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Remy Martin Presents “The Producers Series” Winner Revealed: SoulTronik

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Category: Lifestyle
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Photo credit: Terrence Jennings

The role of the music producer has evolved: they’ve come from behind the console front and center, actively pushing for innovation, new expressions and styles that drive and transform culture. This summer, Rémy Martin celebrated the relationship between producers, music, culture and innovation by giving up-and-coming producers the ultimate access to the world’s top producers—and a chance at being “Next”—in the season’s premiere producer competition: Rémy Martin Presents “The Producers Series.”

The Rémy Martin Presents “The Producers Series” featured some of the hottest producers in the game. Legends and current trend setters—Mike Will Made-It, Pete Rock, Just Blaze, Salaam Remi, and AraabMuzik—were interviewed by Rémy Martin Brand Ambassador and Power 105.1 “The Breakfast Club” Charlamagne Tha God. In intimate conversations, all shared their stories, how they got into the game, what it takes to be hit makers, and critiqued the series’ competitor entries.

Over the nearly three month competition, thousands of up-and-coming producers battled their way to this past Saturday’s finale competition at New York City’s Stage 48, featuring a live performance by producer AraabMuzik. During the event’s battle-style finale, the Rémy Martin Presents “The Producers Series” winner was revealed. Judged by AaraabMuzik, Charlamagne and industry vets Rap (Universal Republic), Jay Claxton (DTLR Radio/WERQ), Chris Green (Capitol Records), Theo Brown (Atlantic Records), Shadow Stokes, and Steve Raze (AllHipHop.com), amateur producer Keith Edwards a.k.a SoulTronik (@IamSoulTronik) was named the winner of the first-ever Rémy Martin Presents “The Producers Series.”

SoulTronik, beating out 19 semi-finalists from the New York area, emerged from the four finalists, walking away with a prize package that included studio time at Converse Rubber Tracks Studio, and items from AKOO, Levi’s, Fanny Pack Me and Guitar Center. From Hempstead, N.Y., SoulTronik has been producing since 2003 and touts being influenced by the likes of Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Showbiz, !llmind, Statik Selektah and Boi-1da.

Runner up in Rémy Martin Presents “The Producers Series” competition was Swing America (@swingamerica); the other two finalists were Buda & Grandz (@BudaDaFuture) and Calvin Charles (@saintbeliev3).

Founded in 1724, Rémy Martin is the world’s leading producer of Fine Champagne Cognac. It is because Rémy Martin Cognac is made exclusively with eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, sourced from the rarest vineyards and with the greatest aging potential, that it delivers such unique aromatic intensity. Centuries of perfecting the art of cognac making have resulted in spirits of unparalleled richness, flavor and complexity. After 38 years at the House of Rémy Martin, Pierrette Trichet passed the Cellar Masters’ legacy to Baptiste Loiseau in April 2014. For more information, visit http://us.remymartin.com.

Check out more photos from the event below. Photos by Terrence Jennings.

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Lil Wayne: I Would Annihilate Drake (AUDIO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Drake has arguably been the hottest rapper of summer 2015. His highly publicized battle with Meek Mill was covered, discussed, and dissected for weeks. While it seems almost everyone has weighed in on Drake versus Meek, one person that has remained silent is Drizzy’s Young Money boss Lil Wayne.

[ALSO READ: Lil Wayne Talks ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Movie & Rodney King Beating Verdict (VIDEO)]

Wayne was a special guest on ESPN’s Giving Major Props podcast, and host Cari Champion tried to get the New Orleans native to share his thoughts on the Drake/Meek match-up. The “Nothing But Trouble” spitter wouldn’t bite on the subject, but he did make it clear he believes he is still the superior rhymer to Drake.

“Man, I’d annihilate that guy,” Weezy tells Champion before laughing. “I’m trying to keep it Canadian, but you brought me there.”

Wayne also discussed signing Drake to Young Money, his recent Lil Weezyana Fest, the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton, getting a phone call from Jay Z, being a fan of the Green Bay Packers, and his Super Bowl 50 predictions. He gave an update on his long delayed Tha Carter V album as well.

“I do have Tha Carter V finished,” said Wayne. “What I am working on now is a comfortable way and comfortable deal to put Tha Carter V out.”

[ALSO READ: Lil Wayne & Master P Perform Live For The First Time Ever At The Lil Weezyana Fest]

Listen to Lil Wayne’s interview and take our poll below.

PHOTOS: Cash Money Records

Former Cash Money Artist Mikkey Halsted Talks The Label Owing Him Money

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) The stories of Cash Money Records owing money has become nearly a regular routine in Hip Hop media. From Lil Wayne to Turk to Tyga to Bangladesh to Jas Prince to Wendy Day, reports of the record label not properly paying people that have worked with the company has followed CMR for years.

[ALSO READ: Birdman Talks Lil Wayne Wanting To Leave Cash Money & Reports He Tried To Have Wayne Killed (VIDEO)]

Another person formerly connected to Cash Money is speaking out about his ordeal during his time there. DJ Booth connected with Mikkey Halsted, and the Chicago rapper stated he believes he’s been shorted about $500,000 from Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams.

“I feel I’m owed probably a half a million dollars right now,” said Halsted. “After I saw what happened after Kanye got his money I should have tried to get off the label. But I always had hope. I left over 75 songs [with Cash Money] because back then they didn’t just give you the music. It wasn’t like we were using email. We couldn’t hear it. None of [the music I recorded] ever saw the light of day.”

Halsted signed to CMR in 2000. According to the “Salmon Crouquettes” rhymer, the label attempted to change who he was as a person.

“We didn’t see eye-to-eye creatively and [Birdman] was trying to make me do something, be something that I wasn’t,” Mikkey explained. “I was wearing Polo, they only wanted me to wear white t-shirts and Reeboks. It felt like real prison over there. I was trying to explain to him that a clean cut rapper will work.”

He added,  “[Birdman] was like, ‘You should go get tattoos on your neck,’ and I’m like, ‘Listen, f*ck that, I’m not doing sh*t like that man.’ I can’t even go home and look at my brother and my grandmother in their face if I change. I’m not doing that sh*t man.”

[ALSO READ: Jas Prince Talks Connecting Drake To Lil Wayne & Failed Deal With Cash Money]

Miguel Talks 2Pac Conspiracy Theories, The Illuminati & Friendship With J. Cole (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) R&B star Miguel was the most recent person to sit down with Montreality. The discussion included the “Coffee” singer being asked about theories surrounding Hip Hop icon Tupac Shakur.

[ALSO READ: Actor Marcc Rose Says 2Pac Biopic Was Headed In The Direction Of The Aaliyah Biopic (VIDEO)]

“I’m so into conspiracy theories period, and I’m way into 2Pac conspiracy theories. I’m kind of still hoping he’s alive,” said Miguel. “It always kind of goes back to the Illuminati and stuff like that, but I do think there are some people who know things that we may never know.”

The 29-year-old California born entertainer also talked about his friendship with Roc Nation emcee J. Cole. Miguel and Cole collaborated on 2010’s “All I Want Is You” and 2013’s “Power Trip.”

“Music is what brought us together. [Artist manager/record executive] Mark Pitts is what brought us together,” explained Miguel. “I think we share similar intentions in our music, vision, where we want to take it, and how much we want to be leaders of the new school.”

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Albums By Meek Mill, Miguel, The Weeknd & Dr. Dre Among Most Media Covered During Summer 2015]

Watch Miguel’s interview below. 

PHOTO: Instagram

A$AP Rocky & Danger Mouse Created A Concept Album Together

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) A$AP Rocky just released his second studio album At.Long.Last.ASAP earlier this year, and the Harlem native is said to be working on a posthumous A$AP Yams album. Turns out another Rocky project is in the works as well.

[ALSO READ: A$AP Rocky Plans To Release ASAP Yams’ Album ‘Cozy Tapes’]

A$AP Rocky created a concept album with acclaimed producer Danger Mouse. He confirmed the news on Pharrell Williams’ OTHERtone Beats 1 radio show.

Williams asked, “Are you guys going to do a concept album?”

“We kind of already did,” answered Rocky. “Danger Mouse is ill. People don’t appreciate that kind of sh*t. There’s no lyrics out there. What’s important about this, he told me, ‘yo dude, you bring out a side in me that I need’. And I feel he brings out a side in me. We got records. I can’t wait to let you hear them.”

Danger Mouse rose to prominence with his 2004 release The Grey Album which was a mash-up of Jay Z’s The Black Album and The Beatles’ The White Album. He was also one half of the award-winning group Gnarls Barkley with Cee Lo Green.

[ALSO READ: 33 1/3 To Publish Books On Classic Albums By Kanye West, J Dilla & Danger Mouse]

Sales Predictions For Jay Rock’s “90059” Are In

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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(AllHipHop News) Jay Rock’s sophomore studio album 90059 hit stores last week, and the early sales predictions for the TDE release are now in. According to HitsDailyDouble, the California representative’s LP is looking to push 14,000 – 17,000 copies (15,000 – 8,000 sps).

[ALSO READ: Find Out Which Rap Albums Had The Best First Week Sales In 2015 So Far]

Those estimates will be three times the amount of sales his previous album achieved in its first week. Back in 2011, Follow Me Home came out the gate with 5,300 units sold.

However, Jay Rock is headed toward lower numbers than recent releases from his Black Hippy comrades. Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly opened with 324,000 units, Schoolboy Q’s Oxymoron opened with 139,000, and Ab-Soul’s These Days... opened with 21,812.

[ALSO READ: HEATER OF THE DAY: Jay Rock Ft. Black Hippy – “Vice City” (VIDEO)]

Reneard Hosts Album Release Party For ‘Confessions of A Virgo’ Album

By: Rea Davis @IamReaDavis Updated Category: Alternatives
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Audi Atlanta was filled with beautiful cars, beautiful music and beautiful people for singer/songwriter Reneard’s “Confessions of A Virgo” album release party. The evening was hosted by Rashan Ali (Multimedia Personality/Philanthropist) and the “Ode to R&B” musical soundtrack was provided by Jay Tek (Program Director – Streetz 94.5). Guest were treated to delightful hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Marlo (Cravings Express) and complimentary cocktails courtesy of Hennessy. Later that evening, the man of the hour Reneard took the stage for a soulful live performance with a full band as he performed select records from “Confessions of A Virgo” including the single “Yea Yeah” with special guest rap duo TK N Cash. In between songs Reneard had an intimate Q and A with host Rashan Ali where he spoke on his influences, features on the album, and how his Dad always pushed him to work hard for what he wanted in life. A heartfelt moment took place on stage when Reneard surprised his Dad with a commemorative “Confessions of A Virgo” plaque as a token of his appreciation. Reneard was then surprised by a commemorative plague of his own by Greg Smith (SESAC Writer/Publisher Relations). The evening concluded with guest, friends and family purchasing copies of “Confessions of A Virgo” and taking pictures with Reneard. “Confessions of A Virgo” is available now on: iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.

Check out more photos from the event below. Photo Credit: Shawn Bell

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Watch Young Thug’s New Video “Best Friend”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Trending
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Young Thug shoots a visual for new single “Best Friend” off his upcoming Slim Season mixtape being released late September 2015. Watch “Best Friend” below! Directed by Be EL Be.

Hurricane Chris Decodes “Hurricane Season” Mixtape (Artwork & Music)

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Videos
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Shreveport rapper, Hurricane Chris, sits down with DJ Smallz and decodes his new mixtape, “Hurricane Season”, providing further insight from the artwork to a few songs featuring Ty Dolla $ign to name a few.

[ALSO READ: Hurricane Chris Makes His Return With Hurricane Season The Mixtape]

Stream Glasses Malone’s New Album “Glasshouse 2” + New Video Featuring Tyga

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
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Glasses Malone makes a return with his new album “Glasshouse 2: Life Ain’t Nuthin But…” with 14 new tracks and features from hip hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar, The Game and more! Purchase the album now on iTunes and stream below! I also included his new video “Get Busy” featuring Tyga.

J.R. Releases Official “Best Friend” Music Video Featuring Trey Songz

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Videos
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J.R. hasn’t let his foot off the gas since the release of his latest mixtape No Filter On Da Way. Just under two weeks ago, the St. Louis artist dropped off the visuals for “I’m Just Sayin” with Nelly and Tiffany Foxx. Today, having already put in a significant amount of work with Trey Songz, J.R. teams up with the crooner to accompany their party-inducing single “Best Friend” with the proper optics. J.R. and Trey take over a sprawling mansion and throw a fantastic pool party with plenty of games, alcohol, and too many women to count.

Black Friday – “Positions”

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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Joining shows with Migos, K-Camp, Young Dolph and more this North Carolina based rapper named Black Friday is quickly making a name for himself. Black Friday is creating a major buzz with his latest single “Positions” produced by ChopHouze as he works over the way in which he wants to see a female do her thang. “Positions” is a hyped up, sexy street anthem with a catchy hook and top notch production.

Ciscero Ft. GoldLink & Sugg Savage – “Na Na Na”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
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‘Na Na Na’ is the second single from Ciscero’s upcoming, debut project titled ‘Kids Wear Crowns.’ It features fellow DMV artists Sugg Savage and GoldLink, and is produced by Txny Kill. Ciscero aims to bring a fresh, soulful sound to hip-hop and use that to positively influence listeners. Ciscero’s unique energy and rapping style are definitely enjoyable, but it’s his flavor and vision as an artist that really makes him stand out amongst the crowd.

Kash Doll – “Accurate”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
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Detroit’s Kash Doll is preparing to release the official visual for “Accurate”, her lavish lifestyle-inspired track produced by Purps of 808 Mafia. Take a listen, and check for Kash Doll’s new mixtape coming via BMB Entertainment this Fall!

 

 

 

 

DOOMSTARKS – “Lively Hood”

By: Scooby Wilson (@mcscoobins) Updated Category: Music
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the legendary DOOMSTARKS, the high profile collaborative project from Ghostface Killah and DOOM. The DOOM-produced “Lively Hood” finds the two at their best and will be available as a limited edition physical 7″ via DOOM’s newly-launched gasdrawls.com and Metalface/Nature Sounds.

FRESH HEAT – Lil George Ft. French Montana – “Sauce” (Remix)

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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Lil George’s “Sauce” remix featuring French Montana launches today on his newly signed deal with Brooklyn Knights Entertainment/Sony. “Sauce” is currently #42 on the national Urban chart and video debuted on Revolt last week. The remix video will be shot on September 17th. Lil George is currently on a promo tour across the country working this single and spreading the sauce!