Question - if Ben Drew aka Plan B released every song off his amazing album 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' accompanied by equally amazing videos, would this be a problem? It's rhetortical...the answers NO!
Just take a look at new video, 'The Recluse' released today! I need say no more!
CeeJay
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Prayin' - Plan B
Ben Drew AKA Plan B - He clearly doesn't need one! Check out new EXTENDED vid 'Prayin' taken from his amazing second album 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks'. If you haven't purchased this yet...I'm not even going to insert an insult here coz I'm only feeling straight pity for you but I STRONGLY suggest you go make this purchase happen!CJ
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
N-Dubz in the palm of your hand!
After the success of debut album 'Uncle B' by N-Dubz, the follow up, from the sounds of things, is off the richter scale...check this out!
...a 3-D performance in your hand?!?
Monday, 2 November 2009
The observed
I was pleasently surprised yesterday when Tinchy twittered that he, N-Dubz, Chipmunk and Taio Cruz were to be featured on the front cover on the Observer Music Monthly. As a muso, I invest in this publication as rule but made that trip to the newsagents a tad earlier to indulge in this article as soon as possible. After reading, I can't say I was as disappointed as I first anticipated as Ben Thompson appeared to have done his homework and raised various points of interests throughout. This feature is a great turning point with regards to the exposure of the uk scene at present and it's bright future.
Check out the full article here:
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Lynx Presents Kel Spencer: The Interview
A few weeks back we introduced you to Kel Spencer, the brooklyn native who is really taking the music game by storm. Talented, conscious, philanthropic, entertaining, humorous, and more; most certainly a person to support and lend an ear to. I recently sat down with Kel to get a better picture on the man behind the music, to bring to you- the listeners- the most important element in this business.
With that being said, I bring to you KEL SPENCER:
*If you could describe your background in say 50 words or less what would u depict it as?*
I grew up in Brooklyn with Hip Hop as the soundtrack to me playing ball, chasing girls, cutting up in the streets, learning and progressing. I discovered I had a gift of words so I merge that gift with the same soundtrack that I had to now add to that soundtrack.
*Who were some of your influences in music?*
Man... Everyone from Stevie Wonder to Hall & Oates to Kool Moe Dee to Run DMC to Lauryn Hill to Andre 3000 to 2 Pac to Jay-Z to Biggie and even Michael Jackson
*What do you feel is missing in Hip Hop today and what is your strategy for filling that void?*
Balance is missing. People kill me when they say that dance songs aren't Hip Hop. Or when they say that some of the "soft" stuff isn't Hip Hop. Sugar Hill Gang was all about the dance floor, and Fresh Prince was partially comedic when he rapped but it was Hip Hop back then and not now? The problem is, there was a place for everything so it was all evenly dispersed. If you didn't want to hear Fresh Prince then you could listen to NWA. If you didn't want to hear Das EFX, you could listen to the Fugees but now you pretty much have to search for what you want to vibe to because what's pumped to the masses has no balance. I think that I'm a pretty balanced artist and I try to be just that to fill that void as to not be washed by the way side. The substance, that people say is missing, is out there. It's just unfair that it's all not being evenly dispersed but thank God for the Internet, and for the internet DJ aka The Blogger.
*When did you realize that creative talent that you have?*
It wasn't until I got to Morgan State. I went to Morgan as a student athlete and when certain things happened and I decided not to play anymore, I started recording in a dorm room studio w/ future Super Producer Sonny Brix. It was at that time that I started to realize how much listening to my father's old tapes & vinyl and how much the music classes, piano & saxophone lessons would pay off. Then on top of that God blessed me with a natural gift of word usage that I can only take credit for sharpening but He gave it to me. I started college at 16 so I was about 17 or 18 at the time.
*Was it hard to give up your sports dream to turn to music?*
Initially it was because I was playing football since 7 and basketball since about 10so those were my first to loves but once I "Fell In Love w/ Hip Hop" the transition wasn't that hard.
*How do you avoid the commercial trend in rap today and continue to give the public meaningful music?*
Supply and Demand. I'm always going to put out what's me and what's true to me but at the same time when preparing a meal you want to serve people what's both good tasting and good for them. I think I'm doing us all dirty if I serve Now & Laters and popcorn all the time. It tastes good ad looks pretty but that ain't helping nobody. But at the same time, most people don't want a plate of lettuce and vitamins each meal either. So I keep it basic, I know what's in my cook book and what I'm good at making and I match that with what it appears that the people want and need. Not having a major corporation looking over my shoulder to tell me what to cook is a big help too.
*If u could give any advice to an up and coming what would u tell them about staying grounded and true to what is your passion?*
I'm glad you said that word "passion." There are more opportunists in this game than there are true artists. If the new hustle was slap some ketchup on a canvas and sell it as art, you'd see Heinz sales going through the roof, lol!! So, I'd tell artists to make sure this is truly a passion and something you are actually built for, rather than looking at what the pay off appears to be.
*Do u find the same satisfaction in ghost writing as you do composing your own music?
Yeah, I actually do. I'm a man so I'll never birth a baby. But to have words come from a place outside of me then through me and out to all of you is damn near a birthing experience to me. And that experience feels the same whether it's for me or for someone else.
*Have you ever given an artist a song and thought to yourself maybe I shouldve kept that for myself this is too good?*
LoL! Nah, not a song but definitely a few bars and punch lines here and there but it's all good, Ha!!
*What was that moment like when you were nominated for the American Music Award? that is no small feat, and to have a national entity recognize u must have been overwhelming?*
Yeah, it was kinda dope because at the time there was this new Hip Hop phenom on the come up named 50 Cent. And one thing I love about 50 that so many people over look is his grasp and usage of songwriting. That dude can write a hook, a B-section, make it melodic and then fill it in with the bars to make it a package. So to have that ability and then have the sick buzz and then a song that I co-wrote beat him in that category was a good day for East New York, lol!!
*What's it like working with the iconic/legendary Will Smith?*
Dope! To have not only a working relationship but also a personal relationship with a dude like Will has had creative, financial, social, mental, and over all benefits. People don't become iconic by accident so to be in his company is nothing by positive and beneficial. It's even crazier to know that if you asked him that question, he'd say that knowing me has benefitted him and that is extremely humbling.
*Why do you call yourself the Hip Hop Moses?*
I actually didn't even give myself that name. I did a show and I heard this dude screaming up onto the stage saying "You're the Hip Hop Moses, You're gonna take Hip Hop to the Promised Land!!!" And I laughed it off. Now, normally, when I do a show, Whenever something unusual goes on in the audience my peeps will tell me that so-and-so-female is trying to holla or so-and-so-dude wants to give me a CD, etc.. But for some reason that day, as loud as that voice screamed it to me from off stage, Nobody, not a single person knew what I was talking about or who screamed what I heard, crazy right? So, I just took that in as something to own and conduct myself by. The only downside is Joshua took over and Moses never made it into the Promised land, lol!! But metaphorically speaking, I'm cool with it.
*What inspired the whole Pens of Power movement?*
My parents are educators. They each taught in The New York City school system for 20+ years ad now they are administrators. Education was always a string part of the environment in our crib. So just through hearing them talk and from the small visits that I pay to schools, I could see how the literacy rate was slowly dropping. I know that all these little jokers want to be the next American Idol, or the next 50 Cent or the next Beyonce. So, I figured I'd create a program that will give them the chance to write these songs and poems and stories with the proper structure all while tricking them into reading and writing better. It's like Zoolander's program for kids that can't read good meets the studio, lol!!!
*What's on deck for 3RD Power Music- what do you think will be the labels niche?*
Well, of course myself and my brother Flo Blitz, We are the premiere artists but there are 2 or 3 other artists that we're working with closely. We want to be a balanced movement that brings real music to real people. We want to remind people of when music was good. We want o evoke that feeling of the late 90's and and into 2000 when the economy was popping and all was well, ya know? We just want to relate to people and not try to style on everybody and pour champagne on everybody, ya know?
*So many artists say that the live performance element is the best part of what you do, and I've seen ur show, and I must say it blew me away- there was a genuine aura about it, a hunger and a comfortability- describe that for us.....How do you prepare?*
LoL! It's funny. Like I said, I played ball most of my life and any athlete knows that feeling of walking out of the tunnel or onto the court during pre-game announcements... The crowd, the popcorn, the cheer leaders, etc... Performing is the only way I get that feeling back. And because I feel that good, I want to make sure my audience shares that. I see these dudes get up on stage and do a hot cup of nothing and call themselves performers. Nah, son... That ain't hot. I use reactions from word of mouth or from the internet to know what my supports like and don't like and after a rehearsal or 2 with the band, some prayer and a little "Get Hyped" session w/me and Blitz back stage, It's On! I might let the cameras in on some of that "Get Hyped" one day, lol!!
*There's a cliche that says, Youre only one hit away...many people have achieved that one hit, and their careers, in some cases, have bee just that. Why should we count on you to stick around?*
Ok, stay with me on this... I come from a world in both sports and in my up bringing where hard work, showing skillful ability, and doing your job, gets rewarded. I then entered an industry that is based on public opinion of so many things outside of hard work, skillful ability and doing your job that it almost negates the whole concept of hard work being rewarded, leaving a person's success more in the hands of chance & "Right Place Right Time" situations than in the hands of working hard & well. But the irony in that is, Working hard enough at knowing that hard work should be balanced with chance has a great possibility of attracting a "Right Place & Right Time" opportunity for me to then be at a platform where hard work then gets merited and no one can out work me. There may be people that I can't out work but no one can out work me. And it's that drive to keep this culture with all of it's corruption and all of it's beauty alive to be able to tell my future children about it and have it benefit them the way
****For more info and music from Kel Spencer and 3rd Power Music Group******
Follow on twitter:
twitter.com/KelSpencer
twitter.com/FloBlitz
Kel Spencer's "Salon Stories" Album hosted by MC Lyte is Coming on OCTOBER 20th.
Download your FREE Sampler: http://www.zshare.net/download/64357606baed99d1/
twitter.com/SalonStories
Check out Kel Spencer's FREE Weekly Downloads at:
http://www.youtube.com/KelSpencerWednesdays
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Lynx Presents: Nazkar AKA J Octane
From humble beginnings in the Patterson Projects of the South Bronx, comes a budding star and his name is Nazkar. Although recently he has acquired the name J Octane which adds a whole new dimension to who he is as an artist, he is not far removed from tearing up stages and tracks everywhere as just the rapper. Now theres an R and B mixture thats brewing. There have been some bumps in the road just like any artists- thats certified grinding. Nothing happens overnight, reference your favorite artist. Music can sometimes be a right place at the right time type of thing or it can be hardwork and dedication. That dedication can be felt and heard in the product. The best have always been able to make us take a walk with them and capture our attention- with lyrics and realism. Is Nazkar the next to do the same? only time will tell. For now, get to know the man behind the music.
Basquiat:
Give us a little background on you as an artist:
Nazkar: Well my name is J Octane better known as Nazkar. I used to be signed to Epic Records now known as Sony Urban. Most of my fans generate from my collaborations wit B2K and former music relationship wit DJ Kay Slay. I now own a company named Bronx Universe Entertainment and VTweezy Ent. Those will be my outlets to my music now.
Basquiat:
Where did you come up wit the name Nazkar, many people would think that the obvious is speed racing- is that the case?
Nazkar:
Nah actually in 10th grade is where I wrote my first rap. I was in a group of rappers named the aces. It was Daytona, Loaded Lux- he was Penzoil, the other austin was Indy 5 and I was Nazkar. But it was Naskar. The Z is a product of evolution.
Basquiat:
More recently it has become prevalent in music to take on an alter ego,Is that the case with the J Octane alias?
Nazkar:
Yeah Well Nazkar is gonna always be who I am. NASCAR racers use high octane fuel. My fuel that drives me is music. I hear all types of music that might not necessarily be a Nazkar song. I still appreciate it and theres something in me that still creates non Nazkar music. Through that alternate lane I personified J Octane. It is kind of a alter ego but it's like a trance. A mode that I go into when I have that pen in my hand
Basquiat:
So J Octane is strategy?
Nazkar:
I wanted to show all of my musical talents but I didn't wanna distort the image of Nazkar. So I made it a seperate act. Nazkar is more of the young man I am. I know the streets. I'm hood as anyone else. But my music isn't always geared that way.
Basquiat: What is V12 and where did it start?
Nazkar: V12 started in my mind. Every car has an engine. Since I'm Nazkar my Engine is V12 and they are the people that keep me going. It's not a music thing. V12 is my support system. It's my heart.
Basquiat: Who is part of V12?
Nazkar: My Boy Sinn, Gooch, Mova, Hov, Unc, G Shine, Bam, Lando, my son Aaron and best friend Caktus. That's V12
Basquiat:
What does music mean to you?
Nazkar:
Music means everything to me. U could give me $10 Million and I wouldn't be happy if I didn't get it from music. I won't be happy if I die and the world doesn't know my passion for music. If I'm not doing music I'm not sane.
Basquiat:
where are you from to be exact?
Nazkar: Oh Im a NY nigga everywhere I go, BX nigga when I'm home. Patterson Projects stand up. My family from Harlem. I was born in Harlem Hospital. So I'm all the way NY been here my whole life.
Basquiat:
where do you see the music game at right now; Popular belief is that music- rap in particular is in dire straits, do u agree?
Nazkar:
I like the state that music is in now. It's in danger with the bests running it. Which means now it's time to reform. Rebuild wit new faces. It's so hurt right now they will accept anything good. If u come through with consistency and be unique you can prosper. We don't need another anyone or duplicates. Right now it's up to the new school to rectify this and usher music to the next level of existence
Basquiat:
What do you think you have to offer rap, and music itself?
Nazkar: I mean I'm a great mix of the Jay Z, Nas, Mase and Kanye. Then you add in Neyo, Trey Songz, and usher. Not saying I am all of them but all of them influenced me from a fan stand point. So by mixing all of those you get what I have to offer music- That Fun V12 sound. Music for every mood and everybody
Basquiat:
Most people have always associated you with the punchline style that rappers such as Fabolous and Lloyd Banks have made fashionable- how have you distanced yourself from that stereotype?
Nazkar:
Well I started out as a punchline king. Battling was my introduction to Rap. Over the years, my love for music has evolved: the way I look at music and approach my music. I went from battling to making songs. From making rap songs to writing RnB songs, from that to singing myself. I will do anything that I can to get the most out of my talent. I don't really worry about other artist. Same beat different studio, if you ask me. And I am so confident that I feel that they will never do it how I do it. So I distanced myself from them by staying true to myself and my passion.
Basquiat:
Cool Cool. Right about now Im gonna ask you some random questions just to give the audience a little more insight into you
Nazkar:
Thats whats up. Im wit that.
Basquiat:
What are your greatest accomplishments to date in life and in music?
Nazkar: I
would have to say one of my biggest accomplishments besides my son has to be performing at NBA all star weekend in Atl for Jam Session. Also the B2K christmas tour was nuts. 12k people screaming my name. Amazing rush. Un explainable
Basquiat:
Nas's song One Mic do u agree with his feelings in that song, is one mic all u need? why? Its arguably one of the deepest songs of this decade..do u have one of those in ur arsenal? If so tell us about it and why is it so powerful
Nazkar:
I mean I agree. The mic is your outlet. That's where u can tell your story how it is to you, exactly how u wanna tell it. It's the portal to relativity. If u speak your story nine out of ten theres going to be some who can people relate. If they relate to then they begin to like it. I know what fans like me want. And when I have the mic- just one mic- I give it to the people. I have a lot of personal songs in my arsenal and they all aim at giving the audience everything that is me.
Basquiat:
Do you have aspirations bigger than rap?
Nazkar:
I wanna make life easier for people who lived like me. I will start wit music but I wanna branch off. Not starting a liquor, maybe clothes but I wanna do political things. I wanna talk to the people who run my area. I wanna be the voicebox and music will give me the strength in numbers.
Basquiat:
Well I ask a lot of people this and im gonna ask u too, theres this cliche that says youre only one hit away...may ppl achieve that, but some become only that- one hit- y should the public look forward to you sticking around?
Nazkar:
I am not a one hit kinda dude. Reason being- I'm multi faceted. More than one flow. U can look forward to what type of song im gonna make next. If it's hot I can do it, and do it my way. I'm not 1 hit away. I'm 100 hits away. Lol. I ain't happy wit one. I will be a legend. One ear at a time.
As you can see Nazkar is very sure of himself and his music; I must admit the product is good and worth a listen and support. Thats what music is all about- grabbing as many as you can- one ear at a time like Nazkar said.
Stay tuned to Lynx for more on Nazkar: upcoming music, and events.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Monday, 19 October 2009
Q Awards Nominees...
* Best new act - White Lies; Friendly Fires; Empire Of The Sun; Passion Pit; The Dead Weather.
* Breakthrough artist - Florence & The Machine; Lady GaGa; La Roux; Mr Hudson; Pixie Lott.
* Best track - Kasabian, Fire; Muse, Uprising; Arctic Monkeys, Crying Lightning; Dizzee Rascal, Bonkers; Noisettes, Never Forget You; Lily Allen, The Fear.
* Best video - The Dead Weather, Treat Me Like Your Mother; Dizzee Rascal, Holiday; Florence & The Machine, Drumming Song; Mika, We Are Golden; Lady GaGa, Just Dance.
* Best live act - The Prodigy; U2; Oasis; Kasabian; Arctic Monkeys; Blur; Take That.
* Best album - Arctic Monkeys, Humbug; U2, No Line On The Horizon; Florence & The Machine, Lungs; The Prodigy, Invaders Must Die; Kasabian, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum.
* Best act in the world today - Kings Of Leon; Arctic Monkeys; Oasis; Coldplay; Muse.
Friday, 16 October 2009
The Adaggio Medley
I've posted about Adaggio before...if you WERE NOT paying attention the first time...*sigh*
FIX UP!
FIX UP!
Can I please also just add 'Excuse Me' by Jay Z ft Pharrell is ONE of my most favourite songs EVER and I didn't think it would be possible to love it anymore...until now *sigh*
SUPERDOPEFRSH!
MARIO - THINKIN' ABOUT YOU
Sidebar: This vid was shot in the UK and it's ALL about Nuvo!
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