2/19/2008

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!

2/18/2008

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

2/16/2008

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

2/13/2008

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.

2/12/2008

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

2/05/2008

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

2/04/2008

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-

1/29/2008

THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/LIN QUE & BEKAY






THE ZRO HOUR returns with a great show featuring special guests LIN QUE and BEKAY! We worked hard to get these two to come through THE ZRO HOUR and it resulted in two of the best interviews we have done. Many may remember Lin Que as "Isis" from the group X-Clan and from her solo work in the 90's. Lin returns to the scene with a tight new album, "GODspeed" and drops wisdom on her experience in the industry, her company and current projects. One of 2007's Rawkus 50, Bekay "The Lyrical Horror Flick" sits in for a hilarious interview and drops some vicious bars in the process. We have long supported Bekay on the show and it was a pleasure to let him rock. We play a few new joints from JEAN GRAE, TOUCH and NATO feat. WORDSWORTH, CEE-ROCK "THE FURY", TRIBECA, MONSTER (whoo-got an interview with him due next week!) & CYMARSHALL LAW and take it back with classics from the FAT BOYS and 3XDOPE! Enjoy the show..

THE ZRO HOUR In Studio w/LIN QUE and BEKAY (108MB)

PLAYLIST

JAILHOUSE RAP- Fat Boys
#8- Jean Grae
KILL DA KILLIN'- Cee-Rock "The Fury"
HELLO BROOKLYN- Jay-Z feat, Lil Wayne (Shuko & Gunna RMX)
THE WIRE FREESTYLE- Tribeca
LET IT FALL- Lin Que
GODspeed- Lin Que
LIN QUE INTERVIEW
LAST CALL- Lin Que
FUNKY DIVIDENDS- 3XDOPE
SOMETHIN' REAL- Touch and Nato feat. Wordsworth
WHAT IT TAKES- Cymarshall Law
DEAR EAST COAST- Monster
I'M THE REASON- Bekay
BEKAY INTERVIEW
ALPHABITCH- Bekay
I NEED SLEEP- Bekay

NEW SINGLES-Check the Exclusives, Early Heat & Flashback section


Talib Kweli-Hostile Gospel


CL Smooth (produced by Pete Rock)-Multi Barz of Fury


Torae feat. Skyzoo (produced by DJ Premier)-Click


Cee-Rock "The Fury"-Catchphrase


Hero-Mogadishu


Buckshot feat. 9thWonder-Go All Out

1/23/2008

NEW MIXTAPES: BABY SHAM + 2 FROM DJ RHUDE


Flipmode Squad's BABY SHAM has dropped a new mixtape THE BEST OF BABY SHAM hosted by DJ SYLENT. Download HERE




XXL MAG's DJ RHUDE dropped Volume 8 and 9 of his BLOCK MUZIK series. You can download them here:

DJ Rhude - Block Muzik Vol. 8 hosted by David Banner
DJ Rhude - Block Muzik Vol. 9 hosted by MC Lyte

VIDEO: KARDINAL OFFISHALL "GRAVEYARD SHIFT"



Props to HeRBan LyRiX for posting this great overview of KARDINAL OFFISHALL's career. Above is the new video "Graveyard Shift" featuring Akon from his upcoming project on Akon's label Konvict Music.

1/21/2008

Happy Martin Luther King Day!


Although his actual birthday was last week on 1/15/08, we celebrate his legacy today. His work to overcome segregation, promote equality and unite all people still resonates in my heart. What would Dr. King say if he were alive to see the conditions that people of color still exist in? Some great, some worse. Its as if we have taken several steps back. What would he think of Hip Hop culture and the current music that represents it? Would there be less black on black crime? More respect for our women and elders? As a people, we have to struggle through corrupt governments, biased hiring practices, under representation and class based systems. Many of these ills will always remain but the way we relate to other can change. Dr. King pressed for the rights and freedoms of all people of color- Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Jews, Arabs and poor immigrants who are taken advantage of. Many forget that Italian, Polish and Irish immigrants were heavily discriminated against upon their arrival in this country. It is sad that some people within these cultures in turn discriminate against others. Keep hope alive as Jesse Jackson says but also enact change, increase your world view and take the reigns from the unjust. We Love YOU Dr. King!

***Thank you to DAVEY D for posting MLK's I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH set to a Ghostface track. Download HERE
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