VIDEO: Raekwon the Chef & Wu-Tang Live Performance with El Michels Affair

TRUTH AND SOUL RECORDS' El Michels affair served as the backing band for Raekwon and Wu-Tang at a performance at NYC's Canal Room earlier this month. The band tore through WU classics such as "C.R.E.A.M.", "Criminology" and "Bring Da Ruckus". Check out the vids below-

Raekwon & El Michels Affair "C.R.E.A.M."


Wu Tang & El Michels Affair -"Bring Da Ruckus"


Raekwon & El Michels Affair - "Criminology"

Renowned Halftime Show on WNYU to Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary on March 5th

DJ's Eclipse and Skizz, hosts of one of the longest running and most respected hip-hop radio shows, The Halftime Show, will celebrate the show's 10 year anniversary at the WNYU studios on Wednesday, March 5th. Joining them in the studio for live performances will be dozens of A-list celebrities and guests. The show will air during its regularly scheduled time slot, which is every Wednesday from 10:30pm -1am on 89.1 FM and on the web at www.WNYU.org.

The Halftime Show's anniversary shows have become highly memorable events that evoke nostalgia for hip-hop radio from days of past, and anticipation of the high profile guests that will join in the celebration. Every year Eclipse and Skizz invite the best producers to create live beats over which an A-list roster of emcees rhyme. This year, world-renowned producers Premier, Pete Rock, and Alchemist will be the guest producers. The list of guest emcees includes A.G., Boot Camp Clik, Big Noyd, Masta Ace, Reef The Lost Cauze plus 25+ more surprise guests. This anniversary show is not to be missed - it will be history in the making.

The Halftime Show has long been heralded as a favorite of music lovers everywhere for its incredible guests, in-depth interviews, outstanding playlists, and classic freestyle sessions. Acts such as Eminem, Kanye West and 50 Cent all count their guest appearances on The Halftime Show as a major stepping stone on the road to their worldwide success. In an era where commercial radio turns many listeners off, college radio remains one of the last remaining salvations for good music and WNYU is no exception. The Halftime Show, which started in March of 1998, brings a much-needed balance to hip-hop radio by playing the best of independent, up-and-coming, major, and vintage hip-hop music.

Hip Hop fans everywhere can tune into the 10th anniversary show on Wednesday, March 5th from 10:30pm-1am on 89.1 FM or at www.wnyu.org or through itunes>radio>eclectic>WNYU. Fans can contact the hosts directly via AOL IM (screename: wnyuradio), phone (212.998.1818) or via email: halftime@wnyu.org. DJ's Eclipse and Skizz will be giving away prizes throughout the show.

MySpace pages:
http://www.myspace.com/TheHalftimeShowAnniversary
http://www.myspace.com/halftime
http://www.myspace.com/itsdjeclipse
http://www.myspace.com/itsdjeclipse

WNYU Halftime Show Archives:
http://wnyu.org/archives

GODHEAD THE GENERAL: The Presidential Tour

One of our favorite guests on THE ZRO HOUR, GODHEAD THE GENERAL, is embarking on his 2008 Presidential tour to promote 2 releases- INTRODUCING...THE MIXTAPE and BEHOLD THE TYRANT. Godhead sets it off in Washington, D.C. tonight and continues on to several dates in March in the NYC area. More dates to follow. Hit him at the above link for more info..

DUCK DOWN VS STONES THROW SOUND CLASH AT 2008'S SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST MUSIC CONFERENCE (SXSW

Thank you to MAC Media for this:

On March 12th at this year's SXSW Music Conference, two of the most highly respected Independent Labels will join forces for a legendary showcase, sponsored by V Tech phones.

The Duck Down VS Stones Throw Sound Clash will feature:
*Sean Price (Duck Down)
*Buckshot, of Black Moon (Duck Down)
*Kidz In The Hall (Duck Down)
*DJ Mister Nash (Duck Down)
*Guilty Simpson (Stones Throw)
*Percee P (Stones Throw)
*DJ Rhettmatic (Stones Throw)

The Sound Clash is taking place at the premier venue in Austin, TX, "The Habana Annex," formerly the Fader House.

Buckshot, co-owner of Duck Down Records, had this to say about the historic event: "We are excited to partner up with Stones Throw Records to present the Soundclash. Stones Throw and Duck Down are both highly respected brands in the Independent rap game and we understand that there is power in numbers. On March 12th we'll be providing a free show to the public and it's a way to give back to the rap community who continues to support our movements and our projects.

Both labels are currently prepping new albums from:
9th Wonder & Buckshot, "The Formula" in stores April 15th (Duck Down)
Kidz In the Hall "The In Crowd" in stores April 29th (Duck Down)
Guilty Simpson "Ode To The Ghetto" in stores March 25th (Stones Throw)

For more information on this event and others please log onto:
www.duckdown.com
www.stonesthrow.com

Where Has The Romance Gone? PART III

Drea is on a roll! Read on as she continues her topic on the absence of real romance in R&B music..

I want to take this time to personally thank everyone who has sent me messages and posted comments about the articles I've written here. Just to clear the air up a bit, I am not nor do I claim to be a music expert. I am just a consumer who has a passion for great music of just about all types. Now with that being said, I've been asked to speak about one artist who I purposely left out of my crooners article. So ladies, here you go..

Usher Raymond was introduced to me (not personally of course) in 1994. "Can You Get With It" was the video and I remember that Devante (Jodeci) was driving a car with Usher riding on the hood wearing a Lakers Jersey. He proved himself to be one who demanded your attention and would not stop until he did. He managed to venture out into different avenues. He has done acting (television, movies, and Broadway) and has his own fragrance which shows that he is not limiting himself to just one particular thing. He's not afraid to challenge himself, and with the success of "Confessions" that showed me he knows how to market himself well. Now with that said, I don't consider him a crooner. Yes he has proven himself to be an excellent singer but in my opinion, Usher is more of an entertainer. He is more known for is his dancing than anything else. If you were to go to see Brian McKnight in concert, you expect to see him play his musical instruments and hear him sing. Nothing else. Usher on the other hand, you expect to hear him sing but you anticipate him to show off his dancing skills and with any luck, he will take off his shirt so you watch his chest glisten. With a true crooner, the only thing that sells you is your voice. Most of Usher's music is made for you to jam to. Yes he has his ballads to show his more sensitive side but for the most part, you are getting your workout on listening to him.

-DREA

**Check parts ONE and TWO for earlier posts**

SPOTLIGHT: HEAVENLY NOISE

This weeks' spotlight artist is a group that is not quite new to THE ZRO HOUR. HEAVENLY NOISE is actually a group within a group. Singer da*sey and producer BATSAUCE are the founding members of THE SMILE RAYS. The Smile Rays, hailing from Jacksonville, Florida are one of 2007's Rawkus 50. Together with MC THERAPY, Batsauce and da*sey collide over neck snapping breakbeats, high energy and classic soul. Heavenly Noise features da*sey as the featured vocalist on Batsauce's crisp, underrated production. The vibe reminds me of a blend of Erykah Badu and Portishead. Hit em up and let them know what you think!

VIDEO: CYMARSHALL LAW @ Pianos 2/15

VIDEO: DASHAH @ The Cop Shop

pictured from l. to r. PRECISION, DASHAH, ECLIPSE & ROB SWIFT

Check out some footage from DASHAH performing at The Cop Shop in Long Island, New York for the ILL INSANITY showcase promoting their release GROUND XERO-

Cop Shop Performance with Ill insanity 2.15.08

THE ZRO HOUR- HIP HOP LOVE

THE ZRO HOUR is back with a dripping hot mixshow for this lovers' weekend. Valentine's Day passed on Thursday but we can still stretch the love appeal for a few more days right? We were too busy enjoying ours to drop this earlier but it should still come right on time. In Hip Hop, there has always been songs focused on the good, bad and ugly sides of the relationship game. Slow jams wash that warm feeling over you but emcees don't hold back when it comes to expressing the complexities of love. From chicks on the side to needing love to getting passed by, we all have our favorite anthem that sums up our war with the heart. We got new joints form JEAN GRAE, AAROPHAT (Rawkus 50),BABY SHAM, WISE INTELLIGENT and GHOSTFACE. We take it back with a few rare and classic gems from PRINCE MARKIE DEE & THE SOUL CONVENTION, LeSHAUN, FATHER MC, HEAVY D, WU-TANG and MC LYTE.


For the ladies I included some treats in the form of CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS and a great new singer outta Seattle, Washington, DARRIUS. Dim the lights and chill...


THE ZRO HOUR- HIP HOP LOVE 02.16.08
DOWNLOAD (91.5 MB)
STREAM


PLAYLIST

WILD THANG- LeShaun (2 Much)
DOIN' IT- LL Cool J feat. LeShaun
LOVE THIRST- Jean Grae
CARAMEL- Aarophat
HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU- Baby Sham
THIS IZ LOVE- Wise Intelligent
NUTTIN' BUT LOVE- Heavy D & The Boyz
ONE NIGHT STAND (live)- Father MC
POOR GEORGIE- MC Lyte
ADDICT 4 YOUR LUV- Prince Markie D & The Soul Convention
CAN'T GET ENOUGH- Darrius
COME ON OVER TO MY PLACE (live)- Christopher Williams
BLACK SHAMPOO- U-God
KILLA LIPSTICK- Ghostface feat. Method Man & Masta Killa
BABY DADDY- Wyclef Jean
PASSING ME BY- Pharcyde
SWING MY WAY- Prince Markie D & The Soul Convention
ONE LOVE- Whodini

ILL INSANITY feat. DASHAH Live@THE COP SHOP, Guitar Center and Highline Ballroom

One of THE ZRO HOUR's featured emcees (from our INDIE SHOWCASE last year), DASHAH, appears on a new track from DJ collective ILL INSANITY. "DECORATED VET" off of Ill Insanity's GROUND XERO album features the inkaholik Dashah reminiscing on his life's journey as an emcee. ILL INSANITY is a new group consisting of two former members of The X-Ecutioners, ROB SWIFT and ECLIPSE along with DJ PRECISION. Ill Insanity is promoting their 02.12.08 release of their album Ground Xero with a series of appearances at Guitar Center and a special showcase featuring Dashah at The Cop Shop in Smithtown, Long Island this Friday the 15th. They also have a show slated for 02.19.08 at the Highline Ballroom in NYC featuring Freddie Foxxx, Black Milk, Akrobatik & Mr. Lif and J.Rocc.

New Feature On THEZROHOUR.COM: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Beginning today, THE ZRO HOUR launches a new feature to the website. Every week we will be featuring a new artist that we have either featured in our playlists or are on the verge of the next breakthrough. Links will be provided so that you can hit the artist directly and tell them what you feel about their music. CYMARSHALL LAW is the first artist in the spotlight. Cymarshall Law was one of 2007's RAWKUS 50 and is an emcee/lyricist of the highest caliber. His album HIP HOP IN THE FLESH, is filled with personal and creative topics. His flow and tone of voice is very unique and projects clarity. The boom bap behind the voice is bass heavy and keeps your neck in perpetual motion. If you would like to submit a link to your musicplayer for consideration or give us the heads up on someone we may be sleepin' on, hit us up at musicplayer@thezrohour.com

Where Has The Romance Gone? PART II

Hello Beautiful People! It's me, Drea here once again with something to say. As you all know, I last wrote about the lack of romance that was in today's music and I wondered what happened to it. Well due to the fact I had a little extra time on my hands, I took it upon myself to find out what information I could for myself. Guess what? Looks like the music I've come to love has moved to the U.K. That's right, The United Kingdom. Apparently we here in The United States are always looking for something new and exciting instead of appreciating what we already have. Over there though, the audience have a constant craving for what's good and show unconditional love and respect to the artist on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong now. I'm always looking to hear new music. I have great music that most people don't take the time to pay attention to because the artist is not mainstream or may not be the most attractive. When I spend my money, I want to spend it on someone I can appreciate on a musical level. I have to confess that I love the eye candy too and yes, at times it takes me a minute to get past that before actually seeing if they are talented enough for me to spend my money. For example, when Ginuwine first came on the scene he would only sound good (in my opinion) when I would watch his videos. If I heard one of his songs on the radio, I would turn to the next station. It wasn't until he released "Same Ol G" that I realized he was more than a pretty face with a sexy body. When Tank came out with "Maybe I Deserve", all I heard was "Maybe I deserve for you," and the rest was gibberish. I didn't know what he thought he deserved but I knew what I deserved and it was watching him on the big screen. I later found out that the song was explaining how he deserved for his woman to cheat on him like he did to her. I ended up supporting him because he actually has some decent music (but not enough pictures). On the flip side, one evening (back in 1991) I was listening to the radio during the "Kissing After Dark" hours and heard Omar Chandler (he was featured on Rob Base's "Joy & Pain") promoting his debut self titled album at the time. That brother has some serious pipes and incredible music. I ran to purchase that CD. Kem is another brother with serious talent. I heard his music during the "Quiet Storm" on New York's WBLS. I made it my point to support him too.

So yes most of the romantic music making crooners can be found performing in the U.K. Some are trying to make a comeback here though. I found out that U.N.V. ("Something's Going On") is making an effort to bring the romance back with an all ballad CD called "Timeless". I heard some samples and can't wait for it to be officially released. H-Town ("Knocking Da Boots") also have a new CD coming out soon. They have chosen not to bring in a new lead singer (R.I.P. Dino Connors) which I can respect. And ladies, time has been their friend! INTRO ("Let Me Be") also will be making a comeback this year. They will be introducing a new member (R.I.P. Kenny Greene) in the group but no further information is available at this time. There are some groups who are going to local clubs and performing from time to time but the majority are holding on the their fame overseas because they are no longer receiving the love from us in The U.S. I could go on and on with other information that I have received (thank goodness for the internet) but this post is long enough and quite frankly, my fingers are getting tired. So I shall close with this last thought. I feel that the young artist of today should take the time to learn to be an individual and allow their true talents to shine through instead of going with what may have worked for someone else. It's ok to be inspired by others but that doesn't mean you have to be a clone. Jodeci was Jodeci. Boyz II Men was Boyz II Men. There was only one and always will be only one Luther Vandross. Only one Alexander Oneal, Freddy Jackson, Surface (R.I.P. David Townsend), Jeffrey Osborne, Lervert (R.I.P. Gerald Lervert), Portrait, Howard Hewett, Mint Condition, Tony, Toni, Tone, Force MD's (R.I.P. TC D., Mercury D, & DJ Dr. Rock), Ready For The World, Prince, Michael Jackson, Christopher Williams, Guy, DeBarge, Billy Ocean, Full Force, Case, Keith Sweat, and I'll end this list with my New Edition crew. These along with so many other artists are long over due for the proper respect they deserve.

DREA

THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/MONSTER

We are back with a another one! Last week we featured two great interviews with LIN QUE and BEKAY. During that same recording session, we had one other guest that had so much presence, we had to feature him solely on this episode of THE ZRO HOUR. Run for cover! MONSTER is in the building! Hailing from New Jeru from a town called Negroville, comes a giant among emcees. I know some of you are thinking what is this WWF sh!t? Have no fear, MONSTER is here to wipe out the mic villains who are destroying Hip Hop. He conceals his identity so that he can swoop down and crush you muthaf*ckas! Monster laced us with a crazy freestyle session. If you doubt me-check the show. Last week I dropped one of his joints, "DEAR EAST COAST". Below is a short video for that track-

Dear East Coast Video/ Directed By Supreme Flix Prod.


Of course we bring some great music to round out the show. We set it off with classic joints from GRAND PUBA and FUNKDOOBIEST, new music from TURF TALK, MR. METAPHOR, BEKAY, JOE BUDDEN, LADY NICOLE feat. BABY SHAM and TALIB KWELI feat.JEAN GRAE. Enjoy the show...


THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/MONSTER (86.5MB)

PLAYLIST

WHAT GOES AROUND (360)- Grand Puba
SHININ'- Turf Talk
WHO IZZ HE?- Mr. Metaphor
BACKSTABBERS- Punjabi MC feat. Daz Dillinger, Tray Dee and Mark Morrison
BUMP THIS RECORD- Monster feat Chop Desel
MONSTER INTERVIEW & FREESTYLE
LET EM ALL IN- Monster
YOU WANNA TEST- Bekay
HIGH- Busta Rhymes
ROLL CALL- Joe Budden
MY PRESCRIPTION- Lady Nicole feat. Baby Sham
HOT THING (RMX)- Talib Kweli feat. Jean Grae
THE PEOPLE (RMX)- Common feat. LadyBug Mecca & stic.man
IT AINT GOING DOWN- Funkdoobiest

MUSIC TECH: Roger Linn, Designer of Original MPC is back with the LINN DRUM II

As mentioned in the post below, ROGER LINN is the original designer and co-creator of the AKAI MPC drum machine sampler. He was also responsible for one of the best electronic drum machines ever, the LINN DRUM (LINN 9000). His Linn Drum was used throughout the 80's on many high profile projects and classic albums. The Linn Drum was the preferred drum machine for Prince during his early albums and many continue to speak of the device with reverence. Roger Linn stepped back into the electronic percussion arena with his last couple of projects with synth designer DAVE SMITH. They created the ADRENALINN and followed with the ADRENALINN II & III. These were not drum machines in the common sense of the word. They are essentially guitar effects boxes that utilized beat synced multi EFX and amp models. His return to drum machine design will see the introduction of the LINN DRUM II later this year. The LINN DRUM II will feature stock sounds, the ability to sample and import samples, 16 pads, USB and compact flash for storage. The LINN DRUM II Analog will have all the features of the fully digital LINN DRUM II along with a four voice synth engine and 27 dual functioning knobs.

MUSIC TECH: AKAI Blows It Out With New MPC 5000

AKAI's MPC drum machine/sequencer/sampler is known as one of the key instruments that have revolutionized music and Hip Hop production specifically. AKAI introduced the Midi Production Center with the ROGER LINN designed MPC 60. Through the years, improvements have been made to the kit and we have seen the MPC morph from the 60 to the 60II to the 3000, 2000, 4000, 1000, 2500 and the portable battery operated MPC 500. Now in 2008, AKAI has introduced the MPC 5000. It feels like it is in direct response to ROLAND's MV-8800 sampling workstation. The MV-8800 was seen as a potential MPC killer due to its inclusion of a built in analogue synth and flexible sequencing capabilities. Well AKAI has answered the call and has introduced a slew of new features including a built in synthesizer, arpeggiator and larger screen. Below is a great video outlining all the new features and capabilities of this new beast-