STEP UP FRONT and center in 2008 as THE ZRO HOUR returns with classic heat from POSITIVE K, KOOL G RAP, LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL and BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS. The one and only ICE CUBE is back with that dominating flow in his new track "GANGSTA RAP MADE ME DO IT". PLus heat from JOE BUDDEN's MOOD MUZIK 3, PACIFIC DIVISION, GHOSTFACE and RUDY. For those of you you haven't heard SKILLZ' WRAP UP 2007, we got that on the show and BEKAY weighs in with his YEAR IN REVIEW 2007 (giving credit to SKILLZ in the process). We also premiere a new track by DAYO- "BABY I'M GONE".
This month, we will have a few special guests coming on the show so check the site for updates..
STEP UP FRONT- Positive K GOOD COMBINATION- Positive K 2007 WRAP UP- Skillz YEAR IN REVIEW 2007- Bekay GANGSTA RAP MADE ME DO IT- Ice Cube ACK LIKE YOU CHILLIN'- Pacific Division REC-ROOM THERAPY- Ghostface feat. Raekwon & U God 5TH GEAR- Joe Budden BABY I'M GONE- Dayo MEN AT WORK- Kool G Rap LIKE A THROTTLE- Boogie Down Production INTERNATIONAL ZONE COASTER- Leaders of the New School THE RANGE- Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, Dilla THE OTHER SIDE- Rudy CUSTOM LOVE-Wildchild NIGHT SHIFT- Positive K
It has occurred to me that all of the crooners have disappeared. For all of you young folks who may not know what a crooner is, a "Crooner" is a male singer who sings true love songs. Songs about being in love, making love, and the pain that comes out of being in love. Songs to have the ladies swoon (hands in the air, eyes closed, and often shaking her head back and forth, or screaming to the point of passing out) and tossing their undergarments in concerts. I personally haven't gone that far because underwear cost too much. Ok.... I have been known to throw them at my television and radio but I gather them up after the song or performance. Anyway.... I'm speaking about guys/groups like Keith Washington, Howard Hewett, Brian McKnight, Jesse Powell, Today/Big Bub, Christopher Williams, Freddy Jackson, Alexander Oneal, New Edition/Johnny Gill, TROOP, Keith Sweat, Silk, Glenn Jones, UNV, Donell Jones, and Joe (just to name a few). Those guys sing what I like to refer to as "Grown & Sexy" music. It's not all about being in the bedroom and under the sheets. They sang songs that reached beyond that. You could play most of their music in front of your parents and grandparents without trying to explain anything or being embarrassed. Sure there's Tank (man oh man is he hot) but most of his music is about getting caught cheating and sex (don't worry baby.... I aint mad at ya). R.Kelly has some great love songs in his collection of music but most of what he is known for is sex (and I aint mad at you either). Babyface was known for having the ladies swoon in the 90's but now lately most of his music (in my opinion) is what I refer to as "Razor Blade" music. Just depressing and so sad. Boyz II Men and Silk has tried to bring back the "Grown & Sexy" by remaking some of the true love songs from the past and introducing it to the audience of today. It's almost refreshing to me. Sure I like to hear the freaky stuff but I want to hear some of the sappy stuff too. Bring back the romance because it sure is missed!
2008 sees the return of MC LYTE in a new group called ALMOST SEPTEMBER. With a debut album due the first quarter of 2008, the trio includes producer/ writer/ vocalist Whitey and producer/ writer Jared Lee. There is a single, "Beautiful" leaked on their Myspace page and below is a behind the scenes video. More info to follow soon...
**UPDATE**
Thank you to Jared for dropping the bio off in my email so that I can hit you with a little more info about the group:
Arriving to quench the thirst of the true lovers of Hip-Hop is the new inviting trio pronounced ALMOST SEPTEMBER. Composed of veteran lyricist MC Lyte, producer/writer/vocalist Whitey and producer/writer Jared Lee, ALMOST SEPTEMBER is a fresh, new offering for music lovers across the globe. The name itself is a foretelling of what the trio can do. September is the ninth month and is nestled in the astrological sign of Virgo. Virgo is in constant search of perfection and although, the three of them know that no one and no thing is perfect; they are determined to come as close as they possibly can every time they step up to the mic. Their first single, "Beautiful", is a shining example.
With 10 albums, two Grammy's and a laundry list of other accomplishments to her credit MC Lyte is still making history. This time she decided to bring along two others to help revolutionize the industry she broke boundaries in. Whitey and Jared Lee may not be household names but their talent has touched millions. They have written and produced for the likes of Macy Gray, India.Arie, Tyrese, Usher, Floetry, Toni Braxton, JoJo, Nichole Scherzinger, Paula Deanda, Jon B, Steph Jones, Chingy and many more. Whitey has also won the coveted Grammy and Jared Lee has received several Grammy nominations. Both men love what they do and paint musical pictures within every song.
ALMOST SEPTEMBER united while working on an album for Macy Gray. Lyte describes their meeting as destiny. One night when Macy was unable to attend a scheduled session, Lyte heard a song Whitey and Jared were working on immediately began penning some lyrics. By the end of the night they had literally made beautiful music with the emergence of their first single “Beautiful.†The chemistry between them was so undeniable that they decided to keep it going and ALMOST SEPTEMBER was born. ALMOST SEPTEMBER is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their self-titled album, which is scheduled to drop during the first quarter of 2008. Together MC Lyte, Whitey and Jared Lee will make history and leave behind a legacy for all the true music lovers to appreciate and follow. ALMOST SEPTEMBER is the newest addition to the Family Tree roster that includes Outkast, Nas, Kelis and more lead by Blue Williams.
