VIDEO: The Roots "75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)"

Crazy new video and single release from Philly's and the worlds greatest hip hop band, THE ROOTS! Peace to TRACE BLOG for the heads up.

SPOTLIGHT: DASHAH

This week's spotlight artist is again someone not new to THE ZRO HOUR but the time is now to reveal more about the "Rap Burglar" aka "The Inkaholik" emcee known as DASHAH. Dashah represents a needed return to the days of emcees who invest their life into the pen and pad. Dashah's focused, deliberate flow shows the beat who's in charge and keeps headz focused on his descriptive wordplay. Born in Alabama, Dashah was raised in Long Island, a long time Hip Hop Mecca. As a kid he was surrounded by music- schooled to funk by his DJ dad and rap from the fellows on the block. Dashah loved everyone from Digital Underground to Big Daddy Kane and the Native Tongues posse. In the mid 90’s D and his family (he’s the middle of 4 kids) moved further out on the Island and, coincidentally their new neighbors were the families of old school legends Rakim and Erick Sermon. In high school Dashah and his boys started making homemade mix tapes and by 1997 he was in his first MC battle and then his very first show. “I was 17 and I was getting a little local buzz.” The next year D and his crew Long Island Trees came through with another tape and then just as things were heating up, Dashah went down south to spend time with his dying grandmother. “All my grandmother wanted was for me to finish school and succeed in music. After she passed, I decided to get serious because it was what she asked me to do.” In 1999 Dashah moved back home and two years later dropped the Unexplainable First Edition: which lead to opening slots for Ja Rule, Fabolous and Naughty By Nature Even though things were going well, D decided he needed a change of scene to push his career even further. He moved to Cali in 2002, dividing his time between LA and San Diego. Money was tight but that didn’t stop Dashah from spending his last dime on a hip-hop convention. His hope? That he’d make some connections and get his music into the right hands.

He did and soon D had a manager who hooked him up with producer Chris Warrior. After two years creating hot songs Warrior introduced D to Yon Styles, a young industry vet (Black Eyed Peas) and product manager for Fuzz Artists- an indie digital label. Styles dug what he heard and offered D a deal but Dashah admits, “I wasn’t sure. It was so new but then I figured, why not?” In 2006 Dashah signed with Fuzz Artists, formed his production company Top Shelf Enterprises, and headed back to NY: ready to reaffirm his hometown’s legacy. After dropping “F*ck Da Majors” D and crew headed back to the lab where they are currently cooking up his Fuzz Artists debut. This year will see the release of his album project. Dashah is due to drop a mixtape before the album (Yo D, when can I hear it?) and is currently featured on the first single, DECORATED VET off of ILL INSANITY's (new group featuring two former members of the X-Ecutioners-Rob Swift and DJ Eclipse and DJ Precision) new CD GROUND XERO. Hit him up and let him know what you think...

We Still Love You B.I.G. Poppa..And Guess Who's Starring As The Notorious One?

Although the anniversary of B.I.G.'s (Christopher Wallace) death was officially yesterday, March 9th, it is never too late to show love and remember one of the best and most loved to ever do it. I am a bit biased since I am from Brooklyn (Bed-Stuy born and raised) but his legacy still stands. Pump the first two CDs, "Ready To Die" and "Life After Death" and weed plate the posthumous releases (except for a handful of heaterz) during this sad memorial.


We have been hearing bits and pieces about the production of a Biggie bio pic and last week it was revealed who won the coveted title role- Brooklyn rapper Jamal Woolard aka "Gravy". Woolard mad a couple of albums in the 90's and was signed to Warner Brothers Records. He made the headlines in 2006 when he was shot in the buttocks outside of NY's Hot 97 radio station becoming a victim of a drive by shooting. His casting has the blessing of B.I.G.'s mom, Voletta Wallace, an executive producer on the project. You won't believe who is slated to play her...Click HERE to find out.

FOREVER CLASSIC- "Big Poppa"

Not Just Another American Gangster REMIX Album...

I found this on PROGHIPHOP.COM. AMERICAN GAMER is an unofficial remix album of Jay-Z's recent release "American Gangster". This project blew me away because of the focus on the production concept. Many have used video game music and soundtracks to rock over but this collection of beats brings a great dimension to Hov's wordplay. The tracks have crazy atmosphere and get your head noddin' unexpectedly. The project features production by Random Beats, K-Murdock, Ravage, pac-O-naut & Macross. Download this heater for your collection..

New Album from Pete Rock- NY's FINEST

"New York hasn't had an album like this in such a long time.."-Pete Rock

Forgive me for neglecting to mention this earlier. GO COP THAT PETE ROCK "NY's FINEST"! Don't just take my word for it. Check the video below for the co-signs from some of the best that ever did it...

SPOTLIGHT: AAROPHAT

This week's Spotlight artist is an incredible lyricist reppin' Youngstown, Ohio- AAROPHAT. Aarophat is all about "death to mediocrity" in Hip Hop. I'm witchu bro! He was chosen as one of 2007's Rawkus 50 and rightfully so. Aarophat's commanding voice and slick wordplay allows him to keep company with the future greats in Hip Hop. He patterns himself after no one, but with a healthy respect for Hip-Hop greatness and quality emceeing reminiscent of legendary wordsmiths such as Big Daddy Kane and Rakim, Aaro’ has set out to blaze new trails and leave his mark on the game. With humble beginnings in the inner city of Youngstown, his story isn’t one of hard luck. He’s not a killer, a drug dealer or portraying the role of a street thug. He grew up in the neighborhood like everyone else, but was able to maintain his focus on the craft he grew to love at an early age. His current release, AARODYNAMIX, is a bomb mixture of hard hittin', diverse beats, focus and quality lyricism. There are no "fast forward" joints and it begs to stay on repeat. Crazy atmosphere throughout. AARODYNAMIX features guests No Joke, Dolo, Columbo Black, Akir, Ben Levels, Tay'uana and D-Flawless. Production is handled by just 2(!) producers- Illastrate and C Dubb. The standout tracks are "Caramel" (which we dropped here a few weeks ago), "It's Hard", "Demolition!", "U C. US" and "Sun Move On". Cop this joint and holla at Aarophat to let him know what you think..

RESPECT DUE: 4 BY FOUR

When New edition hit the scene back in 1983, they paved the way for many other young male groups and I'm about to reintroduce you to a group that I remember well. In 1987, "I Want You For My Girlfriend" was the first song and video that was released by a group called "4 By Four". I'm sure that not too many of you may know of that song due to the fact it wasn't what one would call a smash hit. The video featured four young men wearing close fitting jump suits, long sleeved shirts with wide collars, and ascots tied around their necks. Nothing that was trend setting, BUT.... their next single was one that turned out not only to be a smash hit but also a Quiet Storm, After Hours, Kissing After Dark regular. I'm speaking of course about a song that was written and produced by Melvin Riley ("Ready For The World" and no relation to Teddy Riley.... at least I don't think so) called, "Come Over". Maybe the name doesn't ring a bell but true R&B Junkies will know about this song. The music had the "Let Me Love You Down" feel to it and the lead singer had the pre-teen high pitched voice. When they released the video for "Come Over", you saw the same four young men but this time they had slick moves, dressed all in white (no jump suits... thank goodness for that), and some sex appeal. With that song, they had a lot of teenage girls leaving their homes to pay them a visit. Only problem was, "4 By Four" left no address to where they lived.

They could be found in Black Beat & Right On magazines and appeared on "Soul Train" at the height of their success, but as fast as they came out, they faded away. I was fortunate enough to come across Damen (a member of the group) and he filled me in about what happened. Sadly 4 By Four had the same fate dealt to them as many other artists and groups of the 80's. They were young in the business and was taken advantage of by some they put all trust in. The money they worked for was stolen from them by their manager and they ended up in a lot of legal battles which discouraged them to continue as a group. Luckily though, their story doesn't have a sad ending. Instead of turning to Brothah Al (alcohol) and or drugs, these young men have done well for themselves. Lance is currently residing in New York City, Steve moved to South Carolina and has given his life to God and is saved, Jay (hey boo) and Damen also lives in New York City. Damen also gave his life to God and is a saved man. He is a youth Sunday school teacher in his church. Jay is happily married with children. Interesting enough, Jay and Damen has teamed up once again but this time as producers and writers for an up and coming female group called Taj. They have toured with Bow Wow, Jahiem, and Ne-Yo just to name a few.

On a personal note, it's great for me to see that this group who went through something horrible managed to come out on top and not allowed their experience to beat them. They learned from it, better educated themselves, and held on to their faith. I will like to thank Damen for taking time out of his busy schedule to give me the information I needed for this post. I have to thank Jay as well for answering me when I contacted him. Of course, I have to thank "4 By Four" for the song "Come Over". To this day when I listen to it, I close my eyes, one hand in the air, shake my head from side to side, ask anyone whose around me for a dance, and enjoy the sounds. Still need the address though...

If you would like to get in contact with them, you can reach them via myspace. Also, be sure to check out their female group, Taj. These girls have some serious pipes.

4 By Four- Come Over video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eEqhUwe688

Damen
http://www.myspace.com/daewriter

Jay
http://www.myspace.com/85936138

TAJ
http://www.myspace.com/tajofficialpage

DREA

ART: Collaboration: An Evening of Art

If you are in the West Palm Beach, Florida area please check out this great exhibit featuring the works of Anthony Burks Sr., Mark Manning & Ernani Silva..Shout out to DIZ-E IMAGE!



Collaboration: An Evening of Art
Celebrating Men in Art


collaboration: (n) the act of working jointly.


This is a showcase of artists', presented in homes & businesses allowing artwork to be viewed by clients in a more realistic environment than a gallery or museum. It allows the artists to intermingle with buyers one on one and develop a personal relationship without a third party facilitator.


This fourth time event is being held at the Home Studio of Anthony & Trina Burks at 703 39th West Palm Beach, Florida on March 28 and 29. (In Redeveloped Northwood; west of Old Northwood.)


The concept of visual artists of diverse spirits working together to spread art appreciation in the community was the brain child of husband and wife artist team Anthony Burks Sr. and Trina Slade-Burks along with jewelry artist and educator Lea Jefferson and fiber artist and consultant Barbara Cheives. It is an opportunity for art collectors and professionals to experience great art in an inhabitable space and feel at home doing so.


Saturday, March 29, 2008 12pm-6pm


Featured artists:

Anthony Burks Sr.
Mark Manning
Ernani Silva


Founding artist
Lea Jefferson


And several guest artists.


Musician
Percussionist & Spoken Word artist Joshua Sa’ra

SECRET WEAPON: ETERNIA

"Don't let the skirt fool you..I still do kill it.."- Eternia

THE ZRO HOUR continues our commitment towards bringing you the best of the unknown, little known, underrated, and slept on artists in Hip Hop. Today we set it off with a new feature titled SECRET WEAPON. The artists we feature under the title of Secret Weapon are, in our opinion, potential giants in the field. To inaugurate this new feature, I present to you ETERNIA, one of Toronto, Canada's best kept secrets.

The first time that I witnessed the stage bashing Eternia was during last year's "Golden" tribute event for Pharoahe Monch. When I stepped in the spot, I saw this chick onstage running thru some head noddin' boom bap (I later found out this song was called THE MEGA) and I was like "who the F**K!?". When I contacted Eternia on the email, she said that this was a common reaction to her show. Eternia rocked the stage in heels and maintained her balance like the shoes had Nike air technology. She was thoroughly committed to the beat with a dominant, almost husky flow. I was too stunned to take video of the moment and just wanted to hear the lyrics. She was off stage after one more track and it left me saying that I had to remember the name and connect on myspace later. Needless to say, I forgot to follow up and months later I found her again while networking on myspace. Hearing her music brought back the same feeling that I must reach out and get more info on this underrated artist.

Eternia - Evidence



Eternia is a 2006 Juno Award (think Grammys but in Canada) nominee. She has been performing and recording for over 10 years. Eternia has toured extensively in Canada, Australia, Europe and the U.S. She has six videos in rotation internationally and her discography is filled with several singles thru the early 2000s. In 2005, Eternia released two full length projects, "WHERE I'VE BEEN- THE COLLECTION" and "ITS CALLED LIFE" on URBNET RECORDS. ITS CALLED LIFE featured appearances including Wordsworth, Kenn Starr, DJ Dopey, Helixx C. (Anomalies), Freestyle (The Arsonists), Cesar Comanche (Justus League) and Jessica Kaya. Production duties were handled by Tone Mason, Rude, Collizhun, Mercilless, Bounce and Simahlak.

Eternia - Struggle (f/ Wordsworth & Kenn Starr)



Flash forward to 2007 and her current release "WHERE I'M AT- THE SETUP" sees Eternia bonding creatively with 9th Wonder, M-Phazes, Frequency, Torae, Ms. Davis, The Polyrhythmaddicts (Shabaam Sahdeeq, Mr. Complex, Tiye Phoenix), Wordsworth and many more. Last month, Eternia joined Rochester aka Juice & former Much Music VJ Hannah Sung on the road to Educate Youth about HIV & AIDS. The 411 Initiative For Change (411), is launching their new HIV/AIDS education programming for Canadian high schools in the format of a mock live-to-air TV Talk Show. This highly effective and candid program toured throughout Feb '08, reaching high school students in Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto & Montreal with an additional tour phase slated for later this spring. For more info, email connect@whatsthe411.ca or log on to www.Whatsthe411.ca. This Saturday, March 8th, Eternia is proud to appear alongside the legendary KRS-One at the Opera House in Toronto, Canada. Scheduled to share the stage with Mindbender, 9th Uno, & Alex Dimes, Eternia is excited to return to her hometown of Toronto for an exclusive on-stage appearance for Canadian Music Week.

European Tour Footage November 2007


If you hear Eternia is in your area, don't miss an opportunity to check her live show. Hit her up on myspace to let her know what's good and stay tuned to THE ZRO HOUR as we are working on getting Eternia on the podcast show.

http://www.urbnet.com/eternia
http://www.myspace.com/eternia

SPOTLIGHT: PACE WON & MR. GREEN

This week's spotlight artist is a dynamic duo in the tradition of the classic hip hop combo of (1) DJ and (1) Emcee- PACE WON & MR. GREEN. In the essence of ‘Eric B. and Rakim’ and ‘Gangstarr.’ they define their style as classical hardcore Hip Hop. Mr. Green’s heart pounding beats blend perfectly with Pace’s gravelly yet smooth flow creating a flawless result. Within days of dropping their first single, they were already in the radio rotation of many profound DJ’s such as DJ Premier, DJ Eclipse and DJ Tony Touch. Their song ’Children Sing’ is considered to be an underground classic. With a dynamic live show that involves includes both improvisation as well as crowd participation they are true performers. The debut album THE ONLY COLOR THAT MATTERS IS GREEN will drop this Spring. Pace Won should not be unfamiliar to fans of Hip Hop. Pace Won is a member of one of New Jersey's illest crews THE OUTSIDAZ and made his debut on The Fugees classic, THE SCORE. He followed his debut with appearances on Rah Digga's DIRTY HARRIET and Redman's MALPRACTICE albums along with a couple of independent releases WON and TELEPATHY. Mr. Green is a self-taught, hip hop composer who has a straight forward approach to his production. Originally a DJ, Mr. Green's first official production credit came at the end of 2006 on C Rayz Walz album "The Dropping". The song "Childhood" featured Matisyahu, the platinum Jewish Reggae sensation and Kosha Dillz. Mr. Green has also produced for our first SPOTLIGHT featured artist CYMARSHALL LAW. Check 'em out and let them know what you think!

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**