12 Days Of RazMas: Day 2. The Introduction - Spilled Milk - Top $ Raz

It's day two of 12 Days of RazMas and we're going to start from the best place. The beginning.The first track of an album should set the tone for it, right? Well let's see. We speak with both Top $ Raz and producer of the intro track Thinker, about working together and future collaborations.



1. What new challenges were you met with, creating your most recent release,"Spilled Milk"?

T$R: I faced the challenge of trying to be as honest as possible, yet still be relatable. At some point in recording the album I realized that it was more important to make music that people could connect to than it was to come up with the illest punchlines or catchiest party tune. I wanted to show people who I am as a person. I feel like although my first album was a valiant effort, it didn't exactly give you a clear description of who I am.

2. How did you meet Thinker (producer of the title track, "Spilled Milk" and "No Tears")?. What was it like working with him? Will there be more collaborations?

T$R: I met Thinker through my brother from another Kalil Kash. I believe the first time I spoke to thinker was through a Facebook chat. The first time we met was at Sin Sin in the lower east side. Before I met him I had my eyes on a dope track on his Myspace page for like two weeks. I knew I needed that beat for the album and if I got it it would be the intro.

It's great working with Thinker because he's extremely fast and productive. He understands the artist and really listens to them. There are a lot of future joints coming with Thinker. A few collaborations including, Ciph Diggy of Sleepwalkas and MC K~Swift, as well as some solo tracks for the next project. It's hard because every time Thinker sends me a beat I have an urge to make a new album, they're that ill, but he keeps tellin me to chill and just promote "Spilled Milk".

3. Mos Def on record said, 'The first cut should be the deepest...' Do you agree with this theory?

T$R: The first cut should definitely be one of the most personal. It's basically and overview of what to expect and an introduction to the artist. As underground artist on the come up we have to make sure that first track is a banger. We only get one chance out the gate. I know many people that press the eject button after the first track if it isn't to their liking. So I made sure I had a certified joint for my intro. Everyone that I've gotten feedback from put "Spilled Milk" near the top of their list as their favorite joints on the album.

4. What made you decide to work with Top $ Raz?

Thinker: After seeing him perform S.S.D.D. at "A Monthly Bondfire". I knew he'd be someone that I'd like to work with. I let Kalil Kash hear a few tracks on my Myspace page and soon after Raz reached out. One of the tracks on the page would end up being the intro and title track of his album "Spilled Milk".

5. How do feel about your production being the first thing heard when people hear this record?

Thinker: It's an honor and pleasure to have my track selected to set off an album that I enjoy listening to and would recommend for others to give a full listen to. I feel like it sets the mood for the "Spilled Milk" experience.

Tomorrow, "12 Days Of RazMas" continues with Day 3: "No Tears"...

>Download "Spilled Milk" <

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The Bodega and YUME give rising stars a chance to shine

Up and coming MC's and artists looking to land the opening spot on the main stage at The 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival get ready. Brooklyn Bodega, the producers and creators of The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival and YUME Music have teamed up to create "Show and Prove," a competition/showcase where artists who think they have what it takes to rock the biggest crowd in Brooklyn can show and prove their skills.

The "Show and Prove" competition will give artists from all over Brooklyn, New York City, the United States and ultimately the world a chance to open up the 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival on June 20th, 2009.

"Show and Prove" will take place over three months - March, April, and May of 2009. At each month's event a panel of judges including Brooklyn Bodega staff will select a winner. The three winners will become the 'Show and Prove' finalists. On June 1st the winner will be announced via email, Twitter, Facebook and on BrooklynBodega.com. The winner will open the Festival as well as win a prize pack from YUME and Festival sponsors.

Wes Jackson, Executive Director of The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, "Just as we did last year with 'Spit 16' we want to give that struggling MC a chance to shine on the big stage. This time we wanted to make the process more transparent. Let's take it back to the roots. If you are nice it is time to hit the stage and 'show and prove.' Each month key Bodega staff will be there and you will have your chance to showcase your skills and build with the producers of the Festival. We are not sitting in an ivory tower making decisions. We are right here fighting for Hip-Hop just like you. We have a track record of breaking artists from Little Brother to Lupe Fiasco to Kids In the Hall to Blu to Mickey Factz. I can't wait to find the next one."

Michael Peterson, member of the YUME movement had this to say, "To be a great MC is one thing but to be a great performer is another ball game. I've always felt that the BHF has been one of the pioneers of melding these two disciplines, from Rhymefest jumping into the crowd freestyling, to Print performing with a six-piece band, to bringing true architects of Hip Hop like Big Daddy Kane and KRS ONE to the stage. Now artists will receive a chance to really "Show & Prove" that they belong at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. I believe we are creating more of an opportunity for new artists to show what they can do, as well as educating them on the evolution of the music industry today. This is a global opportunity for all walks of artists to show their skill. There is no other summer festival that gives this opportunity. This is true Hip Hop."

In order to enter artists must register at www.brooklynbodega.com. Once they are registered they will be given an email where they can send their submissions. No mp3 files will be accepted. All music submissions must either be uploads (zshare, yousendit, etc.) websites, or Myspace pages. Submissions should also include live performance footage (also via upload) and additional content including bio and images.

In line with organizers desire to create a truly world class event there are also plans to create a "Show and Prove" International contest. Ebonie Jackson, Director of Production added, "As we have said time and again the Festival is not for Brooklyn, by Brooklyn, in Brooklyn. We are not creating an insular event. We want the best talent from all over the world to come to the beautiful borough of Brooklyn."

Dates and venues will be announced next week. All interested artists are encouraged to check www.brooklynbodega.com periodically for more information.

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Brooklyn Bodega are the creators and producers of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. They are a collective of cultural programmers, marketing professionals, writers, designers and academics dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Hip-Hop culture. Their daily musings can be found at www.brooklynbodega.com

YUME is a multi-platformed company that looks to create avenues for independent thinkers to live and experience their dreams, by providing the very best in entertainment. Encompassing Music, Art, and Fashion, YUME strives to provide the very best products and programming while redistributing all things Music, Art, and Fashion into the YUME community. YUME also has a strong youth and adult education component.