Irish MC drop kicks a hit

One of the only European MC’s with a tangible fan-base in the USA, Ireland’s Rob Kelly drops his official debut single on Friday April 18th on I-Tunes and all major digital outlets.

The Single “Dropkicked” features La Coka Nostra member and star of movie “Gone Baby Gone”, Boston’s own Slaine and is produced by New Jersey producer Mr. Green. The video of the eagerly anticipated collaboration is already a youtube.com favorite, having secured over 7,000 views on popular video hosting site in only three days with minimal promotion.

The video shot on location in Boston & Dublin directed by Jonathan Lambert also stars US based Irish Middleweight boxer Andy Lee, an upcoming prospect from Emanuel Steward’s legendary Kronk Gym. Lee is one of many fighters who use this song as they enter the ring when fighting. “This video embodies not only my culture, but that of the Irish American culture,” explains Kelly. “As well demonstrating raw emceeing and hip-hop values, this video also shows that European MCs can be embraced in the USA.”

Rob Kelly is known as one of the few European MC’s who has featured on mixtapes from some of the Industries most sought after DJs in the states. He has previously worked with Pudgee P, DJ Vlad & Green Lantern among others. As well as touring and headlining by himself in the US & Canada, Rob has shared the stage with The Game, Nas, Kanye West, Kelis & Mark Ronson while collaborating with recording artists Memphis Bleek, Frankie Krutches & S.A.S as well as legendary producer Domingo.

Emerging as the winner of several MC Battle titles in his home nation Rob’s previous achievements also include being the only European artist to ever win the Rapmullet Mixtape Award, DJ Vlad’s Unsigned Heat and Myspace Featured Artist.

Described as “The nicest rapper you never heard of” his warm up album Bragging Rights was quick to sell out. He is currently working on his official debut album and has just secured an endorsement deal with Evolution Sports Apparel

To check out the video on youtube.com please go to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-bGTBDqXvA

SLIP N SLIDE #1 AGAIN -TRINA HITS #1 ON THE R&B/HIP-HOP CHARTS!

Ted Lucas, CEO of Slip-N-Slide Records, South Florida’s #1 Independent label, has reached enormous victory this year by having his second artist in just a month, hip-hop superstar Trina, debut her fourth album STILL DA BADDEST (Slip-N-Slide Records/EMI) at #1 album on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts. Slip-N-Slide Records recently had the #1 album in the country with Rick Ross’ second album TRILLA.

Trina’s 4th album STILL DA BADDEST, exclusively distributed by EMI, debuts #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop album charts, #1 on the Rap album chart, #3 on the R&B album chart and #6 on the Top album chart. The #1 chart debut was driven by Trina’s current singles, “Single Again,” and I Got A Thang for You” featuring Keyshia Cole and her loyal fan base. The new single, “I Got A Thang For you” featuring Keyshia Cole is building at urban mainstream and Rhythmic Top 40 radio after recently being the #2 most added single. Prior to the album release, digital and mobile sales for both singles reached a total of 200,000 units. The video is featured on MySpace’s music page as well.

Says Ted Lucas, CEO of Slip-N-Slide Records, “Slip-N-Slide Records has had a phenomenal year with two #1 albums in just under a month. We are ready to continue our winning streak and make history with Plies, Qwote, Camar and many more Slip-N-Slide Records’ Artists!”

Says Ronn Werre, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Licensing and Synchronization for EMI Music “EMI’s entire sales team congratulates Trina, Ted and Slip-N-Slide Records on a very impressive start. EMI is proud to be the distribution partner for this record as part of our effort to offer artists world class service.”

Trina, also known as “The Baddest Chick” and “The Diamond Princess” returns after a two year hiatus to reclaim her throne. With one Platinum and two Gold selling albums behind her, her fourth full length studio album STILL DA BADDEST proves to the skeptics that female emcees are not dead and that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with and is “Still Da Baddest” female in the game. Within the last few years Trina has seen her career reach new heights as a gorgeous, classy, sexy artist with a knack for business. Her latest project reunites Trina with her nemesis “Da Baddest”. Trina’s first smash hit “Single Again” is the official ladies anthem of 2008. Her second single, “I Got a Thang for You” features vocals with Keyshia Cole. Trina has returned and has clearly taken back the crown as the true queen of the south and is “Still Da Baddest”. STILL DA BADDEST includes a stellar list of recording artists such as: Plies, Qwote, Missy Elliot, Pitbull, Keyshia Cole and more. Some of the prominent producers on the project include Jim Jonsin and J-Roc.

ABOUT SLIP-N-SLIDE RECORDS

Since the inception of Slip-N-Slide Records in 1993 Slip-N-Slide has sold over 16 million records and counting. Slip-N-Slide Records is home to some of the most provocative and infamous top chart-topping superstars including Trina, Plies, Rick Ross and future crossover pop superstar Qwote who will be releasing his debut album this summer through Lucas’ joint venture deal with Jive Records. With a roster that has continually maintained the relevance and respect of today’s music Slip-N-Slide Records is not just another record label, but a way of life that America has embraced and soon the international global market will embrace as well. Coming up next for Slip-N-Slide Records is the highly anticipated sophomore album by Hip-Hop heavyweight Plies and the debut album of hot new comer Qwote.

Lyricist Lounge joins Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Prospect Park and more dates added

Lyricist Lounge joins Festival. Prospect Park and new dates added
April 8, 2008
Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bodega, the producers of the 4th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival and The Lyricist Lounge announced today that the two premier Hip- Hop event producers will be joining forces for this year’s Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. The two companies will be co-presenters of the main date on July 12th at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park as well as a new date – June 28th at Prospect Park.

The Lyricist Lounge will be joining the Festival’s SUPPORT CELEBRATE REPRESENT network of cultural programming partners. This group of like minded promoters, DJ’s, artists, writers, and activists are working together to produce top notch events around Brooklyn, New York City and beyond.

In addition to adding the new date to the Festival calendar, the two companies will work together on talent buying, promotion, marketing, branding, business development, sponsorship and vendor sales.

“I have known Lyricist Lounge co-founders Danny Castro and Anthony Marshall for years and have always had great respect for their ability and accomplishments. They built the Lyricist Lounge brand from the ground up. From parties to tours to MTV, they created the road map that so many follow today,” added Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival founder and executive director Wes Jackson from his DUMBO office. “This year’s Festival is going to be a great moment for Hip-Hop. 8 days of movies, concerts, and parties at an affordable price. In the community.”

The additional performance day of June 28th at Prospect Park is the immediate result of the collaboration. In 2007 Lyricist Lounge brought over 8,000 fans to the Park and were working with Celebrate Brooklyn for another stellar day in 2008. The date will now be a part of the Celebrate Brooklyn and The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival calendar. Although performers have not been officially announced the lineup is rumored to feature a reunion that will make all of Brooklyn proud.

The performers for the July 10th and 12th dates will also be announced in the coming weeks. The word is another Brooklyn legend will make a triumphant return along with local and emerging acts from the Bronx to Los Angeles.

Tickets for the entire 2008 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival will be released in May. Donation packages will range from $10 to $100 dollars and will include premium seating at the Film Series, free product courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery, discounts on ticketed events and more. More information will be released next week.

The 2008 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival calendar to date is: BHF Film Series: June 13th, 20th, 27th and July 10th 4th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Performance Dates: June 28th at the Prospect Park Bandshell July 10th at The Masonic Lodge in Fort Greene July 11th pre-party July 12th at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park and official after party For venues and artists announcements check www.brooklynbodega.com

Brooklyn Bodega
info@brooklynbodega.com

ATLANTA BALLET’s big is getting bigger!

For the many that are excitedly anticipating big, Atlanta Ballet’s collaboration with Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of OutKast, good fortune has just increased tenfold! A list of talented voices has recently committed to participating in the groundbreaking project premiering April 10-13, 2008 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Best known to many as the silky voice on several of Big Boi’s popular hits, including “The Way You Move,” Sleepy Brown has garnered a following all his own. He boasts his own Top 40 single, “I Can’t Wait,” featuring OutKast, from his debut album Mr. Brown. He is also one third of the influential Atlanta hip-hop production group Organized Noize, which was intrinsically involved in cultivating the music of groups such as OutKast and Goodie Mob. Sleepy Brown is set to appear in several tracks for big, including “I Can’t Wait” and Big Boi’s “Church.”

Also lending their talents to big are Scar, Big Rube, C-Bone, Rock D, Janelle Monáe, and Joi Gilliam, as well as members of the musical group Konkrete. They are slated to appear with Big Boi on tracks such as “Morris Brown” from Idlewild, “Liberation” from Aquemini, and “Kryptonite” from Got Purp? Volume II. The music director for the project is DJ Swiff.

Choreographer Lauri Stallings has eagerly embraced the opportunity to bring together artists into one project, and throw away the idea of a specific genre. In Stallings’ words, “big is the place, event, and experience where we leave our inhibitions at the door, and move forward. big is an example of possibilities…a place for the senses to open, and be lifted, setting a new height for creativity and awareness towards ourselves and the people sitting right next to us.”

The first of its kind performed on the stage of the Fabulous Fox Theatre, big fuses the visual experience of Atlanta’s professional ballet company and hip-hop music, performed live by Atlanta’s own Grammy Award-winning visionary. In addition to Big Boi and other participating artists’ defining songs, music will include new, never heard Big Boi material interwoven with classic masterpieces such as Verdi’s La Traviata.

Media sponsors include WVEE V-103.3 FM, Atlanta’s number one radio station, and Atlanta Peach Magazine, the city’s preeminent luxury publication. After hearing of John McFall’s desire to bring hip-hop to the stage, Peach editor-in-chief Elizabeth Schulte Roth introduced McFall and Atlanta Ballet to Big Boi and Purple Ribbon Entertainment.

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest continuously-operating ballet company in the United States. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals.

Among Atlanta Ballet’s proud and unique 75-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall. Under McFall’s leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance.

Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education in 1996 and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. With diverse class offerings and student population, the Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization.

311 & Snoop Dogg – Unity Tour 2008

311 and Snoop Dogg are hitting the road together for Unity Tour 2008. The tour will begin June 24 in Phoenix and run through August 3 in Austin. Special guests Fiction Plane will open the shows.

311’s Summer Unity Tour has become an annual event for music fans across the country. Past tours have included bands such as The Roots, The Wailers, O.A.R and Matisyahu. This year’s tour proves to be bigger and better than ever as superstar

co-headliner Snoop Dogg joins 311 for 28 shows coast to coast.

With their dynamic and celebratory live shows, 311 have cultivated a grassroots touring fan base that is thriving now more than ever. Blending rock, reggae, hip-hop and funk, 311 have released eight studio albums, a live album and three DVD’s – selling over 8 million units in the U.S. and establishing themselves as a core modern rock artist.

Snoop Dogg is fresh off the release of his new album, Ego Trippin’. With his legendary rap flow and diverse appeal, Snoop has released nine solo studio albums and has sold 30 million records worldwide. Snoop will undoubtedly add a party vibe to the shows – from DoggyStyle to Ego Trippin’ – the big boss will be bringing all his hits and classic cuts. Whether starring in his hit E! show, “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood,” or rocking a live show, Snoop is always able to light up a crowd.

Unity Tour Dates:

6/24/08 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
6/26/08 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara County Bowl
6/27/08 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre
6/28/08 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
6/30/08 Salt Lake City, UT Usana Amphitheatre

7/01/08 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
7/02/08 Omaha, NE Westfair Amphitheatre
7/04/08 Rothbury, MI Rothbury Festival
7/05/08 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
7/06/08 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest *
7/08/08 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/10/08 Kansas City, KS Sandstone Amphitheatre
7/12/08 St Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/13/08 Columbus, OH Promowest Amphitheater
7/15/08 Philadelphia, PA Penn’s Landing

7/16/08 Brooklyn, NY Keyspan Park
7/18/08 Boston, MA Tweeter Center
7/19/08 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
7/20/08 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
7/22/08 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/23/08 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
7/24/08 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/26/08 Atlanta, GA Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheatre
7/27/08 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
7/29/08 Baton Rouge, LA River Center
7/30/08 Houston, TX Showgrounds at Sam Houston Park
7/31/08 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Amphitheatre
8/02/08 Austin, TX The Backyard
8/03/08 Austin, TX The Backyard

*denotes 311 only

311 & Snoop Dogg – Unity Tour 2008

311 and Snoop Dogg are hitting the road together for Unity Tour 2008. The tour will begin June 24 in Phoenix and run through August 3 in Austin. Special guests Fiction Plane will open the shows.

311’s Summer Unity Tour has become an annual event for music fans across the country. Past tours have included bands such as The Roots, The Wailers, O.A.R and Matisyahu. This year’s tour proves to be bigger and better than ever as superstar

co-headliner Snoop Dogg joins 311 for 28 shows coast to coast.

With their dynamic and celebratory live shows, 311 have cultivated a grassroots touring fan base that is thriving now more than ever. Blending rock, reggae, hip-hop and funk, 311 have released eight studio albums, a live album and three DVD’s – selling over 8 million units in the U.S. and establishing themselves as a core modern rock artist.

Snoop Dogg is fresh off the release of his new album, Ego Trippin’. With his legendary rap flow and diverse appeal, Snoop has released nine solo studio albums and has sold 30 million records worldwide. Snoop will undoubtedly add a party vibe to the shows – from DoggyStyle to Ego Trippin’ – the big boss will be bringing all his hits and classic cuts. Whether starring in his hit E! show, “Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood,” or rocking a live show, Snoop is always able to light up a crowd.

Unity Tour Dates:

6/24/08 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
6/26/08 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara County Bowl
6/27/08 San Diego, CA Coors Amphitheatre
6/28/08 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
6/30/08 Salt Lake City, UT Usana Amphitheatre

7/01/08 Denver, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
7/02/08 Omaha, NE Westfair Amphitheatre
7/04/08 Rothbury, MI Rothbury Festival
7/05/08 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
7/06/08 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest *
7/08/08 Chicago, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/10/08 Kansas City, KS Sandstone Amphitheatre
7/12/08 St Louis, MO Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/13/08 Columbus, OH Promowest Amphitheater
7/15/08 Philadelphia, PA Penn’s Landing

7/16/08 Brooklyn, NY Keyspan Park
7/18/08 Boston, MA Tweeter Center
7/19/08 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
7/20/08 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
7/22/08 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/23/08 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
7/24/08 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/26/08 Atlanta, GA Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheatre
7/27/08 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
7/29/08 Baton Rouge, LA River Center
7/30/08 Houston, TX Showgrounds at Sam Houston Park
7/31/08 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Amphitheatre
8/02/08 Austin, TX The Backyard
8/03/08 Austin, TX The Backyard

*denotes 311 only