August 24, 2007

Wyclef Jean feat Akon + Lil Wayne - Sweetest Girl

Wyclef Jean
Carnival II (Memoirs of an Immigrant)
IN STORES NOVEMBER 6
Columbia Records
www.myspace.com/wyclefjean


Very interesting video and combination of artists considering the reputations that two of which currently have. Artists are making statements. Are we listening or are we more so concerned about who's doing the statement making...? End all is someone has to say something. But more importantly. We all need to do something...

Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) featuring Akon and Lil' Wayne

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August 23, 2007

Kweli On Tavis Smiley - Ear Drum

Talib Kweli Discusses his new album with Tavis Smiley on PBS and issues concerning why certain artists can sell records while others struggle.


Here's Kweli's interview with Tavis in 2004 before the Blacksmith label while he was still with Geffen.

August 19, 2007

Trel Mack - Mack of the Year

The city of Philadelphia definitely has made its mark in hip-hop over the years. In the early stages the city was first put on the map with Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith, Schoolly D, The Roots, and many others Philly has brought it’s share of hip-hop with it’s own unique sound. As Philly hip-hop continued to rise the 215 brought in the game more stars with Beanie Sigel, Eve, Cassidy, Gillie Da Kid, Elliot Ness, Freeway, and now as the Philly hip-hop generation continues to grow it’s next biggest star is on the way. After building a strong buzz over the internet with the hit singles “Autograph” and “Be Ya Man” a ladies man by the name of Trel Mack is here to make his way into the industry and that is definitely with the strength of Street Knowledge. Read more...

August 16, 2007

Rhymefest & Lil Jon - In Studio - Directed by Konee Rok


Dope!

Knobody - What U Think

August 8, 2007

Who is Ardamus?

1. Who is Ardamus really and where'd the name come from?
Ardamus is actually my real name. Its not even an alter ego. Just my name mispelled. If anything I'd describe myself as a hip hop fan/artist from Nashville, Tennessee who now resides in Washington, DC trying to make music, talk to/get at a few girls, travel, and have fun.

2 What are some of your inspirations to create and share this music you're responsible for?
Classic albums for one. I mean there was Souls Of Mischeif's 93 Til Infinity, Pharcyde's Bizarre Ride, Cypress Hill's 1st one, The Nonce's World Ultimate, The Coup's Genocide & Juice, Too Short's $horty The Pimp, ACTQ's Low End Theory, a compilation of some 80s rap hits, and etc. that definitely influenced me. As well, just my real life experiences dealing with various issues and struggles that my family and friends of mine deal with.

3. How does a 'show day' go down? How do you prepare for performances and how important is rehearsing of your sets?
My show days vary. Sometimes, I have the complete to run through everything and do what I have to do before I rock. Other days, I'm coming straight from work and jumping on stage to rip right at the time. Its very important to rehearse. Even if its just you, your music playing, and you just going over your music. That still will help you out before show time.

4. What do you honestly feel sets you apart from every other individual that's out saying they're different? When you're done recording hiphop down the line what do you foresee your largest contributions to the art form will be?
I'm not sure. I really just try to keep a himble demeanor when it comes to doing this music and I don't hear alot of emcees go that route now. I guess that MAY set me apart from dudes a whole but I'm not sure. I think my concepts help as well to a certain degree. In the way that I approach them. As far as my contributions, I would say that I tried to give the people nothing fake and tried to shoot for something else whenever I recorded music. And also noting that even though I do the music for myself, but as well, these ideas I like to share with others in hopes that they agree with what I'm speaking. If they don't agree then, at least I got them to listen.

5. What's your take on the advances in technology and internet movement and the influence it has on creating awareness for artists that otherwise no one would know exist, also making it possible for independents to see some actual income for their music?
Its a gift and a curse. I think alot of artists should be careful with the internet because there's already people willing to rip you off with their marketing schemes. And after a while, there's going to be some really weird government regulations set in place even more than it is now. The good side of it is that artists are able to accomplish more. I've been able to get on compilations, book shows, and meet with various other artists and music business personnel through the internet. I hope to make money off the net doing music because that would be nothing more than a blessing that I needed.

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