Ayah delivers video and mixtape

Problem Woman & Pusha Man Toronto’s finest delivers again

Toronto Canada June 2nd 2008 – After a sell out show and hugely successful video release party promoting the impending release of her Problem Woman mixtape, available for free download as of today, Canadian songstress Ayah has yet to hit her top speed. Ayah who is currently featured on www.honeysoul.com was amazed by the crowd that turned out to support her performance and the unveiling of her video last week at Revival in her home city.  “To be honest, I was truly humbled by the turn out Wednesday night. It was a full house! My band played so beautifully, and the crowd was open! The love that was in that room was incredible. I am so appreciative of the support I felt!”-  Ayah                                                                                               Promoting her Marvin Gaye inspired Problem Woman mixtape which is available for free download, Ayah has been busy talking to websites and magazines who have recognized her potential. You will read about what feeds her hunger for success and just how music is literally her everything in her up and coming interviews on HipHopCanada.com, Yoraps.com, HipHop.De and Blueprint magazine to name just a few. Shot on the streets of Toronto, Pusha Man is the first video that Ayah has worked on in all capacities including as a performer. “I was really excited to shoot the video and be so hands on with it in all aspects, not many people have that opportunity,” she explained. “Then to see your ideas come to life and be recieved like it has, makes the process even better.”  The video for the Lyve produced track was directed by Trevor Francis and features Canadian lyricst Tona. “This ain’t the first time me and Ayah have done work so I can say working with her is dope, cause she not only has one of the strongest voices I’ve heard in a while, she’s humble.  She most definitely transcends new boundaries and incorporates all genres of music in her sound, it surprises me that at 23, she’s got such a vintage soul to base her project around the late Marvin Gaye, who’s done that? That’s exactly what music needs.” – Tona                                              Controlling the booth, the stage and maintaining the camera’s attention Ayah is proof that there is a new chick on the block who has the attributes to bring the title of Soul Queen to Canada. Already hard at work on her debut album, Ayah is certainly a force to be reckoned with amongst her female counterparts. To check out her video for Pusha Man click on the link below www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_ayntTx0Wc&eurl= To download a digital version of the Problem Woman mixtape please visit www.ayahmusic.com

Grammy Award-Winning, Superstar Producer T-Pain Launches Full Service Digital Record Label, Nappy Boy Digital

Nappy Boy Digital’s First Release “Beam Me Up” Features The Label’s Debut Artist, Tay Dizm, Along With T-Pain And Rick Ross

(June 02, 2008 – Atlanta, GA) World renowned producer and No. 1 hit selling artist T-Pain steps into the forefront of the digital music world with the launch of his full service, independent record label, Nappy Boy Digital.   Nappy Boy Digital provides a direct artist to consumer connection as well as an immediate outlet for T-Pain to release his latest and greatest tracks. Without the constraints of the traditional major label machine, Nappy Boy Digital will deliver new music directly into the hands of millions of online music lovers via all the major digital download sites.   “Nappy Boy Digital is a dream come true for me. I’m excited about bringing music by new artists to people fresh out of the studio,” said T-Pain commenting on the venture. “My life and career so far has been about breaking barriers and this label allows me to continue that by delivering hit songs in real time, no red tape, just good music. You’ll hear us in the clubs and on radio too, but you can discover our tracks where people spend most of their time, on-line. I’m very proud to be out front on an idea like this.”   Since debuting in December 2005 with his monster hit, “I’m Sprung,” Tallahassee, FL native T-Pain has amassed an impressive number of awards and recognition. In 2007, his number one single “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin)” was one of the largest Billboard Hot 100 radio audience records of the year, was downloaded by more than 1.5 million people, and the ringtone was purchased by over 3 million. This brings the cumulative total of ringtones sold by him to over 15 million (excluding collaborations) and makes him the largest seller of ringtones to date.   The multi-talented rappa-ternt-sanga received the 2008 Grammy for Best Rap Song for his appearance on Kanye West’s “Good Life,” and was also nominated four other times including for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Kiss Kiss” with Chris Brown. T-Pain most recently touched the top of the charts with Flo-Rida on the ubiquitous number one single, “Low” and currently has collaborations on the airwaves with Mariah Carey and Lil Wayne on singles from both their respective albums. Billboard magazine snagged T-Pain for their cover in October of 2007, and other top-selling publications such as GQ, Vibe, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today have all written in-depth feature stories about his overwhelming popularity.   T-Pain’s longtime rap collaborator, Tay Dizm serves as the first artist on his newly formed label, Nappy Boy Digital. The Miami-born MC has appeared on both of T-Pain’s full length releases, Rappa Ternt Sanga (2005) and Epiphany (2007) and toured the globe extensively alongside T-Pain. Dizm’s debut single, “Beam Me Up,” was produced by Atlanta hitmaker Bangladesh and features T-Pain and heavyweight Florida rapper, Rick Ross. “Beam Me Up” was made available by Nappy Boy Digital as an itunes exclusive on May 20, 2008 and will receive a web-wide release in the first week of June. “Beam Me Up” will also impact mainstream urban radio on June 16, 2008.   As the brainchild of one of the most prolific artists of the 21st Century, T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Digital is blazing a fresh trail in online music distribution. Leading the pack with five BET Award nominations (more than any other act), T-Pain will continue to be an innovative force in popular music thanks to the introduction of Nappy Boy Digital and it’s first artist, Tay Dizm.

Brand Agents: Recording Artists make Business Personal

Written by Isha Edwards 

June 2008

In a series of unprecedented events, recording artists have solidified their new role as brand agents. Besides creating new business models, artists have also created business exchanges that are personal in the truest sense of the word.

Some examples?

 

Earlier this year, rapper and actor, T.I. (Clifford Harris), began soliciting nearly 2 million “friends” garnered via MySpace to join his social networking artist Web site, StreetCred.com. Harris’ peers, 50 Cent (Thisis50.com) and Ludacris (Wemix.com) are among those to follow suit.

From a business perspective, incorporating the social networking platform on an artist Web site is a practical way to increase two-way communication and engage hardcore fans with a brand long-term. In addition to having direct access to fans, recording artists have direct access to site user data, fan e-mail addresses, and even prospective talent. Having direct access enables artists to enhance the fan experience through personal exchanges, convert fan interaction into sales transactions and even shift control of creative direction to the keeper of the brand, the artist.

 

Who better to peddle incentives to end users than an agent who is the brand? British alternative rock band, Radiohead, first modeled the concept by allowing fans to set individual prices for their In Rainbows album, which was initially released as a digital download last October.  The band has since launched an initiative, which furthers fan interaction with their brand.  Last month, would be producers were allowed to purchase the five bows or musical elements (bass, drums, guitar, strings/fx, and voice) to the bands “Nude” recording and rework the tune. Completed mixes were uploaded to the band’s Web site where fans voted for their favorite remix.

The goal to develop “a non-traditional approach that blends….the artist and their music, with the power of brand marketing,” is yet another personal exchange. In April, Island Def Jam Music Group and Procter & Gamble’s TAG brand announced the formation of a new Hip Hop record label through which branding efforts will be advanced.

 

Under the creative direction of Hip Hop mogul, Jermaine Dupri, TAG Records artists will now be able to merge their music with personal brand marketing. Album releases, artists as well as Dupri will be showcased via various TAG brand advertising and marketing initiatives, i.e., TAG Body Spray’s re-launch as well as digital ads, events, print, radio, and television. Dupri says the efforts amount to “10 times the typical marketing support.” 

 

In a move proceeded  by pop artist, Madonna and the rock band, U2, Hip Hop multi-hyphenate, Jay-Z inked a deal with Live Nation worth an estimated $150 million. Contract terms under Roc Nation LLC, reflects the joint entertainment venture between Jay-Z and Live Nation.

 

Producing Jay-Z’s tours, publishing, licensing, external acquisitions and investments as well as album production are included in the agreement. The move is a relevant yet lucrative way to ensure that goods and services add value to the Jay-Z brand.

 

According to Atlanta-based brand management consulting company, EPiC Measures, “A well established brand and related line extensions is a company’s most valuable asset. In addition to providing a competitive advantage, a well established brand will also maximize earnings.” Amidst the myriad of new industry operating procedures, recording artists are proving that the essential part of creating and growing a brand to maximize earnings is actually more personal than business.

 

For additional insight on branding, visit: www.epicmeasures.com

CRUNK!!! Energy Drink Introduces New Flavor

CRUNK!!! Energy Drink will be expanding its  product portfolio this June by launching a new lemon-lime citrus flavor after the success of both regular and sugar-free pomegranate flavored CRUNK!!!. CRUNK!!!  Citrus will have new packaging as well; a boasting yellow and green can. Since January 2008, CRUNK!!! has added five new markets to their distribution – Los Angeles, North Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee – and the expansion will continue this summer.
 
“With the continuing popularity of the pomegranate flavor CRUNK!!!, we are thrilled to be introducing CRUNK!!! Citrus to the market this summer,” says Tom Mahlke, President  and CEO. “CRUNK!!! Citrus is the only energy drink on the market with an all natural lemon-lime taste and the renowned CRUNK!!! bite. The strong consumer demand is driving the success of the CRUNK!!!! brand, and is the reason we keep opening new markets on a regular basis,” says Mahlke.
 
CRUNK!!! Citrus will be launching with a multi-level marketing program, “We are planning to implement a full blown marketing campaign including events, street teams, sampling and regional radio. Promotions will also include looking for the freshest DJs that can create the craziest CRUNK!!! Citrus mix and the most CRUNK!!! Citrus Girls for our 2009 calendar,” says Kevin Doyle, Vice President of Marketing.
 
CRUNK!!! Energy Drink is authentically connected to youth through music and has relationships with both platinum recording and up-and-coming artists today. The list of artists include Lil Jon, Pitbull, Bohagon, Paul Wall, and others to many bands including After Midnight Project, School Boy Humor, Gillmor, Billy Boy On Poison and Vogue In Movement.
 
First launched in 2004 by multi-platinum selling rapper and producer Lil Jon and beverage industry mogul Sidney Frank, CRUNK!!! Energy Drink is designed to deliver mental and physical vitality while supporting the immune system. Made with real flavors and a unique combination of herbal supplements, amino acids, complex vitamins and caffeine, CRUNK!!! is the energy drink that enhances the youth lifestyle. For more information on CRUNK!!! Energy Drink please visit: http://www.crunkenergydrink.com/

The Brooklynati Trio Is Back: Tanya Morgan Release The Bridge EP

Eight track EP whets the appetite for their upcoming full-length album

“The last time Brooklyn and Cincinnati got together a classic was made. We are Tanya Morgan. Welcome to The Bridge. You coming over with us?”   (June 2, 2008 – Brooklyn, NY) Tanya Morgan, the loveable hip-hop trio hailing from Brooklyn and Cincinnati, have announced the release of The Bridge EP. Serving as a “bridge” between their previous works and their upcoming full-length release Brooklynati, the album is a re-introduction to the group that received industry props in 2006 with their critically acclaimed debut LP, Moonlighting. The Bridge EP is available now on Bay Area record label Interdependent Media.   For those that don’t know yet, Tanya Morgan is not your typical female. Rather �she� is actually a rap group comprised of three members. Donwill and Ilyas hail from Cincinnati, while Von Pea reps Brooklyn. Comprised of eight solid tracks plus one bonus cut, The Bridge EP provides a succinct sampling of the Tanya Morgan sound. Steering clear of hip-hop clich�s, Tanya Morgan have succeeded in crafting a unique brand of hip-hop. As Donwill explains, �We go to great lengths to make sure we don�t sound like everyone else. Instead of jam-packing our releases with different producers and guest emcees for attention, we carefully choose who we work with because we make it a priority to cultivate our own sound and identity.” The title track opens the record with Donwill rhyming, “Long time comin� so its gotta be priority / record dealings / label woes left a bunch of bitter foes / band aid the band and we givin� it another go.” The song bounces over a looped piano line and the chorus brings it full circle as the three members chant in staccato succession, “The bridge!” “Hip Hop is Dead II” showcases the unique lyrical ability of each member. Although criticizing what is currently going on in hip-hop, the group never sounds preachy and instead acts as a source of inspiration for the future of hip-hop. Ilyas rhymes “We all got knowledge on the block but we won’t apply it / I give you food for thought and you decide to diet.” On “Be You” the group breaks down their approach to the rap game by realizing that the best thing to do in the rap industry is to stay positive and to avoid being something you are not.   Tanya Morgan’s debut full-length album, Moonlighting, built an underground buzz after receiving kudos from both critics and their peers. Moonlighting made ?uestlove’s list of Top 10 albums of 2006, received praise in XXL’s Chairman’s Choice, and got a 3.5 mic rating from The Source. Tanya Morgan will be touring extensively in support of The Bridge EP, as well as finishing their second full-length album, which will be released in the fall.   ###   Please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Tanya Morgan. Streams:   “How Low” http://www.audibletreats.com/download/TanyaMorgan/Tanya_Morgan-How_Low.mp3     Offical site: http://www.tanyamorgan.com/ MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tanyamorgan   Label site: http://www.imculture.com/

Dizzee Rascal Announces Second Round US Tour Dates in July

UK rhymemaster Dizzee Rascal wrapped up his most recent U.S. tour last week and zipped back to Europe, where he’ll be playing a slew of festivals throughout June and early July. But stateside fans shouldn’t fret as they’ll now have a second chance to catch the Definitive Jux MC with seven newly announced tour dates this July.

 

Dizzee will kick things off once again on the East Coast with a headlining gig at New York’s Highline Ballroom before hitting Chicago to claim the highly coveted spot of hip-hop ambassador to day two of the infamous Pitchfork Music Festival (others include Public Enemy on day one and Ghostface and Raekwon on day three) where he’ll take the stage alongside hipster darlings Vampire Weekend, No Age, Jay Reatard, and more. From there he’ll make a sharp turn north to hit Toronto before veering West again for Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.  

 

Dizzee Rascal tour dates:

 

July 18        NEW YORK, NY    Highline Ballroom

July 19        CHICAGO, IL    Pitchfork

July 20        TORONTO, ON    Rogers Picnic

July 21        AUSTIN, TX    Emo’s   

July 22        DENVER, CO    Cervante’s

July 24        LOS ANGELES, CA    Echoplex

July 25        SAN FRANCISCO, CA    Mezzanine

 

Dizzee spent the month of May hopping city-to-city with Definitive Jux head honcho El-P and indie hip hoppers Busdriver and Kidz in the Hall in support of the North American release of Maths + English. The album, which hit stores April 29^th, contains four bonus tracks not included on the UK version. Digital versions on iTunes, eMusic, and Amazon each contain an exclusive remix not on the physical disc.

 

Somewhere between tour stops, Dizzee took a breather long enough to speak to Hip Hop DX, Ruby Hornet, SixShot.com, and Shabooty, where he shed light on the British hip-hop phenomenon ‘grime’ that he helped create, as well as staking his claim in the U.S. hip hop scene after already having toured with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, and Red Hot Chili Peppers overseas. He also sat down with PaperThinWalls to give them an inside scoop on his questionable driving practices back home. Buy your tix to the above dates now and cross your fingers that the London police officers are kind enough to turn the other cheek.

Audio/Video available for posting

 

Listen to Dizzee Rascal “Where’s Da G’s” feat. Bun B from Maths + English (Definitive Jux)

http://dailyrindblog.com/audio/dizzeerascal_wheresdags.mp3

 

Watch Dizzee Rascal “Where’s Da G’s” feat. Bun B from Maths + English (Definitive Jux)
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=215497

à .mov file available upon request

 

Watch Dizzee Rascal’s 4-minute freestyle on AOL’s 16 Bars

http://music.aol.com/16-bars/dizzee-rascal/

 

Watch Dizzee Rascal’s hip-hop slang lessons on AOL Music

http://www.spinner.com/2008/03/18/the-dl-hip-hop-slang-lesson-1/

http://www.spinner.com/2008/03/25/the-dl-hip-hop-slang-lesson-2/

http://www.spinner.com/2008/04/01/the-dl-hip-hop-slang-lesson-3/  

http://www.spinner.com/2008/04/09/the-dl-hip-hop-slang-lesson-4/ 

 

Buy Dizzee Rascal’s Maths + Englishes

 

iTunes:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=277728248&s=143441

 

eMusic:

http://www.emusic.com/album/Dizzee-Rascal-Maths-English-MP3-Download/11205235.html

 

Napster:

http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12779621

 

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Maths-%2B-English-Explicit/dp/B0017U9SBY/ref=pd_bbs_10?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1209668205&sr=8-10