Parlé's "New Blood" section helps spotlight unsigned artists creating a buzz in the underground circuit.  

 
Each artist will feature a bio and a song.
comments are welcome!!!

Kazzie - Rap Skills To Pay The Bills

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.  

Mojo Mayne - The Pride of Iowa


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.

Introducing iMega. Brooklyn Bred, Hip-Hop Influenced

@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.

Rockie Fresh - An Independent Artist On A Major Grind

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.
 
With a buzz that anyone in the know would consider top notch amongst up and comers, Rockie Fresh, the Chicagoan has carved out a nice niche for himself. I had the pleasure of checking out his live show, as Rockie was one of the opening acts on the Green Label Sound tour presenting the Cool Kids @ Brooklyn Bowl.  I left that night thoroughly impressed and quite honestly, a fan. You see for me, Hip-Hop is a way of life. Something to be shared, admired, and criticized if need be.  It exists.  At its purest, its authentic.
 
I have come to learn, as you will that Rockie Fresh embodies everything Hop-Hop.  His existence has a purpose, his music a message.  I joked with him that it seems as though Chicago is having its moment, the same moment held captive by the South once upon a time, and the East before that.  But where is it now?  I'll answer that for you--in the middle of a rebirth, a renaissance if you will.  Yes, Hip-Hop is reborn.  Helping the cause are some trendy individuals, with lyrics to hold your ear and a sound to make you at the very least, nod your head. One of their names is Rockie Fresh.  If you havent by now you should get in tuned with the "outsider".  I present to you..... Rockie Fresh!
 
 
Parlé Magazine:  What does it mean to be a Chicago M.C.?
 
Rockie Fresh:  Being a Chicago MC means everything. Following the blueprint of successful artists like Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Common, and Twista I understand the importance of being consistent with my brand and putting out quality music. Thats what my foucs is right now. I have a tremendous drive and a chip on my shoulder. In my city there's this feel that all we got is us. Chicago is not really big on music, we're more known for other things, but at the same time its refreshing when people can depend on artists. Kanye, Lupe, and those guys gave the city that.  I wanna follow up. My goal is to make Chicago the go to place for talented artist.
 
 
Parlé:  I saw your show at Brooklyn Bowl, you tore it down.  How was that for you opening up for The Cool Kids?
 
Rockie:  My show is interactive on purpose.  I am a chill dude by nature, but when Im up there I want the people to tell me if they like the music, I wanna feel it.  Its a reflection of who I am at all times. Im authentic. My mentality is to touch people when Im up there. As I visit and tour in new places, often times I become a person's first experience with the music and culture of Hip-Hop. The experience all in all is surreal. The entire experience of being an artist. That along with making a connection with the fans and the audience.  I like to be very accessible. People see me in Chicago, I'm at the boutiques, I'm at the sneaker stores throughout the city. I'm on tour right now but as soon as I get some down time, I'm back at home base showing love.
 
How did you guys develop a relationship?
 
Well we all had mutual friends actually and me and Mikey Rocks went to school in the same neighborhood. They were already well known and I was grinding at the time. When the time was right we were introduced and the vibe was good. It's been all good ever since.
 
 
What's your label situation?
 
As of now I'm not signed, I've just been blessed to have some genuine people involved with my music who support me and use their connects to plug me and put me in the right position to shine.  Right now I'm on tour with Patrick Stump who was the lead singer of Fall Out Boy, as well as Wynter Gordon.  Its an amazing thing for me, they are signed artists and I'm not. I'm establishing myself.
 
 
With all the buzz and support comes expectation, are you burdened by that?
 
More than anything or anyone else I place the burden of expectation on myself. I feel like I have more to experience in life and more growing to do as a man. That's what I expect of myself. To always get better.  As I go places and see new things, I soak it all in and live off the experience and apply it to my career and life in general.  The world is bigger than Chicago and I'm learning that.
 
 
What would you say to that person out there who feels like dreams and goals cant happen?
 
I would tell them honestly to hit me up and I will keep it real with them. Rap was not my choice you know, I wanted to do other things.  I didnt wanna be a rapper, I ended up developing my craft. I honestly came from the bottom and I'm on my way to the top.  You have to have faith in God; thats the only explanation I can give for me being where I'm at today.
 
 
Some critics say that the rap game is oversaturated what do you say to that?
 
Theres definitely a lot rappers so I can see why someone would say that and honestly I may have to agree. However I feel like the right person always comes along and they give the people what they need and with that they can make it and seperate themself. The game is turning over in my eyes. The superstars like Kanye and Hov are getting older so its time for new faces, new ideas, new  flows, new approaches.  Thats what the new generation, artists like me are bringing to the table.
 
 
 
 
Whats next for Rockie Fresh? Any plans on going major or are you gonna keep up wit the Indie movement?
 
Ever since I had plans on becoming an artist full fledge my goal was to reach the masses. Sometimes indie artists or underground as they call it, get a false sense of security due to the popularity that comes; I haven't though. I want to make a classic album and be considered one of the best. In order to do that I need a machine behind me. I need a deal.  I love what I'm doing right now, and I'm young so I have time, but when its all said and done I want to make a classic album and to do that you have to have a record deal. Record labels have the resources.  Right now we're just touring as I said and finishing up the next project that will be out in October.  Working towards classic status.

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.

Alex Brown - Worth Keeping An Eye On

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.


.

Joomla! Debug Console

Session

Profile Information

Memory Usage

Database Queries