New Video: "Panic Room" by Dope D.O.D. ft. Onyx

Dope D.O.D. has been making a name for themselves out in Europe. I don't remember how I even got put on to them, but my first impression was that they were weird as hell. But after hearing a few tracks and understanding their direction, I can dig em. Their production is usually sick, they have alright rhymes and their videos are always very well done. In some of their music videos, the footage from their live shows looks crazy too. But yea, today I seen they dropped a new video featuring Onyx, and I thought it was dope. Seems like a hype track for a performance. Check it!

Twitter: @DopeDOD | @ONYXinvasion
Facebook: Dope D.O.D. | Onyx

Originally posted @ Eternal Cadence

New Video: "The Awakening" by Ransom

I'm looking forward to seeing Ransom's future moves. Because his momentum lately could take him down the right road if he plays his cards right. Seems like the dude's been workin hard lately on music and videos. This track, "The Awakening" is a deeper track but eventually becomes pretty intense. Kinda reflects the progression of where his hunger originated from. I wish the song was longer but this is all I get I guess lol. Check it.

Originally posted @ Eternal Cadence

New Video: "Raiders Cap" by Demigodz

Man this video makes me feel a little inadequate. I don't have a Raiders cap. The Demigodz make them seem so fun to have too. So much that they made a song dedicated to them. And guess what. Their song about a Raiders cap is better than most of the mainstream crap broadcasted to us through media. Weird eh? Demigodz dropped a new visual today for this track from their recently released album, "KILLmatic". The Apathy produced beat has a classic hip-hop vibe to it that instantly makes you wanna wear a Raiders cap. Lmao, enjoy the video!

Originally Posted @ Eternal Cadence

New Video: "Switch Lanes" by Rittz ft. Mike Posner

This was one of the first tracks released from "The Life and Times of Jonny Valiant". It's a good track to use for a single that'll appeal to radio listeners. It's got a smooth vibe that could totally be played on the air, and on top of that, Rittz kills his lyrics. Mike Posner did his thing as well and sets the mood for the chorus with his soft toned voice. Here's the visual for the song, which is actually a good video compared to a few that Rittz has released lately. Check it.

Originally posted @ Eternal Cadence

Trudell Releases New Single "Fresh To Death" (Free Download)

Music fans gravitated to Chicago emcee Trudell's first mixtape, A Dream Turned Reality, as the eight-track project currently sits at 100,000 downloads and RCRDLBL.com.

This Summer, Trudell will release his forthcoming mixtape "Focused On The Sky". In early April Trudell dropped the first single "Welcome To The Chi".

Check out the latest leak, "Fresh To Death" from Trudell's upcoming "Focused On The Sky" mixtape.

For more information please visit:
http://www.chicagotru.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/1trudell?feature=mhum
http://www.facebook.com/pages/trudell/147975365826?ref=ts

Two Hip Hop Fans Play Paintball With Classified & Kidz In The Hall On The Come Up Show

Recently two lucky hip hop music fans were able to go play paintball with Classified and the Half Life Records crew as well as special guests Kidz In The Hall who are opening for Classified on tour.

Talib Kweli "Cold Rain" + Gutter Rainbows Album Release Date

Talib Kweli is readying his next solo album, 'Gutter Rainbows,' for a January 25th release date. The album will be digital-only in North America & available in all formats in the rest of the world. 'Gutter Rainbows' is the first album through Talib Kweli's new imprint, Talibra, with marketing & distribution also being handled by 3D.

Production on the album by Ski Beatz, S-1, M-Phazes, Shuko, Blaqthoven, KHRYSIS!, Maurice Brown, E. Jones, Nick Speed & Ty Neg.

On November 24th fans in Los Angeles can see a FREE Talib Kweli performance featuring material from 'Gutter Rainbows.' The show, presented by Myspace Music, will be held at The Roxy on 9009 West Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA. Doors at 9PM. All ages welcome. Free admission only with a canned good or blanket. Also performing: Strong Arm Steady, Tunji & Jayson Rose with DJs, Luxerbrown, Uncle Pauly & Jay-P.

Lazerbeak Creates Visual Trip for Rap Music Fans With New Video for “Land’s End"

Lazerbeak - "Land's End" from MOGMusicNetwork.com on Vimeo.

Mere weeks away from the release of his first solo project, Lazerbeak has dropped his acid trip of a video for the ominous, tribal-drum driven “Land’s End.” The clip’s bugged-out visuals match the surreal lyrics of the song, which Beak delivers in his typically blunted, raspy croon. His album, Legend Recognize Legend hits stores September 28th on Doomtree Records. LRL is packaged with a DVD that will include this, as well as videos from every other album track.

Don’t miss Lazerbeak when he tours the US with the whole Doomtree Records crew this Fall!

Doomtree Wings & Teeth Tour Dates:
11/04: Colorado Springs, CO @ Black Sheep
11/05: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
11/06: Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court (AA)
11/06: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge (21+)
11/07: Missoula, MT @ The Palace (P.O.S not appearing)
11/08: Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
11/09: Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret
11/10: Portland, OR @ Berbati’s Pan
11/12: San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
11/13: Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theatre
11/16: Austin, TX @ Red 7
11/17: Denton, TX @ Hailey’s
11/19: New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
11/20: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
11/21: Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
11/22: Virginia Beach, VA @ The Jewish Mother
11/23: Washington, DC @ DC9
11/24: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/26: Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
11/27: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
11/28: Portland, ME @ Space
11/30: Montreal, QC@ Il Motore
12/01: Toronto, ON @ Sneaky Dee’s
12/02: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
12/03: Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
12/04: Grinnell, IA @ Gardner Lounge (Grinnell)
12/05: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon

For more info on Lazerbeak, please contact:
Pam Nashel Leto @ Girlie Action (212) 989-2222 x 111 Pam@Girlie.com
Kabeer Malhotra @ Girlie Action (212) 989-2222 x 123 Kabeer@Girlie.com

Block McCloud Drops “Crazy Man” EP As A Prelude To His Full-Length Album “Four Walls”

New York, NY – Block McCloud forges partnership with Well Done Entertainment (via his own imprint, Disburbia Music Group) to release the digital-only Crazy Man EP this coming Tuesday, Nov. 2nd as a precursor to his full-length album, Four Falls, slated for an early 2011 release.

The EP will feature three versions of the song “Crazy Man”, including a remix featuring Celph Titled & R.A. the Rugged Man with the original version boasting production from DJ Waxwork (formerly of the German production team, The Snowgoons) and additional production provided by Anno Domini (Kool G Rap, Canibus, Vinnie Paz) and Dj Luciano of The Beatills (Ghostface Killah, Papoose, JoJo Pellegrino, Reef The Lost Cauze). Hip Hop fans can anticipate the release of several videos online throughout the month of November in support of the EP and the many versions of the song.

A veteran of New York City’s underground Hip Hop scene, Block McCloud has recently emerged as the artist of choice both for his skills as a seasoned lyricist and for his ability to write and sing hooks to embellish tracks featuring the likes of Jedi Mind Tricks, Vinnie Paz with Clipse & Paul Wall, Sean Price, Sick Jacken with many more in the queue for 2011 alongside Method Man, Kurupt, Ras Kass, Termanology, Sun God, and others. He is also a member of the Jedi Mind Tricks lead supergroup Army of the Pharaohs along with spearheading his own musical crew, The Suicide Squad.

A product of the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Block McCloud was certainly in the right place to absorb cultural and stylistic influences. Like every rapper reared in the sacred borough, he is quick to credit its social collage as key in spurring his development.

"I was raised in Park Slope which was and is still a very eclectic and culturally and economically diverse neighborhood," Block explains. "North of 5th avenue, very paid. South of 5th avenue, strictly ghetto.”

Block first made his name with a group called Zooty Zoo in the mid 90’s, appearing on the Ecko Unlimited Mixtapes that accompanied their line of T-shirts. He then went on to appear on the seminal independent compilation Lyricst Lounge, Vol. 1 on Rawkus Records along side acts such as Q-Tip, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharaohe Monch and more. Shortly after, Block formed the group Brooklyn Academy with Pumpkinhead and Mr. Metaphor (Mr. Met) releasing several independent singles and albums while remaining active as the engineer of choice for other indie artists like Jean Grae and Immortal Technique. In 2006, Block released his first solo-LP, Spittin Image leading to his inclusion in the aforementioned Army of the Pharoahes projects.

With the release of Crazy Man EP next week and 2011 full-length LP Four Walls (entirely produced by DJ Waxwork with features from Vinnie Paz, Reef The Lost Cauze, Ill Bill and many more) Block seeks to firmly establish himself as a prominent force within the genre.

DL link to Block McCloud “Crazy Man” MP3: http://www.mediafire.com/?87zda3h4q6ec1xm

Lupe Fiasco Wins Release Date Victory Over Atlantic Records

WE WANT LASERS! And we are going to get it. The fans no longer have to take to the streets for their scheduled protest on October 15th in front of the major record label Atlantic Record's offices.

Lupe Fiasco fans petitioned for the finished project to be released, and now both parties are working on an official release date. This small victory goes to show that music fans have the power, and entertainment conglomerates are at the mercy of the consumer. Chalk one up for hip hop!

Fans Cause Fiasco Over Highly Demanded Lupe Release

On October 15th, music fans of hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco plan to put on protest outside Atlantic Records. What do they want? LASERS! Atlantic Records has failed to release the new Lupe Fiasco album, despite the huge buzz and demand behind it.

A few months ago, rap music fans created an online petition demanding the distribution of the long awaited album from Lupe. Now this is how you get it done!

More info at: http://lupefiasco-lupend.blogspot.com

DMX Premieres New Track Prod. By Swizz Beatz During Live Performance

The Dog is back! Here is a video of DMX at a recent performance at Club Zen in Oxnard, California, where he treated music fans to a new DMX and Swizz Beatz collaboration. The track is called "Get Your Money Up".

Fans Sign Atlantic Records Petition For New Lupe Fiasco Album To Be Released

In this video interview clip, listen to Lupe Fiasco talk about the #WeWantLazers movement and recent petition spreading online for Atlantic Records to release the already completed "Laser's" album.

Lupe expresses love to his fans for challenging the major record label in support of his music. As a professional, listen to how Lupe conducts himself during the interview. Very humble, and very respectful to both his fans and his record label, Atlantic Records.

"I think even some record label executives signed the petition," Lupe jokes.

Links:
http://petitiononline.com/Beaming/petition.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Want-Lasers-Lupe-Fiasco-Fan-Petition/128549847188801
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/07/26/22310801.aspx

Drake's Upcoming Live Performances At Risk Due To Security Issues

With all the success Drake has received, there are of course minor set backs. First the cancellation of his European tour and now reports suggest that the rapper is being prevented from performing for certain key promotional events. Stemming back to a cancelled show in New York which led to a riot led by angry fans who were denied viewing their new favorite artist.

The unfortunate "consequences" of this riot have now jeopardized the chances of Drake attending high profile events. The promotional appearance on the Good Morning America show as well as a free concert in Central Park, New York could potentially make an incredible boost in sales.

Read more:
http://rapradar.com/2010/07/08/drake-denied-gma-concert/
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/07/08/22291092.aspx

As far as I'm concerned this is a dead issue. Let the man perform his music for his fans! Do you think that a Drake concert could get too out of hand, even with the proper amount of security?

Plies Giving Back To Music Fans Through His Goon Affiliated 25 Day Giveaway

In strategic move, rap artist Plies has launched a contest to help promote his upcoming album release, entitled "Goon Affiliated". The Goon Affiliated 25 Giveaway starts on Saturday May 1 and runs through to May 25.

Prizes are to be awarded to winners every day during the contest, which include: new cars, educational scholarships, mortgage payments, health-care insurance plans, shopping sprees and even everyone's newest favorite technologic gadget, the Apple iPad.

Plies says this giveaway is his way of giving back to his supporters, music fans and people in the community.

“My music is very much reflective of the plight and ills of our community and real talk, there are people out there struggling to make ends meet in this economy.”

Plies, with the help of his older brother Big Gates, are co-founders of the Big Gates & Plies Power of Visions foundation.

What do you think about this effort by Plies? Hey, you think we could get a donation to the blog? I don't know, but here's to hoping ;)

R.I.P. Guru of Gangstarr, Iconic Emcee Passes Away At 43 After Battling Cancer

After a prolonged battle with cancer, iconic emcee Guru of the legendary hip hop group Gangstarr tragically passed away at the age of 43. Hip hop music fans everywhere mourn the loss of this talented rap recording artist.

Beginning a successful career in the rap music business during the 1980's, Guru and Dj Premier formed the group, Gangstarr. Decades of success and millions of fans worldwide, Gangstarr is a house hold name in hip hop music, considered a foundation for hip hop super groups that formed afterwards.

With innovative style and extreme skill, the hip hop community grieves for the loss of immortal fan favorite. Rest in peace Guru.

Lil Wayne Prevented From Conducting Music Business While Serving Sentence

As a superstar in the music industry, every move you make is being watched and scrutinized by somebody if not everybody. These days living a careless lifestyle can have serious effects on your legitimate businesses. There's always unfortunate consequences when brushing with the wrong side of the law (trust!). In this case, Lil Wayne will face drawbacks of his own.

While serving his sentence, the rap artist-entrepreneur will be prevented from signing autographs for music fans, among other rumored restrictions. If these reports are at all accurate, this is terrible timing given the recent success attained by this artist.

Wouldn't it make sense to use your "not-so-free" time to conduct your business? Should performers , authors and/or people in the entertainment industry be allowed a "pass" to keep their affairs in order for when they're sentence is over? What do you think?

With Weezy's level of popularity, this should have no ill-effect as at this point in the game he currently has the 'midas touch'.

Changing The Game Up - Sol illaquists of Sound Implement New Strategy For Touring

Over the better part of a decade, Anti-/Epitaph recording artists Sol illaquists of Sound have built a movement in their hometown of Orlando, and it goes beyond music. By contributing their skills, interests, and unique personalities to the city in which they live, Solilla’s four members have built a strong and long-lasting community of friends, family, and music fans.

Always approaching other facets of the music business with unorthodox methods, the Sol illaquists of Sound are now introducing an new outside-the-box strategy to promote their latest album, "No More Heroes". With the Hometown Heroes Tour, Sol illa will establish themselves in some of the America's most culturally vibrant cities through month-long residencies in each stop. SoS will live in each community and integrate what they do into that place's already existing art, music, and cultural scene. In essence, this strategy utilized by SoS is reinventing the way a group embarks on tour.

“In the time that we spend in Austin, we hope to develop a relationship with the community that the normal, ‘one-day-in-and-out’ national tour schedule doesn’t allow,” says DiViNCi, producer/MPCist for Solillaquists of Sound. “Not just a ‘Hi, do the show, Bye’ routine, but a deeper connection with the fans and the scene that they have created/belong to.”

Since February 27, 2010 SoS has been living and working in Austin Texas. The group will continue to do this for a period of four weeks, culminating with a showcase at this year’s South By Southwest Festival. In the weeks leading up to the event, Solillaquists will appear and perform at local events, promote the showcase through radio appearances and in-stores, teach classes, organize lectures, connect with art groups in the community and engage in recreational activities with music fans.

And it doesn’t stop there! The Sol illaquists plan to take this method of touring to other US cities as the year progresses. The unique music group will also be implementing this movement overseas, as they are relocating to France for a month immediately following their adventures in Austin, Texas.

“The connection that we create with these cities and the relationships that we develop all tie into breaking down the wall between us and our fans,” says DiViNCi. “That element is going to play a massive role in the theme and direction of our next album.”

Here is how you can get down with the Sol illaquists of Sound!
AUSTIN, HERE’S WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

• Shows and Events:
No one knows your scene better than you, so please feel free to school us on what your community has to offer. Whether it be dope restaurants, stores, weekly events, schools, events we can judge/host (i.e. MC battles), Open Mics, Skate Parks, Farmer’s Markets, or radio stations, let us know what is going on in Austin.

• ATTENTION LOCAL ARTISTS; We want to perform with you!
Normally, when we roll through your city we are looking for local openers to share our stage with. But on the Hometown Heroes tour, we are paying respect to you on your home turf. If you would like us to open for you, play at your house party, or provide the soundtrack to your cousin’s bat mitzvah, this is the perfect opportunity to make it happen. Hit us up and we will work out the details.

Check out refreshing new music from Sol illaquists of Sound:

Kats & Domer Present New Music By Free Ice Cream, Bohemian Rap CD

Here is some new music from a unique group that is putting it down!

Kats and Domer present "Bohemian Rap CD" from the hip hop collective Free Ice Cream. Comprised completely of samples from the classic Queen tracks, this exceptional 6 track compilation features five original emcee's based out of New York.

Jake Lefco, IllSpokinn (Spokinn Movement), Ryan-O'Neil, Kats & Domer uniquely reinvent the classic rock tracks with a fresh breath of hip hop style. With original lyrics and good beats, every hip hop music fan would enjoy this collection. Visit FreeIceCream.net for all the group's rap music, artwork, videos, merchandise and their blog.

You can listen to and download the "Bohemian Rap CD" for FREE here: http://www.freeicecream.net/

Here is a track that I enjoyed from the compilation.

Rap Artist Drake Releases Statement Regarding Fake Promotion Scams

Rap recording artist Drake has just released a statement regarding the use of his name and likeness by fake promoters to fraudulently scam money from music fans across North America.

These scam artists are contacting promoters and venue owners, falsely representing themselves as Drake's manager in order to secure money in advanced of a show that is not actually scheduled to take place, only to never be heard from again. For more information please read the full article and quotes from the artist's statement at AllHipHop.com.

One of the set backs of success in the rap music business is having to defend your self as a professional, especially when other people go to extreme lengths to tarnish your reputation and try to gain profit from all of your hard work. This type of shit is so blatantly disrespectful, that it pisses this blog author right off.

What do you think are some better ways that an artist can protect him self from a situation such as this one? Is there anything Drake could have done to prevent a fraudulent scam like this from happening?