Just ask Mano: before there was Action Bronson, there was Whatzisface, at least outside of Queens. “Me and Nigel Holt always said how nice [he] was as a rapper but his culinary skills took him to the next level,” the former Kanye tour DJ instagrammed the other day.
Yes, the rapper-chef now going by his government, Brian Halladay, was once the best emcee I’d ever heard, but today he represents even more: what it really means to be a man. #WeHateYouFace!
In this exclusive interview, I talk to the Professional Dirtbag-turned-number-one dad about choosing the knife over the mic; why we have yet to see his masterful plates on Top Chef or Chopped; touring with The Cool Kids, recording with Harry Fraud, and causing ‘a riot’ with Lil B; what he misses most about music, and much more.
For the Face fans who’ve been feigning, HipHopGame has premiered the Best of Whatzisface mixtape — a 25-track collection I curated featuring favorite, new and unreleased records, which immediately soared to number-six on Audiomack’s trending Hip Hop list. And for those who aren’t in on the food porn phenomenon, I’ve got your introduction and the only source you’ll ever need. Brian plates his dishes like he delivered his punchlines: with impeccable technique and colorful creativity. Plate Game Proper. Check out the interview and mixtape below.
Singer/ Rapper/ Songwriter "Bianca Clarke" is seasoned and ready to take the music industry by storm. Beginning her career with a Major co-sign from Hip Hop Legend Trina ensures a bright future for Ms. Bianca! Currently touring her latest release "Direct Message". Bianca has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of her favorite artists such as Boosie, Dej Loaf, Plies as well as currently touring with Trina. Gearing up for the release of "Direct Message Reloaded" Bianca delivers her first single "Neva Know."
The melodic chorus and heavy production gives an infectious energy instantly creating a tranquilizing vibe. The southern influenced bass line and west coast inspired piano riff gives the record a very diverse sound, as Bianca paints a vivid picture detailing her journey of life, and the fact that you “Neva Know” what the final outcome will be.
Greenville, South Carolina emcee Twee-ze is back with a brand new single featuring the soulful, southern charm of Morgantown, West Virginia's CandaceK on "Carolina Schemin'". Producer Krissi O provides a subwoofer's worst dream, a low octave pulsating bassline mixed together with mystic keys and fast paced hi hats. On "Carolina Schemin'", Tweez-ze provides a storyline that touches on how North Carolina has influenced his mindset. Under further examination however, listeners will begin to see that this way of thinking is actually inside all of us. This also is the debut single from his forthcoming "Parallel Universes" EP. Listen to "Carolina Schemin'" below.
Get familiar with Twee-ze's last album, "Who Cares", below.
Bronx lyricist Loedis takes an extremely hard swing at remixing the now infamous Desiigner "Panda" instrumental and lays it all on the line in this minute and change long freestyle session. Linking together with www.rapmusicpromo.com, they present Loedis' with his "Panda (Remix)" below.
With the prior release of his debut album last year, "Dinner With My Enemies", Pennsylvania emcee Izzy Strange surfaces back onto the scene with a brand new loose single titled "Fall Back". The rapid fire delivery record is also joined by underground Bay Area veteran Eligh of Living Legends notoriety. The dual lyrical attack is more than just a war of words. Digging deeper, the song reveals the struggles of the independent artist will speaking about how attached we've become to technology, namely smartphones. Press play and be convinced by Izzy Strange and Eligh to put them down for a moment and "Fall Back" into reality.
NALM music presents Tre Rail's official video to his gritty rendition of George Orwell's 1984. The song Orwellian is the first single off of the joint project Overdue. Rail draws upon the ideas of big brother and governmental surveillance during the dark and intense cinematography.
Tre Rail is a Los Angeles based artist that has been practicing his craft for a decade and had run-ins with producers on Aftermath as well as some of Hip Hops pioneers such as KRS-ONE at the pico youth center recording his mixtape. He is an extremely versatile rapper that comes with powerful poetic and story-telling abilities and can also flow metaphorical bars on any type of track as well.
DJ Marko has hosted many Mixtapes and collaborated with names such as Spaceman, Ike Watson, JohnboyCOOL, Leek, Fritz Carlton, Lou Kang, and Parker Joe of the flavor blue.
The duo has come together to reach new heights in the industry and released their first professional project "Overdue" on May 1st.
Earlly Mac returns with a heavy line-up for his new single "Bron Bron" produced by Chase N. Cashe. Earl grabbed Chuck Inglish and Aaron Cohen for this Detroit melodic track. The beat has a classic R&B feel and many Detroit references saturate the lyrics from Earlly and Inglish. However, Aaron and Chase N. Cashe still give off their NY and Louisiana flavor throughout the track.
Posted up on the corner in his native Queens, slick-talkin’ rapper Eff Yoo is an animated lyrical pimp dishing out clever wordplay and bravado in his new video for “Alpha Mega". It’s the third set of visuals off his recently released "The Eff Word" project and his third portrayal of a specific character. In the title track video, he was a local tour guide for unfamiliars, while “God Hates Me” found him playing out the life of a vengeful priest.
For “Alpha Mega", he dons a mink coat and red fedora to look fly as he spits his verses over the smooth, sample-flipping instrumental from Chicago's Rediculus. It’s not just his outfit that stands out, though, as Yoo’s bars are complemented by the work of artist, Edgar Zavala. So as the Queens rapper says he should get enshrined in granite sculptures when he dies, or that he’s sharper than a jagged spear, you see those images in their animated glory.
“Alpha Mega” stems from Eff Yoo’s "The Eff Word" LP, which is produced entirely by Rediculus. The eleven track effort is now available to both stream and purchase via the Soundcloud player below.
New York femcee Danté Lennon goes above and beyond with a dual effort release with her eight track EP "Party at a Funeral" as well as an extremely cinematic video for the track, "One Thing". The Brooklyn bad girl puts it all on the line for her EP release, which is available on both Apple Music and Soundcloud. Don't go stereotyping Dante either, as she presents head nodding, Hip Hop hits such as "Evel", the title track and "Fin" while providing commercial releases such as "One Thing" and "No Emotion". The EP also features guest appearances from PremeDaPrez, D.R.U.G. and Deacon.
The latter half of the double release is the vividly directed video for "One Thing". Boats, ballerinas, flames, shipping yards and a smashed television set are just a few factors that make Dante's video standout so well. The video serves as a conceptual piece that meshes creativity along with her raunchy street wits. "One Thing" is for sure, the Brooklyn misses isn't worried about money, as evident in the visual. Check it out below.
"Blame Me" is the first single off of Q.Z. Tha Leader's upcoming 2016 release, "Moments Of Genius Opus: II". The new EP is a follow up to 2014's "Moments Of Genius Opus: I". This new single is a vocally powered anthem set against menacing horns with hostile 808 drums. This perilous environment sets the tone for Q.Z.'s gritty wordplay bolstering double and triple entendres. "Moments Of Genius Opus: II" is slated to drop mid-summer on Q.Z.'s own imprint.
Purchase the single via iTunes here: [link]
Many of us know The Rej3ctz for their hit singles "Cat Daddy," "Leggo" featuring Ray-J and "Peter Griffin" but they have been gathering themselves to make a new push in 2016. In their new record, they team up with another L.A. star named TeeFlii for "Ghetto Love". They approach the ladies and still cleverly sound "turned up" simultaneously. Check the wave out below.
Are you available to meet genuine record executives? Are you available to meet genuine managers, song writers and the various types of industry professionals that can help you excel in your field? If you're aren't, you should make yourself available as the 2016 Urban Network Music-Entertainment Summit is coming very soon.
This is the only event of its kind on the West Coast. More than 1,000 people per day are expected to converge upon the Crowne Plaza Conference Center, ranging from major and indie label executives, radio programmers, DJs, talent curators, A&Rs, music supervisors, trade groups, digital music strategists, film and TV consultants, and media. Some 100 plus speakers—executives from many top firms and organizations are confirmed to take the dais: iHeart Radio, REVOLT TV, Sirius XM, Music Choice, BMI, SESAC, Interscope Records, Warner Bros. Records, Capitol Music Group, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, The Recording Academy, Ingrooves Music, Empire Distribution, VirDiko, Digiwaxx, and dozens more.
Nearly 70 artists will perform over 4 ½ days. They include a Wednesday night opener by Smooth Jazz saxophonist Jessy J (featuring the L.A. Collective); eight of the best vocal ensembles from around Southern California participating in a “Gospel Choir Fest” on Thursday evening (including Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment and Victor Bell & Halel), followed by a 90 minute showcase from some of Christian Hip-Hop’s hottest talent fresh off the Ministry Over Business (MOB).
On Friday, June 3, R&B singer/songwriters Eric Bellinger, Timothy Bloom and Candice Nelson will take to the stage as will Lil Niqo, star of Lifetime TV’s, The Rap Game. Dozens of emerging indie artists will perform throughout Saturday afternoon, capping off the evening, with American Idol season 11 finalist, soul-singer Joshua Ledet, who returns to captivate the Conference audience for a second year straight; later to be followed by Colonel Loud & Ricco Barrino performing their recent hit singles, “California,” and “Come to the Money.” Sunday, the final day of the Conference, will be highlighted with runway models and clothing designers in celebration of Music & Fashion.
Urban Network Conferences began in the early 90s, and have long-been a platform for networking, creating business opportunities, and compelling workshops and panel sessions. Topics and themes range from The Future of Music Integration in TV, Film, Video Games; A Gospel Music Town Hall; our first Indie Music Video Competition; Building Your Brand through Effective Social Media Marketing; DIY (What Every Indie Artist & Label Should Know); Creating Hits & Blending Genres for the Digital Age (Producer/Songwriters); Embracing Music Streaming Services; The Power of Urban Radio; Music Curation, A&R, and Your Creative Brand; and a Special Panel & Performance Celebrating Women In Music by Grammy-winning/Multi-Platinum Producer Devine Evans.
For more information, to register, see schedule updates, sponsorship and performance opportunities, you can CLICK THIS LINK or simply visit www.urbannetworkdigital.com/conference
Registrations are going fast, showcase performance slots are filling up, and exhibition tables are nearing capacity for the Music-Entertainment Conference, presented by Urban Network Digital & Music Industry Quarterly Magazine. Dates for the Conference are June 1-5, 2016.
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108, hotel guest rooms are $155 per night plus tax; while registration for the entire event is only $100.
Nineteen year old Terence Millet is on fire just like the Golden State Warrior star in his latest visual effort, "3 Shots (Curry)". Over a spaced out beat, the Southern Cali upstart cuts and weaves thru opponents while breaking weak rappers ankle bones. Millet is currently at work on his debut album set to drop later this year. Check out the video and grab a copy of the single on iTunes. [link]
Portland rhyme trio Cloud9Krew unleash their latest work of art where listeners are taken on "A Flight On Cloud9". The seven track EP features their explosive debut single “Let’s Go Get It” with Young Quicks and consists of all original production from Bryan Blount, Blackxipher, RETRO1 and DeadBrainz. The project offers up smoker friendly music that has a strong emphasize on chasing dreams and overcoming hardships. "A Flight On Cloud9" is available to stream and download via Datpiff, press play and prepare for liftoff.
Brooklyn's own Manny Miz is back with a brand new freestyle rendition of OT Genasis smash hit, "Cut It". It's been nearly one year since Manny dropped his "Lifestyle Of A Dreamer" mixtape that featured the standout single, "On The Regular", which is rumored to have an official video being released this summer. If you're new to Mizzle's music, he offers a strong delivery with a passionate drive. No matter the subject content, the New York emcee knows how to carry the beat well as found on this release. On the "Cut It (Freestyle)", Manny utilizes strong metaphors along with a twist of humor. This and his ability to rap at a fast pace keeps listeners plugged in. Word has it that Manny will also be dropping freestyle joints like this over beats from ASAP Ferg and Drake. Plug in and check out Manny Miz and the "Cut It (Freestyle)".
Portland's own Sourmouth is back with his third video from his upcoming "A Million Little Pieces" album and this time, he tackles the subject of a "Basic Bitch". Not intended to offend the ladies, Sourmouth takes aim at that specific demographic and goes into great detail in the release. The instrumental has a ragtime feel to it as it features samples from that time era. The PDX rhymer refers to his clever wit to put a humorous twist on the subject, even taking a stab at Caitlyn Jenner mid-song. As with his two previous videos, Mr. Federal mans the camera lens as he continues honing his director / editor skills. "A Million Little Pieces" is slated to release on June 1st and is available for pre-order via iTunes. Sourmouth - "A Million Little Pieces" [Purchase Link]
Fresh off his label deal with EPIC / FreeBandz, Miami's own, Zoey Dollaz is ready to drop his forthcoming mixtape, Port Au Prince. The mixtape is scheduled to drop this month. In the meantime, Dollaz is ready to drop the mixtape's first track, "Couches," produced by Jahlil Beats. Premiering with Complex Magazine, "Couches," is sure to serve as this summer's club anthem.
The original Hot Beezy is giving one lucky indie artist the chance to be featured on his upcoming album "Young-N-Thuggin' 2" set to be released May 30. Just follow the directions below for a chance to win. Only 1 winner will be selected. Deadline is May 8 so you still a few days to lay down those fire bars and upload it to your Soundcloud account. Good fortune to all who submit.
