pushing forward works just as well as never looking back – DATZHOTT!
HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE!
The latest southern rap duo PLAYAZ CIRCLE is ready to present their latest disc, Flight 360: The Take Off, easily one of the anticipated debuts in years. Signed to the groundbreaking Disturbing the Peace label, founded by multi-platinum and Grammy winning artist and actor Ludacris and Disturbing Tha Peace CEO Chaka Zulu, these Georgia boys have already been making noise with their first single “Duffle Bag Boyz.”
HOTT-er than a bowl of grits, “Duffle Bag Boyz” is the perfect introduction anthem from a new duo Tity Boy and his partner in rhyme Dolla. The popular track, with a hyped video (directed by Chaka Zulu) in heavy rotation on BET and a ringtone blaring out of phones, has also led to a growing popularity on Myspace. “We get like 600 friends a day,” says Dolla. “Personally, I just think it’s a blessing that we’re being heard.”
In this HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE! Playaz Circle talks about the forming of the group, hooking up with LUDACRIS, and what to expect from their latest album.
After LISTENING TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE, check below for the latest videos by PC and links to their social media pages.
WHAT’s HOTT!!! ABOUT PLAYAZCIRCLE!?!
Pride. Perseverance. Fortitude.
While the Playaz Circle prides themselves on being laid-back Southern gentleman, Tity Boy laughs, “The Duffle Bag Boys is our wild side.” Produced by newcomer M-16 and featuring Lil Wayne, the groove-induced funk also has fly flourishes of haunting keyboards, souped-up 808 and operatic wailings.
“We come from the era when hip-hop really had substance,” Tity Boy says. “We were students of artists like NWA, Too Short and Big Daddy Kane. We knew all of that music.” Growing-up in the College Park section of Atlanta at a time when hometown groups like Goodie Mob and Outkast were pioneering a southern hip-hop sensibility, the Playz Circle rap duo Tity Boy and Dolla were boyhood friends before either had ever busted a rhyme.
the quest for a difference is ...only good as it appears – DATZHOTT!
“I see myself on the road of being an icon … a legend” - CHANJ!
HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE!
Every so often the industry is blessed to witness the birth of a genuine new artist, the kind whose very first single grabs music fans’ attention and maintains it until arriving at bona fide stardom. Alistair Records recording artist CHANJ is that next artist and he will seal the deal with the release of his forthcoming, aptly titled debut disc, “Time For Chanj.”
In this HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE! interview, the New Jersey born vocalist shares his experience about once appearing as a finalist on the Showtime at the Apollo “Amateur Night” contest and his aspirations of injecting a loving “energy” into his music. Chanj also talks about how he sees himself in the game 20 years from now.
After LISTENING TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE, be sure to check below for videos and links to Chanj’s websites and social media pages.
WHAT’s HOTT!!!ABOUT CHANJ!?!
The gifted Plainfield, New Jersey native has spent the better part of his life on some form of a stage. Growing up on healthy helpings of classic soul singers like Al Green, Sam Cooke and Luther Vandross provided him with a solid musical foundation. But his more direct influences were contemporaries like Prince, Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo. As a member of an extracurricular high school program partnered with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, CHANJ’s original aspiration was to be an actor. But seeing awe-inspiring performances by some of his music idols compelled him to try his hand at singing and soon he began honing his craft by performing at local talent shows. He eventually crossed paths with veteran music executive Darnell Scott, who would provide the “big break” aspiring artists always dream about.
Before meeting Scott, CHANJ would find himself on the very stage that inspired him to become a vocalist. He proved a force to be reckoned with when he appeared as an “Amateur Night” contestant on Showtime at the Apollo. Commanding an audience known globally for its fiercely critical and sometimes brutal reception, CHANJ put his own stamp on Floetry’s highly received sensual ballad “Say Yes.” It was the mark of a consummate performer, as he recalls, “It was a lukewarm reception as I began to sing the song but I just kept going and it turned into cheers and people standing and clapping.” He won the challenge not once but four times, earning a $25,000 dollar grand prize for his final win. Footage of his performance of the song on the Apollo and at other live venues has generated thousands of hits on YouTube.
Scott introduced CHANJ to his partner and Alistair Records co-founder Warren Braithwaite, who knew he’d found something special in CHANJ the first time he heard him sing. Braithwaite recalls, “I haven’t heard a voice like that in a long time. Every time he sings you get chills, you feel it in your soul.” And he knew just the right people to help generate a buzz on his promising new artist. Braithwaite cranked up the machine by booking a spot on pal Jamie Foxx’s popular “Fox Hole” Radio Show on Sirius, which led to a gig singing at a birthday party for actress Tisha Campbell. The fete was of course attended by a tenfold of celebrities who were equally awed by the newcomer’s talent and happy to spread the word. That led to a performance at R&B Live — the popular Los Angeles showcase hosted by actor Chris Spencer — where his performance had regular guests like Judge Mathis and Tony Rock in the palm of his hand. In fact, Foxx was so impressed by the young talent, the Oscar-winning actor opened up his Los Angeles-based home studio for CHANJ to record some of the songs on his debut disc.
Teddy Riley produced the update of “Say Yes” that appears on TIME FOR CHANJ. Asked why he chose to attempt the intricate song, CHANJ says, “When I bought [Floetry’s 2002 disc Floetic] ‘Say Yes’ was the one song that stuck out to me so strong. It’s passionate, it’s intimate and it’s a true R&B/soul song.” He now gets consistent requests to perform it. After friends insisted she see the Apollo performance, former Floetry vocalist Marsha Ambrosius was equally impressed with CHANJ’s version of her composition, and she was thrilled to work with him on his album on the track “Give it All.” He says of the Grammy-winning songwriter, “Working with Marsha was incredible. I’m such a fan of hers and she wound up being a fan of me too, which made for great chemistry in the studio. And ‘Give it All’ is such a strong song.”
CHANJ was able to nurture his own budding skills as a songwriter on the project while working alongside a host of industry heavy-hitters. He says, “I really just wanted to get involved with different people with different ideas. And I wanted to learn a lot so that when my second album comes out I would have a lot more knowledge on how to really construct a song, or really get the best out of a harmony.” In addition to Riley and Ambrosius, some of his collaborators included Dre & Vidal, Adonis, Day 26’s Robert Curry and Mike City. Of working with Riley – a music legend known as the architect of “New Jack Swing” – CHANJ says it was amazing “just to be in the studio with an icon. He has this thing called the ‘Teddy Test’ where he’s really, really hard on people to get that great performance. Fortunately, I passed Teddy’s test. He taught me a lot.”
Working with Adonis on the track “Dance for Me” was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the “less is more” concept. CHANJ says of the hit-maker, “He understands the art of simplicity. He can make something so simple sound so great. He has these catchy melodies that lock into you. His mind is great.” Melodically the track invokes ‘80s-era Prince, which is fitting for a sexy ditty that nods to strip clubs by suggesting a couple create their own venue at home. But CHANJ can also leave sex out of the equation when celebrating the opposite sex; skillfully produced by industry tastemakers Dre & Vidal, the catchy dance tempo “2 Kool” is an ode to the girl whose confidence and self-assuredness complete her physical package and make her the star of the club. The duo also blessed the project with the flirty mid-tempo “Maybe,” the infectious introductory single in which CHANJ sets the tone for his artistry, singing, “I know you’ve been waiting for a song like this/Wait no more/ ‘Cause here it is.” And the aptly titled “Transform” will likely see CHANJ morph from buzzed-about newcomer to crossover phenomenon, with its expansive sound and radio-friendly appeal in the vein of T.I. and Justin Timberlake’s “Dead and Gone.”
The lead single, “It’s The Worst” produced by Steven Russell (Jordin Sparks “No Air”) features a powerful and emotional delivery from Chanj while giving the listener an intimate look into the difficulties of relationships. Says Chanj, “Everyone has been in the type of relationship where you love someone, but you can’t seem to make it work. It drives you crazy. Damn! “It’s The Worst!”
CHANJ delivers lyrical content about admiration, infatuation, and love in a manner that’s chivalrous rather than salacious. “My musical style is a bit more honest, a bit more genuine. My lyrical content has to display a certain type of image – a gentleman-ism, a romantic side. Of course it can be fun but at the end of the day I want to influence people with love all over again. Everything is so sexual that we’ve moved away from genuine love songs.” He also has a profound love and respect for the art of performing and strives to connect with and captivate his audience. “My live show is like a party. My DJ, DJ Scratchator, always amps up the crowd as a pre-warning to a fun loving intense show you’ll receive.”
Armed with an enormous amount of talent and stage-worthy charisma, CHANJ is next in line to carve a permanent niche for his self in the music industry and is destined to achieve the pop-crossover status few R&B artists have achieved before him. He recognizes the qualities that make the quintessential artist because he possesses them himself. “The great singers of R&B are always the people who can touch you. It’s important to know who you are and what you want to display to the world because people feel a lot more connected when they know that something’s not contrived.” Without a doubt, CHANJ is good.
Chanj performs “Say Yes” live @ R’n'B live in Hollywood, CA
if life was like a train … every journey traveled … would move upon an open railroad … power engines fuel our desires and dreams … if death was like fire … flames wouldn‘t burn after it becomes ... steam! – DATZHOTT!
HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVES!
Born in Puerto Rico but raised in Nashville, the 24-year-old songbird began developing her strong vocals skills in the church choir at the age of two. As a teenager, JADYN MARIA realized that music is her calling, and decided to pursue a career in entertainment. Soon after, she inked a songwriting deal with Universal Music Publishing. A fateful meeting with Tango, co-founder of Ne-Yo’s Compound Entertainment management company, led Jadyn Maria to Atlanta, where she was immediately put to work in the recording studio with producer Chuck Harmony (Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo and Celine Dion). Days later, Jadyn Maria received the call that changed her life: “Hi Jadyn, this is Ne-Yo. I just wanted to let you know I heard the songs you just recorded and I would like to sign you as an artist.” It was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
In this HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE! – Jadyn talks about working with Neyo and all the crazy experiences she had while out on tour. JM also advises any aspiring artist to “never give up”.
After LISTENING TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVEbe sure to check below for the latest videos by Jadyn and links to her social media pages.
WHAT’s HOTT!!! ABOUT JADYN MARIA!?!
In 2008, Jadyn Maria moved to Atlanta, signed to Compound Entertainment, and began working on her debut album. Says Ne-Yo: “A sweet tone, a gorgeous smile, a bubbly yet strong persona—not to mention a rather strong pen game—made Jadyn Maria just what I was looking for. It’s these attributes that will also make her a name you will remember.”
“I am thrilled to team up with Ne-Yo, his manager Tango, and Compound Entertainment to introduce Jadyn Maria,” adds Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone. “It’s the greatest validation of a new artist’s talent to earn the praises of a fellow artist who has already made it to the top of the game, so it speaks volumes that Ne-Yo has chosen Jadyn as his very first signing. Jadyn is a fantastic singer and gifted songwriter who really stands apart from the pack of new female artists with enormous charisma, a unique personal style, and a sassy edge. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jadyn Maria into the Universal Motown family.”
Jadyn Maria’s talent crosses musical genres and so will her Universal Motown debut album. The CD is set to feature some of today’s R&B and pop music heavy-hitters, including Ne-Yo, Katy Perry, and Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes, to name a few.
Neyo Introduces Jadyn Maria
Video for “Good Girls, Like Bad Boys“ (FT. Flo-Rida)
when life happens ...party happens... when death happens – someone calledthe cops to break up the party- DATZHOTT!
HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE! LMFAO!
“We’re definitely not a band that’s shy. We love to hear ourselves talk. We want to be seen as much as possible. We want to be so big that we can’t even walk down the street.” Mark the words of Redfoo, the programming brain behind electro-hip hop duo LMFAO, who, along with his cohort (and nephew) Sky Blu, have already initiated a full-scale assault on the clubs. In the last year alone, three self-produced and self-distributed LMFAO tracks — “I’m In Miami Bitch,” “Lil’ Hipster Girl” and “Yes” — have become as ubiquitous on the dance floor as any hit by the likes of Rihanna or T.I., while remixes of Fergie’s “Clumsy,” Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown” and Katy Perry’s “Hot ‘N’ Cold,” have lent instant credibility to two guys who’ve turned clowning around into an art form and a business.
In thisHOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE!, LMFAO talks about the dropping of their latest and future plans for the group.
After listening to the interview above. Be sure to check below for the latest videos and links LMFAO.
WHAT’s HOTT!!! ABOUT LMFAO!?!
A Whole Lot More Than The Obvious
It’s all part of an elaborate plan for world domination. No, really. For Foo and Sky, as they refer to each other, what started as a natural collaboration (uncle and nephew, who happen to be close in age, tinkering with drum machines and recording software) with a mix tape thrown in as an afterthought, has evolved into a multi-platform musical movement. With one key mission: live tonight like there’s no tomorrow.
Foo and Sky call it Party Rock, and it’s the name of their debut album, label (via the will.i.am Music Group and Interscope Records), clothing line and general outlook on any given day. “It’s always better to have a party in your life,” explains Foo. “Fun and laughter, the girls, dancing, celebrating… We want to feel the same way walking down the sidewalk as we do on stage.” Which explains an awful lot about their street attire. The guys, who are devout PETA members, favor pimp jackets, oversized glasses (minus the actual glass), faux fur embellishments and the occasional leopard spandex skin tight pants (girls sizes only). If it’s not vintage, then it’s their own Party Rock brand, which Foo and Sky wear exclusively. And their stylish strut seems to be working. “We get way more women now,” says Sky.
Like many rock stars-in-the-making, girls are a recurring theme in LMFAO’s music. From the sun and booze-fueled party anthem, “I’m In Miami Bitch,” to the hilariously scene-y “Lil’ Hipster Girl,” to “I Am Not A Whore,” in which Foo flips your typical song-and-dance mating ritual around with a stroke of reverse psychology genius. “We’ll often write songs based off of simple catch phrases that we’ll hear or say,” he explains. “‘I Am Not A Whore’ started as an experiment to talk to more girls. Because in the club, when the music’s loud, girls come up to us all the time saying, ‘I love your glasses’ or, ‘I love your hair,’ or sometimes they’ll walk by and grab us on the ass. But once we’d say ‘Thank you’ or whatever, the transaction was over! I thought, there’s got to be a way to keep talking and create an interest. We were missing out on all these girls! So I’d say, ‘Just because you’re giving me compliments, doesn’t mean I’ll sleep with you. I am not a whore.’ Amazingly, it worked!” Sky poo poo’d the idea originally, but even he couldn’t deny the volume of cell numbers Foo was collecting. It inspired the line: “I’m a human, not a sandwich.”
It’s high jinx like these that serve as fuel for LMFAO’s non-stop party — one that essentially kicked off at the 2007 Winter Music Conference in Miami. It was there that a mixtape containing “I’m In Miami Bitch” first caught the attention of DJs, club goers and music business executives, expanding LMFAO’s reach far beyond their native Los Angeles. Within a year, a tireless internet initiative, which included daily YouTube updates, a steady flow of comedic skits and bits as well as self-produced music videos, launched them into the homes of millions, and in the process, caught the eyes (and ears) of Interscope Records. “Forget about shopping around, we didn’t send one press shot or one bio,” says Foo, still somewhat bewildered. “They had no idea what they were signing. What they knew was that they were hearing us on the radio and in the club, where at one point, we had a set of three or four songs in rotation.”
Upping the ante, Foo and Sky next took on Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown,” giving it a dance-ready beat as part of its LMFAO treatment. “Within five hours, it was all over the world,” boasts Sky of the blogosphere buzz. Adds Foo: “We saw a void. Kanye put out a record that sounded like a demo, couldn’t really be played in the clubs, but had a great melody. So when we see a void, we’re gonna create and fill it, if we can. That’s how we’re surviving, by watching the trends.”
To that end, LMFAO is as much a brand as it is a band whose goal is instant recognition. “We feel like there’s so much room for invention,” says Foo. “With the internet, the mobile movement, software and music, it’s like the gold rush right now. Eighteen months ago, there was no band, T-shirts or song. But with research and the spirit of entrepreneurship, we basically invented money out of nowhere. I don’t look at it as making product and selling it. Everything you see is an idea and a concept.” And they’re just getting started. The guys also have plans for their own web TV show, a phone app and a movie, which Foo describes as Purple Rain meets Curb Your Enthusiasm meets Spinal Tap and Spaceballs. Sounds just about right.
But first, there’s the music, which stands firm as their No. 1 priority. “It’s like a fleet,” says Foo. “You can only move as fast as your slowest ship, so we have to drag our acting, our comedy and our clothing with us. We don’t want to get too far ahead.”
Looking just over the horizon, the path is promising, to say the least. The guys have already been recruited by Lady GaGa and Chris Cornell for single remixes, and are fielding requests from a host of major artists in the pop and hip hop worlds. And with their full-length debut scheduled for release this spring, expect the buzz to hit a feverish pitch in the coming months. “Party Rock is the kind of record a band would make on their third album,” Foo deadpans. “It’s gonna be our Thriller — it’s meant to take you away, to escape to this world of fun, dance, sex, craziness, do-what-you-want attitude. It’s our lives.”
for ... every world ... that falls apart!... there‘s a whole new universe waiting to be born- DATZHOTT!
“Stay true to yourself. Don’t let anything in the world change you from what you are” – LYRICISS!
HOTTAND RAWEXCLUSIVE!
“I started falling in love with hip-hop … way back.”
Born in the Riggs Park section of Washington, D.C., LYRICISS (ne’ Robert Bailey) knows both sides of the fence, as he was raised between DC and the Prince George’s County, MD suburbs. Now, at the age of 21, he’s already developed the mind of a businessman, focusing on the growth and future of his career. While unsigned, he is a driving force behind DeLorean Music Group and has signed a production deal with Equinox Professionals. He has also been inducted into a group of elite musicians with URB Magazine’s Next 1000 Program and has built a strong presence as an up-and-coming force.
In this HOTTAND RAWEXCLUSIVE!, Lyriciss talks about his latest music and share insight about the things he’s learning in the hip-hop game, thus far.
After listening to the interview above. Fans can check out Lyriciss’ music and the ways to stay in contact via the links below.
WHAT‘sHOTT!!! ABOUTLYRICISS!?!
An innate knack for realness!
When asked what he brings to the table in a world where the hip-hop game is oversaturated with bland, formulaic MCs, 21-year-old Washington DC/PG County, Maryland native Lyriciss answers, “A young black voice out of an unknown area (hip-hop wise) speaking on real-life issues with a lyrical focus. Nowadays, you speak to the majority of the other rappers my age from this area, no disrespect to them, but all they’re going talk about is what cars they got and really don’t got, how much money they have when they really don’t have it, and how many females they get when they’re really either bunned up with a joint or can’t pull a female to save their life.”
In 2004, Lyriciss met up with H-Tips and FCG Ent., prompting the beginning of his recording career. Now, at the age of 21, he’s already developed the mind of a businessman, focusing on the growth and future of his career. While unsigned to a record deal, he is the driving force behind the burgeoning DMG (DeLorean Music Group) collective and has signed a production deal with Equinox Professionals.
With the recent surge of attention brought on to the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) hip-hop scene, Lyriciss is asked if he feels any competition in the race to get signed. “None at all”, he replies. “Why? Because one, I know where my skills are with the lyrics…I know it, the people that hear the music know it, and that’s the end of that. Two, because anyone in this area trying to make it and have true love for the music, I show love to them and I consider them family. So competition isn’t even an issue to me. Hell, I’m not even worried about getting on, so much as getting my message heard. I have something to say, something that NEEDS to be heard. And when that happens, the world WILL listen.”
there‘s no truth more powerful than the voice of reality-DATZHOTT!
“I’m telling it from day one … like I witnessed it on the streets. And I know people want to hear that.”
HOTTAND RAWEXCLUSIVE!
Being a resident of Atlanta’s Eastside, same streets of some of the hottest emcees that are paving their own way in the music game today, YUNG GUTTA began to engage in rapping at the age of 14years old. Yung Gutta grew up listening to music such as Otis Redding, Teddy Pendergrass, and The Ojays. As he grew more on the streets and its surroundings, the love for music evolved primarily into a conjunction of these same legends with the legends of the Rap arena. This found love sparked energies that have been lost in a world of never ending changes which led Yung Gutta being pronounced as the new “Emcee from the street life with a collective sound unheard in a long time.”
In this HOTTAND RAWEXCLUSIVE!, Yung Gutta talks about why he proclaims himself as the “Future of the South” and the place where he wants to be in the rap game 20 years from now.
After listing to the interview above. Check below for Yung Gutta’s latest music videos and his MySpace page to get the latest updates and to receive free music downloads.
WHAT’s HOTT!!!ABOUT YUNGGUTTA!?!
An unstoppable ode to self-proclamation!
Though Yung Gutta finished high school with potential to carry over to some sort of continuing educational program, his life and motivations led him to another path that soon caught him up in a period of silence for five years straight. During this same time, fellow comrades in the same street lifestyle encouraged Yung Gutta to look towards the Rap game as his tool and outlet to escape the trouble and consequences that came with being a hustler. After all, “One cannot hustle on the streets forever.”
Once can say that Yung Gutta has definitely experienced the life of trials and tribulations while still not allowing these same events to take more value and importance of his own goals. He proceeds in this evolving game as one of the missing links that we admired for their lyrical styles and having a unique craft of rhyming even with the topics that most seem to have lost or overlooked in life. Being the breath of fresh air that is needed in the Hip Hop game, Yung Gutta defines his style as ambitious, of a difference, having strong meaning, and a true poet of the streets.
While remaining adamant of his beliefs and life learned lessons, Yung Gutta continues to bring his fans the same emotions and thoughts as did some of the Rap Games’ great. This is one explanation as to why he is able to send his special tribute and introduction to the game so charismatic and well rhymed throughout the track entitled “WHAT UP.” Being the trendsetter as an emcee who has no problem with giving respect while saluting his own special introduction in such tracks makes such conclusion of his talent as the truth. Yung Gutta felt as though with the changes of time and the evolution of what defines real music, this tribute was definitely needed. He adds that his life within the rap game would not be without some of these same influences that he speaks of.
At a time, when the Rap Industry and in reality us as a whole is going through its recession, Yung Gutta wanted to bring back what it means to have the same skills and uniqueness as an emcee and not just being a commercialized rapper. With a strong team, or in his own words, family behind the machine, Yung Gutta remains steady in his lane while delivering the consistency of relatable music that will fulfill you with motivation, education, and expression from our everyday lives. With that said, Street Talk South Ent. and 365 Ent. decides to join forces to embark on branding Yung Gutta as the “FUTURE OF THE SOUTH.”
His lead single entitled “YOU CAN” definitely places a stamp of becoming “ONE OF THE GREATEST LYRICISTS THE SOUTH HAS SEEN IN QUITE SOME TIME.” This track also proclaims the movement of embedding motivation in every choice one makes, good or bad, and justifies that Yung Gutta is not just a one hit wonder. He has taken the title of being the FUTURE TO THE FUTURE to the Rap Game, as often is replied as by many.
well kept thoughts ... are those ideas that never got away– DATZHOTT!
“Hip-hop is just one step in the things I want to do” – PHZ-SICKS!
HOTTANDRAW EXCLUSIVE!
PHZ-SICKS (pronounced Physics) is a 22-year-old hip hop artist hailing from Woodbridge, VA. Influenced by New York rap at the time (Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, Canibus, DMX), Midwest (Bone Thugs, Do or Die, Twista), and Southern rap (Outkast & Goodie Mob), he developed his style. He started his rap career by battling various artists in the area and never listening. I believe that this emcee is best summed up, as being from ‘a humble start to passionate beginnings.’
“As for anything in life you need passion!” PASSION DRIVES YOU! … “into the up and downs!” – PHZ-SICKS!
In this HOTTANDRAW EXCLUSIVE!, Phz-Sicks talk abouts his musical aspirations and his experience at being an unsigned artist in hip-hop. After listening to the interview above be sure to leave your honest comment and thoughts.
WHAT’s HOTT!!!ABOUTPHZ-SICKS!?!
A carefully driven passion.
In the fall of 2002, he dropped his first mixtape with his cousin Twin in their group Damacus Steel. The mixtape sold over 200 from school to school in the Prince William County. He did it again the following year with an upcoming DJ from Florida named DJ Hailo. The mixtape was called “PHZ-Sicks and DJ Hailo presents Signs Mixtape.” On Feb. 1st, 2004, he won Teens Count Teen Talent Show hosted by Rane of WPGC 95.5. He was one of the first rappers to ever win the competition.
Throughout the years, he did numerous shows before he graduated and headed to Philadelphia to go to college at Drexel University. During this time, he perfected his performances doing open mics hosted by Larry Larr and around the Philadelphia area.
Due to school, he took a break from rap in 2007. It wouldn’t be until late 2008, where he decided to drop the mixtape, “The Feature Presentation” for free online.
For two months, he crafted a well put together mixtape of exclusives and songs featuring him with Top 40 songs and songs from the past, present, and future. The mixtape dropped on the internet December 8, 2008 and set the web on fire. Numerous music blogs posted the mixtape and has to this date has over 2,000 downloads. After this, the doors were opened.
Currently, PHZ-Sicks is working on his next mixtape, the conceptual “Less Than Zero.” The mixtape will come out around the spring/summer. As of today, “Don’t Give Up” has been played on Philadelphia’s Power 99. During the meantime, he has been guest blogging for music sites, in amidst of being sponsored by a prominent clothing company in fashion, collaborating, and setting his future in the music business. Everything in life involves physics (PHZ-Sicks), so what is the music world without it?
People wanting to know more about Phz-sicks or to check out his music. Can do so via the links below:
Twinkle, twinkle destiny’s star. How I wonder what you are? -DATZHOTT!
“Sometimes being different can be the biggest challenge and the biggest asset.” – NATHAN!
HOTTAND RAWEXCLUSIVE!
“Because sometimes people want to hear something different but they aren’t ready for it!”
Born in the UK but raised in Jamaica and NY, NATHAN was destined to be an international star. Being the son of reggae singer Lorna Gee, Nathan was inroduced to music at an early age. In his teens, Nathan spent most of his years in London where he developed his music style which was strongly influenced by the culture and music of both the US and Jamaica.
In 2006, his single “Cold As Ice” feat. Rick Ross earnered the young singer & songwriter a UMA for “Best Music Video”. His other hit single “Do Without My Love” earned him a UMA for “Best R&B Act”.
In this HOTTAND RAWEXCLUSIVE!, Nathan talks about the difficulties of crossing over into the U.S. market, his latest music, and his aspirations of becoming an international superstar.
WHAT’s HOTT!!! ABOUT NATHAN!?!
A form of confidence that is good as resilience!
“At 14 years old, I sang for Alicia Keys after her show and she joined me in a rendition of Musiq’s “Just Friends,” then she said ‘you remind me of Jamie Foxx,’” recalls Nathan Fagan Gayle.
It looks like Ms. Keys was on to something. The 22 year-old singer/songwriter Nathan is a fresh face from London’s southeast side with a light tenor and brave falsetto that’s perfect for pop music. Born in London, Nathan is a mash of British, American and Jamaican culture, having spent time living in each country. His mother, Lorna Gee, is a reggae singer and continued to tour after Nathan was born, leaving him in his Grandmother’s care in Spanish Town, Jamaica.
At five years old, Nathan moved to New York City with his mother and at 10 his family moved back to London’s southeast area, Forest Hill. It was there that Nathan began to perform with his mother during her shows and the performance seed was planted. Four years later, the young man began his R&B career with a stroke of luck on UK radio.
“I loved to be on stage, at that time I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” laughs Nathan. “I just entered competitions everywhere and did everything, from dancing to singing. Then, I entered into Choice FM’s “RAPOLOGY” competition.”
In 2002, London’s urban radio station Choice FM held a contest called “RAPOLOGY” for burgeoning artists. Applicants submitted demo tapes of their talent, and if selected, each contestant performed in front of the station’s DJs and 3,000 people for a chance at 1,000 GBP and a chunk of professional studio time. The eager artist’s first talent entry of raps were ignored. So a determined Nathan entered “RAPOLOGY” again, only this time he submitted a recording of his singing.
“I was just going to keep at it until I won!” says Nathan, smiling.
As a result, in 2003, Choice’s staff called 14 year-old Nathan in to perform, Usher’s “You Got It Bad” to be precise, and he won first place. Now all he had to do was come up with a song.
“I had never written my own song, I was 14 years-old going on 15,” recalls Nathan. “But the prize was studio time in a Sony studio, so I had to write something! The first song I ever wrote was called What’s ur Name was the only demo song recorded in the awarded studio time that was eventually re-produced for Masterpiece.
After becoming the most popular song on UK Urban radio, Nathan’s first effort Come Into My Room was released on V2 Records. The follow-up Do Without My Love and the debut album Masterpiece were released independently on Mona Records. Both releases charted Top 40 in the UK.
Two years later, two more songs garnered Nathan more critical acclaim and he won two consecutive Urban Music Awards. The Urban Music Awards are one of two UK-based urban music awards, the other being the MOBOS. In 2006, his single Do Without My Love captured an Urban Music Award for Best R&B Act, beating out nominees Ne-Yo, Akon and Jamelia. And the following year, Nathan’s single Cold As Ice featuring Rick Ross earned the young singer/songwriter another Urban Music Award for Best Music Video. Both songs were released through the independent label, Mona Records/VCM.
In 2007, Nathan released his debut independent album, Masterpiece, both in the UK and in Japan. Next Nathan decided to tackle British reality television.
“In 2008, I entered “Celebrity Big Brother” in the UK, the 24 hour reality show for just 18-21 year olds, ” says Nathan. ” I never thought I would do anything like that, but at the time there was a rise in knife and gun crime in the UK. There weren’t many positive young black role models on TV, so I wanted to show people that not everyone fits the violent stereotype. It would’ve been great to win, but I did last until the final day. It was a really crazy experience.”
Now Nathan is focused on releasing his as-yet-untitled sophomore album. His first single, the bouncy, mid-tempo Superwoman hit radio recently along with his club banger Dirty Sexy Money. The young singer, who currently resides in Atlanta, can’t wait until the public hears his work.
“With the second album, there’s been a lot of growth from my songwriting to my vocals,” says Nathan. “I would describe my music as international R&B. There are loads of American and European melodies mixed with R&B and reggae influences. I just wanted to do something that’s unique to myself.”
Counting Usher, Marvin Gaye, Will Smith and Micheal Jackson as his music and role model influences, Nathan aims to blend his passion into a another masterpiece ready for international R&B lovers. And despite building his career thus far with independent savvy, Nathan is not opposed to major label interest.
“I feel we’ll start the fire off independently and then sign to a major label,” says Nathan. “There are a few people interested now, so we have to keep building up the hype so everyone in the UK knows who I am. I want to showcase myself and my music, and really show who Nathan is, and build a long career. I’m really excited, and anxious for people to start hearing the music.”
People wanting to check out music or to hear the latest info on Nathan. Can do so via the links below:
she‘s like an uncompleted search ... for an predestined future!-DATZHOTT!
“I really, really want to see the world through my music.”– MELANIE FIONA!
HOTT AND RAW EXCLUSIVE!
“I WANT TO MAKE MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLE.” “I hope they enjoy it!”
“The album is called The Bridge,” enthuses Fiona. “It crosses the barriers between ethnicities, genres, age groups, and genders. It can’t be defined as just one thing. It’s got a soul that’s something old, yet something new.” Flirting with the traditions of classic soul from artists like Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole and Gladys Knight, the songs also pack the punch, and authenticity of modern music. United by a singular passion, MELANIE FIONA’s sound bridges past and present with an artistic and consistent blending of classic soul samples. It’s all held together by a unique quality, something that is innately her, much like the other artists she mentions as influences: Bob Marley, Sade, and Patsy Cline.
In this interview, DATZHOTT! talks with Melanie about her diverse musical influences, the dropping of her debut album, and her wanting to see the world vicariously through her music. After listening to the interview above be sure to check below for links to Melanie’s social media pages and the music video for “Give it To Me Right.”
Born to Guyanese immigrant parents and growing up in a music-filled house in the inner city of Toronto, Fiona knew from the very beginning that music is what moves her. “My mother, who shares my love for music, played everything from The Ronettes to Whitney Houston around the house as I grew up. My father would let me sit on the stage while he rehearsed with his band as a guitarist.”
Though Fiona had been writing her own songs for years, the introduction of songwriter Andrea Martin would prove seminal for The Bridge. “When I met Andrea, it was an instant connection,” she explains. “We developed this very personal working relationship where we were both inspired by each other.” Sharing each other’s life experiences, they collaborated on some of the defining songs in the collection.
Other producers on the album include UK producers Future Cut, Vada Nobles, NYC’s J. Phoenix, Peter Wade, Salaam Remi, Andrew Wyatt, Rob Fusari, and Angela Hunte, Jnay Sewell. Fiona also shows off her Caribbean roots on Reggae Gold 2008, with Supa Dups’ “Somebody Come Get Me”.
“This experience will never happen for me again,” she muses. “I’ll never be a new artist again. I’ll never be a complete and utter student of the game.” Whatever may come when The Bridge releases on Steve Rifkind’s SRC/Universal Motown Records in Spring 2009, Fiona is poised and ready. “I still live humbly out of a suitcase, and I appreciate the smallest things in life, and I want people to feel that. I have an opportunity to be on a stage, but I want my listeners to know that I’m just like them.”
For every quiet night, a loud song is sung on the streets of Brooklyn. Bright lights! The big city! ... The place where impossible dreams grow andthen ... blossom into a flowery gritty, lyrical pretty -DATZHOTT!
“I’m going to promote and just let people know who Lawanda Michelle is.”- LAWANDA MICHELLE!
“When most people hear me ... They think I sing in church.”
LAWANDAMICHELLEis the new soulful voice emerging from the ranks of Brooklyn’s Finest Divas. Her deepest emotions shine through each song as if it were her only means of expression, painting a perfect picture with honesty. Her new single I Can’t Deny on The Sound Of Brooklyn (TSOB) Records is an emotionally genuine and painfully honest personal testament of this Brooklyn-bred artist. LAWANDA will stop at nothing to make sure that her voice is heard. So keep your ears open!
In this HOTTANDRAWEXCLUSIVE!, sexy singer former shy girl Lawanda Michelle talks about the dropping of her latest single and her musical influences. After listeing to the interview above, be sure to check below for music and latest videos of Lawanda.
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