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With the 2009 release of Keelay & Zaire's Ridin' High [MYX Music Label], the entire Sole Vibe collective was given a platform to show their ability behind the boards and on the mic alongside some notable names from the culture. In 2010 the Sole Vibe is poised to carry that success further. This summer will see the release of One To Grow On, a project showcasing the talent of the Sole Vibe, particularly shining a light on MC's Mario Dones and AV as they are preparing repsective solo endeavors. Dones and AV decided to put out a project that plants the seed for what will be a fruitful year for the Sole Vibe as a whole. One to Grown On features production from all of the producers in the Vibe (Keelay, Zaire, J. Fish, DJ Whooligan), as well as beats from a few up-and-comers.
One To Grow On's first single (and 2nd leak) is "Ring To It" by Mario Dones, available on the official website of the squadron, www.thesolevibe.com. You can find "Been Around the World" by AV on the site, which also will be included on the project. No official release date yet, but set your eyes on early-mid July for this free digital release.
Seattle, Washington-based emcee D.Black made waves late last year with the release of his highly celebrated sophomore album,Ali-Yah, on Sportn' Life Records/MYX Music Label. Showcasing his development as an artist since his emergence onto the hip-hop scene, Ali-Yah features 14 soulful, yet heavy-hitting, tracks chockfull of insightful lyricism, smooth delivery, and bangin' production, which was supplied by powerhouses Jake One and Vitamin D. "Yesterday" and "The Return" are just two of the many standout tracks that ended up on countless mixtapes and catapultedAli'Yah onto many year-end lists.
With all the critical acclaim that the album has received, it seemed only natural to release an instrumental version for public consumption, which D.Black is proud to do. A lifelong advocate of music and its unmistakable power, D.Black hopes aspiring emcees will take these expertly arranged beats as a foundation for their own inspired verses.
From b-boying to graff, djing to rap, Lunar Heights member Jern Eye has done it all. Em Dub had a chance to ask him a few questions, including how he got into hip-hop, what the name Jern Eye means, his song-making process, the story behind his latest album VISION, and what's coming up next from the Oakland emcee. Check out more of his music over at MyxMusicLabel.com, and buy VISION on iTunes!
Kam Moye, formerly Supastition, is proud to announce the release of his latest video, "Splitting Image". Produced by Symbolyc One, and shot and directed by Matt Koza, whose credits include Little Brother, RJD2, and Kam's own "Let's Be Honest," the video depicts a story about life's choices forcing growth and gaining knowledge. Apparent throughout the video, Kam's name change is more than just cosmetic - the "splitting image" also refers to a distinct change lyrically towards a wiser persona with a great deal of life experience and perspective.
The breathy and angelic vocal stylings of Neenah complement the setting of the video and serve to balance Kam's confident and poised rhymes. Standing amidst a barren backdrop, Kam delivers a powerful message and challenges listeners to not only "grow older" but to also "grow" as individuals. Kam Moye explains, "I wanted it to document my real life story of becoming a father at 16 and show the pressure I was facing at the time. I couldn't even take care of myself when I brought my daughter into the world." He continues, "It's a way of showing younger people that your life isn't over when you make a bad decision but it means you've got to work twice as hard at your dreams. Hopefully someone will feel inspired by it." By juxtaposing Kam's verbals with visuals of a teenager's unplanned circumstances, the video makes good on its promise of hope and resilience. Kam Moye raps, "It's hard to backtrack, start a new beginning. / So starting today I'm vowing to make a new ending. / They say a new you is hard to rebuild / But keeping some personal flaws are just part of the deal."
The song is a part of the Evangillest's upcoming project titled "Dipped" in Summer 2010 ft. San Quinn, Bambu of The Native Guns and Geo of the Blue Scholars with production from Keelay and Zaire, T Gragonette, Dex Beats, and Mikos of 40 Love.
I remember the night a few scenes of this were filmed. It was a first time I met Evangillest. If you get a chance, check out his "Quit Ya Day Job" Mixtape which is hosted by J-Ronin and mixed by my homie, Whooligan.
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Following the success of Jern Eye's lead single, "Get Down," as well as the song's energetic video, the Bay Area emcee is proud to release the official remix for the club-oriented single. The "Get Down Remix," featuring fellow California natives and hip-hop legends, The Pharcyde, offers a fresh breath to a song already considered a fan favorite by many. While the basic elements of a James Brown sample and a raw, acoustic drumbeat, courtesy of fellow MYX Music Label producer duo Keelay & Zaire, remain untouched, the addition of such a talented and well-known group pushes the track to a new level, highlighting The Pharcyde's effortless energy and flair alongside a brand new verse from Jern full of confident braggadocio. "A little sick, so the talk's slick," begins Jern, chiming in later, "No antics, the rep's so massive/ I ain't no joke, no game, no slapstick." Working with The Pharcyde was a pleasure for Jern, whose own style is continuously inspired by the west coast legends' fluidity and power. "The Pharcyde has always been one of my favorite hip-hop groups," says Jern. "The energy and fun they put into their music has inspired a lot of what I do in my own music, so it was only natural to get them on board to do a remix for 'Get Down'. I felt like the song was perfect for them, and would really bring out that animated energy they're known for."
Jern Eye's sophomore album, Vision, is now available via MYX Music Label.
The left coast comes correct in Jern Eye's new video for Bay Area anthem "Cali." The song features Jern, along with veteran emcee Spank Pops and star on the rise J. Billion, riding the waves of an infectious Jake One beat and trading verses bursting with hometown pride. Now, director Lorezno Escalante, also one of the visionaries behind Jern's "Beautiful" video, brings the neck-snapper to life. "We filmed 'Cali' entirely in San Francisco to give viewers a perspective of the city in California we represent," says Jern. And what a perspective it is. Viewers are treated to a visual tour of the city, as the camera captures performances at iconic locations such as AT&T Ball Park, Treasure Island and Haight Street, while the golden state's picturesque coastline fills out the rest of the video. Shooting was done guerilla style at times, which inevitably resulted in close encounters of the amusing kind, as Jern explained that filming at Treasure Island caused a stir amongst some of Bay Area's finest. "The local Gestapo were not too happy about it," says Jern with a smile. Be that as it may, there's nothing to be unhappy about with the final product, as Jern & Co. throw down an auditory and visual tribute to their hometown that everyone can be proud of.
Jern Eye's sophomore album, Vision, is now available via MYX Music Label.
North Carolina's own, Kam Moye aka Supastition, teams up with up and coming Bay Area director, Charles Barcelona (Homegrown Outfitters/Right Lane Ent) for the Marco Polo-produced banger, "Forever Fresh." The video is done documentary-style and showcases Kam in various behind-the-scenes clips, past videos, and show footage from performances in the U.S. and abroad. The rest of the video was shot on location in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The song itself is reminiscent of the former Supastition sound with Kam spitting rapid fire, while still dropping jewels like "I'm what happens when a child prodigy grows up." Marco Polo's head nodding production shines brilliantly throughout the track triumphant horn stabs and classic boom bap drums leave the perfect backdrop for Kam's ferocity. "Forever Fresh" is the b-side to Kam Moye's official second single and album title track, "Splitting Image."
Also, be sure to also check out Kam's appearance on the official Wake Up Show Anthem 2010, which also features appearances from Tajai of Souls Of Mischief, Crooked I, Tech N9ne, The RZA, Ras Kass, B-Real, and more.
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