If you weren't paying attention, there was this little thing called the 5280 Urban Music Awards that got the Colorado hip-hop heads all riled up (see the commentary here). But despite the reaction to the nominees, the show went off without a hitch, as evidenced by the video recap above. The show featured performances from Vonny Loc, the Foodchain, Allison Wright, Dae Dai and Rockie, with appearances by 800 the Jewell, Nyke Nitti, B-Blacc, and others. Check out the list of the winners after the jump.
Here's something to brighten your day: An allegedly African rapper named Bangs -- "Superstar hip hot artist," according to his web site -- laying down "Take U To Da Movies." It reminds me of "What What (In the Butt)," which is too bad, since I was hoping to never be reminded of that again.
Music historians believe the entrancing video marks the first time maps of Sudan and large stacks of money have ever appeared in the same music video.
Denver rapper/producer and former radio personality Lenny Lenn and his Kintenders imprint are offering their entire catalog for free download.The catalog features three compilation albums, solo projects from Lenny Lenn, James Ray, Joe D, and Mr. H, as well as collaborative projects with DJ Psycho and Q-Burse. When asked why they're giving away all these projects, Lenny Lenn said because people aren't really buying CD's anymore, so why not give them away?
"Sure you may sell a couple here and there but nothing to quit your day job over," he says. "I'd rather folks hear our music and be impressed with the full body of work. We did this all ourselves: recording, mixing, mastering, artwork, videos, all the beats, everything. That way when folks hear the material and it sparks an interest and they start calling -- which they are beginning to -- then you can charge."
Get the catalog list and links to all the projects after the jump.
You may have downloaded The Foodchain EP, you may have seen Foodchain members giving away their EP outside of venues during hip-hop shows, and you might have even seen the group perform live at release parties and award shows, but do you really know who the Foodchain is? The act just released a ten-minute documentary introducing every member of the Foodchain, just so you can get an idea of who's who -- oh, and also to get you ready for their upcoming album which due out sooner than you think.
DJ Stupac splits his time between Denver and Dallas and will occasionally connect with Denver's DJ KTone for a mixtape every now and then. Apparently the folks down south are really enjoying their efforts. The 7th Annual Southern Entertainment Awards is going down on March 7, 2010 in Memphis, Tennessee, and DJ Stupac is nominated in six categories including Best Mixtape Duo/Team with DJ Ktone. Voting is happening right now at the Awards website and you can choose Stupac in these following categories: Slept on DJ of the Year, Best Mixtape Duo/Team, Best Intro on a Mixtape, Best Blends on a Mixtape, Best Mixtape Series/Vol. and Best Slow Jam Mix. Go vote and support your local DJs, and in the meantime go grab some of DJ Stupac's mixtapes.
Appearances to the contrary, the first annual 5280 Urban Music Awards has nothing to do with 5280 the magazine. It does, however, have everything to do with the local hip-hop scene. The UMAs are slated to be held on Saturday, October 17, at the Crown Plaza Convention Center off of I-70 and Chambers in Aurora, and will honor local artists in an array of categories including, "The Go Getter Award," "The Freeway Award," "The Big Fish Award," "Mean Machine Award," and a host of others. The show, which will be hosted by comedian Bubba Loc of BET Comic View fame and feature DJ KTone as the in-house DJ, will also include performances from the Food Chain, Vonny Loc, Dai Dai, Allison Wright and a special tribute to Colfax Cac, a local rapper who was killed in 2005.
Looking at the nominees and the awards that will be given out, you might wonder how the process worked. According to event organizer Jaraine Lattany of Entertainment by 1600 Inc., the nominees were selected based off word of mouth. Fans were then able to go to the UMA MySpace page and vote on the winners. Regardless of the voting each nominee will receive an award, says Lattany, who also reports that reps from Atlantic Records will be on hand to check out music from the local scene. Follow the jump for a full list of the nominees and categories.
Those wanting to get to know the Colorado hip-hop scene a bit more intimately should check out the latest offering from DJ Ktone. His latest mixtape, We the West Vol. 6, features a collection of Colorado MCs such as Young Doe, Kajmir Royale, Innerstate Ike and Hawkman, mixed with classic and current joints from Warren G, Tupac, Messy Marv and Nipsey Hussle. Check out the mixtape cover and the download link after the jump.
Just last week Distrakt launched a new web-video game called "Delta Blaze, just the fun of it. Now this week, he's premiering his new video, "Sup," which features hip-hop icon Sadat X of Brand Nubian on the hook. The video is the typical Distrakt style animation with a super hero theme, which might look familiar to those who played the video game. Check it out above.
Distrakt is mad busy and he's getting all digital on us. Besides working on a new album and directing videos like crazy, he's now made a video game. The web-based game, Delta Blaze, is a flying shoot em' up, which appears more so to promote "Sup," his upcoming single and video with Sadat X (of Brand Nubian). The actual game is a bit difficult. You control some sort of spaceship with the arrows on the keyboard and fire lasers using the space bar at a bunch enemies with jet packs flying around the city firing their own lasers towards you. Dodging their shots, the goal is to take them out with yours. As you're flying through the city, their will be some power ups that you can fly through to blow up everybody on the screen or get a defense shield. Go try out Delta Force for yourself.
Julox has one of the most recognizable voices in the Colorado hip-hop scene and some out-of-state entities are taking notice. Julox's Ugly Azz Entertainment has partnered with Hezeleo of UGK Records out of Houston for a new mixtape, Julox: Facially Challenged. Mixed by Desert E, the collection features contributions from Hezeleo, Innerstate Ike, Fat Bastard (of DSR), Ace Deuce and others. To get the ball rolling with the project, Julox filmed a video that features two songs from the mixtape, "Rollin'" and "I Rips Em' Up." Check the video above, directed by Damon Jamal.
Back in January, two locals dominated Scion's 2008 Hypeman Contest. DJ Sabotage and Hypeman P took first and second place in the competition, respectively, showing the judges and the nation that the Colorado hip-hop scene is on the rise. (Ed: No question Sabo and HP dominated, regardless. When you see the
Huckleberries and scoobs they were up against, you can see why their
skills stood out even more.) Scion finally released the above video of the finals competition in which judges Anthony Marshall (Lyricist Lounge founder), DJ Clark Kent and rapper Skillz cracked on the competitors and ultimately chose DJ Sabotage as the champ. Dig it.
Around these parts, Distrakt is known as one of the nicest producer-rappers in the game. But in the music industry, he's starting to be the go-to-guy for vintage-style animated music videos. He recently directed videos for veteran indie rapper Count Bass D ("Neon Soul") and up and coming Florida rapper Laws ("Lucky"), along with directing his own videos ("Fire Escape"). Now Distrakt has stepped up another level by directing the video for Georgia Anne Muldrow's first single, "Runaway." For those unaware, Georgia Anne is singer/songwriter signed to Stones Throw Records, one of the more well-known and respected indie hip-hop labels that's also home to Madlib, Rob Swift and the late J Dilla.
Denver rapper/producer SP Double has been busy working on his new full-length, Loyalty, Honor, Respect, but in between tracks he found time to drop a new EP, Focus on SP.The entire EP was produced by Aftermath Records producer Focus, who has also produced tracks for Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Eminem and The Game. Big moves? Most definitely, and SP Double is offering the nine-track EP for free download. Check out a couple of tracks and download the EP after the jump.
DJ K-Tone and Adam Lo recently announced the launch of the Colorado Hip-Hop for Homeless, a new charity that seeks to help Colorado's homeless community. A couple times a month, K-Tone and Lo recruit local hip-hop artists to donate and distribute clothes, water, non-perishable food and blankets to the homeless contingent around the Denver Rescue Mission and Samaritan House in downtown Denver. The pair spell out their mission in the video above.
We never cease to be impressed with the strides that Colorado producer Frank E continues to make. It's like nonstop! And although he's been producing hits for a nice range of hip-hop artists like Chamillionaire, Plies, T-Pain and Flo-Rida, he's doing the pop thing too. Two singles from pop superstars Madonna and Toni Braxton recently leaked online, both of which Frank E produced. The Madonna song, "Revolver," which also features Lil Wayne, we knew was coming thanks to Madge's announcement herself. The song has the pop-dance sound that pretty much fits Madonna's persona but still remains relevant in today's pop music scope. The Toni Braxton track, "Yesterday," has the power ballad feel that's reminiscent of Beyonce's "Halo" or Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love." Listen to the tracks after the jump.
When producers have problems with their equipment, it's usually solved quickly by checking out the index or troubleshooting page of an instruction manual. But in the case of Denver producer Boon Doc, aka Boonie Mayfield, who is currently preparing for the Red Bull Big Tune Finals in Atlanta next month, his equipment has a unique problem... with its attitude. Check out the funny short film featuring Boon Doc and his MPC.
Next month, the Fresh Breath Committee will be releasing their debut album, CPR, at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, October 8. In an effort to get folks hyped for the release, the crew just dropped their first single "Save the Day," featuring the legendary Masta Ace, who will be on hand for the show. The ReMINDers, 3 the Hard Way, and the Pirate Signal with DJ Skip Ripkin are also on the bill, which is being hosted by Whygee. Could you ask for a better show? Seriously. Check out the new single, "Save the Day," after the jump.
Those who made their way to Tooey's this past Friday got a first look at 3 the Hardway's new video featuring Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples. Along with the video they were also treated to performances from the Diamond Boiz, ManeLine, Boombox Saints, and, of course, 3 the Hard Way. But for those who didn't make it to the lounge on Friday, here's the Eric Heights-directed clip in its entirety.
After ripping the Heavenfest stage over the summer and shining on the Gotee Records Hip Hope compilation album earlier this year, Colorado emcee Proxy is out and about pushing his new album Proximus. Released through his own Group Vigilant imprint, the album was predominately produced by Decap, an in-house producer for 50 Cent and G-Unit and features appearances from nationally known emcees Pettidee and Verbs.The album is available through , Proxy's website, which also lists his upcoming shows. But for now, get a taste of the album after the jump:
If you've followed DJ MU$A at all in the last fifteen years, you already know that he's one of the best, if not the best, mixers coming out of the Mile High City. His eclectic tastes have him mixing hood classics with anything ranging from '70s soul and '80s pop to newer electronica and dance music. He even creates remixes so fresh they sound like original recordings. So for those of us who wish we can take home the mixes we hear at the clubs and lounges MU$A spins at, he's making those wishes come true with his new mixtape, Techno Savvy. But don't get it twisted, it's not a mix of rave music, but a mix of hip-hop with that retro-electro feel and that MU$A touch. Download the free mix after the jump:
It's no secret that the Pirate Signal is one of the dopest hip-hop groups out of Colorado, so why do we act surprised when they continually prove it? Early this morning, lead vocalist Yonnas fired off two new tracks via Twitter, possibly from the group's upcoming album, and made the songs available for download free of charge. The two songs, "Col Boi" and "Love in the Time of Swine Flu" are vastly different from each other but both maintain that TPS sound that we've grown to accustomed to. Take a listen to the new tracks and download them after the jump:
On August 29, Whygee and Sunkenstate celebrated the release of Suicide Watch 2: Sambodextrust with a show at the Walnut Room that also featured performances from Food Chain and members of the Starting Five, Naeem Oba, charleyBRAND and Gyp Da Hip. But the highlight of the evening, of course, was the performance of Sambodextrust backed by live band Big Wheel Electro Soul. For those of you who couldn't make it out to the show, Whygee hooked us up with an excellent quality recording of the set, which we're now passing on to you. Download the set after the jump!
Just last week, the one and only Madonna announced that she was working with Colorado hip-hop producer Frank E on her upcoming greatest hits package. Before the ink is even dry on that post we've received word that Frank E has dropped another bomb hit for the masses. This time, he connected with Houston rapper Chamillionaire for what could be the rapper's first single from his untitled forthcoming album. The song, "Good Morning," samples the Tom Petty hit "Free Fallin,'"and is dedicated to the haters, of course. The beat has actually been sitting around at Denver's Side 3 studios, Frank E's homebase, for sometime. He played the beat for up and coming rapper Nispey Hussle when he came through Denver earlier this year as well as other nationally known artists. Seems like Cham was the one who saw the potential. Take a listen to the cut after the jump.
Hip-hop purists may hate what the kids are liking these days, but you can't deny the power of the youth. And in our city the youth seem to be gravitating toward the Moi Yo Yoi Boiz out of Aurora. The trio, who formed in 2007, recently dropped a new mixtape with DJ Strangah called Dress Code, with appearances from Hypeman P and LG. While the project is gaining a bit of traction, the song that seems to be getting the most attention is "Popular," a track that basically deals with the primary thing kids are trying to achieve -- popularity. That's what high school is all about, right? The group's album, Fashionably Late, is due sometime in the next few months. But in the meantime check out "Popular" and download the mixtape after the jump.
Infinite Mindz is currently hard at work on the followup to last year's Monkey Rebellion Musik, but in the meantime, crooning member O.N.E. is branching out on his own. He recently connected with DJ Quote for his new mixtape Inglorious Basterd, which showcases his rapping skills as well as his singing. The mixtape features appearances from Spoke-In-Wordz, Mr. Midas, Britney Williams, Infinite Mindz, as well as production from Gyp Da Hip, Late Nite Inc., DJ Quote and Mass Prod. Here's the catch, though: The mixtape is only available for free download until this coming Saturday or the first hundred downloads. Hurry up and get a taste of the mix along with the download link after the jump.
Those who carry the Gemini sign celebrate their birthdays between May 21 and June 21, and apparently there's a lot of them who rap in Denver: Mane Rok, InkLine, and Ichiban are coming together with a bunch of other Gemini rappers to form the Twin Geminorum Complex. The project, tentatively titled Astrological, will more than likely be a compilation that will also feature Spoke-In-Wordz, Air Dubai, and Shmeeze the Imperial (of Parkhill Shortbus), who are all Geminis. Although not confirmed to participate on the project, DJs Chonz, Thought, Lowkey and rappers Catch Lungs, Upgrade, Opt Won, along with a bunch of others are also Geminis. Even though the project is in its infancy right now, check out the sneak peek of what to expect after the jump.
The Black Eyed Peas' credibility, a mainstay in the genre since 1998's Behind the Front, died on Sunday, in a spinning class at the 24-Hour Fitness by my house. It was eleven-years-old.
The credibility, once as strong as any hip-hop group's, has been in poor health since 2003, when Fergie showed up. It had suffered a number of setbacks since then, including injuries caused by the release of 2004's "Where is the Love" and 2005's "Let's Get it Started." It was hospitalized earlier this year after Will.I.Am's showed up in an overwrought Pepsi campaign.
Black Pegasus is one of the few Colorado rappers that has made hip-hop his full time job. Currently he's working on the release of his co-hort Liquid Assassin's new album, Apocalypse, with his own album, Brass Knuckle King, slated to drop sometime later this year. But in between recording sessions and his relentless touring scheduling, Black P found the time to share some of his funny stories from the road. One involves Immortal Technique and how he scared the hell out of fan, and the other about a member of the Ying Yang Twins having to handle some business in the Rocky Mountains. Check the videos after the jump.
We know that Whygee recently released Suicide Watch 2: Sambodextrust with Sunkenstate and that he's currently working on projects with F.O.E., the Starting Five and others he's yet to announce. So what's with this track "The Drastic," that kind of popped up out of nowhere with DJ Brikabak? Produced by Yallzee, we're not sure where the song will end up, and we think Whygee doesn't either. Wherever it ends up, we got our hands on the cut and have posted if you to listen to and download after the jump.
Update: Just received word that the new 3 the Hardway video will be screened for the very first time in its entirety on Friday, September 11, at Tooey's on Colfax and Marion. The premier party, which kicks off at 9 p.m. is free and will feature performances from 3 the Hardway, ManeLine, Diamond Boiz and Boombox Saints.
Hoo boy! The 3 the Hardway crew just blessed us with a sneak peek of their new video for "Truth," which was shot in L.A. during their recent trip to the City of Angels and directed by Eric Heights, the ace director who worked on Deca's "Movement" and the Pirate Signal's "Hood Hop" videos. Featuring a cameo by Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, the abbreviated clip looks all kinds of pro. Can't wait to see the full production. Check it out for yourself after the jump.
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