Review: "Renaissance" - David E Beats (Hosted by Mick Boogie)

"Have It All" - David E Beats featuring GangstaGrass

If you don't know David E Beats, then you really must not read this blog all that often. For the better part of the last two years, we here at the Future of Rap Music Business blog have been a supporter of the New York City based producer/artist and musician.

Whether you want to admit it or not, you always have to route for some one who works as hard as David E Beats. From producing, writing, and recording every track on his latest mixtape release "Renaissance", to being the only official member of the White House Band, opening the stage at live performances for such notable acts as Keith Murrary, Slum Village, Das Racist, Too $hort, Action Bronson & Mickey Factz (just to name a few) while also heading up the Rap Rocks! concert promotions company.

His newest achievement though would have to be the recent release of the new mixtape "Renassiance", which is currently buzzing through most of the biggest names in music blogs and hip hop websites.

The thirteen track project, hosted by Mick Boogie, boasts some serious instrumentation and dope production. Not to mention some sickening guitar riffs that just bring tracks like "Have It All" featuring GangstaGrass together sonically, into one very nice mix.

To me, the "Renaissance" mixtape is all about showcasing the diverse range of sounds that David E Beats is capable of bringing to the table. There's a little bit of something for everyone; mellow joints like "Dream" and "Everyday", to more hype tracks such as "T.G.I.F." and the uplifting joint "Happiness" featuring Ciph

One thing that quickly caught my attention, is how not one of the tracks sounds much like any of the others. Each song on "Renaissance" brings its own unique vibe, message and overall emotional feel, which makes you want to keep listening from start to finish.

In fact, the tracks blend together quite seamlessly, which is an art form that goes highly overlooked (or underheard) when it comes to this day and age of an infinite number of mixtapes. However, "Renaissance" comes with the full package, truly the soundtrack to one man's very unique story.

This mixtape has tracks for all kind of hip hop heads, but mainly for all those fans out there who are looking for something fresh and vibrant. Certainly, few could argue that there are no other artists/producers out there right now whom you can compare to David E Beats.

The man quite literally drives in his own lane when it comes to the future of the rap music business.

Download: "Renaissance" by David E Beats, Hosted by Mick Boogie, Presented by Cap City Records x I AM PR Agency x Karmaloop

Connect with David E Beats:
http://thewhitehouseband.net | @davidebeats | Facebook | YouTube

Album Review: "InfoBahn" - Jus Randy

About a week ago, I was (honoured to be) invited to the media listening party for Jus Randy's new album "InfoBahn" at the Atelier in Toronto. While I did not know what to expect walking in, once I made my self comfortable I knew that the listening session was going to be a positive experience.

The following is my review of Jus Randy's new album release "InfoBahn" which is available now on Amazon.com and iTunes.

After the "InfoBahn" intro primes your mind state for the tone of the album, Jus Randy drops the hype and aggressive track "This Is War". Backed by a sick beat produced by Gameboy, it's no wonder that this was one of the first singles.

The track "Happy Endings" settles things down, with Jus Randy lyrically reminiscing and taking us down memory lane. The interlude entitled "The Legend of Hlidskjalf" features an audio clip describing the meaning of the word, leading into the track "Hlidskjalf (It's Too Damn Late)". This fierce track has Jus Randy going off on a banging beat.

Next up is one of my favourite jams on the album, the feel good joint "Gud Mawnin" featuring Ray Robinson and produced by the extremely talented Gameboy. I love this track! Now, whenever I have a shitty day I bump this track to flip my mood back to the positive.

"Motherland/Bulawayo" features J De Guvna accompanying Jus Randy on the track, over a hard beat with a dope M.O.P. sample on the hook just to hype it up even more. "Problem Child" is another sick track where Jus Randy flexes his vocal skills and presence on the track.

Following the "Euphoria" interlude, is the song "Never Leave You..." which is also a really dope banger. The next song is definitely on some ill shit. When you connect Jus Randy with Richie Hennessy on a smooth beat from Gameboy, what you get is the amazing collaboration of some serious Canadian hip hop talents on "I Will".

Once I heard this next interlude "Sky Walk", I got to thinking that Jus Randy is kind of spoiled. I mean, dude's interlude's have better beats then a lot of other rapper's albums, seriously.

"Glory" is a wicked collaboration between Jus Randy and up and coming singer/actress and model Maccie Paquette. This is definitely one of my favourites on the 'InfoBahn'.

It keeps getting better, with the feel good banger "Family Guy" which features Jus Randy lyrically paying homage to his fam. With those soulful horns on the beat, you've got no choice but to love it!

The track "What's The Forecast?" slows the pace yet again, before the "Denounment" brings the album to an interesting end, which I believe really just leaves it open for the next Jus Randy album project - which I can't wait for.

With a great mix of tunes that has a little something for everyone, from the hardcore hip hop heads to the mainstream music lovers, this is certainly an album that you don't want to miss. All in all, this album feels like a real good slice of Canadian hip hop music. I definitely recommend you go and cop your self the Jus Randy "InfoBahn" album right now!

Sean Price Video Review of 'Black Swan' for NextMovie

MTV Shows

Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis are turning heads in Darren Aronofsky's latest thriller "Black Swan". Sean Price recently reviewed the film for NextMovie.com in this video interview.

Smash Mode Records Presents New Music From Hip Hop Collective Neon Metropolis

Neon Metropolis is a hip hop collective based out of the United Kingdom. Fresh on the scene and fusing hip hop with funk, the group is now ready to take the hip hop world by storm with their debut single "Push it":
http://www.futureproofrecords.com/campaigns/neonmetropolis/pushit

This is an interesting street-spin on the classic late 1980's rap anthem by Salt N Peppa. It's actual release date is coming up next month on March 22nd. You can also check the Neon Metropolis press release as an example of a good music marketing/promotional tool.

Their website is currently utilizing clever methods of surveying information and collecting e-mail addresses from new music fans. This is a great way for Neon Metropolis to open up a line of communication by sending e-mail marketing campaigns with their fan base. These tracks are pretty decent, you feelin' ? Big ups to UK Hip Hop!

For more from Neon Metropolis:
http://www.futureproofrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/futureproofpromotions

Smash Mode Records & FutureProof Digital
Smash Mode Records is an independent hip hop label located in London, England (UK). FutureProof Digital the digital music distribution network for the music of Neon Metropolis, which also based out of the UK. Check out futureproofrecords.com for more information.

Book Review - Getting Signed! An Insider's Guide To The Record Industry (G. Howard)

During my time studying through the online extension school Berklee College of Music, I was (obviously) required to read books, all of which were loaded with information that has been useful for me along the way of my career in the music business.

One of these books is titled "Getting Signed! An Insiders Guide To The Record Industry" by George Howard. George is an accredited professor at Berklee, among many of his numerous jobs and ventures. I learned loads of stuff from Mr. Howard, but I thought I would share this review of his book with all of you whom may be interested in picking up a copy.

What I loved about this book:

When I first started studying the ins and outs of the music business, the case studies presented in this book were great examples based on stories featuring bands, musicians and labels that I actually knew of and even enjoyed.

The structure of this book made is great if you're looking to catch the attention of A&R executives at major and/or indie record labels. It outlines all the key players involved in providing an artist/band with the opportunity to construct the best possible record deal.

Overall this book is well written, in a manner which makes the information easy to digest. This helped me pick up the material quite easily, hence why I am creating this post.

Also, if you are serious about taking your career as an artist in the music business to the next level, check out berkleemusic.com for some online courses. Try out the "Getting Inside The Recording Industry" course, which is taught by George Howard. I'm sure it will give you a great foundation to get started on your music business path. Many other courses are available as well.

Have you taken any online course in the music business? Would you, as an indie hip hop artist and/or producer be interested in taking an affordable courses online to grow your knowledge in the rap music business? Please share your thoughts.