Tag: JAY DOGGZ

The Legacy of DJ Swanny River

For the first time since I’ve been doing these dope interviews on really dope individuals, I’m really proud and excited to do this one especially. This doesn’t mean I dislike the others but this one’s quite different from the rest. That’s because this one’s about a very dope OG whose been doing this shit for years. He’s a perfect representation of my favorite element in hip hop, which is the DJ. The DJ’s have always been my favorite in hip hop. They provide the sounds that can get the place rocking. Depending on the DJ themselves. Knowing the crowd is just as important because there’s a sense of connection between the DJ and the crowd. Just like the MC, they move the crowd, they’re the mic controller, the masters of ceremony, DJ’s are what gave birth to the MC’s, breakers, and dancers altogether. All thanks to the pioneers in hip hop, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz (the first MC & DJ), Grand Wizzard Theodore, and Grandmaster Flowers. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have all these different techniques in which DJ’s use to being dope on the 1’s and 2’s. It’s more than just playing music too. DJ’s are also producers too. Ali Shaheed Muhammad, DJ Premier, RZA, DJ Scratch, DJ Khaled, and so much more have given us quality production as well as great shows on the 1’s & 2’s. Being an artist in the entertainment field, you meet so many other dope talented individuals and even through other people and then y’all get to know each other more and realize there’s this magical creative connection that works and then there’s permanent bond that doesn’t go away. In this case, this guy has been introduced to me through someone else. It just so happens that he’s part of this dope group and he produced my first album. His name is DJ Swanny River. Born as John Figueroa on April 5th, a fellow Aries, a Brooklyn native who grew up in the Brownsville section. Swanny says, “Growing up in Brooklyn was hard. I grew up in a poor, but happy family. My dad worked and my mom stayed home and took care of us. As the youngest in my family, my mother made my clothes.” New York back in the days was a very different time. The economy, the environment, the music, the neighborhood, everything. You’re definitely a product of your environment whether you know it or not. What you adapt to becomes a big part of you. Speaking of your environment, Swanny goes on about his early days. “Hip hop & House Music inspired me. I went to my aunt’s house for a visit in The Bronx and as we approached the building, that’s when I saw Grandmaster Flash in front of my building DJ’ing; he was scratching. As a kid, that sounded amazing to me, so at that time, I decided that’s what I wanted to do! My childhood friend, Bobby Simmons, taught me how to cut up “Good Times” by Chic. After that, DJ Grave Yard was born and as time went on, I got better at it. I changed my name to Scratch Master Swann and then eventually, DJ Swanny River.” That’s an incredible story! Very raw and organic how you actually seen a hip hop pioneer in those early days who influenced you to become a DJ as well. This was a time where there was no social media and internet access. Everything was outside in front of the building while regular people just did what they normally do everyday. Nothing planned for success just everyday living with a soundtrack to match. A really dope soundtrack always reflects the times we’re in. Swanny then tells me about what he’s done. His music and catalog. “I have several. My first real mixtape is called ‘The Hood Report’ featuring the great Blind Fury. Then came my LGBTQ mixtapes. ‘It Is What It Is When The Beat Drops’, Volumes 1 & 2, featuring my favorite, and still up to this day, LGBTQ rappers and a few singers. I dropped a bunch of singles after that with various artists but today, the projects that I’m extremely proud of are with my team, The Alliyance. They are the crème de la crème of this thing we call OUT RAP. We have a brand new project in the works. Our first project is called ‘Introducing The Alliyance.’ You can find that on all your streaming sites. Plus there are some tracks on those sites that are not on the album but guaranteed bangers. We also have a mixtape called ‘The Prequel.’ That you can find on SoundCloud, just search The Alliyance. Wow! Serious resumé right there! All work, no play. Swanny continues, “To be honest, in my music life, I have no regrets. So far, things happened just the way I planned. Some good, some bad, but it’s okay. In life, you have to take the good with the bad. That’s how you learn to grow and accept things and just keep it moving.” Well said! A great message for the people to definitely hear and take in. In conclusion, Swanny also says, “Years from now?? LOL! I see myself living my best life like I am now. No worries, enjoying what I do and helping the future generation of singers and rappers. That’s another thing, I love giving the young one’s advice and helping them with their passion for music. Only if they are serious.” There you have it! DJ Swanny River himself ladies and gentlemen. You can follow him Instagram @srmg_rwsradio. 

Written by Jalen Hemphill 

The Rise of Dub Pudgy

I’m back at it again. It’s been a while. The pen been a little dry, well, not exactly, just been putting it to use on other projects but I’m back and it’s time for some new shit to be introduced. In my Craig Mack voice, “I’m kickin’ new flava in ya ear!” LOL! Anyways, there’s this particular artist. I met through family, so he is kind of like family to me too. Harlem’s finest and doing the damn thing as of lately dropping new dope music and music videos as well. I love to see people working, grinding, and shining. He goes by the name Dub Pudgy. Born as Michael Jordan, Jr. on October 9th, 1991, Pudgy’s another underground rap artist whose an up and coming talent whose been one busy individual. I’m very picky about talent and music but it’s the drive, dedication, and consistency that catches my eye. Let’s take it back to the very beginning of things, shall we?? Coming from Harlem, Pudgy’s family bond, in the beginning, was a really close one, and then things became different for him. He says, “At first, I had a family that was really close together, after more than a few deaths along with misunderstandings, that went away and it made things harder in the sense of being alone.” Unfortunately, family dynamics do change. Whether we want them to or not. A family, a foundation always shapes what type of adult the child will eventually become. It’s those unfortunate times that helps spark a young creative mind too. With the bad also comes with the good. Pudgy continues on about his days as a child and his inspirations and influences. “My elders, as in famous people, Tupac, Lil’ Wayne, and Will Smith, but mainly my Nana, grandmother and deep conversation with my brothers.” Having the love, support, and bond with our loved ones are very important just as much as our influences from entertainment. These things always reveal who we become as artists. Inspiration can come from anywhere outside of our main influences though. Energy never lies and what you associate with you will pick up. Even just minding your business walking down the street. Pudgy tells more about his where his inspirations come from. He says, “There’s something about being around people with good energy and when I just wrote something or performed, the reaction was so addictive and motivating that I became consumed in becoming great and making this a career.” No greater feeling than getting positive love, energy, and reciprocation back from those who are watching and listening. It’s what keeps an artist consistent and true to what they do. Speaking of doing, Pudgy is definitely doing the damn thing indeed. Music, music videos, collaborations, I love to see it all. My YouTube subscription box has Dub Pudgy music videos, he sends me texts of his links, it’s why I had to come back and give him his props for what he is doing. I asked Pudgy to speak more about his work and what he has going on currently. “My new single “Be Better” is out now on all platforms, the album “Harlem Legends”, and the video to “Be Better” will be out soon and we got more than music coming soon too.” Truly exciting. I love it all. Just wanted to make sure the people get into this as well. The sounds are very new school class of Harlem rap for the current generation. It’s all about the good times, good vibes, and positive energy. Youthful, hood, yet hopeful, optimistic, and fun Black-ness. When you reach a certain level and point in the field that you chose, reflecting on your progress and growth always humbles you. You also think about your life choices in the past because they definitely gave you the lessons you needed in order to get to where are you are currently. Any regrets at all?? Pudgy responds, “Every choice I’ve made got me to be the man that’s here today so no.” There you have it! No regrets. Full on confidence. He continues, “I see growth. You’re never too old to learn to be better.” Indeed. Never too old. Life goes on. To hear more from Dub Pudgy, you can find him on Facebook as MrNocap Withthehood and on Instagram @itz_justdub. 

Written by Jalen Hemphill 

Free Ya Mind: The Story of Demetrius Clayton


Patience is most definitely a virtue. It’s something I had to learn for majority of my life. I always hated waiting and I sometimes hate not being able to come across stuff on my own. Even worst when someone is trying to put you on to something or someone but they keep asking “Yo! Did you check it out yet?!” Then I’m like “No! Stop frickin’ asking me!” LMFAO!!! Anyways, I love to come across interesting new people and things all on my own. The experience is much different because it’s organic and authentic. Not saying that someone else introducing you to something or someone isn’t but it hits differently when you discover it on your own. Sometime a week ago, I was scrolling on my Instagram, regular thing, and this guy pops up on my feed. I don’t know how long I’ve been following this guy but I was glad to be able to finally go through his page real quick. I would like to point out that there’s a huge difference between a beat maker and a producer. See a beat maker just makes beats but a producer creates magic. They’re like magicians. They take those beautiful sounds they create and put together to create something much, much larger than life. A soundtrack for the perfect artist that depicts their aura presence so perfectly. I was going through this guy’s page and loved what I was hearing. Not your typical, monotonous, mainstream “turn up” sounds, this when you go downtown shopping in those random thrift stores and hear a Joey Badass or some other ill ass, dope, underground sounds that you never heard before. It’s super refreshing and original and most definitely captures your ear. Y’all should know already that I had to get at this guy and see what’s up. So I got the 411 on this dope producer. Turns out his stage name is Free Mind, born Demetrius Clayton on April 23rd, 1986 in Watts, California but raised in Los Angeles. A Taurus from the West Coast whose a dope ass producer. This is going to be really interesting right here. A’ight, so boom! I’m automatically thinking about N.W.A. This is the West Coast during the late 80’s. Never mind my thoughts right now, Clayton talks about his life growing up. “Growing up for me was like some real storybook shit. I grew up in the projects and It was crazy around my way. I saw and experienced things that cause PTSD in people. It wasn’t all bad though. There was definitely a balance.” Of course. Balance is key. Where there’s good, there’s also the bad. Gotta know how to maneuver through it. Obviously, music is the good in his life. He continues about his inspirations. “Musically, I was inspired by J Dilla, 9th Wonder, and the “old” Kanye West. If you listen closely you can definitely hear their influence and inspiration in my beats. And as far as inspiration in my life outside of music, I would have to say my children are my biggest inspiration. It’s because of them that I am who I am today.” Great inspirations right there and a father? Nice! It’s all good indeed, there’s always story of the beginning of when the good started. Clayton continues, “Music is a way to express what’s in your spirit and soul. It’s a way to communicate the intangible and immaterial. I just wanted to tell my story through my music. It was the only outlet I had at the time I first started. Not having anything gave me my start. I didn’t have the money or other things that keep people complacent and content with where they are. All I had was my will to be great and do something that would outlive me.” So relatable! It’s always the will power to be great in our heads and minds that pushes us to heights and levels to getting what we want and where we want to go in life. It’s a weird but scary and beautiful way of reaching for the stars that’s hard to explain. Sort of like a Super Mario Bros. video game, you have to go through all these obstacles in order to get to the goal at the end. You’ll often fall off, slip up, lose energy and power, all these things coming your direction to destroy you but you keep popping back up and you keep going. The best part is actually getting there. Then there’s this big sigh of relief like “Wow!” Then, the music actually comes in. Clayton talks about his work. “I just dropped “Soul Immortal 2”. That’s my latest instrumental album. It was released on December 31st, 2020. I have a lot of projects coming in the near future. I’ll keep that on the low until the time comes for the release of those projects.” Dope! Definitely have to check it out and stay on the lookout for those future projects. Lots of lessons that comes with a journey of an artist and how they got to where they are creatively in their careers and life; as well as regrets. Sometimes we regret not knowing enough earlier or not pushing ourselves or in Clayton’s case, none. He says, “I don’t have any regrets, but I would for sure do a lot of things differently. All I can do is learn from my mistakes and keep striving to become a better musician and most importantly, a better human being.” No truer words have been spoken. Beautifully said there sir! You’ve came this far and still have a lot to look forward to in the future. Many more years to come. Where do you see yourself years from now?, “I see myself happy! Living a life of purpose. I have a lot to contribute to this world. I plan on doing that before my demise.” Amazing. For music and more, keep up with Free Mind by following him on all his social media platforms. 

Social media handles:

https://www.instagram.com/3rdeyefree

https://freemindsoul7.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hkdcwn2cNAWHKak8Ffkbw

Written by Jalen Hemphill

The Sounds of Ondré!

Life has a beautiful of connecting you to people. So many people I’ve met and connected with over the years and I’m still pretty much cool with majority of them. From 2014 to about 2019, I was a student attending Hostos Community College here in The Bronx. Those are my glory days both educationally and creatively. I had a lot of fun during those days but the real fun I had was outside of the classrooms. There was a studio upstairs on the third floor and when I used to go to the studio, it was such an amazing experience being in there with everybody that I knew. We laughed, we chat, we created, we debated, and most of all, we were the same crowd that was a big part of the talent shows that was created way later during the day. Seeing everybody performing and having fun was the greatest. There’s also a political side of how things used to work at the school as far as the people and the events but that’s a whole other story to tell. Anyways, so much talent was there at Hostos Community College. One guy in particular who I always thought was super cool and of course talented, every time we seen each other it was always love and respect. This guy even hired me to DJ one of the very last talent shows I performed at and paid me cash and said “I gotchu bro!” One of the coolest, realest, and most talented dudes I’ve ever met. Smooth with it too with a bit of seriousness that didn’t intimidate you but enough to show this guy respect. He goes by the stage name Ondré. Born in New Rochelle on January 25th, 2000, Nashon Deondré Headley was raised here in the Boogie Down Bronx. BX stand up! Represent, represent! LOL! This is where the real story begins. Headley talks about life growing up. “Life was full of music for me growing up. I grew up in the church so I was always around gospel music and instruments. I picked up an acoustic guitar and started learning chords. I picked up drum sticks and started learning rhythm. I pressed piano keys and learned melody. I even plucked the bass and learned to groove. My whole life growing up revolved around music and God. I then used my skills that I learned from a young age and brought it over to the digital world. Producing beats, mixing vocals & mastering tracks was the next step I took to elevate my skillset. From there I became an artist, writing about real life things that many can relate to, while still mentioning God and how he’s helped me.” That incredible! Very inspiring. The only instrument I learned how to use was piano. Took a class on that while I was at Hostos. I remember feeling so good and elevated as a creative. I learned quick too. Music always came easy to me so to hear about someone knowing how to play so many musical instruments is truly inspiring. Makes me wanna relearn the piano again too. He continues, “Growing up I listened to a lot of gospel rap like Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Tedashii. I even started to listen to Chance the Rapper (my favorite rapper at the time) and I was inspired to make music with a message. Today, taking my music more serious and stepping into the industry, I learn from people like Russ, who talks about gaining leverage by doing things independently and without a record label. I’m also inspired by many of my mentors and friends, Brandon Jhon, Mark Ferg, Eric Penn, Kyle McEvoy, & Professor Joesph Carvhalo.” Nice! I love the confidence and wisdom that’s pouring out. Doing your thing and learning the ropes along the way, that’s very important. Headley also tells me about his start as an artist. The exact thing that makes one truly inspired to step into their greatness. He says, “There was an old cartoon called Class of 3000, where Andre 3000 was the teacher and had a band. They made an online game that allowed you to have different instruments and drums and put it together and make a whole song (and save it as well). This sparked the digital creation of music for me. Also In high school, I saw a couple of friends making music and rapping, when I saw the support they got and how good their music was, a light flickered in me and I told myself, I could do better (not in a bad malice kind of way). In high school I started to make music and I never looked back.” Of course it isn’t in a malicious way. That’s jealousy and spite, this experience is authentic, pure, organic, and truly from the heart of just wanting to be great. Big difference! Sad to say though, there are people doing music for other reasons besides it being something they’re passionate about but that’s nobody’s business but there’s. I love a purely talented individual with a drive to match. It hits differently. Especially when you actually have music out for people to hear. Headley talks about his projects. “Right now, I have an EP out called “Two Emotional” and a single called “I Can’t Breathe.” In the future, I’m releasing a song called “Love Talk” for Valentines day and a song called “Limbo” in March.” That’s exciting! Can’t wait to hear them all. Only dope talent makes me excited. Being an artist takes so much time, money, and patience to be. Definitely to prefect and hone your skills too. It’s a great feeling when you’ve been doing it for some years now and are able to acknowledge that. Even in this journey as an artist, we sometimes have regrets. What’s yours bro? “I regret not being more consistent. You could make the best music, release it and get amazing feedback and stats, but if you’re not continuously doing it over time, your hype starts to die out.” Yes!!! That’s wisdom right there! I quickly learned that as an artist, you definitely have to be consistent but you have to learn to keep the people’s attention by showcasing other sides of you. What others talents you can showcase? Keep doing that until you have new music coming out. It’s like having side jobs. Your main thing is being an artist but you have something on the side to keep you going while still keeping your main audience. So many loopholes to this artist thing, especially in the social media/digital age now. Completely different ball game but yes, super relatable. Consistency is the key. With consistency and hard work, your talent definitely shines through and keeps you in the game. That’s called longevity. You want to be here for more years to come so what are your goals years from now? “Years from now I see myself in my own commercial media studio. A studio that has many different rooms for different purposes, recording, photography, videography, live room with instruments, etc. I see my self managing various artists under my new record label Sound Supply Records.” Much respect! Incredible. Follow this talented brother on all his social media outlets. IG: @soundsupplyrecords & @thatsondre, Twitter: @thatsondre, Facebook: facebook.com/thatsondre & Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/thatsondre.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

Greatness Speaks!: The Story of Hākeem Turé

As a person like myself whose incredibly in love with hip hop culture, I always stress how much I love meeting someone who has a similar mind, aesthetic, or vision as mine. It’s when they either open their mouths to express some incredibly dope talent or they say things in conversation that mirrors exactly how I feel. It’s like being in some sort of exclusive hip hop club for those who completely understand the root of the culture. For real tho, there’s this tall, dark, dope MC who followed me on Instagram some months ago; I’m not really sure how long ago. One day I finally went through his page and actually heard what he had to say on the mic. Every single photo, every single video of this guy on the stage, his style, his presence, his energy, his attitude, his overall aura screams HIP HOP!!! No fillers, no saturated over hyped, catchy hooks & simple “raps”, this isn’t to diss, this is what we call it in the culture, preserving or simply keeping it real. I was absolutely blown away and became an instant fan. He didn’t harass me with his links and about what he do. I naturally discovered how dope he is myself. I love that. Him being dope was just an extreme bonus for me. I had to hop on the opportunity to connect with this talented brother and give y’all this piece about the one and only Hākeem Turé. A Virgo MC born on September 21st, 1991 and raised in Harvey, Illinois. Turé begins to tell his story, “Life growing up for me was extreme neglect from family, teachers, and friends who didn’t know how to identify, nurture, or assist a young rebel and creative. I learned how to deal with black man hood through hip hop and Islam.” That definitely hits home! Sounds all too familiar. So many of us black men have a similar upbringing. It’s super cliché but it’s reality. It’s real life. This is everyday and the effects it has on us runs deep in both good and bad ways. With life experiences comes with inspiration. Ture continues, “My 6th grade poetry teacher Mrs. Garderner made me Walter in ‘A Raisin In The Sun’ and read to me an Amiri Baraka poem and told me I would be famous for my voice.” I remember “A Raisin In The Sun.” Not what it was about but actually learning and studying it. That was years ago. Also, there’s always that one person who changed your life with just a little bit of encouragement and a push. Feels good to be understood and supported in ways you don’t know could effect you in a very positive way. He continues, “Master P was the first rapper I heard no matter where I went or who I was with, so he stuck with me, BUT I knew I wanted to be a rapper when I saw Nas perform ‘Street Dreams (Remix)’ on “All That.” I remember seeing that performance with the black skully hat and crewneck sweater that Nas was wearing too. That’s one of my favorite songs from him as well and I prefer that version over the original. The MC then goes in about his start. “Man, I’m trying to hold on to and replenish the culture. Around my 7th grade year all my homies switched from east coast rap to down south rap and we became a product of a fatigued culture. Ain’t nobody reading no books, ain’t no body dropping the knowledge of self that I was raised on.” That’s what I’m talking about! Took me years to understand knowledge of self. I wasn’t raised on it but when I did my homework, it changed my life forever. It truly feels amazing to hear someone else talk about the culture in this way. A conversation like this nowadays can be refreshing. It’s like one big battle in hip hop between whose who and who represents what. It can be frustrating. Once you understand someone’s mindset in hip hop, that can tell you everything about the type of music that they make. I definitely wanted to know what this dope MC is working on and what he already created and put out. “I’m getting ready to drop my album “Will Rap 4 Dap” featuring Saba, Vic Spencer, and Gabe Gizz. I’m excited to let the world hear my story but also for the responsibility to cultivate some young black minds. After that, I’ll be dropping another album called “Blood In My 3rd Eye” that I wrote in solitary confinement.” Awww man! Definitely excited about this! It’s very rare that I get excited about new music anymore. Only real shit gets me excited. You can come a long way in life and might have regrets…. or not. “No regrets, just lessons learned. I’ve learned that you can not make anyone see greatness that they do not see in themselves. Many people have talent but few have the discipline.” Ain’t that the truth!!! We can go on and on about that. It’s a different time, a different era, a different world. Definitely gotta set an example that’s going to create a new world. “Years from now, I see myself using hip hop as a tool strengthen our Moorish-American influence throughout the African diaspora and reafrikanize not only our music but our youth.” Looking forward to that!!! Such an inspiration indeed. If you were inspired, you can find Hākeem Turé on IG @hakeemturespeaks.

Written by Jalen Hemphill

The Introduction of Jalen Hemphill: A New Generation B-Boy

In a day and age where catering to and honoring the original elements that make up Hip hop culture altogether, isn’t so much popular amongst the newer generation where “turning up” is the main focus and priority of today’s standards in music, there’s always that one person lurking just around the corner to usher in something that can change the game forever. When you put R&B/Soul music into the equation, it just takes things to a whole ‘nother level. Speaking of Hip hop, we all know the South Bronx is the birthplace. The original home of the DJ’s, b-boys, & MC’s. The DJ/b-boy & MC combination is the catalyst for the sound, movement, & most importantly the fashion in Hip hop. The only involvement that R&B and Soul music had in Hip hop were the samples, loops, & breaks but no singing whatsoever is coming out of the DJ’s, b-boys or the MC’s mouths but that too will be changed forever because of one person and one person only. For over 40 years in Hip hop, we heard, watched, & seen MC’s use R&B for hooks and samples, we seen DJ’s spin vinyl records using R&B, and we only see b-boys breaking and dancing but never before have we ever heard or seen a b-boy singing. Today, in 2020, lurking in the streets and on social media platforms is a young man from the South Bronx aka the birthplace, whose a perfect combination of both b-boy and R&B singer while still catering to the original elements that makes up Hip hop culture. He’s not exactly a carbon copy of what you see in the 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s but he is still that same exact vibe when you see and hear him. He’s doing it his own way and using it to continue to push Hip hop forward in a way that pays homage and respects to the originals and the pioneers who helped created this. He’s sporting a colorful high top fade with a brightly colored headband tied around his head with a hair pick with a Black fist sticking out on the back, or a fresh classic Kangol, rocking a gold ankh & crown chain, clear Cazal glasses, a supersized nose ring, a “DOPE” ring, a “JAY-DOGGZ” name ring, and a bunch of gold wedding band rings on his fingers rocking a jean jacket with the official graffiti art on it, a pair of blue jeans with the bleach stains and marks all over them with a pair of either classic shell toe fat laced Adidas & Pumas, or a pair of Timbaland boots or Nike Air Force Ones with more graffiti art all over them, carrying a black radio boombox, and a smooth R&B voice with a range and soul captivating sound that’s hard to ignore. His colorful Pro-Black, classic Hip hop image and soulful R&B vocals together are a threat to the new usual standards of popular mainstream music today. He’s a “walking monument.” A reinventing current version of a classic. Nicknamed “The R&B-Boy” because of his convincing yet innovative style combination of 70’s soul, 80’s b-boy, & 90’s R&B. He’s half b-boy and half soul man. He reinvents what it is to be a b-boy in this generation. His name is Jalen “Jay-Doggz” Hemphill. A dope singer/songwriter, MC, DJ, dancer, actor, blogger, & Hip hop fashion model whose slowly but surely building his reputation and stamp in the Hip hop community. A peaceful, sensual, calming yet in your face, colorful, ambitious, no nonsense attitude and somewhat serious but fun personality kinda guy who intends on changing the game. Traditionally in Hip hop, b-boy’s DO NOT SING! This young man is gonna erase that for sure, making him a new pioneer in both Hip hop culture and R&B music altogether. Already with 4 hot singles & 2 movies he starred in under his belt, making him a face and a talent to reckon with, he is also currently working on his first official project set to release on the Urbaan House Records independent label titled “The Life of An Old Soul, Vol. 1: The Hip Hop Soul EP.” Comes with a side A and B like a cassette tape. A simple marketing and branding plan but dope way of honoring and paying homage to old school hip hop. It’s a body of work that will perfectly capture a story about a young man’s journey throughout life and his views on the world. A new upcoming voice for a generation of “old souls” who felt “out of place”, “lame”, & ostracized by the crowd for not being with the “in crowd” group of kids growing up in the harsh realities of the ghetto. He also is that son, nephew, & brother that a lot of people don’t have and wish to have. We all know a Black family with a Jalen in it. He is that for the Hip hop community. Definitely the story of a diamond in the rough, making his way only to the top. Hip hoppin’ it and don’t stop. Wanna get to know this new generation b-boy yourself, follow his Facebook page Jalen “Jay-Doggz” Hemphill, follow him on both of his Instagram accounts @hiphopsoul_jalen & @hiphopsoul___jalen (3 underscores), follow him on Audiomack at Jalen “Jay-Doggz” Hemphill to hear some music, and subscribe to his YouTube Channel with the same name. 

The Great Adventures of Slick Rick: The 30th Anniversary

The year was 1988. One of the greatest years in hip hop history. A year full of some of hip hop’s greatest albums to ever drop and reinvent the the culture at a time when hip hop was still on the rise. One of those albums was Slick Rick’s “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.” The day was November 1st, 1988. 30 years ago we seen this young, fresh and fly dude with huge gold chains and gold grills in his mouth rock the mic to tell some of the greatest stories in his music that hip hop has ever seen and heard while keeping us rocking at parties to “Mona Lisa” And “Children’s Story.” We originally knew him as MC Ricky D when he appeared alongside with Harlem’s own Doug E. Fresh on “La Di Da Di” before the album. With a five mic rating and being ranked as one of rap’s greatest 100 albums by The Source, topping the charts for only five weeks, and “Children’s Story” being ranked as number 61 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs in 2008, there’s no denying the impact that Slick Rick had on the game. Even giving birth to future storytellers like Biggie Smalls, Nas And Ghostface Killah, just to name a few. 30 years later, MC Ricky D is still killing it at shows all over and still one of the freshest to ever do it too. The adventures are only beginning and this storybook will forever be timeless and golden and told still in another 30 years. 

Long Live The Kane: The 30th Anniversary

June 20th, 2018. Ford Amphitheater. Coney Island. Brooklyn, NY. Mister Cee is on the stage and on the big screen spinning all of the classic hip hop and R&B joints of the 80’s and the 90’s. People are still walking in just in time before the show starts. Looking for their seats, buying food at the concession stands, buying shirts and other merchandise, it’s a hip hop celebration. At exactly 8:18pm, the man himself walks out dripped in all white with two beautiful women by his side and the crowd goes wild. Hit after hit, banger after banger, it’s an amazing show in dedication to the hip hop legend’s debut album that dropped 30 years ago. The Juice Crew, M.O.P., Doug E. Fresh, Ecstasy of Whodini, MC Lyte, the list goes on and on. They all come out to perform their hits as well. It’s another Yo! MTV Raps 30th anniversary show 2.0 and the crowd is still going wild. June 28th, 2018. The actual day that marks 30 years since Big Daddy Kane dropped his debut album, “Long Live The Kane.” The then twenty year old fresh from Brooklyn became friends with Biz Markie which started the infamous Juice Crew, a collective that was headed by Marley Marl. Kane signed with Cold Chillin’ Records in 1987 and released his debut single “Raw” which he showcased his pioneering fast rhyme style that then influenced a new lane of rappers like Jay-Z. The album displayed topics of love and Afrocentrism. With four singles, “Raw”, “Ain’t No Half Steppin’”, “Set It Off”, and “I’ll Take You There”, they were all commercially successful. “Long Live The Kane” is to be considered one of hip hop’s most influential albums of all time. Especially one from the Golden Era. Kane’s lyrical ability and flow, to his style and grace, and the references and samples used that came from this album are all an example of the impact of Kane. The perfect but timeless title for an album that fits. Even thirty years later. Long live the Kane.

Don’t Be Cruel: The 30th Anniversary

Continuing on the subject of New Edition’s 30th anniversary of “Heart Break”, Bobby Brown, who at the time was no longer a part of the group, released his sophomore breakout album the same day. “Don’t Be Cruel” was not only a mega hit for Bobby, but the album was stamped as one of the staples for the New Jack Swing movement at the time in R&B music. Also stamped as one of the greatest albums in R&B history, Bobby was on top of the world. Winning awards, killing stages, music videos, and doing interviews, it was a great time in R&B music to witness something that big. To be a huge success outside of your group while they’re also getting bigger with a new member, it’s hard to ignore the slight competition that was going on and placed on the fellas by the industry. This was all just a master plan to see who would flop and who wouldn’t. Pure R&B brilliance. “Don’t Be Cruel” was done by the man himself, Teddy Riley. The man who at the time was with Guy and their album was just out weeks ago. The album also gave birth to and open doors for future R&B acts like Usher, Omarion, and Chris Brown. 30 years of pure greatness and it’s still untouched. An album that signifies a revolution in a young man’s rise to the top. Reminding the world also that it’s his way, it’s his prerogative and that’s the way he just wanna live. Not giving a care about what others say but unapologetically just being Bobby Brown, the original bad boy of R&B. 

Heart Break: The 30th Anniversary

The group that we all were used to in the beginning were the bubblegum pop little boys from Boston, Massachusetts. They were from the ghetto but the music never reflected that. Their first four albums were all teeny boppish/R&B music until one member was replaced and they were much older. With a new member in the group and a new sound and image, the masterpiece was their fifth album. On June 20th, 1988, New Edition released their highly anticipated fifth album “Heart Break.” With an already steady and heavy fanbase, the fellas really came back more mature and polished with a sound to reflect that and it was far away from what their fans were used to. With Johnny Gill on board now, it was bound to be a smash, a hit. The fellas could do absolutely no wrong this time around. Between 1988 and 1990, the album had six singles and it went double platinum by RIAA. The masters behind the sound of the album were none other than the super producer team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The same guys who were responsible for giving Janet Jackson “Control” and helping Janet become a breakout superstar. The team had the magic touch to give the same energy to New Edition. On this album, Johnny does most of the lead vocals besides Ralph, another thing that fans weren’t used to. The group was not only a success with this album but now their careers were much bigger and headed down a different direction. Crazy enough, the same day this album dropped, Bobby Brown also releases his breakout sophomore album called “Don’t Be Cruel.” A master plan to garner the success and attention the same time as your group to see whether or not who would flop. In the end, this was a memorable day for New Edition fans. A memorable day in R&B history. It’s just like when A Tribe Called Quest dropped “Midnight Marauders” the same day Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album “Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” but for R&B.