Just a note..

Thank you to all who enjoy and support THE ZRO HOUR. We will be on a short break (2 weeks) and return soon with more heat and some surprises. Artists that would like to submit material for review or placement on THE ZRO HOUR, please send it to info@thezrohour.com. Stay tuned...

VIDEO & PICS: 3RD Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 06.23.07

Last weekend I attended the 3rd annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival presented by BROOKLYN BODEGA. It was an incredible day as the weather was great, the music was powerful and the joy of seeing so many legendary lyricists sharing the same stage was priceless. Hosted by Ralph McDaniels, the event lasted a little over 8 hours. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz presented a plaque to the organizers proclaiming June 23rd as Brooklyn Hip Hop Day. Some of Brooklyn's greatest emcees put in work that day. Chubb Rock, Smif- N-Wessun, Sean Price, and Jeru The Damaja showed some Brooklyn love. There were additional appearances and performances by Consequence, Skillz, Ghostface (headlining), Cappadonna, Trife, Fat Joe, PMD, Large Professor, Dres from Black Sheep, and Djs J. Period and Sucio Smash kept the crowd moving with the breakbeats. Here are some pics and video from the event:

RALPH McDANIELS


PMD



LARGE PROFESSOR


SKILLZ


STEELE


TEK


SMIF-N-WESSUN


JERU THE DAMAJA


DRES (BLACK SHEEP)


HAKIM (CHANNEL LIVE)


CHUBB ROCK


SEAN PRICE


CONSEQUENCE


GHOSTFACE


SEAN PRICE PERFORMING "P BODY"


HELTAH SKELTAH REUNITED


CHUBB ROCK SHOWING BK LOVE


PMD PERFORMING "SO WHATCHU SAYIN'"

Sound The Trumpets! New Single from Empire ISIS- GET UP ON IT

Empire ISIS aka Empress Gangstress brings the fire with her high energy and conscious dancehall lyrics. Empire ISIS' new album is coming out August 7th will be distributed in the US by Alliance. Recorded between New York and Bob Marley's legendary Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston, Jamaica alongside co-producer Prayon from G-unit, Overstand, and Flava, "Sound the Trumpets" features roots reggae stars Sizzla and Turbulence. From beginning to end, the entire album is an explosion of hard core Hip Hop and reggae riddims/beats over blazing lyrics that challenges people‚s perceptions, stereotypes, and common thinking. The first single, "Get Up On It," fuses a Dancehall sound with an infectious horn that calls you out to the dance floor. Download here-

GET UP ON IT

New Single from BABY SHAM of Flipmode Squad

Flipmode Squad may not be Busta Rhymes focus right now but that ain't stopping the return of one of the strongest emcees in the crew, BABY SHAM. Baby Sham is a product of the 41st side of Queensbridge Projects and carries on the legacy of talent that has emerged from within those legendary buildings. Big ups to Dre from Suckafree/Interscope for sending this in. Check out the first single, "Baby Sham" from his upcoming project and his feature on the remix of R.Kelly's "Hook It up"-

BABY SHAM
HOOK IT UP remix

1-ON-1 WIT BABY SHAM

Rock Steady Crew 30th Anniversary July 23-29 2007

This year, the world reknown ROCK STEADY CREW celebrates their 30th anniversary. Rock Steady Crew is an intergral part of Hip Hop culture and they have continually influenced and brought forth innovative expressions of B-Boying to the world. Here is a breakdown of the celebration straight from one of RSC's most visible founders-Crazy Legs:

RSC 30th, July 23-29, 2007
Monday, July 23
Art and Photo Exhibition
Location: The Canal Chapter
343 Canal Street, 4th Floor
NYC, NY 10013
Writers (Graff) and Hip Hop Photographers exhibit will feature works by members of RSC past and present as well as RSC inspired art and photos by different artist. This Exhibition will run from July 23th – 29. Works by artist can be purchased.
Writers: Kase 2, Jose “Ease” Parla, East, Smerk,
Photographers: Ani Yapundzhyan, Joe Conzo, Servin’ Ervin, Henry Chalfant, Lonestar, Ernie Panicoli

Meet and greet: Where the early birds can unwind and hook up with others in attendance from around the world to kick off the week.
Location: Adidas Originals, NYC-Shop
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Admission: Free by invite only and RSVP


Tuesday, July 24
Panel Discusions
Location: The Canal Chapter
343 Canal Street, 4th Floor
NYC, NY 10013
www.thecanalchapternyc.com
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: $5

3:30 PM
Hip Hop Is Dead? : This will be an open panel discussion about the ongoing statement that has seem to become the phrase of the moment (like “keep it real”) to see weather or not Hip Hop has truly passed away, also to discuss weather or not the 4 elements exist or can co-exist today without the stigma or being labeled “old school”. This panel will bring together people of the hip hop and rap music communities to debate, compare and educate listeners on their own observations and experiences dealing with hip hop and rap music culture, how they saw it then, how they see it now, and their outlook on the future.
Moderator: DJ Eclipse
Panelist: Sway, Bobbito Garcia, Q-Unique, Mare 139, Monie Love and more TBA

5:15 PM
2. “Jam On The Groove” (History Of Hip Hop Theater 101)
Members of the off Broadway play discuss the Historical importance of "Jam" and "So What Happens Now" show piece's performed at Performance Space 122 during the late 80's and early 90’s. We will take you through the facts about Hip Hop theatre and it's true origins.
Moderator: Mr. Wiggles
Panelist: Crazy Legs, Mr. Wiggles, Adesola, Doc, Quick Step and many more surprise guest from the theater world.


Thursday, July 26 Rock Steady Crew Day in NYC
Celebrity Softball Game
Location: Kennedy High School in the Bronx
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Against The Grain: Concrete B-boy / B-girl battle.
Sign up: 11:00 AM
Battle start time: 12 Noon



Event: Master Classes and Funk Styles Party
Location: 320 Studios
320 West 37th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues. 14th Floor
www.thecanalchapternyc.com
Admission: $20

Master Classes
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM B-Boy / B-girl: Crazy Legs, Servin’ Bonita and Ynot.
5:45 PM – 8:45 PM Funk Styles: Mr. Wiggles, Suga Pop, Fable


“For The Funk Of It”
10:00 PM – 3:00 AM Funk Styles Party hosted by Mr. Wiggles.
DJ: Doc
Admission: $10


Friday, July 27
Event: B-Girl Fight Club VS. Frienemies
DJ's Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 101 River Views Grand Hall
101 6th Avenue between, Grand and Watts. NYC
Admission: $20

This event will bring 2 underground events together as one and crown 1 b-boy and 1 b-girl as champs for the jam. The final b-boy and b-girl will battle eachother to see who will represent the United states at the UK B-boy Championships solo battle. The winner will be flown out to London and get free flight and accomodations plus meals.

B-Girl Fight Club Rules
1. YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT B-GIRL FIGHT CLUB
2. YOU DO NOT!! TALK ABOUT B-GIRL FIGHT CLUB!!
3. IF SOMEONE STOPS, RUNS OUT OF MOVES OR WALKS OUT OF THE CIRCLE THE BATTLE IS OVER.
4. 2 B-GIRLS PER BATTLE
5. ONE BATTLE AT A TIME
6. NO SHIRTS, NO SHOES "OPTIONAL"
7. BATTLE GO ON FOR AS LONG AS THEY HAVE TO
8. IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME AT B-GIRL FIGHT CLUB YOU HAVE TO BATTLE
ALL STYLES OF HIP HOP, HOUSE AND FUNK STYLES ARE DEFINITELY WELCOME TO JOIN THE CLUB.

Frienemies
Frienemies about representing in the ciphers. Every b-boy and b-girl is on their own! No preset battles. In the early to mid 80’s, breaking was at an all time high throughout the world. Crews were rolling thick and a lot of them got along. The only time they didn't get along was when it was time to battle in the club. Rock Steady Crew and New York City Breakers were going to Places like Negril, The Roxy, Kennedy High School and other places where jams were going down. No one was worried about hurting any ones feelings or concerned with battling their own friends with a fierce will to win. We were all "FRIENEMIES". ‘Frienemies” is the place to battle that person that you chill with on a regular basis and show him that he's not as good as he brags about all the time.


Saturday, July 28
Spy Award being presented to Abstrak of Skill Methods
5 on 5Crew Battles
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 101 River Views Grand Hall
101 6th Avenue between, Grand and Watts. NYC
Hosted By: Crazy Legs
Admission $25


Sunday, July 29
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT!!
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Lincoln Park in Newark
Broad Street and Clinton Ave, Newark 07102
Hosted by: End Of The Weak & Bobbito Garcia
DJ’s: Rob Swift, Q-Bert, Rich Medina, DJ Eclipse
Em Cee’s: EPMD, Keith Murray, Ras Kas, Large Professor, Biz Markie, Grand Master Mele Mel, Lords Of The Underground, Planet Asia, Polyrhythm Addicts and more TBA.

Live Graff Exhibition feat. Toofly, QA, CES & more TBA

After Party:
Time: 10:00 PM – 2:30 AM
Location: 320 Studios
320 West 37th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues. 14th Floor
DJ’s: Tony Touch, Skeme Richards, Evil Dee

Underground EXP Presents: Planet Asia @ Galapagos Art Space July 3rd

THE ZRO HOUR: INDIE SHOWCASE

THE ZRO HOUR returns with a showcase of some of the hottest, most creative and slept on talent that I have found while diggin' through myspace.com, my.rawkus.com and a few that I have seen perform live @ Underground EXP's events. Exposing such talent has been one of the main goals of THE ZRO HOUR. Much of what we are exposed to on the radio focuses on repetitive concepts, cookie cutter talent and what amounts to an imbalance of what Hip Hop truly represents. To find the gems, you have to dig. To keep the culture moving forward you have to embrace originality and creativity. For this show, I am proud to present some of the best from the US, UK, & the Netherlands(!) INDIE SHOWCASE features BEKAY, DASHAH, THE SMILE RAYS, SILENT KNIGHT, K BANGER, THE WRIST, PROBLEM ADDICTS, BAM SAVAGE, 3 FACE, POISON PEN, QENETIC STORM, and SHAREEF.

Check the Exclusives section on the site for the new CHUBB ROCK! single, OL' SKOOL FLAVA. R.I.P. STACK BUNDLES....

THE ZRO HOUR: INDIE SHOWCASE

PLAYLIST

MYSPACE SAGA- Bekay
WITHOUT SOUL- K Banger feat. John Robinson (Scienz of Life)
WHAT IT SEEMS- Problem Addicts
HONKEY ASS- The Wrist
INKAHOLIK PT.3- Dashah
WAR- 3Face
LIFE'S APPRECIATION- Bam Savage
BASIC TRAINING (live)- Silent Knight
RAP BATTLE- The Smile Rays
BABY COUGH FREESTYLE- The Wrist
SHOWSTOPPERS- Problem Addicts
BACK INTO SHAPE- Shareef
NAME BRAND- K Banger
TITAN- Crew54 (prod. by Qenetic Storm)
UNDISTURBED- Dashah
SPEAKIN' MY MIND- Silent Knight & Pumkinhead
STRONGHOLD MOVEMENT- Poison Pen feat Breeze Evaflowin' & Immortal Technique
TRIBUTE TO STACK BUNDLES- JR Writer

New Drop from PHANTOMSHINO..

Shout out to PHANTOMSHINO for sending us this hot drop for THE ZRO HOUR. PS is from Memphis, Tennessee and got crazy flow. Check out PS over an exclusive EDAYE & AMBUSH produced track- ROGUE

VIDEO & PICS: JERU THE DAMAJA @ Golden Tribute 06.14.07

Last week-I know I am way late posting this- UNDERGROUND EXP presented a tribute to the original Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, Jeru the Damaja. Jeru is one of Hip Hop's treasured emcees due to his direct, Brooklyn flow and conscious topics. His debut, "The Sun Rises In The East" along with his second CD "The Wrath Of The Math", are considered classics due to the production and chemistry with DJ Premier. It was good seeing Jeru perform and I was shocked to see him with a baldy and trim beard. I think those of us that remember Jeru from the 90's have this iconic image of the conscious, dredlock wearing emcee. It was great seeing him onstage and during the night we caught performances by Group Home, THE WRIST, K BANGER, Pumkinhead and Beatboxer Entertainment. Skyzoo was on the bill but we missed his performance. The Wrist and K Banger surprised me with their lyrical dexterity and command of the mic. I have some tracks from them on the next show. Check out some pictures and video:

JERU THE DAMAJA



PUMKINHEAD


K BANGER



K BANGER & JOHN ROBINSON (SCIENZ OF LIFE)


THE WRIST



Jeru Performing "Da Bitches"


Jeru Performing "Ya Played Yaself"


Group Home Performing "Living Proof"