Malverde:
The Legend Continues
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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August of 2004, LatinRapper.com ran a music feature on
Coachella, California artist Malverde. The son of
migrant field workers, it was obvious from first listen
that Jesus was destined for big things in the Latin Hip
Hop industry. Four years later, Jesus Malverde is
standing tall with the support of urban Latin music's
most powerful label, and a hot new album under his belt.
With blazing production from bi-coastal producer Brett B
as well as guest spots from Tony Touch to B-Real of
Cypress Hill, he offers something for Hip Hop heads from
any time zone. He speaks with us about his new album "La
Leyenda Continua" in this exclusive interview.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Malverde
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Coast of
Houston and the Return of Artist Expression
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com/Streetscience press release
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Introducing an innovative artist that epitomizes Houston
hip-hop's new rising force: Coast. Coast's style is a
unique mixture of signature rap, blues, and pop with
thoughtful word play with the proven ability to touch and
appeal to a wide audience.
Coast grew up writing music on the north side of Houston,
Texas. His career began under the Houston-based label,
Dopehouse Records. It was there that he would form a group,
Twin Beredaz, with label mate Quotakey. As the times
and climate in the music industry changed, Coast continued
growing as an artist and working on fine-tuning his
abilities and he adapted as his career continued
progressing. After five years as a loyal Dope House artist,
Coast respectfully left the label to explore the music
industry as a solo artist. |
Coast is currently working on his first upcoming solo
project that will be backed by Grammy recognized
producer/engineer Jaime "Pain" Ortiz. Coast sees this
upcoming project as a great opportunity to introduce himself
and his style. He wanted the project's title to describe
just that. Coast titled his new project "Lively-Hood."
"Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines the word Lively-Hood
as 'a means of support or subsistence.' I want the project
to portray my up-bringing in my neighborhood. I want to
explain the elements that make me who I am. The album is
going to sound nothing like what most Houston rap albums
sound like seeing as how some of the songs won't even be rap
songs. A majority of the music will be thick with subject
matter. I'm more focused on making an album that sounds good
rather than an album that will fade out as a quick one-time
cash cow" says Coast.
Coast on the web:
http://www.myspace.com/coastspace
Vakero
Partners with Sunflower Entertainment
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com
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Sunflower Entertainment signed an exclusive worldwide
agreement with New York and Dominican Republic based record
label Jeremy Records’ recording artist, Vakero, the #1
Dominican Hip Hop artist and leader of the Rap Dominicano
movement.
The deal encompasses all of Vakero’s Recordings,
Publishing, Digital/Mobile Marketing and Merchandising.
Jeremy Records President, Francis Belliard, upon signing the
deal said, “The influence and popularity of Vakero is
undeniable and what better place to grow and prosper Vakero
than with Sunflower Entertainment.” |
“Vakero is the real deal. A global star in the making,” said
Jamar Chess, co-owner of Sunflower Entertainment, who was
responsible for the completion of the deal.
The Dominican Hip Hop movement is sweeping Latino
communities all over the East Coast, where over a million
Dominicans live. Vakero’s infectious tracks are heard at
night on street corners and from open car windows in New
York City, Boston and Providence. Major League Baseball
stars, such as the New York Mets’ José Reyes, the Boston Red
Sox’s David Ortiz and New York Yankees Robinson Cano and
Melky Cabrera, have all been using Vakero tracks as their
“at-bat” songs.
Work on the follow-up album to the highly acclaimed “Pa Ke
Te Mate” has begun featuring production from longtime
collaborator Villano Sam, Salsero legend Joe Arroyo and
Sunflower Entertainment artist/producer Propheta.
Sunflower Entertainment’s plans for the new album entail an
aggressive digital and mobile promotion campaign along with
pursuing strategic fashion partnerships to expose Vakero
merchandise and branding to include clothing, footwear and
accessories.
“We feel there is a vast potential for Vakero merchandise to
cross over to audiences all over the world,” said Juan
Carlos Barguil, co-owner of Sunflower Entertainment.
Riding off a successful Zurich, Switzerland club tour,
Miguel “Bombon” Taveras, Vakero’s E.U. representative, has
booked upcoming shows in Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona among
other large European cities to further Vakero’s worldwide
presence.
The album “Pa Ke Te Mate” is currently available on iTunes
and all major Digital retailers. The singles “Se Partio El
Lapiz” and “Hasta Mañana Negra Linda” are currently being
programmed on mun2 and mtv3. There have been over 1.6
million views on Youtube of Vakero music and promotional
videos.
Sunflower on the web:
http://www.sunflower-ent.com
Vakero on the web:
http://www.vakeromusic.com
Co-Headliners Baby Bash & Pitbull on MTV Tr3s Sucker Free
Latino Spring Tour
3/5/08 - LatinRapper.com/RCA Music Group release
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Rap superstars, TVT Records’ Pitbull and Arista Records’
Baby Bash, come together to co-headline the MTV Tr3s Sucker
Free Latino Spring tour. The cross-country tour kicks off in
Orlando on Saturday, March 15 in support of their new
albums; The Boatlift and Cyclone, respectively. Pitbull and
Baby Bash have massive internet followings, are two of the
most searched for Latin artists on Myspace, and both have
been the #1 Latin artist on the site.
“It’s been long over due for me and Pit to hit the road
together; finally our fans can see us both together for one
ticket. You can’t beat that with a whoopin’ stick,” says
Baby Bash about the upcoming tour. |
Baby Bash’s first smash single from the new album,
“Cyclone,” (featuring T-Pain) has already sold more than 1.5
million digital singles, surpassed the 1 million mark in
ringtones, and hit Top 10 on the rap and mainstream radio
charts, making him one of the hottest stars in the country.
The second single, “What Is It” (featuring Sean Kingston) is
currently Top 10 on the rap chart and is heating up at
mainstream radio.
This is the first national tour for Pitbull since joining
Lil Jon on the Anger Management Tour in 2005. “I can’t wait
to get out on the road with Baby Bash. I want to use this
opportunity to connect with my all my fans and million plus
Myspace friends,” says Pitbull.
The Boatlift showcases Pitbull’s lyrical prowess as he
crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and captivating
rhymes on each song. Pitbull has created an incredibly
diverse album ranging from R&B-influenced sounds like first
single "Secret Admirer" feat Lloyd, to hypnotic club banger
“Go Girl” teaming with Trina and Young Boss, and current
Afro-Cuban melodic single “The Anthem” with a bombastic
chant by Lil Jon. " The Anthem" is number 17 on the Top 40
Rhythm chart and breaking big on Mainstream Top 40 (Pop)
radio.
MTV Tr3s and its weekly urban video countdown show “Sucker
Free Latino,” hosted by L.Boogs, are the tour’s exclusive
national TV partner and will help Pit Bull and Baby Bash
reach even more fans through on-air specials, a concert
ticket giveaway on “Mi TRL,” and a dedicated edition of TXTO
URB where viewers can text their shout outs over Pit Bull
and Baby Bash videos. Baby Bash will also be one of the
first featured artists on MTV Tr3s’ soon-to-be-announced
“Rock Dinner.”
“MTV Tr3ìs has long supported the careers of Baby Bash and
Pitbull and we are thrilled to take this support to the next
level by bringing our viewers this exciting live double bill
concert and a deeper connection with both artists through
our marquee programs” said Michael Galbe, Vice President,
Music and Talent for MTV Tr3s
Pitbull and Baby Bash will be performing in the following
cities (subject to change):
DATE DAY CITY/STATE VENUE
MARCH 15th Saturday ORLANDO, FL HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 18 Tuesday PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL CLUB LAVELA
MARCH 19th Wednesday MYRTLE BEACH, SC HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 21st Friday NEW YORK, NY FILLMORE
MARCH 22nd Saturday ALLENTOWN, PA CROCODILE ROCK
MARCH 25th Tuesday CLEVELAND, OH HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 26th Wednesday CHICAGO, IL HOUSE OF BLUES
MARCH 28th Friday TULSA, OK CAINS BALLROOM
MARCH 29 Saturday OKLAHOMA CITY, OK BRICKTOWN EVENT CTR
MARCH 30th Sunday DALLAS, TX HOUSE OF BLUES
APRIL 1st Tuesday DENVER, CO OGDEN
APRIL 3rd Thursday LONG BEACH, CA VAULT 350
APRIL 4th Friday SAN DIEGO, CA HOUSE OF BLUES
Tour updates can also be found at:
www.myspace.com/babybash
www.myspace.com/pitbull
Hustle and
Row: All Aboard Pitbull's Boatlift
1/16/08 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Hustle. It's a word that comes up often in
discussion with Armando Perez, and anyone who has ever
spoken with him about business understands his intense
work ethic. The son of immigrants, el Cubano
better known as Pitbull came up in Miami and established
his name after proving himself worthy to several Hip Hop
industry heavyweights. Pit has since released two
successful albums, scored a show on Mun2, and founded a
non-profit organization to provide college scholarships
to first and second generation immigrants. In our
third interview, Pitbull speaks on his new album "The
Boatlift", an 18 track voyage which moves in new
creative directions from past projects. It's guest
list is a veritable who's who of Hip Hop and urban Latin
music.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Pitbull
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Hip Hop Meets
Spoken Wordz 3 - Bronx Museum NYC Jan 25
1/16/08 - LatinRapper.com
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The first Latino Hip Hop DJ, DJ Disco Wiz presents the
3rd Annual Hip Hop Meets Spoken Wordz. The event will bring
poets and emcees together for the greater good of the local
community. Non-perishable food items and lightly worn
clothes will be collected at the door for admission. All
proceeds are being donated to Picture the Homeless, a non
profit organization founded by the homeless for the
homeless. Please visit:
www.picturethehomeless.org for more information.
Over thirty artists are confirmed to perform including:
GrandMaster Caz, JDL & DJ Tony Tone of the legendary Cold
Crush Brothers, |
Immortal Technique, Cuban Link, Hasan Salaam, La Bruja,
Rebel Diaz, Boca Floja, Nightwalker, Poison Pen, Props, Gif,
Patty Dukes, Rephstar, Rugged n Raw, Eli Efi, Marxman, Madd
Illz, Division X, Red Clay, Mauikai, B Boy Omega, Caitlin
Meissner, Survivor, Diabolic, Aja Monet, Ngoma, Rainmaker,
Abundance Child, Devin the Poet, Barbara La Guerrera, Mz
Nancy V, Precise Science and more!
SueLye will host the evening and DJs include: DJ Johnny
Juice Rosado (Public Enemy), DJ GI Joe & DJ Laylo.
Absolutely No Guest List! Admission can be non-perishable
food items (canned or dry goods), a lightly worn coat or
lightly worn clothing or a $10 donation. All proceeds will
be donated to Picture the Homeless. All ages welcome.
Come and Enjoy a Great Night of Hip-Hop for a Real Cause!
(This is a drug and alcohol free event)
Trains: D or B train to the 167th St./Grand Concourse. Exit
at rear of station, walk South along Grand Concourse two
blocks OR 4 train to 161st St./Yankee Stadium station.
Walk East three blocks to the Grand Concourse, then, walk
North four blocks along Grand Concourse to 165th Street.
Hip Hop Meets Spoken Wordz 3: Food & Clothing Drive
January 25th, 2008 / 6 pm - 10 pm
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
1040 Grand Concourse
Bronx, New York 10456
718.681.6000
www.bronxmuseum.org
DJ Disco Wiz online:
http://www.djdiscowiz.com
Mental
Hollow Points with B-Real of Cypress Hill
11/20/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Flash back to the late 80's Los Angeles: gang banging
was grabbing national headlines. In the midst of
this chaos, a young Latin banger lay on a hospital
gurney after a rival gang's slug had punctured his lung.
Yet rather than become another statistic, the South Gate
vato directed his life towards music. Fast forward
to 2007. As front man for Cypress Hill, one of Hip
Hop history's biggest groups, B-Real is in a much better
place: Millions of records sold, and an icon of Hip Hop
performances. This month, B-Real continues with
his mixtape series with "The Gunslinger 3: For A Few
Dollars More." B-Real speaks on his upcoming solo
and the new Cypress Hill album in this deep exclusive.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with B-Real
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Pitbull
Returns with "The Boatlift" on November 27th
11/20/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Respected MC Pitbull is joined by a star-studded crew of
artists and producers on the November 27th release of
his highly anticipated third studio album "The BoatLift"
(TVT Records). Pitbull teams up with GRAMMY award
winning producers Play-N-Skillz (Chamillionaire - "Ridin")
for his first single "Secret Admirer" feat R&B sensation
Lloyd. The single is racing up the charts having held a
steady position on the Rhythmic Top 40 charts for the
past 5 weeks and steadily climbing. In addition,
Pitbull recently shot the video for the single, directed
by up and coming director David Russeau. The video
features cameos from Fat Joe and Steven Bauer who
starred as Manolo Ribera in the cult classic, Scarface.
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"The Boatlift" showcases Pitbull's lyrical prowess as he
crusades through 18 tracks penning clever and
captivating visuals on each song. Pitbull has created an
incredibly diverse album ranging from R&B influenced
sounds with his hit single "Secret Admirer" feat Lloyd
to techno/dance inspired tracks like "The Anthem," as
well as songs like "Midnight" that are heavily
mainstream/pop influenced and down south inspired tracks
like "Dookie."
"The Boatlift" boasts standout appearances from Trina,
Jim Jones, Don Omar, Twista, Lloyd, Frankie J, Young
Berg, Trick Daddy, Fabo of D4L and Young Boss. Pitbull
teams up with Trina and Young Boss on the hypnotic club
banger "Go Girl," which he also filmed a video for in
Miami. Other album notables include "Sticky Icky"
produced by Lil Jon, featuring Jim Jones, "Fuego" feat
Platinum artist Don Omar, produced by Mr. Collipark and
the Twista assisted "Candy Man" produced by Echo.
"Most immigrants that came to this country came through
some type of boat lift, said Pitbull. "This is my way of
taking everybody on a ride through my eyes; this is my
boatlift -- my way of bringing them to freedom through
the universal language of music. Now let's ride!"
Pitbull's last album "El Mariel" produced numerous radio
hits including the club anthem "Bojangles," and the hit
rap single, "Ay Chico." In 2004 Pitbull surpassed gold
status for more than 600,000 copies sold of his debut
album "M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue" in the United
States. The feat gave Pitbull the biggest-selling
bilingual hip-hop debut since Cypress Hill's 1991
self-titled debut, and put him in the rare category of
Latino rappers who have achieved major success at
English-language radio. Bolstered by such breakthrough
singles as "Culo," "Dammit Man," and "Toma," Pitbull's
debut – as well as its highly-successful successor remix
album "Money Is Still a Major Issue" – have made Pitbull
an unstoppable voice in urban music.
For more information visit
http://www.pitbullmusic.com
Pitbull on Myspace:
www.myspace.com/pitbull
Baby Bash:
Latin Hip Hop's Quiet Storm
10/11/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Its been two years since we last chopped it up with
Houston rapper and Vallejo native Baby Bash (click
here for our first interview), and the super saucy
artist seems to finally be getting some well-deserved
shine. Although his upcoming album "Cyclone" isn't
slated for release until October 30th, Bash has already
earned the rank of #1 Latin artist on Myspace. His
recent boost in fame is validated by over
750,000 digital single and ringtone sales thanks to his
latest smash hit "Cyclone" featuring T-Pain. The flyest
Mexican under the radar speaks with us about making hits
but it keeping it low key in our exclusive interview.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Baby Bash
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Tego
Calderon Part II: El Abayarde Strikes Back
8/25/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Considered by many to be the most respected rapper in Puerto
Rico since Vico C, Tego Calderon is back with a new album, a
new movie, and a new outlook on life since his trip to
Africa. Our last interview with Tego (click
here) was a year ago after the successful release of El
Subestimado - The Underdog, which received international acclaim for
its mix of salsa and Afro-Caribbean rhythms
with hip-hop and dancehall reggae influences. Tego
returns with his latest offering "El Abayarde Contra-Ataca",
and a featured role in the new John Singleton film "Illegal
Tender", now in theaters.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Tego Calderon
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Chingo
Bling Knocks Down Industry Borders
8/18/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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As CEO of Big Chile Enterprises, Chingo recognized that
no one can download merchandise, thus his empire
includes everything from music publishing, bobbleheads
and even hot sauce, making Big Chile into one of the
most innovative labels in the industry. Since our
last feature, he's landed a national endorsement with
Jose Cuervo, graced MTV and MUN2, and has appeared in
all the major Hip Hop mags. The majors that
entered a bidding war over him didn't, when the smoke
cleared only Asylum was left standing. Chingo was
now at the helm of an $80 million dollar distribution
deal that allowed Big Chile to remain an indie label but
with major distribution.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Chingo Bling
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Latin Rap
Conference Returns September 12-14, 2007 in Los Angeles
8/18/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Following a successful series of Latin Rap Conferences
in the past few years, this highly anticipated event
arrives in the City of Angels in September for the 5th
installment. The Latin Rap Conference is the only music
industry conference focusing on the Urban Latin, Latin
Rap & Reggaeton genre.
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It has become the forum for the genre’s top music
executives, professionals, artists, producers and radio
personalities to discuss and take action towards the
goals of industry education and Latino community
empowerment. The mission of LRC is to educate, empower
and create a forum and network for high-quality business
and progress as well as community awareness and cultural
unity. Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York honored the
LRC organizers with a proclamation for their dedication
and commitment to this cause. LRC held two outstanding
conferences in his city.
Latin Rap Conference 2007 in Los Angeles will be a three
day event and will consist of educational seminars at
the HYATT on Sunset Boulevard and performance showcases
and exclusive private events at world famous hot spots
The Key Club and The Whiskey on the Sunset Strip.
Artists currently confirmed include Kemo The Blaxican,
Psycho Realm, Frost, Mellow Man Ace, Notch, Malverde,
Chino XL and Baby Bash just to name a few.
Panelists, guests and media participants include- Si TV,
Power 106, LA TV, Latino 96.3, Machete Music, MTV Tr3s,
RikRaf, Jerry Heller, mun2, Yesi Ortiz, Brownpride.com,
and many more.
There is no other event on the planet like Latin Rap
Conference. Join the international coalition.
Be a part of history. Experience Latin Rap Conference
2007 in Los Angeles!
"Our goal is to continue the movement towards the
advancement and solidarity of Latino people in the Music
Industry and in all aspects of the American marketplace"
states Jesse Perez aka Shysti, Creator and Founder of
LRC.
For registration and more information please visit
http://www.latinrapconference.com
Know The
Game: Hip Hop Veterano Kemo the Blaxican
8/8/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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After 15 Years and four albums with Latin Hip-Hop
Pioneers Delinquent Habits, Kemo The Blaxican, the
Bilingual MC, returns with his strongest and most
musically ambitious work to date. The second solo album
from Latin hip hop legend Kemo The Blaxican, ‘Not So
Rich & Famous’, follows the success of Kemo’s 2005’s
‘Simple Plan’, whose single “La Receta” was included in
multiple films and landed videoplay on MTV, Mun2, and
LATV.
It's been two years since the release of ‘Simple Plan’
when we
last spoke with the conscious bilingual rapper, as Delinquent Habits’ only Spanish-fluent
MC he spent
twelve years with the group which released four albums and
went gold with their first
single "Tres Delinquentes."
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Kemo the Blaxican
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Garcia of
Miami Debuts Sophomore Album "Life Unscripted"
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Crazy Hood Productions and Latchkey Recordings present
Garcia’s new street album, Life Unscripted, set to hit
stores on July 17. Executive produced by platinum artist,
N.O.R.E, and Miami’s mixtape king, DJ EFN, with national
distribution via Koch Entertainment.
Garcia’s life inspired album combines Southern, East Coast
and Latin Hip-Hop sounds – making him a stand-alone artist
in the ever-evolving Miami Hip-Hop scene. Contributors to
the project include powerhouse producers such as Midi Mafia
(50 Cent), Reef (50 Cent), Diaz Brothers (Pitbull), Scram
Jones (Mariah Carey), Dani Kartell (Juvenile), DJ Honda (Fat
Joe), Omega One (Aesop Rock) and many more. Guest spots
include Bun B., MTV’s Sway and executive producer N.O.R.E. |
“Dejalo”, showcasing vocals by Liza Quin alongside Garcia &
N.O.R.E., debuted as the first street single late last year,
receiving the most requests in 2006 on Clear Channel’s Mega
94.9. Other singles will include “Pornostar”, “Who’s Crazy?”
and “GaveHerDat” featuring N.O.R.E.
Acclaimed in 2005 and 2006 as URB Magazine’s “Next 100” and
featured as the only unsigned artist on MTV’s “My Block
Miami”, Garcia’s second album is set to reach new heights as
his 2004 Anti-Social album was selected as the “Best Album”
by the Miami New Times. His talent and ambition earned
Garcia side-by-side performances with industry superstars
such as Busta Rhymes, Pitbull, Outkast, DMX and Mobb Deep.
“After 14 years in the music business, I am pleased to
present fans and the city of Miami with Life Unscripted
because it truly represents my life and my road blocks. I
have grown as an artist and person and I am blessed to be
where I am in my musical career,” states Garcia. With
influences ranging from Public Enemy, NWA and Uncle Luke,
Garcia is not your average Miami MC.
Garcia
on the web:
http://www.crazyhood.com
Garcia on
MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/garcia
Chingo
Bling Inks Deal with Asylum
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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With an independent empire consisting of music, bobble
heads, custom boots and hot sauce listed on his resume,
Houston rapper Chingo Bling isn't a guy to take handouts,
but when Asylum Records wanted to hand him a label deal, he
was all over it. The Latino rapper has inked a partnership
with Asylum Records for his own Big Chile Enterprises
imprint where he plans to release his next album, They Cant
Deport Us All.
Why did he get this deal though? The Latin rapper is
kind of out there. At first glance, you might think Chingo
Bling is a joke, a novelty of sorts with his 10-gallon hat,
Nike swooshed ostrich boots, and his Mexican flag inspired
diamond grill, but with a cult-like following, he's proved
being different is oh so sweet. |
Yes, Chingo is hard to miss. He appropriates all of the
typical hip-hop accoutrements, and flips them into something
that is not only 100% him, but also represents his people.
"Everyone wants to look like everyone else and talk about
the same old s**t," Chingo reflects. "Hardly anybody today
has their own style, their own voice. You gotta find what
you're about, and these days people aren't about too much. I
represent for my people, the millions of Mexican Americans
who started with nothing and really found their way."
Chingo started out much like most rappers do today --
releasing mixtapes and making sure he showed his face at
every major event in his Texas. After realizing he could
capitalize off of more than music, he branched off into
merchandise and street marketing before ever releasing an
official CD. This brilliant marketing plan sparked one of
the strongest movements in the South, with Chingo becoming
one of the most recognized faces in Houston hip-hop. His
successful independent grind sparked the attention of the
majors and a serious bidding war began, but after it was all
said and done, New York based Asylum Records came out
victorious. Via his newly inked deal with the label, Asylum
will provide Big Chile Enterprises with creative freedom and
allow the label to stay independent, with major, worldwide,
distribution.
"I passed on all the TLC deals," Chingo reveals of his
choice. "I wanted the Cash Money, No Limit, Ray Charles type
deal, so they brought out the big check books. I'm still
independent, but with distribution. Look what we as Big
Chile Enterprises have done independently, just think what
were bout to do now, stay tuned to the Chingo Bling Show!"
They Cant Deport Us All, the first release in the
joint venture, will feature a who's who list of Southern
heavyweights including Paul Wall, Trae, Fat Pat, Big Pokey,
N.O.R.E. and Pitbull, as well as rising Bay Area star Mistah
Fab, and Baby Bash.
Its first single is the Carnival Beats produced Like This
and Like That, which will be accompanied by a revolutionary
video, taking listeners on a journey across the border with
a Mexican immigrant.
"I'm not gonna be preachy on every bar." He explains, "I'm
talking about all kinds of stuff. I got the hustlers
perspective on there, I'm flossin' a little bit. But the
video paints a picture, showing what an immigrant goes
through and how a person could come to this country, really
not hurting nobody, really just working. That's really the
main gist of the song, but in terms of the movement, I think
that we need a little bit more understanding."
They Cant Deport Us All is slated for release August 14.
Chingo
Bling official website:
http://www.chingobling.com/
Chino XL Signs
with Machete Music (en
español -
haz click aqui)
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Machete Music in a collaboration with PAC Records,
announced today that it has signed hip-hop sensation
Chino XL. Chino XL is a music industry veteran; since he
was a little boy he has been an insider, traveling with
acts like Africa Bambaata and Ice-T.
In school he always performed at all the talent shows
and quickly separated himself from the rest for the use
of his powerful lyrics and amazing metaphors (not
surprisingly, he is a member of the MENSA club!). Soon
enough, he caught the attention of Def Jam and was
quickly signed to Def American Records, releasing the
highly acclaimed "Here to Save you All".
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The hits and albums kept coming, and during this time,
Chino XL collaborated with some of the best Hip Hop
interpreters of the time, basking in great success and
recognition. But he soon became un-enamored with the
music business and retired himself from the game.
He flawlessly made the transition into acting, appearing
in shows like Reno 911!, CSI: Miami, Young and the
Restless, to name a few. He also made the leap to the
big screen with a role in the movie "Alex & Emma"
(alongside Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson). Recently, he
debuted his solo project at the Sundance Film Festival.
Music was never far from his heart, though. He continued
to write until one day decided to jump back at the game;
this time under his own terms. He has enough material
ready to retake his position in the Hip Hop world. Sway,
from MTV, has heard some of the new material and has
this to say: " It immediately connected with me in a
major way. The music is different, not all in one style
or genre, its just good music all-around."
"Having Chino XL join the Machete Music family is a
great honor and we are extremely excited about the
project and the future!" states Gustavo Lopez, president
of Machete Music.
For more information, please visit
http://www.MacheteMusic.com
Sick
Jacken of Psycho Realm Inks Deal with Universal Latino
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com/D. Baron Media press release
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Universal Music Latino has launched Rebel Music Group, a
new joint venture with Jack Gonzalez aka “Sick Jacken”, the
frontman of L.A. based rap group Psycho Realm. In doing so,
the label has made a defining move in positioning itself as
the leader in Latin hop-hop music by aligning itself with
one of the most respected names in the underground hip-hop
scene.
“We are very excited to be able to work with RMG. We admire
the talent and credibility of Jack and his team and are
happy that we can be a part of this new stage in his
career,” comments John Echevarria, President of Universal
Music Latino. The new partnership with Gonzalez and
the Psycho Realm brings Universal Music Latino an alliance
with one of the most influential brands in rap music.
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The group has already solidified itself as an
international phenomenon, selling hundreds of thousands
of albums and selling out shows in the United States,
Latin America, Europe and Japan, all without the backing
of a major record label. This success can be attributed
to the group’s ability to connect with the streets by
highlighting social conditions while calling for
rebellion and change whether it be in Los Angeles or
other neighborhoods where gangs, injustice and tragedy
exists. In doing so, Psycho Realm has amassed more than
fans but “soldiers” and has transformed their music into
a movement.
Rebel Music Group will use this influence to market,
promote and distribute a brand of urban music that does
not confine itself to the boundaries that have become
commonplace in the genre. Both the product and the
marketing approach will remain unapologetically street,
while relying on Universal Music Latino’s reputation as
the leader in Latin music to take their successes to new
heights. The label will fuse street and lifestyle
marketing tactics together and will also focus on the
booming online digital market with the goal of
developing their artist’s visibility and selling
potential without sacrificing the integrity of the
music. “Were looking to provide a home for music that
doesn’t fit the current formula for mainstream record
sales, and we hooked up with the best in the business to
help us distribute this idea worldwide. The Rebellion Is
Coming,” commented Gonzalez.
Joining Sick Jacken as the General Manager of RMG is
Tone Lopez who has managed Psycho Realm for the last
three years and will be influential in mapping out the
direction that the label will take. “We are excited and
prepared for all the challenges that lie ahead with this
joint venture” stated Lopez. Also on board are Joey
Castillo as the Creative Director and Big Tiny as the
label’s Art Director. Both Castillo and Big Tiny have
been a big part of the day-to-day activities of Psycho
Realm and the various projects that they have been able
to roll out in the last few years and are ready for the
new tasks that lie ahead.
The first release from RMG will be DJ Muggs VS Sick
Jacken “The Legend of the Mask and The Assassin”, a
concept album that marks the first time that members of
Cypress Hill and Psycho Realm have collaborated since
the release of the Psycho Realm debut album in 1997. The
album is already one of the most highly anticipated
releases in the West Coast hip-hop scene and will fuse
Sick Jacken’s unparalleled lyrical skills with the
production of hip-hop legend DJ Muggs, a pioneer in the
genre. The album will be released on August 21, 2007 and
will include the two Spanish-language tracks. A full
length Spanish-language Psycho Realm album be released
in 2008.
Sick Jacken on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/sickjacken
Perrealo and Red Bull's Batalla de Los Gallos 2007
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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The world famous Apollo Theater is so much more than a
historic landmark - it is a source of pride and a symbol of
the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its
rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theater,
considered the bastion of African-American culture and
achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in
American history. Building on History and an American Staple
of artistry, Red Bull's Batalla De Los Gallos now enters
into this venue bringing a whole new art form to its
historic stage. Together with Perrealo.com, Red Bull is once
again making History by having the U.S. Finals at the famous
Apollo Theater. The very first Latin Hip Hop MC Battle to
ever take place at the Apollo will be held on September 23,
2007 and will bring together the winners from Los Angeles
and New York for this years Finals.
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8 MC's chosen from the East & West coast will represent
the fiercest lyricists which are to compete at the
pre-qualifiers August 26, 2007 (Los Angeles) & September
9, 2007 (New York)
The Pre-Qualifiers which will be held in both New York
and Los Angeles will be taking place in August &
September of this year and play a huge part in the
development of this ever growing genre. MC's from all
across the nation will meet to showcase their talents
and prowess in the art form of lyrical battle. After two
successful years of the batalla, Perrealo.com has taken
it a step forward and brought it to one of the most
popular and historic stages in the United States. 2005
marked the very first ALL Spanish MC Battle to ever take
place in New York and sparked an interest not only
nationally but internationally, spawning other events
similar in nature. In 2006 Los Angeles held its first
pre-qualifier and brought Sammie Cultura to New York for
the finals.
Now in 2007 with a whole new following and backing from
the industry, Perrealo.com is producing an event which
will bring forth the very best the United States has to
offer in Latin MC's. A genre still in its infancy,
although it has been around pretty much since the
inception of Hip Hop, Latin Hip Hop now has some of the
hottest artists out and growing ever so popular. With
Music now being played in English and Spanish & artists
going back and forth between both languages, it has
developed into the next popular sound. Batalla De Los
Gallos has played a key part in the bringing forth of
MC's performing and expressing themselves in Spanish,
and takes it world wide by having qualifiers in 14
different Spanish Speaking Countries and all meeting in
Venezuela for the World Championship Finals.
Registrants enter into an arena reminiscent of a cock
fight to combat each other with flows and lyrics in
hopes to defeat one another until the very last word.
They take shots at everything from the opponent's
outward appearance, to the lack of skills. These MC's
which all come from diverse backgrounds and sometimes
different genres all have one thing in common, their
love for Hip Hop and the fire to win and become number
1. This event has come to become one which no one in the
Latin Hip Hop Community wants to miss and all want to be
a part of, having already given birth to drama and
underground notoriety for rappers!
Press and Media:
Perrealo@gmail.com
Registrations:
PerrealoBattle@gmail.com
Online Registration & Event Information:
http://www.Perrealo.com/batalla
Frankie
Needles and the Urban Latino Movement
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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Frankie
Needles is taping three episodes of his music TV show
One Nation under Hip Hop back to back at mun2 studios in
Los Angeles, and he's a tad tired. He gives his
trademarked signoff at the end of one show Latinos stand
up! and tells the audience hell see them "Tomorrow." "No
good, this is Friday's show and there's no show on
Saturday. Lets do it again" the director says. "I'll bet
money I didn't say that," Needles protests, but he gets
back on the set and reshoots the ending. This time he
falters in his lines. Third try, he gets it right. Now
he does a quick change from mauve sneakers and
sunglasses into the black Daddy Yankee outfit for the
next show. One of the top personalities at NBC
Universals bilingual youth cable channel, Needles is
working on becoming the urban Latin version of Russell
Simmons, building an entertainment empire for the
burgeoning population of bilingual, bicultural Hispanic
youth.
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"I see myself as a trendsetter. I want to brand myself," he
says in his smooth baritone. "That's the level I want to
take it to." Needles, who bears a disarming smile and an
easy manner, is well on his way. He has the TV show, a
syndicated radio show, Top 20 Urban Latin Countdown, a
merchandise line and an upcoming album with Pitbull. He's
also launching himself in movies with a recent stint on the
soundtrack of Illegal Tender, an action drama to be released
in August.
"Frankie is really plugged into the pulse of young Latino
Americans," wrote Illegal Tender producer John Singleton, in
an email to The Miami Herald. "This generation of Latinos is
united by their interest in music and fashion and the urban
lifestyle. Frankie is the voice of this generation."
Needles, who grew up in New York and Miami, was an early
proponent of urban Latin culture, which encompasses music
genres such as reggaeton, Spanish rap and hip hop and styles
such as souped up sedans and backward baseball caps.
It's a market that is increasingly luring the attention of
media companies. MTV recently launched MTVTr3s, and a Los
Angeles independent station, Hispanic youth music channel
LATV, announced national distribution on digital
frequencies. SiTV and mun2 are earlier entrants. "The fact
that you have four channels targeting young bicultural
opportunities says a lot about the richness of the
opportunity," says Manny Gonzalez, vice president/managing
director of Abece in Miami Beach, the Hispanic marketing
division of Hill Holiday.
Big marketers are also showing interest. Corona, Pepsi,
Chevrolet, McDonalds and Burger King have all sponsored
Needles shows and tours and Starbucks recently sponsored a
California reggaeton festival. That puts a veejay like
Needles in the catbird seat. His competitive edge is that
hes truly urban Latino. That gives him instant license in
this segment, Gonzalez says. "I think he has a strong
future."
The 30-year-old Needles, whose parents are Cuban with a dash
of Jamaican, started his DJ career as a teenager spinning
tunes at weddings, quinces and bar mitzvahs. "That's the
grind you got to put in," he says. "I learned how to
interact with the crowd."
Needles says being a role model for Hispanic youth is a key
part of his motivation. As a teen in Kendall, he started
hanging out with the wrong crowd, doing petty crimes such as
stealing car radios and shoplifting, until his parents
packed him off to military school in Georgia. He was
one of a handful of Hispanics and was the butt of many a
racial slur. The experience taught him discipline, as well
as gave him pride in his heritage and created in him the
impetus to start a network of youth centers in urban areas.
"Everyone was ashamed of being Latino," Needles says. "I say
always be yourself and proud of what you are."
Frankie Needles on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/djfn
AIM TV Launches New Online
Video Network for Latinos
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
The AIM Tell-A-Vision Group (AIM TV), now entering its
historic sixth season of broadcast syndication, has
announced the scheduled launch of a new video-on-the-web
network titled The American Latino TV Network. Amassing a
six year library of over 1,000 produced segments of
"evergreen," award-winning content, along with hundreds of
hours of never before seen footage, Robert G. Rose, CEO and
Executive Producer of AIM TV cites the move as a natural
progression: "We have the world's largest library of
evergreen video content for U.S.-born Latinos. Combined with
our powerful promotional platforms, the youth and early
adaptability of our target audience and built-in advertising
relationships, the formula for a success is there," says
Rose. "The American Latino TV Network will offer additional
content to our affiliates, an extended platform for our
advertisers and most importantly, an unprecedented library
of quality, culturally relevant content for our viewers."
The new ad-supported network will receive promotional
support from AIM TV's powerful platform of broadcast
syndicated programs; "American Latino TV," "LatiNation" and
the "American Latino Presents Specials" which deliver over
65 million impressions annually with unrivaled reach to
young, U.S.-born Latinos (a market representing over 60% of
all U.S. Latinos). The network will receive additional
support via AIM TV's radio, print, online & event partners.
In addition to the company's extensive library, the
pioneering producers have been busy creating original
content specifically for the network including behind the
scenes, event coverage, raw and uncut interviews with
celebrities and original content such as "The Intern
Chronicles," and "Help! Change TV." The company is also busy
developing new channels such as "Pasaporte" (travel
channel), "Hip Hop Unidos" (Latin Hip Hop) and "Punk Outlaw"
(a punk rock & rockabilly lifestyle brand & channel).
"Since the beginning my dream was to have a network with all
our work. I am excited to program quality content for
Latinos through the internet," says Renzo Devia, President
of AIM TV's Maximas Productions. "We're always working to
reinvent ourselves and the ALTV Network allows us to be more
creative and to interact more with our viewers."
American Latino TV Network demo:
http://www.ALTVNetwork.com
Indie
Film by Son of Edward James Olmos
8/7/07 - LatinRapper.com
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The most
controversial independent film of the summer, Splinter,
directed my Michael D. Olmos premieres August 17 at
selected theatres and is presented by Dark Horse Indie
and Image Entertainment.
Only a few theatres in Los Angeles approved playing the
film due to its graphic content. In reality, the film
creates a realistic storyline of gang life and police
corruption in Los Angeles.
Splinter follows
two gang affiliated brothers, Dreamer (Enrique Almeida) and
Dusty (Noel Gugliemi) through murder, revenge and betrayal
in the mean streets of Los Angeles.
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Dreamer seeks revenge for the mysterious murder of their
older brother Shaggy (Billy Garcia), but suffers from
memory loss after a bullet wound that injured his head
during the same street battle. Rookie cop Detective
Graham (Resmine Atis) and the corrupt veteran Detective
Cunningham (Tom Sizemore) follow the murder case to
solve the mystery and try to prevent an all out gang war
with minimal support from Captain Garcia (Edward James
Olmos), only to discover whom among them is responsible
for the chaos in the streets.
Selected theatres include: MANN Theatres, 7876 Van Nuys
Blvd., Van Nuys, CA, AMC Ontario Mills 30, 4549 Mills
Circle, Ontario, CA, AMC Covina, 1414 N. Azusa Ave.,
Covina, CA.
As the son of acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos,
Michael is becoming an accomplished filmmaker in his own
right.He graduated from Columbia University in New York
and worked on countless movies, many along side his
father Edward and mentor Robert M. Young. He is
also co-founder of Chamber Six Productions, LLC, an
independent film production and comic book publishing
company founded in 2005.
The Boss
is Back: Daddy Yankee Returns to his Roots (en
español -
haz click aqui)
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Daddy's back, with the message that he's heading
more towards his Hip Hop roots this time around.
Ramón Ayala, better known to the world as Daddy Yankee,
is preparing for his June 5th release of his latest
album "El Cartel: The Big Boss" and readies himself for
a major U.S. tour kicking off this August. Yankee made his way from the
projects of San Juan to platinum record sales, a
syndicated radio show and a nod as one of the "100 Most
Influential" people by Time Magazine.
Click Here
for our exclusive interview with Daddy Yankee
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Cartel
de Santa rapper Says Deadly Shot was a Ricochet
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com
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The lead singer of Mexican rap group Cartel de Santa
said he accidently killed a band member during a
shooting, police said. Eduardo Davalos de Luna aka
el Babo was with bandmate Ulises Nayit Buenrostro at a
house in Santa Catarina, in the state of Nuevo Leon,
when he reportedly learned that the group's driver, Juan
Miguel Chavez, was driving to the house armed to settle
a dispute with the rapper, Hollywood Reporter said
Tuesday. Police said Davalos de Luna flashed a .38
Super pistol when Chavez arrived and fired several
shots, one injuring Chavez in the leg. According
to the singer's preliminary statement, another shot
ricocheted off the floor, killing Nayit Buenrostro.
Davalos de Luna turned himself in to authorities, said
police, adding that the incident was still under
investigation. |
Kemo the
Blaxican Drops New Album "Not So Rich & Famous"
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com
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After 15 Years and four albums with Latin Hip-Hop
Pioneers Delinquent Habits, Kemo The Blaxican, the
Bilingual MC, returns with his strongest and most
musically ambitious work to date. The second solo album
from Latin hip hop legend Kemo The Blaxican, ‘Not So
Rich & Famous’, follows the success of Kemo’s 2005’s
‘Simple Plan’, whose single “La Receta” was included in
multiple films and landed videoplay on MTV, Mun2, and
LATV. The Latin hip hop legends new album includes the
track “5th of May” (featuring Tetsuya Nakamura of War on
Harmonica), as well as the Anthemic “LCL (Left Coast
Latinos)” and the Lyrically-Charged Opener “You Know”. |
Two years after the release of his solo debut ‘Simple Plan’,
Kemo the Blaxican has stepped up the game with his strongest
and most musically-ambitious album to date, the
self-produced ‘Not So Rich & Famous.’ The conscious
bilingual rapper means business, as evidenced by the opening
refrain on the powerful first track “You Know”: “Sixteen
bars, three verses – forty eight in all, delivered with a
purpose.” Influenced as much by the west coast funk and soul
icons he grew up listening to as by hip-hop, Kemo the
Blaxican is joined by Tetsuya “Weeping Willow” Nakamura
(harmonica player for the legendary War) on “5th of May”;
the track is a groove-heavy indictment of urban commercial
radio, which has traditionally neglected Latino hip-hop
artists except on Cinco de Mayo, “the day they spin some
brown.”
As Delinquent Habits’ only Spanish-fluent MC, Kemo spent
twelve years with the group, releasing four albums and
taking the Delinquent sound beyond borders and around the
world. In 1996 the group struck gold with their very first
single "Tres Delinquentes", a song that masterfully fused a
traditional mariachi sound (courtesy of Herb Alpert's
"Lonely Bull") with the raw hip-hop backdrop of the streets.
Official
Website:
http://www.kemotheblaxican.com
Kemo on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/kemotheblaxican
Orishas
Present their New CD "Antidiótico"
5/22/07 - LatinRapper.com/Universal press relase
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More than a music group, Orishas are an institution.
In Cuba, where they are considered national heros, and
in Europe where they continue their fusion of "Son" and
Hip Hop, and in all of America, where they are
undoubtedly known as pioneers of the rhythms that, in
the last decade, have given a Latin accent to street
credibility.
For this, and because their work is an unending spring
of inspiration and talent, the "Best Of" compilation of
their career is one of the most anticipated of 2007.
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Accompanied by remixed tracks and new ones, including
"Represent" featuring Heather Headly, originally from the
movie "Dirty Dancing, Havana Nights", and the other "Quien
te dijo" with a cameo from Cuban rapper Pitbull.
Other tracks include “Silencio”, “Una Página” and “537
C.U.B.A”. From the time they surprised the world with
"A lo Cubano", Roldán, Ruzzo and Yotuel haven't stopped
knocking down walls, with over 750,000 album copies sold in
Europe, twice-nominated for a Grammy, last in 2006 for their
extraordinarty "el Kil" and winning in the Latin Grammies
for for "Emigrante". And so, the reunion of their hits
in one CD titled "Antidiótico” is also available with a
special edition included in their second CD with exclusive
collaborations with Kalliah of French, Portuguese artists Da
Weasel and the legendary Beny Moré (RIP), also with remixes
“1999”.
Calle 13
Cross Spanish Rap's Musical Borders
4/17/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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While the Grammy-winning duo Calle 13 hails from the
musical hot spot known as Puerto Rico, it would be
incorrect to refer to them simply as reggaeton artists.
René Pérez aka “Residente” drops rhymes in Spanish over
an eclectic variety of beats courtesy of his stepbrother
Eduardo José Cabra Martínez aka “Visitante.” While
only a fourth of the tracks fit the reggaeton genre,
Residente's lyrical content definitely moves beyond
what's expected by painting vivid and sometimes comical
mental images with his music. Their new album
drops April 24th, Residente took a moment away from
promotion to speak with LatinRapper.com in this
exclusive.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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The Diaz
Brothers: Sounds of Success
4/3/07 - LatinRapper.com exclusive interview
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Luis and Hugo Diaz are real life hermanos who form the
Diaz Brothers music production team based out of Miami,
Florida. Known primarily for bringing Cuban rapper
Pitbull to mainstream recognition, the Chilean brothers learned the ropes of the music
industry while working for artists such as 50 Cent,
Juvenile, Beenie Man, Trick Daddy, Beyoncé and the
Marley Family, and producing for other notables. Luis speaks with
us
about the production and music engineering game in
this exclusive interview.
Click Here for our
exclusive interview
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Koch
Records to Release New Album by Joell Ortiz April 24
4/3/07 - LatinRapper.com/Koch Press release
Watch the new "Latino" video by Joell Ortiz:
click here
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KOCH Records announces the release of the debut album by
Brooklyn’s own Joell Ortiz. The Brick (Bodega Chronicles)
will be released on April 24th, 2007. Having earned a loyal
following from his lyrically-driven mixtape performances,
Ortiz is poised to make an impact with this
highly-anticipated debut. The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) also
features Immortal Technique, MOP, Ras Kass, Noyd, Graph and
Stimuli, plus production by The Alchemist, Showbiz (DITC),
Fame of M.O.P., Moss and more. |
Ortiz’s single, “Brooklyn” got significant airplay on New
York’s Hot 97, and Ortiz has been featured on mixtapes by
Tony Touch, Stretch Armstrong, DJ Whoo Kid, and DJ Kay Slay.
The first single off of The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) is
“Hip Hop,” and it will be serviced to urban radio shortly.
Ortiz says, ““I love this album because I made it while I
was going through the industry bulls**t of trying to get
signed and some tough times, personally. It’s full of pain
and rage and you can hear it. It’s a soundtrack to the hood
version of David vs. Goliath. That’s the best way to
describe it. If you’ve ever gone through some rough waters,
this album is for you. It’s the common man’s music. Industry
people, so-called ‘cool guys’ and ‘posers,’ don’t get this
music and they never will. It’s not for them. It’s for us.”
Watch the new "Latino" video by Joell Ortiz:
click here
You can listen to “Hip-Hop” by
clicking here.
Joell
Ortiz on the web:
http://www.joellortiz.com
Down AKA
Kilo to Release "The Definition of an Ese" ft Snoop, B-Real
& Nate Dogg
4/3/07 - LatinRapper.com/Machete Music Press release
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West Coast rapper Down AKA Kilo will release his first
solo effort "The Definition of an Ese" this coming May 22nd
under Silent Giant Entertainment/Machete Music. The album,
produced in its entirety by acclaimed hip hop producer
Fingazz (Lil' Rob, Kurupt), contains 11 new tracks including
the hit single "Lean Like a Cholo", a song already in high
rotation in radio stations across the nation and set to
become the anthem of the Summer.
The Definition of an Ese" features collaborations by
Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, B Real and newcomer Nikki Diaz.
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The well crafted songs, with lyrics written by the
multi-faceted rapper, gives the audience an education into
what really defines an Ese. From teaching everyone how to
dance in "Lean Like a Cholo" to giving a glimpse of an Ese's
soft side in the tracks "G's Need Love Too" and "I'm Coming
Home To You" Down AKA Kilo successfully delivers on what
will surely become the must have album of the year!
As an added benefit, the album contains a DVD with exclusive
videos and footage hosted by Pocos Pero Locos' own Khool
Aid. The DVD features guest appearances by Lupillo Rivera,
Jerry Heller, Nate Dogg and a special song with Jenni Rivera
called "Mami Te Quiero".
Down on the web:
http://www.myspace.com/kiloakacholo
New Omar
Cruz Mixtape 2007 B.C.
3/2/07 - La
