Jake In the Studio Still Working on The Shop Album

Yo, Jake Crates, my homie, and partner is still in the lab putting together this monumental Texas-Sized Album, featuring some of Dallas, hottest and Up-and coming artist all on one Compilation. Check out the behind the scenes studio footage.

Red Bull Beat Battle Part 2

This BET Mini-Documentary Explains it All. Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle.













See. Dreams do Come True..... this is even ispiriational for me.

Red Bull Beat Battle part 3

As you can see this Red Bull Beat battle is a global thing. Check out the semi-final round of the world finals in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The hip-hop movement overseas is crazy. Alot of dope music. Check it out.







It gets so heavy, that even you major industry producers join the competition. This, is classic material. The Red Bull Big Beat Battle Finals by two of my favorite Prodcers of all time: Alchemist vs. Just Blaze! One of the most amazing beat battles I ever seen. You Decide who won.....

Red Bull Beat Battle part 1

Me being an aspiring producer, one of the accolade events of our craft has got to be the Red Bull Beat battle. 20 of the hottest aspiring producers from around the world come to a neutral club spot, and round by round battle each other with production they created, round by round, until one individual is crowned King or Queen of Beats for that Year. But, it doesn't end there. If you win, you must defend your title in next years Red Bull Beat Battle. Here is some footage of the previous beat battle and the BIG Beat battle.

Can't wait until the Red Bull Beat Battle comes to Dallas in June. If I don't participate, I'm definitely in the building for it.

Skyzoo: Cinematic Music

Another Hot Transcribed article for AllHipHop.com of Skyzoo. Transcribed by: B.Needam Interviewer: Jake Crates



Skyzoo"Cinematic Music"
WHILE ALOT OF PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT BEING MAINSTREAM, MEANT COMPRIMISING YOURSELF, AN EMCEE COMES ALONG AND DREW THE MAINSTREAM WORLD INTO THE ESSENCE OF. SKYZOO BRINGS A NEW ELEMENT TO THE TERM OF "REAL HIP-HOP". NO WIKIPEDIA DEFINITION NEEDED.

AHH:What’s up Skyzoo?

Skyzoo:Everything’s good. I can’t call it. Just reaching out for this interview, nah mean.

AHH:Definitely. I’m just gonna ask you a few questions, and put together a feature news story for the All Hip Hop website. We also have a Top 5 Died or Alive section, where we ask you who is your top 5 died or alive on a topic related to hip hop. That’s always something that we can run a news story on.

Skyzoo:Oh, Okay!

AHH:So, getting into it, I seen that you had a new video out recently, right?. Tell us about that, the video and song concept.

Skyzoo: Yeah, it just came out two weeks ago. Easy to Fly. Well, with the video, like the majority of my videos, I come up with the concept myself. I always write the treatment pretty much myself. The directors that I worked with have been incredible, and they all have brought their opinions to the table, and just expanded on whatever I did. But, I’ll always have the idea, and I’ll go to the director, and I’ll be like, “ You I want to do this, or I wanna do that.” Like, I may have an Idea from Saved By The Bell, and I wanna do this for my video, and this is where I want to go. So, with Easy to Fly, it was no different . And, I wanted to make a video that reflected what the record was about, but could make people think, and bring people in that may not necessarily know me, or heard the record before. I wanted to do something that was familiar to them. So, instead of seeing a video where you see a girl get in bed, or you see me pull up in a Rolls Royce, or something crazy like that, I figure I’d do it centered around something that people are familiar with, like the movie Love Jones.





AHH:Right.

Skyzoo:You know, the movie Love Jones, to me, is one of the dopest movies of all times. One of my favorite movies of all times. The way they were able to take a story of love, particularly black love; without making it corny or cheesy. They still showed all the aspects of it, which I thought was great. I know overall, that it’s a movie that every black female on the planet loves. [Laughing] EVERY SINGLE ONE. So, I knew it would work. If we did it right, it would work. Because you can take a concept, and do it wrong, and people hate it. And so, I took the movie to my man Court Dunn, showed him the movie. I put him on to it, showed him the movie, and he was like, “ Nah, it’s sick. You can definitely pull this off.” And we pulled it off, and it came out great.

AHH:Yeah, man. It was classic, I thought. Just like the Popularity Joint. I live here in Dallas, TX. I even remember seeing you on ESPN.

Skyzoo: Yeah, I was on NBA Shoot Around.

AHH:How do you think that impacts your career? And how that ended up coming together?

Skyzoo: The first thing, the NBA Shoot Around deal came from Duck Down[Records]. Also with seeing me on Time Warner Cable and MTV U , came with being part of a label with Duck Down. Being a part of a label, all that stuff can happen. And all of that stuff is great. I think what it does is just put you in that light. When you’re a kid and your coming up, or even when you get older, when you want to do this full time, and this is what your life is about; you want this to be the end all, be all for you, that’s one of those signs. Being able to say , “ I’m on MTV or ESPN; I’m on demand and stuff like that, you know, is a sign of success. I don’t think that it changes you, but it does show you that your starting to make it, if you haven’t already made it already.

AHH:True. That’s what’s up, man. It definitely does great things for the artist. I seen that Kidz In The Hall had something on ESPN too, on Sports Center. So, that’s a good look. Duck Down is really doing their thing with that. Can you talk about what it’s been like working with Duck Down, and your experience with it all?

Skyzoo:Umm, Duck Down has been real dope! As a Hip-Hop Indie, they’re definitely the strongest indie label out, as far as hip-hop labels. Because they make moves like a major[Label], and there aren’t too many other indies that can get you those looks. Like you said, with ESPN and MT and BET; those things happen when you’re on Duck Down. It may not happen all the time, and it may not happen to every artist. But, the option is still there. It’s not far-fetched. It’s not like you can be on Duck Down and say, “ There’s no way imma get this mainstream look, or that mainstream look.” There’s a good chance that they can find a way and make something happen. So overall, you know, Duck Down has been a real good label to work with. They’re real supportive. I think that the best thing with them is the creative freedom that they give you. You know what I mean? They let you do what you wanna do musically. And do what u wanna do as far as your set up and your campaign. If you come to the table with a good idea, there not gonna shoot it down just because they didn’t think of it, or you didn’t go with what they[Duck Down] wanted to go with.
AHH:Right.

Skyzoo: You know, perfect example, with the album, when I turned in the album, [The Salvation], it wasn’t a situation where they had to listen to it, pick songs, take stuff off; or pick what the single is. I set everything up. I was like, “ Beautiful Decay is coming first. Followed by Popularity, and then Easy to Fly”. Then, the next song, and the next song. Whatever it was, I set it all up. And then, when you look at the promo, from the Saving Our Grace joint that we did, and all those different things, I came up with those ideas. I put it together myself. I got all the people involved, and I shot them with a director that I found on my own. All of those things, and they were never opposed to any of it. They just supported it. Duck Down was like just give it to us, and we will push it out to the world.















AHH:Definitely put a lot of faith in your behalf, with trusting your vision and concept for your marketing campaign. Now, with that Saving Our Grace series was something that I wanted to ask you about. Because I was watching a few, and the one that hit me the most was the Doubt joint. What was your whole idea behind the Saving Our Grace and what you were trying to do with that?

Skyzoo: Well, with the Saving Our Grace, I wanted to do something that brought people into the world of the album. Because I felt that the album was more than just 16 song. You know, a lot of people put 15 or 16 songs together. But, this was a album! The Salvation is a serious album, and its cohesive, by telling stories, and it’s even emotional at times. It paints pictures, and it goes a lot of places. So, what I wanted to do is bring you in the world of it. I feel like the album was bigger than me. The album stands on its own. And I felt like, there’s so many concepts and stories that are on the album, that I wanted people to realize that, and what was to be expected. So, instead of going to the store and saying, “ Yo, I heard Beautiful Decay, and I love it! I wanna get this album.” I wanted people to say, “ I heard Beautiful Decay and I loved it. But also, I saw these videos, man, that conveyed all these emotions and stories. Man, I gotta get that album!” That’s what I wanted people to say. And all of the emotions and scenarios that are painted on Saving Our Grace series are touched on the album. Like, when you look at the Doubt, on the album, that’s a direct reflection for the song For What It’s Worth. When you look at the third video, The one with the college student; that’s a direct reflection of There’s Weather. You look at the one with the single mother, Episode Four, and that was a direct interpretation of Under Pressure.

AHH:Right.

Skyzoo:So, I wanted to depict and paint these pictures and tell these stories that were one the album so that you know what to expect. You know what you were going to be getting. You understood what you [the listener] could look forward to. And they wen’t over incredibly well. Like, everyone who saw them were just going completely crazy. Every time I put one out every week, people would really bug out one the comment sections and on the YouTube, And the blogs and things like that. I have literally seen people write blogs about certain episodes [ of Saving Our Grace]. My man Handsome Samuel of XXL Magazine wrote a blog about Episode 4. He wrote an entire blog about single mothers in the hood; this, that, and the third. And he posted the video and talked about how it inspired him. So, they really took on a life of there own, to the point where people started telling me, “ I hope you don’t stop. I hope you continue to keep making ‘em. “ But I couldn’t keep going, because the story that I wanted to tell, I told everything that I wanted to through it. I couldn’t just create something, just for the sake of saying that I created it because I think that’s when you lose the art of it. Long story short, it went over incredibly well, and it was dope that people saw the vision.




























AHH:I agree. That’s what’s up. One thing that I wanted to ask you is what’s up with the Barrel Brothers project with Torae. Is that an album that you guys are working on that’s going to be coming up?

Skyzoo: It’s crazy, cause I’ve been asked about that a lot lately! And, that’s a rumor. That’s a straight up rumor. I don’t know where the title came from; nothing. You know, I remember talking to Torae, because me and him are like family; we kick it almost every day; whether in person, e-mail, or phone, we are literally like family. And I remember kicking it with him, and I was like, “ Yo, have you been on Wikipedia lately?” And he was like’ “ Nah.” So, I was like, “ Yo, on Wikipedia, it says that we have a album coming out called The Barrel Brothers Compilation.” And we both just burst out laughing. (Laughing) Like, Yo, somebody actually sat, and took the time to come up with a title, and the whole deal, and ran with it. (Laughing). It’s kinda funny, but at the same time, I guess it’s a complement because somebody cared that much to actually go through the trouble to do that. Somebody said I’m gonna create a title and say that they have an album coming out. So I guess it meant that much to somebody for us to do an album. But, nah, there’s no album or anything in the works. Me and Tore[Torae] are like family, when you see us, we’re always hanging out together. We continue to support each other, whether it’s on records together or on shows, were always holding each other down. But, who knows, something may happen in the future; we may do something later on. But, as of right now, there’s no Barrel Brothers coined or anything like that.




AHH:The fans are calling for it clearly. Now, Can you talk about the local radio stations in New York and your opinions of them, and who plays your music? How do you feel about that situation?

Skyzoo:Well, with radio in New York, it’s just like radio anywhere else. It definitely a hard game to get into because radio is real..[pauses]… It’s real corporate. No matter what genre of music you’re talking about; It’s corporate. Whether people know that or not. But, at the same time, it’s good that you have people like your DJ Enuf, like DJ Self, like DJ Quiz, and Peter Rosenburg who go the extra mile to try to break new records or get new artist on. But, they are willing to give people a shot, when they can. Now, that doesn’t mean that it happens every day, because it is still a game. The game is a game. It is corporate, and you do have your 20 records that you have to play all day, because it’s a part of the game. But, they do their job, but they also do the job of trying to break new records, and break new artist, and give people a chance. And, at the end of the day, that’s all you could really ask for. So, the people that have played my music, are the people that I’ve named. Enuf and Dj Self over at Power[105]. DJ Quiz and Peter Rosenburg. All those type of people that play records. But I think beyond the major stations like your Hot 97, and Power 105, you also have Sirius Satellite Radio, which is heard everywhere, all around the world. People like Dj Eclipse; People like Green Lantern, you know, all those people play new records and support all the time. Self has a radio show on there[Sirius XM Satellite] as well and he plays records all the time. It’s dope, cause you get a little bit of both.

AHH:Definitely. Okay, so changing lanes, can you comment about the XXL Freshman 2010 Lineup. I know you’ve worked with Wale from last year’s lineup, can you comment at all on The XXL? Do you feel that maybe you should have been in the mix of those 10 individuals somewhere?
Skyzoo: Well, I think anybody who is on the come-up and is on the rise, and on the verge of being all over the world; I think all of them, or all of us I should say; it’s easy for us to say, “ You should be on the cover.” And, it definitely would have been a great look if I was on the cover, but I understand what it is, and you know, it is what it is. Imma just keep working. As far as the artist that made the cover, I’m not mad at them at all. I think all of them bring their own thing to the table; I think all of them are dope and different in their own way. I’m more familiar with certain artist’s music than others. I’m real familiar with people like J. Cole and Nipsey Hussle; Jay Rock, whose a good friend of mine; Fashawn and Freddie Gibbs. I think Freddie Gibbs is Crazy! You know, those are the artist that were on the cover that I’m real familiar with their music. But, I’ve obviously heard all of them, and I think all of them do their own thing in their own way. So, I wasn’t mad at the cover at all. I wasn’t salty or anything like that. You know, congrats to them. I know some of them personally, and I think it was a dope cover. I’m not mad at it at all.
AHH: Getting back to you, I noticed that you selected a lot of heavy hitters as far as your production on this album. Who else have you thought to work with in the future, and who are you working with now as far as your beats are concerned?




Skyzoo:As far as the people that I worked with on The Salvation, they’re all people I’m cool with and I get a ton of love from, and I got a ton of love for. So, it’s nothing for me to work with them again. So, you will see me work with Black Milk continuously. And 9th Wonder obviously, because that’s family, and I’m aligned with them through Duck Down. Let’s see.. people like Elzhi and Just Blaze; you’ll see us continue to work. But as far as producers that I haven’t worked with yet, I would love to work with DJ Khalil, man! He’s definitely on my wish list for the second album. I’m dying to get with Khalil. Love to work with Kanye if possible. Love to work with Madlib if possible. There’s a ton of people. I have been blessed to work with so many people already, but there are people that I haven’t worked with that I would love to get in the lab with. I would love to work with Alchemist, given the chance. You know, me and him are real cool. With me and Alc[hemist] it’s just more about finding the time where we can get up when he is not tied up and I’m not tied up, where we can get it going. Just adding more people to the equation, you’ll see your Don Cannon’s; Your Hi-tek’s. But I am also a down south listener too. U. G.K., Pocket Full Of Stones; Jeezy. I’m a huge Jeezy fan. I would love to work with him too one day.



AHH:Right. Man, I remember we had you at the Breeding Ground a while back.

Skyzoo:Back in ’06.

AHH:Yeah, man, and I remember you performing at that. We definitely appreciate the music that you’ve made thus far, here at AllHipHop. So, anything new you want to send this way, we can always make that happen.

Skyzoo:Okay, definitely. Good Looking.

AHH:One last question: What’s your top 5 Dead or Alive, Skyzoo?

Skyzoo: Let me see… To pick 5 is so hard because there’s only 5. And you know you’re gonna get 3 off top[laughing]. Of top, you’re gonna get your Trinity, in no definite order.
Biggie, Jay-z, Nas. But I think if I had to round it off with two more, it would be to me, you add in Mos Def, and a tie if possible between Scarface and Eminem. But, that would be my 5 right there. And to me, with all 5 or 6 of them rather, they were all great story tellers. All amazing story tellers. And I’m big on that. I’m big on lyricism; big on storytelling as people can hear on records like Salvation, and Cloud 9, and The Power of Words, and Cornerstore Classics. All the different projects that I put out over the years and the course of my career. Lyrics, Storytelling, versatility as well. And all the artist that I name are extremely versatile with the way they put records together. And to me that’s what you call Hip-Hop Music. The whole deal. Real hip-hop is a term that is really blown out of the water, and I really don’t like saying it that much. Because it gets misconstrued so many ways. People think that if it’s not underground boom-bap, it’s not real hip-hop. And that’s not the case. Because there’s a lot of underground that’s dope, and then there’s a lot of underground that’s terrible. I think real hip-hop is whatever is real to the artist who created it and the audience that it serves.

AHH:Well Spoken, and Nuf Said.

XXL FRESHMAN 10 FOR 2010 part.2

Like i said before, get familiar with these faces. Check out the Freshman 10 concert series footage.

(Source:XXLMAG.COM)



The show, hosted by DJ Envy of Power 105.1 and sponsored by MTV2 and Corona, was packed from wall to wall with fans waiting to see their favorite freshmen and the headliner for the evening, Cam’ron.

The night started off with a set by Jay Rock. The gruff voiced MC brought along up-and-coming Compton rapper, Kendrick Lamar, to play hype man, as he performed a handful of of his mixtape staples, including the hit single “All My Life.”

Next up was Kanye West protege Big Sean, who performed his popular song, “Getcha Some” and a new track called “Fuck You Doin’ (Bullshit),” as well as his “Supa Dupa Lemonade” freestyle. Freddie Gibbs followed, starting off his set list with “Womb to the Tomb,” his collaboration with fellow classmate Pill. The Gary, Indiana rep later brought out Jay Rock to premiere their duet, “Rep to the Fullest.” [Watch below]





Pill took the stage next before passing the mic to fellow ATLien Donnis, who wowed the audience with a slew of surprises. Not only did he have a violinist accompanying him, the newly-signed Atlantic rapper boasted cameos from Estelle and Ryan Leslie, who played the keyboards during the Atlanta Brave’s rendition of “Gone.” [Watch below]





When Nipsey Hussle arrived, his entourage clashed with Rock’s flamed up crew backstage but it was all love. Both crews celebrated unity by shaking hands with one another in the midst of throwing up their hoods. L.A. transplant Gibbs and Neighborhood Nip even took shots of Hennessy with Jay Rock in honor of his birthday. Veteran Doug E. Fresh made a surprise appearance during the show before headliner Cam’ron hopped onstage. The Harlemite arrived around 1 a.m. with an entourage of about 40 members all supporting Killa’s latest protege Vado. The young rapper went through his standout cuts, like “Large on the Streets,” “Stop it 5″ and “Ric Flair,” before Killa jumped into “something a little more familiar.” Cam had the crowd in a frenzy as he rocked out to “Down and Out,” “Leave Me Alone,” “Wet Wipes” and “Get it in Ohio.”

XXL Freshman 10 for 2010

Here is some behind the scences pics and video from the XXL PhotoShoot for the Freshman 10 for 2010 cover. Bonsu Thompson of XXL is a friend of mine; He was an Upper Classman at Delaware State University when I was a freshman in college, now he is one of the lead editors for XXL magazine. Me, I'm still chipping away at my opportunities, but I hope our lives cross paths again one day. SO Shout to XXL for another hot magazine issue.




Also, to Sway and MTV for the behind the scences look. Great Interview. Get to know these 10 individuals; They are the Future of Hip-Hop for years to come.

MTV Shows

Statik Selektah: Shade 45 Tribute to Guru

Shouts out to Kevin for this one! The good people over at KevinNottingham.com for uploading the whole mix tribute that my man Statik Selectah did on Shade 45 on Sirius XM satellite radio on Tuesday(4/20). This download is definitley a treat. Shout out to Statik Selektah and Kevin Nottingham for a dope tribute mix, to one of the innovators of lyricism in hip-hop.


Here's Statik Selektah on his tribute mix(source:www.kevinnottingham.com)





"This is the mix i did on my weekly “Showoff Radio” show, live last night on Shade 45 which plays every Thursday. I know alot of DJs have been doing Guru tributes… which is dope, but this is 2 hours of music… from 1988, thru his history including Jazzmattazz Vol 1-3, to the end of the Gangstarr days. I covered what i feel was truly Gurus greatest work. This includes unreleased music, the b-sides, remixes, etc. I also had Big Shug, Doo-Wop, Freddie Foxx, Consequence, and Chubby Chub call in and leave some Guru Memories….

He was an icon to me, as well as a friend, and I definitely wouldn’t be who i am without the presence of Gangstarr’s music in my life growing up.

Shout out to the Gangstarr/Year Round crew for always being real people as well…. through the trials and tribulations.

Rest In Peace G…."



So, just for you, I left the link for you guys to go and download it too.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/l5190a
Download Link: gurushade45 statik tribute.mp3

Guru's Tribute part 3: DJ Premier’s Official Statement On Guru’s Death

Here is what DJ Premier had to say about the death of his long lost partner and brother, Guru:



IT WAS A SAD DAY FOR ME TO GET CONFIRMATION ON THE DEATH OF A MAN WHO I WILL CONTINUE TO CALL MY BROTHER, KEITH ELAM, BETTER KNOWN AS GURU OF THE LEGENDARY GANG STARR.

FROM 1988-2004, WE EXPERIENCED SO MUCH SUCCESS TOGETHER THAT WE WERE ABLE TO EXPAND OUR BUSINESSES INDEPENDENTLY AND GIVE EACH OTHER WHAT GURU CALLED “CREATIVE SPACE”, BEFORE PLANNING TO REUNITE FOR OUR 7TH LP WHEN THE TIME WAS RIGHT. TRAGICALLY, WE WILL NEVER REACH THAT DAY.

I’VE BEEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON A LETTER SPEAKING ILL OF ME WHICH WAS SUPPOSEDLY WRITTEN BY GURU IN HIS DYING DAYS. ALL I WILL SAY ABOUT IT IS THAT OUR TIME TOGETHER WAS BEAUTIFUL, WE BUILT A HIP HOP LEGACY TOGETHER, AND NO ONE CAN RE-WRITE HISTORY OR TAKE AWAY MY LOVE FOR HIM. ONE THING I WOULD NEVER DO IS PLAY AROUND WITH THE TRUTH ABOUT HIS LIFE.

I WILL CELEBRATE GURU’S LIFE… I WILL HONOR HIS MEMORY… I WILL GRIEVE WITH THE ELAM FAMILY OVER HIS UNTIMELY DEATH… I WILL REMEMBER THE GANG STARR FOUNDATION AND ALL OF THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF GANG STARR WHO CAME BEFORE ME – WE ALL KNOW EACH OTHER… MOSTLY, I WILL CHERISH EVERYTHING WE CREATED TOGETHER AS GANG STARR, FOREVER. I’M GONNA MISS HEARING HIS SIGNATURE MONOTONE VOICE WHEN HE WALKS IN THE ROOM, BUT THE SONGS WILL ALWAYS BRING IT BACK TO ME….HIS RHYME FLOWS WERE INSANE, AND I WILL NEVER REMOVE HIM FROM MY HEART AND SOUL…….REST IN PEACE TO THE MAN WHO FELT “SATISFACTION FROM THE STREET CROWD REACTION” … I LOVE YOU GOO…….

DJ PREMIER

Tribute to Guru- R.I.P. part 2.

Being as though GURU's funeral is upcoming, I wanted to take some time and shed some light on who he was as a man, and how he monumentally impacted the hip-hop community as a whole. LYRICIST, INNOVATOR, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST, MARTYR, CLASSIC, GENIUS... So many words can describe my man Guru, but i'm gonna stop, because I don't want this to be an understatement.
This whole situation has really hit home for me because of the fact that one, i grew up listening to GangStarr and Guru, since the beginnning. I'm a 80's baby, and from the Northeast area of the country, (New Castle, DE), so Guru and Premo influenced me alot. I can remember when I first found a love for producing, and hip-hop, I used to yearn to have some of my old beats to even sound close to Gangstarr or Premier.

Secondly, because Cancer has swept alot of my family away as well. My grandmother THELMA, two aunts and my uncle James-R.I.P. So, I try as much as possible to give to cancer causes and do what I can in regards to reseach, donations, and charitiable contribution.

But, for those who haven't seen the last spoken or written words from Guru, I am posting his last written letter, in response to his battle with Cancer, his fans, and his legacy.





I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting. My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own. I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.

Tribute to Guru -R.I.P.

After a nearly two-month hospitalization, legendary rapper Guru (best known as the frontman for Gangstarr) died Monday morning (April 19), after a long battle with cancer, reports DJPremierBlog.com. He was just 43 years old. Solar, Guru's business partner and sidekick in recent years, told the Yo!Raps (who's PR company had been coordinating press for Guru since his hospitalization) that the 43-year-old rapper had been suffering from a "malicious illness for over a year and after numerous special treatments under the supervision of medical specialists failed". He had tried to keep the cancer diagnosis private, but in early March, news leaked that Guru had been admitted to the hospital, suffered a heart attack, and was recovering from a mystery illness. Previous reports said he suffered from Anoxia, effects from a lengthy history of asthma and lung problems, but these new findings reveal a much worst condition. "The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solar said in a statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius. "For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can't tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter (read below) while he was in the hospital for the fans," the producer c
continued. "I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place." -

R.I.P. GURU. A TRUE LEGEND.

Ya Heard Radio Presents: The Shop vol. 1- Video 2.

Continuing on with another behind the scenes video of us in the studio, listening to beats and recording for this Shop vol. 1 Album. This time, Legendary Dallas emcee Fat B slid through Valley Of The Kings studio and shut the booth down for his track on the album. Its getting Heavy.... Let's Get IT!JAKE WAS ACTING A FOOL IN THE CAMERA TOOO LOL. BUT NONE THE LESS, GREAT BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE OF A CLASSIC ALBUM IN THE MAKING.

Ya Heard Radio Presents: The Shop vol. 1

IN conjuction with the hot radio shows, we been in the studio putting together a hot, highly anticipated album, entitled The Shop. Every hot Mainstream Dallas artist is on this one, and some nationally recognized mainstream artist as well.. (Don't wanna give em away yet, though.) But here is some behind the scenes studio footage on one of the songs going on the album. Distribution deal on the table for the album too.... It's a Movement. 214, 972, 3D, whole Dallas Stand up!!!! We got you on this one.

YA HEARD RADIO

Okay, so most of you that know me, know that I am heavy when it comes to the radio thing. it's something that i've always been passionate about, and that I have always wanted to pursue. Well, once moved to Dallas, I was blessed with the opportunity to do so. Me and DJ Jake Crates have been hosting a radio show at UTD(University of Texas-Dallas) that streams worldwide on Ustream and blogtv. It's really creating a following and all of the hot mainstream Dallas, Texas artist have been sliding through it. check out the first installment to some real hot shows we've had thus far.


Freestyle 2/10 - Broadcast your self LIVE


Tash Leak /B HARD /FUTURE - Broadcast your self LIVE








b hamp freestyle - Broadcast your self LIVE

yaheard radio - Broadcast your self LIVE

Lejend/FATB - Broadcast your self LIVE

FAT B QUE P - Broadcast your self LIVE

ADVENTURES OF BOBBIE RAY- B.O.B

ANOTHER HOT INTERVIEW THAT MY HOMIE JAKE DID, AND I TRANSCRIBED. B.O.B. ALBUM DROPS APRIL 27TH, ENTITLED ADVENTURES OF BOBBIE RAY! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MEET AND GREAT WITH B.O.B. AND LUPE FIASCO AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-DALLAS! I'M BACKSTAGE AT THE CONCERT THAT NIGHT AT THE AMERICAN AIRLINES ARENA IN DALLAS TOO. VIDEO FOOTAGE COMING SOON, BUT UNTIL THEN, ENJOY THE ARTICLE.

By Jake Crates

B.o.B. has finally broken out. The artist, also known as Bobby Ray, has hit the platinum mark with his new single, "Nothing On You." But, more importantly, B.o.B. has been successful in sustaining his career through the years by a stream of quality material. All of this leads him to this moment. His debut album, B.o.B. Presents the Adventures of Bobby Ray, hits stores next week and B.o.B. is ready. It is unusual to meet a new artist that speaks with the wisdom of a vet, but the ATL rep does just that.




AllHipHop.com: Listening to the song “Don’t Let Me Fail” – it seems like you expressing some insecurity. Do you have a fear of failing?

B.o.B.: Not really. It’s something you can’t let worry you or get into the equation. In the position I’m in, it’s so much to focus on you really don’t even have time to worry or to have any type of fear. You put so much time and energy into it, it’s almost like it’s almost impossible to fail because of the fact that it’s so much of our lives and so many years that we’ve been working–– the whole team. It’s been such a long journey, that’s not even on our radar.

AllHipHop.com: Have you been able to shake the Andre 3000 Comparisons? –

B.o.B.: I guess not. You know what though – when people ask me that, they just ask me if I still get the attention. Because I get asked that question, I feel like I do because I get the attention. It’s kinda like I feel as the music is growing and develops, people are starting to be able to tell the difference themselves in the style and the sound.

AllHipHop.com: Your new single "Nothing on You" recently went platinum. How does that feel?

B.o.B.: That was crazy news. That was like the first news that I heard that made reality set in. First you hear “added to such and such.” A week later you hear the spins went up like 500 spins. Then next thing you hear the song is #2 on iTunes. It’s like you see it unfolding and then its like “it went platinum – you just sold 1,000,000 singles!!!” That’s when it’s crazy – when it’s like you realize how much the song is out there. My bass player is from Japan and he just told me it’s very popular and people know the song out there – and even his mom knows about it.

AllHipHop.com: How did you figure Bruno Mars would be a good collaboration for that song?

B.o.B.: Originally when I heard the song idea it was his voice on it. It was like I gotta keep that – I gotta keep him on there. And I feel like the words that he said just put everything in a nutshell – and credit [is due] because he never used the word – in the whole song – no word about boyfriend, girlfriend, relationship. The words aren’t there so it’s kinda like it’s self -expression – like I know you feel where I’m coming from. I feel like it was a good collaboration. He has this song with Travis McCoy: “Billionaire”. It’s good to see that he is capitalizing off of the attention and not just one of them people that pop up.

AllHipHop.com: Who would you like to work with in the future?

B.o.B.: I would work with M.I.A. and I would do something with Danger Mouse.

AllHipHop.com: Why do you think many of the newer generation seem to lack the star power that was readily put out in the 80s and 90s?



B.o.B.: All of that is artist development. The industry got into a habit where they just throw them out like a vending machine – there is no artist development. A lot of them are basically fly by night stuff. Back then during the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, the band would work on material for weeks before they even recorded a song – and artists were a lot older so naturally as people there were more developed. MJ was on it from a little kid so artist development was there from jump. I do feel like it’s artist development. Now it seems like things just gotta slow down but it’s hard because technology is so instant. Their attention span is so short that they move onto the next one so it’s kinda like a circular relationship. Everything is responsible – the fans, the internet, the music industry, and the artists, so everything is responsible. We gotta evolve collectively to return back to that star power that we used to have back in the 80’s, 70’s, and 60’s.


AllHipHop.com: Has the ability to touch fans (Twitter/Facebook/Myspace) helped or hurt artists?


 B.o.B.: It’s a double edged sword. Because twitter you can connect with the fans instantly, you can tell people where you are, and they know your thoughts and your words instantly. They can always access you at any point they go onto your page. But the bad news is that they can access you at any point in time. The good news is the bad news! So it depends on how you use it.

AllHipHop.com: What do you ultimately want to achieve?

B.o.B.: I don’t ever want to get lazy, even with all of the good feedback I get from my music, I don’t want to get lazy. Basically I want to keep growing as an artist and individually. I may get into other things – like possibly movies – but whatever it is I want it to be where I’m at legitimately. I don’t want to just say something to do something. Some people say “I’ma start a restaurant and open a clothing line.” I don’t want to do that just to do it – I want to be led into it. So far I feel like I’ll be doing this music thing for a minute. I haven’t gotten tired of it in the least bit. Frustration is one thing – being in the music industry is a love hate relationship, but that’s life. Life is a love hate relationship. But getting tired of doing it, I don’t see that anytime soon. I’ll be doing this for a minute.

AllHipHop.com: How do you continue to grow and stay fresh? Do you play instruments or...

B.o.B.: You gotta stay open and you gotta be selfless. You can’t get too ahead of yourself. You gotta reinvent yourself and be open to your cause and creativity. Sometimes I see artists – cliché story – artist comes out with an album and it’s huge. Every album after that is like, “what happened? Where did the excitement go?” That’s because they fell into the formula. You know with my show – when I perform – we switch up the set list – because if you keep it the same after a while it will be routine. It won’t be actual energy and excitement. It’ll just be routine. So I just gotta be conscious that I never fall into the routine of it. That’s how you stay fresh and exciting.

AllHipHop.com: Have you ever considered yourself an emo rapper?

B.o.B.: No, but I definitely can see that because of the soul, because of the emotion that’s in it definitely. I definitely click more - put more of that in there. It’s hard because I listen to a lot of emo rock. So even though I’m rapping, the music, the mood and the tone of voice reflects that in a sense. I feel like Black people started rock; it started with us. It’s totally natural that we gravitate towards it in an essence. When people found out about the song with Hayley Williams of Paramore – a lot of people that got excited were Black people! Black people like rock! Even Lupe –Lupe is a rock star. I’ve done several shows with him. Usually I gotta do interviews and such after the show – and I never really get a chance to soak it up. But I watched the whole show last night. And it was like rock – it was like he’s a rock star but he raps. Just that energy I feel like is something that – just depending on – your roots are - people feel that.

AllHipHop.com: Anything you want to share?

B.o.B.: You only have one chance to release your first album. I’m just trying to make this the biggest climax ever! Of course I’ma make several albums after this. But this is the first one so there is that specialness about it.

Work For Alicia Keys!

Alicia Keys is hiring. Only on Monster.com.

ATTENTION: Public Relations Rock Stars, Bloggers & Social Media Moguls! – Work for Alicia Keys!

Yes, THE Alicia Keys! This is an Opportunity of a Lifetime!




Alicia Keys’s voice has reached millions, but she needs your help to blast it into the blogosphere! If you have what it takes, you could be the Head Blogger for the new site www.IAAS.com. The goal of IAAS.com (I Am A Super Woman) is to create an online community connecting, inspiring, and broadcasting important topics related to women. You will be the main voice of the website aiming to motivate and encourage women all over the globe! This is an opportunity to turn your creative writing, blogging, and social media skills into a promising career within the Arts & Entertainment industry.




Her Grammy Award-winning resume speaks for itself. Does yours? We’re looking for a head blogger and social media expert with the following skills:





Experience creating, writing, and editing a blog, website, and/or print publication.

A poised, passionate, and unique voice able to creatively express yourself.

A background in Public Relations, Marketing / Web Marketing, Media Relations, Communications, Journalism, Writing, Digital Media, Internet Canvassing, and/or Social Media.

Experience using web development tools and software such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft on Demand, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, WordPress, LiveJournal, and Digital Media Platforms.

Actively lead, manage, and influence peers in developing creative media content.

A thirst for Arts & Entertainment, pop culture, current events, politics, and networking.

A demonstrated ability to motivate and encourage women through the discussion of women’s issues.


Do You Have What it Takes?




To be considered, you must meet all of the following criteria:





2-3 years of related work experience.

A Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Unable to sponsor or transfer H1 visas at this time.

Must be available for frequent domestic and international travel. Must have valid passport, and must complete any additional paperwork necessary for government travel clearances.

Final candidates will be interviewed in New York City as part of a news segment on a national TV network morning show on or about May 17-20, 2010, and in London, UK at the Black Ball on or about May 27, 2010. Candidates must be able to travel to and participate in the interviews.

Submit to a thorough background and reference check.

This is a permanent, full-time position. Career contractors will not be considered.

Must be willing and able to report to work in New York City, NY. Relocation costs not covered by employer.
Restrictions against blogging for other sources may apply (to be determined at employer’s discretion).


Make it Happen - Apply Now!




Our search begins on April 6, 2010. Here’s what you MUST do to be considered and how the selection process will work:






Upload or create your resume on Monster.com including a cover letter. Candidates will also be asked for links to their social media space and/or current blogs as demonstration(s) of their writing and marketing abilities. Candidates’ existing blogs and/or social media space will be evaluated according to a.) the uniqueness of written voice, b.) creativity of the site design & subject matter, and c.) how well subject matter directly addresses IAAS’s ideology.

Make sure that your resume is searchable (i.e., Public) on Monster.com so that we can search for and view your resume (note: Confidential or Private resumes will not be considered).

The selection process will go through three phases:



All eligible candidates will be evaluated by Monster’s 6Sense™ search technology.

If you are selected for the first round of interviews, you will be notified on or about May 6, 2010. Final candidates’ interview performances and written works will be evaluated by a panel of social media experts, and Alicia Key’s Advisory Board. (Other details and directions on subsequent interviewing rounds will follow for the identified final candidates.)

Three final candidates will be flown to the UK Black Ball in London where they interview with Alicia Keys on or about May 27, 2010.


The Head Blogger for Alicia Keys’s www.IAAS.com will be announced on National television the week of June 21st.


So What Are You Waiting For?

Work for a global entertainment icon with the ability to reach and inspire millions. Post your resume on Monster.com today!


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Murs: ForNever Interview pt. 3

Check out Murs and 9th Wonder creating their latest album Fornever. Directed by E. Jones. Shout out to E.Jones for the behind the scenes footage. Album Dropped March 30th! For more info and free stuff go to www.MursWorld.com