Who Is...

J.COLE

The rap world is at a crossroads. In the face of shrinking budgets, music executives, resting on their laurels, search out the next YouTube sensation with a catchy hook and dance move in order to amass digital single sales. While many artists have tried to break through despite an industry melt down, few have been met with critical praise. And the applause for those that have has not been loud enough to sway the course of the current rap market. Looking to excel where his contemporaries have failed, North Carolina native J. Cole (born Jermaine Cole) brings promise of a new day in hip hop music.

Raised by his mother in North Carolina, J. Cole's hometown of Fayetteville would provide much of the sights and experiences that would come to shape his sound. Cole fell into rapping at the age of 12 when his cousin from Louisiana spent the summer in Fayetteville, showing him the basics of rhyming. He was instantly hooked. From there he delved deep into the music of hip hop luminaries including Tupac Shakur, Nas and Outkast, taking from them a love for telling stories with an unbridled rigor. Seizing every opportunity to write, at age 15 J. Cole found himself with composition notebooks full of rhymes but no beats of his own to lay them on. Determined to create original songs, he begged his mother for a beat machine so he could produce music solely for himself. She granted his wish and from there, a young Cole spent all his free time creating sounds and songs that would lay the foundation for what his style has evolved to today. read more here via MySpace



Download J.Cole Mixtape - The Come Up Mixtape Vol. 1

Who Is...

Aubrey Drake Graham is a Canadian actor, rapper and singer. He is known for playing Jimmy Brooks, the physically disabled character on Degrassi: The Next Generation. As a rapper, Graham uses the stage name Drake, and is often billed as the new version of The Fresh Prince. He is currently signed to Interscope Records and managed by Hip Hop Since 1978. (via wiki)




Drake - So Far Gone Mixtape

Who Is...

Q Da Kid

Q Da Kid MySpace

Who is...

Theophilus London

Download "This Charming Mixtape" Here


Theophilus London - Always Love You


Theophilus London - Cold Pillow (feat. Jesse Boykins III)

Who Is...

Pacific Division

As Hip Hop attempts to regain its definition, fans are likely to soon be checking the standings within the Pacific Division. Palmdale, California’s trio consisting of brothers Like and Mibbs, along with BeYoung have been together dating back to 2001, shortly after their high school days. Joining the workforce lacked appeal compared to the glossy dreams that the guys had vicariously lived through as Hip Hop fanatics – so they went for broke and chased destiny with microphones and exclusive sneaks.

Within its half decade, Pacific Division has caught on fast. While many new talents strayed towards microwave music that trades quantity for quality, the troop from just north of Los Angeles emulated their idols, such as Native Tongues, Hieroglyphics and even Thug Life in slow-crafted, conceptual music. In mid 2006, Pacific Division’s Blend Tape premiered, as a thematic mixtape combining mid-‘90s classic-inspired covers with newer works with producer Swiff-D (The Diplomats, Snoop Dogg, Nas). Songs chronicled day-jobs, trying to appeal to the fairer sex without fat pockets, restoring a Black presence in Hip Hop, and carefully coifed wardrobes amidst the pursuit of glory. The results were jarring, landing the unsigned group in Vapors, Skope and Urb along with a thorough Internet presence. Without any major backing, the Southern California trio earned themselves major looks. Besides simply making nostalgic rap music with a contemporary edge – and donning clothes to match, Pacific Division had plenty to talk about.

In the course of the group’s development, Hip Hop superstars had begun to take notice even before the media. Through Myspace love alone, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes had reached out to affirm Pacific Division in making innovative, fun music. Soon after, a chance meeting with The Roots’ Questlove in a Los Angeles record store led to a passed demo – which shockingly led to the “Proceed” drummer personally calling the group to also extend support. Snoop Dogg even shouted out the Pacific party on his “My Peoples. Rather than crutch these endorsements on album covers and Myspace banners, the trio matter-of-factly reminded fans that this trio was no overnight success.

Like the golden era icons, Pacific Division, while quietly crafting their debut album, has focused on making sure their live show is well…live. Having performed in Seattle and San Francisco as well as consistent show openings in Los Angeles for (TK), this is a group that’s focusing on chemistry above the popular rap fanfare. In the meantime, the F.A.T. LP is sizing up to be a Chubb Rock-sized selection of tracks, assisted by producers such as Exile and DJ Khalil and the group’s longtime producer Swiff-D. The album delightfully forgets the tangents rap music has taken in the mainstream, and simply affirms that good music is timeless. Masses are ready with open arms, as new features with The Source and Scheme magazines prove.

California Hip Hop is restructuring in the second half of the ’00 decade. As styles, faces and crews may change, three brothers from Palmdale remind you that it is, was and forever will be the Pacific Division. (via pacdiv.com)


PAC DIV - F.A.T. Boys '08 (Pacific Division)


PAC DIV - Taste

Who Is...

Kidz In The Hall

Group members Jabari Evans (Naledge) and Michael Aguilar (Double-O) met in 2000 during a talent show at the University of Pennsylvania. They began recording songs, making demos, and performing at local shows. That eventually led to Double-0 and Naledge forming Kidz in the Hall. Double-0 eventually made a connection with Just Blaze. Blaze aligned himself with the duo and oversaw School Was My Hustle. Kidz in the Hall signed a group deal with Rawkus Records, and released their debut album School Was My Hustle in 2006.

In November 2007, Kidz in the Hall were officially signed to Duck Down Records, an independent label started by founding members of the Boot Camp Clik. The duo's most recent album, The In Crowd, was released in May 2008, on lead single "Drivin' Down the Block," which samples Masta Ace's song "Born to Roll" for the hook and contains an interpolation of Outkast's "Elevators (Me & You)" on the bridge. Many other tracks on the album use samples and interpolations of early 1990s hip hop, including their song "Snob Hop" featuring Camp Lo which uses the hook from Black Sheep's song "Flava of the Month" for the chorus. Their song "Blackout" was featured on the soundtrack of Madden '09. Naledge is also planning to come out with a solo album in the near future. He says exclusively to hiphopdx.com, "My solo album is still in the process of being put together. I’ve been busy with shows, but I have some tracks in the works," says Naledge. "I got beats from 9th Wonder, Black Milk, Double-O, Pete Rock and [two or three from] Just Blaze. Just Blaze has been my ‘yes man,’ okaying tracks for the album." (via wiki)

Who Is...

Tabi Booney

Rappers are often deemed products of their environments. What then of an MC born Tabiabuè Bonney in a little-known West African nation, and who now splits time between LA and Washington, DC? From the country of Togo to the land of go-go? From a childhood sans indoor plumbing to a jet-setting, globetrotting lifestyle? Sounds incongruous, even implausible. Yet Tabi Bonney has made a career of doing what others won’t or can’t. While other rappers are stuck serving the same postured, provincial look at life, Tabi’s point of view is refreshingly borderless. And his perspective is both incisive and ironic as the son of one of his homeland’s most prominent entertainers: musician Itadi Bonney, who was exiled for criticizing the Togolese dictatorial government. Imagine honing one’s voice as an instrument when its very use is hazardous. But Tabi Bonney revels in turning obstacles into opportunities. His irrepressible, anthemic tracks are known best for unusual cadences and pitch-bending inflections; opening salvo “The Pocket,” off 2006 debut A Fly Guy’s Theme, rode its high-octave hook onto every major US video outlet. In fact, Bonney is the only truly independent artist –no label, no publicist– to appear on MTV’s Sucker Free countdown. A Fly Guy’s Theme gained momentum with second single “Syce It” produced by Akon heatmaker BennyD, and “Doin’ It” featuring fellow DC denizen Raheem DeVaughn.

Alongside his keen ear, Tabi displayed a sharp eye, directing two music videos off his debut. He’s since created a production company, Cool Kids Forever Films, with an aim at Hollywood. And his personally-designed Bonney Runway clothing line —www. bonneyrunway.com— continues to sell out of boutiques in New York, LA, Miami, DC, and London. Impressive. But music remains Tabi Bonney’s lifeblood. Now in late 2008, Tabi is readying the whimsically titled Dope meet Fresh…Fresh meet Superstar. Hype is already swirling around the intoxicating buzz track “Cool and Fly,” with tantalizingly sparse lyrics splashed over a deliciously downtempo groove. Other songs to watch for are: “Nuthin’ but a Hero,” “The Stars,” “Peanut Butter Slow Jam (Fever)” again alongside Raheem DeVaughn, and Killer People featuring Wale. Expect a couple of other prominent guest appearances as well. Tabi also points to “Dreams are Only Dreams,” noting that the song “reflects my world and how I feel right now.” “You either get my music or you don’t,” Tabi concludes. “You remember in high school you had the popular, cool kids’ table where new and trendsetting things are happening? Everybody wants to sit at that table but they can’t; that’s how I look at my music. You can’t really sit at this table if you don’t have that mentality. Most followers won’t dig it until everybody else likes it; in the meantime, they don’t know what to do.” (Via MySpace)

Tabi Bonney - The Pocket


Tabi Bonney - Radio

Who Is...

BLU

Jonhson's stepfather was a pastor, and gospel and Christian rap were an influence while at school. Taking influence from Common, he turned from freestyle rhyming to crafting well-written songs. In his early days in the music business, Johnson worked as a hype man for underground rap and soul artists such as Slum Village, Steve Spacek, Platinum Pied Pipers, and Emanon. He signed to Los Angeles independent label Sound in Color in 2004, choosing the label ahead of Interscope Records and Death Row Records. He contributed a few tracks to Exile's 2006 Dirty Science album, and self-pressed his debut Lifted EP in 2006. His debut album Below the Heavens was released in August 2007, Village Voice called it "one of the most thoughtful indie-rap relases in some time".(Via Wiki)


Blu & Exile - "So(ul)Amazing"



JOHNSON&JONSON - "BOUT IT BOUT IT"

Who Is...

Wale

In an era when critics and rappers themselves jump to declare the death of hip hop, 23 year-old Wale Folarin has been breathing new life into the genre through dazzling wordplay, a fresh sound steeped in DC's legendary go-go scene, and boundless on-stage energy. 2006 saw Wale conquer DC, Maryland and Virginia with a slew of original radio hits and electrifying shows that solidified his buzz in the Mid-Atlantic. 2007 has been even brighter, with Wale garnering press in The Fader, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, The Source, Vibe, Complex, HipHopGame.com, AllHipHop.com, a news piece on MTV and even the cover of URB, all without a major label deal. With heavy radio rotation in DC, Maryland and Virginia, along with mixshow spins on both costs, Wale has sold out shows in LA, New York, San Francisco, Philly and Atlanta. Wale took the European music festival circuit by storm, touring with world-famous DJ and superproducer Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen) in 2007.

The response was so great, Wale ended up signing a production deal with Ronson's Allido Records. With well over 2 million plays on MySpace, Wale is an organic hip hop and lifestyle phenomenon, and the release of his third and most widely-distributed mixtape, 100 MILES AND RUNNING (30,000+ downloads since July), has taken his global buzz to new heights. Top streetwear label 10Deep has come on as a sponsor of 100 MILES mixtape as well as future apparel collaborations. Starr African Rum, The Hundreds, LRG, Stussy, Jordan Brand and Nike have all co-signed Wale, and he was recently tapped to participate in a free Nike Boot concert along with Lil Wayne in DC sponsored by Nike and Footaction. Wale was also contributed to the album commemorating the 40th anniversary of BBC's Radio 1. Every once in a while an artist comes along and completely changes the game: Jay-Z, Nelly, Pharrell, Kanye West. Wale's got next. P.S. we dont wear GR's we give'm to baby mammas!!! (Via Wale MySpace)

Wale - Nike Boots

Who Is...

Charles Hamilton

Musician. Producer. Songwriter. Lyricist. Psycho. Hippie. Genius. These words all connect through one name: Charles Hamilton.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Charles Hamilton was exposed to music at an early age. "My mother was an entertainment journalist for the Cleveland Call and Post, so she would take me with her to events when I was just a baby."

His mother always made sure he had an instrument around him. She put different kinds of instruments in the basement of their Cleveland home, but he naturally gravitated to the keyboard. "At first, I was just playing the rhythm of the songs I would hear," says Hamilton. "The older I got, the more proficient I got at hearing the notes." For most of his life, he was self taught, picking up the lead and bass guitar in his teenage years, as well as the drums and harmonica. He says listening to other genres of music, being exposed to different cultures and experiencing life helped mold his musical sound.

Most of his music is sample-driven. Though he catches quite a bit of heat for his sampling, he insists it is for the good of music:

"When I sample, I'm not just doing it to sound good. I'm trying to tell a story. To convey an emotion. If I sampled it, there is a reason I sampled it. I believe that music is based on moments, and that there are some moments that people may have missed back in the day. They may have even missed it a year ago. When I sample, I'm giving the artist their respect, while simultaneously creating something new." Read more here

Brooklyn Girls


Charles Hamilton, The Game & Kanye West Cipher Battle


Charles Hamilton MySpace

Who is...

MY NAME IS B.o.B

Shakespeare once asked, “what is in a name?” B.o.B’s name has so many definitions, but his music can best be defined by one term…exceptional.

B.o.B means different things for different situations. If you enjoy being on Cloud 9, B.o.B can stand for Bring One Blunt or Bring One Beer. About your money, then Business Over Bullsh!t is for you. Perhaps your skill is education, then B.o.B means Books Over Bullets, or if you enjoy B.o.B’s self-created production it means you have his Beats On Blast. The important thing to B.o.B is that when it comes to entertaining you, “I got everything you need when you need it. I know how to make you sing.”

check out more from B.o.B here

B.o.B - Ill Be In The Sky

Who is...

Asher Roth

Asher Roth is a 22-year-old American rapper from Morrisville, Pennsylvania currently signed to a joint venture between Scooter Braun's Schoolboy Music and Steve Rifkind’s SRC Records. His first professional release was on June 13, 2008 when the DJ Drama and Don Cannon-helmed The Greenhouse Effect mixtape was released for free via Roth’s website Thedailykush.com. Roth was featured on the cover of XXL magazine’s annual Top 10 Freshmen: Hip-Hop’s Class ’09 issue. Roth is expected to release his untitled debut album on March 17, 2009. (Wikipedia)

Asher Roth - I Love College


Asher Roth - CANNON


Asher Roth - ROTH BOYS


Asher Roth Website
MySpace

Who is...

God Sent

G.S (God Sent) .. Was born in Harlem, NYC and raised in the Lower Southside of Money Earnin Mount Vernon, NY. Through all of the crime and violence that was very popular in Mt. Vernon during the late 80s and the 90s, GodSent managed to avoid being caught up in the street life and choose music as his escape. It was easy to get caught up out here. A lot of dudes was hustling get serious money and a lot of dudes didnt have money, so it was either be broke or get down with the money makers. I choose to do otherwise. Growing up GodSent was treated like the black sheep or the rebel because of his urge to express his point of view on topics people his age werent vocal about. I wasnt considered a normal dude when I was younger. I had a crazy perception of life for my age and a lot of people couldnt really understand that. Due to that, they labeled me a rebel because my actions and views differed from everybody else. I was punished for going against the grain. Through all lifes frustrations and stresses, music was the only thing that helped GodSent maintain his sanity.

Since the age of 15, GodSent has been pursuing his love for music by molding and enhancing his lyrical talent. With no rap mentor, GodSent was forced to learn how to count bars, form verses and design hooks all on his own. Also with the lack of money for studio time and the lack of funds for original music, he was forced to make his early recording with a boom-box, beat CDs and a tape recorder. Now at 25, all of GodSents struggling and hard work is displayed through his unique and versatile style of rap. Being surrounded by the sounds of such hometown artists as Heavy D, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, it was only natural that GodSents music would reflect a similar and nostalgic style of rhyming through objective and subjective thought.


GodSents musical inspiration is drawn from the streets and the lives of the people who surround him. He paints a vivid picture of life as seen from his eyes and perspective which touches the listeners heart and provokes their thoughts. GodSent, and his partners in music, have established an independent music company known as Tephlon Entertainment. Tephlon Entertainment was created to help the unsigned artists in and around their neighborhood make music and give them hope for a future in music. Tephlon works closely together with others, like themselves, who share the dream of changing music and the hip-hop culture while also bringing fame and respect back to the Money Earnin.

God Sent Myspace

Wait For Me


Loss For Words

Who is...

88 Keys

Born in Long Island, New York to West African parents, 88' first took an interest in hip-hop after hearing Prince Paul's production on De La Soul’s 1989 critically acclaimed album 3 Feet High and Rising. In the early '90's, 88' met A Tribe Called Quest’s front man Q-Tip, Pete Rock and producer Large Professor working as an intern at West Hempstead’s The Music Palace recording studio. It was Large Professor who gave Charles his 88-Keys moniker after witnessing his skills on the Ensoniq ASR-10 keyboard

However, 88-Keys's parents were strict on education and less enthusiastic about his interest in then-newly emerging cultural phenomenon of hip-hop. Both of 88's parents are registered nurses, his brother is a doctor, one of his older sisters is a nurse and another sister is on her way to becoming a doctor. Upon considering a serious career in music, 88's parents and older brother began trying to point him into the field of medicine because it was a more "professional field" and the music industry didn’t seem like a lucrative move. After briefly attending Hofstra University and Queens College, 88' dropped out to pursue his dreams of being a record producer. His decision was fueled by an opportunity to record some tracks with The Pharcyde who were recording in California. 88' currently resides in New York with his wife and two daughters. In addition to his passion for music, 88' has expressed his love for fashion, most notably Ralph Lauren. During an interview with Metro 88' revealed that for 16 years he has worn Polo Ralph Lauren every day.

“I try to stay true to Ralph’s vision. I don’t want to bastardize his vision — no offense to the urban community — because we all know what happened to Tommy Hilfiger once the hip hop community embraced it. I’ll walk out of the door dressed in loafers when everyone else is wearing Timberland boots. I definitely stand out. I’ll tag along with Kanye on shopping trips and look at clothing by designers whose names I’d need to take French lessons to pronounce. He’ll ask me what I think and I’ll be like, whatever. I’ve turned down paying gigs because they’ve tried to dress me in clothing by other designers. Besides record shopping, the only other place I need is a Polo store. I’ll go to Paris and they’ll be like, ‘here’s the Eiffel tower’ and I’m like, ‘whatever, where’s the record store and the Polo store.”

According to the article, 88-Keys began wearing Polo Ralph Lauren as a Long Island, N.Y. high school student in 1992 when he developed a liking for its classic, preppy style. Since then, he’s worn a complete look from the brand every day, without fail. His wardrobe includes over 700 Polo pieces.

Since his days as an assistant engineer, 88’ has produced records for numerous artists including Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Macy Gray, Musiq Soulchild and Consequence. Recently, 88' extended beyond his production credits to highlight his skills on the mic as MC, singer and collaborator, most notably on his solo debut album The Death of Adam released on November 11, 2008. Executively produced by 88's close friend Kanye West, the concept album tells the story of a man named Adam who has been murdered in a loft apartment in Harlem. In August 2008 a fifteen-track mixtape titled, Adam's Case Files, was released as a prequel to The Death of Adam. The album's first single titled "Stay Up! (Viagra)" was officially released through iTunes on September 9, 2008.

Info from Wikipedia
88 Keys MySpace

88 Keys ft. Kanye West - Stay Up (Viagra)


Record release party