BJ The Chicago Kid - Pineapple Now-Laters [Album Review]

BJ The Chicago Kid: Listen. Twitter. iTunes.

I purposefully took extra time to synthesize and produce the write up for this album. I wanted to ensure that that the caliber of work that your about to read only did the album as much justice as possible before you, my good people reading this, would listen to this incredible album for yourself. Funny thing about this album was it's timing; I remember standing outside the KPFK radio station after our "Love Chords" broadcast talking with Glockz and Microphone about the downfall of R&B and Soul like it was the fall of the Byzantine empire. We reminisced on "old school" tracks and artisits like, Tevin Campbell's "Can We Talk," New Edition, and Mint Condition. We talked about the lack of musicianship and quality contributions in recent R&B and Soul. With the anticipated and triumphant return of artist D'angelo to the music scene we all agreed and expect that great R&B and Soul will make a return as soon as D'angelo begins producing new music. But with the release of BJ The Chicago Kid's "Pinapple Now-Laters" album, it looks like we won't have to wait on D'angelo to bring the R&B and Soul back to it's glory days.

Paving The Way to Paid Dues 2012 - TayF3rd [Music Video + Tickets On-Sale]

TayF3rd: Twitter. Reverbnation.

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Paving the Way to Paid Dues. Aptly enough for our third edition we feature TayF3rd. A Long Beach native, it looks like Long Beach has once again cultivated another talented artist. Formerly a heavy jerkin rapper, TayF3rd proves to have evolved into a bigger and badder entity in the hip hop game. Ask anyone who’s got their ears to the streets, TayF3rd holds it down for Eastside Long Beach, if you don't believe me, listen to his mix tapes entitled "Sand Box" and "I Am Long Beach," that will put all qualms to rest. Perceivably charismatic and possessing an insatiable hunger for life, living and thriving. Despite his long hair TayF3rd is both an artist and a business man with an aptitude for the streets. His music and work reflect nothing less than his mastery of both attributes. TayF3rd continues to make music with an undeniable west coast feel. Not to be mistaken with those who came before TayF3rd is an entity all his own. Despite his large following TayF3rd continues to be an allusive rapper whose hard hitting and entrancing music will soon put an end to his anonymity. Throwing on any of his tracks, it becomes difficult to not turn it up and have a good time hitting the hustle or stepping' out. A couple of TayF3rd tracks that need to be give a listen are, "On My Shit," "Mailman Mailman," and "Conceited," Currently TayF3rd is putting in work and making more magic in the studio. Needless to say his new work is much anticipated and with his upcoming performance at Paid Dues 2012 his success will only multiply like the racks he's after. TayF3rd, keep putting on for your city because you've got Strong Beach; the Sand Box standing behind you.

Paving The Way To Paid Dues 2012: Moe Green [Album Stream]


Moe Green: Music. Soundcloud. Twitter. Tumblr. YouTube.
Welcome to the Second Edition of Paving The Way to Paid Dues. For our second edition we highlight a dreamer from the Bay Area; Moe Green. "Unassuming" would be the word for this particular Rapper. Hailing from the bankrupt city of Vallejo California, rapper Moe Green proves to possess the integral attributes to achieve success in his own right. Moe Green aptly referred to as "Moe The Dreamer" hustles to bring his dreams into fruition. Devoid of hype, Moe Green made heads turn and ears perk up with his previous albums "I Just Want You to Hear My Voice" in 2009, "Rocky Maivia: Non-Title Match" album in 2010. And in true pursuit of his dreams, He has dropped yet another EP entitled, "Lionheart" just last year. His evolution as an artist and progression as a human being emanates through his music. However, throughout his career as an artist and the all important transformations along that journey, he sustains one thing; himself.

Paving The Way To Paid Dues 2012 - Curtiss King [Music Video]

Paid Dues : Official | Facebook | Tickets

Greeting and Salutations, welcome to what i like to call "Paving the way to Paid Dues."As all of you may or may not know Paid Dues is an independent Hip Hop festival hosted by the artist Murs 3:16 in association with Guerilla Union. Paid Dues has been happening every year since March of 2006 and it only proves to get bigger, better, and badder as the years progress. This years full line-up has been announced and with 50 hip hop artists split between three stages, it will be a full fledged heartbreak if you miss it. It's only a two month waiting game till the much anticipated show and in honor of what promises to be one of the best Paid Dues yet, i have been bestowed the great honor of high lighting these awe-inspiring artists whose musical prowess' have Paved the way to their imminent success and the coveted Paid Dues line up. For the first edition of Paving the Way to Paid Dues we feature artist, producer, and emcee; Curtiss King.

Rest In Peace - Alori Joh 1985-2012

Rest In Peace - Alori Joh 1985-2012
Being a Carson California native and having a huge appreciation for Top Dawg Entertainment artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab Soul and Schoolboy Q , news of this artists passing hit close to home. Loriana Johnson, better known as "Alori Joh" passed away earlier this week between February 7 and February 8. Alori Joh was a Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate and vocalist. Her gift has been featured on many TDE productions such as Kendrick Lamar's "Heaven and Hell" from his "Overly Dedicated" album, Schoolboy Q's "Phenomenon" from his "Setbacks" album and various Ab Soul tracks such as "Euphoria" and "The Sound." Her voice was both melodic and hard hitting. Her prowess as a vocalist emanated through the music, blending her voice seamlessly into a track something that most up and coming artist could never execute as skillfully as she did. A talented young artist who shared her gift with the world. Allow me to take a moment to say thank you to one of God's newest angels.

JR & PH7 + Brokn.Englsh + St.Joe Louis - My Favourite Demons EP [New Release + Music Video]

Being a college student, working a part time job, and of course being the very lucky intern at the lovely Dank Radio, i do a lot of my work in the ungodly hours of the morning. On a particular night, feeling a little burnt out and overwhelmed i took a step back from my work to offer my ears and pounding brain a little bit of TLC. Surfing various hip hop blogs for something new, It didn't take me long at all to stumble across JR&Ph7's newly released project, in collaboration with New Jersey hip hop artists Brokn.Englsh and Saint Joe Louis "My Favourite Demons EP." Never hearing of these people before i decided, "what the hell let's see if my ears like this," and to my surprise it was love at first play. To be frank, I didn't know who exactly produced or created this beautiful melding of sound and lyrics, hell i didn't even care, all i knew was that it spoke to my soul, something that most commercial hip hop has failed to do for me in recent months.