The Broken Record

If you watched the American Music Awards last night, you might...

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:26:34 -0600

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

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:01:00 -0600

Word To The Wise On WorldStarHipHop: I do no frequent the ever popular WorldStarHipHop.com but I do...

j-a-v-i-s: Niko Villamor | Flasm Kill-off flow!

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:30:06 -0500

j-a-v-i-s:

Niko Villamor | Flasm

Kill-off flow!

Here’s a great artist to add to your...

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:00:05 -0500

Here’s a great artist to add to your playlist….he’s a know unknown with impeccable talent and clout! Theophilus London II, a Trinidad born and New York breed artist has been on the scene for years and is quite popular internationally. He debut EP Lovers Holiday released earlier this year on Warner Bros. Records is merely the icing on the cake, a multi-tier cake at that! This dued has been selling out shows long before he earned a spot on the Warner Bros. roster. On his most recent album Timez are Weird These Days, he’s created an album were he boldly goes beyond the normal artistic boundaries and talks about the current state of the Hip Hop culture. His sound, deliver and character as an artist is like a musical salad. He dishes up a dash of pop, a heap of R&B, a scoop of soul and a drizzle of electro, dishing up one helluva story!

Theophilus London is definitely an idol with his acclaimed fame but he still has his own idol’s that he admires. Kanye West being one of them, which he met at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. When he’s not checking out major indie films you can find him performing at events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival in Canada or the Northside Festival in Brooklyn, NY. He’s definitely making an impression in the music industry so, hop on the band wagon check him out!

Interview with Blctxt Contxt

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:00:05 -0500

In the Hip Hop culture, finding an Alpha Male with bad bitches and plenty of riches is like finding...

So today is Broken Record artist Niko Villamor’s birthday....

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:27:30 -0500

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!!! :)

Released one week ago, Skewby comes at us with a video for one...

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:13:14 -0500

Released one week ago, Skewby comes at us with a video for one of his best songs on his last project, More or Less. Check this piece for 11:58, a simplistic visual of images based on the lyrics played on a wall behind the MC.

(Via AleonCraft.com) Mothership: The Decatur Connection is a...

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:20:00 -0500

(Via AleonCraft.com) Mothership: The Decatur Connection is a collaborative project between funk legend, George Clinton, and creative, hip-hop/funk artist, Aleon Craft. Mothership: The Decatur Connection is a musical creation consisting of elements from: Aleon Craft’s Mothership Decatur, The Parliament’s catalog – including, Mothership Connection – and original recordings from both Aleon Craft and George Clinton. Paul Forrest, SMKA-affiliate, is the chief producer behind Mothership: The Decatur Connection and was tasked with taking all of the pieces from Craft and Clinton and creating something unique that reflected their style and vision. Mothership: The Decatur Connection is an exciting mash-up project combining two very different artists, both with an exceptional creative process. The project is presented by SMKA & Funkprobosci.com and is scheduled to be released in 2011.

“P-Funk was basically just a giant collective of musicians with rotating membership, so this project feels perfectly natural to me,” say Paul Forrest. “It’s like Craft has just gone back in time and linked up with George, and company, on the Mothership Connection to make a sick album. There are times when the Mothership Decatur choruses’ sounds so much like P-Funk vocals that I’d forget I was listening to a mashup.”

Aleon Craft has always been captivated with, and heavily influenced by, George Clinton & Parliament. Craft and Clinton first meet in 2005 during a time when Aleon Craft was better known as Big Marc of Da Backwudz. Clinton recorded a verse on Wood Work, the southern duo’s debut album released by Dallas Austin’s Rawdy Records. “I was raised, respecting the funk, the whole funk, nothing but the funk,” Craft says. “So it was only right that the Funk Gods aligned me and George, again, to create this project. The funk is still alive, and we will never let it die…”

Craft’s 2011 project, Mothership Decatur, paid homage to Parliament’s 1967 release, Mothership Connection, fusing southern hip-hop and funk into his own brand of music called, Solar-Hop. After reaching out to Clinton, and explaining his desire to create a mashup project between Mothership Decatur & Mothership Connection, Aleon Craft learned more about the long history of legal battles involving copyright infringement and publishing embezzlement that George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic have relentlessly fought throughout the year. P-Funk, one of the most sampled groups in history, has amazingly lost most of the profits generated from sampling due to copyright (sample) trolls and questionable legal representatives. After discussing the project in more detail both artists felt that this would be a perfect opportunity to create a unique project, and possibly help P-Funk and hundreds of other funk artists in their constant fight with copyright infringement.

George Clinton is currently engaged in major court cases that could critically impact the future of copyright laws for the entire music industry, as well as motion pictures and related media.

The A3C Festival is the biggest hip hop festival in the...

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:05:10 -0500

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...

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:24:55 -0500

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!

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the passing of...

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:47:00 -0500

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the passing of music’s most promising songstress, Aaliyah Dana Haughton. 10 years ago, as a 15 year old randomly flipping through the TV channels, I saw breaking news on CNN that Aaliyah and several others were involved in a fatal plane crash in the Bahamas. She was only 22 years old.

To say she was on the brink of a promising career is putting it lightly. Not only did she wow many with her angelic vocals, smooth dance moves, and trend-setting videos, she was also a talented actress. She starred in Romeo Must Die, an urban adaptation of Romeo and Juliet aside DMX and Jet Li, in 2000 and Queen of the Damned in 2002 (released posthumously). She was expected to act in the Matrix films as well.

Whenever Aug. 25 rolls around, I often wonder what she would be doing today. Still acting? Still a princess on the charts? Would she be the Beyonce before Beyonce? Would she have married Dame Dash? Often it is said that artists who die too soon had the world in their hands, the brightest future ahead of them. For Aaliyah, this is true. Her music is still leaps and bounds above most artists today and her style was always relatable, classy, sexy, and simplistic. She remains an inspirtation for young girls and women, in music and out. RIP.

peepmychi:

Aaliyah - I Miss You (R.I.P.)

In memory of Aaliyah i had to post this video.

Atlanta has its far share of music, art, and fashion festivals...

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:12:00 -0500

Atlanta has its far share of music, art, and fashion festivals and events thorughout the year, from major productions to smaller scale initiatives. But few can combine genre benders with creative innovators and forward thinkers like YUME Fest. This cultural renaissance began in Tokyo and NYC last year, but the movement itself has been a live for 6 years.

This year marks the first time it is coming to ATL with a roster of performers sure to please. TBR’s own Niko Villamor, Ethereal, Ghost Party, DJs Teknology, Sugar Ray, and Silent Intelligent will be in the place. Merch and art will be available from Chilly-O, Paper Frank, and ConspireATL(to name a few). It all goes down September 10 at Apache Cafe on 3rd St. Tix are only $10 and the night will be hosted by Jayda B and #Dent Radio. The TBR Chicks will be in attendance so see ya there!

More Info: Click any and all links. For the latest updates, subscribe to #Dent Radio or the FB page.

Bosco has finally returned with a new project! Released...

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:12:31 -0500

Bosco has finally returned with a new project! Released yesterday (8.17.2011), Pacer is a 6 track EP produced by Dogbite, a member of the band Washed Out.

The album tells the journey from Atlanta to California in a 1978 Teal Pacer thats translated through soundcapes, ambient, textured vocals and melodic instrumentation. During this voyage the two will experience their fate through life, love, lust, and desire. Though Dog Bite produced majority of the EP, Ira G produced two tracks. Pacer includes Bosco flipbook with videos, exclusive baby video, and music.

Click on the picture or go to boscopacer.com to download the EP. The download also comes with access to 4 videos. Enjoy!

RA the MC When I first saw this chick perform, it was like...

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:39:00 -0500

RA the MC

When I first saw this chick perform, it was like seeing’96 Lauryn Hill in concert with The Fugees! She had the demeanor of a hungry lioness about to pounce on her prey. Her swag, her flow, and her style (equipped with the old school fanny pack) was enough to captivate the whole audience at the A3C Fest in Atlanta. I’ve been following her on Twitter ever since just to get a glimpse into her world as an artist. Not only is she cool to watch on stage but seeing her new songs and videos has been amazing. Of course, I could be only talkin’ bout RA the MC.

This DMV native is emerging as the next big female artist in the rap game. RA’s goal is to bring something fresh and new to the music scene that will completely change mainstream music. She is already on her way after having already shared the stage with hip hop pioneers Kurtis Blow and Afrika Bambaataa. Currently, she is one of the emerging artists in Sprite’s 1^st multinational integrated marketing campaign, Spark. Not to mention that she managed to release her mixtape, Trending Topics, right after having a horrific car accident that left her jaw wired shut. Now she just sticks with braces as her music’s saving grace. RA released her highly acclaimed Heart of a Champion last year and followed early 2011 with Victory Lap.

With all the flack that female MCs have been getting ever since they entered the rap scene, RA the MC is still blazing forward and in a way you gotta respect. Female MCs like the Nicki Minajs, Lil’ Kims, and Foxy Browns are cool but they will never be anything like the Queen Latifahs, MC Lytes, and Lauryn Hills. RA completely understands this concept is bridging the gap between the lyrical vs. the simply sexy female rhyme spittas. The Broken Record will be here to capture all of her rap star glory…so stay tuned.

Put On Repeat: Victory Lap (featured video), Hate Me Now, Window Seat, Told You So, Sky’s the Limit

Download: http://rathemc.bandcamp.com

Check Out: www.twitter.com/RAtheMC, www.studio43.com, http://www.beatsandbombs.com/tag/ra-the-mc/

Young Scolla The current state of the music industry is...

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:44:00 -0600

Young Scolla

The current state of the music industry is unfortunate to say the least. However independent artist and the under ground music movement has never been better. Innovative concepts and strategies are continuously being utilized for artist to capitalize on and build a bigger brand. And SMKA, an Atlanta based music production/branding company, is doing just that!

Their current project, Young Scolla meets SMKA, is getting a lot of buzz. They are using crowd funds to create the artist, Young Scolla, album. This project launched barely a month ago and they’ve already reached 75% of their goal. The most interesting points in this project are 1) the artist is getting impeccable cross marketing in this joint venture 2) funding by fans/supporters creating a wider and solid fan base 3) independently growing a brand with no major label backing. Those three reasons alone should motivate independent artist to think outside the box pertaining to handling your business. Network and build solid relationships, Young Scolla is from Memphis, TN. But he lives in Detroit, MI. Yet, here he is making paramount moves with like so with SMKA in Atlanta, GA. But most importantly remember, it’s not a one man show. So many artists think they can do it alone, and they can. However, joint ventures have numerous benefits when you linked in with the right people.

You to can become a fan, follower, supporter and backer of Young Scolla by checking out http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1114306332/album-young-scolla-meets-smka

There are several pledge options available, just remember to choose one before you leave the website J

To learn more about SMKA check out http://thesmkaexperience.com/

Skewby Interview 1/29/11 Recently, The Broken Record caught up...

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:29:00 -0600

Skewby Interview 1/29/11

Recently, The Broken Record caught up with artist Skewby out of Memphis as he stopped through ATL for his Meet & Greet. He is currently promoting his new project, More or Less. It was a pleasure that he took time away from his Twitter peeps to chat with us. Check out just how cool and shall I say…unique, Skewby really is.

BR: So what was the 1^st thing that made you wanna do music?

Skewby: I was 12 years old, my parents had divorced, and before that I wanted to play basketball but I always rapped. I been rapping since the third grade but I never took it serious. When they divorced I didn’t have any friends. I didn’t have the same passion to go outside and pick up a ball. I didn’t have the same passion for it, so I started writing music. I started writing about how I felt, how I was angry, and da da da. How that related to me? It felt better than a person related to me like having an actual friend. Like rap was my best friend and at that moment that’s when I knew I wanted to do it forever. So that was it.

BR: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration for your music?

Skewby: I mean, as I was growing up it was Jay-Z cause that was like the 1^st rapper with lyrics that I really started listening to. But as I get older I relate to people like Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest. Like I really love what he does; I listen to him a lot. Uh Common is one of my favorite rappers. And of course 8Ball, MJG, UGK.

BR: Memphis. LOL

Skewby: Yea you know Memphis. The south. And really Pimp C too. I loved his honesty. It’s certain things about certain people that I take and kinda put into my arsenal of rhymes or whatever. Pimp’s honesty, Phife Dawg’s confidence, Jay-Z’s consistency, and Common’s way that he displays honesty in his music.

BR: As far as something unusual, what’s something that not even your fans know about you?

Skewby: I don’t watch television.

BR: At all?

Skewby: I don’t watch any television, at all. I only read books, magazines, articles, NY Times. My favorite author’s Seth Garden. I love black history. That’s one of my favorite things to read about. I only watch comedies and romances. I don’t watch negative images at all. I don’t watch fights, don’t watch WorldStar, don’t like guns. Im just positive energy that’s really what I represent. Its real. But I kinda sneak it into my music cuz I don’t wanna come off super positive. But it’s a secret message that I’m putting into people’s brains cuz I know I have that power as a rapper. That’s my responsibility that I wanna have. That’s pretty much it…I don’t watch television.

BR: Whats your favorite car?

Skewby: A 1997 Corvette.

BR: What’s your favorite old school car?

Skewby: Well 97’s kinda old, but yea that’s not old school. LOL Because I don’t know any I’m gonna say the ‘64 Impala cuz that’s always the acceptable car in all the videos. And I’m a gangsta. Not a bad gangsta, a good gangsta…if there is such a thing. I mean, you can make whatever up it’s 2011 man. If you’re creative, you’re a gangsta. (laughs)

BR: Do you feel you’ve already “made it” and if so, what was that I made it point?

Skewby: I haven’t already made it. I’m so far away from making it in my mind. I can tell you how I know I haven’t made it because I woulda had 300 people here at New Era tonight. Not sayin I’m disappointed cuz I’m a realist. I know 20 people from Atlanta follow me on Twitter, so I expected 20 people to come here shaking my hand. But I think being real and looking in the mirror makes me proud of every accomplishment I’ve done. I’ve proud of what I haven’t accomplished. I’m proud of those things too. When I make it I’ll be pretty happy. I don’t want the whole world. I don’t wanna be #1. I wanna be able to do music and support my family.

BR: What keeps you so humble?

Skewby: A great family. My mom she’s my best friend. I love the simple things. And like really tho, being in the industry I’ve gotten the chance to meet people that I’ve looked up to and they let me down when I met em. Seeing how materialistic they were and seeing how they judge people. I’ve never been into that. I’ve never been into judging people by how many followers they got on Twitter, what purse they got, or what kinda shoes you got on. I wasn’t always fresh and I wanted people to talk to me. I just appreciate real life and real people. People like my grandfather, like my mother, like my sister. We real people so that’s what I like being around.

BR: Last question, what is 1 thing you would like the world to know from Skewby? Whatever’s on your mind.

Skewby: Well I read the Willie Lynch pamphlet today. They should go read that. It’s pretty crazy. I just can’t believe somebody said those words.

BR: Tell us what it’s about.

Skewby: It is the pamphlet that a white man wrote on how to control slaves and how to make black people mentally go against each other. In it he said that it’ll work 300 years from now and obviously it’s been way over 300 years. It’s crazy. They should go download “More or Less” if they haven’t already. They should go get “Midnight Marauders,” the Tribe Called Quest album. And love everybody even the people that hate you. That’s real love just misguided love.

Ok so check this out….I just finished listening to Naira and...

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:51:00 -0600

Ok so check this out….I just finished listening to Naira and I had to share my findings with you all. At the first listen, you’ll conjure up mass comparisons when hearing her voice. When you’re done deciding, you settle on the best option….Lil Mo’ with a Badu jazzy delivery. Naira is definitely a rare coin, double sided indeed. Side one, The Singer, soft warm illuminating jazzy vocals. The flip side, The Rapper, lyrically conscious thought provoking rhymes. The native Nigerian now ATLien has performed in many countries sharing her eclectic sound. Take a ear to these songs:

Nickels, Dimes & Pennies…. has an aggressive cocky female thing going on this track.

Hey Love…..she show’s her soft side as she carries soft notes singing of love

Where can you find her…..

Twitter: @IamNAIRA

Bandcamp: http://naira.bandcamp.com/

…and we will be there ;-)

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:59:00 -0600

…and we will be there ;-)

R&B Sanga This bonafide Florida boy has a voice that calms...

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:14:33 -0600

R&B Sanga

This bonafide Florida boy has a voice that calms every nerve in your body. He first burst into the R&B scene with his slow jam “Vickies.” This ode to lingerie and the women in them has his female fans ready to pounce the stage during his performances. He has a smooth, charismatic sound that leaves you craving more. If you don’t know him by now, let The BR be the 1st to introduce you to R&B Sanga.

R&B Sanga got his start at the tender age of 6 singing in his church choir and then began performing anywhere he could as he got older…this included singing in front of movie goers at his 1st job at the movie theater. LOL Later in his career, he was the lead singer of a local group in Florida but later began his solo career. R&B Sanga writes and arranges his own music and his Florida vibe is felt the entire time. His music is fun and free for riding around with the top back until he slows it down for the late night lovers.

Performing everywhere around the southeast, R&B Sanga has built a fast following, especially in his home state of Florida. He has strategically positioned himself to be the next sexy, R&B sangin’ major artist of our time. Major labels have been competing for his signature, but he chooses to stay independent…for now. Stay tuned for BIG things with this artist because he is definitely on his way to greatness. Just remember where you heard about him… ;) #TheBR

Put On Repeat: Vickies (featured video), She’s a Winner, Hate Hate, Bentley on Pirellis

Check Out: www.myspace.com/rbsanga, www.facebook.com/rbsanga

Download: http://soundcloud.com/rbsanga

Good news good people, Skewby is back with the much anticipated...

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 -0600

Good news good people, Skewby is back with the much anticipated More or Less mixtape, now available on www.djbooth.net. Review coming soon (although Im sure its bangin’). While your computer is downloading, check out this vid from his release party.

skewby:

The #MoreOrLess Listening Party. “More Or Less” will be available for download tomorrow on www.djbooth.net.