2016's 31 Hottest Country Tours and Festivals http://flip.it/AG7d-

NFL PLAYOFFS

Cornerback Josh Norman sums up how the Panthers feel about facing Seattle quarterback Ru… http://es.pn/1RTXtCD  -via ESPN http://es.pn/app

LAST HOORAH

Obama and the State of the Union: Pictures http://flip.it/-grJi

International News

Blast in Istanbul Kills at Least 10, Injures 15: Pictures http://flip.it/zezKs

LAST DANCE. THE DEATH OF A LEGEND

David Bowie, Pop Star Who Transcended Music, Art and Fashion, Dies at 69 http://flip.it/CmVxC

“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. It is up to you to give [life] a meaning.” ― Jean-Paul Sartre

Every since I was a little kid, growing up on the West side of Chicago the debate about the role of government and it's agencies responsibility for the state of "Black America" has been a volatile if not controversial conversation. Throughout the black community, this subject seems to be an emotional topic in which we always seem to have someone else to blame for our failures, or obstacles, but we are somehow solely responsible for our wins and successes.  I can remember hearing the older cats arguing over what alphabet agency was responsible for what obstacle, in their life, right down to who got them hooked on the Boone's Farm, White Polk, or the "Smack" (heroin) All around me everyday; I had to live with and hear about how my life and my siblings lives would be so messed up because the "White Man" will only let you get so far, and that the government has it set up so that you can't get nowhere. These were the things I would hear on the outside of my home while visiting friends, other family, or on the street. This mindset, and feeling of "The Man's" foot on my neck might have applied eighty years ago, but in 2014 that is just not the case. Now I know what your thinking, you must have lived in a household that was filled with positive people, that constantly encouraged you, well not exactly. 
            I come from the same ultra dysfunctional family system that most come from when born and raised in "The Ghetto" raised by grandma with an absent teen father, drug addicted teen mother, Vice Lords on one side Gangsta Disciples on the other, plus all the other pit falls and distractions that come with living in "Urban America"  and if I'm being honest, based on what I was seeing everyday, I really didn't need to hear it in my home because everything around me was telling me I wouldn't have an opportunity to be anything other than a drug dealer, drug addict, or gang banger. However, there was one person, who didn't subscribe to the notion that you couldn't be whatever it was you wanted, and that was my grandmother, a woman who was born in rural Mississippi during the 1930's, and whose mother was the child of slaves. Now if  there was anybody that should have been indoctrinated with that type of mindset it should have been her.

She came up in a time when the laws were literally written to keep the African American citizens from achieving anything, education, jobs, or even decent housing. Her youth was spent during one of the most violent and turbulent times in history, but she never seemed to lose her sense of if I do my best I can be what I want to be, and here is why I believe she felt that way. During the time of civil unrest in this country, the "Black Community" had a sense of personal responsibility. They knew that in order for future generations to be able to excel they had to set a standard of belief that if they held each other accountable, and stayed together anything could be accomplished. Just look at all the accomplishments by African Americans and who achieved them, and in what era. As a matter of fact, there had not been a major African American achievement (outside of sports or entertainment, which by the way was the only thing we were allowed to do) Since the Civil Rights Era which lasted from 1954 to 1968 until the election of Obama in 2008. Think about that for a moment. It took 40 years for us to achieve anything of historical significance outside of the sports and entertainment world. I believe it took that long because we stopped believing that "Personal Responsibility" was the key to our unity. One of my grandmothers favorite saying to us was, "The best helping hand you will ever receive is at the end of your arm"

she taught us that we had to be responsible for doing our part in becoming successful, and doing what was necessary to achieve our goals. Every since I became involved in community building and human services work I've preached "Personal Responsibility" or having "Personal Capital" as the focus and key to changing the things that plague us as a people, and community. Personal capital is closely related to personal responsibility, and personal responsibility is defined as a persons "response-ability" that is the ability of a person to maturely respond to the various challenges and circumstances of life. Personal capital is also closely connected with character, and character is defined as a persons moral or ethical quality, and the character of a person gives them advantages to respond to the challenges of life. "Personal Responsibility" or Personal Capital, is the inner resources, assets, and advantages, and character one brings in response to the challenges and circumstances of life. When there is no "Personal Responsibility" or "Personal Capital a person becomes a victim of circumstances an in effect is not able to consciously or purposefully choose his or her own thoughts, feelings or actions. This allows for a community of people to identify themselves as powerless, dependent, entitled,  and to allow apathy, worry, fear, and self-doubt to be their life's guide. Without taking "Personal Responsibility" for our own lives, we will always live at the effect of what happens around us, have little to no response to the challenges of life, and won't believe that we have the ability to choose and direct our life direction, and have control of our own destiny. Simple put, "The greatest helping hand, we will ever get, is at the end of our arms"

Heritage Foundation Panelist on Radical Islam | CNS News

Sometimes you just have to let the video speak for itself!!

Heritage Foundation Panelist on Radical Islam | CNS News

2014 Go Green Event South Bronx NY

On Saturday, Upstate Hip Hop Duo Greek and Dj G-Rock Hosted the 2014 Get Green Event in the South Bronx, along with Hot 97. The Get Green Event is a celebration of Environment and Culture of the Bronx; This is the 7th year of the event, which places an emphasis doing your part to make our environment safe. The Get Green event featured over 30 community based organization who shared valuable information on the environment, climate change, and how we could join to make a difference. Participants converted the engine of a former school bus to run on used vegetable oil, making it a clean-energy vehicle. Green Mountain Energy, which was present at the event, donated $12,000 to help put solar panels on the bus. Organizers say the event brings people in the community together and keeps kids out of trouble.
Greek states:
"To me there is no better feeling then being on a stage and rocking a crowd!! You add the importance of the event to our world and it becomes even more special. I knew as a kid growing up what I wanted to do and I thank god for the opportunities so far that he's blessed me with to showcase my talent and live out my dreams and know the value of giving back to the community

 #WORKING #StageLife #HOSTING #PERFORMING #ARTIST #MUSIC #HIPHOP #NY#iTurnUp #DREAM

 #GREEK #DjGrock 

Interesting. But we always knew it anyway. I really think that this is sad and that the more we allow it to happen the more acceptable it becomes. We need to start creating our own art and then this wouldn't be.

Sony Life: The Official Interview by Carlisa Williams

Have you ever heard a song and all of a sudden you feel like all of your dreams are about to come true? 'Like, damn I need to sit down right now and write, edit, paint, because this is about to happen! I feel it!' If you haven't felt that way, then you probably haven't heard underground sensation, Sony Life. & If you don't know who Sony Life is, then you're probably leading a really, incredibly sad life and you need some Sony in It. Real talk.

For those of you who need some excitement in your lives, let me introduce you to the hottest up and coming rapper, photographer, and video producer out right now. Sony Life is a 21 year old, knockout representing the incredibly under-represented upstate NY and doing it very well.

Endowed with positive vision and ambitious lyrics, Sony's music is both captivating and very easy to listen to. 

Even though Sony has talent with the camera; producing some of the best videography to come out of the 845 area, Sony's first passion is music. "It's all I can think about. My music is fun, but I'm real serious about it. People are listening to me, I'm not just doing this for myself anymore."

Sony praises his older brother D.E. for influencing him and sparking his interest in music,"When I was little he would come up with these raps that nobody really believed were his, everyone would be like, 'nah you stole that from somebody, get outta here', because they would be so official, it was like, 'this has to be stolen [from a major label artist].' When I found out that these raps were really coming from him, it made me feel like I could do it too."

And he certainly does it well, with hits like 'EROS remix' Sony Life lets his words loose so fluidly that you will end up wondering why he isn't signed to a major label and being played on New York radio. Although New York has yet to pick up on the talent of Mr. New York himself, Sony has been burning the waves in Atlanta and was a summer favorite with his hit 'Go Get it remix' ft. D.E., a video he also produces. 

Check it out here:  

Sony Life cites the movie '8 mile' as having influenced him to take rap a step further, "When that movie came out, I was living in Waterbury, CT and I remember everybody thought they could rap. Well it was me and another kid, who was my best friend at the time, neither one of us had the courage to rap, but we had these other kids who we would coach and direct, making them have rap battles." 

Sony says that while it was the movie that made him consider rap as a career and helped him to form a friendship with his then best friend; it was the experience that came after that bond was built, that made him become serious about rap as a life choice.

"It wasn't too long after that, that we were running in gym and he just collapsed and I knew it was over. Like, I had a connection with him and even though everyone thought it was fine, I knew that it wasn't.I knew that I lost my best friend. That was the first time that I wrote a real rhyme and from there music just took off. People listened to that one song that I wrote and were like, 'You know you've got some talent here.' I don't remember the actual rap, but I'm pretty sure it was mostly words that actually rhymed, but in any case that's how many rappers start (with bubble gum rhymes)."

But the name Sony Life came long after his original rap brought him local appreciation. His name is a simple yet definitive example of his creativity; Sony breaks down to be So N.Y., Life adds on to the meaning of the montage. Sony says that he came up with it while lying in bed and watching T.V., we all know the corporate giant SONY which produces electronics, but Sony Life saw more than that. "After I broke it down,I felt like, yes! I can run with this and make it mine, and so I did, and it was actually a bigger movement than I thought it was going to be. I'm taken seriously and even though [my name] came from something so simple, I take it seriously." Adding to it, Sony says, "I've moved a lot, but New York is me, I connect more with this place, than with any other places I've ever lived."  

Sony, whose real name is Sayeed Merced manages to stay humble even as his fame gathers, he says that his family, namely his mother and daughter anchors him. In his words, his stage presence; Sony Life, is like a magic trick, 

"Sayeed is the real me, Sony is the illusion. When you look into my eyes, you will see Sayeed; what my mother and God made, but Sony is what I and the world makes up." Sony is the alter ego to this 21 year olds life.

"Sony is my positive energy manifested into music"

When  asked how much of the hype created by his alter ego Sony replied with this,

"Well, not much of what I do as Sony is hype, everything that I speak of is real, you'll never catch me speaking out of character and saying something crazy like 'I want to blow up the world or I'll grab a weed whacker and chop somebodies head off. No, I rap about real things that happen in my life. The only hype I can say, that I may create is in my videos, I create videos that I want to be watched, so of course I used popular imagery."

The confidence in himself and his work is priceless, when asked if he thinks he will do well, Sony simply, but assertively, replies, "Yes." 

Sony considers doing any kind of work with Jay-z the identifier to making it, "Jay's a man that you should admire, no matter what anyone has to say about him. There's a picture of him in Forbes magazine standing next to Warren Buffet, one of the most influential men in the world. If that's not making it then, I don't know what is. This and the fact that he still manages to stay relevant even though he'd been out for so long. He's never finished, he's still evolving."

Sony says that he is learning to take his time and build imagery with his words and passion, a task that he's learning by listening to old school artists such as Billy Paul, "Just the way that they deliver a line, it could be the most simple thing to say in the world, but when they deliver it, it has you like 'Damn! What was he feeling, when he came up with that?'

"My music is whimsical, you'll always have a reason to connect with it, I'm never just talk, I always have a reason to be on the mic. I mean, there are times when I'm like, 'pop bottles, let's do what every body else does' because you have to give a little of that. But if you look me me up, then you'll find my songs are different. I'll give you feeling and you'll sense that I'm trying to touch the feeling and give it to you."

And Sony certainly proves to be much more than a one track mind, Sony shows the diversity he speaks about with tracks like 'This way' 'I love it remix' 'Raining between her legs' and 'Outta sight', all which have different focuses and emotion, but are all delivered with a fiery passion that Sony has crafted well over the years.

So what inspires an artist as creative as Sony? "As an artist and person my 4 year old daughter inspires me the most. Her name is Zakyra, she's just the cutest little thing in the world. I've been through a lot things, it hasn't been this glamorous image that people probably see, but it's like once she came along, it was like a head start some people buckle under that kind of pressure, but it was like, that's what me and mines needed. It's what I needed for me to get serious. It's what drives me to continue my music."

Currently, Sony is in the works of producing videos for his own music and has just completed a tour in Atlanta. Rapping since he was 12 and doing photography and videography for just a few year and Sony is already being sponsored by the likes of B&H photography. His latest video M.O.E. features Aaron Jhaye and Doccc Johnson, is yet to be released, but if it's anywhere as fanciful as the lyrics, then we're definitely dealing with a hit. Idk about you, but I'm pretty excited to know what Sony has up his sleeve with this one!  

Check out the song on his sound cloud: 

Sony Life's sound cloud

Watch some of his previous videos and await the new:

Sony Life videos

Written by Carlisa Williams
[All photos taken and edited by Sony Life]

EP REVIEW: 'Fade Away' by Gaetano

by Carlisa Williams
New York has a new rising R&B star and his name is Gaetano. Gaetano is a 24 year old, master of emotions. His first EP is entitled 'Fade Away' and came in the middle of a long summer, which brought with it only one or two R&B bangers that evoked even the slightest bit of passion in the listeners. Yet with his EP, Gaetano certainly resparked my interest in R&B again.
While most R&B singers seem to be afraid of straying from the stereotypical standard of money, luxary and sex, Gaetano displays emotional range on this awe evoking EP.

The voice of this Bronx native will certainly captivate you,Gaetano manages to mix grown man with a boyish falsetto. 'Fade Away' exemplifies grown people music and is a definite choice for some time spent alone with your significant other. A master of expression, Gaetano also hits us with lyrical content of songs like 'Road to Nowhere' where he gives poetic light to the young and hopeless love affair, singing;

'That hole didn't matter in the sunshine, drops are falling faster and it's about time, we left this bed and took that step, towards the road, if we're going to be soaked, we might as well be walking in the open;

On the road to nowhere, time is on our side.

On the road to nowhere, we'll find a compromise.

We'll try and we'll try until at last we realize, we're on a road to nowhere.'

Perfectly pitched and defined, Gaetano will certainly have us on memory lane, where we will go back to highschool or our first love affair which will live forever, thanks to his lovely tribute.

On one of the more susceptible tracks of the EP the falsetto-ist displays his talent with the word and exudes emotion all over the track 'Speak with my Guitar'. In this self written and immaculatly produced track,which happens to be the one of the artists favorites, Gaetano displays a surreal vulnerability compared to the hardened lyrics of the second song, a breakup song appropriately named, 'Terrible Truth', where he comically admonishes both himself and the woman 'I'm a liar a cheater, a sinner, and I'm fake, you're a hater, a deciever, and a diva by mistake!'

Albeit a bit harsh, Gaetano manages to detail emotion without getting too explicit with his lyrical content.


The talent displayed by the 24 year old on this album is enough to make any young lady swoon and any man jealous. Gaetano; along with co writing most of the tracks on this EP, also has a hand in the production of most of the tracks on it.

On the nostalgic track 'Rewind' Gaetano displays his talent in the violin with a short solo of himself playing the instrument. 'Rewind' is a song which he not only produced entirely by himself, but also wrote himself.This leaves the imagination dancing in wonderment, asking what else can he do? Well as his bandcamp site is sure to proclaim, all guitar heard on this EP is played by the artist himself, Gaetano also plays the bass, drums and piano.

The EP is topped with the vocally enchanting 'Cheers to us' the only song not written or co-written by Gaetano himself. The song is a soft ode to love, a far cry from the supremely nasty and sexy track 'stilletos x black dress' which gives an explicit and imaginative yet far from vulgar depiction, of what the Italian falsetto-ist imagines to be a sexy night, Gaetano continues with his unabashedly brasen lyrics,

'Cut right to the chase have you ever been kissed below the waist?'

leading into even more provactive lyrics, 'I've got a face and you've always got a place to sit.'

What? Yes. Yes he did and you can check it out yourself on his bandcamp site, while we await his new, yet to be dated project, 'Music Over Everything'.
http://gaetanomusic1.bandcamp.com/album/ep-fade-away

　

written by Carlisa Williams

Money worth more than health?

My last post was aimed at introducing this public to the dangers of GMO products.
Now I present to you a video found on Naturlcuresnotmedicine.com, one of my suggested links. The following video shows the extreme lengths that the government allows GMO companies to go to hide the dangers of GMO products.

 

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/08/fox-reporters-fired-after-refusing-to.html

FDA BS

Why You Don't Know What You Are
By Carlisa Williams
You are what you eat, but do you know what you are? No. Nobody does, unless you're a scientist working for an bio-engineering company and have studied chemistry as well as physics and math. If the U.S. food markets continues to regulate its selections the way it does not, then pretty soon, it will be necessary for a person to have a masters degree in bio chemistry in order to truly know what they're eating.
I remember hearing a rumor back in the early 2000's that there was no real corn left in the world anymore, that it was all fake. 'That sounds stupid!' is how I responded. How could there not be any real corn left in the world, if the shelves are filled with it everyday?
GMO. Genetically Modified Organisms. This is a term coined by the European food and drug administration. GMO foods are so far altered from their origin that they are not even considered to be foods, by them.
GMO products are made to look, smell, and taste like the real thing, but are not. GMO brand foods are 'edited' from the seed and grown in labs using non conventional methods of production. Food like Tomatoes, Bananas, Spinach, even meats are capable of being turned into a GMO product. These foods are traditionally grown in a garden or on a farm without human intervention aside from watering and pruning, but GMO foods are made in the lab. According to best selling author Robyn O'brien, foreign protein cells are emplanted into the natural seed and the genetic properties of said seed is forever changed.
Whatever change the scientist wants to make is then produced a few weeks later. The GMO seed is mostly changed in order to produce a higher yield at a faster rate, but physical genetic properties, such as color and size can also be changed, but are often not.
Take the carrot, hardly anyone know that the carrot used to be a purple astringent tasting vegetable with orange flesh, until it was changed by scientists in the 1930's to produce a sweeter tasting product. (Read about the fun side affects of GMO carrots)Animals are even altered to produce more meat. GMO's are justified with the claim that the global food supply is lessening and the human conception rate is increasing, but how well will that do us all if the foods we are consuming are also killing us and causing more disease than health?
Aside the fact that you're eating someone's lab experiment, a horrible fact about GMOs are that they are currently on the market unlabeled and there is no governing force willing to stop it. Of course there is the FDA- the governing who is supposed to stop it, but back in 1991 the regulations that were placed on GMO foods were deregulated as means of making money, by then President Bush.
The worst thing about the deregulation of GMO product, is that the food is not required to be tested for safe consumption, even though according to the FDA's very own site; 'Bioengineered foods and food ingredients (including food additives) must adhere to the same standards of safety under the Act that apply to their conventional counterparts.This means that these products must be as safe as the traditional foods in the market.'
But how can safety be ensured if a food that is purposely being altered is not being tested for said safety? So if this is true, then how is it even remotely possible for the FDA to still be in tact? There is literally no job to do, if testing foods for consumptive safety is not a mandatory part of the process.
An even worse fact about GMO foods is that it has been found in several studies that GMO foods can potentially cause allergies, ailments and illnesses, such as autism, ADHD, cancer and many many more harmful side effects. Many point out the fact that with these illnesses caused by the very thing necessary to keep us alive, also keep 'doctors' and pharmaceutical companies very wealthy.
The connections within the industries of food, pharma, and government is astounding to a benighted woman like myself, who enjoys food alot. It makes one nauseous to think that the government could purposely be allowing it's citizens to become ill and closer to death, all for the sake of money/economy/ world power. The fact that in order to continue selling to other countries, the government makes these companies comply with foriegn law and remove harmful additives, is sickening to say the least.
But, the loose morals of the Government is a different topic to focus on. As for right now, even though it truly should be the other way around, I can only suggest staying away from foods that are not clearly labeled to be GMO free and educating yourself and anyone that you can on the hidden dangers lingering in their foods.
Find more information at Allergykids.org
'The unhealthy truth' by Robyn O'Brien
http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/09/800-scientists-demand-end-to-GMOs.html
Join Occupy Monsanto on facebook. Another rally is coming up scheduled to take place on October 12th.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/gefood/countrieswithbans.cfm
Lists the countries where GMOs have been banned.

WHO IS HOT IN 845 "Big Bad Baragon"

Hey what's up people, sorry it's been awhile since we got together, but were back, and we have a whole lot of new music and artist to talk about. Today we received a mixtape in our inbox from one of Upstate NY's up and coming unsigned artist, the Big Bad Baragon. Now, I must admit, I've only heard bit's and pieces of some of his freestyles, and did catch the young artist when he was on BET's 106 and Park Freestyle Friday segment a while back, but that was the extent of my interaction with him and his music. We are facebook friends so we have on occasion shot the shit on what we think of today's artist and their music, and both agree there is a huge void in the hip hop game right now. We reached to Big Bad Baragon for our "Who's Hot In The 845" as he debuts his first mixtape "Another Man's Treasure" Which by the way should have the streets taking notice. You can download it here --->http://www.bigbadbaragon.com

Q.Tell us about who you are & What you do? 

A. I’m Big Bad Baragon, but you can call me Heavy Pendergrass for this interview. I rap, I produce, I express myself using music. My most recent collection of expressions are available at www.bigbadbaragon.com

Q: Describe your Music in 5 words

A. Funky, Entertaining, Inspiring, Authentic,Art  

Q.Please give your Fans 3 Fun Facts About you 

a. I don’t smoke anything, or drink, which is rare for rappers. My favorite musician is Stevie Wonder. I have a bit of a weight problem.

Q. What makes your Voice Stand Out from other Artists? 

A. My voice specifically? I guess that whenever women hear it they begin to perspire, other than that I don’t know.

Q. Do you Write Your Own Material? 

A. Of course!

Q: What are your Current projects that you are working on? 

A. We’re still pushing my debut mixtape, “Another Mans Treasure: Sextape Vol.1”. We’re working on videos and getting that out there. I’m working with Jean Paul Viteri on his new project, as well as my own funk album and an album with DJ Husky.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? 

A. In bed with Masiela Lusha or Asa Akira or whoever may end up being my wife. Also I’ll be a bit further in my career, hopefully.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from? 

A. My family and wanting to make them proud, that’s the drive. The content comes from life, like every love song on the mixtape is about a specific girl that I know personally. As far as music, my largest inspiration comes from dudes like Biggie, Ghostface, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Kanye West, dudes who were able to balance a commercially and critically successful career. As far as influences, that list would be just a bit different.

Q: If you had to choose and Industry artist Fan base who would it be? Why?

 A: Can’t say. I want my own unique fan base.

Q: What Artist that's out now is your style, or in your lane?

A . I have too many dimensions to really say, I’d have to let someone tell me who they think is in my lane.

Q: Who would you rather listen to R&B or Hip Hop Music? 

A. Old school hip hop over modern day R&B.

Q:What Artist do you listen to? 

A. Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Ghostface Killah, Kool G Rap, Wu Tang Clan, Biggie, I just got into “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye & “Straight Out the Jungle” by the Jungle Brothers so they’re getting a lot of love from me, too.

Q:Who influences your music? 

A. Kool G Rap, Biggie, Big Daddy Kane, the RZA, Dj Premier, Stevie Wonder, Biz Markie, The Wu Tang Clan, a lot of people.

Q: Please describe your fashion style in 5 words? 

A. I’m a passionate rhymer not a fashion designer!

Q: How can people Contact you & Collaborate with you? 

A. They can contact me via my website, or the normal way, on Twitter! @BigBadBaragon

Lil Wayne Reportedly Hospitalized!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-hospitalized-critical-condition_n_2887210.html

Lil Wayne is in critical condition and "being prepared for his last rites," TMZ reports.

The 30-year-old rapper was rushed to Cedars Sinai Tuesday for multiple seizures. He was released the next day but was taken to the hospital again after being found unconscious in his room, TMZ reports. According to TMZ, Wayne has been placed in an induced coma.

The rapper Mack Maine tweeted, however, that Wayne is home "alive and well." Another rapper, Birdman, tweeted, "My son is in good spirit..feelin much betta...be home soon."

MacklemoreXRyan Lewis:The Heist album review

 Ben Haggerty better known by his stage name "Macklemore".A comparable no name he came into the mainstream for the first time on the XXL freshman top ten. I am going to review his first mainstream album debut "The Heist" fully produced by Ryan Lewis.


The Heist starts off on a high note with an inspirational song entitled "Ten thousand hours". This track is not only the prologue setting a great stage for this album but it also shows a level of honesty and being proud of doing the unconventional which will be prevalent through out. "Cant hold us" ft Ray Dalton, an independent musician/songwriter from Seattle is the next track on this CD  This song has some of the best flows on the album. The next track and single "Thrift Shop" is one of my favorite songs on the album (and also my favorite party record currently". Thrift shop is a proud counter-rap-culture anthem, talking about the faded appeal of Gucci shirts and the rise of having a completely unique style and getting away from popular trends. Now we get to my least favorite track on the album "thin line". Honestly there is nothing really fantastic about this track, but none of it is bad either it's just a good, solid and upbeat track (which should be a spoiler for what I think of the album overall). I have to say before I get into this track that regardless of how you feel on this topic, this next song is a complete game changer in every sense of the word. "Same Love", a complete open journal of a straight guys (Macklemore) brutally honest opinion of the negative stigma gay culture has, the struggle they go through on a day to day basis and the fact that people talk numb about this topic everywhere, the fact that Macklemore is the first person ever to take on this topic (in a rap song) to the mainstream is mind-blowing and opened the flood gates for rappers to talk about whatever they want regardless of taboo's. This song is another one of my favorites "Make The Money" despite it's semi-typical title is has amazingly inspirational verse's of the struggle of a passionate rapper, though a common topic the words and feeling are so real and heart felt, it stands out. The hook is about keeping your ground and keeping your convictions through the fame. Imagine yourself in a smokey bar at 2 in the morning, drunk and honest telling your bartender all your problems this is the theme of the song "Neon Cathedral" featuring the great folk/blues talent of Allen Stone. "BomBom" Featuring "The Teaching" is a great instrumental track co-composed by Ryan Lewis and The Teaching. The next track "White walls" Ft.School Boy Q and Singer Hollis. A poppy song with upbeat banter mostly about women and alcohol  it's a fun song. "Jimmy lovin" Ft.Ab-Soul of Black hippie is another brutally honest take on being a member of the mainstream music industry. Macklemore talks about staying true to yourself when you a have people feeding you bullshit left and right. Ab-soul provides the hook as well as a third verse where he is playing a member of the industry. "Wing$" is another one of my least favorite songs, its good but his overly in-depth play on using new shoes as a long simile for conformism and stepping outside of the mainstream really doesn't come across as well in this song. This is the only track on the album that I would say is bad, "a wake" featuring Evan Roman. Bad Beat, but rhymes and delivery followed by a decent hook ties this trash bag together."Gold" Ft.Eighty4 Fly is another good inspirational song with a poppy beat. The lyrics are strictly feel good in every sense of the word, then the beat changes and Macklemore goes straight punchlines and flow. The next song "Starting over" featuring the lead singer of the band "Band of Horses" Ben Bridwell is an inspirational song about his feeling (guessing he's pretty comfortable with those topics) but he has a way with words and the instrumental gives him no choice but to be honest. The final track on this album "Cowboy Boots"..a weird mix of a folk song, a bar sing along and a rapper spilling his heart to the patrons. This song kind of reminds me of Fun. and Mumford and sons as far as production goes.

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

Macklemore is a very talented artist who has approached each instrumental Ryan Lewis has given him with complete honesty and skill with flow and wordplay. the content was good, though he might have played it safe on a couple of tracks. I can't wait to see what he does on his next album, and see him branch out from a topic standpoint. The features on this album where all good and played there part. I highly recommend this for anyone who is interested in more the money, hoes, clothes, dro, and coke..and liquor.

-James Whitman

"Who's Hot In The 845" GREEK

Many artist struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different music styles like pieces of clothing looking to find what fits. But there are others who emerge in command of their craft, their identity, and their music. Bobby Toromanides aka “Greek” fits firmly in the latter category. His upcoming release “Rear Views” is a motivating and energetic release that heralds the arrival of a gifted and significant new talent to the Hip Hop community. One whose music feels familiar in the best possible way, while striking out into its own territory. 

We caught up with this up and coming artist for our "Who's Hot In 845" and we hope you enjoy this Candide question answer interview. 

Learn how to put a song on itunes at ReverbNation.com

Q.Tell us about who you are & What you do?

Greek. I am a hip hop artist from upstate Newburgh NY, who loves to make
real music, with real meaning, positive messages, and high energy, 
I focus on topics and concepts that is relevant and can help people in
today's society! Especially the younger generation!

Q: Describe your Music in 5 words.

Greek: Inspirational, motivational, positive, real, and captivating, I would like to think that I have a 
story telling style, that brings what I'm and feeling and what's happening around me to 
life.

Q.Please give your Fans 3 Fun Facts About you.

Greek: 1. I like to party hard every chance I get! Never know when u gotta go!
2. I'm a big jokster, I love to make people laugh! And be the life of the
party with my personality.  3. If someone wanted to try and kill me they can always find me in the
malls shopping, cuz I love getting fly! I'm big on sneakers and throwing dope outfits together! I feel a rush when I'm putting together a sick outfit and I'm on the hunt for every piece lmao

Q. What makes your Voice Stand Out from other Artists?

Greek. I've been told by a lot of fans that my voice is very commanding
and it grabs them once they hear my song come on!


Q. Do you Write Your Own Material?


Greek. Yes! don't think I could spit anybody else's lyrics.

Q: What are your Current projects that you are working on?

Greek. To start off the new year, I am starting on my new mixtape
"REAR VIEWS" this is my musical way of expressing how i'm progressing musically 
 I want to show the fans and the critics my versatility. I'm getting better and even more inspired
This mixtape series will be a great way to keep my fans up to
speed with my music, my career and what's going on outside of my
music. But the best part is i'm using my music to express
myself and invite fans to take this journey with me!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Greek. With hard work, dedication, quality music, and god, I would
say, successful, as a well respected nationally known hip hop artist!

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

Greek. I get inspired when I hear other great artists music, i feel
like you are a liar if you say you were never a fan of another artist, if you are
a artist! We all saw/heard something that inspired us and motivated us
to want to get into this industry and become successful and heard!

Q: If you had to choose and Industry artist Fan base who would it be? Why?

Greek. Jay-z. because he is globally known, highly respected and not only
in the avenues of music, but as a business man in so many other ventures 
and still manages to be the best hip hop artist. I love the fact that
he can bring all races together by the 1000's in 1 venue and make them
go insane like the late great Michael Jackson. His fans  love him so he will always
be hot and remembered even when he's gone!

Q: What Artist that's out now is your style, or in your lane?

Greek.  Jayz, kanye west, ti, fab, bob, big Sean, rick ross, lil wayne etc.

Q: What would you rather listen to R&B or Hip Hop Music?

Greek.  I feel like both of these genres took a big turn, and it wasn't
the best turn, I like to listen to the classics more than what's out
now from both genres I feel like now the R&B singers are trying be the
rappers and the rappers are trying be the R&B singers!

Q:What Artist do you listen to?

Greek.  Jay z, Kanye, T.I, Fab, B.O.B, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne etc.


Q:Who influences your music?

Greek: The same ones that I listen to, I don't just listen to any
artist. You have to really grab me and if you do then you are something
different that I never seen before "innovator"

Q: Please describe your fashion style in 5 words? 

Greek: Young, fly, classy, sophisticated, and dope! I don't like to wear 
what is always trending and I hate to wear what everybody else is rocking,  
I learned coming up if its classic it's always in style and you can always wear it!
Trends come and go!

Q: How can people Contact you & Collaborate with you?
For bookings, interviews, and collaborations Contact Charles Kimbrough via
Email- 845mgntgrp@gmail.com
you can follow me on twitter @Greek845, Instagram: Greek845
 facebook: www.facebook.com/greek845
reverbnation.com/greek845 or just go to my website www.greek845.com

"WHO'S HOT IN THE 845" DAY NIZZY OF U.S. (UNIQUE SOLDIERS USFH)

I live and breath to assist the local unsigned and independent artist reach their potential. Watching young talent blossom into seasoned artist and grind daily building their brands, and gaining recognition regionally and nationally Reminds me of the old days when some of the greatest acts in music history all performed and toured together and shared a common bond, the love of music. I created this blog "Headphone Politics" because I'm a Musik Head and my partners are Musik Headz as well and we wanted a way to show the power of support for our local talent and giving them a platform to showcase why we should be listening to them, and allow you the fan to Learning a little about them so that you can decide if you want to know more about them and their music. Our "Who's Hot In The 845" will showcase those artist we feel represent the best in the region, and this will cover all genre's. Today we will feature Day Nizzy of U.S. (Unique Soldiers USFH) 

Learn how to get your music heard at ReverbNation.com

HEADPHONE POLITICS - WHO IS DAY NIZZY?

DAY NIZZY - As of today I like to consider myself as a guy that fully understands who I am as a person and an artist. Dwight Dejohn Young is no different then Day Nizzy due to the fact that I never wanted to create a Day Nizzy Persona that people would like instead Dejohn Young. I give people me and I could be satisfied with having one fan that appreciated me for doing so. I love music because I feel words are powerful and by me providing the world with my perspective it can empower someone else in the process. 

HEADPHONE POLITICS - HOW DID YOU GET TO BE WHO YOU ARE? TELL US WHAT MAKES YOU YOU?

DAY NIZZY - I think being from the hood (Newburgh, NY) but also seeing what the rest of the world outside of the hood made me the man I am today. The fact that I know there's so much more to life made me more versatile then other artist you may hear. My mother tried pursuing a rap career and had connections with some legendary people in hip hop. Names like Lord Finess and Dj Premier, but when she had me it kind of slow her down, so I'd like to believe that I was brought into this world to finish what she started.


HEADPHONE POLITICS - WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

DAY NIZZY - Currently I'm working on my second EP the follow up to "Book Of Secrets" which you can find on datpiff.com. My new project is still untitled at the moment, but I promise to deliver something better than my last. I am also a quarter of the group Unique Soldiers. We are looking forward to dropping a follow up to our US vs Them Mixtape which I still believe was the hottest mixtape to drop in my hood to date.

HEADPHONE POLITICS - DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC IN 5 WORDS?

DAY NIZZY - Unique, Intelligent, Dope, Lyrical, and Relevant!!

HEADPHONE POLITICS - GIVE YOUR FANS OR POTENTIAL FANS 3 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU!

DAY NIZZY - My cousin is CL Smooth who was a rapper who made hits with Pete Rock
I lived in Italy from age 12 years old to 15 years old.
I never been shot, and I don't have any felonies..lol


HEADPHONE POLITICS - WHAT MAKES YOUR VOICE STAND OUT FROM OTHERS?

DAY NIZZY -  I don't feel like I sound like anyone else I have so many different flows that my voice never gets repetitive.

HEADSPHONE POLITICS - Where do you get your inspiration from?

DAY NIZZY - I'm inspired by making my mark on the world. The death of my friend Trent Zachary and for all the people that have been loyal to me over the years I wanna be able to deliver and give back

HEADPHONE POLITICS - If you had to choose and Industry artist Fan base who would it be? Why?

DAY NIZZY - I wouldn't want another artist fan base because I'm so different if anything it would have to be an artist with a long career because I want loyal fans. The attention span is so short nowadays I need fans that's gonna stick by me.

HEADPHONE POLITICS - What Artist that's out now is your style, or in your lane?

DAY NIZZY - I like J cole, Fab, Drake, definitely Hov, but I don't really like to compare myself to anyone, I just wanna be who I was put hear to be.

HEADPHONE POLITICS - What would you rather listen to R&B or Hip Hop Music? WHAT ARTIST DO YOU LISTEN TO? 


DAY NIZZY -  I'm an R&B dude I can't even front..lol, The artist I listen to are the ones I named, plus I like Miguel's Album.

HEADPHONE POLITICS - Who influences your music? 

DAY NIZZY - When I'm makin music I try not to listen to any other artist because I don't want to start sounding like anyone else, I do listen to a lot of R&B when I'm creating though.

HEADPHONE POLITICS - Please describe your fashion style in 5 words? 

DAY NIZZY - I coordinate I'm flashy at times but when you look your best it's easier to have the confidence you need to be successful

HEADPHONE POLITICS - How can people Contact you & Collaborate with you?

DAY NIZZY - @daynizzy on twitter 


HEADPHONE POLITICS - WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE?

DAY NIZZY - I hope one day soon, I will be able to make a career out of this music. I couldn't picture myself doing anything else, and i feel like I have enough talent to do it like no one else can. In 5 yrs I want to be sitting on a couple of platinum plaques, I couldn't name one person that made it from my hood and I feel like all the struggles and pain we endured, that my city is ready for a success story. I am 26 now and I wasted a lot of years. I already lost one of my close friends Trent "Trigga" Zachary at a young age and before my story is finished I want to be able to say I did it for US!!


Headphone Politics - If you want to hear music from this young rising artist you can check his music out here: http://www.reverbnation.com/nizzyhoffa 
or you can download " Book Of Secrets here: http://www.datpiff.com/Day-Nizzy-Book-Of-Secrets-mixtape.308857.html

"WHO'S HOT IN THE 845" TONY E

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THIS YOUNG MAN DO HIS THING IN 2010 DURING THE BREAK CONTEST IN POUGHKIPSEE NY, AND THEN AGAIN AT MEADOWLANDS STADIUM FOR THE BAMBOOZLE FESTIVAL, THIS YOUNG RISING STAR HAS HAD HIS SHARE OF ADVERSITY IN HIS YOUNG LIFE,AND IT SEEMS HE'S FUNNELED IT ALL INTO HIS MUSIC. THE TRACK I JUST LISTENED TO TITLED "JOHN LENNON" SHOWS THE LYRICAL SKILL AND FLOW WE ARE LOOKING FOR AND THIS WEEK WE LABEL TONY E HOT AND ONE TO WATCH IN THE 845!! Since the age of 9 years old Antonio Echandy, better known as "Tony E.", has been musically active. Being so young it was not until the age of 15 did his music become known to the public of his peers in Beacon, New York. In the year of 2009, Tony lost his mother in a tragic car accident but it never hindered his goals, It just gave him more inspiration and more drive to fulfill his dream. Tony remains like any other child with extraordinary goals and inspiration. "Music wise, Charles Hamilton, Kanye West, Passion Pit and all creative music inspires him. "Honestly Im just inspired at the idea of making music and doing something I love for a living, also the idea of people listening to me drives me even more." Following the release of his first mix tape, "The Incomplete Circle", The Tony E. Express was on track. His music became Wildly favored by the local youth and the parents of those youth as well. 6 months later he dropped yet another mix tape entitled "2525" that displayed his development in the last 6 months. The style of the this young lyricist is unlike most, putting together meaningful words with a flow that both excites and entices his audience. In December of 2011 Tony E. kicked open opportunities door entering The Break Contest live music competition at the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, New York. With a goal to win, Tony began selling tickets for his first show immediately, and with overwhelming support from his city, family and friends he had no problem packing the house to earn what he had worked so hard for. Although he aimed for 1st Tony fell short at 5th place, yet still earning him his overall goal of performing on the Bamboozle stage @ The Meadowlands Arena in New Jersey with some of music’s biggest names Like, Lil’ Wayne, A Day To Remember, Big Sean and many more. After his performance at The Bamboozle Festival Tony E. came back home to open up for Mac Miller the very next day at The Chance Theatre in Poughkeepsie NY. Tony went on to drop yet another mix tape entitled, "Just Another Mixtape". Locally the mix tape was a hit and everyone enjoyed how Tony could uniquely make every industry beat on the tape his own. After dropping his 3rd mix tape in just his senior year of high school, Tony attracted even more people to his fan base. Just 2 months later Tony dropped his first original project titled "Story Time". In this project Tony developed every song to have its own unique story behind it to show how diverse and creative he is. This project caught attention to many people and eventually Tony began even traveling to New York City to record in multi millionaire studios such as "Jungle City" and "The Engine Room". Tony then dropped his next mixtape entitled "Low Toleerance" where he demolished the most famous industry beats out like its suppose to be done to show the "Low Tolerance" he has for the music out today. Tony is set to drop his first OFFICIAL album Entitled "Echandy" on Feb 9th 2013 with all original beats and a unique style of music making. Tony and his team full young creative minds want to take his dream to the next level and show the world who Tony E. is. Working every day on music, videos, promoting, and even producing there is no doubt that Tony and his team are one of the most hungry unsigned talent out there.

http://www.tonye.bandcamp.com/
http://youtu.be/Lzaj_GLmX9I - Tony E - Live @ The Chance For The Break Contest
http://youtu.be/4Ord5MbefCo - Tony E Performance @ The Bamboozle Festival
http://youtu.be/c2TUGhvY5S4 - Tony E Opens Up for Mac Miller
http://youtu.be/eKfs2C_ckL8 - "Y.W.&.R."(Young Wild & Reckless) SMASH SINGLE
http://youtu.be/Mdsjj7D1vU8 - "Rack City Freestyle"
http://youtu.be/HRCls6hXB8Y - "History"
http://youtu.be/Bf8hDjFnrd0 - "Tony E Interview" Cypha Sundays
http://youtu.be/P5k2N0zUE-g - "Tony E interview" from the UK