He’s been shrouded in controversy over his debut video, arguably the most graphic in years. He’s had the Hip-Hop world fixated on his ‘Perscription’, and now they’re fiending for the ‘Refill.’ During my conversation with Pink City’s own, Pill, he opened up about a barrage of topics including:

*His family
*Growing up in an urban environment
*His first introduction to rapping and his influence

In a round about sense, he spoke about everything, way too much to sit here and attempt to list. You won’t want to miss this.

 I had a chance to sit down with Witchita, Kansas, born rapper, Donovan Johnson, better known as XV. “The  kid with the green backpack”, who created a buzz strictly through his own hustle, opened up about on an array of topics including: his Kansas upbringing, his taste in music and production, how he first met DJ Enuff and future endeavors. XV is gearing up for the release of his next project, the highly anticipated “Everybody’s Nobody”, boasting features from Ne-Yo, Lil Wayne, Colin Munroe, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean and more. The mixtape drops on July 31 and will be hosted by DJ Enuff and DJ Benzi.

Similar to Jay-Z with J. Cole, the same can be said with Mary J. Blige’s first artist to her Matriach Records imprint, LaNeah. With Jay-Z’s “Encore” as her stage, the new R&B songstress attempts to show why the “Queen of Hip-Hop” invested so much in her. After pulling up some info on the young lady, I’ve learned she’s definitely got a huge backing behind her not including the co-sign from MJB (DJ Clue, Lil Wayne and more) and the buzz is growing exponentially each day.

While having been in the songwriting business for quite awhile, her most notable credit is being one of the writers on Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown”. Be on the lookout for new music from LaNeah in the near future.

DL: LaNeah feat. Mary J. Blige–Screamin’ My Name

Hit the jump for footage from her photo shoot in Los Angeles.

(Keep reading…)

With 2009 already making household names of artists like J. Cole, Nipsey Hussle, Drake and Asher Roth to name a few, the second half of the year could potentially see the rise of a new name, Blake Kelly. While this isn’t a full fledged article detailing the emergence of the artist from the DMV, with roots in Oklahoma, consider this an introductory post. Similar to the path of Cole and Roth before him, college (Hampton University) has played a vital role in his maturation and the location where he decided to take rhyming seriously.

His debut tape, “Higher Education”, is set to drop at the end of August, but until then use these tracks as precursors.

DL: Blake Kelly feat. Mark Jackson–In The Clouds (snippet)
DL: Sammie feat. Blake Kelly–Turn You Out
DL: Blake Kelly–So High

(Keep reading…)

Once again, I found myself in the same studio, where the Rhymefest & Curren$y interview took place, this time ‘The Introduction’ brings you Roc Nations first signee J Cole. I heard about Mr. Jermaine Cole from BDot at RapRadar a few months back, he went on and on about how he was the next big thing. I did some research on J, and was able to find a few things aboout him, via nahright. After listening to “Grown Simba,” I was hooked!  J Cole & I discuss his deal, college life, music, twitter and everything in between. He also gives us a first listen to “Dollar & Dream” which will be released on his mixtape, coming out next month.  The verdict is already in on him, and he is definitely someone to look out for in 2009. If you havent realized it’s lightskin season! Make sure you check out the other inductees into ‘The Introduction“

Follow J Cole on twitter: www.twitter.com/JColeNC

Success in the music industry is notoriously difficult. Whether it be the obstacle of not having the backing of a major label, or the lack of respect and support from superstar rappers and fans alike, the road to stardom is far from easy. Many people have fallen at the hands of these hardships. One man who has thrived in these conditions is California rapper Roccett.  His talent and drive caught the attention of Get Your Green Up Entertainment in 2004, and his partnership with the company, which has worked with notables like Usher and Tupac, has produced a sizable buzz. Having already worked with established stars like Young Jeezy, Fabolous, Killer Mike, Knoc’turn’al and other rappers like Young Buck and Akon at this young stage of his career, as well as having critically acclaimed mixtapes under his belt, Roccett’s talent is clear. With so many dues paid, his industry knowledge and the groundwork set, Roccett is poised to make lasting impression on hip-hop. Roccett is the newest “inductee” to The Introduction.  Learn more about this Cali native as KarenCivil.com takes a ride through New York City with a G.

Learn more about Roccett by visiting: IAmRoccett.com

You already know what it is. From the way he greets you, to the words that he speaks. The uniform he wears is bold, aggressive and absolutely intimidating. He’s authentic -- the offspring of the West Coast’s most celebrated talent -- yet and still a novelty all his own. In an industry that’s fallen victim to bubble gum lyrics and erroneous dance fads to match, he’s the spokesperson the block wants for. He’s the sociopolitical outrage of Ice Cube and N.W.A. He’s Snoop Dogg before you knew his name and Ice T after an unexpected knock at 6 o’clock in the morning. He’s the very definition of Slauson & Crenshaw -- a self-inspired movement and a name you can trust. He is Nipsey Hussle. Nipsey gives you a break down on touring with Game & Jay Rock, his new album and his new mixtape “Bullets Aint got No Name Vol III’. I got a chance to hear one of the records, Nipsey doesn’t disappoint.

 My homie Curren$y was in New York doing some recording, so I caught up with him to talk favorite rappers, XXL cover, new Mixtape and much more.  Expect to see plenty more features on Curren$y on my blog, he is added to the list of rappers to look out for in 09!

I was in South Beach, Miami this weekend and met up with Young Money artist Mack Maine. Mack is a 20 enough (as he would like to call it) year old rapper, from the Hollygrove area of New Orleans. Mack who is now  being pushed to the forefront by his Young Money Ent Label. With a feature on the first single on Lil Wayne’s album titled “Got Money”, with a much anticipated  mixtape dropping next week titled “This is Just a mixtape” hosted by DJ Cannon he is sure to be a 09 favorite. Mack says “people gonna ask why this aint on your album.” His first solo LP  titled “Timeless Music” which is slated for a feb 09 release thru Young Money/Soothe Your Soul records. Mack who also manages Wayne, helps run Young Money Ent Label and just launched his own label “soothe your Soul Records”. Mack briefly spoke about his relationship with Lil Wayne saying “We don’t look at each other as friends, we brothers, We’ve known each other since we were 6 yrs old, same hood, we family”…Till the tape drops, if you haven’t Familiarized yourself with Mack Mizzy, get familiar and check out the recent joints he’s featured on below. “Young Maine for President, I’d probably paint the white house black if it was my residents…”- Mack Mizzy

Download:

‘Lil wayne ft Mack Maine, Willie the Kid, & La the Da Darkman – Da Art of Storytellin’ 4 freestyle

Alchemist ft. Mack Maine – My Money Is My Bitch

I stop by the Warner Brother office to kick it with their new signee Jay Rock. Born and raised in Watts, California’s notorious Nickerson Gardens Projects, Jay Rock got his first encouragement from his music-making relatives, who noticed the impact his deep, melodic voice made on song after song.  “They were like, ‘you’re hard.  And you’ve got a voice for it, too,”  Jay Rock recalls.  “A lot of people started hearing me and they would tell me that my voice catches them.  So, I started working it, working on my craft and got more and more confidence.” 

Jay Rock’s confidence led to a string of heated appearances on neighborhood mixtapes.  The gifted rhymer’s clever phrasing, gritty realism, storytelling swagger and powerful voice grabbed the attention of Top Dawg Entertainment boss Dude Dawg.  Once in the studio with an independent company backing him, Jay Rock’s output increased and improved.   

After shopping his demo to a number of major labels, Jay Rock and Top Dawg earned a deal with industry powerhouse Warner Bros. Records, also home to E-40, Murs and Talib Kweli, among others.  The Warner Bros. executives were impressed with Jay Rock’s distinctive flow, his vivid lyrics and, of course, his “voice”. I on the other hand was impressed with much more, Jay rock has a humbleness and demenor that hasn’t been seen in new emerging artist.  Jay Rock & I spoke on his deal, relationships with west coast rappers and much more.

                             More after the Jump..