Vast Aire's sophomore solo-LP, Dueces Wild, will be released on 6-24-08.  There is a slight delay in the manufacturing of "traditional" promo's, so rather then wait for that glitch to be fixed, this is a perfect instance to let technology take over.

 http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=TEZNblR1dzhEbUkwTVE9PQ

Hip-Hop Community Speaks Out
PRODIGY

 

"First of all, rest in peace to Sean Bell and I want to send my condolences to his wife, kids, family and friends and all the Sean Bell boys - Hold your head.

We lost alot of battles but we will win the war. The decision in the Queens courtroom on Friday, April 25 was simply a display of power. The NYPD is just a branch of corruption connected to a giant corrupt tree called the United States government. This tyrannical corrupt tree has its roots planted deep into the United Kingdom.

The Sean Bell murder coverup is less about race and more about power. This evil family tree of corruption will do whatever it takes to remain in a position of power. They will put a judge who they can control on the case, in order to get the outcome they want and eliminate the risk of being exposed and exposing the higher ups. I want to be very clear that all judges, DAs, lawyers, cops are not corrupt, just most of them.

People of all races need to come together to control our government and run a giant comb through it, so we can see the filth that comes out. Right now we have a government that controls the people, instead of people that control their government. Until we can do that, there'll be several more incidents like the murder of Sean Bell.

America is under a spell and we need to snap out of it

"The Sean Bell murder itself was a reflection of how expendable black men are In the eyes of many.

Sha Money XL has grown from the guy making the beat to the president of G-Unit Records, and now onto the HNIC role of his own company, “Money Management Group is my company, we do marketing and promotion for a very talented group of producers. Everyone is my camp is very diverse from Jake One, Hi-Tek, and The Business. We’ve worked with everybody from Akon, Busta, Snoop, Juvenile, and even Stevie Wonder,”  says Sha as he  proudly discusses his latest business venture. Sha Money XL is one of the last of a dying breed that consists of Hip-Hop purists who remember when the game was about quality rhymes and original production. Raised as a true New York City kid the tradition and knowledge is just built into his DNA, “Growing up, I can just remember walking down Jamaica Ave and going in this spot Music Factory and just see that huge wall of vinyl; I would jus get so gassed with trying to save up my money for all those singles,” recalls Sha on his childhood years. The Queens partnership that he formed with 50 Cent allowed Sha to build his own name and establish personal relationships with executives and artists from all spectrums of the Hip-Hop community. However, with Sha Money stepping down as president of G-Unit Records the rumor mill has churned out stories of fighting inside the seemingly tight knit crew, “I still manage Young Buck, and everything is still all good between me and 50. We still work together on projects; I’m still delivering him music all the time. It’s just not a day job for me over at G-Unit anymore,” says Sha Money XL with no hesitation.

As the marketing force behind some of the most successful records within the last decade the digital era has entered Sha’s realm creating a bit of  discontent, “It’s sad to say that technology is killing sales. It’s cool for the consumers, but horrible for us. Now, the music is given away for free, people aren’t respecting it anymore,” Sha rationalizing the impact of digital downloading. Instead of worrying about releasing a new mixtape every week the accomplished producer has spent time mastering his craft and developing the Sha Money brand to become synonymous with hit making. His ear for new talent and ability to build and market the artist to their full potential is why A&R’s all over the country keep his blackberry mailbox full. “I listen for the new lyricists and artists with potential to grow. I’m this is game to build brands “, spoken with the same spirit that the Puffy’s and Jermaine Dupri’s used to transform from independent into major labels, Sha Money XL is phasing into the next stage of his career. Sha’s annual One Stop Shop producer’s convention has become the breeding ground for new relationships, this annual event is the glue that holds all of his connections together. There is no other organized event that brings together as many gifted producers, emcees, A&R’s, etc as Sha Money’s One Stop Shop.

“I’ve been producing a lot of records lately, mostly I think because I just set-up a nice home with a studio in Arizona. There’s a lot of heat I got coming out with my boy Taurus, who is a problem with the beats, trust me,” as Sha’s thick New York accent becomes increasingly animated, it’s clear that his true passion is in creating the backdrop for an emcee’s rhymes. Starting out his career as a local producer in Queens, the grind work and New York hustle are what made Sha Money XL into the entrepreneur he is today. Even though the mixtape circuit may not be his main concern these days, Sha’s still got his ear to the street in hopes of finding that mixtape superstar, “I can say that an emcee by the name of Riz has an incredible mixtape coming out called Self Made pt. 2. Riz is going to be the next big thing out of Harlem. Also there’s a group from Long Island called The League, they got some new joints wit Kay Slay.”

Many artists tend to have their bio written for them. Well, contrary to that orthodox style, I feel nobody can explain my musical journey of “joy, pain, sunshine and rain” better than me. My name is Mazzi and I am a native of Jersey City, New Jersey . I am the lead of a group called S.O.U.L. (Sense Of Understanding Life’s) Purpose. We are respectively the biggest crew in hip-hop today for the simple fact that if you helped our music to prosper in any way then you are part of the S.O.U.L. Purpose collective! Whether you bought my record, came to any of my shows, made me a beat, engineered a session, collaborated with me, did cuts for me, gave me airtime, played my music, interviewed me, charted my music, put me on a bill to perform, promoted my shows, danced for me at shows, filmed one of my shows, took my pictures, worked on my videos, passed out flyers for me, put up posters for me, sponsored me, lent me money to further my projects, gave me words of encouragement, inspired me, fed me, drove me, or supported my music in any other possible way, you are a member of S.O.U.L. Purpose! 

S.O.U.L. Purpose is community based, culture-conscious, and for the children! While many artists wait to expand financially before giving back to the community or contributing to charity, S.O.U.L. Purpose feels the need to “Payback A.S.A.P.” My environment and surroundings made me who I am, so it is only right to share the wealth. Without my people and neighborhood, my music wouldn’t have the sound it does. With that being said, half the profits made from album sales shall always go to various charities (specifically clarified on a project-to-project basis). 

My music is the sound of reason, revolution, growth, struggle, experience, and debauchery all wrapped up into what I think is best described as “Street Corner Soul Music”. S.O.U.L. Purpose is real life, my life, and the life around me. I represent the average man with the above average flow.  I make motivational music for the thinker. S.O.U.L. Purpose can be digested on several levels so everybody can relate to it one way or another. I wear my heart on my sleeve and rhyme about what I know. I concentrate on content, concepts, and captivating flow patterns to paint a vivid picture in songs. 

My history as a performer is very sturdy. I made a name for myself early on because of my exciting stage shows and breath control. With over a decade of stage experience, I’ve performed with and opened up for just about everyone you can think of: Eminem, G-Unit, Black Eyed Peas, Big Pun, Run DMC, The Lox, Ghostface, D-12, Mos Def, M.O.P., NORE, Capone, Xzibit, Common, Slick Rick, Flava Flav, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Jin, Keith Murray, Kool G. Rap, Cannibus, Nice N Smooth, The Beatnuts, Black Sheep, Gang Starr, Black Moon, Gza, Inspecta Deck, Pharoah Monche, Masta Killa, Freddy Foxxx, O.G.C., Immortal Technique, Faith Evans, Jurrasic 5, Nina Skye, Angie Martinez, Erykah Badu, Big Daddy Kane, Rob Bass, Sean Price, Chino XL, Luv Bug Starski, Smiff N Swesson, Dilated Peoples, Mums (from HBO’s Oz), Suheir Hammad & Lemon (from HBO’s Def Poetry Jam), Souls Of Mischief, High & Mighty, L.A. Symphony, Aceyalone, Murs, Jean Grae, Cold Crush Brothers, Show Biz & A.G., The Arsonists, PumpkinHead, The Juggaknots, C-Rayz Walz, Last Emporer, Aesop Rock, Jedi Mind Tricks, Non Phixion, Necro, Supernatural, Swiss Chris (from John Legend’s band), Wordsworth, G.C. & Soul Mafia, Scram Jones, Agallah, Craig G., & Rahzel…  

Before S.O.U.L. Purpose, I was part of a group called The Ancients. We were signed to Budz Distribution for one project and Landspeed for two projects. In 2003 S.O.U.L. Purpose was formed and we signed a deal with Coup De tat Records (Caroline Distribution). We dropped two singles (both debuting 1 and 2 on CMJ charts) and the Breaking Records LP which featured Percee P, Breezly Bruin, Wordsworth, and Pumpkinhead. The album lasted 15 weeks on the CMJ charts. As a result, S.O.U.L. Purpose has become a respected group that fans can appreciate. Now we’re back with several projects ready to blast off into the universe! Look out and partake, because S.O.U.L. Purpose is me, S.O.U.L. Purpose is you, S.O.U.L. Purpose is us! 

for more information contact

francesca@dunndealpr.com 

By S.O.U.L Purpose

Video Link for "Way That We Live" – The Lead Single! http://youtube.com/watch?v=l3saDAPmo2k 

"Way That We Live" http://www.zshare.net/audio/10719932f0caed7f/

"Concrete Jungle" http://www.zshare.net/audio/107200161f7cd195/

Big Ups to the homey Reckless over at Sohh.com

Check out http://blogs.sohh.com/nyc/ for the latest on all NYC hip-hop

New audio, "Third Degree," from Scram Jones f/Nino Bless, Saigon and Crooked I!!  "Third Degree" will be featured on Scram Jones upcoming Nature Sounds LP and Nino Bless' upcoming Street-LP, "Untold Scriptures" which will hit the streets in 2-3 weeks. 

http://www.zshare.net/audio/1070265130035c3d/

Big Up to Major League Ent. & MAC Media

The Bishop has long been recognized as a powerful holy figure in the Catholic Church. For the almighty church of West Coast Hip-Hop, Bishop Lamont has been chosen to preach his gospel and spread the word from California’s land of lowriders, chucks, and khaki suits. However, East Coast congregations need not to worry; the Bishop has something to keep the faith. “Me and Whoo Kid got a mixtape dropping that’s primarily for the East Coast. All the love that I’m receiving from my fans from the East, and it’s been from the jump; I just didn’t realize because I’m not over there as much.  We’re throwing some names around, it’s either going to be called Confessional or The Collection Plate.”, talks Bishop Lamont as he finishes an evening work-out. His physical condition is maintained and controlled just like his mental abilities, the same talents that have landed him a solo deal with Aftermath and work on numerous Dr. Dre projects. Bishop Lamont is not just another potential filled artist trying to figure out how to mesh with the genius of Dre, “I don’t wait for no man and Dre knew that since he signed me. He knows I’m self contained, all he has to do is give me a phone call or get me in the studio and it will get handled or he’s gonna put his hands on my music and work his magic with it. There is chemistry between us and my ears are always open to learn from him,” says Bishop Lamont.

Some might feel the pressure that rests on his shoulders to be all too much. Lets, break down what Bishop is expected to live up to; The West Coast is in need of a new emcee to represent the streets, Dr. Dre’s former advocate turned against him, then kissed and made up with everybody, and all eyes are on Lamont to pick up where Snoop, Kurupt, Crooked I, WC, etc… left off. However, these concerns do not even exist in Carson City’s own Bishop Lamont, “It’s about doing the best work I can do, I’m not concerned with order, rating systems, who’s the top ten rappers, whatever” ~ Bishop Lamont, as our conversation thickens, the passion and intelligence in his character start to become eminent. ”Money is not an issue, Dre keeps me paid. I just want to make the best quality music that makes a statement. I’m not saying I’m just reppin’ for the West Coast, I’m reppin’ for Hip-Hop worldwide”, says Lamont changing his tone from nonchalant to Archbishop Status. With several mixtapes that have already secured his position in the streets, Lamont knows that taking a break can result in all his hard work disappearing in a matter of weeks, “We still got Calitroit Metropolis, which of course is part 2 to Calitroit. There were just so many incredible records, and talented artists working together. Calitroit was originally going to be a double CD, but it would have been too much for niggas to digest,” says Bishop Lamont.

There is no arguing the fact that it has always been a struggle for West Coast artists to keep East Coast fans happy. Sure, the tension that existed between the two coasts is near extinction but the mixtape stars of New York City just aren’t selling in California swap meets. The last bi-coastal success storyt hat Hip-Hop has encountered was 50 Cent and Dr. Dre coming together, Bishop has his own strategy of spreading California love, “It’s not about adapting to East Coast listeners It’s about adapting to Hip-Hop listeners as far being innovating and coming with something that is considered to be on the next level”, explains,”~ Bishop Lamont. He revealed that he already has plans on recording new material with Hip-hop’s go to-guys for golden-era Hip-Hop music, and a couple of surprises that “no one is ready for”. Another constant topic of discussion has been his role in Dr. Dre’s third LP Detox, the theories and rumors can all be put to rest. Bishop Lamont has been quietly in the lab for several years contributing material for the Doc’s album, his own album, and Warren G’s next project, “There’s a lot of people trying to get out of the gate and you know Interscope is focused on making dollars. Plus, Dre is about being patient and taking the time for really putting in what’s necessary for a classic, but there’s no anxiety or anxiousness with me. I’m working on 3 albums simultaneously, having fun and learning more and more every time I get in the studio,” – Bishop Lamont.

Musically, 08’ is just another year for Bishop to hone his craft; the politics of music business lay in the hands of the Doctor, Jimmy Iovine, and a bunch of corporate suits. What we can be sure of is that Lamont’s album will hit stores this year, and “The West never went no where, it’s just new faces and new voices. There ain’t no pressure to bring anything back”. Bringing the truth back to Hip-Hop, and evangelizing the lost is just the job that Bishop Lamont has the chosen. He walks a lonely road, but is fulfilled with content and self –realization. Lamont cites making his parents proud as one of the biggest joys he receives from his career. His message is contagious once touched by the Bishop’s word the light will take you over, he is writing Hip-Hop’s new testament, “For my project I really want to make sure I’m able to work with everybody, I still got with Salam Remi, the J-Dilla record I wanted for the album. Me and Black Milk still got records we got to put down for the album. There is so many talented produces I’m a being working with Madlib, Primo, Rza, Battlecat etc,” – Bishop Lamont

“For the last two elections, the Hip-Hop community did their part, and the people still got fucked. So what is going to be different now. I always hear people talking about the elections, but the point is people should voice their opinions no matter what. I’d never thought we’d see a woman and black man going head to head for presidency” - Bishop Lamont

More from the Kidz In The Hall:

http://youtube.com/user/Lryda420

www.Missinfo.tv

  Can't forget, www.nahright.com, Hip-Hop Blogging at it's best.

Your Legacy is what you will be remembered by, whether in History books or on street corners the generations coming-up behind you will tell of your battled war stories and ultimate accomplishments long after your demise. In Hip-Hop, we’re finding our artists to have the tendency to be too concerned with their legacy and reputation while they are still living. How can you be the best rapper of all time when there is going to be decades and decades for the music to grow? Born and raised in a small town by the name of Port Author Texas one fifteen year veteran is still growing musically, and aging gracefully into the renaissance period for P.A, Texas., “Port Author is a small town. When people think Texas, it’s always Houston, Dallas, or Austin they each got a million people plus. PA’s only 50,000, but we be everywhere, P.A. folks don’t take no shit from anybody,” says Bun B while in New York to promote his next solo album entitled II Trill. It has been about three years since Bun B’s debut solo recording, Trill  hit shelves in 05’ and despite lagging sales for most artists the disc had no trouble reaching gold status. “This album came with a lot more confidence because we knew what we wanted to do and the direction we needed to go in. “My first solo album was the first time I’ve recorded without Pimp being directly involved with the project.”, explains Bun without hesitation, it’s about 9 pm and Mr. PA has had a long day of over-zealous journalists asking about Pimp and his thought’s on syrup; that lean if you don’t know. (RIP PIMP C) However, as I ask some questions that I’m sure he’s heard all day long there are no signs of agitation or boredom in his voice or body language. It’s just another day for this texas titan. It’s the leadership qualities and unmatched intelligence that separate him from these other rap dudes.

Bun B has seen them all come and go, and even though he stands alone now, the underground crown sits majestically on his dome, “Our whole point of coming out was to show the next generations what rappers like Geto Boys, Too Short, and 2 live crew did for us which was try to make your own lane in the game”, says Bun B. Even though he is not officially a part of the Trill Entertainment staff, Bun still plays a vital role for all it’s acts., “Pimp was a part of the founding Trill Entertainment, but I don’t own any part of it. I just donate my time, advice, guidance, and leadership to all the acts on the label. I’ve dealt with a lot of obstacles that these younger guys around me are going thru, so any game I can give them on how to avoid those things, I give.”, speaks Bun B. His recording home is still with Rap-a-Lot who still remains one of the true independent labels from below the mason Dixon line. Throughout their career UGK has waged their battles with former label Jive Records who gave them their first deal in 1992. The duo of Bun B and Pimp C were never quite satisfied with their label’s faith and promotion of UGK’s  music. It’s a different day though for Bernard Freeman aka Bun B, he’s come to the point in his career where realizations are directing his future status as an emcee, “You just can’t sell a million records and just think that the next time around they’ll buy your record again. It takes constant work to stay earn fans’ loyalty. It takes hustle, and I’ve had a steady incline in record sales throughout my career.”, says Bun B on his work ethic. With guest appearances on an abundance of mixtape remixes and official collaborations, Bun is an artist that doesn’t rely on having a hit single at the moment or even a new album out. He just does what an artist is supposed to do – record music. Sure, he’s an entrepreneur in spirit, but as today’s rising rap star is busy promoting his clothing, shoe, cologne, etc deal, Bun’s in the lab perfecting the talent that got him off the block.

“I can’t claim that everything we did was 100% original because we took lessons from people that we looked up to and admired, so I’m not mad at anyone coming up.,” says Bun with a mouthful of humbleness. Sure, there have been countless emcees who’ve tried to swagger jack Bun’s soulful yet monotone flow, however in reality there is no one who can match his gangster wit mixed with scholarly sensibilities. Bun is a grown ass man with grown ass man duties – the party life is great but everybody needs to know when to slow down, “I stopped sippin syrup about six or seven months ago. This was before Pimp passed away, and everybody has to understand that Syrup wasn’t a major factor in him passing away,” says Bun B. As our conversation moves onto the death of Bun B’s non-blood brother Pimp C, it’s clear the media has created a false scenario surrounding Pimp C’ sudden death, “I hate how all these people are putting all this pressure on Lil’ Wayne now simply because Pimp C passed away. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work like that, people have to make their decisions,” says Bun on syrup controversy making Hip-Hop headlines worldwide. It’s just how this OG operates - the morals instilled in him have kept him grounded even as he lost one of his closest road dogs- it should be known that a severe sleeping disorder caused Pimp C’s sudden death. With nothing about Pimp C or the UGK name ever taken in vein the road less traveled will further solidify Bun B and UGK’s name forever as a symbol for two dope-boyz in a Cadillac., “I don’t believe that Pimp C would look back on his career and have any regrets. Yes, there were a lot more people he wanted to reach and a lot more things he waned to say, but I’m still here to do all of that. We definitely have another UGK album coming out. Everything is going to be done respectively in honor of Pimp C,” – Bun B.