The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Elle Razberry

Elle Razberry is the voice you find on various hooks from MKE emcees, including Raze and the House of M. I joked with her on twitter a few days back, calling her Milwaukee's female Nate Dogg.

But seriously, she lays down smooth vocals and with more projects on the way, including her own, I reached out to her for a Q&A. Enjoy.



The Mad Bloggers: How long have you been singing?

Elle Razberry: According to my mother since the day I was born, so thirty *mumble mumble* years or so. :) I started like most folks singing in choirs, through high school and college, and doing some musical theater. Over the years I have gone from singing in girl groups to a classic rock band. Whatever I could do to keep singing. In more recent years I have had the chance to combine my love for Hip-Hop with my love of singing.

TMB: Who are your musical influences?

ER: I am convinced that I have musical ADHD. I love music of all kinds and I'm influenced by so much. While my favorites include a lot of Hip-Hop and R&B artists, like Lauryn Hill or Erykah Badu, I also get a lot of influence from old blues and jazz singers that I grew up listening to with my maternal grandfather or even rock influences from my time performing with a cover band.

TMB: How did you get wrapped up in doing hooks forso many different artists?

ER: My brother, Raze (from the House of M), needed a hook done on a song a few years back for a track on his album, "Dreaming in Greyscale." We recorded it and things have just snowballed from there with more artists needing vocals on tracks. I've always been down if I dig what folks are working with to help the cause.

TMB: Who have you worked with?

ER: Most of the work people will recognize me from currently is with Raze or the House of M, however I have also done live back ups for Firey Phoenix and Relative Theory (Firey Phoenix and Viva Fidel).

TMB: What's upcoming?

ER: I have tracks that should be coming out soon including, one with KingHellBastard (KHB), a track on the new upcoming Automatic release from A.P.R.I.M.E. and Trellmatic and a few tracks on Raze's upcoming cd including one featuring Frankie Flowers and I, that we are all itching to drop.

TMB: When do we get an EP?

ER: That's the next step. I've been writing quite a bit more recently. I have played with the idea of putting a project of my own together for a while and now I am making the time to put in the work. The plan is to drop the EP, "Cure Elle" in the Fall of 2010.

TMB: What do you want folks to take away from MKE Hip-Hop?

ER: MKE's Hip-Hop scene is growing exponentially and because the field of players is getting bigger, the competition is getting greater. This scene has something for everyone from those that love lyricists to those that need a good club banger and the blood sweat and tears that is going into it on the part of the artists is showing through in the quality of their work. Folks definitely don't want to sleep on the Brew.

"Gone" Raze featuring Elle Razberry


"In Your Mind" House of M featuring Elle Razberry



twitter.com/ElleRazberry
www.facebook.com/ElleRazberry


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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Yo-Dot

Yo-Dot is another talented emcee out of Milwaukee and another dope artist from the good folks over at the Umbrealla Music Group.

The first time I heard Yo-Dot was by way of his "Umbrella Season" video. Prophetic had hit me with the link. The track is laced with quotables and the beat is tough. It's one of those tracks that you have to play back a few times to catch it all.

One line stands out, "but I don't comprise nothing for a record spin..."

But "Umbrella Season" isn't the only dope track in Yo-Dot's catalog. There are many more. His rhymes are true and filled with passion. And working with some fine producers and other talented emcees doesn't hurt either.

I reached out to Yo-Dot for a Q&A.

The Mad Bloggers: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

Yo-Dot: I'm from the Northwest-Side of Milwaukee, Sherman Park Blvd

TMB: How long have you been doing music?

Yo-Dot: I've been recording in a actual studio and pursuing a professional career since 2001

TMB: Who do you work with on your music?

Yo-Dot: I work with Adlib, Dame Ellington (Co-Founder of UMG) Royal Fam (Prophetic & Ka$h) Misen Lync and A-Xtra (UMG's Primary Manager)

TMB: Who are your musical influences?

Yo-Dot: My musical influences are my hood ... Prophetic ... Tay Butler ... Ka$h ... My son and the City of Milwaukee in General

TMB: Which one of your tracks really speaks to who you are as an emcee?

Yo-Dot: As far a the one track that speaks to me as a MC, I would have to say "No Matter What". It kinda explains the turbulence I've encountered as far as pursuing a recording career like. All the doubts and the personal experiences living in a environment filled with violence and the harsh realities of being surrounded with death and the unfortunate loss of life around me

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?

Yo-Dot: I'm currently working on my webtape (online mixtape) "DOT-BALERSTRERRI" .... If you know any history on the "Balistrerri Italian Family" you would identify with the significance of the concept. Me and Ka$h are five songs deep into our next Release (TBD) and another MKE artist by the name of ILL-B (Off the Block ENT) entitled "Call of Duty (Modern Warfare)" and my debut album (Fall '10)

TMB: If there was one thing you'd want people to take away from MKE Hip-Hop what would it be?

Yo-Dot: As far as what I want people to take away from MKE's music is that its a more "Diverse" sound to our City as far as what you hear from past pioneers and the music you hear from the radio. Everyone isn't talking 'bout ridding on rims and stuntin and having money!!!! There's an untold story to Milwaukee, and I feel it's my job to let the general public know the real and harsh realities of Milwaukee. We're not all just smiling and having money like people portray on records!!!

"No Attachments" Yo-Dot ft Prophetic





umbrellasup.com


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Theo3 - "It's Theo3" (Prod. by Anonymous Twist)

Check this track out by Theo3 we got in our email. Also, check out that 50 Bars, Same Pattern video. Pretty cool ish.

It was a phenomenal 2009 for Toronto Emcee Theology 3. Releasing the buzz video "50 Bars, Same Pattern" video and the critically acclaimed single "Make It Big" (2009 best of list Halftime Show NYC) helped build up World Wide anticipation amongst fans and DJs alike. As a Thank You to the growing number of supporters, Screwface Capital® records offers up the Brand New Bangin' single "IT'S THEO3" produced by Anonymous Twist (Sean Price, Planet Asia, #1 Rap Attack Charts in 2009 with Opio and Roc.C) for download. The hard driving rhythm of the track is complimented by Theo3's unrelenting lyrical assault. Blast it in the whip, iPod and home stereo system! Play it Loud and purchase the full Theology 3 discography at http://music.theology3.com.

DOWNLOAD 320KB HQ MP3 BELOW!

"IT'S THEO3" produced by Anonymous Twist (Sean Price, Planet Asia)
http://usershare.net/xjrkvswnlg0w

Backup Link
http://sharebee.com/26be47a6

"IT'S THEO3" FULL WAV. HQ DJ Package Download Link:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/z0142d

Links:
http://music.theology3.com
http://www.youtube.com/THEO3MUSIK
http://www.myspace.com/theology3

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Derill Pounds

Eighty or so miles north of Milwaukee is Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There you will find the unique sound of Derill Pounds. I featured him on the blog last June and I decided to feature him again in our Journey to Hip-Hop series. While not from Milwaukee, it's because of Milwaukee that I found his music. Plus, he's from Wisconsin and has been in the Wisconsin Hip-Hop scene since 1995.

As I said before, his music is driven by passion and his lyrics are driven by keeping it real.

I reached out to him via email for an update. The man has been working hard.

The Mad Bloggers: What's upcoming? What projects are in the works?

Derill Pounds: Hmmmmmmm ... let's see ... lots of new goodies in the works! Started the year of with a grip of shows and plenty more to come. Doing a live show side project with a super improv band called Ghetto Blaster, which has been fun as hell and a good outlet to some new ears and fans. I have been working on a bunch of new music and hope to be releasing another album this year. Working with a bunch of new producers and possibly doing EPs with a couple of them. Just working hard while also holding the full time job steez, which sucks, but I ain't got that Diddy money, so I have to work hard to support the things I love. All in all just having a good time with music and working with other musicians including some new people, which has been fun and always a learning experience. To wrap it up, also looking to tour this year in the fall instead of winter/spring so I can get some things taken care of and have some new tunes for the road. Be on the lookout for good times and some fresh original music!



www.myspace.com/derillpounds

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Prophetic

I recently caught up with Proph via email for an update and new music to be featured in our Journey to Hip-Hop series.

I did a feature on Prophetic late last year. At the time he wasn't working on any specific project, just hitting the booth so he wouldn't get rusty and working hard at pushing Umbrella Music Group and its artists forward.

You've seen some of his Umbrella Music Group family featured on the site already (with more to come). They all stay working hard.

"We got free music dropping damn near every month so please make sure you check it [www.umbrellasup.com] out when you get the chance," Proph said.

The emcee out of Milwaukee continues to hustle hard. He's currently nine tracks into his new project, which is currently untitled but scheduled for an April release.

Proph was also recently nominated for "Best Urban Artist of the Year", "Catchiest Song" and 'Most Likely to Blow' in the Radio Milwaukee music awards this year.

He also has plans on performing this year at Summerfest.

"[It's] one of the biggest music festivals in the world," said Proph. "So I'm excited for that."

And with all this going on, he also found time to complete two tracks with Tony Williams(singer signed to G.O.O.D. Music).

As you can see, Proph is continuing to work hard. Check out a new joint off the upcoming project.




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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: A-Biz

After a few days off, I'm back at posting in our Journey to Hip-Hop series, this month featuring Milwaukee artists. Here is another great find from the good folks over at Uni-Fi Records. You can catch more info on him (and other artist) at www.unifirecords.com.

"A-BIZ is an American, hip-hop artist hailing from the city streets of MIlwaukee, Wisconsin. A-BIZ began writing, recording and producing music in 1992 with seminal legends, and muti-cultural hip-hop act the CHOCOLATE C.O.W.z..

A-BIZ and his music is heavily influenced by the music of his youth. Funk, soul, rock, jazz and the blues. A-BIZ's career has continually evolved since 1992. Collaborations have included recordings and live performances with The Rusty Ps, JTodd, King Hell Bastard, Ricanstrukta, Dima La Rock, The White Russian, Elzhi of Slum VIllage, Dylan Thomas, The LMNtylst, Shugga and countless others.

A-BIZ still records today under various monikers, including but not limited to, A-BIZ, AntBl**tz, Anthony Winehouse or Tony Patron."

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Download: Statik Selektah & Green Lantern Present: REKS - In Between the Lines

Shoutout to Statik Selektah, DJ Green Lantern, Reks and Showoff Records for this mixtape. Currently bumpin' it right now. One word to describe this mixtape in my opinion...DAMN!

Tracklist:

1. Green Lantern Intro
2. Self Titled (off R.E.K.S. album) (produced by Statik Selektah)
3. I Don't Play (LFHQ Dj Premier Exclusive)
4. Understand (produced by Lee Bannon)
5. Rap-a-nomics ft. Slaine & Torae (produced by Statik Selektah)
6. Count If Off ft. CurT@ins (produced by Statik Selektah)
7. 2012 (produced by Statik Selektah)
8. God Damn! ft. Freddie Gibbs (produced by Statik Selektah)
9. I Too, America (produced by Statik Selektah)
10. 7am ft. Termanology, Steven King, J-Status, & JFK (produced by Statik Selektah)
11. That's What's Up ft. Bossman (produced by Statik Selektah)
12. Hennessy (produced by Statik Selektah)
13. Henny @ Halftime ft. Ron artest (produced by Statik Selektah)
14. Dangerous (Showoff) ft. JFK, Statik Selektah, & Kali (produced by Statik Selektah)
15. 21st Century Rap (prod. by Anthem)
16. Banner City ft. Termanology & Easy Money (off Dj Deadeye album, prod. by MGI)
17. Diesel ft. Chi Knox & Lucky Dice (produced by Rain)
18. City Night Stories ft. Nature, Soul Theory, and G Huff (produced by Soul Theory)
19. Down Like That (Lawtown) (produced by Statik Selektah)
20. Evil That Men Do ft. JV (produced by DEMOBeats)
21. Problem ft. LMS and Saheed (prod. by OZNY)
22. In Between The Lines Freestyle (prod. by Infinite Archetype)
23. Lucky Man (produced by Statik Selektah)
24. International ft. El Da Sensei and Insight (produced by Insight)
25. Something From Nothing ft. Mr M.O.E. & B.R. (ATL) (produced by S-Type)
26. Jena Side (produced by 1914)
27. Invasion Outro

Download Here: In Between The Lines

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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Adebisi

Got this in our email. This is a great way to get to us to showcase good music on here. Especially when your music is this good. We appreciate Adebisi for hitting us up. We'll let him tell you a little about himself and this mixtape.

Hello. My name is Adebisi. I'm an emcee from Milwaukee, WI. I have worked with numerous artists and producers from around the city including Dylan Thomas (The Street Scholar), Adlib (produced 3 tracks on my upcoming album), DJ Deadbeat, Dana Coppa, Prophetic...actually the list goes on....that's just naming some of the cats I know you know.

My group Fresh Cut Collective's song "Loveless" was also featured JC Poppe's latest mixtape "Yo MKE Raps!". Anyhow, on Monday February 15th I will be releasing my latest mixtape online via my blog (blaxlife.blogspot.com) and also on Sirius XM Shade 45's DJ Mz Stylez's blog (simplystylez.com). I would love to have some support from your blog also. I appreciate the attention you guys are outting on MKE artists.

Thanks for your time.
Adebisi

myspace.com/adebisimusic
facebook.com/adebisiblaxceo
blaxlife.blogspot.com

He hooked us up with the link and we're helping him get it out there for the world to rock. It's a collaborative effort between him, Mz Stylez and DJ Big Jeff of Sirius XM Shade 45.

Download here: Simply Stylez & B.L.A.X. Presents 80's Babies Feat. Adebisi Hosted By Mz Stylez


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When She Speaks, You Listen: @LadyBlogga "Valentine Schmalentine"

(Click to view bigger.)

Valentine Schmalentine…

So it is February 14th… Better known to most people as Valentine’s Day. People scramble around spending countless dollars on gifts and what not. For one day, people feel all lovey dovey and connected to somebody...anybody. Folks, this is a pagan holiday. SNAP OUT OF IT!!!

If you are in a relationship then Valentine’s Day should be like just any other day. Perhaps go to dinner or spend the day together at the spa but as far as going bananas and crazy with it, NO BUENO. In a relationship, you and your significant other should always feel connected. There should always be a feeling of Love and Happiness *cues Al Green*. There should always be a spontaneous desire to surprise and please your significant other sexually and with material items. Leave a card in her purse. Put a love note in his pocket. Cook his favorite meal in lingerie. Plan a weekend getaway. Play scrabble ;) It’s the little things like that that trump any Valentine’s Day anything. It shouldn’t take one day out of the year for you to want to shower this person with love and gifts and then act like an ass for the other 364.

Valentine’s Day is a joke. People who cheat, lie and deceive get credit for behaving like gentlemen/women on this day. You lie for 364 but decide to be nice today… All the bad things that you did go away on this day. The asshole becomes the sweetheart on this day because he came with flowers. The bitch becomes a saint because she offers good head on this day.

Really?

And I applaud all you broke people who skipped out on a bill payment to buy someone a gift. Spending within your means is sooooo necessary. If your girl has a diamond necklace but y’all can’t watch cable because you didn’t pay the bill, you are an idiot. It really isn’t that serious.

Oh and last but not least… Where my SideBitches at??? What does Valentine’s Day mean to you? Since you have no place in life, I think this day was created to make people like you feel special, give you a purpose. Do you guys even get presents today? Or is it strictly hard dick and bubble gum the day before or after? And the men that have to make time for multiple women, how does that work? This day was created for assholes like you who partake in fuckery during the year but feel better because you bought your wife/girlfriend a big gift. The bigger the gift, the badder the fuckery. That’s my mantra.



(As I typed the above paragraph, Jungle Fever is playing in the background)

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I bring you my favorite Valentine’s Day song “Caught Out There” by Kelis… Those of you that have called me know this tune well….

Kelis - Caught Out There

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R. Kelly - Heaven Chose You (To Be My Valentine)

Here's a track by R. Kelly to go with today's theme. Happy Valentine's Day. Enjoy...

R. Kelly - Heaven Chose You



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Happy Valentine's Day from @OCSUPREME and The Mad Bloggers

In honor of Valentine's Day, I decided to bring back the @OCSUPREME Slow Jam Series for your enjoyment to share on that day. As Q has instructed me to disclaim, The Mad Bloggers and/or we are not responsible for any babies conceived during the listening of the music I put together. But....make sure you have fun with it. Haha!



1. Public Announcement - All Work, No Play
2. H-Town - Full Time
3. Jon B. - Inside
4. Robin Thicke - Teach U A Lesson
5. Alicia Keys - Feeling U, Feeling Me
6. Jamie Foxx - Weekend Lover
7. D'Angelo - Untitled (How Does It Feel)
8. Jodeci - U & I
9. Raheem DeVaughn - Ask Yourself
10. Marques Houston - Always & Forever
11. R. Kelly - It Seems Like You're Ready
12. Jaheim - Ghetto Love
13. Dwele - Weekend Lover
14. Drake - Bria's Interlude (feat. Omarion)
15. Brian McKnight - Your Love is Ooh
16. Donell Jones - Natural Thang
17. 112 - Sexy You
18. Tank - My Body
19. Usher - Can U Handle It?

(For Promotional Use Only)
Click here to download: The Lights Off LP
Back up link (Click to download)





1. Jagged Edge - Moaning
2. Tyrese - Morning After
3. Intro - Come Inside
4. Floetry - Say Yes
5. Dave Hollister - The Program
6. J. Holiday - Make That Sound
7. R. Kelly - Son of a Bitch
8. Silk - Meeting In My Bedroom
9. H-Town - Knockin' Da Boots
10. Changes Faces - Visit Me
11. Whitehead Bros. - Sex On The Beach
12. Usher - Dot Com
13. Maxwell - Sumthin Sumthin (Mellosmoothe Cut)
14. Jill Scott - The Way
15. TGT - Sex
16. Pleasure P - Under
17. Keith Sweat - Nobody
18. Janet Jackson - Any Time, Any Place

(For Promotional Use Only)
Click here for download - Good Moanin'
Hit us at themadbloggers@gmail.com or ocsupreme@gmail.com for the password.





1. Bilal - Soul Sista
2. Cassie - Leave You a Message
3. R. Kelly - Put My T-Shirt On
4. Keith Sweat - Chocolate Girl
5. Donell Jones - Think About It (Don't Call My Crib)
6. Glenn Lewis - Storm
7. Next - Butta Love
8. Amerie - Just Like Me
9. Tank - Sex, Love and Pain
10. TLC - Red Light Special
11. Mary J. Blige - It's On ft. R. Kelly
12. LSG - Door #1
13. Janet Jackson - Together Again (Jimmy Jam Deeper Remix)
14. Boyz II Men - Uhh Ahh
15. R. Kelly - Naked
16. Joe - All The Things (Your Man Won't Do)
17. Aaliyah - Can I Come Over
18. Tamia - Last First Kiss

(For Promotional Use Only)
Download Here: Sex, Lust & Pain



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The Journey to Hip-Hop ... Milwaukee: Haz Solo

I've been listening to Haz Solo tracks for the last few days. Both his rhymes and his beats have been playing constantly since Haz hit me a few days ago with seven different projects from his catalogue. That's right, seven. In between checking the work of other Milwaukee heads and compiling posts for The Journey to Hip-Hop Series, I've constantly gone back to Haz's joints. I mean, there's so many of them and I wanted to work my way through each.

The seven projects really paint a picture of who is his. He's a concept driven producer and emcee. Each project is well weaved together to tell an incredible story. He stays true to the concept, whether it's his beat tape, "June Bug" or his mix tape "SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT" (or any of his other mixtapes for that matter), Haz has an incredible gift to tell a story.

I had heard the name Haz Solo before. He was either featured on a track with someone else or someone was flowing over one of his beats. I am now officially a Haz Solo fan. His production tight. His rhymes solid. Get familiar with Haz Solo, immediately.

I reached out to him for a Q&A to get to know the emcee/producer a little better. Enjoy and peep the tracks below.

The Mad Bloggers: Where are you from? Where'd you grow up?

Haz Solo: I was born and raised on the north side of Milwaukee , WI. 14th and Meinecke to be exact.

TMB: How long have you been doing music?

Haz: From first rap written and and beat made, 10 years. Seriously? A little over 3 years.

TMB: What came first, producing or rhyming?

Haz: Rhyming came first. Producing came a few months after. I was like, "I need beats to rap over..." My pops is a musician, so he had a DR-5 for a drum machine. I used it to my best ability.

TMB: Does producing help you as an emcee or vice versa?

Haz: Kind of... I rarely write to my own beats.. kind of weird actually. Lyrically, I like to be inspired by someone else's track for some reason. And I like to hear what other artists come up with over my tracks.

TMB: Which one of your tracks would describe who you are as an emcee?

Haz: There are many.. "Swell Known" is one of my favorite joints tho. Gives you a taste of my character if you didn't know me personally. "They say I dress weird/ got a beard but he wears not turban"

TMB: Which one of your tracks would describe who you are as a producer?

Haz: Ask me a different question ... (lol) ... no really... I don't KNOW! One of my favorite tracks is ON MY MIND, OFF MY CHEST from the June Bug album.

TMB: In your opinion, what's the state of Hip-Hop music right now?

Haz: I think Hip-Hop is always gonna stay on the up and up. Whether it be Underground or mainstream. As long as the artist keep it true to themselves and true to their fans I don't see anything wrong with it. I don't have a problem finding good Hip-Hop music to listen to because it is there. Of course some artist are getting the praise that I THINK other artist deserve, if not more. All in all Hip-Hop is here to stay.

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?

Haz: GET THAT ALL JOKES ASIDE NOW!!!! I'm currently working on a few projects.... more than a few. I get sooo amped off a concept everyday which turns into a song/project (lol). Okay let's see ... I'm working with a group of amazingly talented cats from London. Their crews name is Anarchy (Propa, Lucchi, Omega, and more). You can get familiar with their work @ astarworld.blogspot.com. Also, I've been working with the LA Prize Fighter JIMIJAMES (www.myspace.com/rahrahgirl). Of course, Dylan Thomas and I stay working. Vinyl Richie coming soon (lol). I've been doing some work with Tay Butler, Signif, UMG, Rtystic, The Cranberry Show and D. Martin to name a few. Lastly, long time friend Bandana and I are launching some tunes in the near future. Gonna be CRAZY. Can't forget about my Bay Area homies F.A.M.E. Be on the search for those cats.

TMB: If there was one thing you'd want people to take away from Milwaukee Hip-Hop, what would it be?

Haz: I want the world to know that MKE Hip-Hop is brewed and ready to serve. There's a crazy roster of talent here and we will be heard. Oh... and to answer everyone's question, YES, there are black folks in Wisconsin.


MY LIKKLE DARLIN (Prod. by TE1)


"Swell Known" (Prod. by Count Bass D)


"MORIA" (Prod. by Dylan Thomas)


"Don't Have Much" (Prod. by Haz Solo)



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