(AllHipHop News) Tomorrow night (July 17), Hip-Hop icon DJ Jazzy Jeff will make his first appearance at Caesar’s nightclub Dusk in Atlantic City, NJ. The Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer has toured the world for the better part of a decade, playing sold-out shows to packed houses of people who come out to have a good time and see the legend spin.
Dusk, a club that DJ AM invested in before his death in 2009, has become one of the premier hot-spots in Atlantic City’s nightlife scene. “Tomorrow should be really cool, because I know the resident guy [Sat-One] has done very well in putting together a playlist that they’re used to, and I like to play a little bit of everything,” Jazzy Jeff told AllHipHop.com.
Regarding the type of set that people can expect to hear tomorrow night, Jazzy Jeff said, “I think what’s great is somebody like Sat, who’s a resident, has kind of already got the crowd into wanting to hear a little bit of everything. Once you know that this is a place that is already heading in that direction, then it’s pretty easy. It’s more about when do you take them here or take them back in the day; when do you take them on some Dance stuff, or some classic Hip-Hop stuff.”
In addition to his set tomorrow night at Dusk, Jazzy Jeff will play sets later this week at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, and then at Margaritaville in the Cayman Islands this weekend. The Philadelphia DJ/producer is also hard at work on a new mixtape for LRG that is set to be released this fall, and is currently in the studio with his 13-year-old son, Amiracle – a rapper he claims is “very dope.”
Fans will also be happy to know that Jazzy Jeff is kicking around the idea of recording a new studio album, as well as working with longtime friend and duo mate Will Smith on a new project one day.
“The whole Will [Smith] thing is always in the back of my mind,” he told AllHipHop.com. “It’s just about the time, and we’re just trying to find the time where we can both take two or three weeks off and just lock ourselves in a room and get creative.”
For more information on DJ Jazzy Jeff’s appearance at Dusk tomorrow night, visit DuskAC.com.
AllHipHop.com has teamed up with Move Forward Music to give away a pair of tickets to see Elzhi at SOB’s on in New York City on Thursday, July 19 at 8PM.
All New York City area fans only, please go to our Twitter page at @AllHipHopcom, and tweet “I want to see @Elzhi and #ElzhiWorldTour @SOBS via @AllHipHopcom” to have a chance to win your free tickets to see Elzhi at SOB’s.
So get on Twitter and tweet for your tickets NOW. The deadline is Wednesday, July 18 at 4PM EST.
While some artists get into the game as a means of escaping the trap or the street, for 22 year old University of Delaware Junior Dexter “Ca$hFlow” Walker; the trials and tribulations of a struggling college student, coupled with the stress of financially assisting his family is the driving force behind his music. After creating “Blowing College Funds,” his own version of “BMF” tailored specifically to a collegiate audience; the buzz that ensued quickly made him a rising star on the college circuit. In 2010 he won BET’s annual Black College Tour Freestyle Friday competition when it landed on his campus. He has since been featured as an opener at Delaware State’s 2011 Homecoming, opening for a list of notable mainstream artists.
As I sat down with him, we spoke of how he accomplished so much in so little of time, as well as the release of his first mixtape, all without the benefit of a manager, promotion, or marketing team.
AllHipHop.com: What’s good Ca$h? First off I have to ask, at 22 you already have an impressive list of artists that you’ve opened for. How exactly did you get your start?
Ca$hFlow: I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but I attended high school and now college in Delaware. It wasn’t until college that I considered music seriously. My version of “BMF” titled “Blowing College Funds” actually started off as a joke. I wrote it in 2010 in relation to what I was going through, like “I think its FASFA, Sallie Mae. Scamming students, by the day,” and it just spread like a wildfire.
AllHipHop.com: You could have easily allowed it to die down and pass as a fad. How did you capitalize on the track and decide to pursue an actual career?
Ca$hFlow: I’ve been a music addict since I was a kid. It’s what made me who I am in every aspect of life. I started writing young, and then later I found out that I was actually good at it. I gained attention off “BCF” and followed up with a remix of Nicki Minaj’s “Roman Revenge” with my own version titled “Rappers Revenge.” This actually gave me credibility and solidified me as one of the best HBCU rappers out.
AllHipHop.com: Is this what prompted you to enter the freestyle competition when the BET Black College Tour stopped on your campus?
Ca$hFlow: Other people believed that I was good enough to do it, so I had to believe in myself and see if I was….and I won the competition; this opened up doors to additional competitions and personal invites to appear on showcases. Eventually I was chosen to for our Homecoming; opening for Big Sean, Meek Mill, Travis Porter, Marsha Ambrosius, Jeremih, TCB, and Ace Hood. I was blessed with incredible opportunities, and I’ve been grinding hard ever since.
AllHipHop.com: How have things changed for you on campus?
Ca$hFlow: It’s been crazy! I’ve had chicks ask me to sign things, even had one with my song as her ringtone. That blew my mind; I don’t know how she got it, but she had MY song as her ringtone. S###’s crazy.
AllHipHop.com: As a Junior you still have a small amount of schooling left. Have you decided to actively pursue your musical ambitions full-time, or are you looking to still obtain your degree as a back-up plan of sorts?
Ca$shFlow: I can do both. I don’t look at getting my degree as necessarily having a “back-up plan.” Music is my life, but my degree can be used to explore the business aspect of the industry and opens up additional opportunities for me in the future.
AllHipHop.com: Being that you are currently still a student; how have you managed to juggle the role of student/artist, and how does your family feel about the path that you have chosen to take?
Ca$hFlow: I’m Trinidadian and Venezuelan, the first generation here in America, and I’m not your average college student. The majority of my family is still overseas and the part that is here, lives in a 2 bedroom apartment split amongst the 6 of us. I’m not your average college student; I pay for school myself. I rap, I work, and I help take care of my family.
To be real my parents didn’t even want me to go to college right now because they need help caring for the family; so I’m trying to do it all. I’m grinding the hardest that I can to get signed to a major deal. All I need is a chance to be heard.
AllHipHop.com: And that’s real. What’s your next step, your next move?
Ca$hFlow: I recently debuted my first mixtape titled “The Withdrawal of Ca$hFlow” on datpiff.com and earned almost 8k views and 900 streams strictly based off word of mouth alone. I was featured on the “Today’s Top 8” ranking directly next to Kendrick Lamar. I’m hustling. I don’t have a manager, I don’t have a promotions team, I don’t have the funds for a marketing team; I do this on my own. Needless to say, I need this money by any means necessary; and I’m willing to do anything for my family. I’m not looking for a handout, just an opportunity. This is more than a mixtape, it’s my future.
You can find him both on datpiff.com as well as on twitter @Cash2theFlow
(AllHipHop News) Both Beyoncé and Alicia Keys have stepped forward to pledge their commitment to President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
Alicia Keys is kicking off her efforst by heading to the Women Vote 2012 Summit today (July 16) in Philadelphia to talk about what this election year means women.
Last week Alicia took her enthusiasm to Twitter telling her fans, “Women across America are fired up to vote for@BarackObama in 2012! Join me in Philly next Monday!ofa.bo/pAfVZv#Women2012.”
This is not the first time Keys has shown support for Obama, as she was a consistent supporter in the last election as part of the Vote For Change campaign, which enlisted musicians to get out the vote for our current president. Also, she recently performed alongside Mariah Carey at a re-election fundraiser in New York City.
Beyoncé is doing her part as well writing a a letter to the First Lady, calling Michelle Obama, “the ultimate example of a truly strong African-American woman.”
Adding to her support, Beyoncé read the letter she penned earlier in the year in a video released by BarackObama.com. Check out the video below.
(AllHipHop News) The Insane Clown Posse has announced the lineup for The 13th Annual Gathering The Juggalos, which will take place this August in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois.
The rap group has lined up artists like The Pharcyde, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Master P., Biz Markie, Raekwon, Geto Boys, Warren G. and others who will be the performers at The Annual Gathering Of The Juggalos.
Additionally, Insane Clown Posse members Violent J. and Shaggy 2 Dope will perform tracks from their upcoming album The Mighty Death of Pop.
The 13th Annual Gathering of The Juggalos will be co-hosted by wrestling legend Rick Flair, while comedians like Ralphie May, Cheech and Chong, Jamie Kennedy and Bobcat Goldthwait will add some humor to the festivities.
Other rappers confirmed for the massive 5-day event, which takes place from August 8-12, include Game, Rahzel, Tech N9ne, Danny Brown, DMX, Kottonmouth Kings, The Fat Boys, Glasses Malone, Lil EZ and Big Hutch.
(AllHipHop News) Alternative Hip-Hop group Chiddy Bang recently teamed with fellow Philadelphian Daryl Hall, for an episode on the legendary Hall and Oates singer’s critically acclaimed series “Live From Daryl’s House.”
The rappers joined Daryl for a seven-song set, that includes versions of Hall and Oates classics like “Fall in Philadelphia,” “(She) Got Me Bad” and songs like “Mind Your Manners” and “Talking To Myself,” from Chiddy Bang’s album Breakfast.
Later in the episode, Sylvester Stallone’s brother Frank joins in the set, since he sang in a Doo-Wop group on the street corners of Philadelphia, as did Daryl Hall.
“Like all good musicians from this town, these guys are steeped in all the right influences, from soul and R&B to Hip-Hop, with a style all their own. It was a lot of fun,” Daryl Hall said of working with Chiddy Bang.
During the episode, chef Vito Marcello cooks meatballs from Frank’s mother’s special recipe, before he breaks into the song “Take You Back” from his brother’s movie “Rocky.”
Chiddy Bang group member Xaphoon Jones said playing with Daryl was one of the highlight’s of his career thus far.
“Playing music together with a legend like Daryl was definitely a moment Chiddy and I will not forget. And to cook together…damn!”
The new episode of the award-winning web series and nationally syndicated program is available online now at www.lfdh.com.
The airwaves are filled with young artists commanding attention with their new and vibrant sounds. There are also budding stars behind the scenes. Atlanta’s Sonny Digital got his start as a producer while he was still a teenager.
Now, he is THE go-to guy for a hot, Hip-Hop record.
Sonny Digital shares some of his story, triumphs, and goals with AllHipHop.com:
AllHipHop.com: How did you get your start in music?
Sonny Digital: It came about when my older cousin moved to Atlanta from Michigan. He was making beats; at the time I wanted to rap, so I started hanging out with him. I then realized making beats was my thing, too. This was around the time 12 or 13.
AllHipHop.com: What inspires or motivates you?
Sonny Digital: All the young producers out right now motivate me. I feed off their energy. It keeps me on my toes, makes me step my game up constantly.
AllHipHop.com: What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Sonny Digital: My focus is always on being better than before. That’s all the challenge I focus on.
AllHipHop.com: What else would you be doing if you weren’t working in music?
Sonny Digital: Nothing else has stood out as much as music. I would be doing something with myself, but I’m not sure what it would be.
AllHipHop.com: Name some artists you have worked with.
Sonny Digital: I’ve worked with 2 Chainz, DJ Khaled, Juicy J, Wale, and Future, to name a few.
AllHipHop.com: And, what was your first record?
Sonny Digital: I was almost 20 when I produced “Racks”.”It was crazy seeing the record climb the charts. Around that time, “Motivation” by Kelly Rowland was out as well. It was a big moment to see the first record I did among other huge records. It sold 50,000, so I got a Gold plaque. “Same Damn Time” was my next big one.
AllHipHop.com: What would you tell any aspiring producer or young person with a dream?
Sonny Digital: Work for what you want. Always remember that overtime work will bring overtime pay. No shortcuts are allowed; if you take some it will put you right back where you started. Your grind will get you noticed – trust me. Take pride in your work and make yourself exclusive.
AllHipHop.com: What do you feel music is missing?
Sonny Digital: I don’t feel music is missing anything. What you hear now is all about evolution, and artists and producers adjusting to change.
AllHipHop.com: What else are you working on or want to share?
Sonny Digital: Well, I produced 2 Chainz’s next record with Kanye West, called “Birthday”. I have my own mixtape that will drop soon called Forbes Atlanta, I’m also in the process of working on a mixtape with Drumma Boy, too. I’m all about venturing out, so I’m excited to work with LRG on their back to school campaign. Waka Flocka is a part of that also.
For anybody on Twitter, follow me at @SonnyDigital. Trust me there’s a lot more to come from me.
Tawni Fears is a freelance writer and contributor to AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@brwnsugaT).
Footage credit: AllHipHop.com/2012 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Brooklyn Bodega)
There was the historic reuniting of Busta Rhymes with his Leaders of the New School after 19 years. Then there were the positive vibes from Q-Tip bringing his longtime Tribe brother Phife Dawg to the stage. We all bowed down to “the ruler” Slick Rick, and heads bopped hard to the undeniable New York sounds from Buckshot and Lil Fame.
And that’s just a little of what happened!
Make no mistake. If you missed the 2012 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (BHF’12) final day concert this past Saturday (July 14), you missed some Hip-Hop moments that are likely to never be duplicated again.
But lucky for you, you’ve got AllHipHop.com!
Check out more video below from the BHF’12 finale show – this time spotlighting Busta Rhymes along with some of the other performers (like Chuuwee, Ka, and Kosha Dillz) who made the day special:
Footage credit: JP DelaCuesta for AllHipHop.com/2012 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Brooklyn Bodega)
Be sure to catch up on some of AllHipHop.com’s additional BHF’12 coverage:
Summer has reached its mid-point, yet there are still plenty of long and hazy days left to enjoy. One of the greatest ways to spend a summer day is reading a great book. Book publishers know this fact, so they release lots of projects during the summer months.
AllHipHop.com’s summer’s crop includes an amazing new novel from a legendary television writer/producer, a debut from a reality star, and even a highly-anticipated life story of a Hip-Hop legend.
So whether you are poolside or courtside, fill your summertime downtime the old-fashioned way – with a book!:
Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy by Albert “Prodigy” Johnson
Billed as a tale of struggle, survival, and hope, the autobiography of Prodigy is a tale of wealth and woe. A fearless confessional, My Infamous Life chronicles Prodigy’s family history, which included a life of privilege as the great-great-grandson of the founder of Morehouse College and the son of successful musicians and songwriters, to his role in Hip-Hop history as part of Mobb Depp. The recounting of Prodigy’s “infamous” rap beefs, his three-and-a-half-year stint in prison, and his controversial opinions on the NYPD “Hip-Hop Police” and the Illuminati, make the book a somewhat perplexing, but fascinating read. (Be sure to check out his new H.N.I.C. 3 album release, too.)
Blackberry Days of Summer by Ruth P. Watson
Based on real events, Blackberry Days of Summer is a story about the rural South and how relationships developed in the “country.” When Herman Camm is found dead, the three women in his life are suspected – his wife, his daughter, and his girlfriend. A suspenseful tale of deceit, filled with lust, adultery, and romance set in the post-World War I era, Blackberry Days of Summer has complex characters that are engaging and interesting.
Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill
The second novel by the award-winning writer and producer of shows like “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World”, Imperfect Bliss is a story of the four daughters of a biracial couple in Maryland whose mother hopes that they will each find their perfect prince. But when one divorces and another ends up on a reality show called “The Virgin”, it seems like mom’s dreams are turning into real-life drama. Imperfect Bliss is a great read for women that explores all the ways that dating has changed and yet stayed the same.
Destiny’s Divas by Victoria Christopher Murray
Sierra, Raine, and Liza are Destiny’s Divas, a best-selling gospel group who sing about all of the ways that God has blessed them. But, inside, they are each harboring a secret that could destroy their group, and maybe even their lives. An interesting tale of the entertainment industry from the gospel perspective, Destiny’s Divas is a pleasant read from a bestselling author.
Inner Circle by Evelyn Lozada
The newly-married Evelyn Lozada of “Basketball Wives” fame will debut her own VH1 Show, “Ev and Ocho”, with her husband, Chad Ochocinco, this fall. But in addition to her many television appearances, Lozada has a cosmetics line, and is now an author with her first novel on Cash Money Content. The Wives Association: Inner Circle is fictionalized account of the inside life of the wife of a famous athlete. The story proves that the coveted life as a baller’s wife isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Biba Adams is a Senior Writer and Book Editor for AllHipHop.com. Her debut novel, The Allure, will be released this fall on Triple Crown Publications. Follow her on Twitter (@BibatheDiva).
