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You Luv Lola
Mar
12
Mar
11
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Mar
10
Tyga On MTV Mixtape Daily
Featured Artist, Mixtapes, Music, Product Review, Television, interviews | Leave a Comment
Mar
10
Beyonce Photoshoot For House Of Dereon Spring/Summer 2010
Fashion, Featured Artist, Product Review, Videos | Leave a Comment
Mar
10
Bobby Creekwater-Exhibit B.C. from Bobby Creekwater on Vimeo.
Mar
10
Surf Club – Chase N. Cashe & Hit-Boy x Lil Wayne ft Eminem – Drop The World Beat Construction from The Surf Club on Vimeo.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple of weeks, you should have heard about that Lil Wayne X Eminem collaboration featured on Weezy’s Rebirth album.
This song has been produced by Chase N. Cashe (Young Money, Young Joc, Tiffany Evans) & Hit Boy (Snoop Dogg, Flo-Rida, Jennifer Lopez) due to the success of that track the two decided to let us know how did they joined their strenghts & creativity in the studio.
Very interesting insights into how sometimes MAGIC happens.
Mar
10
New York based Young Money Affiliate Jae Millz Dropped his official new full length Mixtape “The Flood” w/ DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar earlier Today.
You might already have heard the “First 48″ track off of this project or even have seen the video.
Mixtape including features from Birdman, Lil Wayne as well as Short Dawg & the newest YM member Cory Gunz!!
Download it here.
DOPE.
Feb
22
Fabolous – There Is No Competition II
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Mixtape Daily gives us insights on Fabolous’ The Funeral Service: There Is No Competition 2 set to hit the web in the coming weeks.
Loso dropped the first part of this project back in 2008, collaborating with Dj Drama, he definitely wanted to feed the streets as there is NO club anthem within the 24 tracks of the mixtape.
Be on the look out he is back in the game, ready to kill the competition.
The Funeral Service: There is no competition 1
Feb
14
Presented by 2DopeBoyz & DJBooth
After months of recording, the highly anticipated “The Pursuit LP” is finally here. Hip-Hop artist The ILLZ delivers 11 solid tracks, all with their own unique, emotional journeys. Fans will recognize internet sensations “Heaven (Higher)” and “Melfi“, as well as “Prelude to the Sickness” featured on DJBooth.net’s freestyle series. In true ILLZ fashion, the album is a mix of eclectic, alternative/rock-tinged beats with a few surprises thrown into the mix, such as the New York club-scene flavored, “Let it Fall” and the gritty, Hip-Hop underground track “Dark Side of the Room”. Fans and skeptics alike will see a wide range of emotion, depth of character, and full spectrum of what Hip-Hop music can be.
Follow him on twitter @TheILLZ
Jan
24
As part of my “European Sundays” posts, here is a Belgian Artist I must tell you about!
Stromae is a young and extremly talented Rapper/Singer/Producer who took over the European scene with his Electro/Mash-Up hits “Up Saw Liz” and “Alors on danse”.
Now touring in clubs all around Europe, he is currently working on his debut album which will be out in the coming months and still untitled so far.
Here are the videos for both his hits.
Official Website & Twitter account (@stromae)
Oct
17
ILUVLOLA.NET got a chance to catch up with Fabolous this week to talk about his latest release Loso’s Way, which dropped back in July. Fabolous talked about the Loso’s Way movie, next singles to drop & breaking out of “the box”.
Peep the audio clip below & read on for the rest of the interview!
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Audio Clip: Fabolous talks about “twitter-tainment”
Sajae for ILUVLOLA.NET: First off, Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk us.
FABOLOUS: No problem.
ILL: Obviously you were inspired by Carlito’s Way for your last album, so it’s a concept album?
FABOLOUS: Yeah. Exactly. That’s definitely the exact description of what it was.
ILL: Have you wanted to do a concept album for a while?
FABOLOUS: Actually watching Carlito’s Way.. You know, we were looking for a theme to put on the project. I saw a lot of projects in the past that were classic to me and I saw what you could put into this [project]. I was trying to look for something like that. I found it randomly watching Carlito’s Way.
ILL: What prompted you to get a little more personal on this album?
FABOLOUS: I felt like it was time to. I’m growing as a person, artist, everything. In every aspect I’m growing and evolving, so I thought it was time to share that with the listeners.
ILL: Did becoming a father affect you as an artist in terms of what you will and won’t say on record?
FABOLOUS: I mean in certain lights. In certain lights you are mindful of kids listening. My son is very young so I won’t have to worry about that really with me at this point, but I understand how a parent would feel about their child hearing something that was a little too much for them to hear. Becoming a parent helps me understand that but at the same time it’s free speech as well. Sometimes kids need to hear certain things that a lot of people would feel are harsh or a little bit too mature for the younger ears. Sometimes those harsh things are reality that they need to hear, rather than the first-hand experiences.
ILL: How did the idea for the Loso’s Way movie come about?
FABOLOUS: We designed it to give a visual of what I’m saying when I’m rapping as well, trying to make the project like a movie. So you can see some of the stories; you can see some parts of the music in the movie.
ILL: BB-Gun directed the movie as well as some of your videos for this record
FABOLOUS: Right.
ILL: What made you choose to work with them?
FABOLOUS: Just that they were young and hungry and willing to work, and not back down from work. In this business, the budgets are becoming shorter so you really need people who are gonna work the money and are passionate about it; so when I saw that in them that’s when I knew those were the directors that I wanted to work with.
ILL: Do you feel like before this album you were starting to get pigeon-holed as the R&B remix rapper? Do you care?
FABOLOUS: There were different periods where I felt people were boxing me in not only as an R&B rapper . Everybody has to break the box or show people a different side than what they’re expecting and I feel like I have to do that with certain projects and singles. It’s always a part of my project, showing people and proving [myself]. Ever since my first project, people have looked at it like “Oh, alright, that was cool…can he do it again?” And every artist faces that, so I think with me, people were looking at it like maybe we have a one hit wonder situation, until you continue to prove yourself. Sometimes even that doesn’t work. You do it once or twice, on the third time they’re still like “Ok, this is where he’s gonna fall” and you do it a third time and they’re looking for the fourth time. It’s just a part of breaking that shell of people thinking [they know] what you are vs. what you want to be and what you really are.
ILL: Are you just focusing on releasing more singles and videos for this album or are you back in the studio?
FABOLOUS: I’m actually gonna shoot a video for one of the street records off the album “I’mma do it”, then for the full-fledged single we’re probably gonna shoot “Makin Love” feat. Ne-Yo
ILL: Is your clothing line Rich Yung Society still something you’re working on right now?
FABOLOUS: Yes. We switched over our manufacturer and distributor so we will be back for this fall and winter season. We have a lot of new stuff. We’ve got people who see our vision now and are gonna help bring what we’re trying to bring; not just what they want to do. They see our vision and really connected with us and they’re ready to put it out. So I’m glad that we actually took a second off to get with some better people who could really help the brand instead of hurt it.
ILL: Who are you listening to alot of lately?
FABOLOUS: I just bought the Slaughterhouse and Raekwon CD. So that’s the last 2 CD’s I was listening to.
ILL: Does anyone actually get upset over what you post on your twitter sometimes, like after they’ve been officially roasted by you?
FABOLOUS: I don’t know. Not really. Well, I hope people don’t. I hope people just look at it like “Twitter-tainment”, that’s what I call it. Like, people follow and in the real world people love this kind of controversial information, so what I do on twitter is just jokes. I really have no problem with anybody and people just seem to become fans of those jokes. And really, my personality goes different ways. When you speak to me, I’m kind of cool, collected…I’m calm. Twitter is just like a different side of my personality. Only people who really know me know I have a funny side to me, so that’s a way that this whole audience & my followers get to see that side without actually really knowing me. I just do it for the fun of it. People joke on me on there, I never take it too extreme. I rarely take what a lot of rappers say period [seriously], because people just say stuff now. It’s hard to see what’s real, what’s fake; what’s jokes and what’s not. With me I always say, we’re making jokes, we’re having fun with it. Whatever it is. Somebody’s insecurities, somebody falling down, somebody’s video, somebody’s shortcomings. Whatever it is, we just having fun with it. I’m not trying to bash anybody, it’s just something for people to look at on twitter and laugh
ILL: Yeah, your twitter is probably the funniest one out there right now.
FABOLOUS: [Laughs] I almost get embarrassed now because of my twitter, everybody that sees me is like “Yo, you’re crazy on twitter” and it’s starting to make me blush now. I’m starting to get shy.
ILL: It’s so funny. When I should be paying attention in class, I’m reading your twitter
FABOLOUS: [Laughs]
ILL: Okay, I’m gonna let you go. Was there anything else you wanted to add?
FABOLOUS: No, I think we’re good.
ILL: Perfect, thank you.
Sep
25
ILUVLOLA.NET got a chance to interview Amerie earlier this week, while she was promoting her new album “In Love and War,” which is scheduled to be released on November 3rd under Def Jam. This is Amerie’s 4th studio album since her first single “Why don’t we fall in love,” in 2002 from her debut album “All I Have.” Amerie spoke about the album, her work ethics, and her collaboration with Lil Wayne on her second single “Heard ‘em All.” A video without Wayne for the single was released just after our interview [Sept 22nd]. When we spoke, Amerie mentioned Lil Wayne definitely appearing in the video. Could there be a second cut featuring Wayne on the way?
Read the interview to find out more or listen to the audio clip included below.
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Audio Clip: Amerie talks about working with Lil Wayne on her single “Heard ‘em All”]
ILL: Your album “In love and war” is slated for a November release. The initial release date was in August I believe. How do you feel about it dropping in November?
AMERIE: I feel great. When they were doing the release dates, nothing was really set. They were more just like ideas and I was still working on the album, so I was like “uhh that’s not happening” [laughing] November is really good.
ILL: Are you a last minute person with it the albums or do you actually wrap them up and have them ready for the release date?
AMERIE: Um it depends. You can’t really know when you’re going to be finished. In my mind I like to have an idea of what we’re looking at. Until it’s all done you never know, because it may not be finished yet. When I put together my album, for me, is making sure that it’s a solid album and it’s something you can listen to through and through. That’s my goal. Even the song order is very important. Unless I feel like the album is giving the story and picture that I want overall, it’s just not done yet.
ILL: Ah so then you’re about telling a story from song 1-14 rather than putting a bunch of hits together?
AMERIE: Well I focus from song to song, but before I start recording I know what overall sound I want. It’s a sonic thing. Usually I know sonically what elements I really want, and what I want the album to feel like. With my last album “Because I love it,” which was released overseas, I knew I wanted hip-hop and soul, but I wanted to mix it with 80’s new wave. I wanted a mesh of that, so I did that. With this album, I wanted to combine hip-hop, soul, and a little rock. That’s what I was going toward with the last album and I wanted to go even further with this one, but no like 80’s new wave or anything. I wanted to go away from synthesized sounds and more towards a natural instrumentation. Lyrically for this project it was kind of like a concept album. I really wanted to focus on times in relationship, and if there were going to be any songs about how everything is wonderful, it would be about how everything is wonderful now that we have been through those things in the past, and we’ve moved past it.
ILL: Does your album reflect you as a person, or your journey as an artist?
AMERIE: I think both. Because for the lyrical part of the album, it was about things that I had actually been through in the past, actual situations, or situations that I have seen my friends go through. So they are very real situations. Sonically the album reflects who and where I am as an artist. It’s so important for me to maintain the integrity of who I am as an artist on an album, which is why I don’t do just anything or work with jut anyone. I have to make sure that when I’m working with people there’s a vibe there. And it’s not just about being a big name producer. It’s really more about the sound and the vibe and the energy and doing something fresh and different. And it’s not doing something different just to be different, but because it’s exciting and it’s the moment I’m in. In the beginning I know what I want. I usually work by myself. I take a bunch of tracks and create it from there…like create the bulk of the sound of the album. Throughout that time I’m still working with different people. That’s how I ended up working with these producers that we found on Myspace. M-Phazes did the “Pretty Brown” track, and he came from this battle of the beats seminar. My manager found him there so it’s all these creative interesting ways that the music comes together in the beginning. After that process, I will start meeting with different producers and it’s easier for them too because they get to hear what I’ve created already and they can catch a vibe and not have me explain it. Then we take it from there.
ILL: Your first 3 albums also featured work with Rich Harrison, who primarily co-wrote and produced your first album “All I Have,” but is not featured in this one. Was that a conscious decision?
AMERIE: We didn’t work together on the last album “Because I love it,” but you’re right, we did work together on the first two. It’s really just a time thing. He has his own company and has been doing a lot of in house stuff. But hopefully we’ll get together on the next project because we have a lot of different chemistry.
ILL: There is so much music being put out there by different artists right now. With other R&B divas and vocalists, where do you feel your album is going to fit in?
AMERIE: I’ve never really thought about how my album is going to fit in, because I always like to just do what I do. I stay in that moment of the creative space of it. There is a plethora of artists out there of course, but when it comes to music is more of a one on one thing. It’s you and it’s the listener. The way that they feel about your music and the way that it moves them or doesn’t move them. For me I focus on wondering how my fans will feel about it, but even then I don’t create that way. When you first create your first album, you don’t have any fans. So you can’t really create thinking “What will my fans think” because you don’t have any fans…you are new. So I think it’s important to approach every project with a clear head so that it can be as pure as it can be. Because I do have fans now, I do wonder how they will like it or react to it. Thankfully I have great fans and the ones that have been there…not just the ones who buy music because there’s a difference between people that buy music and fans. People that buy your music are people who are into what you’re doing right now, but fans, they’ve been with you since the beginning, but they’re very much into you as an artist, not just your songs. I do always hope that my fans love every project that I put out.
ILL: Do you think that this album will reach a new audience as well or mainly please the fans that you’ve gained through the years?
AMERIE: [Thinking] I don’t know. I get surprised sometimes when I met people and they have heard my stuff. I really don’t know. My first album was very hip-hop/R&B, my second album had more up-tempo songs on there as well as being hip-hop/Soul. My third album was very hip-hop/soul/80’snew wave, which a lot of people loved, and this one is hip-hop/soul/rock so I have no idea…[laughing]
ILL: I checked out the sampler on your site and noticed the songs had more of an edge to them, so when you mention that, I know what you mean.
Oh cool.
ILL: Your second single “Heard ‘em all” features Lil Wayne on the official remix. How did it come together, how was it to work with him?
Lil Wayne is great. I’ve liked him since he was with Cash Money…I mean he’s probably been doing it longer than that, but since he came on my radar in like 1997. So I’ve always liked what he does, and I love his energy. For me it was just awesome working with him. Of course I like the stuff that he’s done recently as well, but he’s just really into the artistry. He’s really into being an artist and I think that’s awesome. Because sometimes people are into the life, but not into the art of it.
ILL: Will he be making an appearance in the video?
Well you know we’ve been trying to schedule a way to get that shot and that’s what we’re trying to do now so I’m not sure yet…but it could happen in the next couple of days. Oh wait, no that’s right, it’s not happening in the next couple of days. It’s supposed to happen this month though. So that’s definitely happening
ILL: [laughingl
AMERIE: [laughing.] I forget so much stuff happens sometimes, I can’t remember everything.
ILL: I saw the behind the scenes video online today, and Wayne wasn’t in it, and there were fans wondering whether he was going to be making an appearance, which is why I asked.
AMERIE: He definitely is. We just have to do that shot, which we’ve been trying to do….and he just had a baby and he has another baby coming soon, we of course don’t know what day is going to be so [sighs] hopefully it goes…no I’m not going to say hopefully it goes down; it is going to go down [laughing]
ILL: Your first 3 albums were released under Colombia. You are now signed to Def Jam. What was the situation that made you decide to leave and sign to a new label?…and why def Jam?
AMERIE: Sony was always going through all these different changes and creatively things can suffer when there are so many changes on the executive level. It’s something that I thought about for a couple of years before letting them know that I wanted to leave. The reason why I chose Def Jam had to actually to do with L.A. Reid. L.A. and I had been speaking over the years, just here and there about possibly doing something. But I was obviously signed so we couldn’t do that. When I started thinking about making that move, I definitely thought that was somewhere I wanted to go in our talks and it ended up being a really great thing. Also def jam has great marketing and radio promo. I thought all in all would be a great move, and I made that decision, and I’m happy I did.
ILL: Anything else that you’d like to add or that you’d like your fans to know?
AMERIE: I really hope that they love the album. It’s something that I definitely put a lot of work in to and I really love it myself and I really hope that they love it as well.
Follow Amerie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/itsmeamerie and check out her 5 song sampler off “In Love and War” here.
Amerie – Heard ‘em All [Original Version] Directed by Anthony Mandler
Sep
22
“I think I have to live through Lauryn Hill and live through Alicia and I have to go back and credit Sam Cooke and Bob Marley, and I had to live that to get here. I feel like more people are trying to get back to being music and if I can be a pioneer in that direction, I’m about it.” - Melanie Fiona
Toronto, ON – Boundaries have been broken in the recent years in Canadian music. It is about time that recording artists get recognized internationally for their efforts. It has been a slow process, but the musical gems are finally being discovered one by one, leading Canada into mass recognition.
One such gem is Melanie Fiona. She is an outstanding vocalist that has been singing and recording professionally for some time, but finally now, in 2009, she is getting the recognition she deserves. Her single “Give It To Me Right” made U.S. Billboard Hot R&B & Hip-Hop Songs and her album The Bridge, was released in Canada on June 30th (but still pending on a U.S. release), has received rave reviews.
Earlier in the year she toured with Kanye and now she is headlining her own shows not only here in North America, but all over Europe. An avid twitter user, she recently shared “JUST HAD THE GREATEST SHOW OF MY LIFE… sold out a 2,000 person Venue in Germany… and the show was televised LIVE…. ON CLOUD 9!!! [twitter.com/melaniefiona]
But before she was able to ride the mainstream waves, Melanie had created quite the resume for herself under the moniker Syren Hall. She performed throughout Canada and the US, sharing stages with artists such as Keyshia Cole, Robin Thicke, Lupe Fiasco, Buju Banton, Collie Buddz and more. In 2007, Melanie performed in Long Beach, California at the Ragga Muffins Bob Marley Festival. Her song “Somebody Come Get Me” also appeared on Reggae Gold 2008
Her stage presence is truly electrifying and it sets her apart from what most artists today have to offer live. “I think that aside from working hard on a good performance and sweating and just working hard, people want to experience an emotional rollercoaster and leave feeling an experience,” Melanie says.
HipHopCanada caught up with Melanie Fiona [AKA Syren] back in 2007 and Lola [iluvlola.net/HipHopCanada] was able to catch up with her again to discuss her career and new album The Bridge.
HHC/ILL: So The Bridge, your first album . .
Melanie Fiona: The Bridge . . . yes.
HHC/ILL: Were you nervous before it came out [in Canada]?
Melanie Fiona: Yes and no.
HHC/ILL: Why no?
Melanie Fiona: No, because I feel so confident in the album and the music and I feel like people will really love it and I feel really good and strong about it. Nervous, yes, because it’s my first album. They don’t know me and they don’t know what I’m about and it’s always nervous trying to get the attention to people and wanting them to like you. But I feel like once they give it a chance they won’t be disappointed.
HHC/ILL: Anything you wanted to stay away from with this album?
Melanie Fiona: Yeah, sounding like everything that’s out there right now. I think that when you hear my songs and the music that I do in comparison to what’s out there typically in urban music, it really sounds like something different. It’s real singing and live instrumentation. It has a more soulful feel.
HHC/ILL: Do you think that people who get the chance to see you perform understand or love your music more? Or do you think with the album, one can get that same vibe without needing to see a live performance?
Melanie Fiona: I feel they’ll like the music as it is, but I feel like once they see the performance it will take it to a different level. For me performing is the strongest thing . . . I love it. And I think for an artist it’s the best way to interact with their audience. So I feel like with the show, that’s when the music comes to life.
HHC/ILL: From back in 2006, which is, when I saw you perform first, until now I mean you toured with Kanye also . . . is there anything you have learned as a performer?
Melanie Fiona: You know what, definitely. I think growth is the one think I have learned. I think it’s one thing to be at a point in your life when you hit your height, and then you grow, and then your height gets higher. And I think for me, my abilities as a performer have grown, especially being able to say that I’ve gone on tour with Kanye. Like you said, touring with Kanye, watching him perform . . . he’s a storyteller on stage. I think that aside from working hard on a good performance and sweating and just working hard, people want to experience an emotional rollercoaster and leave feeling an experience and a story . . . and I think Kanye does a great job at that. He told me, “Whatever you have to do to make people remember you, don’t be afraid to do it,” sometimes you do things that seem left, but people don’t forget those types of things.
HHC/ILL: What are some things that concern you? Anything that you are maybe afraid of?
Melanie Fiona: My fear is that . . . and I’m being honest with this . . . is that, I feel like people need to hear music. If it’s ahead of its time . . . that’s the fear that every artist that tries to do something different has. I feel like real followers and real lovers of music will like it. and if it takes a couple of years for the rest of the world to get caught up, that’s fine. But I feel like, to set the standard now, you need to have it now and i’m not afraid to take the risk and I’m not afraid to step outside and really do something different. I hope that people who are out there who hear that, will recognize that and respect it for that if anything . . . even if the music is not what they like.
HHC/ILL: Do you think your album would have had a different impact . . . say a decade ago, when artists like Lauryn Hill were current?
Melanie Fiona: No, I don’t think I could have made that album. I think I have to live through Lauryn Hill and live through Alicia and I have to go back and credit Sam Cooke and Bob Marley, and I had to live that to get here. I feel like more people are trying to get back to being music and if I can be a pioneer in that direction, I’m about it.
HHC/ILL: Do people compare you to other artists?
Melanie Fiona: The comparison I get the most is Alicia Keys and to be honest, I haven’t actually gotten somebody that I don’t think is dope. It’s a compliment and I think the one thing that people see consistently is the element of soul in the music.
HHC/ILL: Do you think that being signed to Motown you have to live up to certain standards?
Melanie Fiona: Yeah . . . I mean I met Barry Gordy and when I met him he was like, “What kind of music do you do?” And I was biting my tongue because I didn’t want to say “soul” to Barry Gordy. He would have been like, “Child, what do you know about soul?” But yeah, it’s an honour and I don’t think any other label would have fit as well.
HHC/ILL: How was it to work with Steve Rifkind in the beginning? I know you have been working with him for a few years now.
Melanie Fiona: Yeah. It’s been two years now . . . since ‘07. And I was trapped in Canada without a work visa until February 08.
HHC/ILL: Really? I thought I was talking to you about LA way before that?
Melanie Fiona: Oh, I was traveling back and forth but since the end of the summer ‘07 until February ‘08 I was stuck in Canada. But it was good. I learned a lot about myself and being self-sufficient because I couldn’t be around my label and my management. But the thing about working with Steve, and it’s the real reason why I signed with SRC, is because from the beginning he never wanted to change the project. He loved it and believed in it, in the form that it came. The rest of the labels that wanted to sign me were like, “It’s great, it’s great, and it’s great. but we want to take you in this direction.” Steve believing in it, and not wanting to change it, is the best situation. And he’s brilliant. Music marketing mogul, most definitely it’s an honor to be with somebody who is recognized for breaking so many artists.
HHC/ILL: Do you feel that there is more pressure on your shoulders due to the fact that you are a Canadian artist signed to a US label and marketing yourself abroad? Side note: I did see your interview on Carson Daily and I know people love you . . . [Laughing]
Melanie Fiona: [Laughing] Ahhhhh . . . Yes. But it’s welcome pressure, because I feel like it’s been a fight for a minute, even before I got my deal, even before I got a song on the radio . . . it’s been a constant fight and so I feel like, yeah there’s pressure, but I’m willing to take it. I feel like if I’m one of the representatives that will expose more of the world to Canada, I’m with it. That’s an exceptional thing that people like Drake and Kardinal are doing and for us being from Toronto, we know how long it takes. We had to work and experience failure and disappointment and then get back into it. It is pressure but I welcome it . . . if you succeed at it, the reward is the best feeling.
HHC/ILL: There is also the pressure of “carrying the city on your back“.
Melanie Fiona: You know what I find is that a lot of people now ask me to collab with them . . . people who never asked me before. But that’s cool….it is what it is. Maybe people didn’t know that I sang or didn’t know that I was capable of doing it. It’s all love . . . anything that I could do to put the city on, I absolutely would. I don’t think it’s too much pressure, but I will definitely give back as much as I can.
HHC/ILL: So tell me about the album. Did you include songs from way the beginning when you were still recording here or . . . ?
Melanie Fiona: I started from scratch. I had a whole arsenal of songs that I had written and done with other artists and things like that and when I started working on the album, I started writing with Andrea Martin who is an amazing artist, songwriter, producer everything. She’s incredible. When I met her I literally felt as if I had met a new mentor and a new teacher. I sat down with her and I watched her create music for me, and it was the most humbling experience from going to writing everything, to working with a writer. It was a humbling experience. Working with Andrea now it’s been over two years and there’s not a person that I trust more creatively with my voice. I worked on the majority of the album with her. From the time I was “freed” from Canada . . . that’s when I went to Europe and recorded, and I went to Jamaica and recorded and I went to the States recording. The music came so organically and naturally. I took my time recording the songs. We wanted to make sure that we explored every producer, every sound, every experience to see if we could top what we had . . . and we got to the point where we were like no I think this is it. This is some good stuff. And sometimes you need to know when to stop so you don’t spoil a good thing . . . and save your ideas for album two.
HHC/ILL: If there was a way to describe the album, what would it be?
Melanie Fiona: I would say it’s consistent variation. That’s a complete contradiction. But the variation is the different genres of music that you will hear on the album. The consistency is the soul of the music. Whether it’s a song infused with pop, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, the bottom line is the soul of the music and how it makes you feel. I think it’s going to be a classic. I think it’s going to be something you feel like you’ve heard, but you’ve never actually heard before. You’ll be able to go back to it 10 years from now and feel the same way you feel about it today.
HHC/ILL: You do not have any features on the album. You are happy about that?
Melanie Fiona: I am. People can appreciate me for the music and not for some co-sign that’s on the album. Remixes are always cool and those are great for spreading the word and creating awareness, but on the album I really just want people to feel me, know me and know the body of work that it is.
Follow Melanie Fiona on Twitter at www.twitter.com/melaniefiona or visit her website www.melaniefiona.com
Melanie Fiona – Give it to me Right [Listen Here]
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Sep
10
I stumbled across this mixtape today & it’s pretty dope. I’d been hearing a lot about Mr Hudson lately, which is actually a 5-Man London outfit headed up by lead singer Ben McIldowie a.k.a Hudson. They released their debut album A Tale of Two Cities in 2007, and from what I’ve heard so far, it’s definitely slept on and begging for a re-release. Their sophmore album Straight No Chaser is set for an October 19th release date under the GOOD Music/Mercury Records imprint.
1.Young Forever ft Jay Z
2.Super Nova ft Kanye West
3.Everything is Broken ft Kid Cudi
4.Who is Mr Hudson
5.Anyone But Him ft Kanye West
6.Time
7.Exclusive Live Performance Ft Big Sean
8.Mr Hudson Talks Music
9.Cover Girl
10.There will be Tears
11.White Lies
12.Stiff Upper Lip
13.Ask The DJ
14.Whats Good Music
Preview? Listen to the mixtape HERE
via Datpiff.com
Jul
29
Straight out of the Hollygrove section in New Orleans, Mack Maine is Young Money Entertainment’s next up. You may just be hearing about him now, but Mack has been grinding down south for quite some time. With failed career moves under music impresario Tony Mercedes, as well as under former NBA ballplayer Johnathan Bender, Mack realized making it on his own was easier said than done. He finally got a break when he rapped his way to MTV in a battle competition, and even landed on BET’s Rated Next with a leaked song he’d recorded, garnering the attention of a long-time friend from the neighborhood, Lil Wayne.
Wayne and Mack had ties going back for years, even having traveled together in the days of the Hot Boys, but Wayne had never known the talent Mack possessed until seeing him on BET. From there it was on, and Mack became the newest member of the Young Money imprint.
Since the moment Mack got with YM, he’s been featured on dozens of mixtapes with Weezy and the team. Fan favorites such as the Knuck if You Buck freestyle (think “Young Maine for president, I’d prolly paint the White House black if it was my residence…“), Ride with the Mack, and Welcome to the Zoo have garnered him much attention and his name slowly but surely is becoming the talk of the town.
In 2008, Mack Maine appeared on the official remix of Lil Wayne’s third single from The Carter III, “Got Money” and performed the song with Wayne on Saturday Night Live on September 14th. At the 2008 Ozone Awards, he won the “Patiently Waiting: Louisiana” award.
In 2009, Mack Maine performed with Lil Wayne on his “I Am Music” tour, performing every night in his own set, as well as mtvU’s Spring Break 2009 concert. He also released a mixtape presented by DJ Don Cannon entitled “This is Just a Mixtape” featuring appearances from Lil Wayne, Mistah Fab, Gorilla Zoe, Pleasure P, Rick Ross, Mystikal and Soulja Slim. Recently Mack Maine appeared on the Young Money single and video “Every Girl” as well as Lil Wayne ft. Baby video for ” Always Strapped”
Check out Mack Maine on Myspace at www.myspace.com/maine4president or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mackmaine
DOWNLOAD “THIS IS JUST A MIXTAPE”
http://sharebee.com/0908a5fa
TRACKLISTING
01. Curtains Open
02. Man Cry (feat. Mistah Fab) (Produced by Tha Bizness)
03. Mack Maine Addresses
04. Throw It Back (feat. Lil Wayne) (Produced by Kane Beatz)
05. All In One Swipe (feat. Rick Ross & Chu) (Produced by Khao)
06. No Panties
07. Stupid Engineers 101
08. Girl You Nasty (feat. Gorilla Zoe) (Produced by Professa)
09. Bankhead
10. Ak-47 (feat. Lil Wayne)
11. Ride Wit Me (feat. Soulja Slim & Mystikal)
12. One For The Money (Produced by Joe Blizz)
13. Superstar (feat. Chu) (Produced by Joe Blizz)
14. Fallen Soldiers Interlude
15. Soldiers (Produced by Yoshi N Show)
16. Payin’ Homage
17. Boo Checks In
18. Get Ya Pussy Wet (feat. Boo)
19. Vitamin C (Produced by Nes Phips)
20. Heroes Eventually Die (Produced by J Roc)
21. This Is Just A Mixtape (feat. Lil Wayne) (Produced by Don Cannon)
22. Kevin Rudolf – Let It Rock (feat. Lil Wayne, Mack Maine & Baby) (Produced by Kevin Rudolf)
23. Curtains Close
Bonus Track: Fuck Wet Willies
YOUNG MONEY – EVERY GIRL
Young Money – Every Girl [Official Music Video]
BIRDMAN FT. LIL WAYNE & MACK MAINE – ALWAYS STRAPPED
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Lola Plaku
Creator/Developer
I got in this industry because I feel I have what it takes to make a difference. I have been working hard, sleeping less, playing less and then playing more for the past few years…not too many. I write, consult, organize, plan, plot, entertain and work hard to make that difference I focused on in the first place. ILuvLola is a lifestyle…not just mine, yours too, so give what you can so that you can make that difference with me.
www.iluvlola.net
hustleGRL
Designer/Developer
hustleGRL is a phenomenon. This bilingual teen prodigy has accomplished more in her 16 years than many have in their entire careers. Complete with vision (and the tools to execute) it’s nothing short of a gift to watch this young entrepreneur create what will one day undoubtedly be her own empire.
www.hustlegrl.com
Cynthia Kusitor
Blogger/Contributor
Almost 20 years old. I love music (all types) and everything in that surrounding area from movies to TV to fashion: I love it all. I'm extremely opinionated which is a good thing but can sometimes be a bad thing. I hold no punches and I'm straight to the point, but I swear I'm a lovely person :D
Cori
Blogger/Contributor
I'm a 20-something full time student with a great passion for writing and love anything and anyone that will stimulate my mind. I enjoy the simple things in life with a lil' flair. You'll either love me or hate me, but I'm sure you'll love me. You won't catch me without my mp3 and my blackberry. THEY ARE LIFE. "To whom much is given, much is required". Play hard but always remeber to work harder.
www.corprah-lanfrey.com
Sajae E
Blogger/Contributor
I write, I create & I learn as I go. My ears feel naked without headphones and I'm a blackberry monster til death. I write CD reviews for fun on my phone & I see music videos in my head. X-style slow-mo, video chicks & all. I'm a little neurotic. No, a lot; but I'm your favourite daydreamer's favourite daydreamer.
www.twitter.com/jaefiasco
DDot Omen aka The Blog Bully
Blogger/Contributor
The DMV's Blog Bully has made his 2nd home with Toronto's finest. Transistioning from being just an Artist, DDot brings a strong personality to the world of journalism and online hip-hop realm.
www.ddotomen.com
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Click on the mixtape cover to download
BIGNESS hosted by Big Boi & Young Dro
DJ Power & HipHopCanada
Canadian Invasion Volume 2
Three/21 & The Kickdrums
Inside a Change (Mixtape)
ROCK CITY - P.T.F.A.O.
50 CENT - Forever King
Mack Maine x Don Cannon
This is Just a Mixtape
Studio 43 x XO
Monumental
DJ Scream x Roccett
Another Day Another Dollar
50 CENT - War Angel LP
DJ Drama x DJ Skee x R Kelly
The Demo Tape
Rynecologist - Still Thinking
DJ Scream x Busta Rhymes
I Bullshit You Not
Don Cannon x The Cool Kids
Gone Fishing
Trap A Holics x Ludacris
Disturbing Tha Trap
DJ Halo x Charles Hamilton
Dope 2 Go
Nickelus F - Heathen
Baby YU - Candy Rain
G.O.O.D. Music - Live at SXSW
DJ Lissa Monet x Andreena Mill
Ready To Fly
DJ Lissa Monet
Lovestoned Vol. 003
Four Color Zack
Dream, A Little Dream
LA The Darkman x DJ Drama
Living Notoriously
Young Dro x Yung LA
Black Boy White Boy
Lil Wayne x DJ Drama
Dedication 3
DJ Evil Empire x Young Jeezy
The American Dream
DJ Messiah x T.I. x Grandhustle
The King’s Army
DJ Whoo Kid x Lloyd Banks
The Cold Corner
Mick Boogier Presents:
Before The war Love - U-N-I
Kid Cudi
Man on the Moon
