Prodigy To Release H.N.I.C. Pt. 2: The DVD Collection on June 17th

On June 17^th, Voxonic Music in association with AAO/Reality will release a DVD companion to Prodigy’s newalbum entitled H.N.I.C. PT. 2:  THE VIDEO COLLECTION. Prodigy devoted the last two months to filming music videos for every song on the album; filming his every moment for the DVD which features a collection of never-before-seen videos and exclusives for new songs like “The Dough,” “Get Trapped,” “Represent Me,” and “When I See You” featuring Cormega (songs which were not included on the original album version).  Also featured is the video for “Dirty New Yorker,” featuring Havoc from the Grand Theft Auto IV and the original audio version of the song before it was adapted for Grand Theft Auto IV.

 

Alchemist gave a little insight into Prodigy’s urgency to complete a video for every song, “In the few months before he went in, he didn’t do to much recording. He was more in video mode.  Seemed like he was just shooting a new video everyday. He was more like, ‘let me get this video shot,’ and before he knew it, he’d filmed a video for every song.  Up until the last day, he was filming!”

 

Dan The Man (50 Cent “The Massacre DVD,” Prodigy “Return Of The Mack) who filmed and produced the videos for H.N.I.C. Pt. 2’s “The Life,” “Power Is People,” “ABC,” and “Sleep When I’m Dead,” explains that the video collection enables people to experience the music visually beyond the audio version. “Prodigy has always been ahead of other hip-hop artists when it comes to using technology and he wanted a visual way to connect with his fans directly.” He adds,”P was working really hard before he went in, so it was really imperative for us to get as much done as possible because of our time constraints.  For ‘The Life,’ we used a really different technology.  We shot most of the video on green screen and then superimposed his image on a series of photographs taken around the city. If you look at the video for ‘The Life,’ you’ll see Prodigy over what looks like frozen moments in time.  In the ‘ABC’ video co-starring actor, Peter Greene, as the cop (The Mask & Pulp Fiction), we utilized cutting edge night vision technology which enables you shoot in complete darkness. The ‘Power Is People’ video has an art imitates life quality about it because the video was filmed in Queens Correctional Facility.  At times it was surreal looking through the lens and seeing P walking alone through the halls of the facility knowing that he would soon find himself in one.”

 

Jordan Tower who produced the majority of the H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 video including “Dirty New Yorker,” “Get Trapped,” “I Want Out,” “When I See You,” “Young Veterans,” “Veteran’s Memorial” “Clik Clak,” “Field Marshal P,” “Go,” and more says Prodigy called him the day after he was sentenced originally to film his life as a reality show concept and the experience between the two creative minds led to a series of videos that were filmed in the most unique circumstances. Jordan shares, “I basically lived with P for two weeks and we filmed 24 hours around the clock. He was completely focused and every now then he’d go into a zone, like he was a man running out of time. He knew that he wouldn’t be around to promote the album, so he wanted to give his fans some visuals before he left.  I was really impressed with his work ethic. If he wasn’t shooting a video, he was doing interviews.  We filmed an extra 10 videos that the label will have available to service over time. The production and concept of the videos was a joint effort; there was nothing really scripted. We used our resources.   Like in ‘Get Trapped,’ there was short dialogue that turns into a mini-movie.  P has created his own independent full-feature films before so it’s nothing for him to venture from music video concepts to actually filming, acting, and creating a story line.   A lot of our filming was organic.  For ‘Dough,’ we just happened to be going to a friend’s mansion, we invited people over and it turned into a barbecue scene; next thing you know Arie Deutsch came over and he had a hook-up with a private jet,  so we ended up filming from the sky.  For ‘Veteran’s Memorial’ which pays tribute to people P has lost in his life, we happened to be driving past a graveyard so we hopped out and filmed there.  Whatever we couldn’t get done is still possible because we also filmed videos in front of white, black, and green screen so that different backgrounds can be added for the future if needed.  We used our resources and adapted everything flipping the script depending on what was happening around us. He’d bring a change of clothes with him just so he could film more than one video a day.  It was crazy seeing P change clothes, flip personas from video to video.  At some point, we ran out of clothes filming.  He was pretty intent on leaving us enough to work with because he knew his time was limited.”

 

Produced by The Alchemist, Havoc, Steve Sola to name a few, the album is released by Voxonic Music in association with AAO/Reality.  Peter Kuys, chairman of AAO “Prodigy is such a great dark storyteller, that the concept of allowing people the visual images for all his H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 songs, was an overwhelming opportunity in this ever increasing visual world.” Arie Deutsch adds, “Prodigy has left us with such an incredible album and the visuals just accentuate the music artistically.”

 

While H.N.I.C. Pt. 2  (currently in-stores) enjoys high positioning on the Billboard Sales Charts:  Billboard Top 40 Album Sales Chart #36; Billboard’s Rap/Hip-Hop Sales Chart at #3 (preceded only by Mariah Carey and Ric Ross); the single for “the Life,” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Single Sales Chart.

 

H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 : The Video Collection reaches retail shelves and website etailers June 17^th.

 

 

TWISTA RELEASES FIRST GROUP FROM HIS LATEST

Multi-platinum rapper, Twista launches his Get Money Gang (GMG) Imprint via Koch Records, with yet another anticipated Speedknot Mobstaz album entitled MOBSTABILITY II: Nation Bizness, set to  release Tuesday, May 27, 2008.  With new single “Money To Blow” both radio and MTV Jams are strongly supporting group members Liffy Stokes, Mayz and Skooda.  “No lie, this album is on some real street shit, none of that Ringtone shit.  This music we’re putting out is for the everyday Hustla on the grind. Its been a long time coming for me and the crew, now that everything is in place we can finally give the fans what they want,” says Speedknot Mobstaz member Liffy Stokes.

Surrounding all of the hype in regards to the release of the new album, the Speedknot Mobstaz recently accepted the offer to perform on the Rock The Vote Tour scheduled to hit over 20 cities throughout the United States.  In addition to that, the Speedknot Mobstaz will introduce their video “Money To Blow” on BET’s Rap City next week.  In 1998, the Mobstaz released their first album entitled MOBSTABILITY: Nation Bizness which ultimately certified them RIAA gold status with over 700,000 in sales. Strategically, prepped with a half a million copies sold from three compilations, the group feels they are ready and set to really jumpstart their career and never look back. 

Rolling out the red carpet for the team he believes in, Twista is on a mission to expand his music and entrepreneurial vision with Get Money Gang.  The Speedknot Mobstaz are just one of the many artists that will be unveiled from the GMG imprint through other label deals.  “Expect to hear real music coming from the heart of the Chi. I am dedicated to making this GMG label a movement first in Chicago, then nationwide. If you got real talent and about getting money, then you got a spot at my label,” says Twista. The release of this album promises to set summer radio on fire!

View “Money To Blow” Video Here:
Hi-Bandwidth: http://kochent.edgeboss.net/wmedia/kochent/twista/money2blow512k_stream.wvx

World’s first hip-hop ice cream shop coming to Charlotte

This fall Charlotte will get something no other city in the world has –Soulmade.

What is Soulmade?  In its tangible, physical form Soulmade is an ice cream parlor, espresso bar and lounge.  Housed in approximately 1300-square feet in center Charlotte, Soulmade will serve one-of-a-kind gelatos and sorbets inspired by southern African American and other ethnic culinary traditions (think sweet potato gelato and mango mojito sorbet).  The space will also include a stage and DJ booth, all part of its goal to be more than your ordinary ice cream shop.

The brainchild of Charlotte native Eric Polite II, Soulmade is a lifestyle, a consciousness that recognizes the commonalities and links shared by diverse communities.  The shop is built on the legacy of social movement and counter-culture coffeehouses.  By using ice cream, music, art and many other forms to emphasize the value of communication and community, Soulmade aspires to create an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of the world in which we live.

It is this philosophy that caught the attention of Grammy-award winning producer and founder of the True School Corp, 9th Wonder during the 2008 CIAA tournament.  “I was hosting a tasting at a day party when 9th walked in,” said owner and Charlotte native Eric Polite II.  “After talking with me about the shop and tasting the ice cream he was hooked.  He pledged his support to helping make Soulmade a success on the spot.”

True to his word, 9th is partnering with Soulmade to host  the first of many events planned for this summer.  These events are designed to introduce Soulmade’s concept and philosophy to Charlotte.

The first event, the Nu Soul Movement, which will be held on Friday, May 16 at Woods on South, will create a space to inform, inspire, and empower people through food, music and culture.  During the event attendees will have an opportunity to:

·         Taste samples of Soulmade’s signature gelato – sweet potato pie.  Other flavors will also be served, including a mango mojito sorbet.

·         Listen to the sounds of Jocelyn Ellis

·         Dance to the beat as 9th Wonder spins vintage hip-hop classics designed to make you say, “Ooh, that’s my song.”

The event starts at 10 p.m.  In addition to the May social, Soulmade will sponsor Nu Soul Movement activities throughout July, national ice cream month.  More details are forthcoming.

“Soulmade is a revoluntionary concept,” said 9th.  “It has the ability to change the way people view hip-hop and take it back to its roots of empowering people to impact social change in our community.”

For more information on the May 16 event go to www.nusoulmovement.com.

-          www.soulmadeicecream.com -

ILL BILL, KILLAH PRIEST, DEFARI (DILATED PEOPLES), APATHY, OUTERSPACE, RA THE RUGGED MAN, SMIF-N-WESSUN, C-RAYZ WALZ & MORE JOIN WITH GERMAN PRODUCTION TEAM SNOWGOONS FOR THEIR SOPHOMORE SET “BLACK SNOW”

ILL BILL, KILLAH PRIEST, DEFARI (DILATED PEOPLES), APATHY, OUTERSPACE, RA THE RUGGED MAN, SMIF-N-WESSUN, C-RAYZ WALZ & MORE JOIN WITH GERMAN PRODUCTION TEAM SNOWGOONS FOR THEIR SOPHOMORE SET “BLACK SNOW”

Album hits streets June 24th on renowned indie Babygrande Records; first video premiered featuring Reef The Lost Cauze

Amidst critical fanfare and a rapidly expanding US profile, The Snowgoons, the renowned German production team of Det, DJ Illegal, Torben & DJ Waxwork, prepare their sophomore offering, “Black Snow,” featuring a veritable who’s who of the independent hip-hop scene.

Building off of the critical and commercial acclaim of their debut release, 2007’s “German Lugers,” The Snowgoons once again enlist the upper echelon of independent talent for “Black Snow,” including Defari (Dilated Peoples), Killah Priest, Smif-N-Wessun, ILL Bill (Non Phixion & La Coka Nostra), Outerspace, C-Rayz Walz, R.A. The Rugged Man, Apathy, Edo G., Sabac Red (Non-Phixion), Doap Nixon, Reef The Lost Cauze, Sick Jacken, Rasul Allah (Lost Children of Babylon), Scheme (The Molemen), Main Flow, El Da Sensei, Block McCloud, Pace Won, Slaine & many more. With a line-up of features that rivals (and outshines) most independent labels’ rosters, The Snowgoons once again storm the US shores with their distinctive blend of beats paired with the cream of the independent emcee crop.

In connection with the announcement of the release, The ‘Goons unveil the first of multiple videos showcasing the gritty underground stylings that will define their sophomore entry “Black Snow:”
“This Is Where The Fun Stops” featuring Philly’s own Reef The Lost Cauze.

Check for more videos in the ensuing weeks featuring guest emcees from the album…

WATCH “THIS IS WHERE THE FUN STOPS” FEATURING REEF THE LOST CAUZE:
www.hiphopcrack.com/viewVideo.hhc?videoId=1050

CHECK OUT THE WIDGET FOR MORE INFO AND TRACKS!!!
www.crackspace.com/snowgoons

SNOWGOONS
“BLACK SNOW”
IN STORES JUNE 24th!!!

www.crackspace.com/snowgoons
www.snowgoons.de
www.babygrande.com

The Gargamel Gleaner Vol. 1 // Issue 3

A FEW WORDS FROM GARGAMEL HIMSELF
 The Icon Buju Banton Speaks…

Greetings, good people of the earth! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the love and support over the years and for your continued support in the future.

By now most have already heard about the separation between myself and Penthouse Music Group. Let me assure you that it was one of mutual understanding, and that I sincerely wish Mr. Donovan Germain all the best. With much respect I say to Mr. Germain, thank you for the many years of service and for the eye-opening experience.

To the haters, hate on. To the well-wishers, we will be victorious because JAH LIVE. As for me personally, I am fine. Glad I now have the medium to communicate to my fans and friends all over the world.

Here at Gargamel we are cultivating a new awareness in the minds of music lovers everywhere. Over the past three years, I have been steadily building. The trials were many and the lessons arduous. However, it has made me much more informed and knowledgeable about this business of music. Learning how everything works behind the scenes is crucial in this age. I am proud to announce that the studio renovation is now complete, give God almighty the glory — yet our works have just begun.

There are so much things to discuss and share with you but where to begin? I am of the belief that there is a certain force at work in this, our beloved island of Jamaica: a force working to further undermine us as a people who should know by now where we are coming from, and where we are going. Where is unity? Where is trust? Where is loyalty? Where is conscience?

How long will brothers be placed in the uncomfortable position of being the buffer between the rich and poor in this country, all in the name of security? The scale is not a balanced one when it comes to dealing with those they say have not, as opposed to those who have.

In Jamaica today we have a terrible problem with the guns, the gunman, the politicans, the dons, the deejays, the lesbian and gays, you name it. We are suffering a social decay yet no one, not a single one of our entertainers, have seen the need for a change in the lyrical content they are selling.

In times past, entertainers were such a vocal set that even church leaders would quote them during service. What happened? Have we all become followers now, instead of leaders for our people? No wonder these political snipers are getting away with blue murder. Everybody is afraid of what speaking out might bring.

I have no friend in high society. My friends are those I can identify with, those who have a heart conscience, those who see our country — overrun by crooks and cut throats — and are calling deep inside for their champions to restore their pride and dignity so we Jamaicans can once more hold our heads high and serve this great nation with our all. We have a responsibility. Let’s pull together.