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New York rapper, Noodle the Innocent Child, will soon release his debut album, It’s a Noo Day, and despite his name, this young man’s talent is grown, and the lyrical content is far from childish.  You do get a touch of innocence, but it’s more like the purity of something or someone’s that’s fresh/new rather than ignorance’s gullibility.  

We got a chance to listen to the album and listed the top 5 tracks that we loved, below.  Check out our thoughts, buy the album, and then tell us how right we are – all egos need stroking. 

The album starts out with, “It’s a N00 Day”, a track that samples Anthony Newly and Leslie Bricusse’s “Feeling Good”, and moves right into “Celebrate Life” an upbeat track that was meant for the summertime, Ella Lazel does her thing on the chorus as Noodle asks you to take a minute to forget all the troubles and the ills and love what you have. “Ride with Me” displays his ability to ride the beat, he switches it up a couple of times, and never misses over M-Nasty’s addictive beat.  This song deserves at minimum a couple of replays.  

“Time Machine” is admittedly a tad quirky, but it cements what you have been hearing all album long, Noodle truly appreciates hip-hop’s history.  With samples from Nas’ “It Aint Hard To Tell” to Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” the track takes you through the history of hip-hop and its inspiration all the way down to the 60s and the Grandfather of Soul, James Brown.  “914” is an ode to the New York zip code, featuring Cyph-Low, R. Haze, and Young Guito (who before his verse exits says, “Fuck how tough you think you is, you’ll get shot like Pac if you think you Big”, clever, no?).  The album closes on a high note with Domini-produced, “End of the Day”, N00dle reminisces on the days that created him into the emcee who graces our ears.

Fellow Peekskill, New Yorker,M-Nasty produced all of the songs with the exception of New Mill, who produced, “My City”, and Domini who takes over on the “End of Day” track.  

Overall it wasn’t easy to give the top five from this good debut album, and there are plenty more on the 16 track album to talk about.  I hestitate to use the word “real” because of its complete overuse and apparently slack definition, so when I say Noodles is authentic, I mean that he doesn’t follow any particular set mold or ridiculous stereotype.  Throughout the album the only personality he evokes is his own, and the listener reaps the benefits, getting introduced to honesty of the rarest kind.  Take a journey through a day in the life of N00dle, and buy the album.

Peep the first video off the album ("My City") below:

(This interview was done by Hydah Walker for EardrumKrushez.)

HW:  Hello!

Kev.O:  Yo! What's Good?

HW:  Not much, looking forward to interviewing you.  How are you?

Kev.O:  I'm cool man.  How are you?

HW:  That's good to hear.  I'm excellent.  Glad we finally got to do this.

Kev.O:  Fa sho.  Same here.

HW:  So, to start off, where are you from?

Kev.O:  Orginally, Atlanta, GA but I've been in DC since 2001.
HW: Why the move to DC, was it for your career?

Kev.O: Somewhat…I started school at Howard University in the fall of 2001. I was a music student. So, I guess you could say that.

HW: Did you ever graduate from Howard?

Kev.O: (laughing) Yes I did. There's a funny story about that too.

HW: Let's hear it!

Kev.O: Well, I was very clear about what in music I wanted to do when I got to Howard. So, I started on a bass scholarship. Then, I decided I didn't want to be a bass player for the rest of my life, even though I was good at it. Then, I switched to piano, which I had been playing since I was 5, and realized I didn't have the discipline to be among the best. So, I switched to voice and remained on scholarship for the rest of my time there. So, between the hopping around and taking some time off to take advantage of opportunities like singing with Mya and Mario, I ended up being in school until 2007.

Kev.O: I didn't end up going to graduation, because I had no idea I had actually graduated. Thought I had some credits to make up. I found out when I received a call two weeks later from the school asking what I wanted them to do with my degree. LOL! It was cool though. I had watched it on TV from home. Oprah was our commencement orator, and she gave a great speech! She also received an honorary doctorate from Howard University that year. So, I tell people we graduated HU together.

HW: So did you have a lot of support in regards to your music dreams?

Kev.O: I have to say I've been blessed to have so much support. It amazes me every time I think about it.

HW: So, family, friends, and fans have been behind you?

Kev.O: Family's been supporting me from day one. Took friends a minute to realize I was serious when I said I wanted to be a profession recording/performing artist. The fans have been amazing. It's like watching a baby grow. Every time I look around, I'm shocked by how much my fan base has grown.

HW: That's incredible, not everyone has that love when they go into the entertainment business

Kev.O: It's definitely not a task for the faint of heart.

HW: I couldn't agree more. What is your favorite aspect of being a recording artist?

Kev.O: The creative process, whether it's live or in the studio. It's a lot like playing with Lego blocks. It's interesting to see each piece individually then put them together and see what they ultimately become.

HW: It must be wonderful to do what you love everyday and share it with the world

Kev.O: Definitely. I count it as a blessing.

HW: What do you think makes your music special?

Kev.O: It's uncontrived and honest. I believe all art should be as unique as the individual who conceived it. Because I am so many things, so is my music. It's R&B. It's Alternative Rock. It's Soul. It's happy, sad, introspective, retrospective, romantic, sometimes cold...all these things.

HW: so it’s a showcase of exactly who and how you are

Kev.O: Exactly

HW: Have you experienced personal struggles that have affected your music?

Kev.O: Definitely. Particularly the song "Falling" from the new LP. So often, as artists, we want to be successful. So, we try to imitate that which has already been done, completely overlooking the unique gift the God has given us. So, that song is about breaking free from that.

HW: That's very inspiring. Do fame and authenticity go hand in hand for you?

Kev.O: Fame has never really been a goal of mine, but I think respect and authenticity do. With respect comes longevity, and I believe that outweighs fame all day. As long as there is someone who is dedicated to listening, I believe I can still call myself an authentic musician.

HW: I couldn't have put it better myself. What are some of your absolute favorite songs from your new LP?

Kev.O: Hmm... I'm having a hard time with this one. They're like family - I love them all for different reasons.

HW: Name just a few off the top of your head then

Kev.O: "Falling", "Heavy", and "Don't Say" come to mind first. I got some help from YahZarah aka Purple Saint James on "Lights On", and she's just so sexy melted-chocolate-y with everything she does! LOL!

HW: It's great when it works out like that

Kev.O: Oh yeah!

HW: To wrap this up I’m going to ask about some quick facts that new readers may not know about you: favorite place to write/sing music?

Kev.O: In the shower or in a private studio. Sometimes on the metro too. Lots of inspiration there.

HW: Favorite genres of music?

Kev.O: I tend to lean toward Rock, R&B, Gospel, but I tend to enjoy greatness in any form.

HW: Ultimate inspiration to pursue music?

Kev.O: Avoiding the mental institution. LOL! Really.

HW: Do you have time for a personal life?

Kev.O: The two have actually begun to merge. I really do personally enjoy music. So, it keeps me happy and keeps the lights on (most of the time...LOL)

HW: and finally, what is the most difficult thing about having the life you do right now?

Kev.O: The entertainment industry is art, business, politics, and relationships. Sometimes it's hard to balance all four or distinguish one from the other. That's why it's always great to have someone on your team who can help provide an objective view of things.

HW: which I’m sure you do

Kev.O: Definitely. I'm so grateful for great management! Oh wait! I just realized I didn't mention the name of the new LP and where to find it.

HW: that's right. go ahead

Kev.O: It's called Lovolution: The Urban Alternative, and it's available at www.CDBaby.com/cd/KevO2. You can also visit me at http://www.kevotheartist.com/ to get more info on me and other releases and to join the email list. Be sure to follow me on Twitter too! KevOTheArtist.

HW: Thank You Kev.O. This was a great interview

Kev.O: Thank you Hydah!

This is our 2^nd interview with The Collab Lab, formerly known as SonikBoom Productions. During the first interview we introduced you to the woman behind the company, Cali. Well, she is back not only with a new company, but also with new music. The sound is a smidge different, but the high quality you've come to depend on is there. Still steep in the groove of the grown and sexy, her style has found a hip-hop edge, and opened itself up to a whole different branch of fans. 



EK: What led to the name change?

TCL: The business has changed. I no longer have a business partner, so I had to change the business model from front to back, including name, logo, website, you name it. What a pain in my butt. LOL

EK: Your sound often takes many forms. 

TCL: I still have a jazzy sound, but it seems to be gravitating towards R&B and Hip-Hop, which is not a bad thing at all. 

EK: Last time we spoke you were working on "JazzticFusoAtmosphericology Vol 1". Any new info on the project?

TCL: I'm glad you asked that. Because of the split with my business partner, the album has been pushed back. I am now working with a new songwriter/artist – Reese Gamble on the new titled debut album – Collaboration Vol 1. There should be 6 songs on it. (yes, it's tiny)

EK: I love the Intro song, specifically the sample you used. 

TCL: I wish I knew which movie, but I'm glad you like it. I bet you know why I used it huh? There's a message behind it.

EK: Speaking of which, as a woman producer, have you noticed artists or fans react to you differently than you think they would a man?

TCL: Oh Yes, fans are supportive and surprised in knowing that I'm a woman producer, and I love them all for the feedback. Artists and other producers act differently, when approached online, they have no idea I'm a woman, until I tell them. I did have someone tell me that it's very sexiest in the music industry. I guess as long as a woman is shaking her butt, then she can get a cut. But God forbid if you try to produce something, and kick it up a notch. I guess woman are not suppose to be mechanically inclined or tech savvy, especially with all the new programs, and gear out here. Hello, remember what James Brown said, "This is a man's world, but it wouldn't be nothing without a woman or a girl." The truth of the matter is woman get no respect when it come to doing what I do. No one wants to really work with us.

EK: Just in case people forgot where can artists or fans find you and your music?

TCL: You can find my music at www.thecollab-lab.com or www.reverbnation.com/thecollablab but 2 singles will be on iTunes real soon, like within weeks.

EK: Message to the people?

TCL: Always follow your dreams, it doesn't matter how old you are either. 

EK: What's going on in terms of upcoming projects and/or acknowledgements?

TCL:  I would like to dedicate this first album to my brother, who passed away this year, miss you big brother. Right now I'm working on material for upcoming albums. I have enough music to put out several, and I many several albums. I'm currently working on a project with Reese Gamble.  

I would like to thank God for my talent that I've had since I was 2 ½ years old. I'm not gonna name everyone, but thanks to my family (Dad, and my Husband) for being patience through all of this, Carroll Johnson (CJ) (advisor), Reese Gamble (songwriter/artist), Eardrum Krushez, Alunda Smith (advisor), and Beverly Evans (advisor) for helping me with the upcoming album.


Make sure to look out for Collaboration Vol. 1 coming out in 2010, and the singles that will hit I-Tunes soon! With big things in the plans and new opportunities arising daily indie artists do well do get with The Collab Lab, while the opportunity is still there. For a list of the upcoming producers for the week, check out this page.