@ilovenyhiphop New Blog Devoted to NY Hiphop Launches

If you're an artist in New York, you may feel some kind of way about the fact that New York radio simply doesn't play enough of it's own. Instead of continuing the discussion by complaining about what's not happening we decided it would make a whole lot more sense to try and begin filling the void. There's a radio show in the works and some major things cooking, but until then we have the internet. On this blog what you'll get is audio and video from New York Hiphop artists. Cut and dry. Subscribe to the mailing list. Follow us on Twitter. Like the Facebook page and support New York artists. Don't complain about what's not happening. MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN. 

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Q & A With Jessica Estevez of iHEARTDilla.com

When you did you say, you know what I'm going do to a site and its going to be called iHEARTdilla.com?

Well, I'm going to break it down for you. (It's a long but necessary first answer)

I lived in a small town called, Ocala, FL. So just imagine the hip hop scene there (no scene at all). Back in High School I took all four years of Television Productions. I was highly involved with this program. I was consumed and took what I did very seriously. I was a part of a live show that was aired weekly to the entire student body called, "Knightlife" and I also was in charge of the sports section. (So just like hip hop events, I was attending games, recording, and interviewing athletes).Being involved in this program is what made me have a "calling" on what I wanted to do as a career and that was in broadcasting/communications.

I moved to New York for college to pursue my passion. I always applied for positions at the major networks but never received a call back for a lousy interview. You cant really get to know someone from a one sheet resume. You have to meet them face to face, but unfortunately I never got that opportunity. I thought what I had always longed for would just be something that I could only dream about.

With all that said, I have always been a hip hop head. Last year, I started to check out the underground scene and I saw the passion and talent in all the artists that came to the stage. And because the females in hip hop are scarce people would approach me and always ask, "What do you do?." "Are you in the music industry?."

Back in February I attended the, "Jay $tay Paid" listening party. I so happened to get asked the same questions again. I had pondered the question and said to myself, "I should be in this industry!" I so happened to tell a friend Warren Britt that I had this idea of creating a website. A website solely for the purpose of promoting underground hip hop artists.

You know that saying, "always have to know somebody to be somebody." Well, that's the complete opposite of what I wanted to promote. Because, I too know how hard it can be to get noticed. The name iHEARTDilla was already in existence with my old Myspace URL and the newly made Twitter account. I had decided to go ahead and name my website iHEARTDilla.com and launch on June 23, 2009.

The meaning behind the name iHEARTDilla is simple; J Dilla is Hip Hop. When you think of Jay Dee you already know it's going to be nothing but pure greatness. The embodiment of what it should be. So when you think of iHD you know it's promoting great music.

Like Ghost Dog, seems you went in head long. How much of an adventure has it been to cultivate this burgeoning web portal?

I am still learning new things for the website within itself. About two months ago I relaunched iHD with a more professional redesign. Honestly, in a million years I would have never thought anything of it.I always get told that I literally came out of nowhere. I still don't see what I have done to catch the attention of so many people. I feel grateful, humbled and happy.

Seeing that there would be no site if it not for the existence of a man named James Yancey; How does it feel to have the support of the woman that birthed him?

Receiving the phone call from Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. I can only say great things about that woman. When I explained to Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey and The J Dilla Foundation, what the site represented, they became very enthusiastic about it.

What have you learned about yourself while developing this site?

I have learned that if you put yourself out there in a positive and consistent way people will listen and start to take you seriously.

Do you realize how much of an inspiration what you do is for numerous onlookers that may never voice their affinity for your site or your movement?

I didn't even realize that I had a movement. So thank you for pointing that out. I'm just a real person, that loves hip hop music and believes in the talent.

What do you do to ensure there's a level of quality with everything you post? How do you decide what goes on the site?

I try to avoid posts that are already on the more popular hip hop sites. When it comes to music it's actually screened before being posted. I consider myself to be a very very picky person when it comes to music so that rule will continue throughout the content that's on iHD. My contributing writers have the freedom to write about anything hip hop related. I'm the cool boss to have. :)

Since launching your site, what social media tool or tools would you say have been the most useful in creating awareness about iHEARTDilla?

One of the top tools is myself. I am a people person. I have literally gone up to perfect strangers, shook hands and verbally promoted iHD. You will see me at a hip hop event weekly. It just never stops.

The second top tool is Twitter.com it has been the most helpful media tool to reach viewers outside of the underground scene in New York City. I am very supportive of this site. Without this Twitter my supporters/followers probably wouldn't be spammed as much, haha.

The third top tool are actual people. My supporters, followers, and aspiring hip hop artists.

How did you get involved with Beatminerz Radio?

Before I was with Beatminerz Radio, Evil Dee was my 1,000th follower on Twitter. He has said, that he likes my style and what I am doing. I had invited him to the "One Won't Do J Dilla Tribute" event that I was apart of back in February and he offered to Live Stream it. That same night is when DJ Bazarro, and DJ Wayneski of Beatminerz Radio had basically suggested that I needed my own show on Beatminerz Radio. Evil Dee and Mr. Walt offered me my own show which is now called, "The Independent's Day Show" with Jessica Estevez.

What has it been like to now be in front of a live camera interacting with your audience?

I absolutely love it. I have the best dj's spinning on my show. Every Saturday from 4-6 est. on www.dabeatminerz.com. My audience tells it like it is. If they hate or love the track that's airing on the show.
So, don't worry if you missed out on "The Independent's Day Show" Beatminerz Radio has an archive! ;)


You record a lot of video at shows. In the future, should we expect to see video segments produced by iHeartDilla.com?

The videos that I record will start getting posted to the iHD video section. I post the recorded videos on the iHD Facebook Fan page, and on Twitter so that my followers can see acts live.. At the end of the day I'm helping to promote these artists. As far as producing I'm up in the air with that idea.

In five years, what will be the look of iHEARTDilla.com? Where do you see it's evolution transforming it into?

In five years I'll be old. haha. No, but seriously I'm looking for it to be one of the popular hip hop sites fans go to on an everyday basis. A brand that I'm able to make an affordable living off of. Many doors are opening for myself and iHD and I'm very proud that it's being noticed. iHD will have more writers, more content and of course more supporters.

Follow Jessica Estevez www.twitter.com/iheartdilla

Bang - Kalil Kash

So he just recently released his debit LP, "The Exit Method" and follows it up shortly afte with a pretty slick looking video for his single "Bang". What's next for young Kash?

Follow Kalil Kash on Twitter http://twitter.com/KalilKash

12 Days Of RazMas: Day 12 - It's RasMaz Day! Farewell

It's RazMas. It's been twelve straight late nights getting a better understanding of an outstanding album from a young man that has a brilliant future ahead him. "Spilled Milk" is just the beginning. We're sure that Top $ Raz will continue to excel with his musical endeavors for he is a driven individual that creates with purpose. It's fitting that final track on this LP is entitled, "Farewell". He began with a powerful emotional impulse, and closes with a just as powerful moment of reflection. The end is bitter sweet and poignant. Peace and infinite blessing on this RazMas...


1. Farewell is a fitting song for the end of this album. When did you actually complete this song in relation to the rest of the album?

I had the hook and first verse for this track for a while, it was like the third song I had completed. My first intention was to record it over a Prezzure beat, but one night while in the car with my girl she put me on to the Donny Hathaway version of "Someday We'll All Be Free" (a song I always loved but only heard the Aretha Franklin version) and I was like BOOM! That's it, I need that beat. The stuff that Donny is talking about that song, about holding on and his real life story of suicide was the kind of irony I was going for with the entire Spilled Milk project. Like, yea we got to keep moving, you cant cry over Spilled Milk, but then again you will cry over it, cause you're only human. So I sent it to Imagine That for them to flip for me. Shout out to Prezzure though cause the original beat he made really pulled that emotion out of me.

2. What was the inspiration for the chorus and the delivery of it? How do you personally feel about this song? Will you ever perform it live?

I honestly don't know where any of this stuff comes from, its just flows through. Some hooks I have to really think about, like the intro took me a while to come up with, but this one came natural. Aside from "No Tears" this is my favorite track, I'm really proud of how this joint came out.

3. What does the future hold for you Top $ Raz? What will you do different in 2010? What will you do the same?

2010 means demanding respect and getting it. Making better music, smart decisions, and precise power moves. Thinking everything through and having a plan.

4. Are there any last things you'd like to say on this RazMas day? Anyone you'd like to mention?

I'd like to thank everyone involved and all those who have showed love for Spilled Milk. I'd like to thank every artist, fan,supporter, and blogger that helped with this (Iheartdilla, Freehiphopnow, Above Ground Mag, Adam B, Kalil Kash, OISD, Imagine That, Thinker, and everyone else out there) The response to this album has been overwhelming. All I want to say is I hope we keep moving forward, and although it seems like we are moving fast we have a long way to go. I want everyone who is pursuing this rap thing to be rooted to reality. Chasing the dream is important, but so is having food on your plate. Take care of yourselves.

Freehiphopnow.com would to thank Top $ Raz for allowing us to follow him on this journey, while answering all of our questions in an engaging and thoughtful manner. We also would like to thank all of the supports of this project and ask that you continue to spread the word about Spilled Milk.

If you haven't yet subscribed to Freehiphopnow.com, what are you waiting for. Stay up to date on new music, articles and events... Follow us on Twitter! And check out 'A Monthly Bondfire' at The Bowery Poetry in NYC every last Tuesday of the month a great show that we produce!

>Download "Spilled Milk" <

Follow Top $ Raz on Twitter www.twitter.com/topdollaraz
Follow Thinker on Twitter www.twitter.com/thinx19
Follow Kalil Kash on Twitter www.twitter.com/kalilkash
Follow OISD on Twitter www.twitter.com/oisd5mecees
Follow iHeartdilla on Twitter www.twitter.com/iHeartdilla
Follow Adam B on Twitter www.twitter.com/adamsworldblog
Follow A Monthly Bondfire on Twitter www.twitter.com/morebondfire
Follow FreehiphopNow.com on Twitter www.twitter.com/freehiphopnow
Follow Twiturm http://twitter.com/twiturm <-Upload your own tunes and embed them!

12 Days Of RazMas: Day 8 - Perfect Strangers - Top $ Raz

We're sure you've already figured out without even listening that this song is not about two silly cousins in Chicago that get into messes. Perfect Strangers showcases Top $ Raz's ability to tell a story. Not just one , but three. Sit right back and you'll hear a tale.


1. How many Perfect Strangers have you directly encountered in your life time?

Ha ha, if you're referring to the characters in the verse, I haven't directly encountered any of these characters, but judging from the stories I hear in the hood and on the news I'm pretty sure they all exist somewhere. Also, anyone who has BET has seen the preacher type in verse three.

2. What moved you to create such a song over this track? Was this another one where you already had the idea in mind and requested the producer use that sample for you to deliver these words to it ?

When I was making this album Badd Lukk was the first producer I went to. We've been making music together since I was 15 and he was 14, we used to be in a group called "UnderAge" with two childhood friends of ours. This was one of the many beats he sent me, with the KEM sample saying "Perfect Stranger". So I figured the best way to use this beat would be to tell a story.

3. When it's all said an done, what do you want people to gain from the music you create? What kind of tattoo are you looking to leave on the art form? How do you think you'll make it happen?

Simply put, I want people to like it. I want people to learn from my music and vibe on it. I want my lyrics to become proverbs, like when shit is bad ya boy is tellin you 'we men, no tears...' or 'hey it's all spilled milk, but you cant let it stain...'. I'm hoping I can show artists you don't need to kiss someone's ass to get ahead. You just have to grind like your life depends on it. Like I've said before, I represent the real underground. We don't put on perfume and a pair of 'stunna shades' and pretend to be friends with someone who knows nothing about our culture or music at 'networking' parties in order to get ahead. We lace up our kicks, get on that open mic list, spit our heart outs, create dope music with quality production, and after a while they cannot deny us. DEAD! video is at 1900 views in little over a week with no management or promotion team behind me. "Spilled Milk" is in everyone's car and ipod. I've dropped two videos and 2 LPs in one year. Can they still deny me? I don't know, some choose to, but sooner than later they will have no choice. We're here! We're in their faces. We are not Perfect Strangers.

>Download "Spilled Milk" <

Follow Top $ Raz on Twitter www.twitter.com/topdollaraz
Follow FreehiphopNow.com on Twitter www.twitter.com/freehiphopnow
Follow Twiturm http://twitter.com/twiturm <-Upload your own tunes and embed them!

Tomorrow, "12 Days Of RazMas" continues with Day 9. Be Gone feat. Kalil Kash

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" <

Follow Top $ Raz on Twitter www.twitter.com/topdollaraz
Follow Thinker on Twitter www.twitter.com/thinx19
Follow FreehiphopNow.com on Twitter www.twitter.com/freehiphopnow
Follow A Monthly Bondfire on Twitter www.twitter.com/morebondfire
Follow Twiturm http://twitter.com/twiturm <-Upload your own tunes and embed them!

Please leave comments and interact with the featured artist...

Eric Sosa - 'The Heart'

We have our eye on this kid and we like this tune, 'The Heart' from the Queens bred, young emcee (not be mistaken for Marvin Young) Eric Sosa. He and Sosa Management are everywhere in NYC right now, so there's a good chance you'll catch him live on stage or out and about, patronizing the city's many performance venues and clubs. Definitely keep your eyes and ears open.


Please rate this post and drop a comment. Let us know what you think about Eric Sosa's , 'The Heart'. Artists need thoughtful feedback, especially those on the come up!

A Conscious Twinterview w/ YC The Cynic

@Conscious How do you approach creating a new rhyme/song/verse....?
@YCtheCynic Me? I don't have a set ritual. Its more so a feeling that I'm in a creative mood. Then I try to figure what flow sounds best.
@Conscious How do you go about choosing tracks to rock over?
@YCtheCynic At this point, I just choose tracks that I like. Beats that I'd listen to, on a regular, w/o words. Plus, if it'd fit my style.
@Conscious What do you consider your style to be?
@YCtheCynic I'd say funk or jazz inspired stuff, that leaves space for the words to be heard/felt/understood. Like a Rebirth of Slick...
@Conscious How long have you been performing? What is your goal with this rap thing?
@YCtheCynic My first performance was about 2 or 3 years ago, but I haven't had many, until recently. I've been rhyming for over 8 years now. My goal is 2 provide good music, an alternative to the detrimental stuff out there. Financially, I'd just like 2 live comfortably. I don't care to be rich/wealthy. I'd just like to, not worry about working...and completely focus on doing what I love.

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.