Hyphenated NY: CurT@!n$ - "Black Folks"

If you guys remember I did a full series of video's with my boy CurT@!n$ during Black History month. In one segment in particular I touch upon his song "Black Folks." Well the wait is over. Here it is in all its Dopeness: Black Folks. The Great Adventures of Dope Boy C: Dope For President is due out June 16th. I got a couple surprises on that so stay tuned.

Vote 4 "Black Folks" on MTVU.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Vets: Eminem - "3a.m."

Here's the visual for Em's Second single, "3a.m." off of his long awaited return to Hip-Hop, "Relapse". "Relapse" is set to hit the streets May 19th. Welcome Back.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Album of the Week: Chester French - "Love The Future"

So, Chester French has dropped, and man...Can you say Future? These dudes are by far the cleanest rock act out right now, and I don't listen to much rock, so you can trust me lol. They are the first rock group to release a Hip Hop oriented mixtape prior to their album. If The Neptune backing doesn't get you, these guys got P. Diddy to do a mixtape song!!! I don't even think diddy did mixtape songs with Biggie...lol I'm lyin', but you get what I'm sayin'. Below is an interview my bruh Gax Mibson over at WineandBowties.com did with the duo. Catch the album after the jump...

Conducted over the phone, I was the first interviewer in a line of five for the day, and was given 15 minutes to chat with the band. One thing that I noticed about CF is their incredible self-awareness. They know they're good. They're also aware that they could be great. They probably really became aware once they became involved in an intense bidding war between Kanye, Pharrell & Jermaine Dupri to sign them...

CF looked back at the process and commented on the improbable situation, "They were all amazing opportunities for us so we couldn't really go wrong. But Pharrell & Startrak were just a great fit creatively. Because the Neptunes have sat on this boundary of all these genres for a long time. And the fans that follow them and look out for their music are similarly open minded fans of creativity."

With a record deal set, the group is currently touring the country, building a stronger fan base by connecting with fans at shows and impromptu autograph signings. When asked about achieving longevity within the industry D.H related the main objective, "The only thing that matters at the end of the day is how many people really support what you do and your ability to communicate with those people."

It seems as though this connection is what will truly matter in the years to come, as the role of the middle man (the record industry) falls by the wayside. IMO a much more authentic relationship is developing between musicians and fans, which previously might have been defined as a relationship between artists and consumers.

Often times I question those who travel off the beaten path to pursue their dreams. Before they have made it, what keeps them on track? What keeps them focused on their goals, and what compels them to continue when the light at the end of the tunnel is dim. To these questions, Max responded with a simple reality, "What we do is fun. So even if it sucks its ok."

When I asked the group about their upcoming projects, they told me about their most recent work, "Jacques Jams. We've got a mixtape coming out in the next week or two with DJ Clinton Sparks out of Boston. And its all original music, but instead of it just being us, we made it more of a hip hop mixtape where we produced beats and we've got collaborations with folks like Diddy Pharrell Travis Mccoy Talib JD and Janelle Monae. A bunch of artists who we really love."

Chester French will win if they continue to get their music into the ears of like minded listeners. Finishing the interview, CF commented on the transcending quality of their music, and the diverse make up of their fan base, "In our culture people are so type casted. Ok so you dress like this so you have to listen to this kind of music. Or you have to talk with this kind of dialect. And its all kind of arbitrary to us. We like all different types of people, which makes our shows so fun for us. We've got skater kids and punks and gang members so its like a complete mix. It's really great."

For more information on the group visit their website chesterfrench.com

Chester French - "Love The Future"

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated 1 on 1: DJ Chuck thE oLd SouL W/ H.O.P.E

So its 5:44 in the am. I got class at 11. Above is part 1 of a 4part interview Honor Flow's DJ Chuck thE oLd SouL in conjunction with Hyphenated Life conducted with H.O.P.E. on the release day of his debut album, "Follow The Leader". This was a funny FUNNY day (LMAO @Julien...No Twitter). The interview speaks for itself. Parts 2-4 under the cut...Vimeo > Youtube smh...Enjoi.






Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: H.O.P.E.- Follow The Leader (Album)

I introduced you guys to H.O.P.E. a while ago, you may remember him from the BMI Cipher. Now I bring you, a day late...I know, the highly anticipated debut from the Compton representative, "Follow The Leader" I sat down with H.O.P.E. on the big day to chop it up about the project and where he's headed in this music industry(Footage of that coming sooner than you think). Tracklisting and download under the cut...



H.O.P.E.-"Follow The Leader"

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Vets: Reflection Eternal - "Back Again"

"This Is Nelson Mandela"....Visually Clean Piece From Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek. Welcome Back.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated at Its Best: MUTO

Walk with me for a second. So we're sittin' here watchin' this youtube, cuz we all fuck with clean youtube videos from time to time. We stumble on a video, courtesy of Gax Mibson. The title says "MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU". I fuck with art, you fuck with art; we watch. A hand pushes a brick out the wall, then more hands come out, then more hands. We keep watchin'. The hands become a guy, who becomes another guy, that then becomes some strange cube. At the 2:37 mark the robot kicks a log, yeah, he kicks the log. We keep watchin', then we realize.....This Shit Is 7 minuets LONG!!! I don't know what else to say but...Dope. Blu is definitely Hyphenated...

For more on the artist gander over here

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Canada: K'Naan

The music industry has run amuck with gimmicky acts and lackluster production, and it’s time for change. Out of Africa comes a refreshing new face for hip-hop: K’Naan Warsame.

K’Naan has seen it all: bombs, bullets, dead children in the street. Growing up in the war-torn country of Somalia made K’Naan tough.


As a result of his upbringing, K’Naan’s music “is really about me, rather than a persona. If I get to a stage in my career when I’m done with my biography, the stories in my life, then maybe I’ll develop something, but for now it’s just me.”

Due to this awareness and grasp of what really matters in life, K’Naan’s latest release, Troubadour, is motivational. K’Naan has created his own lane in music: passionate, rousing and entertaining. His music is a salute to the old school foundation of hip-hop with a new school twist; a nod to the eras of hip-hop where a dance party breakbeat was lined with socially conscious lyrical content and a human life meant more than a gold chain.

“Everybody has a different way they see the world. In songs like ‘[T.I.A] (This Is Africa),’ I’m trying to put things in perspective. I know the ’hood. I’ve lived in the ’hoods in America for half my life, but the other half I lived in a ’hood that’s like the mother of your ’hood. Everybody has their struggles, and that’s all legitimate, but I just see things differently,” he shares.



Thanks to his hard work mentality and lyrical wordplay on Troubadour’s lead single, “ABC’s” (a play of Chubb Rock’s “Treat em’ Right”), K’Naan has garnered buzz in the industry and amongst his peers, recently being featured as MTV’s artist of the week. However, with success comes hardship, and K’Naan is not exempt from the effects being on a major label has on a new artist.

He says, “When you put music out independently there are fewer opinions on your music than there is in major labels. The stakes are so high that a lot of people have a say on what you put out as a single and how your music sounds. I’m not egotistical about many things in my life, but I am about my music. It’s not easy for me to hear opinions.”

Though the industry can be stressful for most, K’Naan has used his past as an example that in adversity one can still rise to the top. His music is reflective of his life: raw and real. Every man has his story. The stage is set for K’Naan to tell his.



Troubadour is currently available. K’Naan will perform April 19 at Coachella. For more information, visit knaanmusic.ning.com.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Vets: Method Man & Redman - A-Yo

Oh Yea, They're back...Blackout 2 Drops April 28th, 2009.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: U-N-I -"Hollywood Hiatus"

First Video for The Love Supreme Album. Simply Dope. T. Whittmore on the Direction.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Guess Who's Back, Back Again: Eminem Edition

The Visual is classic Em. The Flow Is Classic Em. The Beat Is Classic Em. Dare I call this a Classic? Probably not.....

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Young Money: "Every Girl"

"I Wish I Could Fuck Every Girl In The World"

Pretty Much...

Behind the scenes footage courtesy of Tha Bizness after the jump...


Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated BAY: Stickup Kidds: "Turf Banga"

When I think of Oakland, this is what comes to mind: Fly cats,dipped to the toe, Chicks wit Gaws to the Tee, hittin' it in the parking lot. "Put some heels on ya like diamond cuzzin' ebony...". This is a Turf Banga...

More on the Stickup Kidds @ http://www.myspace.com/sukmob
Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated BAY: Young Bob- Skinny Jeans

The bay has been in a slump for a while. Short and 40 are really the only cats doin' it, but they're vets... It's time for the youngin's to take this shit back. I introduce you to Young Bob, East Oakland Representa, front man of Go Dav, my bruh bruh from anotha mum. In this Aris Jerome assisted video, Bob brings the Gaws of the Bay back on the scene. Young Bob has never stopped grinding, and won't do so soon. Bobitto, your are Hyphenated...



more on Young Bob at myspace.com/robertocabobby

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: U-N-I A Love Supreme

Its been a long time coming to say the least. U-N-I has grown a lot since their last album "Fried Chicken & Watermelon". From LMU, to sneaker pimps, to MTV, U-N-I has been on their grind. I'm proud to be one of the many folks to present this album to you. The production is solid, lyrics are on point, and Lauren London is sexy lol...Download link and Album Release party info after the jump...Enjoi.


Sendspace "A Love Supreme"
Zshare "A Love Supreme"

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Canada: Shad K

Shad- I'm Back (freestyle)

K-OS, Kardinal Offishal, K'Naan, Swollen Members, Drake. Canada has a knack for pushing out great talent, and Shad is no exception. Born Shadrach Kabango in Kenya, to Rwandan parents, Shad started his journey through Hip Hop at an early age, being raised in London,Ontario...

Known wide as Shad K, his debut album "When This Is Over", was self-made and financed with entrepreneurial spirit and the $17,500 worth of prize money he won from Canada's 91.5 The Beat's Rhythm of the Future talent competition. His debut album is recognized for focusing on social causes facing the world. In 2007, he was signed by Black Box Recordings and released his second album, The Old Prince. In 2008, The Old Prince received a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize. If the freestyle above was not enough for you, peep the vids below. Shad is a heavy Hitter and a Heavy spitter. Shad K, you are Hyphenated...
Shad - The Old Prince Still Lives at Home

Shad - Brother (Watching)


For more from Shad K visit: http://www.shadk.com/whenthisisover.html

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: Rob Roy "Fur In My Cap"

LA Fresh Via Jacksonville. Not much to say about the video above other than Dope. Big E put his foot in this one. Peep Y.O. of U-N-I making a cameo towards the end.

For More Rob Roy Visit http://www.myspace.com/robroy

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated BK: CurT@!n$ HHO Interview

My By CurT@!n$ (its a bitch to spell his name btw) sits down with HipHopOfficial.com to chop it up about his beginnings in the industry and where his name comes from. Black Folks coming soon!!! Hit the jump for part II of the interview...



Bonus CurT@!n$-"Everybody Move"

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Flicks: 88 keys- Stay Up! (Viagra) feat. Kanye West

I always say that when I get old i'm gonna be slayin' as much young tail that comes my way. I just hope I don't need that blue pill. Clifford and Rufus (Keys and Kanye) kick it with Pete Wentz of FallOut Boy after the jump...



The things we do for some Ass & Titties. Man...

Bonus:Jay-Z & Kellz- "Power of Pussy"


Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: H.O.P.E Nightlife (Behind The Scenes)

I set this video up and should have been in it, but when your immobile shit happens(Insert Sad Face). Anyway check out behind the scenes footage from H.O.P.E's music video shoot for "Nightlife" courtesy of 2dopeboyz.com and MyCypher.com. My boy Flip(Director) and H.O.P.E chop it up with Mycypher after the jump...




Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated Nights: Dub Frequency

I've decided its time to let my folks know what's poppin' in my city. My boy Ian over at Dub Frequency hit me with a couple events they have going down this weekend. The first is their new weekly at The Purple Lounge inside the Standard of Hollywood going down this Friday night. The second is their spur of the moment Pool Parties atop the Standard in Downtown. Nobody raises the Standard like DF. More info after the jump....


Who: Dub Frequency
What: The Purple Lounge
Where: Standard Hollywood (8300 W.Sunset Hollywood, CA)
When: Friday (weekly) from 10PM - 2AM
Free with RSVP: Ian@dubfrequency.com


Date: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: The Standard Downtown LA
Street: 550 S. Flower St.
City/Town:Los Angeles, CA
DJ Sets by:
The VIllains
Cosmic Kids
Original Bozak
Chris Santiago

There will be free giveaways fromBarracuda
Make sure to
RSVP

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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CurT@!n$: Dope Boy C For President Episode IV:Malcolm X

Well folks we have come to the end of Black History month & our Dope Boy C For President series (A week later, but hey, CP time?). Anyway, in this last installment CurT@!n$ speaks on one of his main influences from the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X. Its been a pleasure to further introduce you guys to my boy CurT@!n$. He is definitely the next up. Stay tuned for the premiere of Black Folks, coming very soon.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: H.O.P.E

Its funny what can occur when an unsuspecting journalist pulls out his HD Canon to video tape his boys freestyling:


I never knew that bringing out my cam would turn into the catapult it has for the artist in the video (not saying its because of me, but this shit was fire). Each of these cats are my boys and I'm proud of what has been accomplished since this video was taken. With that said I bring you H.O.P.E. Leading artist of the Fresh 2 Def label, H.O.P.E is on his way to the top. Below is his latest release Nightlife off of his upcoming release "Follow The Leader" as well as one of my favorite joints from him, "H-O-P-E", produced by my boy Three-1-Zero. You'll hear more from H.O.P.E in the future.

Hope-*NightLife*
Hope-*H-O-P-E*


Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated at Its Best: Wayne's World

Like the title says, dude has been making his rounds as of late. Above is his recent release Prom Queen off the "Rebirth" due out May 19th. Check out his interview on Jimmy Kimmel below...



Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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Hyphenated L.A: The Formula Presents:"The Lab"

(Click Picture to enlarge)

In an effort to bring you guys the best and brightest artist LA has to offer, I bring you "The Lab", A night of Real Hip-Hop on the open mic. "The Lab" will feature members, friends, and affiliates of The Formula: United Producers of LMU club in live performances, Producer Showcase, Guest DJ Sets, and many more on-stage surprises!!! This is a evening you don't wanna miss!!!

Who:The Formula: United Producers of LMU What" The Lab(Open Mic Night Done Right)
When: Thursday March 5th, 2009
Where: The Living Room at Loyola Marymount University
Cost: "It's a Recession Everybody Broke"-Young Jeezy

Scheduled To Perform:
Trey Billion
Hugh Augustine The MC
Honor Flow Productions
Speak + Pheo of The Applebird Music Foundation
And many more Producers, MC's, Singers, And Musicians!!!

Catch the artist doin' there thing and driving directions after the jump...See you Thursday...

The Lab Line Up

"Trey Billion"


Driving Directions
From the Los Angeles International Airport:
Travel north on Sepulveda Blvd. Remain in either of the left two lanes and merge onto Lincoln Blvd. Follow Lincoln Blvd north past Manchester Blvd. Turn right onto LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.

"Hugh Augustine The MC"


From the South:
Travel on 405 North, exit on La Tijera, make a left onto La Tijera. Take La Tijera until Manchester Boulevard and make a right (traveling west). Stay on Manchester until you reach Lincoln Boulevard and make a right. On Lincoln Bouelvard, proceed for approximately 3/4 of a mile until you arrive at our main entrance on the corner of Lincoln and LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.

"HFP"


From the North:
Travel on 405 South, exit on Jefferson Blvd., and turn right. Head west and make a left onto Lincoln Blvd. Head south and turn left into the campus on LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.

"Speak"


From the East (using the 105 Freeway):
Travel on 105 West, exit on Sepulveda Blvd., and go north. Remain in either of the left two lanes and merge onto Lincoln Blvd. Follow Lincoln Blvd north past Manchester Blvd. Turn right onto LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.

"Pheo"


From the East (using the 10 Freeway):
Travel on 10 West to 405 South, exit on Jefferson Blvd., and turn right. Head west and make a left onto Lincoln Blvd. Head south and turn left into the campus on LMU Drive. Say you are going to the “Living Room” and they should draw you a map. You can get a parking pass from the guard at the front gate.

Peace.Love.H-Life

-J. Poakwa The Writer

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