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The Introduction

The Introduction: Pill

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. Read rest of story…


The Introduction: XV

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. Read rest of story…



The Introduction: J Cole

“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. 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. Read rest of story…


The Introduction: Roccett

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. Read rest of story…


The Introduction: Nipsey Hussle

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. Read rest of story…


The Introduction: Curren$y

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! Read rest of story…


The Introduction: Jay Rock

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I stopped 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. Read rest of story…


The Introduction: Drake


This weekend I got a chance to meet up with Aubrey Graham/Jimmy Brooks Drake who was in town for his 22nd birthday. We kicked it in starbucks on 42nd for awhile and talked hiphop, fashion and everything in between. If you aren’t to familiar with Drake, I suggest you get up to speed. Drake has been on the Hit TV show “Degrassi” for about 8 years now, and with his music career on the rise, he is separating himself from that particular show. We also talked about his pilot TV show he shot called “Us & Them“, it is based around him and his best friend who where trying to break into the acting business.

We touched on the “Replacement Girl” single and how that callabo came about with Trey Songz. “I met him threw someone who was working with me at the time, I wrote the hook with Trey Songz in mind, I met him at his crib in ATL, he heard the record, went downstairs and recorded it. I have to say we have I one of the strongest friendships {Industry Wise}.” {Trey Songz happen to text/email as he was explainging} Hip-hop and Music lovers everywhere… YOU’RE WELCOME (Continue reading…)