We all know one… or two...or three…or perhaps even more. They come in varying shapes and sizes and, especially in today’s world, all different shades and colors as well. If you ask them what they’re doing, they’re always “grinding”. If you ask them where they are, they’re always “in the lab”. They are certainly not an endangered species as at least one can be found on just about any block, in any neighborhood, anywhere. If you haven’t guessed yet, this person that we all know is none other than the infamous “aspiring rapper.”
With the increase of smaller and more affordable recording technology in the ‘90s, and the explosion of the internet in that decade and the ‘00s, the aspiring rapper population has seemingly multiplied. While some may think of this negatively, it has provided a way into the industry for some artists who could have slipped through the cracks otherwise. For example, many of Cash Money Records early ‘90s album releases were recorded entirely in Baby’s kitchen. In 2007, Soulja Boy was introduced to the world with his first major single release “Crank That (Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em),” a song that was completely produced and recorded within the confines of his bedroom. However, these are only two examples of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people who try every year to break into the music industry.
One young rap artist who is steadily gaining notoriety however is a twenty year-old Newark, NJ native who goes by the name of Kazzie. He is signed to eOne Records, a respected indie label, through his team NWEMG. Recently, he collaborated with Wacka Flocka on a track called, "We Don't F*ck With That," which is enjoying rotation on MTV, New York’s Hot 97 and was also premiered as a 'New Joint' on BET’s 106 and Park. His solo single, "Get It" is also beginning to impact radio as well.
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Originally from Georgia, Hip-Hop artist and rapper, Mojo-Mayne is about to put Sioux City, Iowa on the map. His newest project Born 2 Do It, released in March of 2013 is filled with hit after hit. There’s a song in his catalogue for all, which range from bossy street anthems to hood love ballads. Not to mention, there’s a few inspirational tracks in the mix, as well.
@iamiMega is his twitter name and his stage is simply, iMega. The name in itself garners attention and of course something huge. As for any up-and-coming artist the platform to get on is very small with large numbers. A few tracks were sent my way from his second independently released mixtape, The Connoisseur, and iMega may have a place in the music industry’s wide spectrum. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York and falling in love with music at a young age, iMega is setting himself up on the course to have the music heard. I was contacted by his management team to have a chat with the rapper and we discussed his come-up, what he has in store, his mixtape, The Connoisseur and his goals. Here’s the interview, hope you enjoy and find the time to give iMega’s music a listen.
Main stream or Indie, whats the difference? Now a days the answer surely is not success. Gone are the days of the golden era of rap, and with it, the numbers: albums sold, sold out arenas, and endorsements. Now-a-days true artists, those that are passionate, those who are truly creative and accessible get their music to the public by any means. Often times its the free download. Digital Marketing has paved the way for the development of cult like followings for unsigned artists resulting in more publicity and relevance at times than their signed counterparts. Take Rockie Fresh for example. Indie by definition, which a few years back had such a demeaning connotation to it. These days Indie means fresh, trend setting. A part of the in-crowd some would say.
Hailing from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, 28 year-old, Alex Brown is an artist worth keeping an eye on. Given his moniker by the late great, Notorious B.I.G., Brown has already been around greatness in his career. He has also found moments of greatness in his own career, garnering an honorable mention at the Underground Grammy Awards. He’s confident his music will help him find his way into the mainstream Grammy’s and to the top of the charts in the near future.