Beats On The Beach @ Miami Music Seminar 2008: Oct 9-11th

iStandard inc and DBHH Management bring you the first annual 'Beats on The Beach' Miami Music Seminar Presented by Roland, IK Multimedia, Remix Magazine and ASCAP October 9-11th 2008 @ The Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Florida aka South Beach. 'Beats on The Beach' will consist of incredible networking opportunities, keynote speakers, interactive industry panels, artist and producer showcases as well as Miami's best offering- their sexy nightlife at some of the most incredible clubs on the beach!!

Confirmed panelists include the world famous DJ Clue (Radio Personality/CEO of Desert Storm), Sha Money XL (Co Founder of G Unit/ CEO Money Mgmt Group), Lenny S (VP of A&R Def Jam/ Rocafella records) Riggs Morales (SR VP of A&R Shady Records), Danny Carter (A&R Interscope West) Julian Boothe (VP of A&R Slip n Slide), Omar Grant (Head of A&R Urban EMI Records) Dre Mckenzie (G Unit A&R), Gorilla Tek (Platinum Producer for Trick Daddy, LiL Wayne) Entertainment Attorney Bob Celestin (reps Petey Pablo, Tocarra Jones and Blue Williams) Zack Katz (Manages JR Rotem and Co CEO of Beluga Heights, Home of Sean Kingston) John Ingram (Entertainment Attorney for Sha Money, Juelz Santana, LLoyd Banks and more) as well as multi platinum producers The Runners (Rick Ross, Keisha Cole, Chris Brown), Cool and Dre (Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Rick Ross), Jimmy Kendrix (G Unit, Rihanna, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Shyne) Alamo (Director of A&R for DTP), The Diaz Brothers (Trick Daddy, Pitbull) and many many more to be announced. Check HERE for more info..

HEAVY D Drops New Reggae Album- VIBES

Heavy "bong diddly-diddly" D has made a return to recording with a new album of reggae burners entitled VIBES. Released on September 30th, this one took me by surprise as fans of Heavy D's music have been wondering if we would ever hear from one of the most respected emcees in hip hop. I checked out some of the new music on his myspace and on his imeem pages. It's refreshing to hear him just on the reggae tip but it is not a new arena for the Hev-ster. Heavy D (Dwight Meyers) is of Jamaican descent and he has done several reggae songs with artists such as Super Cat, Buju Banton ("Dem No Worry We") and Josey Wales among others. The L.A. Times' music blog posted a great article about the project HERE.

VIDEO: MTV's Sway Sits Down With Our Future President Barack Obama

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I missed these pair of interviews that premiered last week. I have always felt that Barack Obama is of the hip hop generation due to his age and awareness. Even if he did not listen to hip hop (which he does), I know that the influence of the culture would not have missed him. Above Sway talks one on one with Obama and the below video features Sway's interview with both Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Barack speaks on hip hop, his running mate Joe Biden and his successful first debate with senator John McCain.

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VIDEO: Peedi Crakk - "Sweet Dreams"

Video of “Sweet Dreams” off of the debut Peedi Crakk album “A Night in the Life” to be released March 24th, 2009 on Amalgam Digital.

Amalgam Digital Announces New Upcoming Releases From Cassidy, Remy Ma & 40 Cal

Cassidy “Back To The Problem” (OCTOBER 14th)

Originally signed by producer Swizz Beatz to his Full Surface label, Cassidy has graced the cover of Source Magazine, been nominated for a Vibe Award and has taken home the distinct honor of "Lyricist of the Year" at the Source Awards.
Known for his unique ability to diversify his music for all types of audiences, Cassidy’s debut album “Split Personality” was divided into three parts: the first is credited to Cassidy and reflects his pop side; the second, credited as "Tha Problem," aims at fans of his mix tapes; and the third is credited to B. Reese for fans from his early days. Split Personality, which spawned the mega hit “Hotel” with R. Kelly, reached #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart and #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.
Fresh from parting ways with his label J Records, Cassidy is back with the brand new 18 track album “Back To The Problem.”



Remy Ma “Blasremy” (OCTOBER 14th)

Remy Ma is a former member of Fat Joe's crew, Terror Squad. Remy was featured on the group's hit song "Lean Back" from their second album True Story and was featured in the remix of M.O.P.'s "Ante Up." Her debut solo album, “There's Something about Remy: Based on a True Story”, was released on February 7, 2006.
Remy was originally discovered and mentored by the late great Big Pun. After his death, rapper Fat Joe signed Ma to his new record label, SRC under Universal and made her a member of Terror Squad. Following the success of “Lean Back”, which garnered Ma a Grammy nomination, her debut solo album, “There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story”, was a strong commercial release selling 37,000 units in its opening week and 158,000 units within the first year. The album received 3.5 out of 5 mic's from The Source magazine. After the release, Remy still parted ways with her former label and crew to take on her own path.



40 Cal “Leader of the New School” (NOVEMBER 25th)

Harlem native 40 Cal is a member of the famed Diplomats (Dipset) crew along with Cam’Ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, JR Writer & Hell Rell. 40 made his first appearance on the self titled theme song, "40 Cal," for the Dipset album “Diplomatic Immunity 2.” However over the past few years his reputation & strong following have been built off his numerous street level releases that have brought him legions of fans. “The Leader of the New School” is a brand new 14 track album showcasing 40’s notable battle rhyme skills, his street level approach with lethal metaphors topped off with his gangsta braggadocio.

VIDEO: THIS WEEK WITH JASIRI X Episode #4

JASIRI X continues his weekly breakdown of the current events in news and politics..

VIDEO: Joe Budden - "Touch & Go"

Official video for Joe Budden’s “Touch & Go” which is the lead single off of “Halfway House” to be released digitally via AmalgamDigital.com on Tuesday October 28th, 2008.

VIDEO: RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY Lecture Session With Blu & Exile

The RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY is currently in session for its special tenth anniversary edition in Barcelona. The Academy has travelled far and wide, bringing its unique symposium of knowledge and good musical vibes to cities like Melbourne, New York, Sao Paulo, and Cape Town. As every year, it goes down like this: a group of 60 participants, hailing from 36 different countries and selected from thousands of worldwide applicants, zooms into town. It’s not just the students, or ‘participants’ as they call them, who’ll find themselves fusing new musical patterns. 40 musical luminaries have been invited as lecturers: from Melvin van Peebles to James Pants, there’ll be plenty of wisdom and wonkiness in play. The lecturers, team members and participants will take those fresh ideas from the studios straight to the ears of the people of Barcelona, as they perform at over 40 events in the city.

The above video features a sit down with hip hop duo, BLU & EXILE. They speak on their beginnings, creative and production philosophy and Exile rocks the MPC live throughout. Blu and Exile is a tag team made in heaven, as their album Below The Heavens ably demonstrates. There's not many duos making hip hop music in the spirit of the golden age, yet astonishingly fresh. Blu talks to his audience instead of at them, concerned more about the message in the music than breaking even. Bringing West Coast sunshine and honest introspective lyrics, he is the perfect foil to Exile's fierce MPC adventures, crafting gritty soul in the tradition of greats like Primo, Dilla, and Pete Rock.

VIDEO: The Smile Rays Tour Blog From Berlin #8

Check out part eight of THE SMILE RAYS video tour blog from Berlin. They are turning Europe upside down..

COLLABORATION Exhibit October 10th & 11th

One of our friends and strongest supporters, Trina Slade-Burks presents a new COLLABORATION Exhibit in West Palm Beach Florida. This exhibit features the work of Anthony Burks, Lucy Keshavarz and Mark Gierok. Come out and support if you are in the West Palm Beach area. You can contact Trina at the above email link or call 561.842.5724 for more info.

2008 VH1 Hip Hop Honors Monday October 6th

This year's VH1 HIP HOP HONORS celebrates the contributions and the impact of Cypress Hill, Naughty By Nature, Too Short, De La Soul and Slick Rick. Once again hosted by actor/comedian Tracy Morgan, this year looks to be even bigger than the last. I will definitely be tuning in and will post my thoughts. Seeing Naughty By Nature perform at Ralph McDaniels' Video Music Box 25th Anniversary concert, I look forward to the stage being destroyed by one of the best groups in hip hop EVER. Check out the video below for rehearsal footage of Ghostface Killah and Biz Markie practicing their Slick Rick tribute:

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Check HERE for more rehearsal footage

Joe Budden "Halfway House" Drops 10/28-Digital Only Release

AMALGAM DIGITAL prepares to drop a digital only release from Joe Budden titled "HALFWAY HOUSE". This is the first of two new Joe Budden projects being released by Amalgam Digital. The second being "PADDED ROOM" in February of 2009. Check Amalgam's site for more info and stay tuned to THE ZRO HOUR for material from Joe's upcoming full length CDs.

BOOKS: KRS One's RUMINATIONS Command Top Dollar

I'm an idiot for not picking up this book in the many times that I had an opportunity. KRS One's second book (the first being "The Science Of RAP") titled "RUMINATIONS" is apparently VERY sought after. Its out of print (originally published in 2003 and commanding up to $2300 on amazon.com. "Ruminations" featured a foreword by journalist Tavist Smiley and expands KRS' discourse on life, living as an American citizen as a man of African descent, Hip Hop culture, spirituality and his overall world view. I am a great supporter of KRS' music and views on Hip Hop culture. I am always on the lookout for books that expand my library of Hip Hop history and commentary. If anyone knows wher I can find a used or new book for no more than $40 let me know..

ZEPS Presents NO HIPSTERS ALLOWED DANCE PARTY Tomorrow Night

ZEPS of Brooklyn based crew, Point Dot Period (and the emcee on our ZRO HOUR THEME 08), presents a dance party featuring himself, Point Dot Period, Swave Sevah, Damanilz and 80 Bug on stage with DJ Johnny Mambo on the 1s and 2s. The NO HIPSTERS Dance Party and Street Fighter tournament will be held at Public Assembly (70 N. 6th Street between Kent and Wythe streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) The door is $10 all night. Hit up ZEPS for more info.

DAS EFX LIVE @ THE KNITTING FACTORY October 10th

Come out to support one of the best hip hop duos of the golden era- DAS EFX! Next Friday, October 10th, Das Efx along with opener Jeru The Damaja bring the diggity dope flows to NYC's Knitting Factory. Additional performances by A-OK Collective, CP and John Public. Advance tickets are $15. You can purchase tickets at The Knitting Factory box office, Fat Beats and Ticketweb.com.

www.knittingfactory.com
www.fatbeats.com
www.ticketweb.com