ART: Justin BUA & MASScanvas $5000 T-Shirt Design Contest/Signed Print Giveaway

Justin BUA has joined MASScanvas to issue his T-shirt design challenge: "Unity."
As a ground-breaking urban artist, break-dancer, producer, author, art professor, and all-around Renaissance Man, BUA knows a thing or two about Unity. His own art is strongly influenced by the people in his community, originally New York and now Los Angeles. He paints people from all walks of life and areas of town, featuring different backdrops and showcasing diverse, creative passions. His chosen charity, Farm Sanctuary, also promotes Unity--toward animals, toward our own health, at a local level as well as at a broader, national level with their legislative endeavors.

What does Unity or 'being united' bring up for you? What message of Unity would you like to share with the world. Show BUA and the world a design that you think best answers this challenge, and makes a fantastic T-shirt to boot.

Five winning designers will win $1,000 in cash each, after a public vote and final selection by our Artist Roundtable (including BUA himself!). At the end of the challenge (April 21st 2011 at midnight), tees with the winning designs go up for sale (by April 30th 2011), and 10% of all the sales will go to support Farm Sanctuary.

**As a BONUS, Justin BUA & MASScanvas has provided THEZROHOUR with a signed print of BUA's painting "1981"! To win this print, all you have to do is send an email to edaye@thezrohour.com with an answer to this question- WHICH FAMOUS NYC HIGH SCHOOL DID JUSTIN BUA ATTEND? The first person with the correct answer will win this free print. Winner will be announced Friday April 22, 2011**

For more info:

MASScanvas.com
MASScanvas on FACEBOOK

VIDEO: Cymarshall Law & The Beatnikz - "Zion Land"

ILL SEVENS Music Group Presents THIRD RAIL

Last Kind Entertainment in conjunction with Ill Sevenz Music Group present THIRD RAIL, a three emcee collective consisting of veteran hip-hop heavy weights Aarophat (Black Noize), D-Strong & Wildelux. The trio comes forth with their debut LP entitled “Politics".

Featuring production from Apatight, Jeekay, C-Dubb, D Baby Kai, Zitro (of the Audiologists), Jon Phonics, Tone Beatz, Flynny 500 & Scarecrow

Preview the album below:



Preview the album below:

Point Dot Period's ZEPS Releases "American Immigrant"

ZEPS is a veteran of THE ZRO HOUR and has blessed the podcast with his quick wit and signature freestyles. His new album "American Immigrant" has dropped and he is only charging 2 bucks! ZEPS brought his flavor to Norway and is continuing his push for authentic hip hop!

Track listing:

01. From NY to NO
02. I Miss Her (Oslo)
03. Brooklyn’s In The House
04. Ninja Flow
05. Booger Sugar
06. Return The Favor
07. Dreams Come True
08. Catacombs [ft Son of Light]
09. Reset The Game
10. Mic Satisfaction [ft Phat Bastard]
11. Timezone [ft Dama Nilz]
12. Across The Map [ft Phat Bastard]
13. The Abyss
14. Set It Like This [ft Stark The Dutch]
15. I’m Out
16. Epidemic (Bastardo Gordo) [ft Phat Bastard]
17. Royalty [ft Phat Bastard]
18. National Rap Show Freestyle [ft Tommy Tee & DJ Herkules]
19. King Wings Crew Anthem
20. Norwenglish [ft Skald 251, J-Hon, and Demon-D]

Purchase HERE

BHF 2011 Kicks Off With SHOW AND PROVE

BROOKLYN BODEGA's BROOKLYN HIP-HOP FESTIVAL 2011 Kicks off with SHOW AND PROVE

April, 14th 2011

The 1st of 3 semifinals to find the opening act for BHF '11

Mike Twice, Clear Soul Forces, J-Essential

with DJ Run P on the wheels

Come see who takes Round 1

Round 2 May 19, 2011
Round 3 - Jun 23, 2011
Finals - Jul 11, 2011

MC's Enter now!

Winner rocks the big stage on July 16th

Who: Mike Twice, Clear Soul Forces, J-Essential, DJ Run P
When: Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Time: 8PM
Where: Public Assembly - 70 North 6th St. - Brooklyn, NY
Closet Subway: L to Bedford Ave

VIDEO: TYLER THE CREATOR- "Yonkers"

I have been out of the loop for a minute just removing myself from too many musical influences while in the lab working on my personal projects. I see I have been missing out on some of these new movements and rap cliques. Los Angeles' ODDFUTURE aka OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All), led by producer/rapper Tyler The Creator, has built a massive buzz and rumor has it that Jay-Z's Roc Nation is in talks to sign them. Above is the eerie and twisted video for "Yonkers", the first release from the upcoming album "GOBLINS". This stuff reminds me of subversive hip hop artists such as Necro, RA The Rugged Man & Gravediggaz. Check their site oddfuture.com for free mixtape downloads.

DVD: DJ ROB SWIFT: Live! The Documented Movement

X-Man, X-Ecutioner, turntablist and producer DJ Rob Swift has released a new DVD that reveals his beginnings/inspirations and showcases some of the illest scratch DJing on film from DJ Rob Swift and his crew Ill Insanity.

Dividing its running time between "Behind the Music" style interviews, performances and promotion of DJ Rob Swift's current album, "The Architect", "DJ Rob Swift: Live! The Documented Movement" is a labor of love and presents Rob Swift as a DJ who continues to pioneer and uphold the virtues of his craft. Esteemed veterans of hip hop such as Large Professor, Akinyele, Rhymefest, Marco Polo, Dr. Butcher, Sadat X and Breeze Evahflowin' speak on collaborations and the impact of Rob's contributions to hip hop. Rapper Akinyele recounts the making of his first album "Vagina Diner" and how he, Large Professor and Rob Swift became creative equals on the project.

I expected the DVD to primarily showcase DJ Rob Swift's skills on the turntables but to my surprise, there was ample footage of his crew Ill Insanity (DJ Total Eclipse & DJ Precision) performing together with each having their own extended solo. The three reunite onstage as the X-Men with original member Mista Sinista and give a solemn yet uplifting tribute to their most famous member Grandmaster Roc Raida who passed in 2009.

Bonus features on the DVD include an amazing in store performance at Fat Beats NYC filmed during its final week of business. DJ Rob Swift does a set where he furiously scratches to match a classical piano composition note for note. There is also an extended one on one interview between Rob Swift and veteran DJ/producer Dr. Butcher. It is here that Rob reveals the longtime friendship and mentorship between the two. Dr. Butcher is one of the defining inspirations behind DJ Rob Swift and much of their early history is discussed. The final additional feature is the first video release from Rob's album "The Architect", "Rabia- 2nd Movement".



"DJ Rob Swift: Live! The Documented Movement" is available at www.djrobswift.com

VIDEO: ETERNIA & MoSS: "TO THE FUTURE"

2011 Juno Nominees Eternia & MoSS release new music video ‘To The Future’ in support of KIDS HELP PHONE. Eternia shares personal experience of Sexual Assault, Domestic Abuse, Gun Violence & Abortion.

Press Release:

Two-time Juno-Nominated Recording Artist Eternia is partnering with Canada’s leading youth counselling service, KIDS HELP PHONE to release ‘To The Future’, the third video single from Eternia & MoSS ‘AT LAST’ (Fatbeats Records / E1 Canada).

In ‘To the Future’, Canadian Hip Hop Artist Eternia bravely explores the skeletons in her own closet, detailing a first-hand account of sexual assault, domestic abuse, gun violence and abortion. The bone-chilling song, written as a letter to Eternia’s future husband, is interpreted on film by Canadian video director Erica Shallow (TwoThreeFive Films). Set in a bare-bone, abandoned housing block, the music video portrays a stripped-down, natural and vulnerable artist performing directly to camera the painful reality of her teenage years.

Every 90 seconds in America someone is sexually assaulted. Eternia and MoSS know that many young people face the same issues that Eternia did as a teenager and young adult, and so they have partnered with Canada’s leading youth counseling service, Kids Help Phone, to bring the message of hope and help along with Eternia’s personal story.

Wyclef Jean Shot in the Hand During Visit to Haiti

AOL portal BOOMBOX.COM reports that Wyclef Jean was shot at as he, along with Busta Rhymes and music executive Jimmy Rosemond (aka Jimmy Henchman), were riding in a car through the capital of Port-au-Prince. The trio were there to participate in a benefit concert to support Michel Martelly's (aka Sweet Mickey) bid for presidency. Wyclef's right hand was injured by a bullet, but no other injuries were reported. Representatives for Wyclef have stated that the singer is recovering.

A Moment For Japan

(AP Photo)

This post is overdue. I have been silent as the horrific events continue to unfold in Japan after the massive 9.0 earthquake on March 11, 2011. If the tsunami, 10,000 dead/missing, homelessness, lack of food and water wasn't enough, a nuclear meltdown has begun. Tokyo is fast becoming a ghost town as businesses close and residents flee or seal themselves inside their homes. Several explosions led to subsequent releases of extremely harmful radiation. The type that lingers for decades. To their credit, the citizens of Japan have not resorted to looting or crime. They are trying to maintain dignity as they band together to survive.

The side effect of this natural disaster is the impact on the global marketplace. Japan is the primary manufacturer and supplier of electronic components for numerous industries. General Motors & iPad sound familiar? We have been served with visions of end of the world scenarios through entertainment. This is the real thing, its scary and it is one of the most significant events of this millennium. An event of this scale could occur in many other major cities. Let's continue to offer prayer and assistance to Japan throughout this crisis. There are many organizations to turn to but as with anything else choose wisely. Yahoo! a list of reputable organizations HERE

R.I.P. NATE DOGG The "Hook King" Will be Missed

News is still developing but tweets from Snoop Dogg and Warren G are confirming that Long Beach, CA rapper, Nate Dogg, has passed away. Nate Dogg (Nathaniel D. Hale) was one of the most original voices to rise from the West Coast hip hop scene. Nate, along with Warren G and Snoop Dogg, formed the hip hop crew 213 while they were in high school. He would go on to become one of the most visible and supporting artists on the roster of the infamous Death Row Records. Nate was nominated for four Grammy awards for collaborations with artists Eminem, Ludacris, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg and Warren G.

The Guardian reports: "[Nate Dogg] began singing as a child in baptist churches under the care of his father, who was a pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California, and joined the US marine corps, where he served for three years." Nate's journey led to a career that produced over 40 charted singles as a collaborator. The last few years of his life were stricken with health issues. Nate Dogg was left paralyzed on one side of his body following a massive stroke in December 2007 and was struck by a second stroke in September 2008.

EDIT: Thanks to DUBCNN for great repost- DJ Steve1der & Dubcnn Presents: "The Best Of Nate Dogg" (70min Mix)

DA SURGEONS Drop Another Remix Tribute to the NOTORIOUS B.I.G.

We Miss You BIG POPPA!! BONUS DOWNLOAD: "Can I Get Wit Ya?" RMX By Da Surgeons

Can't believe its been 14 years since the murder of the Notorious B.I.G. He is still missed with the same amount of earnest and his music still sets the party off with Brooklyn love baby! Enjoy this remix of one of Biggie's earliest tracks by Da Surgeons.

FAT BEATS Retail is Back in Business! Monthly Opening Begins Tomorrow

WONDER TWINZ DJING LIVE FROM 1PM - 2PM

When: March 5, 2011 // 12pm - 8 pm

Where: 110 Bridge St. 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

How: F Train to York St. // Parking Available // Enter Building at Rear

The September shuttering of deified NYC record store Fat Beats was a somber occasion for hip-hop fantatics nationwide, the definitive marking of the end of an underground-rap era, a sad sign of the times that surprised no one and depressed everyone. (The tiny West Village spot's going-away party was pretty great, though, if you managed to get in.) Fatbeats.com lives on and now comes word that every so often they'll invite everyone to Brooklyn for a little party at their warehouse.

FAT BEATS BK is an event, which will be held once a month, during which FB will make a section of their BK warehouse available to the public as a retail space. FB BK will be reminiscent of the atmosphere and energy that the NY and LA stores once exuded. DJs of note will be spinning throughout the day, such as DJ Evil Dee, DJ Spinna, and Rich Medina. The first such fete happens this Saturday, March 5, from noon to 8 p.m., giving vinyl obsessives citywide a chance to catch up with old friends and see what that Madlib's been up to lately; April's party will probably be Record Store Day-themed, of course. Fat Beats' warehouse is at 110 Bridge Street in Brooklyn, on the third floor, and clearly they've gussied it up for you. Do drop by.

VIDEO: DR. DRE featuring EMINEM- "I Need A Doctor"

NOW I am officially ready for DR.DRE's upcoming return "DETOX" This video, Dre's production and Eminem stellar lyrics are completely on point.