• Band info- www.gamerebellion.com and www.tygereye.net/GameRebellion
• Myspace- www.myspace.com/gamerebellion
• Facebook fan page- Game Rebellion
• Twitter- Game_Rebellion

Since the January 18, 2010 release of their “Sounds Like a Riot” EP on iTunes, Game Rebellion has been preparing for their upcoming tour and performances at SXSW. The band’s fusion of rock, metal, hip hop and punk has garnered praise from fans and critics alike, and now their “Blind” video has a chance for national television exposure on MTVU!

Beginning Monday, February 15, “Blind” is featured on MTVU’s “The Freshmen,” where fans can vote to get their favorite video automatically added to the channel’s rotation the following week!

To cast your vote, simply go to freshmen.mtvu.com and select Game Rebellion’s “Blind” as your favorite! You can vote as many times as you like to make “Blind” a winner, from Monday, February 15 through 2:00pm Friday, February 19!

Game Rebellion is also preparing to set off on their national Sounds Like a Riot tour this Spring, and will kick things off in New York and at the SXSW Conference in Texas to start. Dates thus far are as follows:

February 19, 2010
New York, NY
92Y Tribeca (200 Hudson St)

March 5, 2010
Brooklyn, NY
Don Pedro (90 Manhattan Ave)

March 17-21, 2010
Austin, TX
SXSW – Showcase and Performance TBA

ABOUT GAME REBELLION

What can you say about an all-Black all-outta-Brooklyn band whose metal, punk and rudeboy skanking licks sound as credible and crunchy as their Hip Hop lyrics and headnodding bounce? Game Rebellion makes the difficult sound effortless and the miraculous seem second nature: A hard rockin band with a B-boy MC who can actually spit? No problem! A new EP created by a band that actually rocks and flows? No problem!

With a strong fan base behind the movement, Game Rebellion is firing up the next phase of their career with the HD video “Blind,” a series of shows across the country, and their EP Sounds Like a Riot that just hit iTunes on January 18, 2010.

Game Rebellion is a band of amazing musicians dedicated to defying the rules and creating their own way. The guitar solos of Yohimbe will leave you stunned at his free-flowing artistry and technical skill. The lyrical prowess and production of Netic provide an unobstructed view of the angst of young rebels everywhere. The musicianship and vocals of Emi display the conviction and the passion of a misunderstood generation. The thick and layered sound of Ahmed on the bass will remind everyone that Game Rebellion is not here to play nice. The amazing versatility and hard hitting percussion of Aaron provide the perfect tempo for the Game Rebellion mantra:

We Play By Our Own Rules: Welcome to the Rebellion!

Game Rebellion has been making big waves on the New York scene since 2006. The men found common ground after a gig they played together at Irving Plaza, and the musicians-for-hire soon became a band on fire! Since then, they’ve ventured across the country and overseas to further to slam heads, rock houses and muddy the lilywhite waters of Hip Hop and Rock from NYC and Cali to Puerto Rico and the UK.

The range of their individual influences in music is so vast – like Prince,The Cure, Jimi Hendrix, The Isley Brothers, Bad Brains, Johnny Cash, Megadeth and Guns & Roses to name a few – that it’s near impossible to put a label on the Game Rebellion vibe. Sumptuous… urgent… cacophonous… anthemic – the sheer monstrosity of sound pumping through the speakers is enough to keep your mind open. “Its shock therapy,” Ahmed asserts. “It will change your standards of pop music.”

Game Rebellion’s stage show is driven by frenetic synergy between the multi-talented quintet and their fans. “The feeling we get from performing live is the energy transfer from us to the audience and back,” explains Emi. “Each show raises the level of the transfer, because we have people who know the music and who rally behind what we bring to the stage. The resulting effect is better than any high.”

Netic delves a little further into their amazing connection with fans: ”Game Rebellion is the Alpha Team you send in when you want to get hostages or kidnapped children back. We move in quietly with the mosh pit squad, then boom! We throw C4, Semtex, Flash and Frag Grenades! Big explosions while we walk in slow motion… and when the smoke clears we always save the villagers. We leave as quietly as we came. We don’t have fans, we have recruits!”

The bandmates are all buzzing with excitement about Sounds Like a Riot. “I’ve been very anxious about the release of this new record,” Ahmed professes. “This is our first project with all original songs.”

“I pulled in my friend Circuit to assist on some of the synth and programming work,” Netic explains. “I love the production process of making records more than anything else, so I take it very serious. The people I work with on the Game Rebellion projects become very close friends due to the intensity and personal passion that goes into our music. ‘2012’ is by far my personal favorite on Sounds Like a Riot – it’s the song that speaks the most to the absurdity of our reality: There’s a whole in the sky / The city’s on fire / You ain’t fly ni**a / We’re all gonna die.”

The Game Rebellion movement is far more intense than what meets the eye, as passion, ingenuity, electricity and spirituality collide, merging genres and subculture-induced soundscapes for the next generation. Their commitment to the music is only superseded by their commitment to each other.

“Game Rebellion came together out of a need to create an environment where we can all be the best at our selected positions,” says Emi. “We all have similar values and musical tastes. The reason why this band works is because we all believe in each other. We hold each other down, and we are all accountable for making this movement work. In Game Rebellion, it is a band of brothers against all odds. We will do it together, or not at all.”

source: Tygereye Entertainment

Carbondale, IL — At just 17-years-old, Mr. CG is already a veteran in the music industry. In 2008, Mr. CG teamed with Minneapolis-based label Hudson Records to release “Boogie Board 9000,” followed by a remix featuring California’s New Boyz. Fan-made viral videos for the dance track inundated the net in 2009, and just after completing his own viral video, HiTz Committee Entertainment and Jive Records snapped up the teen to release his solo debut album.

Mr. CG began writing songs, producing, singing and rapping when he was 10-years-old. Encouraged by his parents, the young prodigy found ways to capture the energy of his generation in song. By 2007, CG enjoyed success as a member of the Pop It Off Boyz, with their Hip Hop dance hit “Crank Dat Batman” on Universal Records. The video appeared on BET’s “106 & Park,” and garnered generous radio play nationwide.

Eager to express himself to the fullest, Mr. CG set out on his own in 2008, and signed on with NBA pro Troy Hudson’s imprint. They recorded the dance-inspired hit “Boogie Board 9000,” complete with an instructional video from CG. A remix with Warner Bros. duo New Boyz followed, and it was just a matter of time before fans and major labels started taking note.

“Honestly I just want to earn respect,” expresses Mr. CG. “Most of these new people aren’t earning respect. I listen to Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, and all of the pop artists. I would love to work with them. We appeal to a crowd that older people can’t catch – they’re not gonna do it like we gonna do it.”

In November, 2009, Mr. CG solidified the deal for his solo debut with MeMpHiTz at HiTz Committee and Jive Records. They will be filming the official “Boogie Board 9000” video in January 2010 with celebrity dance cameos, and the album is slated for release in Summer 2010.

“Simply put, Mr. CG is the future of Hip Hop,” says MeMpHiTz. “It’s easy to try and write him off until you actually hear his body of work. After my first listen, my reaction was reminiscent to the first time I listened to T-Pain. I was mesmerized, and my doubts were silenced by his artistic talent and breadth of material. I think Mr. CG can comfortably take his own lane and crush the game if all forces necessary are behind him. I sincerely thank Troy Hudson/Hudson Group Entertainment for deciding to bring Mr. CG into business with HiTz Committee Entertainment/Jive Records – I definitely have big plans for Mr. CG.”

For more information on Mr. CG…

• Tygereye Entertainment- www.Tygereye.net/MrCG
• Myspace- www.myspace.com/CGondec
• YouTube- www.youtube.com/CGWhatitdew
• Twitter- MRCGWHATITDEW

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net.

ABOUT MR. CG

Dance crazes, skinny jeans, delicious twists on American slang and colorful accessories are all a part of the new-age influence on today’s popular music. Call it a renaissance if you will, as young people fuse splashes of Hip Hop, rock, punk and pop culture regenerated from the ‘80s and early ‘90s to create their own exciting new scene.

At just 17-years-old, songwriter/producer Mr. CG is creating another part of what will one day be a historic era. His current single “Boogie Board 9000” has fans across the country going wild with their versions of the dance video. Once a member of the Pop It Off Boyz, known for their hit single “Crank Dat Batman,” Mr. CG is no stranger to the spotlight.

As he prepares his solo debut album in conjunction with Hudson Records and Jive Records, the young performer is ready to unleash his futuristic cross-genre style on the world.

By the time he was 10-years-old, the Carbondale, Illinois native was set up with a studio from his encouraging parents. Mr. CG’s cousin helped him get a start on operating the equipment, and his fate was sealed. He began writing songs influenced by a variety of artists, and began to build a sound that he now describes as “a walking MP3 player.”

“I have everything to give to everyone, I can do anything when it comes to music,” CG says confidently. “To describe it in a word, I’m spazzing. My music is just like spazzed out. I travel everywhere and pick up a lot of different styles, then I make up my own style. I would say The Dream, Drake and Michael Jackson have influenced me the most.”

While “Boogie Board 9000” is a certified club hit, Mr. CG will bring a blend of styles to his full-length album. He has a very specific vision, even if he can’t fully convey it just yet. “I’m producing my own stuff for this project, but taking in from other producers as well,” he explains. “When I get in the studio and get ready to make tracks, it’s already there… I can hear it and visualize it before I even get to the studio. So it’s like when I touch the keyboard I already know what’s gonna come out.”

“When I created ‘Boogie Board 9000’, I went down to Atlanta because I wanted to feel the vibe down there,” he continues. “My friends Motion Sickness had a dance called Boogie Board 9000, and I was like ‘I should make a song out of that.’ When I listened to the Atlanta type of rap vibe, and how you could still sing too, I went in the studio and got a beat, put it together and it was real good.

“The follow-up single is called “G Shock” featuring Rich Kids out of Atlanta. They’re signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle label. It’s a real nice song – it’s pretty different. We’re trying to see if we could set up a deal to promote the G-Shock watches along with the song. I think that would be very great.”

Mr. CG prefers the life of a solo artist over being in a group, and he’s ready to accept responsibility for his work, and for his generation. “Everything changes every day, and Hip-Hop is changing. Everything that’s coming out now represents what us teens do. You’ll see a lot of people coming in real young that can’t rap, produce, sing and do other types of music and make it sound good. I just make everything sound good.”

photo source: celebrity-gossip.net

Winners include: Artist of the Year — Taylor Swift and T-Mobile ‘Breakthrough Artist Award’ — Gloriana

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Winners of the 37th annual American Music Awards (AMA’s) were announced this evening to a sold out crowd, from the Nokia Theatre/LA Live. The show aired live on ABC at 8:00pm ET/ 7:00pm CT. Prior to the awards ceremony, there was a two-hour online red carpet show that streamed live on ABC.com, Facebook.com/celebs, Ustream.tv, and mycokerewards.com along with numerous other sites. The AMA Red Carpet Pre-Show set a new Ustream record for the largest red carpet webcast and farthest-reaching event on the leading internet broadcasting platform. The webcast achieved more than 3 million total views (Total viewers: 3.3 million / Total uniques: 2.1 million) during the 2 hour live event. For highlights and more information, visit ustream.tv/ASNLive.

Produced by Dick Clark Productions, The 2009 AMA’s were produced by Larry Klein and executive produced by Orly Adelson, president of Dick Clark Productions.

Highlights of the event included: Stellar live performances from Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and an 8 minute opening medley by Janet Jackson featuring “Control,” “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Make Me,” “Together Again” and more. The night also marked Whitney Houston’s return to stage singing “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” Eminem and 50 Cent performing “Crack a Bottle” and the finale with Adam Lambert’s first live television show since “American Idol.”

Winners of the 37th Annual American Music Awards included Taylor Swift taking home 5 awards including Artist of the Year, Michael Jackson honored with 4 awards including Favorite Male Artist (Pop/Rock), Jay-Z sweeping the Rap/Hip Hop category with 2 awards, Green Day winning Favorite Artist (Alternative Rock Music) and more. A complete list of winners is attached.

Music fans were able to vote for the T-Mobile “Breakthrough Artist” Award and selected Gloriana as this year’s “Breakthrough Artist.”

Winners were determined by online voting at amavote.com, the official voting location for the award show. Additional information about the show and performers can be found on ama.abc.com. Artists were honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and Contemporary Inspirational.

About the Voting

Initial nominees were selected by using ballots containing names compiled from data supplied by the music industry trade publication, Radio & Records and Nielsen Soundscan, which tracks retail music sales. The ballots were then sent to a national sampling of more than 15,000 people based among other things on what type of music they listen to, what they buy and how many albums they purchase per year. The top three vote getters in each category were determined to be the nominees for this year’s American Music Awards (except in the Artist of the Year and T-Mobile Breakthrough categories which each have five Nominees). Winners were determined by online voting at ama.abc.com as well as at amavote.com (votes will be collected from October 14 to November 7)

About Dick Clark Productions, Inc.

Founded in 1957, Dick Clark Productions, Inc. (“DCP”) is a leading independent producer of television programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards. dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including So You Think You Can Dance, and owns and maintains one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of American Bandstand footage. For additional information about DCP, please visit www.dickclarkproductions.com.

About the American Music Awards

In 1973 Dick Clark created the American Music Awards to pay tribute to popular musicians from various genres of music and to put audiences in touch with the latest phenomena in American music. Since its founding, the AMAs have honored and showcased the talents of some of the biggest names in the music industry. For press credential requests, please go to www.dickclarkproductions.com.

Adam Lambert, wtf?? ...(image source: idolator.com)

WINNERS FOR THE 2009 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

POP or ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Michael Jackson

Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Album
Michael Jackson / Number Ones

COUNTRY MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Keith Urban

Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts

Favorite Album
Taylor Swift / Fearless

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Jay-Z

Favorite Album
Jay-Z / Blueprint 3

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist
Michael Jackson

Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Black Eyed Peas

Favorite Album
Michael Jackson/Number Ones

SOUNDTRACKS
Favorite Album
Twilight Soundtrack

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Green Day

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Taylor Swift

LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist
Aventura

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Favorite Artist
Mary Mary

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
TAYLOR SWIFT - Country

T-MOBILE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
Country Breakthrough Artist - Gloriana

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Whitney Houston

Source: Dick Clark Productions

Related Links

• Ifelicious Thoughts- all 2009 AMA blog posts
• ABC.com- 2009 American Music Awards (official website)
• Celebrity Gossip- The stars turned up for the 2009 American Music Awards
• Idolator- The American Music Awards: Surprises, Stage Falls and Simulated Sex
• Associated Content- 2009 American Music Awards: Adam Lambert
• Washington Post- 2009 American Music Awards (photo gallery)
• FabSugar- Best Dressed at the 2009 American Music Awards
• Clutch Magazine- Flick Flick: The 2009 American Music Awards
• All That’s Fabulous- 2009 American Music Awards = #FAIL

Weekly urban entertainment & lifestyle series. This week Ced caught up with Natormade Recording Artist, Yung Wax. He tells us about his career, goals and his club joint, “Ughh Ughh!”

URBAN MUSIC REPORT : YUNG WAX from URBAN MUSIC REPORT on Vimeo.

Want more??

Check out Urban Music Report on Ning.

Thanks to the folks behind Urban Music Report for allowing me to post their show on my blog.

MC Lyte first gained noteriety as a hip hop artist back in the 80s and 90s delivering hit tunes such as “Ruffneck” and “I Am The Lyte.” Since then, MC Lyte has gone on to coach Shar Jackson (“Moesha”) to a win over Kendra Wilkinson (“The Girls Next Door”) on MTV’s “Celebrity Rap Superstar,” played Kai on hit tv show “Half & Half,” and you’ll even find some of her valuables in the Smithsonian Museum. Born in Queens and raised in Brooklyn, New York, MC Lyte has been a trailblazer for women in hip hop being the first female rapper to achieve a gold selling album. Additionally, MC Lyte has always been outspoken about the need to for more positive female images.

Currently, MC Lyte has a single out called “Rockin’ With The Best” that you can download by clicking the link below:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/62942032221eabf2/

No rest for this lady on the go with her current projects that include hosting a new BET television series called “Hollywood Treatment,” serving as the spokeswoman for Kentucky Fried Chicken and AT&T, and undertaking the position of Executive Vice President and featured artist (new album in the works) for DuBose Music Group.

Ife B.: Tell me about your new TV show on BET call “Hollywood Treatment.”

MC Lyte: The show is basically about giving back…and each episode goes into a specific area along with a different celebrity…Mary J. Blige and her foundation which is SAWN did the first episode where they were able to change this girl’s life. You know I can’t really speak too much on the episode because they told us to kind of be hush about it but ya, I’m excited not only to be a part of the show but what the show is actually going to do for people, and I am still in touch with the young lady that was a part of that show and her life is still impacted from it which is exactly what we intended to do.

Ife B.: When does the show begin?

MC Lyte: To my knowledge, I think it’s top of the year.

Ife B.: In early 2010?

MC Lyte: Yes.

Ife B.: I also read that you have a radio show, right?

MC Lyte: Yes, it’s called ‘Cafe Mocha’ and it’s, uh, I don’t know how much I can divulge. We are looking to be in about 20 to 30 markets to start. It hasn’t even hit the scene yet. That deal just finished, and I think it might be Fall.

Below are some questions from fans on Twitter and Facebook.

AR Bennu from Facebook: What’s your perspective on MC battles over the years for example Antoinette?

MC Lyte: Well, let me just say thank you for the question. BK representin’ all day! (laughs) I think that any female MC battle that existed was sort of fueled and perpetuated by men. I know that my battle definitely with Antoinette was because she sideways dissed Audio Two and Audio Two felt like they shouldn’t diss her because they were guys and even at that point there was some chivalry or some sort of respect that existed between males and females in hip hop…With [Lil] Kim and Foxxy [Brown], I mean literally both of them did time for a shooting that happened between guys. So I just think that the stronger that we become within ourselves, we’re able to love our sisters and not feel as though we have to be in competition with them.

Carla from Twitter and Reena from Facebook: What are your thoughts about the portrayal of women in rap videos?

MC Lyte: This has been a topic of conversation for years now. What’s going to be done different about it?…It has to be someone’s responsibility and I think the problem is that we’re not all claiming the responsibility…Radio fuels the video and the video fuels the radio so if radio programmers say ‘Well we’re not going to play that song because the images that are attached to with it are totally derogatory’ and the listeners of the radio station could say ‘Well, we’re not going to listen when that comes on.’ [There are] so many areas where someone can use their power, but in fact I think most people feel like they are powerless.

Zonia from Facebook: What are your thoughts about there being no popular female rappers out there right now?

MC Lyte: I do feel as though there are many, many female emcees. They’re just all over the place and they may not be on the front line as it relates to radio play or video play but they’re on the internet and they’re on there strong…It’s just is media really wanting to capture it?

Sande from Twitter: What happened to talented non-super sexual women in rap?

MC Lyte: I think we crossed a point somewhere in hip hop where it wasn’t about originality. It wasn’t about each record label having at least one, two, three female emcees to represent their labels…Elektra, she was one of the first people to have a roster of female emcees. She had myself. She had Yo-Yo…and I think we’ve long left those times where the powers that be respect the spectrum of perspective from everyone in hip hop. I think Chuck D says it best, ‘Hip hop ain’t too cool without female emcees.’

Connect with MC Lyte…

• Myspace- www.myspace.com/mclyte
• Twitter- twitter.com/mclyte
• Facebook- www.facebook.com/mclyte
• IMEEM- www.imeem.com/mclyte

Artistico Fine Art and Prints blog has reposted this interview. Click HERE to view this MC Lyte interview.

Watch the video below from Hip Hop Official News about MC Lyte’s own Shaitel Boutique in Studio City, California.

This video is from about 2 years ago but still interesting to listen to MC Lyte speak about her dear friend Mary J. Blige as well as offer some inspiration.

Thanks to MAC Media for setting up this interview.

It’s coming folks, I promise.  Some scheduling issues with KRS-ONE and Buckshot did not work in my favor at the last minute, but I have been promised time with this dynamic pair “soon” <– love that industry word, it has no boundaries.

In the meantime, catch the press release about their upcoming album “Survival Skills” coming out on September 15, 2009 including why “Robot” is the official Death of Auto-Tune song (uh oh Jay Z), Rock The Bells tour dates (most have passed at this point), and videos (at the very bottom).

~Ifelicious

Buckshot (L), KRS-ONE (R)

PRESS RELEASE (courtesy of MAC Media)

KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT “Survival Skills” In Stores September 15th Album Features Mary J Blige, Atmosphere, Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli & More KRS-ONE Proclaims ROBOT as the official Death Of Auto-Tune Song

After making their indelible marks on the game luminaries KRS-One and Buckshot, arguably two of the games most prolific emcees, will link up to give fans a collaborative album entitled Survival Skills. The project will be released on Duck Down Records, September 15th while the duo will be featured on the Rock The Bells tour this Summer.

With guests ranging from Mary J. Blige, Slug Of Atmosphere, K’NAAN, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, Melanie Fiona, Naledge of Kidz In The Hall, Sean Price, Geo of Blue Scholars, Smif N Wessun and Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Survival Skills represents a diverse range of topics, all while maintaining a consistent sound. The album has production from Havoc of Mobb Deep, 9th Wonder, Black Milk, ILL MIND, Coptic, Moss, Nottz, Marco Polo, and KHRYSIS!

On the surface the album is a testament to the resiliency of two lyrical titans, but at its root Survival Skills is a blueprint for life. For instance on the infectious head-nodder Robot, which was released 6 weeks prior to Jay Z’s “The Death Of Auto Tune” track, and already available World Wide at Digital Retail Shops, such as iTunes, the duo speak-out against the recent overuse of the Auto-Tune vocal effect in urban music, but under the surface the message is much deeper.

“I don’t want people to get the averaged clichéd version and thinking that we’re dissing people,’” Buckshot clarifies.

“What we’re calling out here is the biters, the people that feel like because this guy sold X amount of records doing this, that I’m going to turn around and do it as well,” KRS says of the array of artists who have followed in the creative footsteps of Roger Troutman, Afrikka Bambatta, Teddy Riley and T-Pain.

Despite its heavy message, sonically the track, produced by Mobb Deep’s Havoc, is as inviting as anything on the radio today. The video for ROBOT, directed by Todd Angkaswan, has been added into rotation at MTV & BET. The track has also been included in the sound track for Activision’s upcoming Tony Hawk skate game in stores this Fall.

Coincidently, ROBOT is not the first example of where Jay Z has released similar material and concepts from KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT. In 2003, Buckshot’s group Black Moon recorded a song called Stay Real, which was, again, released 6 weeks prior to Jay Z’s Public Service Announcement track, that ironically contained the same sample as Black Moon’s Stay Real.

A couple years prior to this Jay Z released THE BLUEPRINT, which was the same title used by KRS-ONE in his classic album, Boogie Down Productions Ghetto Music: The BLUEPRINT of Hip Hop.

KRS-One and Buckshot are the epitome of rap longevity and relevancy. After making his 1987 debut with Boogie Down Productions on the seminal rap classic Criminal Minded, KRS-One instantly became an icon going on to release a gang of essential works including 1988’s By All Means Necessary and 1993’s Return of the Boom Bap. Similarly when Buckshot came into the game in 1993 with Enta Da Stage as Black Moon’s front man, fans instantly took notice.

And the party never stopped, KRS-One’s 2007 collaborative album with producer Marly Marl, (Hip Hop Lives) was critically acclaimed and his work on Classic, the Kanye West, Nas and Rakim featured track celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Nike’s Air Force 1 shoe, earned the Teacher a Grammy nod. Buckshot has continued to churn-out some of the game’s most progressive projects as well, most notably his 9th Wonder-produced albums Chemistry (2005) and The Formula (2008). Couple those with the licensing deals which have landed Buck’s music on networks like ESPN and The History Channel, as well as an episode of CSI Las Vegas and it’s clear to see why the Boot Camp general has remained one of the game’s most influential.

“Ever since 1993 we’ve been passing each other on tour or in the studio saying, one day we should tour together, or one day we should do a record together,” says KRS of the long-awaited union. “Well finally myself and Buckshot have the chance to collaborate on a straight up and down MC’in project.”

For all of their individual accomplishments, KRS-ONE and Buckshot remain fans of each other’s work; complementing each other’s strengthens.

“That’s still KRS-One at the end of the day. I didn’t know how to rhyme back when I first started listening to Kris,” says Buck alluding to his partner’s dominant history.

In turn, KRS gives all praises to the Black Moon front man. “I am the humble teacher on the track, Buckshot is clearly the man,” he says.

Still gritty tracks like Clean Up, featuring Rock of Heltah Skeltah and the politically minded Running Away featuring Immortal Technique, make Survival Skills a Hip-Hop fan’s dream, catering to those that love lyrics and the boom-bap. Equally as rich is the album’s Black Milk-produced track, The Way I Live featuring the Queen of hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige. Together they create a triumphant anthem for all those on the grind trying to conquer their dreams. The song’s summery feel and soothing melodies make it an instant hit.

Throughout, both veterans sound as hungry and invigorated as any of their rap counterparts.

“Projects like these are projects that motivate me,” KRS says. “The idea to work with another MC that has his own persona and style and do a real collaboration in the studio, that’s motivation. I already got 16 albums of my own,” he adds.

What KRS-One and Buckshot have created is an album that is socially responsible, lyrically sharp and sonically banging.

Buckshot sums it up best, “Hip-Hop was started as an option to not killing each other. We were in the ghettos and we were real fucked up. We created Hip-Hop so we didn’t have to do that anymore.”

“The album is called Survival Skills, because that is what it takes.”

KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT Upcoming Tour Dates:

Rock The Bells
KRS-ONE Hosting
BUCKSHOT A PERFORMING ARTIST

Washington, DC – Sunday July 12th
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Boston, MA – Saturday July 18th
Comcast Center

New York, NY – Sunday July 19th
Jones Beach Theater

Vancouver, BC, CAN – Saturday August 1st
Deer Lake Park

Calgary, AB, CAN – Sunday August 2nd
Shaw Millennium Park

Denver, CO – Thursday August 6th
Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Los Angeles, CA – Saturday August 8th
San Manuel Amphitheatre

San Francisco, CA – Sunday August 9th
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Myspace Album Release Show – New York, NY – Friday – 9/11

Check out some video footage, new and old, of KRS-ONE and Buckshot…

Video for EP “Robot”

Making of EP “Robot”

Buckshot speaks about his latest album with KRS-ONE “Survival Skills”

Cha Cha Cha was a track on MC Lyte's Eyes on This album, 1989

One of the most exciting and frustrating things about being an entrepreneur is not knowing what’s around the corner.  As I navigate my way in reporting about news, film, arts, and entertainment, connecting to the right folks is key.  I would never have imagined that I would be on the phone with MC Lyte last Friday.  It was an absolute honor.  Thanks to Kerith (Quintessential PR) and Matt (MAC Media) for helping to make it happen.

It, therefore, seems fitting to make this week’s Throwback Friday post one of MC Lyte’s classic tracks “Cha Cha Cha.”

Kick this one here for me and my DJ!

Then check out my interview on Examiner.com to read more about what MC Lyte has been up to lately.

Back in September 2008, I sat next to Mala Reignz at a networking event for ladies trying to make it in the entertainment industry.  We just got to talking, real talk, you know?  She handed me her mixtape.  I took it with no major expectations because everybody and their mama wants to be a rapper, but not everyone can rap.  So, I put Mala Reignz through my personal litmus test and listened to her Miss Rap Supreme mixtape in my car the next weekend as I went to/from  work and was instantly hooked.  The mixtape follows the challenges on the latest season of Ego Trip’s Miss Rap Supreme that aired on VH-1.  Since then, I have her mixtape in regular rotation.  Female rappers have a hard way to go in a male dominated genre, but this lady can hold her own.  Her 3rd track “Who Am I Freestyle” pays tribute lyrically to her personal struggles to triumph and in delivery to Mala’s spoken word roots.  It is a personal favorite of mine.  Her latest single “Whole Club Rockin” (track 13) is one to do just that with a signature techno, clubby backdrop over her power rap style.  These 2 tracks alone speak to Mala’s versatility.

I’m not from the NYC, but I know you all have a burrough loyalty like none other.  Mala Reignz represents da Bronx so you know you gotta peep her page now!

Update 1/6/09- I found the interview on WORLDDIGIBEAT.COM.  It’s definitely worth watching.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.768051&w=425&h=350&fv=m%3D46190868%26type%3Dvideo%26a%3D0]

Mala Reignz on myspace- myspace.com/malareignz

You Tube clip of Mala performing at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKaG18gmJL8]

The following You Tube clip is hawt!  Remix of Usher’s “In This Club” feat. Mala Reignz and J. Berry Love…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC5fxfVDzrM]

Finally, my personal fav “Who Am I Freestyle”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0R0zNT2mFw]

Her video for the song “BX Til I Die” (track 10) can be seen on Music Choice.

While Mala Reignz was not an actual contestant on the VH-1 series Ego Trip’s Miss Rap Supreme, here’s some more information on the show for those who aren’t familiar…

Last year, the irreverent hit series known as ego trip’s The (White) Rapper Show met head-on the trials and tribulations that Caucasian rappers (a minority in African-American-created hip-hop culture) go through on a daily basis. This time around, this exciting and ever-expanding series explores the intriguing plight of yet another disenfranchised group in the rap game–the female MC.

Female rappers have always had it tough in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. Striving to be heard and respected, hard-working ’80s pioneers like Pebbly-Poo, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante and Queen Latifah made it possible for future generations of lady lyricists to be seen and heard.

However, even with the late ‘90/early ’00s success of today’s household names like Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, Da Brat, Eve and Lauryn Hill, the female rap game is in jeopardy… and even Alex Trebek knows it. In 2004, the Recording Academy nixed the best female rap artist category due to a shortage of eligible entries. The image of the female rap genre has taken further lumps in recent times as the once-reigning Lauryn Hill has inexplicably watched her career nosedive, BK bad girls Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown have both gotten locked up and Remy Ma has become the first female rapper ever to be accused of shooting somebody.

So what’s going on with female rap’s future and who will be the next great lady emcee?
(source: vh1.com)

The great thing about being a writer is that I get to interview so many great, interesting, and multi-talented people.  If you peep the interview section of my links, there’s a re-post of my interview with Tabi Bonney done for Jenesis magazine.  Since then, I bought the red t-shirt with the gold mirrored image “Y”s on them.  I like his style.  That’s for real, for real. ‘Cause ain’t nobody paying me to say shizz.

I just got an email that some new pieces are out there.  It’s not a huge apparel selection, but if you’re looking for a little something unique to add to your wardrobe, check him out.  I’m probably going to pick up another piece for the winter.

http://www.bonneyrunway.com/

Tabi on myspace:  myspace.com/tabibonney

His music is nice, too!

Check him out and tell me what you think.

UPDATE 10/9/08:  As I get back in this post to post the entire list, it conjured up so many memories.  I will definitely do a follow up post or two just sharing some stories and memories that I attribute to some of the songs as well as my questioning of the position or inclusion of some songs on the list.

1. Fight the Power – Public Enemy
2. Rapper’s Delight – Sugar Hill Gang
3. Nuthin’ but a G Thang -  Dr. Dre
4. Rock this Way- Run DMC f. Aerosmith
5. The Message- Furious Five
6. Straight Outta Compton – NWA
7. Juicy- Notorious BIG
8. Gin and Juice- Snoop
9. Push It- Salt-N-Pepa
10. The Breaks- Kurtis Blow
11. Hard Knock Life- Jay Z
12. I Can’t Live Without My Radio- LL Cool J
13. CREAM- Wu Tang Clan
14. I Get Around- Tupac
15. Stan- Eminem
16. Get Ur Freek On- Missy Elliott
17. Baby Got Back- Sir Mix-A-Lot
18. In Da Club- 50 Cent
19. Colors- Ice T
20. Gold Digger- Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx
21. Planet Rock- Afrika Bambaata & Soul Sonic Force
22. OPP- Naughty By Nature
23. BOB- Outkast
24. Paid In Full- Eric B and Rakim
25. Killing Me Softly- Fugees
26. U Can’t Touch This- MC Hammer
27. Hold It Now, Hit It- Beastie Boys
28. It Was A Good Day- Ice Cube
29. The Humpty Dance- Digital Underground
30. Check the Rhyme- Tribe Called Quest
31. How You Like Me Now- Kool Moe Dee
32. It’s All About the Benjamins- Diddy & The Family feat. BIB, Lil Kim, The Lox
33. The Crossroads- Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
34. Insane In The Brain- Cypress Hill
35. Ladies First- Queen Latifah feat. Monie Love
36. Hot In Herre- Nelly
37. It Takes Two- Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
38. Gangsta’s Paradise- Coolio
39. Wild Thing- Tone Loc
40. It’s Like That- Run DMC
41. That’s The Joint- Funky 4 + 1
42. Roxanne’s Revenge- Roxanne Shante
43. Hate It Or Love It- The Game feat. 50 Cent
44. I’ll Be There For You (You’re All I Need To Get By)- Method Man feat. Mary J Blige
45. Mind Playing Tricks On Me- Geto Boys
46. Me, Myself, And I- De La Soul
47. Bust A Move- Young MC
48. One Love- Nas
49. My Philosophy- Boogie Down Productions
50. Da Block Is Hot- Lil Wayne
51. The Show- Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew
52. I’ll Be- Foxy Brown
53. Money, Power, Respect- Lox feat. DMX, Lil Kim
54. Cha Cha Cha- MC Lyte
55. Lean Back- Terror Squad feat. Fat Joe & Remy
56. Woo-Ha! Got You All In Check- Busta Rhymes
57. I Get The Job Done- Big Daddy Kane
58. What’s Your Fantasy- Ludacris feat. Shawna
59. Shimmy Shimmy Ya- Ol’ Dirty Bastard
60. I Need Love- LL Cool J
61. Children’s Story- Slick Rick
62. Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like That)- Digable Planets
63. Rollin’ With Kid N Play- Kid ‘n Play
64. What They Do- The Roots
65. Love Rap- Spoonie Gee & The Treacherous Three
66. Jump Around- House of Pain
67. Feel So Good- Mase
68. What You Know- TI
69. I Used to Love HER- Common
70. Pop Goes The Weasel- 3rd Base
71. Freaks Come Out At Night- Whodini
72. Supersonic- JJ Fad
73. The Choice Is Yours- Black Sheep
74. You Gots To Chill- EPMD
75. Crush On You- Lil Kim feat. Lil Cease
76. Still Not A Player- Big Punisher feat. Joe
77. Cold Crush Brothers At The Dixie- Cold Crush Brothers
78. Tennessee- Arrested Development
79. Ruff Ryders’ Anthem (Stop Drop)- DMX
80. Hard Out There For A Pimp- Three 6 Mafia
81. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss- PM Dawn
82. Treat ‘Em Right- Chubb Rock
83. Me So Horny- 2 Live Crew
84. Roxanne Roxanne- UTFO
85. Definition- Black Star
86. Now That We Found Love- Heavy D & The Boyz
87. We Tryin’ To Stay Alive- Wyclef Jean feat. Refugee All Stars
88. What U Waitin’ 4- Jungle Brothers
89. Oh Boy- Cam’ron
90. The Reminisce Over You (TROY)- Pete Rock & CL Smooth
91. Ridin’- Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone
92. Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo- Yo-Yo
93. Lapdance- NERD feat. Lee Harvey & Vida
94. Make ‘Em Say Ugh- Master P feat. Silkk, Fiend, Mia-X, Mystikal
95. Cars With The Boom- L’Trimm
96. Parents Just Don’t Understand- DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
97. Who’s That Girl- Eve
98. Regulate- Warren G
99. Get Low- Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz feat. Ying Yang Twins
100. Just A Friend- Biz Markie

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Here’s an excerpt from billboard.com talking about this VH-1 countdown…

In anticipation of its upcoming fifth annual “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” telecast, VH1 will premiere two new original hip-hop themed programs. “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs” and “VH1 Rock Doc: NWA: The World’s Most Dangerous Group” will air Sept. 29 and Oct. 3, respectively.

“100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs” is a five-part series that will count down the best hip-hop songs of all time, revealing the story behind each hit and updating viewers on what the respective artists are doing today. It will also feature original interviews and archival performances by Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Eminem and Grandmaster Flash, to list a few.