Logo

It takes ALOT to get us interested in a new rap artist, so when we first heard 17 Year old, CDon, an up-and-coming rapper out of Detroit, Michigan, on MySpace, and found ourselves replaying his songs, we got excited, let me say that again…we got EXCITED! I dare you to listen to one of his songs and try and deny his talent! I spent at least an hour trying to figure out how to classify his style, and truthfully it is a blend of the east coast flow and the west coast chill, doused in the cleverness and creativity of the mid-west. We managed to get an interview with the man himself…check it out below:

EK: What inspired you to make music?

CDon: Def. what created the love for the music was Michael Jackson. From there on artist from around here who were making big moves definitely made me realize that I can hang with them as far as good music goes too. So then I started doing it myself.

EK: Who are some of your influences?

CDon: There are so many. Of course Outkast, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Janelle Monae, and a few others like Big Sean and Mike Posner.

EK: How would you define your music?

CDon: My music is def. on some Midwest and eastcoast rap. Rappers like Common and Kid Cudi, but also like Jay-z. Honestly I do everything and I love all type of music whether it’s from down south or west coast. I am influenced by a little bit of everything.

EK: How long have you been in the music industry and are you signed to a label?

CDon: I have been recording songs for the last month or so, and I am not currently signed to a label.

EK: What is 1 song you have that you would like fans to base their opinion of you on?

CDon: That’s a hard one, because I throw myself into every song that I do. Everyone is really feeling “U feel me” & “Check me out” so maybe those ones.

EK: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website?

CDon: They can access my music through Mypsace. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CDon326, but they can also hear some of my music on youtube, imeem, spityogame, and facebook.

EK: Do you have any upcoming releases?

CDon: Yes, I am releasing tracks all the time. Right now though the biggest one I have coming out is called House Party. It will probably be my biggest one.

EK: How has your music spread so fast in such a short time period?

CDon: Just passing out cd’s at major events, and just pushing my stuff out all over the internet. Fortunately for myself, Everyone has seem to take a great liking to my music and has been passing it around to all of their friends as well.


EK: 5 years from now, where are you and what are you doing?

CDon: 5 years from now I plan to be a signed artist hopefully to a major record label, and just continuing to put out music that everyone likes and can relate too.

EK: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?

CDon: Yea, there is Kareem Jamal who is a very talented upcoming artist/producer who has produced most of my music. There is also the people at Tha Good Life Reviews who were responsible for my first internet article and really pushing my name out there. Autumn Logan who has had full support and got my music out there to a lot of people. Doughboy and the entire Concrete Roots store in Brighton, MI. And just all of my fans in general.


Check him out on any of the major social sites: Myspace, Facebook, Youtube, and Imeem… Keep a look out for new singles, cuz Im telling you once he starts coming through your airwaves (…that’s a when not an if…) you’re going to want to be able to tell your friends you knew about him first!

Leave us a comment below, or hit us up on Twitter….I noticed a lot of you are really fond of the ContactUs button over there on the right…you will be astonished to learn that the comment button (below) does in fact work, and that we actually respond to that (or twitter) faster, than emails. If you are an artist, however, click the ContactUs on the right. *smile*

Remember the Unsigned Artist Spotlight Interview with Zack Borer, we had in May? Well Zack is making some major moves (told you so), and has a lot of upcoming shows and concerts. Check out the press release below and then make your way to Live Nation to buy tickets!

Jones Beach Theater DURING ONE OF THIS SUMMER’S
MOST HIGHLY ANTICIPATED TOURS

NEW YORK, July 20, 2009 – The zAck borer band will perform on The Side Stage – Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
during one of this summer’s sold-out tours featuring multi-platinum recording artists on Tuesday, July 21^st. Live video from the performance will be available on the zAck borer band website, Youtube, and Myspace pages beginning Wednesday July 22^nd. For a complete listing of bands performing at the Jones Beach Theater on this date, visit www.livenation.com/venue/nikon-at-jones-beach-theater-tickets/

The zAck borer band has taken the New York City live music scene by storm this summer. The singer/songwriter’s music and performances have also been featured on numerous “Spotlight” programs on social networks and industry sites.

For more than four months, zAck has been putting together a highly seasoned band made up of some of New York City’s most talented musicians. Craig Magnano (guitar), Jayme Silverstein (Bass), and Adam Jackson (Drums) make up the newly formed zAck borer band. All summer long, the new zAck borer band has been building a strong following throughout New York City.

The zAck borer band will also perform in New York City at the following dates and locations:

* July 25, 2009 – 9PM, Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston St. New York 10002
* August 27, 2009 – 9PM, The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker Street, New York 10012
* September 19, 2009 – 9PM, dromNYC, 85 Avenue A, New York, 10009

###

For more information on the zAck borer band and their music:

http://www.zackborer.com
http://www.myspace.com/zackborer
http://www.facebook.com/zackborer
http://www.youtube.com/zackborer
http://www.twitter.com/zackborer

Contact:
PerryB
Wandering Nomads
954-559-5597
management@zackborer.com

Recently, I have received a lot of "heat" for not welcoming C-Breezy back with open arms (…presumably from the young teeny bopper chicks whose hormones would allow a guy to hit anything on their body...). To clarify, my beef is not necessarily with Chris Brown in particular, but more the Entertainment business. First off, this "only God can judge me" saying is a half-truth to me. Sure, only God can make the final decision, which is ultimately the only one that matters, but to say you can’t be judged by anyone else is unrealistic. The definition of the term “judge” means to form an evaluation, to determine, or to decide. Are you telling me that you do not have the right to form an evaluation of another person? We judge people (character-wise) daily in one way or another. Whether it is in an incorrect manner: deciding that a black man cannot possibly have a house in an affluent neighborhood (Henry Louis Gates Jr. …seriously?!?). Or whether we use it to make wise decisions, like deciding to not let the friend, with whom things mysteriously disappear around, house-sit for you.

Granted, in everyday life, people make mistakes. But, sometimes those mistakes although not intentional can potentially follow them around for the rest of their lives. Is it fair? No, not all the time. But, life isn’t. Why should it be any different for anyone who is a celebrity? They want us to treat them like "regular folk" when it is convenient and then want to flip the script and have us treat them like celebrities the moment they may have to actually pay “regular folk” prices for an error.

Since when did we become the society that judges a person by their talent and not their character? (Almost everyone was beating somebody in the 60s and Ike Turner still lost his career). If you want me to be nicer to Chris you are going to have to give me a better reason, then the fact that he is amazingly talented. What is at stake here is his singing career, NOT his life. It would be a shame to see that talent to go to waste, but to me it would be an even bigger tragedy to see that type of character celebrated.

For example: Recently in Georgia, a middle school teacher, (for arguments sake lets say he was an excellent teacher), was fondling a 15-year-old girl in the back of his car at around 2:30 in the morning. She was not there against her will, and may even have encouraged his behavior. The pair was discovered by police as he was putting on a condom. I want to believe he did not start his day looking forward to molesting a student,( or at least getting caught doing so), and it would seem obvious that he left his better judgment somewhere north of his penis. There were probably a number of circumstances and missteps that led to him committing this mistake. But, would you understand the school system welcoming him back, with open arms? His career as a teacher is effectively over, despite all the kids he may have helped, and the fact that he may have no intention of hurting another child, it is over. As it should be, no? Would you have him around your 15 year old daughter?

As the saying goes: "If you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all". Please note my silence. The question is: Are you guys ready to forgive Chris? Did this PSA come at the right time, or a couple of months too late?

(2.0 out of 5) Twista starts off his sixth solo album, with the definition of a Category F5 storm. And according to Buk of Psychodrama (dont ask) an F5 is a storm where "total damage...and a whole lot of fu*ked up sh!t will occur". To that extent the term Category F5 is a fairly accurate description of this album. You will hear a whole lot of fu**ed up sh!t and any hope you had that Twista could return to his Kamikaze days will be damaged beyond repair. While admirable, his rapid fire flow is sometimes so fast that his success on a track depends solely on the production and his ability to ride the beat. Unfortunately, on most of this album the production is lacking. Traxster who often works with Twista is responsible for 6 of the 15 tracks, and seems to fit Twista's style the best. The rest of the production, however sounds very cheap and unoriginal. The worst offender being "On Top' featuring Akon; when the track first plays it sounds like...Aqua's "Barbie Girl"...seriously!

He has always been known as a rapper's rapper, willing to collaborate or feature on other artist's songs. But, on Category F5, the Chi-town rapper, gives a little too freely, and winds up sharing the mic on almost every track. That fact is only made worst by the caliber of the artists he collaborates with. Lil Boosie, Gucci Mane, Do or Die, and Liffy Stokes, are not actually the makings of an all-star line-up.

The misses on the album begin to pile up early on. "Now I Know its been a long time since a motherfu**er made a good song about reefer", that is how "Fire" (track 3) featuring Lil Boosie starts off, and by song's end, it becomes apparent we are going to have to wait even longer. "Yellow Light" featuring R.Kelly sounds like a Kelz joint, especially since he dominates the first 1:30 of the song, and then the auto-tune goes into over-drive and Twista comes in sounding like everything but tempting, on the sex-fueled track. "Walking on Ice" features Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman, you should be able to guess why this songs sucks, but in case you missed it: this track features Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman.

Some of the standout tracks are "Misunderstood" featuring Buk Of Psychodrama, once you get past the first :40 of the song, and let that beat really marinate, you will love the southern inspired track, Twista's delivery is on point on this joint. "Wetter" featuring Erika Shevon, a song makes you reminisce of steamy nights with that special friend. deserves a replay. And "Birthday", which is a rip-off of almost every beat you heard on Swizz Beat's One Man Band Man and a Missy Elliott Track, is completely unoriginal, but its meant for the club.

Overall, you will not like enough tracks to justify buying the album. Listen below to the album below and share your thoughts.

I like this joint. I am not sure why, but its hot. Maybe this relationship is really a good career move for Milan (She should give Cassie some advice). Try and work around the humming in the beginning,the laughable lyrics, and most importantly remember that this is Pop Music, talent is not a requirement.

Aight, so we admit it, the posts have not been coming as regular as they used to, but we have an excuse, or should I say, excuses. #1. Do you have any idea how hard is to start working again after vacation? The body is just never ready. (weak excuse...maybe). #2. We've been exploring other options. No, the blog isnt going anywhere, this will remain our #1 spot, but it is always good to expand the writing portfolio, no? For about a month now our posts/articles/reviews have been featured in a number of online and print magazines. As soon as we figure out the "small print", those posts will be featured on the blog. One of the online sites, we work with is hiphopblog.com, check them out, here is a link to our most recent review on their site. #3. Good Indie Artists are hard to come by. We got you spoiled because of our first three: Zack Borer, CDon, and SonikBoom Productions. But, we promise the search is still on. If you have any suggestions, you can send them through the contact us link to the right. We do not post negative reviews on Indie Artists, its already hard enough for them.

***Please check out The Young Writer's Block on Facebook*** We are apart of a team of bloggers whose articles cover important topics such as: politics, business sense, beauty & fashion, sports, religion, and of course music. Become a fan of our page, and bring a friend along!

For the future, we will try and get on those album reviews. There are a number of artists coming out this month alone, and I'd be lying if I said I was even checking out for half of them, but I will try and find the time, so you dont have to. Also, we will be adding a new member to the team. We are definitely excited by this addition, and hopefully you will be hearing from him soon.

Thanks for the emails and comments, they are appreciated, keep them coming!

Recently, everyone has been applauding Jay-Z for regurgitating, over a hot beat, what most of the public, has been saying for about a year now: the auto-tune must die! But, I'm afraid Jay and the public, got it wrong. It is not the auto-tune's time to pass, instead the moment of silence should be used to observe the exit of the old generation and the emergence of a new. You can debate whether or not the auto-tune is played out (it is) or whether or not hip-hop artists have become less and less creative (they have). You can even question the fashion statements that some rappers choose to make by parading around in extra tight jeans (its gross). But without a doubt, we the 80s babies and 90s hip-hop lovers, by hating on the Soulja Boys of the world, have become the generation that refuses to realize that their time is up (similar to the way our parents did).

This change didn't just spring up out of nowhere. While in music, the present or the future, may not always be clear evident extension of the past, the link is always there. Late 80s gangsta-rap, fed us vivid depictions of the violence we saw prevailing in our inner cities, by either glorifying it or by motivating change (because of how much it was glorified). By the 90s, pessimism had set in our youth's hearts, and what you got was thought-provoking tales dipped in hopelessness and sprinkled with violence. The anger of our realities fueled a style that could only be described as: raw. Today's youth, still see the same world we do, but their reaction is different. All that talk we did, our expressions and gripes over our present, didn't change much, the world is still for the most part, the same. So, from their standpoint, why keep talking 'bout it? Just accept it, and say "F*ck It", lets be happy over the paper-thin trivialities of the world. The result of that train of thought is "swag" and songs about nothing. And clearly anyone can create an "empty song"; talent isn't required.

True, you don't have to ride every wave hip-hop sends your way, but as a true hip-hop lover, you owe it to try and understand why the wave was created and then appreciate the best it offers. A few artists will remain true to the days we loved, but most will be met with mediocre success. In the meantime, the stubborn only have a few options: try and get with new acts such as Cory Gunz, Charles Hamilton, and Drake, maybe even a little Kid Cudi, reminisce with old CDs over what used to be, or retreat to the underground. Visit the comment section below, and tell me how right I am!

Album: Jeremih by Jeremih
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Number of Tracks: 12 + 1 Bonus Track
Number of Tracks worth listening to: 10
Rating: 5 of 5

Every since "Birthday Sex" hit in the airwaves earlier this year, fans have been dying to hear more from IDJ artist Jeremih. The question on everyone's mind: Is this a one-hit wonder or did a 19 year old guy out of Chicago seriously just light a fire under the R&B scene? While many of his peers rushed to the studio to create different versions of his debut single, he took to answering that question, and released "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)", a track released soley to send a message. The message: You are witnessing the birth of an R&B star.

The hottest track on the album is as predicted, "Birthday Sex", the Mick Schultz-produced track just never gets old, and Jeremih's voice sends chills to all the right places. Other standouts are: "Raindrops", a sex-fueled track for the other 364 days that you dont have a birthday. "Break Up to Make Up", which is set to be the third released track, will have you singing along to the catchy chorus in no time. "Hatin' On Me" and "My Ride", songs that flow along the same vein as "Imma Star", should also get a replay. It's hard to describe who he sounds like (voice wise), but what sells you is how Jeremih on every track sounds like he fully believes every word. It's that believability that will make the ladies love "My Sunshine", a ballad where he sings about the pain he feels thinking about a lover that has passed away. Island Def Jam showed alot of trust in Mick Schultz by allowing him to produce the entire debut album of their R&B golden child, and he does not disappoint showcasing an impressive range.

Overall: Jeremih justifies his hype. You will be hard pressed to find a track you dont like. However, dont let the first couple of tracks fool you, this is not a "bedroom album".

Question: Why does everyone else seem to be able to pull off the-Dream's style with more success than him? (No, I'm not hating on the-Dream...check the record sales)

There were a couple of good performances sprinkled in the mix (again in no partic order):

#1-Jamie Fox. The "Blame It" performance. I'm not sure why Snoop came out on the stage..to crip walk...but its Snoop, so its okay. Despite his faults, T-Pain is entertaining. And Travis Barker killed IT! I loved the rock breakdown.

#2-Keisha and Monica. Chicks can sing, I loved every moment of it. Monica's hairstyle and Keisha's capris were a little distracting at times, but their talent is undeniable.

Kraze, is an Atlanta-based all-girl group consisting of Chanel Ross, Jasmine "Jazzy" Kearse, and Shanquilla (...just wow...) "ShanQ" Robinson. You may remember them as the opening act for Chris Brown during the summer of 2008, or you may have heard of couple of their tracks thumping in the club. The girls are back with a new song entitled, "Go Crazy" featuring Flo-Rida, and this track is no different then their previous songs: substance-less lyrics fitted over a hype club beat. Thats not necessarily a diss....true club songs shouldnt carry much substance, should they? Whats the purpose of going to the club to nod your head and scream to lyrics that detail all the reasons you were driven to go to the club in the first place?

Bottomline: Its aight....however after a few shots of Patron....

Check out "Go Crazy" as well as leaked track, "Get It Girl" below!

During a casual stroll through the heavily populated metropolis, known as Youtube. I stumbled across a number of videos talking about the uprising of another British phenom (Where the heck did all this talent come from all of sudden?). I decided to check out what all the hype was about, and I was led straight to Pixie Lott.

Pixie was originally signed to Island Def Jam Music Group at age 15, but some "stuff" (boring crap) happened and she is currently signed to Mercury Records in the UK, and distributed through Interscope Records in the US. Her sound can only be described as UK-Soul, and her look is Young-Britney. She is cute enough to sell teeny-bopper pop, and talented enough to turn a few older ones into believers.

Her first released single,"Mama Do", is a catchy little pop tune that was released on June 8th, and her second single will be "Boys and Girls". But, it is the covers of other people's songs that made us a fan. Check out the video below of her cover version of Kings of Leon's Use Somebody. There is also videos of "Mama Do" and "Boys and Girls"

Her album, Turn It Up, is due out on September 1 2009.

Maino's album, If Tomorrow Comes..., is due in stores on June 30th, and "Kill You" is the fourth released single. On the track, Maino spits about his "baby-mama drama" and admits that sometimes the anger boils over and he wants to kill her. We can appreciate him getting this frustration out on wax as opposed to taking the Chris Brown road. Listen to the track below, along with videos from 2 of his other singles, and leave a comment!

SonikBoom Productions is a company hailing from Solomons, MD, but coming to you live from Baltimore. Helming the music production company is Cali, a woman too gifted to get anything less than your undivided attention, and a moment of your ear’s time. Our interview with Cali (below) should be of special interest to all of the jazz/smooth R&B artists and fans out there, if that’s not your taste, don’t be dissuaded, SonikBoom Productions has a little bit of everything for everyone.

EK: How long have you been in the music industry?
Cali: Depends on what part of the industry you’re talking about. Yes, I have jokes. As an artist producing music 2 years. As a musician, since I was 2.

EK: How would you define your style?
Cali: Jazzy, Urban, Fusion, Atmospheric, R&B, Ambient, with a touch of Neo-Soul (chords)

EK: What or Who inspires you to make music?
Cali: You know what? It’s in me. I’m been playing the keyboard and organ by ear, ever since I was 2. It has always been in me, I don’t know where it comes from, but I know how it got there. It’s a gift. We’re all born with a gift, mind just happens to be creating and playing music.

EK: Who are some of your influences?
Cali: Wow, Chick Corea, Blue Six, Acoustic Alchemy, Patti Austin, Phil Perry, Royksopp, EWF, ELO, The Rippingtons, The YellowJackets, Stevie Wonder, Najee, Norman Brown, Art of Noise, Ella Fitzgerald, George Duke, KEM, Musiq Soulchild, Lalah Hathaway, Queen, Quincy Jones, even Bach (Air to G).

EK: If you could work with any artist right now, who would it be and why.
Cali: Quincy Jones, Royksopp, or Lalah Hathaway. The reason is simple really. It combines Traditional, with the present along with technology. If you still don’t know what I mean, go listen to what they have done, and you will hear what I mean.

EK: Have you worked with other artists? If so, who was your fav and what was the song?
Cali: Unfortunately, no. Now, that’s not saying I’m not available and open to working with others. I’m always looking for serious minded people to collab.

EK: What is your objective in reference to music?
Cali: To create a euphoric mood with my sounds.

EK: Has your music changed since you first begin? If so, how?
Cali: Yes, oh yes. When I first started, my music was very dark. Industrial jungle, if you will. It was almost death like. When you would listen to it, it made you feel like doom and gloom, or hostile in some way shape or form. It just wasn’t me.

EK: Do you have a record label, or are you apart of any music groups?
Cali: No record label. I belong to no one but myself.

EK: Where have you performed?
Cali: I don’t perform, but I have gotten inquires about my tracks for use with groups that do perform. I don’t do shows.

EK: Do you have any upcoming releases?
Cali: Yes I do. The release of my debut CD “JazzticFusoAtmosphericology Vol 1., which is due for release in the Fall of 2009.

EK: What is 1 song you have, that you would like fans to base their opinion of you on?
Cali: Yes actually, my track called Right, Right (Instrumental Version). It’s very laid back, and the bongos will take you away.

EK: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website?
Cali: Many ways, they can go to the website which is www.sonikboomproductions.com and click on the icons on the first page. Or that can go to www.reverbnation.com/sonikboomproductions, or www.myspace.com/sonikboomproductions .

EK: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?
Cali: Oh yeah, God, for giving me this gift (remember earlier I said I know where it came from?) My parents for putting me in front of the Keyboard and Organ when I was 2. My husband for his understanding about my late hours. LOL. My Best Friend Alunda for the encouragement to keep going. My Cousin Carroll, who critique every track I made. My extended family and acquaintances. My Twitter peeps, especially Yanadew and DiversEvents.

With life being so hectic, its hard to find the time to just chill, we strongly suggest you let SonikBoom Productions, be your oasis of serenity amidst the chaos...listening to Cali's creations, you dont have to worry about trying to find that time to chill...her music creates it...and it envelopes you. Remember to check out her website! And share your thoughts below.

I am starting to feel bad for CiCi, but she is not doing herself any favors by outright refusing to take a hint (...any hint...). She has a new single (aka old track that didnt make the album cut) out now entitled, "Tic Toc", which is similar to some of the songs you've never heard from her album that you didnt buy. Its a somewhat sexy, laid back mid-tempo track that is not horrible, its just not great (she needs great, at this point). With that said, had this track been released, by say umm...Rhianna or heck even Britney Spears, we would all be singing along. Hopefully, Ciara will rediscover that bubblegum pop dipped in grits (southern flavor), that helped make her famous, and we will all be able to overlook these indiscretions. Until then, listen to the single below and comment!

Okay, technically this song isn't new (its about 10 days old), but I cant get it out of my head, and its so good, that I feel obligated to share it, old or not. If you are not a Ryan Leslie fan, the only excuse you can have is that you haven't heard him yet! Should you be one of those people not-in-the-know, please get familiar with dude, he is insanely talented. I am also posting video below of 2 of his songs I became obsessed with in the past, and the audio to a new joint entitled, "My Gift To The Game". Leave a comment below!

So, there are officially a million and one remixes to Jeremih's "Birthday Sex". This one is from Sammie, and I like it! If I were to list the many versions of "Birthday Sex" in order from greatest to good, but not great (because they are all good..then again..I could just really like the song), then I would say: *1* Jeremih-"Birthday Sex" (of course) , *2* Trey Songz-"First Date Sex", *3* Sammie-"Love Hate Sex", and *4* R.Kelly "Birthday Sex Rmx*, the other fall somewhere behind. I have them all loaded on the player below, with Sammie's version below. I also have the download links. Tell me how you rate the many versions of the song....