Barrett LaRoda to Produce 3rd Annual THISDAY Music Festival, Jay Z, Usher and Mary J. Blige to Headline

BARRETT LARODA TO PRODUCE THISDAY MUSIC FEST IN NIGERIA JAY Z, USHER AND MARY J. BLIGE TO HEADLINE   Chris Brown, Rihanna and Sade also Slated to Perform

Los Angeles, CA -  Fresh from the success of the 4th Annual Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago, with headliners Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart and Shakira, Barrett LaRoda, CEO of the LaRoda Group, has announced that he will once again executive produce and produce alongside Nduka Obaigbena, CEO of THISDAY Media Group, the 3rd Annual THISDAY Music Festival to be held in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.   One of the biggest and most successful concerts ever held on the continent of Africa, this will be LaRoda’s third consecutive concert for the country.  Headliners Jay Z and Usher will perform July 11 in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and Mary J. Blige will make her mark on July 13 in Lagos. Heart throb Chris Brown, songstress Rihanna and the lovely Sade are also slated to perform. Past performers have included Beyonce, P. Diddy, John Legend and NeYo.     The THISDAY Music Festival has enjoyed phenomenal success in Nigeria.  This year’s event will serve as the launch platform for the New Africa Agenda, a new initiative created to formalize an infrastructure to serve Africa Not Aid.   “Music is the world’s biggest common denominator,” expresses Barrett.  “It transcends language barriers and cultures.  It is my greatest pleasure to produce phenomonal events on a consistent basis literally around the globe.  We were the first to bring P.Diddy and Shakira to West Africa.  What we do annually in Tobago at the jazz festival is just mind blowing.  And believe it or not, we are only just beginning.  There are no limits!”   Pictured left to right:  Indira LaRoda, Rod Stewart and Barrett LaRoda at the 4th Annual Plymouth Jazz Festival Tobago.  Photo Credit:  Arnold Turner

A Uneek idea moves Female Emcees Babs Bunny, Lady Luck, Lady of Rage and Amil

 

Radio personality Ed Lover of Power 105.1FM and Uneek, formerly of the Bounce Squad have joined forces to create a movement entitled Females Earning Money (FEM). FEM features four of the fiercest female lyricists the industry has ever experienced… Babs Bunny, Lady Luck, Lady of Rage and Amil. 

 

“This is the perfect time to do a project like this”, expressed co-Executive Producer of the FEM Movement, Ed Lover. “A lot of people have been wondering what happened to the female emcees, well these ladies are about to prove that they are here and they are better than ever! The FEM Movement is great for the future of hip-hop!”

 

Uneek, who transitioned her career from artist to manager (currently managing Babs and Lady Luck and consulting for Rage), spearheaded this movement with Ed Lover to unify female emcees in a way never seen before. “Females don’t come together enough and we need to show unity and cohesiveness. Men do it all the time and now it’s our time to stand up, stand together and make some money”, said Uneek of why she decided to create FEM. “FEM gives these talented women an opportunity to come together as a movement to show the power that we have when we work as a team, while still allowing each member to maintain their solo emcee status.”

 

“Women seem to have a hard time working together, but we are about to change that and make history”, said Lady Luck. When asked about the FEM Movement Babs stated, “I’m excited about the project. Each one of us brings something great and different to the table and I’m ready to go in!  We are all very talented and we have all worked with major artists in the industry… Rage with Dr. Dre and Snoop, Amil with Jay-Z, Luck with Def Jam and EPMD and myself with Diddy. None of us are amateurs, but at the same time we all still have something to prove.”

 

Currently the FEM artists are in the studio working on a mixtape hosted by DJ Doo Wop.  Rah Digga, as well as other female emcees to be announced will be featured on the mixtape. Plans for a tour and album are also in the works.

 

 

www.myspace.com/officialfem 

For show bookings or tour information contact:

Uneek

 

– uneekishot@gmail.com

Chairman of SRC Records Steve Rifkind Becomes Partner in Chief Executive Air

Music Impresario To Provide Multi-Platinum Artists Exclusive Access To Jet Services

Premier private jet charter company Chief Executive Air announced today a partnership with hip-hop entrepreneur Steve Rifkind and his SRC (Street Records Corporation) label to provide a stable of award-winning artists exclusive access to Chief Executive Air’s elite charter services.  Hoping to capitalize on the relationships Rifkind has developed over the last 25 years in the Entertainment business; Chief Executive Air is thrilled to bring the music impresario on board. Exemplifying his effectiveness, Rifkind is currently responsible for bucking the downward trend in music sales as his Universal-distributed label has successfully broken multi-platinum artists, Akon, David Banner and Terror Squad all within in its first three years.

Mr. Rifkind, who has launched successful marketing campaigns for such International brands as T-Mobile, Adidas and SanDisk, will bring his years of marketing experience and strong entertainment industry contacts to Chief Executive Air.  A true originator of the “Street Team” concept of grass-roots marketing, he will play a primary role in developing Chief Executive Air’s strategic marketing initiatives, assist in customer acquisitions, and further drive the company’s overall expansion into the world of entertainment.

“As a true partner in the company, Steve Rifkind not only opens doors into the music industry, but he brings with him a wealth of strategic marketing and promotional experience which will have an enormous influence on the growth of our business, as it has already proven quite successful in his own,” commented Jeffrey Menaged, Chief Executive Air’s CEO.

Mr. Rifkind added, “I am looking forward to applying the strategies that have worked so well in building entertainment brands over the last two decades to such an exclusive service as the one Chief Executive Air offers.” He went on to say, “Whether it’s producing the best sound or providing the best private charter, Jeffrey and I are committed to offering a unique and memorable customer experience.”

One of the earliest hip-hop entrepreneurs, 44 year-old Steve Rifkind is the Founder and Chairman of SRC record label. Additionally, Rifkind has just produced a series of educational DVDs for children integrating music and learning via a captivating puppet show. Rifkind continues to discover emerging artists and reach new heights as he enters new genres of music and capitalizes on his artists’ commercial and cross-over appeal.

Chief Executive Air is a full service private aviation company specializing in aircraft charters. With a unique blend of aviation expertise and world-class hospitality, a client-centric focus and exacting standards, Chief Executive Air delivers the highest level of service while ensuring each client’s safety and security. Charter specialist can be reached by calling, 888.FLY.CEAIR.

Gorilla Zoe Unleashes Sophomore Album Don’t Feed Da Animals

Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South/Atlantic recording artist, Gorilla Zoe, gears up for the release of his sophomore album, Don’t Feed Da Animals (September 23rd release) with single “On the Corner” featuring Sean Kingston. Gorilla Zoe’s debut “Welcome to the Zoo,” which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums Chart, launched Gorilla Zoe’s unique raspy vocals with the hard-hitting street anthem “Hood N*gga.” Block Entertainment CEO Russell “Block” Spencer expects Don’t Feed Da Animals to exceed expectations set by the success of Welcome to the Zoo.

Gorilla Zoe builds anticipation for the forthcoming Don’t Feed Da Animals with buzz-worthy records, “Waddle” featuring Gucci Mane and “Dope Boy.” Production from the industry’s newest heavyweights, Justice League-”P*ssy Talk” and “Neighborhood,”  Don Vito-”Dope Boy,” and Luney Tunez N Yo Area-”Waddle” to name a few are rounded out with seasoned producers, Jazze Pha “Locked Up or Dead,” and J.R. Rotem “On the Corner.”

According to Gorilla Zoe, Don’t feed Da Animals is collectively “a huge album, filled with my life experiences, thoughts and feelings-real and uncut.”

Exclusive new music and updated photos can be found on www.myspace.com/gorillazoe96 and fans are now able to contact Gorilla Zoe via a new marketing tool, www.saynow.com, by calling the artist directly at (678) 608-0521.

BIO
In 2007, Gorilla Zoe entered the jungle known as the rap game simply hoping to adjust to his new habitat.  But, one year after his mega-single, “Hood Nigga,” and the world-wide success of his debut album Welcome To the Zoo, Zoe is securing and defending his own territory with his newest effort, Don’t Feed Da Animals.

Acting as both a forewarning and a told-you-so, Don’t Feed Da Animals speaks to what happens when you don’t follow advice.  As hungry an artist as you will ever find, the rapper born Alonzo Mathis only needed one shot to prove that he had the talent and voice to become a household name.  When Block Ent. CEO Russell “Block” Spencer gave Zoe that chance as a soloist and member of supergroup Boyz N Da Hood, it opened the gates for this Gorilla to wreak havoc.

“My first album was all real life; I was just talking about where I was at, at that time,” says Zoe about his debut, which peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Top Rap albums chart.  “Now, I’ve tasted success and been around the world, but I’m still hood.  You see me in the same places you met me.  I don’t have money like Bill Gates or Jay-Z, but I’m hood-rich and I’m telling my story from that point of view.”

Songs like the autobiographical “Man I” speak to Zoe’s ascension from a wayward youth strolling the streets of Atlanta looking for a place to stay, to a man who was able to improve his quality of life.  So do songs like “Get Away” and “Dope Boi,” where Zoe simply enjoys the fruits of his labor without alienating those who haven’t made it to the top, yet.

“I’ve watched so many folks get money, leave the hood, and think they’re better than everyone else,” says Zoe.  “I ain’t gonna change who I am; I don’t think success means you’ve got to leave or change who you are.  But at the same time some change is good.  Anything that doesn’t change isn’t alive.  People, just like flowers, grow, bloom, and die.  If I’m gonna grow, bloom, and die, I’m gonna make sure people love me.”

In addition to traveling the world through touring, in the past year Zoe has made a name for himself via guest spots on both rap and R&B songs by his labelmates Yung Joc and JC.  Hoping to display more of his versatility, Don’t Feed Da Animals has plenty of songs showing Zoe’s growth as a recording artist.

“Get Off Me” has the raspy-voiced rapper demonstrating complete mastery of his distinct vocal tones, while “Ladadi” has the hood nigga crushing all stereotypes and flowing over a Crystal Waters sample.  He also experiments with different cadences on songs such as the high-tempo “Salute” and the hood narrative “Another Day.”

“In making this album, I’ve learned what to do with my voice,” says Zoe, citing the lead single, “On The Corner” featuring Sean Kingston, as a prime example.  “I know what sounds fit me, so I’m in my zone right now.  I understand that it’s ok to just be me, instead of jumping in and out of trends.”

Unafraid to do a little of what’s considered the norm, Zoe manages to bring his own appeal to tracks like “S.W.A.G.G.” featuring Shawty Lo and Rocko, and “44″ featuring T-Pain.

“I look at everything and everybody accordingly,” says Zoe.  “I’ve seen people look at me like I’m nothing but a dope boy, or say I’m not a real hip-hop artist.  I don’t make music for those people.  That’s why I call mines ‘relative music’ – it’s made for people to relate to.  I’m the hood spokesperson and my clientele will grow with me.”

Real Hip Hop Returns!

Hip hop maestro and the driving force behind the New York Masta Mix Records label, Traum, proudly announces the release of his debut album “Mad Dreamz”.  Mad Dreamz will be released august 26th 2008 Under the leadership and production of rap sensation Traum and featuring collaborations with Cormega, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Screwball, Big Noyd and many more, this release features some of the illest sounds ever to spit out of the ghetto including beats by the legendary producer Ayatollah.

Credibility is crucial in any industry but when it comes to a music scene where “real recognize real” is the overriding mantra, New York native Traum walks it like he talks it.

Bloodlines in Hip Hop’s crowded family tree can be hard to explain but Traum’s pedigree is nothing short of thoroughbred: born in the Bronx, the birthplace of the genre and then raised in Queens, Traum was practically destined for his current role as one of the east coast’s hottest artists and most innovative independent label bosses.

After watching RUN-DMC’s Rock Box video the young Traum had a feeling rap’s rawness and ghetto culture would be huge, but early attempts to get into the business weren’t always peaches and cream: a deal with a major label turned sour and an early experiment performing as one half of a duo saw his partner came on stage one night and drop the mike in front of a hard-assed baying crowd. That was when this artist knew he’d have only himself to rely on if he wanted to make it.

Early collaborations with the legendary Jam Master Jay – who was helping Traum with his solo album when he was tragically shot – and killed. JMJ helped shape Traum’s vision: keeping Hip Hop street but retaining the style, class and intelligence that makes his music stand out from inferior products such as Dirty South – you won’t find any fallacies in Traum’s lyrics.

Since being recognized as one of Hip Hop’s up-and-coming MC’s Traum, under the umbrella of his own label Masta Mix Records, feels the time is right for the flava that Traum is spitting, the New York edge, the rawness, and ghetto-fabulous essence of Hip Hop are all here collated under the expert guidance of one of the scene’s most trusted mentors.

Traum says: “What makes me different is I’m totally hands on at Masta Mix. I am one of a new breed of Artist/Label owner. I actually mix and produce most of the music”

Traum’s plans for Mad Dreamz is to set off the Mad Dreamz tour later this year and just constantly promote some of the most hardcore and authentic Hip Hop around. He has the brashness of spirit that comes from growing up in one of the world’s toughest ‘hoods and knows exactly where he wants to take his music and artists: “Over the next year I want obtain major label distribution for my company. I like being an indie artist but I know I have major label appeal”.

Traum is here to stay and the big boys are sitting up and taking note.

For more info on Traum go to http://www.myspace.com/traumthemc