-Hop “Best of” list.  After a brief recording hiatus and years on the road as both solo artist and member of the ground-breaking Wu-Tang Clan, “The Chef” will release his new album on his Ice H2O record label.

Raekwon says of the project, “I’m excited; this is a true evolution from where we began. I’m also overwhelmed by the love and support that I’ve received. My long time friend and Hip-Hop veteran, Diddy reached out to offer his support and agreed to host the event.  All of the artists involved extended themselves for the release of my long-awaited album, because we all feel Hip-Hop as a whole, is in need of unity. Magazines are closing; online storefronts are struggling because music sales are down. It’s time for vets like myself to set the trend and strengthen the lane. Dinosaurs like myself are supposed to create the blueprint for the new breed to follow.”

The cast of attendees include Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Lyfe Jennings, Talib Kweli, Beanie Siegel, Ghostface and Slick Rick. The stars will align and converge on the hottest red carpet of the summer. Invited guests include: Kanye West, Fabolous, Jay Z, Swizz Beats, Naughty By Nature, Ice T & Coco, Anthony Anderson, Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, and many more.

RSVP at RSVP@trioent.com.

Event location: Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette St. New York, NY 10013

Media Check In: 6pm. Red Carpet: 8pm

JOE DROPS “NEW MAN” 9/23/08

Seven-time Grammy Award nominated R&B legend, Joe, is back. The multi-platinum selling crooner is set to release his seventh album, Joe Thomas, New Man on September 23 on Kedar Entertainment Group/563 Entertainment.

Over the course of Joe’s 15-year career, he has released nine top-ten singles on Billboard and R&B charts.  His new single, “E.R. (Emergency Room),” is already shooting up the charts.
Hana speaks candidly with Joe about his career journey.

Q) How do you marry the right music to the right lyrics?
A) I go with a feeling… a vibe.  Executive decisions usually determine which records get pushed. I definitely write my records and a lot of it comes from within.  It’s also about having the right team; I went from a major label to an indie, and picked an impeccable team.

Q) What’s your most successful album to date?
A) Success for me is having an album that’s so good, the fans are eager for the next one – such as was the case with my first album, Everything.

Q) You incorporated hip hop into your 2007 album Aint Nothin Like Me unlike past projects. Why?
A) The rap world has been a part of my whole life. I was a fan of Erik B and Rakim. People like Nas wouldn’t be on a record unless he could feel the essence of what I was doing.  It was a pleasure working with all the artists that came to the table to be apart of this project; there was a respect there that only exists with a certain caliber.

Q) As an R&B artist, what’s your opinion of what an ideal woman is, and what’s your opinion of what a man should be to that woman?
A) It’s a lot of things: I look at my family, how we were raised, how difficult things were. I respect someone who can look at my story and be inspired, and know that my life is incredible and respect my grind. I hustled, took the back seat at times when I should have rode the front. I respect women who can see what the end result will be.
A man’s role to that woman is to provide security, be reliable and trustworthy. A woman doesn’t want a thug, but she doesn’t want a punk either.

Q) For all the romantics out there, what’s your current relationship status?
A) I’m solo, taking my time with life and taking things as they come. If it’s right, then it’s right.

Q) What are your upcoming projects?
A) Aside from the new album releasing September 23rd, I just signed my family to a gospel album scheduled for release next year.

Q) All artists have a signature sound and style. What’s yours?
A) I’m classic. It’s about making something that will last for a long time, and that young and old folks can listen to. It’s important that people get a feel for who I am, so I keep it as honest as possible – and show respect. You can be nice and cool at the same time; you don’t have to be one of these artists that get into the industry and act like they’re too good to talk to people. Treat people the way you want to be treated, that’s the golden rule.

 

Hana G. for Connex List 2008