LA at Crash Mansion

A short while ago I had the opportunity to check out the 3rd installment of Legend Factory Live. This event is by far one of the best industry showcases I have ever had the pleasure of attending.  Each of the two shows I attended were absolutely brimming with talent from all genres of music. It's is genuinely a total experience.

One particular artist stood out to me at the last show and rather than gush over her talent and energy, I'll let you just experience it the way I did. Check out LA's indie video recently posted from her Twitter page.  This is Hip-Hop!


The L.A. Show- LegendFactory Live from Amanda Chavis on Vimeo.

SoSoon - The Bandwagon

 

RoxFontaine.com is an expression of Hip-Hop as fine art. If this blog had a soundtrack, SoSoon's 'The Bandwagon' would be it. The self proclaimed "Spike Lee of Hip-Hop" has directed a musical film of epic proportions without the convoluted climax scene typical of Spike's work. Nay, this is clear and concise communication set to a truly unique sound tailored to SoSoon's silky smooth delivery and incredible story telling skill.

The 13 track debut album is chock full of "Yo, rewind that!" moments, bangin' beats and top notch lyricism. The album takes you through the club, unhealthy relationships, self reflection and social commentary seamlessly. This isn't just the standard industry fare "1 of each" approach to album making. This is the total expression of a young man discovering himself, his sound and his future. He explains his poor spending habits on "Blowing Money". He tells of his infatuation with a love that wasn't meant to be on "Forbidden Fruit". Of course, he warns would be challengers of his lyrical prowess on the Michael Jackson sampled "Who's Bad?" 

Where this album really takes off and truly separates SoSoon from the pack is on the incredibly insightful and honest "The Underclass". The artist forces you to stop and reflect on the people that keep New York City running over a wonderfully produced track powered by a spacey Rhodes and soupy bass line. It makes me wish I had a record label.  I'd sign this dude immediately after hearing this song. This isn't just the work of a rapper. This is the work of a visionary.

Stream the album below but SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS and buy this album! This will be the best money you spend this week. I promise.

SoSoon Website

SoSoon @ Bandcamp

SoSoon on Twitter

Square Off Cypher

Hip-Hop is a culture. As such, there are traditions that are handed down from generation to generation to help promulgate the future of Hip-Hop. One such tradition is the "cypher". The gathering of MCs, usually in a circle, to test each others skill and wit with words. Each participant takes a turn trying to one up his peers with more clever wordplay and rhythmic approach or "flow".

BET put together a bunch of clips for their 2010 awards show featuring a relatively eclectic mix of artists from legendary names like Busta Rhymes and Raekwon to up and comers like Zawcain and Cyhi Da Prince. There was even a fathers and sons version where Ice Cube and sons spit alongside Run and his boys.

Doug E. Fresh and his two young men (Square Off) just released a BET style cypher for the masses and if this was snubbed by BET.....SHAME ON THEM! These boys are dope and when you have Doug E. Fresh beatboxing for you, it's pretty much a wrap. Check the video below and see for yourself...