If you watched the American Music Awards last night, you might have noticed that none of the nominees or winners were unsigned or independent artists. But there was a representer - PJ Morton! He not only performed with Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera on the hit single “Moves Like Jagger” but this talented singer/songwiter and author has been on tour with the band both in the states and overseas.
Word To The Wise On WorldStarHipHop -
I do no frequent the ever popular WorldStarHipHop.com but I do know plenty of people who use the site as their means of receiving all their news, from the lastest fight at some random location to teacher scandals to music. The one time I did type in the url, I felt as though my IQ was dropping with each second. But, to the site’s credit, it receives a lot of traffic and is a decent source for the latest videos and performance clips from some notable names in Hip Hop and R&B. But out this post from RefinedHype.com. Got some interest points on why WSHH might not be your best bet when trying to make a name for yourself and your music…
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In the Hip Hop culture, finding an Alpha Male with bad bitches and plenty of riches is like finding a light skinned vixen for your video - easy. But finding an emcee with lyrical talent and the confidence to offer a glimpse of his true self is rare. Blctxt Contxt is one such artist wtih a new project to offer such a glimpse. A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception weaves thought, heartache, determination, and daily struggles with bomb beats from King I Divine, J Haze, Illastrate, Siraaj Encore, Swiff D and features from Naira, Free Pharael, Venus and Dipp. We had the chance to speak with the emcee before his EP dropped on October 11.
TBR: You started out as a spoken word artist. Do you have any plans to do a spoken word album or perform solely as such?
BLCTXT CONTXT: There have been offers from the homies to do a spoken word only project. I am not against it at all it would just take time since I’m in ‘Song Mode’ now. Solely performing spoken word is an option but not at the moment since I’m rocking with King I Divine as my DJ for these dope shows.
TBR: What is your process for writing a new song?
BLCTXT CONTXT: Song writing has to be an organic process for me. I have to enjoy the music my lyrics are gonna be written to. Really, a good vibe is all I’m looking for and the rest will fall in line. Don’t wanna give the idea that this song was forced to happen because then the finished product comes off stale.
TBR: Journalists and fans love to label and compare artists. How would you describe your sound and yourself as an artist?
BLCTXT CONTXT: My sound…right now my sound is all Hip-Hop based with other musical influences. These influences help me create and bring other ears to the table that would not usually listen to Hip-Hop. So really my sound is just Hip-Hop, no labels to add neither before nor after it. However, I would like to coin the phrase “contxt clues” but time will tell with that.
TBR: Atlanta has been a go-to hit maker for the music industry for some years now but the underground/unsigned scene has a lot of gems. How do you view the city from an unsigned artist perspective?
BLCTXT CONTXT: My view on the unsigned here is exactly that, A Treasure Chest. A part of me feels like unsigned artists in Atlanta are in Davey Jones’ Locker, limbo if you will. We exist here because we want to show the world what we have to offer but getting exposure on a massive level almost takes an act of the gods.
TBR: Your last mixtape, Acknowledgment, dropped 2 years ago. Since then, what artists and albums have you been listening to for inspiration?
BLCTXT CONTXT: Wow, I don’t think y’all want this post filled with fifty’llemn artists!!! I’ve been on my usual hunt for music since 2009 and its fun as it’s always been. First of John Coltrane and Marvin Gaye are always in the mix. Then we have Clan Destined, Boog Brown, Black Spade, Ghostpoet, DELS, Claritta Durand, Thurzday, King I Divine, Illastrate and Muhsinah.
TBR: For your latest EP, A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception, did you have a clear direction for the sound and feel or did it emerge while writing and recording?
BLCTXT CONTXT: Not a precise sound exactly. I just wanted to build a bridge where listeners could cross from my existing sound to the new sounds that I was into. The end result is awesome to me and I feel as though I achieved my goal.
TBR: You’ve done a lot of work with producer King I Divine. How did that relationship come about?
BLCTXT CONTXT: King and I used to work in the same building on different floors. A mutual friend of ours wanted us to collaborate and we’ve been cool ever since then. Funny thing is, I thought he couldn’t stand me when we first met!
TBR: Some of the songs cover very personal material. Was it difficult to create those songs? Why now with this project?
BLCTXT CONTXT: There was definitely much difficulty when writing both “Infinity” and “god Bless…” I think it was because I was at my most venerable state when creating them. Even though it was a challenge to be 100% open, the timing just felt right to put these songs out. My purpose was to show how I could divide my thoughts and my feelings and combine them in one project.
TBR: What are your favorite songs on the EP?
BLCTXT CONTXT: Since I’m choosing just one song I’ll take “god Bless…A Smart Black Boy” as my favorite. This song fits me for where I am in my life. This is going to sound almost impossible but I love every song for different reasons. I told myself that I wouldn’t produce a project where I didn’t like each song and this is that project. I stand by all of the music on A Smart Black Boy.
TBR: Now for a little fluff: what is your favorite cartoon from now and childhood?
BLCTXT CONTXT: X-Men was my all time childhood favorite. Now I’m into Adventure Time. I know they’re not super heroes but I dig the wackiness of the whole show.
Click the above photo to download Blctxt Contxt’s A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception.
So today is Broken Record artist Niko Villamor’s birthday. In honor of his birthday, he has released his newest album Inertia. Click the pic to download your copy today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKO!!! :)
(Source: cdrclv)
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The A3C Festival is the biggest hip hop festival in the Southeast held every year in Atlanta, GA. The best in underground indie hip hop showcase their skills in front of thousands of adoring fans! This year the A3C Fest lineup is AMAZING!!! BR artists BIGREC, Skewby, Re, Young Scolla, Aleon Craft, and Grip Plyaz set to perform as well as many recognizable acts. Cory Guns, Pill, Ying Yang Twins, BIG K.R.I.T. and not to mention Big Daddy Kane is coming to show everyone where hip hop started from. For updates on this and more BR info, check us out on Twitter or on Facebook.
For more info and ticket info, please visit www.a3cfestival.com.
This Saturday The Jeanocide presents Kendrick Lamar, Cory Gunz and Cyhi the Prynce Live from The Loft in ATL. There is a poll going on RIGHT NOW to vote for your fave underground artist to open up the show.
Some of the hottest up and coming acts in the city have been selected for the poll, including The BR’s own Re. Only one artist will be selected as the opener with a 10 min show set, The poll will close at 5pm EST on Friday 08/26, Spread the word for your favorite artist. See you Saturday at the show!