Skyzoo - "Range Rover Rhythm" Music Video

Brooklyn wunderkind Skyzoo hit us with another music video from his 'A Dream Deferred' album yesterday via MTV. You can always expect stellar work from Skyzoo and this is no exception lyrically and sonically. Jahlil Beats (Holla at me!) handles the production and Sky gives his standard (but not standard) never ending cadence.

The video was all too literal for my tastes but the visual is clean and the song is dope. "Range Rover Rhythm" is as complex and intricate as the best of any Skyzoo song so you can easily ignore the visual and zone out to the sound.

Check it out for yourself and if you haven't heard 'A Dream Deferred' something is wrong with you.  

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Skyzoo, Range Rover Rhythm, Music, More Music Videos

Tone M - "Insecurities"

I first met Tone M probably a year ago. As he is a bit of an introvert, we didn't talk much but he reached out to me later with a project of his called 'Konshu's Odyssey.' It was a respectable project but a bit too cryptic in it's presentation.

Some time later, we met again at a recording session in Brooklyn. After the session, Tone played the "Insecurities" instrumental on his laptop and spit the verses live for me. I was thoroughly impressed. It was a complete 180 from what I had heard from him before. He had stopped rapping at people and started rapping to them. I made a point to let him know to send me the track when it was ready.

Well, here it is! Tone M hit the nail on the head with "Insecurities" and demands that he be respected as a bona fide MC. The lo-fi Jazz sample is the perfect soundscape to his laid back flow and puts the listener in a dream space. This joint feels good in the bones.

Check the stream and download below and be on the lookout for Tone M in the future.

Skyzoo - "Spike Lee Was My Hero" Music Video feat. Talib Kweli

Spike Lee has been under fire in the media recently due to his comment about the polarizing Quentin Tarantino film Django Unchained. I'm pretty sure that much of that negative energy is perpetuated by people who don't know Spike's works. Agree or disagree with his thoughts on the film, his importance to Black history and film is undeniable.

Wordsmith Skyzoo pays homage to that history with "Spike Lee Was My Hero" from his "A Dream Deferred" album. For extra emphasis, Skyzoo tacks on bars from Talib Kweli, who also spoke of Spike's influence on his life. The two deliver incredibly deep and complex lyrics that are almost impossible to catch in their entirety on the first pass. Just what I expect from both of them.

Through a wild chance with fate and the power of social media, Spike Lee himself caught wind of the song and was so impressed that offered up a cameo. Now that is epic $#!+!

Check out the music video if you missed the premier on 106 and Park last night. (I hope you did because I WILL judge you if you were watching 106 and Park.)

Fabolous - "So NY" Music Video

Fab has carved out a corner of the industry all to himself and if you're a New Yorker, you can not deny that he is holding this city down like nobody else (in majors) over the last 5 years or so. He's always stayed true to his style while remaining current and relevant and continues to make a case for himself to be the King of NY.

"You gotta go to LA if you lookin' for Diddy. You gotta go to CT if you lookin' for 50. N****s in Paris, but what about the city?" Fabolous raps in the first 4 bars. Damn, bruh. Talk yo' $#!+! Now I feel a little guilty for moving up north a little bit.

Fabolous has always been a great artist but is now quietly walking into legendary status. "So NY" is 100% dope and very deserving of all of the praise it is sure to receive. Check it out...

JF Brooks - "36 Hours" feat. Ghostwridah

A lot of people say they want it. They really believe they do. Though many believe it in their minds, they don't prove it with action. You see, it takes more than tweeting inspirational quotes and posting the "How Bad Do You Want It?" video on facebook.

JF Brooks says he wants it. He really believes it. He also proves it with action.

"36 Hours" is a sneak peak into the mind of a man with no plan B. He rhymes, "And my eyelids feeling heavier than my thighs is. My back cracks and my phone rings; that's my kids. Been in the booth so long, forgot where I live." Damn. That's work!

To add extra potency he enlists Miami MC Ghostwridah, who had a big 2012 full of critically acclaimed music. The two pair beautifully over the hypnotizing SpaceFace produced track. Lyrics are back in a big way and JF Brooks is bringing a fleet of them. Get into the free stream and download below...

Ciph Boogie - "Solemnly"

There are so many "would be" stars out there when it comes to music. If you let them tell it, the "haters" are the only thing stopping them from doing Michael Jackson numbers. In actuality, even those with incredible talent, they just don't know what they are doing when it comes to the business of music. At all. Especially when it comes to marketing and promotion.

There are so many finer points that are missed and one of the most prominent of those is how to properly work a record/album. Most of these "would be" stars just find a place to record, make music, load it to Site X and hope that people find it.

Ciph Boogie is an artist that understands more of those finer points. I know for a fact how long he's been working this record. I won't tell you because it doesn't matter. What matters is that he knows to keep working it! The result? It got picked up by ESPN's Friday Night Fights as a theme song and landed him a video interview on the network as well. That's WORK!

Check out the free stream of "Solemnly" below and the video interview as well. Ciph is a capable artist and the track is dope.

Skyzoo - "Jansport Strings"

Who would ever have thought that Chi-Ali inspired Skyzoo to start writing raps? Do you even know who Chi-Ali is? (If not, I'll leave  a little reference material for you at the bottom of this post.) If you know Skyzoo's work at all, you know he greatly respects Jay-Z and one would assume that his greatest influence is him. "Jansport Strings" (One Time for Chi-Ali) tells us how the phenom got the itch to start writing using one of the most iconic brands of the 80's/90's.

Sky says, "As a kid in NY, the strings on your Jansport bag were a sign of power and presence." He ain't never lied! The more strings you pilfered, the more status. Jansport strings were like beads at Mardi Gras. You just had to have them ... lots of them. 

With 9th Wonder on the boards, this legendary duo does it again with a crazy Boom Bap offering from Skyzoo's upcoming 'A Dream Deferred' album releasing through The Faculty/Duck Down Music. It promises to be epic as Sky has NEVER been sub-par with a pen. 

Generally, when you talk about Rap music, you talk about beats and rhymes. When the topic turns to Skyzoo and 9th Wonder, you discuss compositions and literature. They are not the same thing.

Check out the free stream below and learn yourself on some Chi-Ali!



Who's Chi-Ali?

Stixx - "For My Town" Music Video

image via artist's website

It's been a while since I last heard from Stixx. I like that he's taking time with his work to craft top notch material though. A lot of artists don't understand that. Quality over quantity is much easier said than done.

In the same vein as January's "New York Love" video, Stixx continues to put on for The Big Apple with "For My Town." I don't have to explain to you the premise of the track. The visual is filled with New York staples though. Including a visit from NYPD. They were probably trying to shut down the shoot which was surely done without a license.

Stixx is as sharp as ever and I like his all around energy. "For My Town" is apparently on the upcoming 'Dom P and Cubans' album. No release date yet but I imagine that it will release before the close of summer. Get into it below...

Stixx on Twitter

www.iamstixx.com

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival 2012

"Busta Rhymes up in the place. True indeed."

The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival was thrown into overdrive last year. The show was already a large success but when headliner Q-Tip brought Kanye West to the stage, it was immediately thrown into a new level of popularity. For 2012, the venue was moved to the more open and BEAUTIFUL Pier 3 and the masses came out for a hot day of music, dance, art and food.

If you happened to catch last years Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival main day, then you also witnessed Busta Rhymes' surprise performance during Q-Tip's set. You will also know that while Busta was as dope as ever, he was not in the best shape. He was winded and not as energetic as we all know he can be. He performed his verse from "Look At Me Now" and couldn't keep up with himself. This year as headliner himself, Busta showed why none of these new acts can hold a candle to him.

Busta was in incredible shape this time, well rehearsed and ON FIRE! He calmly walked out to front and center stage and only asked one question: "DON'T THIS $#!T MAKE MY PEOPLE WANNA....!?" Mayhem ensued and the mood was set. The show was supercharged energy from start to the event planners and NYPD shutting his mic off.

He went through hit, after hit, after hit in snippets and the crowd was crammed on top of each other trying to be as close as possible to the energy on stage. It was amazing to watch! If I wasn't so busy trying to capture photos and video for y'all, I would have cut a damn fool out there. If Busta's energy alone was not enough, he brought special guests, Smif N Wessun, Buckshot, J-Doe, Reek Da Villain, Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, the legendary Slick Rick (which was epic) and believe it or not....

After almost 19 years of doing his own thing.... Leaders of the New School!


While my video work sucks in unbelievable ways, I captured the moment for those of you who did not or could not make it. Brooklyn Bodega and the BK Hip-Hop Festival facilitated one of the greatest moments in Hip-Hop history! I'm so thankful that I was there to witness it first hand.

Check the video below (start with your volume low) and a few select photos from the day. Can't wait to see how this all plays out next year!

Acrylic Painting of Biggie on Canvas 

Artist @DanielleBKNYC live painting Jay-Z 

General Steele (l.) and friends. 

Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star interview with XXL. 

Buckshot  

Leaders of the New School. Charlie Brown (lc.), Dinco D (r.) 

BONUS: The next generation.

J.F. Brooks - "Lord Knows" Beat Violation Music Video

BiGCiTYBiGCiTY front man JF Brooks is gearing up for a concert event featured here on RoxFontaine.com at Nightingale Lounge in NYC. To get fans fired up for the event, he releases this new "beat violation" and accompanying music video set to Drake's "Lord Knows" instrumental.

If I had to make this one of twitter's six word stories it would be: This $#!7 is off the chains!

Skilled, witty and aggressive. The winning formula for a true MC. JF Brooks is all of that and then some. Somewhere in Brooklyn, a rooftop was left burning after this. Listen below and definitely get into the show details if you're in the NYC area. Again, the flyer is posted on the right. ---->

YC the Cynic - "Rude Boy Jamaican" Audio

FINALLY! Some new music from one of my favorite indie artists. The Bronx spitter has been working on a new project titled 'Good Morning, Midnight.' This highly anticipated release follows up the crowd pleaser 'Fall FWD.'

YC the Cynic's signature syncopated flow over "loungy" beats is still as soupy as ever and who doesn't love comfort food? This guy is dope as all hell and his delivery and story telling on this are superb. "Rude Boy Jamaican" lets me know that the album will be a nice evolution from previous works without losing his core.

YC the Cynic will be performing tomorrow night, in Betsy Head Park, Brooklyn with Sean Price, Smoke DZA, Masta Ace, Smif N Wessun and others. If you're in the Brooklyn area between 6pm and 9pm definitely go check YC the Cynic out. Stream and download of "Rude Boy Jamaican" below. Enjoy!

Livewire - "Theraflu" IMS Remix

Payola is nothing new. We all know that if you want to get spins from the top working DJs, not even talking radio play, you need to come up with some money. Long gone are the days of DJs just playing a record because they like it. Long gone are the days of DJs wanting to break a record. They just want to be the first to play a record.

Livewire addresses the issue in his IMS DJs remix of "Theraflu." The instrumental is about as simple as it gets musically but Livewire gives a master class in lyricism over it. With the emphatic, "Tell DJs to stop actin' like bitches in New York" the Brooklyn MC makes it very clear that he's unafraid to challenge any and everyone necessary to gain the exposure he's due.

Check the stream and free download below...

EXCLUSIVE: Livewire feat. Joe Budden - "Winning"

Can you dig it? CAN YOU DIG IT? Caaaaan yooooou dig ehhhhhhhht!

Premiering right here on RoxFontaine.com is the latest music video from, "ya favorit," Livewire titled "Winning!" Joining him on this insane DG produced track is Jersey Joe Budden. Though Joe is now signed to a major deal with Slaughterhouse, he and Livewire still are two of the independent scene's most dynamic artists.

This video is the result of a huge investment of time and effort. I brought you the audio in September of last year and now we finally have the video. Based on the cult classic film "The Warriors" Livewire teamed up with director Ashley Smith of Smith Hage Productions to deliver his biggest production yet. It was well worth the wait! Check it out below.

Livewire on twitter

Cocoa Sarai - 'The Black & White'

Cocoa Sarai is a rock star. Bold. Fearless. Not just a recording artist but a true performing artist.

I couldn't quite put my finger on that up until a few weeks ago when Cocoa's manager made that distinction for me. I co-sponsored her album release party with Rocawear and Vibe Vixen and the night was aptly titled "The Cocoa Sarai Experience." You see, to know Cocoa is to experience Cocoa is to fall madly in love with Cocoa.

Her sophomore release 'The Black & White' is her middle finger to naysayers. Now more mature, more experienced and more creative, she has proven with this album that she can do anything she wants to do.

This album is nothing short of incredible! From the in-your-face intro, "The Black & White", to the power ballad "Live" at the album's close, Cocoa Sarai masterfully displays her fantastic songwriting abilities and jaw dropping vocal ability. Her tone and timbre will give you goosebumps.

The first single "Raining in my Room" was only scratching the surface of the depth and bredth of Cocoa's artistry. I won't get into a track by track synopsis of the album but works like"Memories 4 Suckers" and "One Second 2 Love" featuring triple threat Rich Lowe (rapper/singer/producer) will absolutely blow you away. "Live" and "Raining in my Room" tug at your heartstrings. The reworking of SWV's "Anything" featuring Fred the Godson, "Delete You" and "Criminal" cover the radio ready set. I thoroughly expect "Black & Blue" to be the breakout single though.

Cocoa and her production team did a phenomenal job on this project. They really captured the dynamics of Cocoa Sarai's talent and delivered a product that rivals anything in Pop and R&B right now. DEFINITELY spend the money for this album! You won't regret it. I expect this album to clean up at the next Underground Music Awards.

Download "The Black & White"

Soul Khan - "Mr. Governor"

Soul Khan drops another great track today from his latest EP Pursuance, also debuting today. The six song release is heavy on soul samples, Fat Beats (pun intended) and dope rhymes.

This is when I love the "traditional" underground sound. Soul Khan is not trapped in the backpacking for the sake of backpacking styling of many underground rappers. He really has an ear for good music. It's the Boom Bap that purists love but has the sonic quality that any Rap fan can love.

Akie Bermiss adds a Cee-Loesque hook and Khan delivers his usual gritty "fear the beard" flow. It works perfectly together. Check it out and the link below and, of course, support the artist and BUY.

Buy Pursuance EP 

www.SoulKhan.com

Game Rebellion - "Rebel" Music Video

It's finally here! Remember when I told you about this shoot in September of last year? The band has finally posted the completed video. This is the second song from the 'Sounds Like a Riot' EP to get a video treatment.

I won't reiterate what happened at the shoot as you can read it in the link above. Plus, you now have the visuals to see for yourself. Click below to watch. Be sure to play it LOUD!

Game Rebellion on Twitter

YC the Cynic - "More & More" Music Video

For his very first music video, YC selects the posse cut "More & More" from his 'Fall FWD' album. The track features Soul Khan, Von Pea and Sene. You certainly wouldn't know this is YC's first video by looking at it. Absolute top notch production value and great visual story accompanying the music. I expect nothing less from YC and he always delivers.

Enjoy!

Siya - "I Put N****s On" Music Video

Finally! The streets have been clamoring for a new music video from Siya since the release of her video for "I'm Gone." The video was shot in Los Angeles and directed by Mike Ho. The creative vision of both artists was a match made in heaven and they vowed to work together again soon.

They kept their word and Mike flew to New York a few months ago and the two shot a series of videos for songs featured on Siya's "Elevator Dreams" disc. The first of them to release is "I Put N****s On". Siya gets her "Boss" on cruising in a Maybach and showing a young man, "How to move it."

The interesting point is that the videos seem to have been worked into a continued story. Mike Ho, as usual, delivers super slick visuals and dynamic editing. I can't wait to see the next release in the series! For now, check this out and enjoy...

Siya on twitter

Livewire - "Winning" Remix feat. Joe Budden

Reeeeeeemiiiiiiiiix! In case you missed the original mix, here is my coverage of this certified banger from Living Inspiration Via Entertainment. Just over a month later, this new remix is out featuring Slaughterhouse member Joe Budden. I don't even have to talk to you about the lyricism on this track. You know very well.

Check out the audio....

JF Brooks - 'Undeniable'

 

un-de-ni-a-ble - adjective

1. incapable of being denied or disputed

2. not open to refusal

3. unquestioned as to quality, merit, etc.; indisputably good: undeniable artistic talent.

I sat down to write this "review" and I found myself at a loss for words. Not that there is nothing to say about it. I could use up every superlative I know explaining how good this album is. The problem is that it's just that good. It's a level of quality that you can't necessarily communicate with words. It's something that you hear and feel; not just talk about. I could explain how it feels to sit in a jacuzzi but if you've never experienced it, the words just sound nice. You'd be able to nod, smile and say, "I'd love to try that!" but there is no substitute for the actual experience.

There is no substitute for the 'Undeniable' experience.

I was first introduced to JF Brooks' music at the top of the year. If I remember correctly, his manager sent me a link to the video for "Seasoning". (I'd link you but it's no longer up.) A couple of leaks later, the full project is now fully expressed in the universe. I listen to Rap music and I enjoy different things for different reasons. There is not a ton of music that I absolutely relate to though. The most prominent themes in Rap music just don't fit my lifestyle. I am very happy to say that I relate to JF's music. On many different levels.

JF has guts. Again, it's not something I can easily verbalize. It's something that has to be heard. His military experience, his family experience, his ambition, his attitude....I know what he's talking about. I listen to these songs and they speak to me as a man. They speak to me as a child of Hip-Hop. To make music this personal takes true grit. One's purpose has to be much bigger than self aggrandizement. It's about pursuing excellence at every moment of every day. It's about being undeniable.

This album is a fantastic accomplishment by JF Brooks. I implore you to support this artist and album and download it. If you need "something more" in your Hip-Hop, it is contained within this project.