For Those Who Can't Sleep On Hip Hop

Music industry talk with Julian Lennon

May 8, 2012

In this first segment, Julian talks about his music industry approach with TheRevolution, a company that scouts talent and assists those artists with a variety of business endeavors including: finance, development, digital and physical distribution, promotion, and other important aspects of their careers.

Julian is also one of the first artists on the label. His new release, a four-track EP, was co-written and co-performed James Scott Cook. The title track “Lucy” is about his childhood friend that inspired his father and The Beatles to write and record “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Lucy Vodden recently died from complications of lupus. theRevolution is donating a portion of proceeds to various lupus foundations. Cook’s grandmother, also named Lucy, also died from the same illness.


(Artwork for the new release.)

As a child, Julian created a drawing of Lucy. This image was the inspiration for the classic Beatles’ song. In this interview Lennon discusses his thoughts on the industry, his motivation for theRevolution, and he speaks about Lucy. As well, he talks about forgiving his father for not playing a significant role in his upbringing. Lennon has had significant previous success of his own with releases such as “Valotte,” which the Grammy nominated “Too Late for Goodbyes” was a single from.

Despite his successes, and the fact that his father is one of the most recognized artists in the history of music, Lennon has still had a rough time as a recording artist. This is part of his motivation for starting theRevolution. The company’s slogan is “Turning the music business into the musician’s business.” It is Lennon’s desire to help artists be in business for themselves. -Israel Vasquetelle

(Julian Lennon on the Music Industry)

(Julian Lennon on forgiving his father)

If you enjoyed this, visit Insomniac Magazine’s interview with Family Man Barrett, bassist for Bob Marley’s Legendary Wailers. He speaks with Israel Vasquetelle about the music industry, his history with Bob Marley, and the meaning of authentic Reggae.

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Adam Yauch aka MCA = Hip Hop

May 4, 2012

MCA = HIP HOP

8/5/64 – 5/4/12 

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Beautiful sounds emanating from down south. by CyPhEr777

May 3, 2012

PFM & IRON ORA- POMEGRANATE SUNSET
Hoverock Records

We may be only five months into 2012 and seven months ’til the end of the world, but I’m going to say this now- Pomegranate Sunset is one of my favorite albums this year. Hip Hop is worldwide and is all about diversity. But many get it twisted; still, to this day Hip Hop has mostly been all about the newest catch-phrases and how one looks and what one owns, but ultimately what true fans still want is music with spirit; music that is from the soul and PFM & Iron Ora’s debut album is just that. PFM and Iron Ora are emcees (and producers in their own right) from the Miami Dade area, who keep it real without glorifying ignorance. They  artists who stay humble and just make tight music.

This album represents everything that’s right about Hip Hop on any level. Comprised mainly of two emcees, you get extremely gifted artists instead of one lyricist being more dominant than the other, which has been a main issue when it comes to rap duos historically. Each has a distinct style and play perfectly off one another. The only similarity is that they are equally aggressive lyrically. When listening to this album, you won’t forget the linguistic styles of the title track “Pomegranate Sunset,” the smooth jazzy vibe of “Space,” the thunderous boom bap of “Degenerate Matrix” and the upbeat, Halloween-themed “Zombies Ate My Neighbors.” 

Once in a while, an album comes along that’s an unexpected breath of fresh air and in the end, it really doesn’t matter what the genre is, as long as the vibe is dope. It’s hard to put into words what’s so nice about losing yourself in a release like “Pomegranate Sunset.” It’s the same kind of vibes I get from listening to artists like Organized Konfusion, Boot Camp Click, Mannish, Souls of Mischief or modern artists like The Heart and The Brain (of Central Florida) or the Mudkids (Indiana). Truly gifted individuals being paired with just the right music so that you can forget yourself and enjoy their verbal and audio gifts is what this art and culture sorely needs. The album stems from an inner sense of artistic bliss, the joy of expressing something that’s more than just poetry or moods. The beats are hard, crispy, bouncy, and I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to nod or blast this at home or in their mobile units.

Please support this LP and Hoverock @ http://pfmandironora.bandcamp.com/. Bless C73Eternal

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New Music From El P

May 3, 2012

El Producto entered the music industry many years ago as part of the groundbreaking crew Company Flow. He established himself as an amazing producer, artist, A&R, and record label entrepreneur. Now he’s keeping up with the tradition of excellence on his upcoming release. Here’s some the proof:

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Sputnik drops another dope release! By CyPhEr777

May 1, 2012

HOBS SPUTNIK- SATELLITE STRANGE
Paramanu Recordings

As they say, “better late than never.”  This LP was released in the middle of 2011- August 2011 to be exact- and even though I received my copies early this year, I have to admit, I just never had the time to review this dope piece of material. I also have to admit that subconsciously, I make it a point to listen to this as much as possible. It seems like everything Paramanu Recordings touches and releases turns to gold. It’s a testament to the two individuals who are running the label.

For those not aware, Hobs Sputnik is a Canadian born and bred emcee who, has been hustling in the independent Hip Hop scene for years. The name may not be familiar to mainstream hip-hop listeners, but in some sections of the underground, he is one of many innovative creators who are taking the art to new and unique areas. Although this is considered his debut release, he did release an LP a few years ago called “The Sounds of Satellites Crashing,” which was another banger. Aside from these two releases and a few cameos on other projects, Hobs has garnered a huge following in the underground Hip Hop community.

I must say, there’s not really a weak moment on this 19 track long album. The only gripe I have, and it is minor, is that it’s too cameo heavy. For whatever reason, I feel that Hobs is capable of holding his own with maybe a few guest appearances, albeit the cameos are really dope. The execution each MC has is dirty and gritty; you can tell these brothers, whether they’re vets or up and comers, are hungry. Production is shared by a number of people (Timmo80, DebMaster, Kung Lao, Th’ Mole, Sapience, etc), but they each compliment the uncontrolled power of the vocals and lyrics. Lyrically, everything is laid on the line, loads of clever metaphors but no second guessing what they’re talking about. The LP boasts emcees like Tame One, Nomar Slevik, Megabusive, Tank Wonderful, Noah 23, etc. That’s alot to digest in one sitting.

The vibe of Hobs Sputnik’s “Satellite Strange” is one of unity, not only with each of the participants, but with the rest of the world. Hobs Sputnik is very intellectual and approaches everything from a different angle, which means you have to listen very closely to understand his main aim. Still, the lyrical direction and serious production will be very clear to serious Hip Hop heads. I love having the problem of not being able to pick a few tracks as highlights, but it’s not easy when even the intro is hot. If you don’t believe me, then cop it and tell me otherwise. In all, this album is the answer to the definitive question, What’s been lacking in the Hip Hop industry lately?

Check out Hobs and support @ http://paramanurecordings.bandcamp.com/album/hobs-sputnik-satellite-strange. Bless C73Eternal

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