Maine x Suspect, Lyrical Assassins, "The Last" LP & Interview

Seasoned artist hailing from Pennsylvania, Maine The Medicine recently linked up with Canadian emcee, Suspect for the highly anticipated album, "The Last."  The lyrical assassins deliver an epic dose of ear milk and lyricism authentic to traditional Hip-Hop flawlessly blended with unique rhyme schemes. I had the opportunity to meet with Maine to discuss the album. 

MJ: I'm eager to dive right into the album to give fans and listeners a personal inside look. First tell us how you linked up with Suspect?  In creation mode did you already have him in mind for the album.

Maine: We met at a show in Scranton PA, when Suspect and Marmel were performing on the Adlib Tour. The respect was mutual once we both hit the stage. We stayed in contact, knocked out some collaborations and tossed around the idea of putting together a project, which makes sense because we both share the same taste in Hip-Hop. We decided it would be dope to put out a Mercy Gang and Marmel Mixape “Cross Border Connection” which would turn out to be Hefty’s (rip) last project with all of us. In honor of Hefty we agreed to release the mixtape and dedicate the Canadian Tour to the memory of Hefty.  

Suspect: Maine is one of the most lyrical artists I know. So that there was enough of a challenge for me to create the best of bars. Since the whole concept of the album “The Last” is about real Hip-Hop becoming extinct, it only made sense for us to deliver it out. Working with Maine before I knew our chemistry was bananas and we also share the same music influences and styles.

Maine: We named the album “The Last” because we truly believe we are a last of a dying breed. Last also stands for Lyrical Assassins Stay True.

MJ: Share the story line behind the cover art and album title. 

Maine: The cover was a way to display the unique bond between the US and Canada in the Hip-Hop world. We also wanted to show the history of our projects with our respective groups. 

MJ: Artists strive to top previous released albums to display growth and versatility. What was your expectation with this album? Through your eyes and mind what were you aiming to convey to listeners? Do you feel that's been achieved? 

Maine: We wanted to bring back that gritty boom bap, Hip-Hop. I feel like we really pushed each other's pen which brought the best out of both of us. We wanted the listeners to indulge into some great beats and dope ass lyricism along with raw energy we bring to the tracks. 

MJ: Let's talk about some of the tracks. Do you have a personal favorite, or one record that speaks to your heart a bit more than the others?  You know MJ well enough that I'm sure you can pinpoint one of my favorites. Although I must say it was difficult to choose just one as this album carries timeless tracks with no skipping. But l do want to talk about "Hip-Hop" and how you define that record. 

Suspect: My personal favorite is “Behind Every Smile.” My verse specifically is very important. I wrote it as it was a letter to my son who I have been going through custody battles with for the past 4 years.  “Hip Hop” is basically everything we feel about the culture of Hip-Hop, the likes and dislikes, that we have seen throughout the years.

Maine:  I love the raw in your face tracks like “Rough Shit” and “Blah Blah” with U.G. The tracks close to my heart are “Close To You” and “Behind Every Smile.” “Behind Every Smile” is a special track for both of us. I talk about my health and as he mentioned, he talks about his son. The track was produced by Nate Williams and the beat just brought out raw emotions from both of us. “Hip Hop” was produced by Will Sully. I felt some real nostalgia with that beat, it made think of some real Hip-Hop moments in my life. We are very proud of “The Last” and both the producers and artists who contributed to the  project, from Real Wolf, Snowgoons, Native Seals, Know It, legendary U.G. of Cella Dwellas, to features with Adlib, Marmel, Holla Da scholar, Khali Hustle, Lucas Hex, and more.  

MJ: On a more personal note, can you share a little bit on the adjustment of creating music without Hefty (rip)? I'm sure there must be an overwhelming sense of different emotions. 

Suspect: Speaking for myself knowing Hefty and creating music with him was a blessing, he had such a strong love and drive for it, and to have him part of our first project “Cross Border Connections” was amazing and you can see the strong bond with his fans and Mercy Gang brothers still to this day . 

Maine: For me, it’s still hard making music without him here. I've learned a lot of things from him that I still use now. I think he would love the music were making now. Hefty will always live on in our music. 

MJ: Is there anything else you would like the world to know about "The Last"? 

Suspect: This will not be the only or the last time u will hear “The Last”!!!!
Maine has grown to be more than an artist I work and tour with he is family. I am super proud of this project and think it’s some of my best work I have released to date!! Look out for much more to come from “The Last.”

Maine: I want to mention we will be joining The Last Tour in Canada with Steve Sxaks and Kohn of M.A.D.E and we are excited to perform hits off the album.  

Watch the official video for "Rough Shit" off "The Last" LP below.

Izzy Strange - Izzy Duz It (Mixtape) @ishestrange

Pennsylvanian emcee Izzy Strange lets lose his first official project of 2018, the 11 track "Izzy Duz It" mixtape.

Thus far, we'd seen two singles birthed prior to the mixtape. The first single, titled "Just Me", found Izzy alongside 2009 XXL Freshman Blu trading lyrics speaking on self-dependence and the need to continue pushing forward no matter what. Sara Fox also contributed to the track with a powerful burst of soul and the chorus. The second release placed Strange on a haunting Nate Fox production named "Halfway Crooks". Mick Jenkins joined Izzy to speak out against half-assing it through life. 

Production comes from a wide assortment of producers that Izzy came across via YouTube but he does however give us a song each from his go-to beatsmiths, Nate and Casa Nada. Also guest starring on the mixtape are Nacho Picasso and Tedy Andres, who appear on the latter half of the presentation. 

"Izzy Duz It" provides a close look at the multifaceted talent of the artist as he goes from storytelling tales to spitting bars and even playing the singer role on "Something I Said" with supporting vocals from Sara. Along with that angle, Izzy's potent poetical penmanship shines brightly on the mixtape. Top highlights of this statement can be found on tracks like "Even A Broken Clock", "The World Can Wait" and "Robert Johnson".

Since his first single from his sophomore album, "A Good Day 2 B The Bad Guy", Strange has made it a point to provide conceptually fueled content that's plays easy on the ear. Though a Hip Hop artist, the east coaster pulls in heavy influence from genres such as blues and jazz. If you were looking for some type of label to attach to "Izzy Duz It" you could call it "thinking man's music". He's not afraid to expose his faults and it's thru that type of fearlessness that makes the mixtape such an incredible project to digest time and time again.

"Izzy Duz It" is now streaming on Soundcloud and YouTube.

Izzy Strange Online

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Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Izzy Strange Ft Mick Jenkins - "Halfway Crooks" (Audio) @ishestrange

Izzy Strange unleashes a barrage of aggressive ammo aimed at anybody thinking of trying to size him up on the Mick Jenkins featured, Halfway Crooks". Over a Halloween-esque production from Grammy Award winner Nate Fox, the pair leave shook crews running, like they're supposed to.

There's no doubt that the Pennsylvania emcee has been working in overtime mode since he began delivering music from his sophomore album, "A Good Day 2 B The Bad Guy".  It's been about 2 years now since that album's first single debuted, a collab track titled "Fall Back" featuring Eligh. Since that time, Izzy has presented songs alongside artists such as Blu, Open Mick Eagle and Mick Jenkins. Strange and Mick collaborated on AGD2BTBG on the jazzy uplifting, "No One But Me", that premiered on HHDX.

On Halloween, Izzy's unleashes his "Izzy Duz It" mixtape that features the duo's second meeting, "Halfway Crooks". Let's be honest, you ought not talk the talk if you can't walk the walk. However, there are many people out there pump faking. More so, you may know one of these falsifiers. On "Halfway Crooks", Strange is in prime form as he snipes away his opponents one by one. Wordplay is extreme as Iz spits:

Izzy Strange, product placement / Where's the payment but be patient / Takes time to be the greatest / I've been studying the ancients, so I can be replacement

Mick Jenkins enters the track at the halfway mark and continues the potent alphabet massacre with lines like:

while the chain still chokes you up / don't chalk it up, to sleep / I'm woke as fuck / was out here in these streets, just broke as fuck / and dodging all police, what they on with us? / on the cusp of something great, you can't relate

Both emcees build up their deliveries as the verses play out, giving us a dual climatic experience thru audio. DJ Halo, who did the cuts for "No Commercials", also returns to put the needle of the record and close the song out and a Hip Hop purist plateau.

Mick Jenkins has a new album coming out on October 26th titled "Pieces of a Man". "Understood" is it's lead single and was produced by KAYTRANDA. Izzy's mixtape, Izzy Duz It", arrives on October 31st and will also feature Blu, Tedy Andreas, Nacho Picasso and Sara Fox. Stay tuned for both projects and definitively make sure to check out the nineties fueled "Halfway Crooks" on Spotify.

The Game's Protege, Richie Evans Drops Single with Eric Bellinger "One Time"

Richie Evans was formerly known as Juice. Richie Evans is a Pennsylvania born but Arizona raised recording artist. Under the name Juice, he became The Game’s protégé after personally handing his demo. During his tenure under The Black Wall Street imprint, he was able to understudy the music industry. 

Richie was featured on David Letterman & the BET Hip Hop Awards while also securing features on renowned hip-hop publications like XXL. He's collaborated with Shyne, Bun B, Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar while releasing multiple mixtapes and EP's.

As of recent, Richie Evans has started his own label imprint The Evans Administration - a joint venture with Priority Records.  The Evans Administration / Priority venture will feature his first single “One Time” and his new EP slated for later 2018.

Richie Explains Linking Up With Eric Bellinger

"I was playing the song in the studio and once the beat dropped I knew Eric Bellinger had to be on the joint. I have respect for his music, but I also felt he embodied the vocals needed to carry this song to the next level. We had mutual acquaintances and made it happen."

Izzy Strange - Televised (Video) @ishestrange

"Televised" by Izzy Strange was produced by Casa Nada and features singer Tahlyn. The song was inspired on Izzy's outlook with how people interact on social media. For better or worse, you can almost become someone else on the internet. People love to talk about others flaws while trying to conceal their own. All of sudden everyone has a voice and most people think their opinion needs to be heard. We’re an in instant gratification age and we’re just looking for people to entertain. Everyday people can now go viral over night.


The video concept is based off the fact that most things are done on the internet. Interactions, shopping, paying bills, etc. The way life is headed, it's now far-fetched for people to stop leaving their comfort zones all together. So in the video, the emcee puts on a performance to an empty venue while trying to bare his soul to the world. People are watching from their phones via Facebook Live while also engaging in their everyday activities. 
"I feel like people’s attention span is rather low right now and they have trouble focusing on one thing even if it’s something they enjoy."  "Televised" is a loose single to keep fans tuned in while Izzy continues to work on his next full length album, The Die Is Cast". He plans to debut two more loose singles, one with Blu and another with Mick Jenkins. Expect the Blu featured "Just Me" single to premiere sometime in July. Stay updated by visiting www.izzystrangeraps.com and signing up for his newsletters.

Izzy Strange (@ishestrange) Ft Blu - "At Home" (Video)

Pennsylvania emcee Izzy Strange hit the ground running in 2017. Not only did he debut his anticipated sophomore album, "A Good Day 2 B The Bad Guy", he also achieved some heavy features alongside Mick Jenkins, Open Mike Eagle, Eligh and Blu. With a multitude of singles and videos under his belt, he found himself heading over to the west coast to meet up with Blu to film an official video for their collab track, "At Home". With Venice Beach playing the location set, Izzy and Blu dive head first into the mic delivering impressive wordplay. In the chorus, Strange makes sure to point out that if you weren't familiar to his discography, you most certainly will be soon. Blu also co-signs the BCB founder and provides quite the guest feature.

Blu and Exile also recently debuted "In The Beginning: Before The Heavens", a project consisting of previously unreleased recordings from the "Below The Heavens" era. Aside from promoting AGD2BTBG, Izzy is in the process of setting up shows again while recording a new EP titled "The Strange Crow" and his full length follow up album, "The Die Is Cast". The Joshua Thomas-directed video for "At Home" can be viewed below.


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Izzy Strange (@ishestrange) - A Good Day 2 B The Bad Guy (Album)

Pennsylvania-based emcee Izzy Strange lets loose a slew of intricate syllables on his latest project, "A Good Day 2 B The Bad Guy".

Aside from lyricism, Strange showcases his abilities to craft commercial singles such as with "Real Love" featuring Taylyn. His antihero approach to song crafting can be found on the first two tracks of the album, "Story To Tell" and "Making Movies". Taking close to a year to orchestrate, the Beasley's Corner Bodega frontman combined the Grammy Award winning sounds of Nate Fox and hometown beat phenom, Casa Nada, for the instrumentation.

He then took it a step farther by landing guest features from some of his favorite artists such as Blu, Mick Jenkins and Open Mike Eagle. Izzy has released six singles and three videos from the album thus far. He recently announced another upcoming visual for the Blu-assisted "At Home" single Shot on location in California. The fifteen track project can be heard on Soundcloud, streamed via Spotify and purchased from iTunes.

 

Izzy Strange Social Media Links

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Website: http://beasleyscornerbodega.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/izzystrange/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ishestrange

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishestrange/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/izzystrangers

Izzy Strange Bio: http://beasleyscornerbodega.com/bcb-artists/izzy-strange/

Bigg Homie and David Rush Release Video for "Loaded"

David Rush lends his vocals to Bigg Homie's single "Loaded." Loaded is a term referring to being stacked up in all the pleasures of life. The single is a club anthem in Philly and is beginning to make its way across the country. Check out the video and let us know what you think.

BIGG HOMIE
Bigg Homie hails from Philadelphia, PA. His debut album Condo Music, featured production from Bizzness, Don Cannon, and Flippa. His goal is to bring pride and prosperity back into Hip-Hop. Between YouTube and WSHH, Bigg Homie's videos have received over 500,000 views, and that's only the beginning.

Ray Dawn Releases "Maxes On My Feet"

Pittsburgh rapper, Ray Dawn releases a new single called “Maxes On My Feet” after an incident gone left on Instagram. For fans and followers of the law school dropout turned artist, it is clear to see that he is a lover of Nike's Air Max 90 OG Infrareds. (We mean…why the hell not...they’re dope). After several posts of him in the shoes a stalker troll questioned whether or not Ray owned another pair of sneakers. So he decided to respond with a new song.

@ishestrange - "Real Love" (Video)

Scottdale, Pennsylvania artist Izzy Strange gets blessed with an astronomical instrumental from Casa Nada for his latest single, "Real Love". Guest vocalist Tahlyn paints the production with grace, aiding Izzy thru the intro and chorus line. The video has so far gone on to be viewed over 17k times and only keeps increasing by the day. Directed by fellow Beasley's Corner Bodega's Zeus, the video spins Izzy's tale of searching for meaning thru music into an actual relationship with his brother Josh playing the lead character. Check out the full video below.

Pittsburgh Rapper Lua Proc Flexes His Muscle With "Flexxin" Single

Rising rap star Lua Proc creates musical murals with his songs. He approaches every note with fearless class. His flow is pure and authentic. Lua Proc has a mogul mentality. He is respected in the streets and the boardrooms. Armed with a pen, a microphone and an unshakable will to succeed, Lua Proc is already making an impact on the independent music scene and beyond.

His lyrical themes create genuine, multifaceted compositions that take the listener on a reflective journey. His powerful voice and flawless delivery are reasons why the talented rapper is being touted as one of the music industry’s brightest new stars. The Pittsburgh native recently released his debut album "Fish Tailing" to much fanfare. The album features collaborations with artists such as Kevin Gates and Young Buck.

Much of the production on the album was deftly handled by Stevie B and Loud Pak Ent. If you’re a fan of hard beats and bold street anthems, then this top notch album is for you. "Fish Tailing” is a captivating project that moves pass generic trap tales and takes the listener on a deeper and more introspective level.

After being featured on Sirius/XM's Hip Hop Nation, Thisis50, Music Choice and Pandora Lua Proc took the year to tour with the likes of Twista, Joe Budden, Bone Thugs & Harmony, and Lil Reese to develop his signature sound and fanbase. Lua Proc's creativity, stage presence and confidence set him apart from other independent artists. His currently flying high on the release of his current single "Flexxin'. " The song is a bold, brash, braggadocios single that is sure to rock nightclubs across the nation. Lua Proc is on a mission to be a "diamond" in a music world filled with "cubic zirconias."

@ishestrange Ft @HerFavColor - "At Home" Prod By @alldayrecess (Audio)

Pennsylvania's Izzy Strange continues to impress with yet another explosive collaboration. The Beasley’s Corner Bodega leader, contracts 2009 XXL Freshman Blu for the Nate Fox produced, “At Home”. Mixing West Coast sounds on top of East Coast drum patterns, both emcees feel right "At Home" over the single. It is also set to appear on the recently announced “Stranger Than Fiction” mixtape, dropping this Fall. Soon after, Izzy's highly anticipated sophomore album “A Good Day 2 B The Bad Guy” will follow. A busy year indeed for Izzy, listen to "At Home" below.

 

@ishestrange Ft @Mike_Eagle - "Rappers Say The Darnedest Things" (Audio)

Following up last month's release of "Fall Back" featuring Eligh, Pennsylvania emcee Izzy Strange debuts his next infectious hit titled "Rappers Say The Darnedest Things". Once again, the Beasley Corner Bodega representative contracts a smooth guest feature. This time it's from Chicago lyricist, Open Mike Eagle. Experience an entertaining take on surviving in a world of shattered dreams. The song was produced by The Netherfriends, who is also responsible for the instrumental behind "Fall Back". The beat miner illustrates the track with dream inducing sounds riddled with low octave bass lines. It's no secret that Hip Hop is full of braggadocios rhymes and simulated lifestyles. Izzy and Mike do a solid job of exposing the foolery on the single while explaining just how the plan on surviving in a scene where "Rappers Say The Darnedest Things". Listen and purchase the song via Bandcamp below.

                                   

Rapper Flatline Nizzy Releases Visual For "I Gaat"

Pittsburgh, PA based Rap juggernaut Flatline Nizzy is building a huge movement one fan at a time. He raps with purpose and conviction. One listen to his music and it’s evident that this gifted rap renegade is destined for greatness. His songs are honest and personal and they touch on matters close to the heart. Flatline Nizzy has put his stamp on the independent rap game with his laid-back confidence and boastful attitude. It is only a matter of time before his fearless authentic sound makes an impact internationally.

Flatline Nizzy has received kudos for his "Underrated" mixtape series. His skillful wordplay and witty metaphors paint precise pictures. His unique selling proposition is that he's not afraid to be himself and he incorporates many of his life's experiences into his music. Flatline Nizzy is riding high off of his latest project entitled "Underrated 3." One of the the lead tracks on the mixtape is the infectious single called "I Gaat." The hard hitting song pulsates with energy. Equally important, the music video to the song is bold and profound. The editing is sleek and exciting. Follow Flatine Nizzy on his journey to greatness.

Twitter: @WTR_gunplay
IG: @flatline_nizzy

Husky - "Feel Good"

Husky a rising new artist from Philadelphia, Pa drops his new single "Feel Good". The record is produced by Dark Mal as well.



Twitter-@HuskyWRG

(New Music)-@ishestrange Ft @eligh "Fall Back"

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.

 

@TrePrada "Tension" [NEW VIDEO]

Tre Prada was raised by a single mother, who gave birth to him at the age of 16. He began his journey into the genre of hip-hop at age 11. Social networking platforms like, MySpace, helped him get his music to millions of people. By the age of 16, his music was drawing the attention of record label A&R’s from Def Jam Records, Mac Miller's production team, and some of the big hip-hop artists from Philadelphia.

From uploading his songs and his music videos, Tre Prada has been recognized in the Tri-State area for the past three years. The recognition is getting stronger and stronger as the days go by. Tre Prada’s music is his own style of a unique urban sound, catchy lyrics, and distinctive hooks. The name Tre Prada is actually an acronym for “Time Reveals Everything, Power Rules Any Dominate Agenda”. The meaning of the name Tre Prada speaks to the power that fuels both his music and his drive to be successful. Check out his graphical video for his new release "Tension."

(New Music)-@GillieDaKid Ft @BOOSIEOFFICIAL - "I'm Da Man"

Philly rapper Gillie Da Kid is back on the scene with a brand new joint titled “Im Da Man", featuring Boosie Badazz. The “King of Philly” teams up with the Baton Rouge native for a classic hood banger produced by hit-maker Coney Gurl. After dropping his first ever album “Welcome 2 Gilladelphia” late last year, Gillie Da Kid says it was time to drop some new music and what better way to do that than with a new record with Boosie Badazz.

  “I had already recorded the record and I wanted to get a feature on it, and I thought ‘who else is the man in their city?’ I thought of Boosie and we made it happen. I personally booked studio time in Atlanta and dropped off the record so he could record his part on it. As soon as I heard his verse, I said ‘this b*tch is fire!’ This is a classic Boosie verse…this is going down as an all time classic verse from Boosie Badazz", says Gille Da Kid.

 The two rappers have endured similar struggles throughout their lives, from growing up on the streets to serving time in prison, and now Boosie is recovering from surgery to fight kidney cancer, but both have been strong enough to survive and keep doing what they do best – dropping hot music. “I wish [Boosie] a speedy recovery and I salute him. He’s still working even though he’s been through a lot. We both have", notes Gillie.

 Now with a new street anthem on his hands, the King of Philly wants his fans everywhere, no matter what they do or who they are, to feel empowered, like they are Da Man when they listen to his new record. With new singles and a potential new mixtape or album up next, this is just the beginning of what Gillie Da Kid has in store for the new year.

 

@IAmRichTheKid X @thedemons215 - "BSOTK"

Georgia emcee, Rich The Kid teams up with The Demon$ on this spaced out jam title, "BSOTK" where the rappers spazz out in a charismatic way. The Demon$ are a Hip-Hop Duo, on the rise, from the northern section of Philadelphia. This music showcases they're hellish flows, dope beat selection, and vicious rhyme schemes.

Although they are a young group, The Demon$ manage to bring their own style to Hip-hop, while still paying homage to those who paved the way for them. Growing up in the North Philadelphia area gave them front-row seats to the careers of native groups like the Ram Squad, Major Figgas , & State Property. Take a listen to the group's new single and let us know what you think.

Please Support By Purchasing or Streaming On Itunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bussin-straight-out-kitchen/id1060724819

(New Audio)-@hhspady "Hit A Lick"

Philadelphia hustler HH Spady plots a come-up on his latest audio drop, "Hit A Lick". The No Breaks entrepreneur has been developing Hip Hop showcases out in Philly titled #Thecollegehangout while recording his upcoming mixtape, "New Russell".