La Da Darkman "Check" (Audio)

Exclusive Audio
Yo, you know how we do it. Dope ish all the time. Listen to this new swizzy by man's La Da Darkman called "Check". It's a fresh joint that will get you re-introduced to good mc that's been out in the zone for a while. Oh and as we customarily do, here's a little background on La if you haven't seen him before.

"Check" (click to listen)

La Da Darkman (Let's walk to the alley)
La the Darkman (born Lason Jackson in The Bronx, New York City) is a Wu-Tang Clan affiliated rapper. He considers himself to be the "12th member" of the Clan. Also notable for having recorded several times and developed a friendship with the virtual hip hop pariah Vanilla Ice. La the Darkman is also the older brother of Willie The Kid, who is signed to Aphilliates Music Group, owned by DJ Drama, DJ Don Cannon and DJ Sense. La the Darkman is the vice-president of the company. They released a mixtape called Dead Presidents with AMG in 2006.

At the age of four La the Darkman moved with his family to Crown Heights, Brooklyn. At 14 he became involved in street life and got in trouble with the law. His mother didn't approve and he was moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he finished high school. At the age of 17 La moved back to Brooklyn where he later met with the Wu-Tang Clan. He released his debut album Heist of the Century in 1998, selling over 300,000 copies independantly. His follow-up album was due for release in 2006 through Think Differently Music but is yet to be released. In a recent interview, his brother Willie The Kid confirmed that La The Darkman's album will be released after DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz album and Willie's debut The Crown Prince.

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S.I.C. "I Am The Streets" (Audio)

Posted at 9/22/2007 08:11:00 AM

Exclusive Audio
Yo, I got to really update the audio section, but on the real we house independent artists here at HHR. Anyways, I got a nice joint for you called "I Am The Streets" by a newcomer called S.I.C. It's cool and it's got a story telling type mode to it. Check it, if you'd like to read S.I.C.'s blueprint, i got you (see below)...

"I Am The Streets" (click to listen)

S.I.C. (The Grimey One)
S.I.C., was born March 2nd, 1980 at Staten Island University hospital. Growing up in the Parkhill projects, struggle has been the driving force behind his talent. At the early age of 11, he was writing rhymes and by the age 15 began focusing on making his dream a reality. With the emergence of fellow Staten Islanders' Wu-Tang Clan, Shyheim and King Just, his future appeared more promising. In 1995, he worked with King Just and the independent label Black Fist Records where he obtained hands on experience in performing and the industry grind. Following the success of King Just's hit single "Warrior's Drum" (Hey Ya Ho) , poor business decisions and label inexperience delayed his solo effort. In 2000, he featured on "Three Amigo's" alongside Method Man and King Just for Priority Records' release "Wu Chronicles 2". In 2001, he appeared in a documentary film "The Struggle" a Carlu Production based on unsigned artists' quest to become permanent figures in the hip hop game. His debut album will give you a deeper look into his character and lyrical capacity. His vision and musical brilliance put him in a class of his own. His sound is hard enough for the streets, yet soulful for everyone to enjoy the music he breathes. His ability to set trends and revamp the art of songwriting makes him a force to be reckoned with.

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Friday, September 21, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Badnews interviews newcomer Metafore!

Posted at 9/21/2007 08:12:00 PM

Awrighty then, before you naagaas go out to the club and do your thizzle or what have you, I'd like you all to check out HHR's last installment for tonight. It's a dope interview with an up n coming independent artists named Metafore that our sideline reporter BadNews got the chance to conduct last week. For those who don't know, Metafore, was a recent finalist in the "On The Rise" contest that was sponsored by 50 Cent in conjuction with YouTube (see here). He's also got a dope single out on the airways called "Nah Mean" along with a new mixtape "Heir To The Throne 2" that we've both featured on HipHopRuckus. Whoa! Where's he from? How did he get started and what's he thinking right now? You'll just have to read and find out! So with out further interruption, as I like to say, peep the latest masterpiece from Badnews as he interviews Metafore....

BADNEWS: You’re from Florida right?

Metafore: Yep. Raised in Florida, but born upstate (New York), that’s where I live now.

BADNEWS: Well how was the music scene in Hollywood, FL?

Metafore: What it is now. There’s not that much really going on, it’s about the same. But it’s a little harder now getting put on, especially when you’re my age, but it’s really the same.

BADNEWS: You started writing songs and creating beats at the age of 12. How did you manage to create a beat at 12?

Metafore: Well, actually I just started writing music at 12. Making beats came a little bit later. But I use to listen to the radio a lot and I use to say “I could do better” so I started writing songs and just started rapping. (Laughs) I won’t say what songs I would listen to though! (Laughs)

BADNEWS: (Laughs) Ok. Well your mother really helped you out a lot to get your foot in the industry door. She use to carry around your demo and even played it at work. Have you gone on to hire her, or do you have that type of relationship that Usher and his mother use to have? You know, that mother/manager role?

Metafore: I mean, mom dukes is always going to be mom dukes. I don’t have that kind of relationship with her; she just looks out for my best interest. That is always number one. She was the one who jump started my career. But I mean parents always talk about there kid (Laughs) like everyone talks good about there kid. If I had a kid, I would speak positive about them. But she is definitely that spark.

BADNEWS: You signed on to Luckybug Entertainment. Did you feel that you could help them more than they could help them out? What was your attitude going into this?

Metafore:Well they could definitely help me more than I could help them out. There’s people here that been in the industry that were already here. But it’s like a double edge sword… if I blow up, they will gain that buzz and other artists will see that and try to get with them. Its like if you scratch my back, then i'll scratch yours type of thing.

BADNEWS: Your 1st single is titled “Nah Mean” it has a real club feel to it, it’s a real catchy song that can get stuck in your head. What was your 1st experience on hearing your song being played by a stranger?

Metafore: Well… it wasn’t that song that I heard; it was a CD of mines. I was walking down the street and I heard my song. It was some guy playing it and I walked over to him and asked “Where did you get that CD?” and he said “From a friend of mines", and I told him “That’s me!” and he looked liked he didn’t believe me, (Laughs) but he was said It was a good song. (Laughs)

BADNEWS: (Laughs) Well that’s not bad. You have your single playing on Music Choice as we speak, how did it feel to hear your song being played on TV?

Metafore: It puts a face behind the music. I remember I was at home and my friend called me and said, “Yo, you’re on TV”. I was like no way!! He didn't have satellite, so I had to go home and watch it and sure enough I was on TV (laughs). It was then I said to myself, “Ok, I can do this”

BADNEWS: That’s what’s up. Now you shot your video to the song, and it’s currently on your Myspace. It’s shot in black and white, where did you get the idea?

Metafore: Well, it’s was my manager’s idea to shot it black and white. Most videos today are real colorful, and bright, and we wanted to shot a video that looked real hood. You know, that had that edgy looked. But it looked good.

BADNEWS: Now you got a lot of pretty girls in your video. You getting any groupies yet? Are there any crazy fan stories you can tell us about?

Metafore: (Laughs) Well… I'm not getting any groupies yet, but there was this one time I was at the bus station and I was in line waiting for a transfer, and there were these girls behind me saying “is that him?” and I didn’t pay it any mind, but I heard the other girl say “ask him”. So they came to me and asked me if was Metafore. That did it right there! (Laughs) But they asked me for a autograph, unfortunately I couldn’t give them one cause my bus was coming but it was all good though.

BADNEWS: See that’s how I'm trying to roll, I want a girl preferably girls to run on me and ask me if I'm BadNews (Laughs) ...one day though. Ok, you have a blog on your Myspace page that’s addressing the Nas/Virginia Tech situation (Bill O’ Reilly protested that Nas be banned from a concert in VT because of his “gangsta” lyrics..you remember right?) how do you fell about O’Reilly trying to block Nas from performing?

Metafore: I mean, he’s not really that gangsta anymore. He was more gangsta back then, then he is now. People are going to listen to what they want to hear, so if he comes there the people who want to listen to him will come and the rest will stay home. It’s up to the venue anyway. He (O’ Reilly) is doing that.

BADNEWS: Word. And finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Metafore: I see me being a household name. Being a successful artist and just working hard and grinding.

BADNEWS: That’s what’s up. Well thank you for your time, and definitely good luck with your career.

Metafore: Thank you.
Edit Posts
As we like to say, much luv to Metafore and our his marketing squad for giving us the change to conduct this impromptu convo. Respect to that and yo, for more on Metafore, hit him up on his official myspace page for more on this playa! Holla!

Photo (top) Source: Rachel Crick - Photographer

Source: BadNews - Writer for HipHopRuckus

-If you have any questions or comments for Badnews, hit him up by E-mail, MySpace or AIM (TimbNews)

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The Away Team's new LP News

Posted at 9/21/2007 03:40:00 PM

It’s been over two-years since they released their debut, “National Anthem”, but The Away Team (Sean Boog & Khrysis) are finally back and have readied their highly anticipated sophomore release “Training Day.”

Sean Boog has already contributed noteworthy appearances on Foreign Exchange’s critically acclaimed debut, Connected (“The Answer”) the Justus League’s highly circulated mixtape NC State Of Mind and an appearance on 9th Wonder’s forthcoming solo LP Dream Merchant Vol. 2. Continuing his ascension up the Hiphop production ladder (Khrysis’ previous production credits include Jean Grae, Big Pooh, Masta Ace, Sean Price, Smif N Wesson and Little Brother) Khrysis supremely handles all of the production duties on Training Day.

While The Away Team’s chemistry is undeniable throughout, they introduce unofficial third member, Nervous Reck, and also collaborate with Dilated People’s Evidence, Sean Price, Black Milk, Supastition and Darien Brockington on Training Day.

The Away Team’s sophomore LP, Training Day, will be released on 10-30-07 via the Hall Of Justus Music Group with distribution by Fatbeats.

Tracklisting and credits for The Away Team’s Training Day
(all tracks produced by Khrysis):
1. Scream Out!
2. Look At Me f/Nervous Reck
3. Sum Of Me f/ Evidence of Dilated Peoples & Darien Brockington
4. Awesome f/Billionz
5. The Odds
6. Steppin On Toes
7. Chitter Chatter f/Black Milk
8. Rock A Bye f/Supastition & Nervous Reck
9. Greedy
10. Don’t Wait
11. Psycho Ward f/Sean Price
12. I’m A Fool

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Watch 1-hour Live Performance of De La Soul in San Fran!! (Video)

Posted at 9/21/2007 01:40:00 PM

Exclusive Video
Aside from some other things I got coming later this evening, this next post is by far the best I'm presented to you guys in about 6 months. Yo, my dude Kris from Socialush, sent me this 1 hour live performance of hip hop legends, De La Soul, performing just recently in San Francisco. I'd like u to peep the 2 part joint! Good ish on Friday!!

"Part 1" (click to view)

"Part 2" (click to view)

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Raekwon - "Cocaine World" (Audio)

Posted at 9/21/2007 09:58:00 AM

Exclusive Audio
Back in the building with some underground funk for that back side. Yo, peep this new track by the Wu's Raekwon called "Cocaine World". It's hella dope and it was a track featured on a secretly, independent mixtape, Ra himself created called 'House of Wax: The Vatican Mixtape, Vol. 3'. Enjoy. Yo, we got 2 more tracks coming up along with a special interview from newcomer Metafore which I think you'll dig!

"Cocaine World" (click to listen)

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The Federation "Happy I Met You" feat. Snoop Dogg (Audio)

Posted at 9/21/2007 08:00:00 AM

Exclusive Video
What's up everyone, man it's Friday!! Yo, let me christen today by giving you the opportunity to check out this new video by Cali's The Federation called "Happy I Met You" featuring Snoop Dogg. Check it!!

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Thursday, September 20, 2007   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

The Pack "Based Boys" Album Cover Art

Posted at 9/20/2007 05:58:00 PM

Yo, remember those kids from Cali that killed it with that single "Vans"? Well, the Pack is coming with a new LP on 10-30-07 called Based Boys. Before you go out and cop the album next month, check out the album cover art and let me know what you think?

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"Reebok Ventilator UO +Californina RoadWay Workers = Cal-Trans!" by T

Posted at 9/20/2007 05:43:00 PM

Now I know a lot of you out there are Nike heads but you need to broaden your horizons!!! What happened to the days when we used to rock shell toed Adidas? What happened to the days when you were on the hoop court and couldn't even start the game until you pumped up your Reebok Pumps? Well looks like those days are coming back with the Reebok Ventilator UO. It's nicknamed the "Cal-Trans" for it's bright colors that resemble the vests California state roadway workers wear when they are near fast traffic areas. I attached a picture simply to illustrate that the shoes are a perfect match! Since we're on the picture's, check out my mans "stash"......gnarly dude!! Anyway, the Reebok Ventilator is a running sneaker from the 80's that was brought back to the Reebok lineup within the past couple of years. The Ventilator is only sold as a limited edition in select sneaker boutiques which is why many of you mall shoppers may not have seen these!! They are slated for a late fall release but are available now at www.theretrosole.com !! Diversify your sneaker collection for 2008!!

Source: T - Writer for HipHopRuckus

-If you have any questions or comments for T, contact him via MySpace (T)

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