Latest Hip/Hop Posts

Lil Debbie Talks New Album, The State Of Hip-hop & Rising Talent [TMN Interview]

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 18, 2017

Respect is earned, it’s not simply given out to anybody. Unfortunately for women, that respect is even tougher to come by in the creative world especially, but one OG boss who has been doing her own thing for years – gaining mad respect and praise from all crowds – is Lil Debbie. The rapper, model, weed connoisseur and fashion designer isn’t someone who will be going away anytime soon.

Lil Debbie has set up a foundation that is going to last. She’s come from music and that has laid the groundwork for a successful multi-faceted career. Moves will always be made, but her latest move hearkens back to the music by means of a brand new album, OG In My System. Complete with eleven tracks, including her lead single “Summer,” this LP sees Debbie taking her sound to new territories.

Stagnant isn’t a word in Lil Debbie’s vocabulary. Over the years she’s released an incredible amount of songs, each time out taking steps to offer fans something a little different. The Bay Area beast is a legend in her own right, but the tale isn’t over. We’re sure to have more music, as you’ll find out below. Lil Debbie recently stopped by the dojo for an interview, answering questions about her new album, where hip-hop is currently and what artists she has her eyes on.

TMN: Let’s start with a totally unfair question, which song is your favorite on the OG In My System?

LD: “I Get It” has to be one of my top 3.

TMN: Can you give us a rundown of what it was like putting together this LP?

LD: It was interesting, I’m always evolving, developing and progressing so it’s interesting to watch my inner self grow – going through sadness and bossyness.

TMN: What makes this album different from your previous work?

LD: Well for one I’m experimenting with Auto-tune, also I’m playing around with melodies and flow switch up. Definitely trying out new things and playing around while I still can.

TMN: Why did you choose to release the single “Summer” first? How much fun was it shooting the music video?

“Summer” represents such a lighter time of my life, I felt like it was necessary to drop that first. The video was a lot of fun, I honestly had no clue I was even going to shoot a video. Me and my girls just decided one day to play around with equipment we brought out to the islands. Most of it is just random footage of us wandering around by ourselves getting stoned and lost.

TMN: Being a stoner myself, I have to wonder… approximately how much weed went into the making of this album?

LD: POUNDS.

TMN: You’ve released an LP or mixtape every year over the past few years, looking to keep that going in the future?

LD: Yea, you know me, I’m not a quitter.

TMN: You recently did a project with the Barong Family. Looking to work with dance music producers more often?

LD: Yes, I love dance music and I love creating with all types of producers. I was sooo blessed to be able to be apart of a Barong Family project!

TMN: As someone who doesn’t stick to just music, what other ventures do you currently have going on right now?

As of right now I am working on my marijuana brand cakes, which is an edible line but I also do carry live resin and a cakes marijuana strain. I’m also working on other things for my fans but as of right now this is one of my main focuses.

TMN: Is there something you have yet to get your hands in that you would like to?

LD: Yea some Rose Dom Perignon! LOL.

TMN: Style is something you own and there’s no better, more permanent way to express style than with tattoos. What has been your latest addition and what’s next?

LD: I recently got legs in the air with panties sliding down the legs and two nails that are just filling in some space on my arm in between two other tattoos. I never know what I’m going to get tatted I just get things last minute.

TMN: Where do you think the rap game is at currently and where do you see it going?

LD: The rap game is in a dope dope dope dooopppeeee space as of right now. There’s a lot of freedom for artists to express themselves and a lot of outlets. All blessings!

TMN: Can you tell us some up and coming talent in the Bay Area that everyone should know?

Everyone should check out my girl that is super clean, her name is Aliky, check out her Instagram which has all her music info @Aliikyw. Also another girl that is dope that can also sing is Natty Kay, her Instagram info is @NattyKay7.

OG In My System was released today and is currently available on iTunes and Spotify.

[Music Video] Ekoh feat. Almost Normal – Daudrie

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 17, 2017

Las Vegas rapper Ekoh has put out an emotional new single called “Daudrie” alongside Almost Normal. Not only do we get a song, but also a video, both based on the Netflix documentary Audrie and Daisy. Hence the name that had us confused at first.

With a topic such as sexual assault, it’s not easy to pull off something that sounds so genuine and stays true to victims involved. Ekoh does justice to the cause with a heart-dropping project that doesn’t miss a beat on any front, aural or visual. Artists are often not standing for things anymore, unless it will help their social marketing and look like they care, but Ekoh’s true intentions shine through a wonderful project. He took it as seriously as he could and it shows.

[Hip-Hop] Dio – Arrival EP

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 16, 2017

Dio is here with his EP, Arrival. Complete with four tracks, this hip-hop EP has come hot out of the oven from the Litt Music headquarters. No, I wasn’t being cheesy and saying “THIS MUSIC IS LIT,” but in actuality, this EP is pretty lit.

Arrival is an intimate project, with short songs that pack a punch you wouldn’t expect coming from their time length. It’s not all about length, as the saying goes. Dio brings heat every time out on top of some high quality beatwork. This is just the type of fire you’d expect coming from Litt Music. They keep it real and so does Dio, which is why they are a perfect match. Dive into this one and enjoy.

’Dio – Shift Moves’

’Dio – Hate’

’Dio – Dreamer’

’Dio – Thank You’

Hip/Hop

The Urban Renewal Project – Road To Victory (Ft. Hugh Augustine & Alex Nester) [TMN Premiere]

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 15, 2017

The “Road To Victory” has been paved by The Urban Renewal Project. A lot of bands say they are doing something different, when really they aren’t, but that’s not the case with this LA group. They’re the real deal and they’ve joined us in the dojo for an exclusive first listen to their newest single.

“Road To Victory” features Hugh Augustine and Alex Nester on top of the usual lineup of musicians. The jazzy hip-hop original is not going to be what you’ve been used to if you are a fan of rap. They cut back to some OG flavors, while implementing their own elements to create a truly special song. Musicianship always wins out with The Urban Renewal Project with the result being amazing tracks time and time again. Stream their latest exclusively here in the dojo.

[Hip-Hop] Azad – “Enough of You” (Karnaval Blues Remix)

Posted by Hank - August 14, 2017

Azad
Enough of You (Karnaval Blues Remix)

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“Enough Of You” is Sango, Atu and Dpat all producing under the smooth flow of LA-based rapper, Azad. As if that couldn’t get any better, it was just flipped brilliantly by the indie producer Karnaval Blues. With names like this on the original saying the bar is set high would be an understatement. But with Karnaval Blues’ washed-out take on the production and mixing of Azad’s rap it surpasses expectation. Thanks to this epic flip, we’ve got a new up-and-comer we’ll be certainly keeping an eye on. Give it a listen above.

TASTEBREAKERS – Wasabi feat. JAMO! & City James [TMN Premiere]

Posted by Tyler Trew - August 14, 2017

TASTEBREAKERS
Wasabi (Feat. JAMO! & City James)

Soundcloud

Wasabi isn’t in some people’s wheelhouse because it’s too hot. However, the “Wasabi” that TASTEBREAKERS have brought with JAMO! and City James is just the right kind of hot that people are looking for. Their collaborative single is here for you in the dojo where we’re giving you the opportunity to hear it first.

Hip-hop is in a ton of places right now, but with “Wasabi” we get something that isn’t like much else that’s out right now. It does have some similarities, but all in all it has a special quality to it that differentiates it from the general crowd. The beat itself is ill, with the rhymes on top providing the rest of the force on a hit that will knock you off your feet. We’ve got you covered with a first listen, so click that play button.

VOLAC Talks New Track and Japanese Drift Cars [TMN Interview]

Posted by Alisha Wieckmann - August 10, 2017

Volac
Wait A Minute ft. Peazy 616

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This Russian producer and DJ power duo has been making waves with releases on Tchami’s label Confession, AC Slater’s Night Bass and have joined forces with LA-based DJ/producer DESTRUCTO to create a G-house infused anthem “What I Got” which received over 1 millions streams on Soundcloud. Now VOLAC brings us a brand new track released on Night Bass and a tour announcement.

“Wait a Minute,” the duo’s recent track, continues to incorporate their G-house and hip-hop infusion to bring us another dark clubby hit that features the vocals of Peazy 616 and keeps us falling more in love with their over all production style. We got the chance to ask them about their No Love tour which kicked off in the US August 3rd in Santa Barbara, the new track, their thoughts on the Holy Ship debacle and more. Make sure to check out the track and click here for a list of tour stops and tickets.

TMN: How did VOLAC come to fruition?
VOLAC: We’ve been friends since childhood and both started listening to and loving electronic music early, so we tried making tracks together. When we were very young, we were creating a very different kind of dance music from what we produce now. After two years, we started to prefer deep house. Then, we continued on to do some G-house and bass house music. Volac was born very simply! One day we were making a track with a lot of vocals, and when we were saving it, we used the wrong two letters—“L” and “C.” We saved a track with the title “Volac” and loved the name!

TMN: Any previous background in music?
V: Volac is our first project as a duo. In the beginning we tried to making more EDM type music… but this wasn’t for us. We’ve been growing step by step though 😉 Started from the bottom hahaha

TMN: You have had some releases on same amazing labels such as Confessions, Destructo’s Hits Hard, and Night Bass – How does it feel to be recognized buy such strong producers?
V: To get respect from great labels and high profile producers is always really cool. We definitely feel a responsibility to create really solid tracks for each release on these taste making labels, and love putting together our best tracks for these releases.

TMN: You have a tour kicking off this weekend – what are some of the stops you’re most excited for? What are the feelings you like to induce on the crowd with your music during shows?
V: We are super excited for each show, but we’re probably the most excited for HARD fest, and Elements festival coming up this weekend. When we play we love moving the crowd with bass heavy tracks – we mostly enjoy playing our own music.

TMN: Any opinion on the news of Live Nation trying to push out Destructo
from Holy Ship?
V: We know that Holy Ship is one of the best boat parties in the world and that Destructo is great promoter and we don’t know exactly why this is happening. We hope that everything with his career will be cool and look forward to playing some of his parties in the future and continuing to collaborate with him!

TMN: I really dig the new track, the incorporation of the hip-hop vibe really stands out compared to other tracks- how’d this track come about?
V: We always try to combine house and hip-hop styled music. This is something we’ve been doing for some time now, and we love combining these two elements. “Wait A Minute” started with an awesome vocal from Peazy 616 and we built a super heavy beat around it – we’re really happy with how it came out.

TMN: In such a now saturated market what’s your advice to producers on making music that stands out in general?
V: Everyone should focus on crafting their own unique style. Copying anyone else just leads to more of the same music; you really need to work on creating something special and new. Spend as much time in the studio as you can!

TMN: Anything special on the horizon other than the tour and new track releases?
V: We have a bunch of awesome VOLACAST guest coming up and the videos are getting even crazier & funnier. Other than music, we’re thinking about buying an old Japanese drift car lol – we’ve wanted to
get one of those for so long haha.