Saturday 21 June 2014

Back 2 Da Boom Bap mixtape Vol. 1 (hosted by DJ Smooth) now available!

Rap collective StarVation along with C4, Nenjah Nycist, D.N.A., Mike Tess, Krytic, Kojo, Illa Ills, Fecko, Modenine, Raezy, D.J. Slice, Mars Co-Op, and hip-hop trio Aces High make up the first “Back 2 Da Boom Bap” mix-tape hosted by Rhythm FM 93.7 deejay Smooth.

The mix-tape displaying the talents of the aforementioned artists spans three continents including Africa, Europe, and the United States and encompasses that old school flair that “real” hip-hop head know and love.




VIDEO | Fecko Performs At Enigma Variety Nite

Performed at Enigma Variety Nite on June 4th. Venue was The Place by Marcus in Victoria Island, Lagos. Watch a short clip of my performance below.


VIDEO | 2Face Idibia ft Bridget Kelly - Let Somebody Love You

After the released of his album tracklist 2face is out with the video for the song “Let somebody Love You” featuring RocNation’s Bridget Kelly. The song which has being making waves since it release a week ago has being enjoying massive airplays.

The video is just as impressive as the audio, it highlights the musical chemistry between 2face andBridget Kelly, and provides visual dimension and depth to the timeless message in the song.


MUSIC | Simi – E No Go Funny + Tiff

X3M Music is proud to present one of their latest singing sensations, Simi, as she marks her grand entry into the Nigerian music scene.

Simi warms the hearts of her fast growing fan base with two brand new singles ‘E No Go Funny’ and‘Tiff’. Trust when we say you’ll be stunned with her latest offering



Multikraft Media...Your One-stop-shop for Graphic Design, Video Editing & Online Promo


Multikraft Media is an enterprise, founded in 2010, chiefly triggered by an entrepreneurial drive. Initially, blogging and publishing of e-magazines were the main services rendered by the outfit. Also designed banners, art covers and fliers for several A-list showbiz personalities and entertainment website owners such as Tosyn Bucknor, Terry Tha Rapman, Timmynaija etc.

Today, Multikraft Media has evolved in to a one stop shop for creative graphic designs, video editing and an online platform for promotion of brands. Looking for a graphic designer, video editor and online publicist without a lofty price tag? Then hire us today. Our services are quite affordable. We also sell softwares and tutorials related to Multimedia jobs.


In addition, dear artistes, please be informed that from now till September 30th, 2014, if you allow Multikraftmedia design your artwork, you will also get free online promo on the numerous websites we are affiliated to.

We're always open for business 24/7. Let's work!

Warm Regards,

Ifeanyi Ibegbunam (Founder, Multikraftmedia)

Connect with us today:
Twitter: @Multikraftmedia
Instagram: @Multikraftmedia

WhatsApp/Tel: +2347036158705

The 10 Laws Of Success: An Independent Artist's Hip Hop Guide

So the following advice comes from those professionals—people like Ken Lewis (check the production credits of J. Cole’s, Kanye West and Jay-Z’s latest albums, and you’ll see his name). When rappers hope to get posted on various Hip Hop blogs and websites, these are ultimately the people they hope to impress and work with. So we put together this list based on Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws Of Power. It’s geared to getting your stuff online or just an overall balance of how to be successful as an independent artist trying to get signed.

This isn’t some guaranteed guide on how you’re gonna get on. But between industry veterans like J-Hatch, LEP Bogus Boys, DJ ill Will and Torae, there are over 100 combined years of experience in this roundtable. For what it’s worth, I used to manage an OfficeMax before getting involved with DX, Coast2Coast and i-Standard Producers. I had to make the decision between taking a pay cut and keeping the same job, or taking my unemployment and severance pay to leave and pursue my passion. So I can relate to any aspiring artist out there with a stack of burned CDs in pursuit of their dream. Taking the advice from the industry vets you hope to someday work with—along with some planning, hard work and some luck—is a start.

Law 1: Do Your Research

Eric Beasley: Co-Owner of The world’s largest MC Battle League, SMACK/ URL and one of the largest Hip Hop YouTube channels online www.youtube.com/Theurltv. Beasley has also worked as an artist and producer manager in addition to his time at Warner as an A&R.

“Making the transition from your mother’s basement to Madison Square Garden can be extremely difficult in this current climate of the music business. Most labels won’t take a chance on an artist—especially a rapper without any traction. When I say traction, I mean trackable data about you or your brand. This data can be in the form of BDS [Broadcast Data Systems] or Mediabase radio spins, a huge buzz on a mixtape (thousands of on-line downloads, independent sales, or write ups and praise from notable publications) presence on key websites and blogs, significant views on YouTube with a music video or blogs, touring, endorsement from established artists etc. Many ask how this can be achieved when the competition has more money, contacts, management, etc. Getting signed or becoming a huge independent artist takes a plan!”

Law 2: Use Resources & Strategize

Riggs Morales: VP of A&R and Artist Development at Atlantic Records. For more music education insight, visit www.Itsriggdup.com

“Drive: This is the trait is what will keep you moving forward as doubt sets in, as progress is made or as you reach those ‘stand-still’ moments when nothing is happening.

“Creativity: The ability to stand out from the rest starts here. Even if you find yourself in a place clogged by others pursuing the same thing you are (producing, singing, rapping), you should nurture the ability to create something that sets you apart from everyone and will help you stand out.

“Resources: Learn to work with less to get more. You can do just as much with a three people as you can with a 1,000, if it’s all you have to work with. Learning to work with bare essentials will push you to make the best with what you have.

“Strategize: Once you’ve built a cohesive system with what you have, then it’s important to utilize the little you have with a strategic approach. Make every small step count towards bigger steps.

“Vision: Have a clear (and realistic) outline of where you want to be and what you think will take to get there. Know that it will not happen overnight. It will take you time as you develop a rhythm through trial and error, which will ultimately trim the fat off your artistry and unveil the artist you were meant to be.

“Get A Job: You will make no money as you work on your craft, which can lead to a stressful state of mind and interfere with your creative rhythms. Get a job that allows you to pay bills and put food on your table until your ‘passionate hobby’ turns into ‘paying occupation.’”

Law 3: Create Quality Product

Ken Lewis: Multi-Platinum Producer for Kanye West, Jay-Z, Eminem, Drake, Usher, Danity Kane, Jeremih, 50 Cent. More info on Lewis and his online musical tutorial program is available viawww.AudioSchoolOnline.com.

“The number one thing young artists forget is that it’s really all about the music. If your song doesn’t instantly and strongly connect to people who don’t know you, you’re not going to make it very far. Don’t listen to your friends and relatives. They love you and want to see you win. Watch the reactions to your music from people you don’t know. Don’t tell me, ‘Well this rapper got signed and his songs suck.’ Really? Is that where you set the bar for yourself? If you want to get noticed, make or find hot beats, and write an undeniable hit. Then do it again, and again, and you'll get a deal. If it was easy, everybody would do it. It’s not easy, and it takes a ton of thankless, draining, work, coupled with tons of rejection and soul searching. But there are a few who will emerge every year to the top.” 

Law 4: Master The Art Of Multi-tasking

L.E.P. Bogus Boys: Blueprint/Infared/Interscope Recording Artists. Follow Count and Moonie via Twitter at @LEPBOGUSBOYS.

“What you got to understand is that whether you’re independent or signed, it all falls on you. So you have to have an immediate team that multitasks and know their roles. We only got a team of five including us, and we all make the mechanism work. When you sign, look for a label that understands your brand not just because they got a lot of money for you. You also gotta build your relationships and stay persistent. That’s how we got so far—because of our immediate outlets of people we can get to. It took a whole lot to build that so strong, but it worked. More than anything, you gotta have good product and challenge yourself to be great.”

Law 5: Value Your Independence

DJ ill Will: CEO of Tha Alumni Music Group & Manager for Kid Ink. Ill Will has worked with and broke some of the hottest artists in the game including Soulja Boy, Chris Brown, Tyga and more.

“No offense to the major labels, but stay Indie and get your paper up before you even consider a major label deal. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Putting yourself at the mercy of a major label is career suicide…unless you’re the rare few.

Law 6: Develop An Identity & A Team

Brian “Z” Zisook: VP/Editor-in-Chief of DJBooth.net

“There are no hard and fast rules or stone cold lock advice that works universally when given to an aspiring artist, who is looking to escape from the confines of their mother's basement and make it as a professional recording artist. There are, however, several steps that should be taken to ensure that you are giving yourself the best possible chance at future success. These steps include, but are certainly not limited to: finding a team of professionals who believe in you and your music, developing an identity as an artist and branding your stage name and music accordingly, and creating a product that will sell itself.”

Law 7: Be Humble, Realistic & Work Hard

Kyle “KP” Reilly: VP Idle Media Inc / DatPiff.com 

“For an artist to have a chance to make it out their mama’s basement and into a label’s boardroom, a lot of things need to happen, including a bit of luck. For the most part, what an artist needs more than anything is a good, realistic head on their shoulders. If your head isn’t right, you have an inflated perception of yourself or of the game, you wont make it very far. Be humble, be yourself and don’t follow everyone else’s or industry trends. Work harder and harder for yourself—not just to talk about how hard you’re working—results will speak for themselves. And lastly, do not spam or annoy those who you are attempting to sell yourself or distribute your music to.”

Law 8: Maintain A Physical Presence

J-Hatch: Co-CEO of I-Standard Producers. www.IstandardProducers.com

“These days, the general perception is that you need an online presence. Many aspiring artists then take to their social networks to send links out to people who in most cases consider that spamming. In reality it’s all about creating a balance—yes the Internet is important and influential. But networking, performing and building a fan base are all equally as important.”

Law 9: Become Business Savvy

Nick Hiersche: President of Coast2Coast Mixtapes & Coast2Coast Live. coast2coastmixtapes.com &coast2coastlive.com

“I think the number one misconception we get is they think others owe them because they made a song. Just because you made a song does not make it a venue’s responsibility to pay you all of a sudden. In order to get a paid booking, you must be able to sell tickets, alcohol or some other type of product for that venue or company. Music business is a business, and you must invest in yourself and your business until revenue starts being generated. If you are not getting paid to perform or feature on tracks, then you have not invested enough in yourself, period. The indie route is a smart route and can be done on a small budget, but it is still a budget. Until you realize this and make smart investments into your ‘music business,’ then it is a hobby, not a business.

The converse of that is that if you want a ‘major record deal,’ you must invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into your ‘music business.’ It takes that much investment for large returns to come in, which is the only thing that interests labels. So both ways cost time, money and of course effort and talent. But in today’s market you don’t really need the major label. You can generate a sufficient income by investing in your indie ‘music business’ until the revenue starts coming. And then you can just collect from the loyal fans you gained from investing!”

Law 10: Maintain Consistency

Torae: Emcee, Founder of Internal Affairs Entertainment, A&R for Soulspazm Records, co-host of Siriux XM’s “Rap Is Outta Control.” www.facebook.com/itstorae - Twitter & Instagram @Torae

“I think the most important thing in today’s market is to be visible. It doesn’t matter if you make the best music in the world if no one hears it or no one knows. So you have to be visible—seen and heard. Do a lot of shows, even if they’re free shows…even if only your family is there. Perform your music. Master it, get it air tight and record it. YouTube has birthed a number of sensations, so definitely have it uploaded and linkable there. You also have to get used to giving away music for free. There is so much competition now, in order for people to know your music, you’re going to have to give some away to build an audience and fan base. Social networking is very important as well. Make sure you’re active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. The more people are into you and what you’re doing, the more they'll care about the music, and the more they’ll spread the word.

“I did a docu-series last year called ‘Off The Record.’ I think all new and aspiring artists should check it out to get some insight on the ups and downs of the music business. It was filmed during the recording and release of my album For The Record. I did it so that I could shed some light on what it takes on the daily basis to grind out a career in music.”


Written by Michael Trampe is a Social Media & Marketing guru from Philadelphia, PA. He owns MAAD Management, MikeTrampeTV.com & also works with Coast2CoastLive and I-Standard Producers. Prior to joining HipHopDX in 2007, Trampe has been a DJ, owned and operated a recording studio, managed producers and artists & worked promotions for TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment). You can follow him on twitter @MikeTrampeTV, Facebook and YouTube.

Teck-Zilla - 'Son of Sade: An Ode'


With a career that spans nearly 30 years, Sade has earned her spot in the soul hall of fame. Sure, many artists in the past have remixed and sampled her work, but none of those projects are as ambitious as Son of Sade: An Ode FreEP. Brought to you by by the Montreal-based beatsmith, Teck-Zilla, this near 20 minute jam blends the work of the singer with Teck's Boom bap production savvy. What's interesting to note is that like Sade, Teck was born in Nigeria and spent time living in London, so it's no surprise that both of these artists' sounds can pair so well together. 'Son of Sade: An Ode' is now available for free download, so press play today.. you're gonna wanna keep this 'by your side.'

Wednesday 18 June 2014

STUDIO GRINDING | Dope Unit Volume Two


Y'all remember Dope Unit mixtape volume one? Yeah, I did an impromptu freestyle skit for the compilation because I was notified late about getting a spot on the project. Well, no more improvisation - I have been working in the studio with the Underground Music NG team for a couple of weeks now.

Recorded two hiphop tracks for a sequel to the compilation album (Dope Unit Volume Two). One is an uptempo tune (Something like Meek Mill's 'I'ma Boss'), and I brought my homie Tha Rapman on board. The song called 'Apprentice 2.0' also feature various talented artistes such as Tupengo, Toni Code, K-Zed.


If you've listened to Lupe Fiasco's 'Old School Love' then you should know what to expect on the second track. Toni Code and I teamed up on a soulful hiphop beat and eventually made an inspirational song. Surprisingly I sang on the hook. Utilizing my baritone voice alot these days. One of the tracks I featured on (Apprentice 2.0) will be released online soon, accompanied by a viral music video. Watch this space.


FASHION | Kemzy Trane Clothing Styles Wizkid

Few weeks ago, Wizkid shot a video for a single titled 'Show Me The Money' taken off his forthcoming album. My younger brother, Kenechi Ibegbunam of Kemzytrane, styled Star Boy. It was major! I asked him about the whole experience of dealing with an A-list Nigerian act.


This was what he had to say below:


 'At first it was like a dream. I actually got a call from his road manager named Babajide, and he requested for some African printed apparels fondly called Danshiki. He claimed he got my contact via Google. I couldn't believe when he said the clothes were needed to style Wizkid, until I got to the set of his video shoot in 'Small London' somewhere in Shitta. And I was immediately directed to his family house where he used his Porsche Cayana as his temporary dressing room. After the transaction was done, I met some his entourage such as Piper, Legedury Beats, Dr Frabz, Shadee Boi and Ragga Remi.'



Monday 9 June 2014

FASHION | Fecko Reps for ECHO Clothing

"Fecko! What is it that you can't do?' I recall someone once asked me that question. I guess the person noticed that I love multitasking. God is my inspiration. My life revolves around music, writing, graphic design, multimedia, blogging, acting, agriculture and most recently, modelling. Yes, modelling! (Even without the six packs). Last month I modeled for ECHO clothing owned by my friend Lai aka Mister X.I. The experience was fun. Stylists and fashion designers out there looking for a model, holla at your boy!

We had a photo shoot somewhere on the streets of Lagos. One particular attribute that differentiate Lagosians from the rest of the world, would be the fact that we love feeding our eyes alot. I am guilty of this too. Brawls, bus conductors and passengers arguing over 10 naira change, mentally deranged individuals dancing azonto to no music in traffic and every other form of awkward public display or spectacle excite most people residing in the Centre of Excellence. Lagosians sabi look! (Laughs). Well, we had their attention while the outdoor photo shoot was in progress, but for some reason I wasn't shy. Wait a minute, am I a shy person? Perhaps. However, the more neck deep I get into an activity, the bolder I become.


It was nice meeting a fellow rapper turned model just like myself. Gamie is into Gospel hiphop and has worked with the likes of Rooftop MCs and Simi. By the way, some of the female models on set were gorgeous. I didn't interact much with them though. Well, except for one chic that was pretty and down to earth whom I did admire. We laughed alot when we were supposed to pose for a couple-like shot. Could that be love? (Laughs). At this point, I think I should hush and allow y'all check out the pics below. Enjoy! 
 
 


MUSIC | Toni code – Extraordinary


Fast rising rapper toni code boils up yet another classic as he drops deep and highly intricate bars on this new track off his upcoming “OPUS” Mixtape titled ‘EXTRAORINARY’. This is a track of different technique and truly unique flow, he teams up with producer STOBeats who mixed and mastered this new track. Its a must have and must listen as this rapper demonstrates why his truly extraordinary flow deserves a top spot in naija list of the dope emcees.

Mentoring Teens - The Positive and Negative Effects of the Social Media

It's humbling to mentor teens. I was made a guest judge in my church a few Sundays ago, and it was nice watching young champs participate in a debate which was centred on the positive and negative effects of the social media.

Since becoming self-determined is a life-long process, you can be a co-learner as you help young people develop self-determination skills. I must say, these teenagers taught me alot too.

Briefly, I and my co-judge robbed minds and got acquainted. It wasn't rocket science before I could tell he was a medical practitioner due to some of the terminologies he used during our conversation. I found some of his contributions related to the topic of the day very enlightening.


Does the negative effect of the social media outweigh the benefits? Well, it was the duty of the speakers to answer that question by sharing as many reasonable points as possible. My kid sister, Ijeoma Ibegbunam, was a chief speaker in her team and she opposed the notion that 'Social media does more harm than good in the life of teenagers.' 'It has helped teenagers to be computer literates; helping them to adapt and learn fast.' - That was one of the points she raised, and I couldn't agree more. Totally right!

However, the negative effects of the social media arise when such online platform is abused. You will agree with me that the most common demerit is the inevitable access to pornographic materials. And the multiplier effect of this include masturbation, absent mindedness in class, depression, premarital sex and so on. Parental control is therefore advised for this to be curbed. Parents should endeavor to monitor their children whenever they are using the internet so long as the kids aren't 18 yet.


I later had a group discussion with these promising teenagers before the debate commenced. I made them realize that the topic of discussion was key to their well-being and morals as children of God. It wasn't about which team won, but about the lessons they learnt in the course of the program. I am pleading to every teenager out there to embrace the numerous benefits of the social media by engaging in positive and life-changing activities online. We the youths are the leaders of today, don't wait for tomorrow. Ideas rule the world. Shalom.

MUSIC | Na Devu 'Cos Am - Pherowshuz

Phero my man. This dope song has been chilling in his hard drive for a good minute. Finally happy to see 'Na Devu Cos Am' finally released. If you still don't believe in Phero, then you don't know good music.

MUSIC | Holstar Ft Redwingz - Umunti Ni Grind Yakwe

"Umuntu Ni Grind Yakwe” is the Ultimate Hustler’s Anthem! Brought to you by Slam Dunk Records Lyricist; ‘Holstar’ Featuring Kasama’s Dopest Rap Duo ‘Redwingz.’ This Shom-C Produced Gem has a gritty feel but is uplifting at the same time. Umuntu Ni Grind Yakwe is a Bemba Term mixed with English. Umuntu meaning Person, to Grind is when an individual pushes himself/herself to attain a goal, Yakwe is to each his own – To sum it up – To Each Person His/Her Own Work.

Zone Fam - Ntete and Album Title Announcement

Zone Fam present their latest single “Ntete” Produced by long time collaborator Dida Steez. A ‘Ntete’ is a Grasshopper in Zambian dialect – Nyanja. They decided to take it to their roots on this song and created an infectious Hip Hop tune that will get people in a Jovial Mood!

Zone Fam would also like to Officially announce the title of their second album that will aptly be titled “Bar Code”- Most Hip Hop Fans will immediately relate to this title but for those that are less Hip Hop inclined – Bar Code is the Unique Rap Style and Language that Zone Fam present as a collective; Bars are lines therefore the Code is the format in which it is displayed.

The album will be released under the Taurus Musik Label and the release date shall be announced soon.