The Awesome 2 Still Awesome After All these Years

The Awesome 2 speaks about their longevity in the industry, what they are currently doing and their annual event at Magic in Las Vegas.

Legendary Stax Records Presents ‘Pink Elephant’ From Gripping Soul Singer N’dambi On October 6th

STAX PRESENTS PINK ELEPHANT FROM GRIPPING SOUL SINGER N’DAMBI
ON OCTOBER 6TH

Every so often, a musical soul emerges from the underground with the inescapable talent; artistry and charisma that marks the arrival a gathering storm. Pink Elephant is the Stax Records debut from N’dambi, a songwriter with emotional purpose and rare honesty. The striking vocalist, pianist and composer from Dallas, Texas, known for her signature afro and fiery style, possesses the intuitive perception and powerful creativity that ensures an essential contribution to modern R&B and soul.

RAEKWON TALKS ABOUT NEW ALBUM, BEEF WITH BIGGIE AND THE ASSASSINATION OF LARRY DAVIS

Ford Sponsors 4th Annual JAZZ On the Grass to benefit Jackie Robinson Foundation/Oct.3

Ford Motor Company will be the platinum sponsor of the fourth annual Jazz on the Grass benefit on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Sherman Oaks, California home of Lynne and Oz Scott.   The star-studded event will benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a college scholarship organization founded in 1973 to perpetuate Jackie Robinson’s legacy by providing four-year college grants as well as extensive mentoring and leadership development training to academically gifted minority students.

Legendary artists James Ingram, Brenda Russell and Patrice Rushen will be headlining this year’s benefit. Performances will also include surprise guest artists. Previous JAZZ on the Grass artists have included Lalah Hathaway, Marcus Miller, Brian McKnight, Dave Koz, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti Austin, and George Duke.  Pat Prescott of 94.7 The Wave will once again serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Common and Questlove: Is Blending New Music Art or Commerce?

I Fux Wit It: Mickey Factz Talks XXL Freshman Class 2010 (HeinekenRedStarSoulTour’09)

Hype Holla Gets It Started with DJ Whoo Kid, HYPEothetically Speaking & Believe

Songwriter/performer Hype Holla is at a crossroads in his career, as he embarks upon a global campaign to promote his music while still carrying on his hometown pride. The Providence, Rhode Island native has a new single “Get It Started” and is preparing for the release of his DJ Whoo Kid-hosted promotional album HYPEothetically Speaking on September 10, 2009. 

 

Additionally, Hype Holla is flexing his acting skills in the new independent film Death Force, which will debut on August 29 at the Columbus Theatre in Providence. He is also planning a variety of community service-related events this Fall to unite people through his own “Believe Music” movement, including the “Back-to-School Cookout” at South Side Recreation Center in Providence, with food, games and giveaways on September 5.

 

ROCKING WITH THE LYTE

The Industry Cosign Talks to Duck Down’s Dru Ha

Celebrating 15 years in the game next year, Duck Down Records shows no sign of stopping! I spoke to Dru Ha about upcoming projects, the KRS-ONE/Buckshot album, ‘Survival Tactics’, the Boot Camp click and why duck Down is still relevant after all these years!!

GEMSTARS INTRODUCES BOBBY AND KOMP’L

LABEL GEARS UP FOR SOLID INTRO WITH LEAD OFF ARTISTS

Founded by a close knit fraternity of friends and business associates; Edel Otero (co-owner), Marvin Vasquez (co-owner), Robert “Bobby” Brooks (co-owner), Divine “Komp’l” Thomas (President) and Ulysses Franco (CEO), the New York based label GEMSTARS LLC is preparing for an impressive introduction to their lead off artists. GEMSTARS thrives on being an independent platform, where their determination and vigor to become an easy recognizable entity is of paramount importance. In achieving this notoriety, the tight knit faction understands that development and planning are the keys to unlimited success. With a goal to rival the majors and birth both commercially viable and talented MCs, GEMSTARS and its founders have spent countless hours planning their entrance into the music industry. Developing their talent and ensuring their roster is equipped with a barrage of music to entice fans and critics into their think tank, they are gearing up to release a bevvy of projects in the final quarter of the year. These mixtapes and albums which come from their lead off artists, Robert “Bobby” Brooks and Divine “Komp’l” Thomas are guaranteed to put this infantile outfit under the spotlight. “We opted to go the independent route as between the five of us who founded the label we all have skills and talents to make this work,” explains co-owner Edel Otero. “One also has to be passionate about what they do and we live and breathe this music.” So with an excess of skills to utilize and a couple of unique lyricists to deliver projects which will certainly highlight the company’s potential the only direction for GEMSTARS is upwards. “We want to be able to reach the masses and make sure our artists make a global splash,” Edel continues. “We have a strong team, which is what is needed at the core of any foundation, where everyone knows their roles and through positive energy and undeniable talent we believe we are on the road to success.” THE INTRODUCTION FROM BOBBY WILL BE AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER AND KOMP’L’s TUNNEL VISION IN OCTOBER TO DOWNLOAD ZONE OUT FROM KOMP’L CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LET ME IN FROM BOBBY CLICK HERE For more information on Gemstars, the impending projects from Bobby and Komp’l please contact Melanie@CriticalMMG.com