Jake One-Perfect Beat Writer

Written by Eldorado Red

October 2008

The Seahawks have a woeful 1-4 record, The Seattle SuperSonics are no longer in NBA existence, and the Mariners….have always been the Mariners. As a matter fact the city of Seattle has been suffering from a championship drought for the longest; although the Seattle Storm recently won a WNBA championship- but who cares? Nobody really watches the WNBA. (Ladies, please don’t take offense, I am sure some of you cannot name this season’s recent champions) Seattle’s crowned jewel per se has always been the omnipresent Starbucks. But alas, Seattle has another hot commodity it can hang his hat on- Jake One. Despite having an extensive and eclectic catalog, Jake One is still only widely known for his works with G-Unit. Nevertheless, with the release of his debut, White Van Music, on independent label, Rhymesayers Entertainment, it is as though this perfect beat writer has come full circle. I recent caught up with Jake One via telephone just days after his debut’s release with one major question on my mind- what is White Van Music?

ER: Whaddup, How are you?

Jake One: I am real good.

ER: iight, you ready?

Jake One: Yup!

ER: iight, wassup with your Seahawks?

Jake One: (Sighs) man- it’s a hard life youknowwhatiamsayin’ (laughs). I am ready for Holmgren to get the fuck up out of there and start of fresh cause’ it’s just this never ending era of mediocrity that has to end. I can’t even apologize for what they have done this year; I can’t even come up with a reason.

ER: But you can’t put the entire blame on Holmgren though…

Jake One: Man he has been year for like fifteen fucking years, at some point this is all he created, and this where we are at youknowwhatimean.

ER: True, true. So what is White Van Music?

Jake One: White Van Music started from- that was the first song I ever did with somebody in high school. We had done a song about riding around in an ol’skool kidnapper van. I don’t why I just named my tapes White Van Beats. Like when I make a beat tape, I just used it as my publishing company and then people referred to it like it had some meaning. So I figured I had to use it for the album cause’ it’s a term that goes back from where it began.

ER: How did the name Jake One come about?

Jake One: When I was getting ready to do my first mixtape, I think in ’93 or something like that, I was trying to come up with a rap name or whatever. I was going to be JD, but there was a hell of JDs.

ER: Yeah…

Jake One: Those are my initials…

ER: What’s your name?

Jake One: Jake Dutton youknowwhatimean; it’s funny I actually spelt it J-A-Y-D-E-E. I used to tag that when I was in high school and youknow the real Jay Dee came a little later but I think I just needed a name and I was like, “Well there’s KRS-One so I will be Jake One.”

ER: (Laughs) I guess you can’t go wrong with that.

Jake One: Yeah, I have been stuck with since.

ER: Iight So, Seattle is not geographically known as a city that caters to hip hop, how did you get into producing, and how has the scene transformed since your beginnings?

Jake One: I got into producing just by being a super fan more than anything. There is this dude, a good friend of mine, Vitamin D, who was doing music back in the early 90’s for the group called Ghetto Children. Kind of seeing them do their thing, made me think…I wanted to try my hand at it youknowwhatimean. As far as the scene, I don’t know if the music is better now than it was then, but it’s definitely more unified and there’s more support. When I first started people didn’t like to claim Seattle as the place where they were even from. People would try to be from the Bay, whatever that was hot at the time; and now people want throw on 206 hats and all kinds of shit.

ER: Which local acts are big out there?

Jake One: Locally, Blue Scholars is probably the biggest thing locally. Obviously Mix-A-Lot; to me the person that has done the most out of here is Ish from Digable Planets. I know people don’t associate him with Seattle but he went to high school here, he grew up here; and he made the classic record. As far as the scene there is a lot of guys that doing their thing though.

ER: Are you a fan of the WWE? The reason I ask because you produced John Cena’s entrance theme song, how did that come about?

Jake One: It’s funny because I wasn’t even watching wrestling when that came about. I used to watch wrestling when I was a kid, the ol’skool wrestling. I think once they started introducing the youknow Elizabeth, people crying and the dressing room and all of that I got out of it. Somehow my manager at the time met John Cena at a radio show and gave him like a tape of beats. I honestly didn’t know who he was and I was like, “Iiight, whatever.” And then I got the call from him [John Cena] like, “Yo we got to clear this sample because I want this song to be my entrance music.” And (laughs) they end up clearing it and the record came out and it sold pretty well. It’s wild because the kids, I do workshops with kids and to get them familiar with who I am, I might play them some songs that I have done. And all I have to do is play that and they cool with me after that.

ER: What is the “perfect beat writer”?

Jake One: The whole beat writer thing is kind of like a little joke. Somebody told me I write great beats, which I just thought was hell of funny, so I have just been rolling with that. To me like a good producer has their own sound and they have something individual and unique about what they do. Like when you hear their beats you can say that has the qualities of so and so. Like when you hear Hi-Tek, you know it’s Hi-Tek, or 9th Wonder or whoever it is.

ER: How did you compile the artists for White Van Music?

Jake One: You know everybody that I have worked with was either somebody…I mean I would say that 90% of the artists on the album I already worked with personally. When it came time for me to do the record I just reached out to them with a particular track that I thought they would sound good on. It was either that or someone like Freeway I reached out to because I was a fan and wanted to do something with him.

ER: Explain your process in making ’04 Rock Co. Kane Flow beat?

Jake One:  It’s funny because that is everybody’s favorite beat that I have done. I probably tried to make the beat a couple of times and it just didn’t feel right. I just remember one day doing it and I had the little regular sequence. I was like its pretty hard youknow, kind of like some Busta Rhymes only five years left or some shit. I think it was in 2003 and Kanye and Just Blaze had that style where they started having breakdowns, having the powerful kicks and shit. So I kind of did that and was like that would be kind of crazy if I just slowed it down while I am doing it, and that’s all I did (laughs). So I slowed it down, sped it up, and I guess no one had ever done that before, and it just blew people away.

ER: Who do you consider your influences?

Jake One:  I definitely have to say like when I first started beats; my biggest influences were like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dre, DJ Quik, is a big influence of mine. As I started making beats, Jay Dee was definitely a big influence,  Nottz, Alchemist; there’s a lot of people that have done stuff that I try to incorporate  in what I do…I am not going to bite it.

ER: Are you still touring right now, what else do you have on your table, any notable production credits?

Jake One: We are just doing little dates here and there. I am just basically working on new material for next year. I am going to try to come out with a couple of different projects with different artists next year.

ER: Any more words?

Jake One: If you like the record, please go buy it. If you don’t like it don’t buy it. But if you downloaded it, you dig it, go spend ten bucks. I mean maybe you could smoke a little less weed that day or something.

ER: I know you are cool with Doom and all is his album really coming out this month?

Jake One: (Laughs) I don’t know, I did some songs for it but I don’t know when it’s coming out. I have been playing some of his songs at my DJ gigs, so if people come check me out they will hear a couple of new ones (laughs).

Lenny Hernandez launches new company

Former G-Unit Marketing Director, Lenny Hernandez, recently announced the launch of his new marketing company, S.A.M.M. group LLC (Strategic Alliance Marketing Management), a business enterprise that intends to bridge the existing gap between emerging businesses and seasoned, more well-known firms with multicultural consumers.

Utilizing the skills and innovation that have made Hernandez a success, both as a former Sean “Diddy” Combs protégé, and later as a collaborator with Marc Ecko on Ecko company subsidiary, G-Unit Clothing, Hernandez is eager to kickoff his latest marketing venture. “S.A.M.M. Group LLC is a one stop shop marketing company aimed at strategically aligning new and established businesses with potential new partners, financiers, and talent,” says Hernandez.

Current projects operating under the S.A.M.M. Group LLC umbrella include campaigns for the popular BBQ sauce company, Bubba Q’s, to which Hernandez is a contributing partner, Stormwatch Entertainment., a music production company founded by Hernandez and long-time friend and business partner, Kairi Brown, and the 2009 launch of pop rock singer, Kiley Dean, whose upcoming album will feature production by super producer, Timbaland.

Much of Hernandez’s accomplishments can be attributed to a constant commitment to devising unconventional methods of promotion.  With his new venture, Hernandez continues in his tradition of innovation.  In addition to conventional marketing practices, S.A.M.M. Group LLC offers a comprehensive online marketing service to all clients.  ”In this business, having the ability to evolve is crucial.  Our online component is just one of the ways in which we illustrate our commitment to remaining on the cutting edge,” Hernandez emphasizes.  ”We are setting S.A.M.M. Group LLC apart from our competition by offering services that other companies simply don’t provide.”  With an understanding of both the significance and effectiveness of alternative marketing, and a dedication to utilizing a combination of long-standing and contemporary marketing methods, clients can be certain that S.A.M.M. Group LLC can and will deliver.

“S.A.M.M. Group LLC can reinvent an existing brand or help create an image for a new brand,” Hernandez asserts. “Combining our proven marketing ability with a vast network, S.A.M.M. Group LLC aligns the appropriate talent, provides creative services, executes special events, and incorporates technology, in order to provide an all-encompassing marketing campaign for current and prospective clients.”

About S.A.M.M group LLC

Based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, S.A.M.M group LLC offers a range of marketing services from brand development to advertising consultation and everything in between.     For more information, visit www.sammgroupllc.com. 

4th Annual Florida Entertainment Summit

The 4^TH Annual Florida Entertainment Summit will convene in beautiful Miami, Florida at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown from December 11 – 14, 2008. Each year this highly-anticipated industry event features a stellar list of events that allows entertainment industry professionals and hopefuls multiple opportunities to educate themselves on current trends and network, while supporting vital community initiatives. This year’s Summit is sponsored in part by Slip N Slide Records, Ecko Unlimited, Maybach Music Group, Rick Ross Charities, SoundLoad, Akademiks, Poe Boy Entertainment, Southpole and Agent Red International.

The Florida Entertainment Summit (FES) features panel discussions, film screenings, Music SoundLabs, Workshops and a host of parties. Workshop and panel discussion topics include “Music in Film & New Media”, the “SoundLab Workshop” where recording artist and producers receive feedback in real time from mixshow directors, film producers, A&R’s and DJs, “The Art of Social Networking and Marketing” and more. The purpose of FES is to provide opportunities for recording artists, filmmakers, models and fashion designers to arm themselves with the tools and information needed to be successful in the world of entertainment before securing a major deal.

Every year the Florida Entertainment Summit incorporates a community initiative into its overall agenda. In the past, FES Community Initiatives have benefited Rick Ross Charities, Inc and Trick Luvs Da Kids Foundation. This year, FES will organize the White Summer Fashion Show to benefit the RCP Movement, an HIV Awareness Organization which encourages young people to Respect, Check and Protect themselves against HIV/AIDS.

FES registration is open and there’s an open call for film submissions. Currently enrolled college students qualify for complimentary admission when registering before October 30. A complete listing of events and information on host hotels during the 4^th Annual Florida Entertainment Summit is available by logging on to www.FloridaEntertainmentSummit.com or call 305-851-5699.

About the RCP Movement

“Respect Yourself, Check Yourself, Protect Yourself” (RCP)” was developed in November 2006 in South Florida to expose and highlight the crisis young people are facing with the HIV/AIDS virus. RCP is a social marketing campaign created by Rize & Shine, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes, markets and advertises public awareness of the risks associated with HIV/AIDS.

 

About The Florida Entertainment Summit

The Florida Entertainment Summit was founded by E. Mason & Associates, a South Florida publicity and events management firm. Now in its 4th year, the Summit has a proven track record for providing film, music entertainers and entertainment entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with influential entertainment decision makers, gain new insight on selling entertainment product, broker deals, promote new music, and learn new industry trends, while introducing new and returning artists to the masses.

CODEBLACK ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS “STILL TRIPPIN’”

Codeblack Entertainment, a subsidiary of Codeblack Enterprises LLC, the first African American-owned new media & entertainment company, will release the hilarious Still Trippin’, starring comedic legend Steve Harvey on DVD October 28^th. Steve Harvey’s Still Trippin’ is the raw, edgy, highly anticipated follow up to the 2006 hit Don’t Trip…He Ain’t Through With Me Yet. Unlike Don’t Trip, a light hearted, faith and family friendly routine, Still Trippin’ takes no prisoners, packing an explosive punch that mature audiences can unequivocally appreciate and will surely remember.

 

Says Harvey of the film: “In all the years that I’ve been blessed to be an entertainer, the one thing I never get tired of is the indescribable feeling that comes over me when I step foot onstage in front of a live audience. In fact, each time I feel the crowd’s energy, it’s somehow more exhilarating than the time before, and I’m confident that it shows in this film. Without a doubt, Still Trippin’ is the perfect showcase of my best routine to date.”

 

Recorded in Newark, NJ, this no-holds-barred, hysterical stand-up performance leaves no stone unturned, from tattoos and family weddings to polygamous compounds and diaper wearing astronauts! Ruthless, relentless and painstakingly honest, the film gives Harvey’s uproariously funny take on hot topics, family foolery and current events.

 

Still Trippin’ recently hit the film circuit, debuting at the Urbanworld Film Festival in New York, and will be available on DVD at leading retail merchants including Best Buy, Circuit City, FYE, Wal-Mart, Target, and Blockbuster.

 

To request a copy of this DVD for review, please contact Rachel Golden at The Britto Agency.

 

# # #

 

ABOUT CODEBLACK ENTERPRISES LLC

Codeblack Enterprises LLC is the first African American-owned new media & entertainment company. Codeblack Enterprises’ reach is all-encompassing, from production and national distribution of feature films to its innovative e-commerce arm. The company’s portfolio consists of Codeblack Entertainment and Codeblack Interactive. Codeblack Entertainment is the first African American-owned film studio, engaged in the business of producing, acquiring, marketing and distributing quality content to today’s urban consumer across a variety of traditional and digital platforms. The studio, which is both independent and vertically integrated, was created out of the necessity for the positive representation of African Americans in film. Codeblack Interactive focuses on distributing content across digitally interactive platforms, including global distribution to mobile and digital carriers such as Codeblack TV, a broadband on-demand channel, by which viewers can download, stream and deliver Codeblack properties over the internet.

 

 

The company’s home on the Web is http://www.codeblack.com/.

 

Affluent Records Announce the November 4th 2008 release of Youngstown, Ohio, rapper Throwback’s debut, Ballin’ Since Birth!

Super-talented Mid-West emcee, Throwback, who hails from Youngstown, Ohio, has finally arrived! His highly anticipated solo debut, Ballin’ Since Birth, which contains superb production from one of the industry’s hottest beat-smiths; KaneBeatz [Lil' Wayne, Flo Rida], as well as several equally gifted up’n'comers; BeatCatererz, The Shah Bros, and Ozone of Toxiq Entertainment, is due out November, 4^th 2008 on Affluent Records.

 

As an introduction to Ballin’ Since Birth, Throwback recently dropped a pair of widely popular, future hit singles; ‘Trouble’ and ‘Grabbin’ On My Necklace,’ which have been managing to create a huge buzz, and completely raising the stakes for his soon-to-be released project. Other notable tracks include; ‘U In Da Club,’ ‘Dreamin,’ and ‘Get This Dough.’ Stellar high profile cameos are courtesy of the legendary Sadat X, of Brand Nubian fame, Warner Bros. recording artist, Wiz Khalifa, and Affluent label-mate, Kenny Ali.

 

Throwback, whose catchy moniker derives from his large collection of sports jerseys, is definitely primed and ready for the big leagues. “Ballin’ Since Birth means so many things to me, but the reason for the title is because I have been ballin’ since birth, hypothetically speaking,” the self-proclaimed “Jewish King” states, before expounding, “I create fun music, point blank simple. When people hear my music or see me perform, they just want to dance and have fun. That’s what I aim for.” 

 

In closing, the man born Jon Tepper, who cites Bon Jovi, Poison’s Bret Michaels, Run DMC, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West, as some of his biggest musical influences, is sounding very optimistic, and rightfully so. “Put it this way, I have my foot in the door (now). My shear motivation, dedication, and hustling mentality has been and will continue to be the key to my success or the key to the industry’s door, if you will.” Concluding, “Dreams do come true, life is a hustle, so grind and sooner or later your time will come. Sleep’s for when you’re dead — Keep ballin’ people!” With that being said, expect a whole lot more to come from Mr. Throwback himself, and on this coming presidential election-day make sure and pick up a copy of his brand new opus, Ballin’ Since Birth!

 

                                                 www.myspace.com/throwbackonthemic  

New Music ::: “Legendary” – Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopez Feat.Tupac [EYE-LEGACY : NEW SOLO ALBUM FROM LISA "LEFT-EYE" LOPES : JAN.27]

 

Mass Appeal Entertainment (www.massappealmusic.com) announced the release of the late Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes’ last solo project EYE-Legacy (www.lefteyelegacy.com). Mass Appeal Entertainment in conjunction with the Lopes family will release the new disc on January 27^th filled with 12 unreleased tracks alongside re-tooled songs from the limited edition international release, Supernova (2001).

 

The first buzz record “Legendary” offers brand new production on a timeless duet featuring the late great rapper, Tupac Shakur. EYE-Legacy also pairs new vocals from the late Left Eye with her female counterparts, TLC and Grammy Award winning rapper/producer, Missy Elliott on the infectious single “Let’s Just Do It.” Other artists featured on the album include Chamillionaire (Ridin’ Dirty/Hip Hop Police), Lil’ Mama (Lip Gloss), and R&B crooner Bobby Valentino (Slow Down).

Plies- “Heard Of Me”

Mr. Mecca Releases Single “Insecure”

Mr. Mecca today announces the release of the hip-hop track Insecure. The third single to be release by the NY emcee, has been acclaimed as Mecca’s most popular and crowd-pleasing track from the much-anticipated debut album, Last Exit.

Last night, Mr. Mecca dominated the stage at the M-III: The Mixtape Masters Marathon, a 2-stage festival show whose lineup includes some of the most leading acts in today’s mixtape industry. Performing with some of greatest underground lyricists in the industry, Mecca performed his most popular hits Swagger and Insecure.

“Dedicated to cheating chicks…. and the dickheads who chase them,” Mecca proclaims.

Download here for the debut single Insecure. The official artist page is http://www.myspace.com/MrMecca. For advance copies of the debut CD or interviews with the artist, please contact Ajana Miller at 214.207.1383 or by email at ABMgmt@Gmail.com.

About Abandoned Nation Inc.
Abandoned Nation Inc, founded over 4 years ago, was formed to create social change within the urban communities through history and music. Partnering with the non-profit entity In Arms Reach, Abandoned Nation became a vehicle to empower at risk youth and children of incarcerated parents in particular with the necessary navigational tools of selfsacrifice, discipline and conscientious decision making for their lives. Beginning with a multi-media entertainment company and eventually expanding into a cooperative of enterprising businesses, Abandoned Nation is a culture that not only encompasses art, but life and community as well. For more information, visit www.abandonednation.com.

Cashus C.R.E.A.M. Teams with DJ Green Lantern for GameTime New Project Featuring Producers Ron Browz, P King and More!

Building a strong team and being self-sufficient may not be synonymous in the entertainment business, but the reality is that they are two sides of the same coin. As a captivating lyricist, songwriter, producer, engineer, model and actor, Cashus C.R.E.A.M. exemplifies what most independent artists aspire to be. His new project GameTime will offer a musical definition of the franchise known as Cashus C.R.E.A.M.

 

Presented by DJ Green Lantern, GameTime delivers original tracks from the likes of Ron Browz, Shea Taylor and P King, fused perfectly with Cashus C.R.E.A.M.’s clever wordplay and songwriting. Cashus worked intently to surpass the standards of a promotional mixtape, creating an impressive prelude to a debut album. Of course, collaborating with the right producers was a major part of the formula for GameTime.

 

“Ron Browz has a special energy when it comes to his tracks,” says Cashus of the process. “I have so much fun when I’m writing to his tracks that the listener can feel it, and big records come from that kind of chemistry. I’ve been working with P King for a few years now. He’s done records for artists like Ludacris and Scarface, and he knows what it takes sonically to drive a new artist into a household name. Shea Taylor just flat out makes big beats. His melodic tracks help me to step outside of the box and make good music.”

 

Other original production on GameTime is rounded out by Noize Trip, The Weirdos, Battery 5, Jay Wes and Detroit Red, while guest vocalists include Range and Erika Deluna. In order to reach out to his female fans, Cashus also created a more specialized collection of songs just for the ladies entitled The Pink Edition Mixtape, which is accompanied by the exclusive 2009 “A Day in the Life” calendar showcasing Cashus C.R.E.A.M.’s innate modeling ability.

 

Prior to releasing his own music, Cashus and his writing partner, collectively known as The HitterZz, were writing songs and hooks for other people. In Spring 2008, the duo signed a deal with Primary Wave Music Publishing and have penned songs for various artists including Jamie Foxx, Prima J, Leona Lewis, The D.E.Y., David Archuleta and Jennifer Lopez. 

 

As some of those projects await their release and his own full-length debut album continues to evolve, Cashus is developing as a professional actor. His first movie, Women Do It Too, will be released in 2009. ”Acting is definitely going to be a stepping stone for bigger things,” explains Cashus. “I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside actor/director Derrick Simmons (In Too Deep, Paid in Full, Paper Soldiers, The Wire) and have other films in the works. Even though music and movies are two different monsters, I’m finding it easy to leverage the two as I advance in both.”  

 

Fortunately, Cashus C.R.E.A.M.’s diverse talent is in sync with his ambition and independent work ethic. “I’ve taken time to learn the ins and outs of the industry in its entirety,” he asserts, “so I can handle my business affairs competently and with confidence. I’m a one stop shop – you get it all here. I’m a franchise. GameTime is a sneak preview of what’s to come. I’ve been preparing to be a major player for a long time. Now it’s time to step into the arena and show my worth.”

 

For more information on Cashus C.R.E.A.M. go to www.tygereye.net/cashuscream and www.cashuscream.com

 

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

 

GameTime Tracklist

Hosted by DJ Green Lantern

1. GameTime prod. by Noize Trip
2. Messy WackSon (skit)
3. See Me prod. by P King
4. Oops…Ya Head prod. by Ron Browz
5. So Sexy prod. by The Weirdos
6. The Paper prod. by P King
7. Real Talk (freestyle) prod by Detroit Red
8. Hustler’s Anthem f/ Range
9. Bedroom f/ Erika Deluna prod. by Shea Taylor
10. Let Her Do It prod. by Battery 5
11. Hold It Down
12. Hollywood (freestyle)
13. I Appreciate prod. by Jay Wes
14. So Tired
15. Hero (freestyle)

 

ABOUT CASHUS C.R.E.A.M. 

 

Most people’s lives are built solely around the choices they make, but there are a select few who are destined for greatness. At 25, Cashus C.R.E.A.M. is one of them. The Connecticut-born, Queens, New York-based songwriter/lyricist has been creating hits for others thus far, and is now ready to unveil his own music and impeccable skills on the mic.

 

Cashus C.R.E.A.M.’s new project GameTime, hosted by the world-famous DJ Green Lantern, boasts an array of top producers on original tracks, including Ron Browz, Shea Taylor and P King.

Cashus was only 14-years-old when his cousin, a neighborhood “big tymer,” put him up against a group of older teens practicing their rhymes for a school talent show. He didn’t know anything about delivery or bars or song structure. He just knew how to tell a story. The words that went from pen to paper blew that whole room away. That was when he knew for certain that he would be married to the mic.

“I spit my little rap and my verse was better than all of theirs,” he says, remembering it like it was yesterday. “I put all of my feelings and emotions into it. It showed me the effect my words could have on the people around me.”

Growing up on Hartford, Connecticut’s north end, Cashus was always a creative writer, channeling the sights and sounds of his blocks into poems and short stories that got him recognition from everyone from his crew to his professors during his three years on a football scholarship at Southern Connecticut State University. But even through the glory of the gridiron and the privilege of working at a Fortune 100 company, it was only within the music that he truly felt at home.

That home was a house he built the hard way, coming to Queens with nothing but a book of rhymes and the promise of a couch to sleep on. While the streets of Hartford were nothing nice, the musical world within the five boroughs was filled with tricksters, amateurs and more competition than he’d ever faced before. That still wasn’t enough to scare off the kid who had always been young and smaller, the one who always had to get over humps that his peers did not. He kept swinging until he hit the right producers, the right management and most importantly, the right sound.

Heavily-inspired by Run DMC, Nas and early LL Cool J, GameTime, Cashus C.R.E.A.M’s debut mixtape, is a showcase of the many faces of a music lover’s artist. Hosted by the infamous DJ Green Lantern, GameTime features beats by Ron Browz, P King, Shea Taylor, DJ Drama affiliate Detroit Red, Noize Trip (who produced the title track), The Weirdos and Battery 5. Whether he’s rhyming about the complexities of relationships or the pull of the streets his hypnotic flow can go down as smooth as honey or as sharp as a straight razor. He calls himself “Mr. Fix It” because he always knows the perfect tool for the musical job at hand.

In addition to GameTime, Cashus C.R.E.A.M. has also released A Day in the Life, a promotional calendar getting circulated around New York with the ladies as the target and features a special “pink” edition mixtape just for them as well as recently launched CashusCream.com.

“From day one I’ve always been a business first kind of dude. I do what I have to do to make myself relevant in today’s market. If it’s ringtones then I’ll make them buy ringtones. If it’s doing a reality show, the same thing. I do what it takes to make sure that they’re looking at me and not what everybody else is doing.”

Fully-armed and always ready, Cashus C.R.E.A.M. is a force ready to roll until it lands in the endzone of multi-platinum status. Anything that stands in his way is destined to end up on its back.

It’s About Time!

October 2008

It’s about time!!!  I am halfway happy and halfway disappointed that black people are finally taking politics seriously and are way involved than in previous years.  I have been having conversations with people (over the last year) that are actually, for the first time, enthusiastic about voting in this presidential election. We even have the Hip-Hop community voicing their opinion like never before! I am definitely proud to see that my peers have taken the steps to register to vote and plan on voting on November 4^th. It’s good to read blogs, articles and magazines focusing on politics (Although I do HOPE that this lasts beyond November) and people getting the word out about certain rules, regulations and rights regarding the election process and to make sure the votes are not only done correctly, but that it counts!

I am happy that the conversation is more than water cooler talk and that some in the community have planned and organized voter registration drives and raised money for the candidate they want to see in office.  I have a smile on my face knowing that the younger generation is taking full advantage of modern technology to increase not only their awareness, but the awareness of others and it will show in the exit numbers. I feel an achievement when I see that people are actually doing a little research on the candidates to make a more informed decision based on the information that is readily available for anyone to see.  It even gets me excited hearing kids, who are yet unable to vote, talking about, not only the candidates but the issues as well. This is definitely a step in the right direction and it MUST continue beyond November!

Now, I am also disappointed that it took having a black candidate running for the presidency to motivate people to exercise a right that our elders fought and died for. I am hurt that people as old as 40 are JUST registering to vote when they could and should have done so more than 20 years ago. I am disappointed that some people are basing their vote on just the fact that Barack Obama is black (Not finding out that he IS actually qualified to do the job) and no other reason. I am STILL disappointed that there are STILL people out there who WON’T vote because they assume that, with the polls saying Obama is in the lead,  they don’t have to vote based on that!

I feel that if we, as a group, would be taken much more serious to candidates of ALL political offices, if we have the same enthusiasm for politics in general. And NOT just every four years in the presidential elections but in EVERY election from voting for our assemblyperson, congressperson, mayor, governor and, yes, even judges that are elected. We have to take as much interest in who is responsible for making decisions for us as we do with how many units our favorite artist will sell his/her first week! We MUST follow politics the way some of us follow sports. What good is knowing that your favorite football team made a trade that may take them to the Super Bowl when you don’t know the person responsible for a law that will affect you directly! We should also find out the names of our politicians and what is on their agenda, the same way you research to find out when that next Denzel Washington movie is coming out. We have to be as knowledgeable about the political process and who and what is involved so that way we WILL have a voice in laws and provisions that will have an effect in our daily lives. I can go on and on with analogies and examples, but it all boils down to one thing. Let’s not stop at electing the first black president! Let’s make sure that our voices are ALWAYS heard because we are actually concerned about what is going on and not only when one of us gets in trouble or has no understanding of what is taking place around us! The more knowledgeable and involved we are, the more informed we become and the more serious our voice AND votes are counted!