Mike Posner Roundtable (ILL EXCLUSIVE)

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Lola

Last week Sony Music invited several Toronto bloggers in a roundtable discussion/interview with Mike Posner, who recently released his debut album 31 Minutes to Takeoff. The album has gotten rave reviews and Mike, who had previously released two mixtapes – Only a Matter of Time with DJ Don Cannon and One Foot Out the Door with DJ Clinton Sparks – has built up quite a following. His debut single “Cooler than Me” reached #6 in the US and # 5 in Canada. It was originally featured in the first mixtape, Only a Matter of Time, when Mike was still developing his production, sound and of course rapping as well. The song was then remixed and more production was layered over giving it a more sophisticated and complex sound.

What was the most amazing thing to me about Mike Posner is his work ethic, dedication and his ability to stay focused and stay on track. After the release of his first Mixtape, he got signed to J Records (RCA/Sony). Instead of leaving school and focusing on his music career solely (which I can see a lot of artists doing) he went back to college to finish his degree, started recording for his album, finished a second mixtape and toured on weekends. It seems like the word overload meant nothing to him. And in person, Posner was as cool and laid back and the summer breeze. He was charming and easy to talk to, and seemed like he knew every aspect of his music and where he wanted to go.
Our roundatable discussion included Thunderkush.com, SheDoesTheCity.com, iLuvlola.net, LissaMonet.com and WRGMag.com. We each took turns to ask questions. It was pretty cool. Here’s how it went down…
Thunderkush – In your first two mixtapes you had a lot of hip-hop features, Big Sean, Donnis, Kid Cudi. Just wondering why you neglected to feature any of those artists in your debut album?
Mike Posner – I wanted to make an album where every song was great, and every song was great because of me. I have my whole life to work with other people.
Click to read more

KENNY BURNS in Takeover Magazine

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Lola

I met Kenny Burns a couple of years back in Atlanta through my roomate at the time Mariah (one of the most powerful females in Australia and soon to be America!). We went with Kenny to Ne-Yo’s BET Hip-Hop Awards afterparty and then Akon’s house for a party he was having there. It was fun. I think we started off on the wrong foot, because from what I remember he said I was mouthy and had attitude. SO NOT the case because he absolutely adores me now!
Anyways, in the months and years following I learned how important of an individual Kenny Burns really is and my respect for him and what he does continues to grow every day. If you haven’t seen his videos, photos, or heard his radio show on BeeHiveFM you are missing out!! Takeover Magazine writer Alex French interviewed Kenny recently and wrote this amazing article that pretty much covers every angle of his profession.

Read the full article Here and follow Kenny on twitter @kennyburns

[Video] Jabari Presents – Episode 1: Nigel Sylvester

Posted on August 4, 2010 by Lola

Check out the first episode form Jabari’s “Jabari Presents” series.
I went to Queens, NY to speak to pro-bmx biker, Nigel Sylvester, who at just 22 has become an international face for the sport of BMX and is sponsored by companies like Nike, Gatorade, and Animal. Watch as Nigel speaks about how he started, almost quitting, and what he wants to do to take BMX to the next level (he even teaches me how to do a trick!). via Jabari
Brought to you by Nooka
Produced by Stellar Creative

Follow Jabari on twitter @Jabari

Dis is Hip Hop, Pass the Mic, Oh Canada!

Posted on July 25, 2010 by TashPoeme

I will not get on my high horse and moan and groan about the dearth that is hip hop today, only because I`ve already done that. Now, I could name names and piss people off – cuz I love doing that, however I’m just going open the door to the rabbit hole, share a link that I found (thanks to @masiaone via Twitter) and you can decide for yourself!
This is what I miss the most; no colour, no creed, no blinging, just slanging hooks the way I used to sling lattes! Anyway, this video was a feature courtesy of the National Post. The only quandary is that this feature neglected to touch upon the ladies (maybe a project for yours truly in the future ).

[Video] Gucci Mane interview with Yahoo

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Lola

[Gucci Mane by Zach Wolfe for Vibe]
Gucci Mane speaks to Yahoo! Music’s Billy J about jail, prepping for “The Appeal,” Waka Flocka & OJ Da Juiceman.

Follow Gucci on twitter @gucci1017

Paul Rodriguez and Don Pendleton Green Label Art Collaboration

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Gabriel

Transworld sat down with Paul Rodriguez and artist Don Pendleton about their upcoming collaboration with Green Label Art by Mountain Dew. Check out the video here below.

RIHANNA COVERS ELLE MAGAZINE

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Cynthia

Rihanna covers the new issue of Elle Magazine. In it she talks about everything from fashion to boyfriends (past and present). The issue is available on newstands June 15.

Drake Talks Album Leak With TheLifeFiles

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Benjamin

Last night Drizzy held a listening session at Legacy Studios, and TLF caught up with him to discuss his album leak. He also spoke on Bron Bron’s free agency, comparisons, advice from Jay-Z, and his favorite record on the album. Also, MTV caught up with a few bloggers to discuss Drizzy’s album leak.

Drake Talks Album Leaks & Musical Inspirations! from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.
(Via TheHottestIshh)

Birdman & Mack Maine Discuss Projects To Be Released (YM/CMB Update)

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Benjamin

Baby and Mack maine took some time to give us highlights on what we can expect from both roasters in the coming months.
Directed by Derick G.

YMCMB UPDATE FROM BIRDMAN AND MACK MAINE from DERICK G on Vimeo.

[Video] Jasmine Solano interview with Ashley Outrageous

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Lola

Outrageous Xclusive: Jasmine Solano from Ashley Outrageous on Vimeo.
During a break Ms. Jasmine Solano had off of the ‘Deal or No Deal’ tour with Wiz Khalifa, she made a stop in Miami for a couple days for some gigs. While in town, we chilled for a few days & sat down for an interview. We talk about when she started DJ’ing, her show ‘The Secret Spot’, Influences, how she got into rapping, being a female in the industry, & more! Be on the lookout for Jasmine & her single ‘Thats Not It’ coming soon! if youve attended Wiz Khalifa’s ‘Deal or No Deal’ tour youve probably already gotten a preview of the heat Ms.Solano is bringing.
Follow Jasmine on twitter @jasminesolano

Travie McCoy on the Cover of Honey Mag

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Cynthia

Travie McCoy graces the cover of the latest issue of Honey Mag. In the article he talks about everything from His relationship and breakup with Katy Perry to his Upcoming Album ” Lazarus”
On Katy Perry and Dating :
“There is no bad blood or hard feelings [with Katy Perry]. It happens and you move on. You live and you learn — it makes you a better person. It’s the moving on that builds character. People that dwell on old relationships tend to stay bitter. I’m not that type of person.”
“I’m not really [dating] — I have been making love to my record. There are some things that I’m tweaking. The whole cycle with putting out a new record is like a relationship. It takes a lot of commitment. I am in no place to have a girlfriend. I have no time or energy to throw into that.”
On his album Lazarus
“The record is a lot more melodic than what I’ve done in the past. I am singing a lot more. I’ve grown more comfortable with my singing voice. Overall, it’s a feel good record — a lot of up-temp joints. There’s a lot of summertime-ish dance stuff. But also there is some heavy rock stuff too, like R&B meets rock. There is always an element of rock. It’s because of what I listen to — The Def Tones, Aceop Rock, LP to Fabolous, Cassidy, Weezy, Pain. What I listen to finds its way into what I do.”

Via Honey Mag

[Video] Off The Wall Sessions w/ The ILLZ

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Lola

Check out this video interview of NYC rapper The ILLZ. I got a chance to meet him a few weeks back in New York and he is absolutely adorable. A very well rounded person… Look out for an #ichatsession with him on iLuvLola coming soon and make sure to follow on twitter @theILLZ

via HotMopFilms

[VIDEO] Asher Roth talks about working with Pharrell

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Lola

We did a really brief #Ichatsessions (which never got posted) with Asher Roth some months ago, just before he headed out to Miami to work with Pharrell. Here’s a brief clip from MTV of Asher talking about his studio time with P.

“Working with him, it’s really fast. We wound up doing 12 records in 12 days, which is really good numbers. It’s quick. He gets an idea and he harnesses that idea really quick. It’s cool when someone like me gets to step into the studio with him. I feel it’s probably different vibes.” via MTV

B.o.B Talks Eminem Collaboration

Posted on April 13, 2010 by Benjamin

MTV Shows

Pharrell Williams- “D” art assaut

Posted on April 11, 2010 by Gabriel

Pharrell Williams – Art D’assaut from BLAST on Vimeo.
Blast Magazine talked to Pharrell Williams on his recent Paris trip, where he launched his new chair creations. Check out the video interview, where the musician talks about art and his latest project. Enjoy!