I caught this track last night and got stuck. It went straight into repeat mode as I worked. It's not the first time I've heard A.P.R.I.M.E. on a track, nor is it the first Trellmatic produced track that I have enjoyed. A.P.R.I.M.E. and Trellmatic, both memebers of Milwaukee's own House of M, have been involved in quite a few tracks that I have enjoyed. The two have teamed up to form AUTOmatic, with a new album, "Audiology 2", on the way. "Brown Leather" is a dope ass example of the dynamic chemistry of the duo. Dope, dope, dope.
I caught Taiyamo Denku from the good folks over at Uncommon Records. Taiyamo Denku released "Articles of Mind" on January 26 and a free project, "Lost Thoughts" on the same day. The Milwaukee emcee definitely delivers on both projects.
"Articles of Mind" features Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Marv Won, Keith Murray, Sabac Red, Vast Aire, Pumpkinhead, Mainflow and more. The album includes production from Ayatollah, Panic of Molemen, Nasa aka Adam Warlock, Willie Green, A.M. Breakups and others.
According to Taiyamo Denku, "Lost Thoughts is just a collab of tracks that either didn't make the album or remixes of songs from the album and tracks that I just felt defined me as a artist that could give people who’d never heard of me a chance to check me out."
Women are very interesting creatures and men just don’t get that. When it is that we’ve had enough of enough, it’s a done deal pretty much. There’s nothing anyone can say, or do to change that. There are a lot of things we are willing to stand for but a lot of things we just won’t. Relationships are hard enough without all the extra. And yes I know that sometimes we (women) are hard to deal with but you know what, you know that going in. People know what they are dealing with when they get themselves into certain situations. And that goes for women as well. Don’t get it to a point where you have her saying this fellas because once she’s fed up, there ain’t nothing’ you can do about it…. And it’s too late to talk about it. I always laugh at this song because some dudes would NEVER admit that this is how they really feel. And the ones that do, kudos to you. That’s what it’s all about.
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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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.
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."
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
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.
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.
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….
A.P.R.I.M.E.
Trellmatic
