Sneakerbox Chock - "Nah Never" Music Video

 

After a performance at the last BET Music Matters event and just before his upcoming performance at the SOHO Apple Store, Sneakerbox Chock keeps the momentum going with a new music video. Shot in Camden, NJ the video is for Traxx Trigga produced "Nah Never." This is the first track to drop since the debut of his new site www.WhoIsChock.com.

I had a chance to meet up with Chock a few weeks ago in Philly and he promised to bring out all the stops this summer. "Nah Never" is just the tip of the iceberg. If you're in the NYC area, definitely drop by for his performance at the Apple Store on June 22nd. Details on his website under Events. Sneakerbox Chock and his band Soundwayve are something serious!

In the meantime, get into this music video. Competition is on alert. Chock said he ain't losin'...

Bueller Da Don - "Gettin' Mine"

One of the things I most respect about Bueller Da Don's music is his work ethic. He's always trying to push his sound, try new things and make legitimate hit songs. That's the difference between pros and joes; understanding the work. I first heard this joint back in February but he put it on the back burner until it got a proper mix and master.

The track is here now and it sounds like radio. Buell switches up his delivery a little bit to compliment the "Trap" sound that producer Klint Beastwood hooked up yet still keeps his cadence. "Gettin' Mine" is par for the course as far as these types of songs go but the head nod is undeniable.

I think this joint is on the upcoming 'Cruise 2 Fame II' project but don't quote me on that. Check the stream and download below... It's DCG or nothing, babe!

Apollo the Great - "5AM Eastern Time"

Apollo the Great is an inspired MC. The way it should be. He's talking about real grit and true crime like nobody else. See, Apollo is from Camden, New Jersey. Consistently one of the most dangerous and poor cities in America. A city where half of it's police force were laid off late last year because they didn't have enouch presence, control or effect. They needed to bring in a non union force and double their presence. How can you not rap about that?

Taking the instrumental from Drake's "5AM in Toronto," Apollo gives more of that Camden scary tales raw that is his staple. It's dark and street but clearly based in remarkable skill and true hunger for an escape.

Check out the free stream and download below. His latest album, 'Hennessy Diaries,' is available now on iTunes.

  

Bueller Da Don - 'Cruise 2 Fame II'

Bueller Da Don. Rapper. Visionary. Consummate professional.

I'm pretty sure I've said that before but I don't care. It's the truth. It is the way you make a dream a reality. It's what separates the men from the boys. It's what makes it seem that Bueller Da Don really is cruising to fame. 

His music is self-described as "the soundtrack to success." He talks a whole lot of $#!t but it's more inspiration than it is you-cant-do-what-I-do. It's the music you (you meaning I) play when you're gettin' ready to hit the club for the night. It's feel good music about giving your best and loving hard.

Buell's progressive sound and songwriting ability should have him on radio right now. A consistent face on iTunes with each project, he's proving that his brand of music is marketable. It's really just a matter of time before a label signs him. The quality of product he's producing at this stage is remarkable.

'Cruise 2 Fame II' is an evolution from the first project in the best possible way. The most noticeable growth is in the level of musicality. The depth and breadth of the production was scaled up significantly and the introduction of singer Mike-O adds even more polish to the two tracks he takes hook duty on. Producer Hotman takes the heaviest workload with 4 tracks. Traxx Trigga and Brad M. take 2 each and Stretch Banguz, Jay Criss, Sunny Norway, White Mike and Chosen 1 fill out the rest of the album. Each producer has a distinct style and sound but the total vision is consistent. 

The album is available on iTunes so you'll have to buy into this one but do check it out and listen to the preview clips. Below, I have one of my favorite tracks from the album. "Mission 2 Hearts (Galaxy Love)" featuring and produced by Jay Criss. This is far and away the best example of the radio readiness I spoke of earlier. This record is BIG! Major props to Buell for this one.

Get into the stream and, again, check out the full project on iTunes. Click here to listen.

Royce Castro - 'The Gil Cobain Hendrix Xperience'

There are scores of rappers out there vying for a visible space in the corner of the music industry reserved for Rap. There are all sorts of gimmicks and copycats out there so it's always a breath of fresh air to hear someone aspiring to true artistry.

Royce Castro is one such ambitious MC. I happen to know that this project was carefully thought out and crafted for long standing impact. I'm sure that sounds cliche but I can assure you that Royce Castro is the real deal.

The title alone is very lofty and can easily work against an artist. Even the mention of such giants can lead a listener to a heightened expectation and subsequent hard let down. This is not the case with 'The Gil Cobain Hendrix Xperience.' Royce has an extremely passionate project on his hands that is the beginning of a truly unique style. For two prime examples, look to the Tucker Brothers produced "Built 4 Something Special" and "Blues Hip-Hop Rock & Roll." This EP is very fine introduction to the work of a true artist.

Check the stream and free-if-you-insist download below...

Royce Castro - "Picture Me Coastin"

Team Chello in the building! (virtually anyway) Royce Castro is back on the airwaves with "Picture Me Coastin." Hopping back and forth between New Jersey and Atlanta, Royce has been working hard on completing and promoting 'The Gil Cobain Hendrix Xperience EP.' While the project hasn't been made available online yet, we have a track to vibe to until it is.

"Picture Me Coastin" is another dope display of Royce's rhyme style. It definitely carries heavier influence from his time spent in Atlanta but it's still signature Royce Castro music.

Check out the stream and free download...

Bueller Da Don - "Love Games" feat. Mike-O

I've heard it's "cuffin' season." Sooo... that would sort of explain this more pensive romantic side of Bueller Da Don. I mean... timing is everything, right?

I kid.

One of my favorite indie artists working right now is just getting more creative, more daring and more confident with each release. This new single, "Love Games" is no different. It's dramatic and airy. Keeping in line with the last release, "Groundhog Day."

Every smoothed out crossover record needs an R&B crooner and Bueller signs on newcomer Mike-O for the job. Mike-O delivers and adds a perfect hook and harmonies to the song. Nothing overdone but definitely showing genuine ability. I'd definitely be interested to hear him deliver a full performance.

Check out the video and stream, it will have you singing the hook in no time.

Bueller Da Don - "Groundhog Day"

Bueller back! Crispy clean audio, big beats and all types of fly talk as expected for a Bueller Da Don track. "Groundhog Day" is, I'm guessing, a leak from the upcoming 'Cruise 2 Fame 2' album.

This is definitely a joint to play in the am or at the gym to get you motivated to achieve. Bueller talks work, progress and opportunity on "Groundhog Day" while the airy pads of the Hotman produced track take your mind away.

Free stream and download for you rightchea...

Exclusive: STORi - "Jump Off to Lovers"

I think STORi said it best herself: "Dope sauce drippin'." Somebody please call for a cleanup in aisle 3!

The Newark, NJ based singer/songwriter STORi has had a strong year. I'm guessing she chose to close out in Hulk mode as "Jump Off to Lovers" is by far the best I've heard from her this year. The smoothed out R&B track takes me back to my junior/senior high school days when you used to make "makeout" tapes. Hell, I may have to make one for nostalgia's sake.

I really dig this vocal performance and production. I'm wondering when we'll get news of a full release from her home at Universal/Motown. Give us the scoop, STORi!

Stream and free download of "Jump Off to Lovers" on deck...

Sneakerbox Chock & Bueller Da Don - "Patent Leather"

I'm not even sure where to start with this joint. I love sneakers. I love Rap music. However, if you make a Rap song about sneakers, I probably hate it. I don't have to listen to it. I just hate it.

I do not hate this however. As a matter of fact, it's dope! Of course you knew that though. You wouldn't be reading this otherwise, right? Right.

The Jersey boys Sneakerbox Chock and Bueller Da Don aka The Running Matez, have been hard at work on their push to stardom and have been beefing up appearances in the tri-state area to further promote their work. I heard a few new tracks from the upcoming 'Election Day' project at their recent show for CMJ/AllHipHop. They kept this one under wraps and dropped it in via e-mail. Well played, Gentlemen.

"Patent Leather" is self explanatory. Fantastic production, as usual, from Sunny Norway and certified trunk rattlin' music. Get this primary now and look out for 'Election Day' on election day.

Apollo the Great - "Above the Sky"

They say nothing good comes out of Camden. Apollo the Great says that "they" are so very wrong.

Long regarded as one of the most key independent artists to watch in the tri-state area, Apollo is back in full media swing for promotion of his upcoming 'Hennessy Diaries' project. This new release, "Above the Sky" launched at Complex yesterday and we're sure to see Apollo heat up as the weather cools down.

The young lyricist tore up the scene in 2010 with "Call it Quits" and the next thing anyone knew, he was gracing the pages of XXL, cutting records with the likes of Sean Price and Joell Ortiz and gracing stages wherever real Hip-Hop was to be found. It's no secret that Apollo the Great is drawing from an era slightly before his time. He has a way with words and an ear that are not of this time and place.

That works out to be a beautiful thing and "Above the Sky" has already gotten me fired up for the full album. Dig into the free stream below....

Sneakerbox Chock & Bueller Da Don - "Hijacking"

Bang! The Running Matez are back with a new single and it is FIRAH! We've heard a bunch of singles from Bueller Da Don over the last few months, all featured here. Now it seems the rock has been passed back to Sneakerbox Chock to shoot. In the last month we've been hit with 2 brand new offerings from Chock. No doubt they will keep coming.

This track goes H.A.M. Producer Chosen 1 put together a banger and Chock and Buell are in top form as usual. Definitely two of the most prepared independent artists working right now. It's not a matter of "if" but a matter of when they explode as they remain current and are always creating at a high level. Everything is in place for a takeoff; all of this work is clearing the runway.

On "Hijacking" the sometimes duo give us another of their recorded swag sessions. No shock or surprise there but the weight in their work has been, and continues to be, the gloss in production and presentation. "Hijacking" is no exception. Easily one of the best releases from these two I've ever heard!

Check the free stream and download below.... 

Royce Castro - "Faded 4Ever"

Royce Castro has been causing a quiet riot over the last year. From several features on Coast 2 Coast mixtapes to radio play in Atlanta to acting in USA Network's Necessary Roughness, Royce has been hard at work on raising awareness of his abilities. While work has certainly been done, fans have been itching for more frequent releases from the New Jersey spitter. I've heard a few tracks from the upcoming project, at various stages of development, but there was one thing consistent about everything I listened to and that was that Royce was on fire.

"Faded 4Ever" is the latest release and as right as rain, Royce gets busy on the lyrical work and production from Linx Da General is sharp as well. Right from the jump, Royce attacks the verses with the same hunger we've come to expect from him. He bounces back and forth between uptempo and down tempo deliveries and it comes together seamlessly. He really can do anything.

Check the free stream below...

Bueller Da Don - "H.O.M.E."

"Jeeeeeeez." -Kipland Dynamite

I know it's been a minute since the last update but you know I always bounce back with something super fly for y'all! Since the last post, Summer has closed, school has restarted, tonight is Fashion's Night Out and Fall is fast approaching. As the temperature slowly drops, Bueller da Don is keeping the fire lit.

He and producer Sunny Norway dropped this buck nutty audio on the masses a few days ago and I've been bumping it heavily at the 9 to 5. Finally, I get a moment to share with y'all! "H.O.M.E." is Bueller's latest addition to a pile of releases that are adding up to a monstrous catalog. He's entirely locked in and this sound he's crafting with Sunny Norway is the next "it" thing in the air.

This track has Autumn written all over it and I'm putting it out in the universe that this will be a stunning visual in the near future. Right, Buell? The joint just feels like a cut from a 2012 remake of Boomerang. Right, Buell?

...and Sunny Norway? You're a damn FOOL for this production.

Check the stream below. Your playlist just got a whole lot fresher. Support the release on iTunes.

Bueller Da Don - "Testi-Fly"

Listen ... the simplest way for me to put this is this track is TOUGH! I raise my right hand, put my left hand on Hip-Hop and bear witness to the testimony.

Bueller Da Don is gettin' out of hand. Every time I hear him it sounds like he's aged 5 years in experience. The confidence. The delivery. The ear. Out of control.

"Testi-fly" is another in a series of stellar releases since "Cruise 2 Fame." (A project that's still in my car, by the way. Disc 1.) On top of the highly enjoyable work that Buell is doing himself, there's Traxx Trigga. This dude is a m-o-n-s-t-e-r with the production. Many producers don't learn to create epic structures on a pro level until they get to the pro level. Think about what Kanye, Swizz, Just Blaze and others like them sounded like in the beginning. They were clearly very good but they grew to be epic. Traxx is epic already. He's dropping stadium beats and Bueller Da Don is hitting everything out of the park.

A lot of these major label artists need to step it up. These indie artists are on your asses!

Check the free stream below. Support independents and cop the single on iTunes TOMORROW!

Bueller Da Don on Twitter

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. ---->

Sneakerbox Chock - "Work" Audio

Screwface World Music representative Sneakerbox Chock dropped this off in my inbox earlier today. Special delivery for you Hip-Hop fiends!  I spoke to Sneakerbox Chock just last weekend and I didn't hear anything about his new track. Definitely a pleasant surprise.

"Work" is produced by E. Jones of legendary producer 9th Wonder's Soul Council production team. I love the instrumentation on this one and the drums knock real proper like. Chock walks us through his rise from incarceration to celebration. Presented in his trademark energetic and deliberate style, you sense the hunger in his verses like a Meek Mill or even Screwface World Music labelmate Bueller Da Don.

Another dope release from south Jersey. I approve. "Work" is tight work. Stream and free download down bottom.

Tristate Inventory - "Tristate of Mind"

In June of last year I brought you the "Tristate of Mind" Suite exclusively here on RoxFontaine.com. After some serious fundraising and a couple of performances with a full orchestra, Tristate Inventory has finally released the full "Tristate of Mind" composition.

The first original Classical Hip-Hop piece ever written!

Hearing the vocals on this, sung by Nicole Yazolino, really takes the movement to another level. You really have to sit with this from start to finish and SUPPORT the artist by purchasing it. This is an incredibly ambitious project. It deserves a physical show of appreciation.

Stream and purchase below. Spread the word. Hip-Hop is up to something....

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

Bueller Da Don - "Threat & A Promise" Music Video

Hey, Buell ... stop using cheat codes! How the hell did you get the airport to let you shoot inside?

The first video to release from the 'Cruise 2 Fame' project was quite some time ago. It was out well before the album itself was released. Though several singles have dropped, as well as videos for collaborative efforts, there wasn't a new video single until now.

I was hoping for a video for "Forgive Me" but we are surprised by album intro "Threat & A Promise" instead. Bueller Da Don is one of the hardest working indie artists I know and it shows in this super dope music video. As a matter of fact, this is one of the best visuals I've seen from Bueller Da Don.

Of course, producer White Mike holds production down nicely and provides a strong and stirring canvas for Buell to paint on. Very clean product that I'm rockin' with for sure. Stamp this one.

Bueller Da Don on twitter