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...

Nivla - "Feet on the Ground" Music Video

Have you ever heard the song "Everybody Wanna Be A Star" by Beanie Siegel? There's a line in the song where he says, "You think it's just rhymes and beats? Man, this s**t is stress, time and heat. Deadlines to meet." One of the most honest songs in history about what it really means to be in the "Rap game."

In the spirit of that effort, whether he knew it or not, Nivla puts "Feet on the Ground" in the market. The song and exceptionally well done music video tell his story of pain and struggle with alcohol abuse since signing to Interscope 4 years ago. The reality of the stress, pressure, broken promises and lies of the music industry are not for the faint of heart. You have to really want it. That's what separates the Pros from the Joes. Producer DJ Corbett provides a stirring backdrop for Nivla to tell his story on. It's definitely on the level.

Nivla is a very interesting talent. Here's hoping that he exorcised these demons with this song. We definitely don't need any more bright stars going before their time. Get into this power and, of course, let me know your thoughts in the comments.

If you missed my first coverage of him, check it out here.

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....

STORi - "Just Another Day"

image via artists facebook

I'm taking a late pass on this one as I'm just hearing of New Jersey singer/songwriter STORi. Recently signed to Motown/Universal this emerging talent dropped this reworking of Queen Latifah's "Just Another Day" to a self propelled 16k+ listens and counting.

STORi is an interesting talent. Flipping through her online catalog I gather that she hasn't truly defined herself as an artist but she's got a "laurynhill-ish" appeal. She hops back and forth between rapping and singing with ease and is quite smooth at both. I can't wait to hear her on a full project.

In the meantime, I'll be vibing to "Just Another Day." Check the stream and download below.

STORi on twitter

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