As it’s a slow start to the new year, only a few labels are putting out music, but it should be the right time for independent labels to do their thing, most do not take advantage of this down time of the Majors. Therefore some of the unheard of artist are getting a little recognition by being on a major that would not usually promote them in the latter part of the year. This installment carries a few names some, you have heard but did know of the new material and some you have not heard of at all, check it out.
Universal Distribution gets the smack on the hand for debuting these two artist and not pushing the material.
As the 2001 year came to a close you should have heard (if not from me) of this artist, Journalist his first single “Extended Family” featured M.O.P. (good song, brilliant collaboration), a little buzz without promotion. Nonetheless Motown has the confidence to release another single, this time radio friendly and well worth the purchase. I see video written all over this effort and summer madness on this songs hook, “The Way It Used To Be” (No! No!! that’s the song title) featuring Floe-try. I need to interview this artist myself, find out what’s, What!!!!!!!
Next another Universal pick up comes from Bungalo/Laneway Records, who brings us the hibernating Dj Quik, both songs produced by Quik himself. The a-side “Trouble” gets the video nod with the G-Funk appeal, but the b-side “Everyday” may pick up the Cali and Southern radio roll-call.
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Loud Records gets the next blast for withholding the tightest Wu-Tang joint. Just releasing the single for “Back In The Game” not only is the track right, the vocals are tight and the feature by Ron Isley does not go to waste, so pick it up if you need to hear something the radio is not playing.
Most may not know this, but one of the most underrated hip hop groups of all times is the Beatnuts. It serves no purpose to put out a greatest hits if you refuse to promote, nevertheless I see true hip hop as well as Beatnuts supporters picking up “Classic Nuts Vol.1“. Now I give props to Loud for this, which is a long shot but hip-hop collectors will die for this. A major label releases a Dj Album.
By the battle Djs themselves The X-Ecutioners, good balance of vocals and Scratch tracks here, features by Large Professor, M.O.P. Xzibit, Big-Pun, Kool G-Rap and others including Dj-Premier. My personal favorites are re-makes of “Genius of Love 2002” and “Play That Beat” go to www.x-ecutioner.net to find out more on the turntablist themselves.
Interscope/Orca Records picked up Jim Crow and released the single “Holla At A Playa” the music well laid. I can see the down South, Mid-West appeal to this record, but the song had to grow on me. The very same goes Hardroad.com when they released E-Dawg with a guest appearance by Sir Mix-A-Lot who shines, the music on “It’s All Hip Hop” gets you up, but E-Dawgs vocals are just so-so.
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More independents, Sub Verse Music Inc. and C-Rayz Walz presents The Angel and the Preacher, with a double sided effort the music stands out here, but definitely I see support from college radio on the b-side, “Make It Happen“, or check them at www.subversemusic.com
Newly formed Spit Records, out the gate drops a jewel from their artist Joe Budden the streetz #1 draft pick gives stiff competition to Ludacris’s vocal tone and flow. With this double sided single, “Breathe” and “Get Right Wit Me” you may have to hold your breath before discounting the credibility of this artist or click into www.spitrecords.com for yourself, because “Get Right Wit Me” will be big on radio soon.
Lastly out of my hometown of Brooklyn comes Sham and The Professor, the label Red Cent Records. Releasing a well thought out produced double sided single, with that children like call and respond hook, rocking drum track on “We Represent” b/w “Walking Dictionary” it’s a radio listeners dream toss a coin and call it. My call goes to “We Represent” only for its ruggedness hit them up at RedCentLtd@aol.com. These are most definitely a future Nexx School interview for being so on point. So that’s it, U.W.A.G. Rhythm delivered as I am out of here. Later!!!!!
