The Big Urban Mixtape

Final Post

2008-12-21T21:26:00.003-05:00

I guess I've put this off for long enough. And I'm gonna keep this short.

I started this blog/ Movement to give underground artist a voice and a place to show themselves. and the idea was good but I guess I tried to do too much to soon.. But it did me the experience I need to start my own career in writing and the music industry. Look to the sky cuz dreams don't die...

than you for all your help and support everyone who was involved in this project

Ayanna
David
Carly
James
Jason
NYSD
Nicole
Javi
Dee
Dedire
All the artist and readers for your continued support, and helping make parts of my dream reality.

to keep up with me keep reading http://whoismrsykes.wordpress.com

I'm on my grind stay on yours
-Mr. Sykes

Liquid Lace Online Radio Episode #4

2008-11-29T14:34:00.002-05:00

YaBoy was just put on to the “fabulosity of urban dirty dripping through da airwaves,” otherwise known as Liquid Lace Online Radio (you got to admit that description is crazy lol). Hosted by the lovely Cynamin Jones, aka Publicist Extraordinaire, Liquid Lace is the “very first” urban talk podcast bringing listeners celebrity news, interviews, and dirty laundry.

On this episode Cynamin reverses rolls with Datwon Thomas, editor-in-chief of XXL, for an exclusive interview. Among the topics they discuss are the inner working of the magazine and whether or not payola is occurring behind the scenes of Hip-Hop’s most popular magazine and what really goes down at a King Magazine photo shoot.

I could give you an in-depth synopsis but just tune it.

Liquid Lace Online Radio Episode 4

Teflon - "We Ride, We Roll" feat. Baby, Tego Calderon and Elephant Man

2008-10-22T16:12:00.010-04:00

There aren't many producers in Hip-Hop who can bring together three distinctive musical genres – rap, reggae and reggaeton - over one beat and have it come across as smooth as Teflon has on “We Ride, We Roll” featuring Baby, Tego Calderon and Elephant Man. Listening to how Tef uses gyrating synth to carry the beat, its hard not to lean and bop to the track. Tef definitely killed this one and complement Baby, Tego and Elephant Man’s unique styles. Let us know what you think.

Listen Here - "We Ride, We Roll"

Aubrey Kick Out Of Danity Kane

2008-10-08T19:27:00.002-04:00

So I haven't been watching any TV lately not even the debate but Apparently Aubrey O'day...was kicked out from group on the Making The Band 4 Season Finale!!!

This is what I read on media take out:

Well MediaTakeOut.com was watching it ... and child there was drama. First off, Aubrey and Aundrea were both talking smack to Diddy about cliques being formed within the group. And then the girls were complaining about rumors of Dawn going solo.

And the ... well, we'll check out this summary taken from the MTV website:

When they arrive back in New York City, they head over to Bad Boy Records to meet with Diddy. Things start to heat up as Diddy talks to the girls about the future of Danity Kane.

The girls lay it out all on the table and speak about their untrustworthy relations with each other. The group comes to a crossroad with their careers, and Diddy discusses that the "reality of the situation has changed with the vision." Danity Kane had four great years, a number one album with MTV nominations. Diddy's proudest moment was watching them perform on tour, but he is uncertain whether or not he should invest millions into this group if they can't work together.

During their group meeting, Aubrey gives Diddy lip and he decides to kick her out of Danity Kane.

Next season, D Woods gets eliminated. Is this Making The Band or SURVIVOR!!!

Check The Trailer!!!:

AND ON TOP OF THAT THE *ITCH IS PREGNANT TOO!! well allegedly

Essays On Hip-Hop #1: [The Whole World Is A Hustle]

2008-09-13T11:25:00.004-04:00

I guess I'm writing this essay partially because I need to restore the faith in the music I love so much. A lot of what you will see written are my opinions others will be well researched facts, and other information. These are my essays on hip-hop:

"The Whole World is a Hustle"

Being a musician and a writer, I consider myself an artist. With that said, I believe I have reasonability to not compromise my artistry or myself. Often times when we look at history artist have had the responsibility of exposing society to itself.

Which sometimes would mean telling people things they don't wanna hear. Some would say telling them that ugly truth, that makes you angry for no other reason than it is.

And at times when one is the messenger of that truth the receiver can take it as a personal attack. When nothing (sometimes) could be farther from the truth. Usually the art is about the artist personal experience first and if others relate to it, and if a truth is reveled it is purely serendipitous occurrence.

But then sometimes artist can be struck back for telling the truth. Cuz sometimes people flat out don't want to hear it! So they in essence "kill the messenger"

I think, this is what we have witnessed in mainstream hip-hop over the past decade. A genre of music that was once esoteric has now become a major channel in the mainstream of media. Everybody knows most people don't want the truth by way of human condition. And at one point hip-hop was the truth, but now it has become part of the machine, the matrix if you will and is nothing but a well marketed lie.

Which as I said before explains the stuff we hear on the radio. I'm not knocking what being played, in fact I like some of what is spun but I feel that there is an unbalanced play in terms of the greater spectrum of hip-hop.

How the same type of artist and the same types of songs get the most airplay. Meanwhile more congest hip-hop gets pushed to the wayside. And what you find happening on a large scale is the once "underground/congest" hip-hop artists turn into cookie cutter mainstream artists to get more airplay. Selling their artistry for marketability.

Submitting to become just an image as opposed to being a real person because your persona has become controlled by the media.

And what ends up happening is public deception on a mass scale:

You have "Artists" Selling music that's not theirs, that they may not really even like just to sale records. Then you have fans that think they know their artist based on the music they hear from them. But the music wasn't the artists art to began with so now two people that have been scammed....so the cycle continues to grow and grow.

Fake music by fake artists, pretending to be people they never were in the first place to sell records to you because their real art was not "saleable" enough!

So who's the victim here? You the consumer? who has been duped! Or the artist who was raped of their artistic purity and force to prostitute a "better looking" body of music to you?

Answer: NO ONES TO BLAME!

Why? Because, the whole world is a hustle. Especially the music industry. A giant game of buying and selling musical whores. And if you refuse to be a part of it you ain't in it win it so to speak.

My language may be a little harsh but, some would say those musical whores are making madd bread....meanwhile you're broke

Which is very true, but if they're the whores try to think about who's pimping em'?

And partly it's you and me cuz we allow it. But that is another essay so I'm not gonna get in to that.

My favorite recording artist is Ms. Lauryn Hill, a woman who came out with two mind blowing albums (and I don’t give a damn about what any critics say about the unplugged album it was pure lyrical genius) Then disappear from the mainstream. Her reason being the abuse and misuse she suffered at the hands of the music industry.

Ms. Hill quoted to say at a fugees concert in 2005:

"...I'm not crazy I'm just a black woman, who's super smart, can't be bought, can't bribed. I am not a machine and give my people the truth. And for some reason today in the world if you all those things they think you crazy. However if that's the definition of crazy, then I'm crazy...blood clot!'

And her is very much correct in her statement, people who attempt to be righteous in any mode of industry are often labeled as extremist. So we ended giving watered down versions of ourselves to the rest of the world to make ourselves more comfortable for everyone else. it's the same with the music industry.

these watered and dumbed down songs we hear on the radio that aren't helping anyone. MUSIC IS SUPPOSED TO INSPIRE!

But Ms. Hill's out cry on how the industry has damaged her doesn't end there. A recently leaked song on you tube title "World Is Hustle" ; which inspired this essay. Ms. Hill speaks about how "we" become addicted to the unreality of celebrity here is a quote from the song:

"Of the world Spun by evil men with lies Only programmed to agree With what we see before our eyes Running after status quo On a television show Just a picture perfect life It's the only life we know And this uncomfortable reality Got me chasing, chasing fallacy And the pace the pace is killing me But I so willingly practiced it Just like it's my friend

OWhen the whole world is a hustle Exactly where did we arrive In this manufactured life to Sell my soul just to survive (yes) In the game of numbers I must thank the Gods of Industry oh for the opportunity or I display such loyalty oh for the way that they exploit me (yes)

OOh to consider life outside of this Just like a splinter in My mind persists But the ministry of fear exists Only to keep me from knowing the truth Stealing my youth..."

For Full Lyrics Click Here

But In closing I will say this..."So few can see the emperors new clothes when the blind lead the just more troubles and woes, lustful this hustle turns humans to hoes."

So what do really some that looks nice? or something that's real?

Dyslexic Speedreaders “Shoot to Kill” Mixtape

2008-09-09T14:56:00.004-04:00

Satirical and flagrant are perhaps the best words to describe the Dyslexic Speedreaders. Comprised of Dirt Nasty, Cisco Adler, Mark Ronsen and Beardo, the group masterfully crafts the most rude and lewd lyrics since, say Eminem.

The Dyslexic Speedreaders now bring us their newest mixtape Shoot to Kill produced by Cisco, Ronsen, and Dirt Nasty and others. The crew’s flowing lyrics and melodic beats are cosigned by Kimbo Slice, Ron Artest and Lil’ Jon among others.

Download it and let us know what you think.

Shoot to Kill

Budda Early - Go Crazy feat. Kid Capri

2008-09-03T14:38:00.005-04:00

Budda Early grew up in the apartment building that housed Hip-Hop legends KRS-One and Kool Herc. The pedigree rubbed off on Budda, whose mic presence earned him the praise of another pioneer the World’s Greatest DJ Kid Capri. The emcee’s lyrical wordplay and ability to catch a beat’s rhythm have earned him the right to be called “Bronx Borough President.”

As the first artist on No KID’N Records, Budda is scheduled to release The Treatment Hosted by Kid Capri on September 16th, as a prelude to his album From the A.M. to the P.M. Budda’s current single “Go Crazy” produced and featuring Kid Capri has been on continuous rotation by Funkmaster Flex on New York City’s Hot 97.

The track is a Uncle Lukesque, let loose party track without the customary dumb-down lyrics. If you haven’t heard it yet, listen in and let us know what you think.

Budda Early - Go Crazy feat. Kid Capri

Chanes...In a Musical?? The Apple Turns To Cider

2008-08-28T19:50:00.005-04:00

It seems more Big Urban artists are doing big things....

Featured Bed-Stuy rap artist Chanes is now starring in the off broadway Hip-Hop Musical.....

The Apple Turns To Cider

Watch some clips here, and google it get some tickets!!!

Raheem Devaugn - Text Messages Remix Feat. Future

2008-08-25T14:03:00.004-04:00

I'm alway happy when an artist that we've covered on the Big Urban is doing big things

Here's our dude Future on the "Text Messages Remix" w/ Raheem Devaugn

Check out future @ myspace.com/youngfuture

And Be on the lookout for the urban socialite launching in two weeks....

Al-Shid - Great Day

2008-08-18T20:56:00.004-04:00

“It’s a great day to be me.” Yes indeed that is what Brooklyn emcee Al-Shid believes. YaBoy’s about to make this track his theme song; it’s called “Great Day” and after you hear the song it might become yours. The self-proclaimed “Hottest thing to hit the streets of New York since building 7″ is a problema - that’s problem in Spanish. Be on the look out for Shid’s mixtape, The Good Mourning America Project, coming this fall but for the time being listen to this crack.

Al-Shid - Great Day

Staten Freestyles For Big Urban Mixtape TV

2008-08-14T22:53:00.000-04:00

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interviews: Staten

2008-08-14T22:47:00.001-04:00

Mr. Sykes Interviews Staten- The Rapper That Made It Happen

2008-08-14T14:58:00.009-04:00

Ike Staten is definitely the rapper that made it happen. When he took the other 4 boroughs by storm when he won NG Records & Rap Fanatics magazine's "Set Tha Stage On Fire" last month. This energetic 21 year old has an army well produced beats, and refreshing lyrics about women, day to day life, and the borough he represents....

Mr. Sykes: How long have you been rapping?

Staten: I've been doing this about 2 years now, seriously about a year. I'm putting together a solo project right now. I'm pretty new to this but I am the best for my city.

Mr. Sykes: I read in different places that you got inspired (to do music) by seeing your brother produce and do other things, so do you work together?

Staten: I really only work with family, my two brothers, my sister "SP Da Kid" But He's been producing ever since I can remember. He's a rapper, singer, producer, he does it all. I pretty much get all of my musical influence from him.

Mr. Sykes: So what do you prefer being in the studio or performing?

Staten: Definitely performing, I think I do music just to perform. I don't think there's no better feeling then rocking a crowd.

Mr. Sykes: What does it feel like winning "Set Tha Stage On Fire" what was that experience like for you?

Staten: Really that was crazy... That was definitely the highlight of my "career" so far. That was the first time I really took it outside of my borough and people really responded to it. And to win was like... It wasn't a shock I felt I should have. But I respect them for keeping it official and g

etting the love everybody was showing me love that night.

Mr. Sykes: Who are you listening to right now?

Staten: Right now definitely, Wayne. I mean J doesn't leave the CD changer. But I'm a big R&B head too so, Trey Songz.... I basically listen to everything.

Mr. Sykes: If you could work with one major artist who would it be?

Staten: It would basically have to be J (Jay-Z)....

Mr. Sykes: One thing you would do if you were president?

Staten: First I would get out of the war. I think after that happened the money would get a little better. Gas will go down, you got me taking the train everywhere I don't ever wanna drive no more.

Mr. Sykes: Music matters to you because?

Staten: Because it's life, music keeps me going. I don't do anything without music, I wake up with music, go to sleep to music, walk through the city with music, love the women to music. Music is everything.

For more Staten visit his website @ http://myspace.com/cliftonboyz

To Make a Myspace Bulletin or a Facebook Post For This Post CLICK HERE

“Emerging ‘Super’ Producer, Drawzilla, Wins UMA” by YaBoyJavi

2008-08-14T01:21:00.004-04:00

New York City’s Underground Music Awards pasted this Sunday, August 10. Admittedly I was not at the famous B.B. Kings but from what my sources tell me Triple and Snuff of Ashy L Bowz was jerked for “Most Original Group” – VIBE would be upset.

Deservingly though, Inasirkl Music Group super-producer Drawzilla went home with the Emerging Producer of The Year Award. He has produced for some of Hip-Hop’s best, past and present, like CL Smooth, Capone of CNN, Remy Ma, Sic Osyrus, Skyzoo and Sha Stimuli. Not a bad year at all.

Here’s a recently leaked remix of Mariah Carey's 'Love You Long Time' feat. LL Cool J by Drawzilla.Drop Zilla a note at www.myspace.com/drawzilla.

I'm Back!!!

2008-08-12T22:27:00.004-04:00

Yes, Yes Y'all I'm back after my little summer vacation from blogger... Thanks to my boy Javi for guest editing while was out and posting some great stuff....

a lot of good stuff coming up and in a few days I will be unveiling the "Urban Socialite Widget" where you (the reader) can tell us about events you think we should cover...

I have a few interview coming up and will be posting those shortly....and preping for the release of the Big Urban Mixtape Vol .2 "Music Matters"

“What's Up With Game Trying to Kill Himself?”

2008-08-05T10:50:00.000-04:00

What's up with The Game's suicidal poses? First the dude marks himself for death symbollically by pointing with his fingers to his temple on XXL's June issue. Then in July Game upped the ante and placed a .38 to his chin on the cover of The Source. And now the Comptom rapper has two Glocks aimed at his dome in August's issue of YRB.

Should Game use the chrome-plated .38 or the two hot Glocks?

“Not Forgetting Where He Comes From; 'Free Agent' Joel Ortiz Giving Back to Brooklyn's Children”

2008-07-29T10:22:00.007-04:00

It isn’t every day that we accentuate a positive within the Hip-Hop community but this is a story that deserves acknowledgement. Brooklyn rapper, and fellow Boriqua, Joel Ortiz has pledged proceeds from his upcoming album Free Agent to donate computers to children living in Brooklyn's housing projects through the launching of his charitable program, 2 @ a Time.

In an exclusive Q&A session with Latina.com, Ortiz tells the magazine that “I just want to give back to the community that's been supporting me. I’m gonna give the kids computers so they could wise up and see that there's a bigger picture than the 15-20 block radius that I grew up in. There’s a bigger life than just hanging out, smoking and drinking and having unprotected sex.”

Free Agent is scheduled for release on October 14 with notable features like Joe Buddens, Fat Joe, Papoose and Underground King Bun B making appearances. The album is Ortiz's follow-up to 2007’s The Brick: Bodega Chronicles. It is being released independently.

Ortiz also tells Latina.com that he wants fans and rappers alike to know that “It’s okay to rap.”

“When the beat comes on, just know that there's already a few guys out there trying to target clubs and radio. So it's alright to just rap, because at the end of the day man we gotta bring it back to where DJs are fans of the records and they play what they want to play,” said Ortiz.

"New Naughty by Nature Song"

2008-07-22T21:01:00.004-04:00

There's been a Naughty by Nature sighting! Yes no lie, Treach, Vin Rock and Kay Gee have released a remix to The Game's "Pain" entitled "Hip Hop Pain" featuring Rene Neufville, formerly of the platinum selling R&B group Zhane. YaBoy can't front, I got a little nostalgic when I heard this track. Check it out; let me know what you think.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/1467497455b1f6df/

Rock Meets Hip-Hop, the Metermaids

2008-07-22T11:39:00.006-04:00

By YaBoyJavi

Since the Beastie Boys there hasn’t been another rap group to combined rock and hip-hop with a touch of old school Motown funk to deliver a much needed change of pace in this cliché rap world. With that said I’d like to introduce Vibe Source readers to the Metermaids.

Unconventional by today’s hip-hop standards, Swell and Sentence’s musical fusion of mash up rock n’ roll alongside gritty break beats and heartfelt lyrics have the Metermaids steadily climbing the CMJ Hip Hop Chart - coming in at #9 this week ahead of notable artists like The Roots, Gnarls Barkley and Immortal Technique.

With songs like the synthesizer-laced “Feel Alive” and “Funk Terrorist,” on their new album Nightlife the duo is establishing quite an underground buzz for themselves.

Listen for yourself. Here is “Funk Terrorist” of their Nightlife album.

Check the Metermaids out at www.metermaidsnyc.com and www.myspace.com/metermaids.
Here is the YouTube link to Funk Terrorist:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OKJ6qua9nSk

Mixtape Review Homeboy Sandman – Nourishment (Second Helpings)

2008-07-15T10:45:00.002-04:00

By YaBoyJavi

If you haven’t read a book since high school and you’re more than five years removed chances are Homeboy Sandman is not for you. The lyrically imposing emcee is not for the average A-B-C Hip-Hop fan. His clever rhyme schemes and creative conceptualization on Nourishment (Second Helpings) make the mixtape one of the best I’ve heard this year.

If you believe you can make it then “Buttermilk” is exactly what you need. On the track Boy Sand shows his lyrical prowess over a smooth trumpet carrying the beat. The Queens emcee turns into an anchorman on “Kain News” where he gives listeners a satirical broadcast of today’s pundit-filled uninformative news; covering everything from crime to the sorry ass New York Knicks.

The half-Puerto Rican/Dominican emcee earns points with YaBoy by using Latin vibes on “We Can Fly” where the use of arpeggiated guitar chords common in Dominican bachata dominate the beat. On “Guerra” (War) Homeboy implements a Spanish language hook to let adversaries know he’s prepared for drama.

Here are a few bars from Boy Sand on “Extreme Measures,”

Like I was Tom Cruise on a Mission Impossible/Dropped out da roof, cock back da tool, pass pop pops round the room…

I’m a lowa the boom like the boys in blue/Ya’ll gonna be da Amadous, I’m a do what I gotz to do.

Overall Homeboy Sandman’s Ivy League intellect and hood wit earn Nourishment a passing grade.

Visit myspace.com/homeboysandman or homeboysandman.com to listen to tracks off Nourishment (Second Helpings).

Adventures @ Afro Punk 08' Pt.2

2008-07-14T14:41:00.010-04:00

Afro Punk @ Galapagos in Williamsburg totally rocked my socks...I had such a great time!

I got to hob-knob hood celebrities, and see a lot of great bands!

One of which was Chewing Pics a band which Naima Mora, Cycle 4 Winner of Americans Next Top Model is lead singer...

And Sweetie (Amazing Band I am their new biggest fan!) Which Naima's Sister Ife is a part of.

Brown Girls Burlesques Performed an Act with Mackie Riverside... HOT!!!

They have teamed up with Primordial Punk to do the first Women of color Punk Pin-Up calendar which I pre-ordered at the show but you can order from their website for $15 [Click Here] I assure you it's gonna be really sexy...

Here Are Some Video Clips & Photos:

Afro Punk 08' Pt. 1

2008-07-10T16:23:00.004-04:00

So I went down to BAM yesterday to par take in the 3rd day of the Afro Punk 08'...or as it as been dubbed "HoodStock"

For all those that don't know Afro-Punk is a movement that started from a documentary that debuted in 2002, the brain child of Matthew Morgan & James Spooner. About Afro Centric , "Punk Rocker" youth in America. But for more info you should really check out Afropunk.com

I had so much fun at the festival yesterday...It took me back to my teenage years and how much I miss going to shows. I took a lot of great pictures...not as many as I wanted to cuz my camera died!!! and meet a lot of awesome people, and found to great new Bands the i love, "Lets Go To War" and "Gang Rebellion"

I hope to see you all at the next festival event this friday:

FRI July 11 @ Galapagos, 9:30pm,

FREE...

70 North 6th St btn Kent and Wythe [Brooklyn, NY]

The 1st ever PRIMORDIAL PUNK Debutante Ball

featuring Brown Girls Burlesque w/ Mackie Riverside, Betty Black, Apollo Heights, Chewing Pics and Sweetie. Also with a midnight intro to our 12 Primo Pin-Up Girls.Part of the 4th Annual Afro-Punk Festival. With additional support from Black Rock Coalition.

Artist-James Giardina

2008-07-09T12:28:00.004-04:00

James Giardina, 28

A Brooklyn-based artist and painter, currently teaching middle school art in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Driven by soul and inspiration to create beauty in a turmoil world.

I work with oil-based glazes, a mixture that combines oil paint, glazing medium, and mineral spirits, on thin boards of mdf. The images I create are colorful expressions of my internal feelings, inspired by my surroundings and emotions of the day.

[Photo By: David Alvarez]

If you are interested in any of this artwork for purchase or otherwise James can be contacted: James@bigurbanmixtape.com

Artist- Michael Stoker

2008-07-03T20:54:00.006-04:00

Michael Stoker, painter
Originally from upstate NY, currently living down south in North Carolina.
My work is heavily influenced by music. I try to capture a moment in funk, jazz, or whatever I happen to be listening to. My influences are roots reggae, dub, jazz, hip hop and funk.

Hot New Artist - Picks!

2008-06-28T19:06:00.020-04:00

Adele

Jazmine Sullivan

These two ladies are two of the most amazing female artists I've heard in years! I don't usually talk about artists that have already landed record deals but these girls are still up and coming so I guess it's fair.

The 1st is Adele! a 19 year old soul/Jazz/Alternative singer from the UK, London to be exact or to be more specific [Brixton...all day every day] I had to rep where I stay. But Adele is an extraordinary vocalist, in fact she attended the BRIT School of the Performing arts & technologies the same school Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis attended.

Her 1st Album entitled "19" is collection of songs, the singer says that she wrote about a boy whom she dated and was deeply in love with, who was Bi. And a lot of the songs on the Album are about the ups and downs she experienced from the relationship, his cheating and wrong doings, etc.

The song of her's that caught my attention was her rendition of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" which someone dedicated to me on facebook. I am also in love with her singles, "Chasing Pavements", "Cold Shoulder", & "Hometown Glory". Take a listen and click the album cover to download it from iTunes.

And this the video for her lastest Single "Chasing Pavements"

Jazmine Sullivan, is a 20 year old Neo-Soul/R&B/Jazz Singer haling from Philly. I randomly came across her music on someones myspace, and I was like "who the hell is this!" The song a was her first single "Need U Bad" Produced by Missy Elliot. I fell in love with it instantly, and I started digging around on facebook and the net for more of her music.

This girl has been in the game for a while she was first seen on apollo kids at age 11, singing "Accept What God Allows" and was signed to Jive Records shortly after.

The singer was dropped from Jive records, with the labels "pop" sound at the time they had trouble finding songs for her voice. She is now signed to J Record with a whole host of songs that I find simply AMAZING, she actually wrote "Say I" as recorded by Christina Milian.

And has a rendition of Resentment [also recorded by Beyonce & Victoria Beckham] that could make you cry.

Her Single "Need U Bad" is available on iTunes, and her album is slated for release later this year so be on the look out!

Netta Brielle - [Life, Death & Music]

2008-06-25T19:47:00.008-04:00

This is an interview we've been trying to get for a long time with Bay Area R&B songress Netta Brielle. She combines a progressive hip-hop sound with high energy vocals, that makes you just fall in love with her lyrics.

Netta has been doing her thing in the Bay Area for years making real noise over there. Opening for HUGE acts like J. Holiday & Trey Songz. She is also the winner of the 2008 Def Jam Mega Star Search, the brain child of ultra record executive Shakir Steward.

She was very open with me in talking about her childhood, her views on the industry, and the passing of her sister last year. Netta is amazingly down to earth with all the success she's had in a very short amount of time....So listen to a brief of the interview or read the full interview below

- Mr. Sykes

Mr. Sykes: In what some would say is a male dominated industry, what are some of the struggles you face being a female artist?

Netta B: I think it’s being taken seriously, you have a lot of women and guys try to get over. “Sell you dreams” Make you feel like they can do a lot of things for you but and the end of the day that’s really not the case, it’s a whole ‘nother story.

Mr. Sykes: What is easiest for you singing, dancing or acting?

Netta B: I love to do all of them equally. But my favorite thing about being an artist is performing. There’s nothing like being on the stage and making people feel good. With the music your providing, it’s a whole different feeling I feel like a whole different person on stage. So I think for me right now it’s really just performing. Having the people step away from a show with a piece of you

Mr. Sykes: You’re the winner of the 2008 def Jam Mega Star search what does that mean for you?

Netta B: I don’t know I’m still so Excited about it. I’ve been doing this for years and to finally have somebody like a Shakir Steward who’s like amazing in the industry have the slightest interest in me. It’s amazing and unbelievable so I’m still trying to take it all in. because that’s a really good position to be in.

Mr. Sykes: What was it like opening for J. Holiday

Netta B: It was really fun and he is so down to earth. He even came to me after the show and said he really liked what I was doing and to keep it up, and he gave me a lot of positive words. And it was really fun, and I just took in the experience and hopefully I can continue to open for big names.

Mr. Sykes: Last year (correct me if I am mistaken) but you lost your sister a few months before the release of “Meet Me On The Stage” how did that affect or inspire you.

Netta B: it was back a year ago in July we were getting ready to release the Mixtape, we were getting ready to have a Mixtape party. My whole family was going to be there. Unfortunately due to gun violence and all the things going on in the bay area she was a victim of gun violence. I t really did something to me and inspired me to be a role-model to young women and to show them, whatever you put your mind to and whatever you wanna do in life it’s possible. And really wish she was here with me for all the wonderful things that are happening. But at the same time I know she’s looking down and I’m bless to have her daughter with me and my family. It definitely tore me down but it gave me another outlook as an artist it opened up a whole new door for me. Now as an artist and me being successful in the industry cuz now I feel like I have to be an inspiration to younger kids and younger girls.

Mr. Sykes: When is the next time we will see Netta Brielle the actress on stage?

Netta B: I don’t know I just graduated from San Jose State University I Majored in theater arts so I really did a lot of the acting there. So right now since I’m out of school I’m really dedicate all my time to music right now. But hopefully very soon I can get in from of the camera on stage, commercials anything I just love being involved with the artists.

Mr Sykes: What inspired the title for the Mixtape?

Netta B: I really like music, music is my everyday its like air to me and a friend of mine got together and up the song together. And we were like why not talk about feeling a guy or liking a guy and maybe using music as metaphor.

Mr. Sykes: Why does music matter to you?

Netta B: Growing up it wasn’t easy for me, my mother was a single parent we definitely struggled. And had a lot of ups and downs and music was what definitely kept me going. And is what kept me inspired to be a better person, and to stay out of the street and not hang out with my friends who weren’t doing the things that they really need to do, in life growing up. So music is everything to me and because I’ve always known what I wanted to do at the age of five ‘til now and it’s everything to me it’s life.

For More From Netta B. Please Visit: http://www.myspace.com/nettabmusic

To Post a Myspace Bulletin Or a Facebook note To this post CLICK HERE

Set Tha Stage On Fire!

2008-06-17T16:40:00.003-04:00

NG Records Presents “Set tha Stage On Fire” Hip-Hop and R&B showcase Sponsored by Rap Fanatic Magazine on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Don Hills (511 Greenwich St. @ Spring St.) in New York City.

The winner-take-all showcase will feature 10 talented underground artists from the tri-state area. These artists wil be spewing flames and hitting high notes. There's going to be music for the playa and hustla in you, sensual tunes for ladies and gentlemen, and, of course, lyrics with substance.

Headline the night is NG Records recording artist T-Eazy. The Brooklyn-bred emcee will be performing songs live off his new mixtape "Tha Future in Tha Present.
"

Save the date in your PDA or mark it down on your calendar, but don't wait to long to buy your tickets because there going fast.

Email SetThaStageOnFire@gmail.com for artist booking or tickets.

Rock The Bells

2008-06-08T19:15:00.001-04:00

As per reader request, I've been digging up on an artist thats name has crossed me several times but I've just never had the time to INVESTIGATE. After a true New York heatwave, where the highs have been near about 94 degrees I've locked myself up with my newly installed air conditioner and decided to look up Santogold.

Upon fine tooth combing her Myspace, I came across Rock The Bells, and here is what you need to know:

Name: Rock The Bells

What the f*** is this?: Concert/Festival Series

Represents: Several artists, including...get this, Wu-Tang Clan, Santogold and baby hood rat, Kid Sister.

Terms and Conditions:
"All tickets for Rock The Bells 2008 Festival are:
* All ages welcome.
* Rain or shine.
* No refunds or exchanges.
* Line up subject to change.
* All patrons subject to search.
* Photo ID required for all will call or guestlist ticket pick-ups."

Complete artist line-up: (subject to vary)
A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, NAS, MOS DEF, THE PHARCYDE, DE LA SOUL, METHOD MAN & REDMAN, RAEKWON & GHOSTFACE, IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE, DEAD PREZ, MURS, SPANK ROCK, WALE, JAY ELECTRONICA, SANTOGOLD, COOL KIDS, B.O.B, KIDZ IN THE HALL, AMANDA BLANK and HOSTED BY- B-REAL, SUPERNATURAL AND SCRATCH and DJ GREEN LANTERN

Your Wallet?: $39.50-$125.00 for tickets

For New Yorkers, your only shot at the show will be August 3rd at the Nikon Theater and Jones Beach. Being a resident of Long Island, I was quickly trying to get myself some tickets when I checked the calendar to remind myself that I will be very much in Jamaica, laying on white sand and "blowin' on asparagus, the realest shit I've ever smoked" {-Young Jeezy}

Whether in Jamaica or at the festival, we'll both be as high as Snoop Dogg and Gym Class...More than enough reason to Rock My Bells.

{source bitches)

I Want THOSE Flashing Lights

2008-05-31T18:40:00.002-04:00

This track needs to be in your MP3 player immediately...

Colin Munroe-I Want Those Flashing Lights (Kanye West Remix)
Uploaded by Frontside

Please, visit his Myspace and show some LOVE!
To top it off...
The REAL Flashing Lights video by Kanye West

BIG URBAN END OF SEMESTER PARTY

2008-05-20T18:38:00.002-04:00

Who Is Mr. Sykes?

2008-05-13T14:27:00.007-04:00

HEY PEOPLE!

For next 8 weeks we are running the Who Is Big Urban? Campaign. So our readers can get more intimate look into the lives of the Big Urban Staffers.

And this week it starts with me! My Music, My Life, My World!

So WHO IS MR. SYKES?

I'm a Blogger and a picture is worth a thousand hits....or something like that, right?

So this is a little photo journal I put together, lets start with what's important to me:

My Family:
I come from a really big family so they are really important to me... And even though I don't get to spend as much time as I'd like with them. when we get together is always fun

MY FRIENDS: There are very few people I call friend, so these people are really special to me...

And these are a few of MY FAVORITE THINGS....

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interviews T-Eazy

2008-05-12T22:20:00.000-04:00

Mr. Sykes Interviews T-Eazy [I'm About Making Good Music]

2008-05-12T21:56:00.011-04:00

I got some time to chill with Brooklyn born rapper T-Eazy. This dude is two mixtapes deep and definitely making a buzz in the New York hip-hop scene. He was really down to earth and I felt like was talking to an old friend.

Mr. Sykes: You’ve been rapping since you were 14 so how as your style changed from then ‘til now?

T: It’s changed drastically; it’s gotten better and better, perfecting my craft doing what I do. Of course the more you do something the better you get at it, keep going the better you are at it. I’ve been doing it since I was 14, I mean doing as far as not just saying I rhyme. I mean doing it was far as going on stage and performing and having a CD, moving and things of that nature. But of course with each Mixtape that drops your marketing ideas become better, your flow, your delivery, everything is just going up…

Mr. Sykes: So Hip-Hop is a movement so how are you moving the movement?

T: I’m bringing great Hip-Hop back into the Hip-Hop world, industry, the community. A lot of people are just doing cliché, which is cool I’m not knocking anybody get your money baby. But what I’m doing is just delivering great music, and delivering it with a consistent flow. Hard lyrics, just that Brooklyn swagger…

Mr. Sykes: So what’s the best song you’ve written so far? Best track you’ve done?

T: Let me say this, I’ve got different songs that get different reviews. And as far as me I feel that…On my last Mixtape “7-1-8 Wit’ Me 2nd dose” hosted by DJ Joker. I had a song on that called “Never Let You Go” Featuring Neat Streetz produced by my man M-Extra…I would say that it was good song because it got a great response, we performed it great everywhere, touched everyone. Neat Streetz is featured on the song but I wrote her verse. So I wrote from a female perspective, so for me that was something different for me (Mr. Sykes: as far as input goes) Yeah I just showed that it was a great song.. I think it was good concept, but I still deliver great consistent music on different levels.

Mr. Sykes: Who are you listening to right now?

T: T-Eazy! [Laughs] My Mixtape just dropped April 22nd so I’m still fresh out, so I’m still banging me. But you know definitely you gotta still listen to people, you gotta know what’s out there. But I really don’t listen to the radio all day everyday that’s not what I do…

Mr. Sykes: So what your favorite place to go?

T: Studio, that’s where I create all the magic at!

Mr. Sykes: Music matters to you because?

T: Because it’s genuine and it’s pure… you there’s a lot of people that do it for money, some probably just do it for fame. Some people just do it for whatever reason that there may be. But I do it because I love to do it, and that’s the art that I create. I touch people on different levels, different emotions, song topics, and still create that good music the only way I could do it.

Get More From T-Eazy @ http://www.myspace.com/ngdafuture

Click Here to post a Myspace Bulletin or a Facebook Note On this post

Flashing lights Fashion Friday

2008-05-08T21:41:00.016-04:00

In downtown Brooklyn I approached Long Island University, strolling into the building fashionably late. I was immediately thrusted into excitement as I entered the theater in the Paramount Gymnasium. The flashing lights and bright fashion designs captured the spring night, blossoming with bright ideas that embarked on artistic expression. Among the large group of diverse onlookers I found a spot to sit. The crowd was pumped up with excitement and helped the models and musicians fuel the fire to the event. The fashion slash music event tittled The Blends of Brooklyn was Sponsored by LIU's Student Government Association and was hosted by Amanda Diva. I also had the chance to see Amanda Diva MC and perform. She used her rap skills and singing ability to create a soulful sound that highlighted the fashion presented on stage. The latest trends in urban, couture, punk, cultural wear, and after work attire were showcased. The performances and DJ Mix echoed throughout, coloring the room with sweet sounds of urban hip hop. These urban influences were the canvas of the clothing fitted on each individual model. The beautiful women showed of their curves while the guy's held their own looking fit and fresh. While the models strutted and danced across the stage I was able to catch another musical performance by Game Rebellion. I have to say I am really satisfied that I didn't miss their performance. The show was free but I would pay anything to see them perform again. A bit of rock and rap, they used a synthesizer, and harmonized singing to create their music. The band has a unique and diverse quality and sound .With dreads flaring and vocals blaring this group is something to watch out for in the future. The lead vocalist Netic gave an outstanding rap performance to end the bands set. He expressed his opinion and ideas voiced through the suggestion of recent social hardships. Other performances were Noel Gourdin and Casely. My night was complete and I walked away with a sense of enlightenment and need to express my own creativity. Thanks to LIU, those who participated and Amanda Diva for a wonderful fashion show. Be sure to look out for more postings on shows in and around NY.

"Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm." ~ Earl Nightingale
www.myspace.com/drivecar
~Carly Adiva

The Heart of New York City

2008-05-06T17:45:00.006-04:00

*crowd in uproar*

*Jay-Z stands center stage in silence*
"You know, for a second..I thought we were in the mothafuckin Hamptons...New York City, make some NOISE!"
Naturally, for the first night of the Heart of the City tour, Mr. Brooklyn himself had to demand his respect.

Friday, May 2nd was opening night for Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige's "Heart of the City" tour. If you consider yourself a living citizen of New York City you would have been well aware of the sold out shows. New York's dynamic duo opened with "Can't Knock The Hustle" sending Madison Square into immediate uproar as they stepped out in complimentary silver outfits.

Mary took her half of the show next, doing naturally all the crowd favorites from her first couple albums. The whole crowd swayed to "Not Gonna Cry"; They passed overstuffed blunts to "You're all I Need"; They caught the Holy Ghost with Mary to "No More Drama" and held their hearts to "You Remind Me" and "Take Me as I Am". All in all, Mary put on her usual scream fest that we all love and adore. She forced you to reconsider what drives her on stage to a point of what resembles sheer madness-the Holy Ghost? Her life? Or a return to drugs?

"Flashing Lights" by Kanye West was a nice surprise-Now, of course, he didn't appear much to audience dismay, he's currently in Texas doing his own, "Glow In The Dark" tour (Coming to the Garden on May 13th). The stage became swallowed in black as the beat dropped, with strobe lights-very "Glow In The Dark" tour-esque,

She closed her set by shutting the stage down with "Just Fine"-accompanied by pyrotechnics and fireworks that were enough to blind people and singe off all synthetic hair weaves.
While, Hov's set was......
Hov's set.........

OPRAH was in the first row on the show, so I think these photos should make sense to you:

He did an EXCELLENT freestyle about the current stage of America and Obama.....

And Mrs. Hov naturally made a guest appearance. She ran on and did a little booty shake to "Crazy In Love" and ran off.

Memphis Bleek also showed his face, DESPERATE for a check:

All in all, I give Hov an A- in review....
It was a great, but typical Hov show with the addition of the politics..

Whether you came for the Queen of Hip-Hop and R&B, an American Gangster, or whether you wanted those "heroin tracks" one thing will always remain the same...
Baby you like....Hov.

Love,

Your neighborhood friendly,

New Jack

What Went Down @ The Sean Bell Town Hall Meeting

2008-05-01T21:50:00.008-04:00

This past Thursday 4/30/08 I attend a town hall meeting at Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. I was a little late at but I had the feeling I didn't miss much. The energy in was still and sober as I entered. The we're people of all backgrounds: Black, White, Hispanic, even a few Asian people. Which showed the impact of gentrification throughout North Brooklyn, which played out in different ways within the span of the meeting.

A Time To Heal & Act: A Town Hall Meeting On The Sean Bell Verdict.

The meeting was moderated by April Sliver (left) of Akila Worksongs she's done a lot of great work in the Bed-Stuy, East New York, Fort Greene sections of brooklyn and the entire country and is just generally a great sister.

It was an open forum and there were panelists also, but all we're allowed to speak and ask questions.

The Panelists were:

City Council Member, Letitia James (right) (The 35th Councilmanic District, Brooklyn NY)

A powerful sister, and an amazing speak and she give most people in the crowd a reality check. That is just isn't about the life one young brother, it's about the lives of all our young black men. She voiced how she is afraid for her 17 year old nephew, who like many of us, may wear his Jeans low from time to time, or have on a hoody, or be out late at night. She spoke generally about community accountability. And really moved me and I felt what she had to say.

Community Activist & Hip-Hop Artist, Ashanti Baptiste (Fort Greene Young Film Makers)

This brother briefly spoke on how young black men are often generalized if they speak a certain way or dress a certain way. And this fear and mis-conception among the people that police our communities creates situations like the Sean Bell murder! And being an artist and a young man from the streets mentoring other young brothers that are likewise, they are targeted.

Chair of The Fort Greene Association, Ursula Hegewisch
Was one of only two white people on the panel, and honestly I don't remember what she said. Because she read what she had to say from a paper, and it sounded a little rehearsed and I really didn't connect. Don't get me wrong she is a strong community leader and what she had to say was surely valid it just didn't register with me.

Reverend David Dyson, (left)(Pastor of The Lafayette Presbyterian Church)

The other white panelists, a terrific man of God and I have to attend one of his services when I get a chance. Spoken on his largely mixed congregation, the Sunday after the verdict was delivered how the tone and the aura of the pew had changed. People had questions and needed answers. And how his church is taking a stand on this great injustice.

Laurie Combo, (right) Founder & Executive Director of (The Museum Of Contemporary Diaspora African Art [MoCADA])

A very heartfelt speaker, she spoke on how "We are the people, We've Been Waiting for" loosely quoting Fredrick Douglass. She explained how she started her museum from the ground up soon after finishing school, and wanted to quit and leave so many times. And how black people have become accustom to disappointment and failure and how she had personal responsibility to follow through with the project. No matter how hard to was, in aneffort to end this trend by being an example ( in which she has successively done so). Which relates to the Sean Bell movement in that, we just can't let this slide because of an ill judged verdict, this has been the way for to long. And it is important to be an army of one. these were encouraging words for me being a young black entrepreneur.

Community Activist & Author, Kevin Powell (left)(2008 Democratic Candidate for Congress)

Actually spoke first, and he let us know that people were text messaging him asking, why were white people present at the meeting. And how some people felt that they shouldn't be here, that this wasn't their fight. Powell immediately condemned these messages as pure ignorance. He said, "White people have been in Brooklyn before I was born, and they will be here after I'm gone." This was not the subject of this gathering nor was it relevant. We need these people as much as they need us, we are community and therefore all in the same boat. We have to stand together if this is to end once and for all.

After all the panelist spoke, people were allowed to approach the mic and ask questions and vent their feelings on the matter.

A lot of what was said by the audience was EXTREMELY irrelevantly and hurtful jargon. I was shocked at how some seeming educated people could be so ignorant and closed minded. I was at the point of tears a few times!

Some people spoke on largely on gentrification in the area, and how since there are more white people in the community police violence would only continue to rise.

Others spoke on there own personal agendas and irrelevant personal experience with the NYPD.

In fact the only relevant comments or questions raised that I can recall are:

A gentleman asked a question about the probability of special prosecutor for police that commit these types of acts actually being created.

That is what law makers and community activist are trying for.

Another gentleman brought up the fact that there is no type of psychological screening processes for those that would like to become police officers in New York City.

(So without a screening process of this nature in place, we could have a bunch of trigger happy people with hidden agendas walking the streets in uniform.)

One women spoke on creating a master directory of community groups, and organizations (yellow pages of sorts) So people have resources at their hands when these event occur.

Kevin Powell, stated that will soon be in creation with the contact information collected at the town hall meeting.

All and all my opinion is, the time for action is now! This is greater than just one life taken. It's about the lives of millions of inner city men of color. And the fact that this has happened not ONCE but THREE times, and the perpetrators (New York City Police Men) came off nearly scott free on all occasions!

When will it end? When it's me shot coldly in the streets, by the people that are supposed be protecting me! Or when it's your father, your brother, your son, your nephew, your cousin, your husband?

The greatest asset you have in this country is your voice! Use it! Make calls, write letter, join a march, post a blog, a Myspace bulletin, a note on your Facebook! It will make a difference.

For more infomation on this movement and updates on the case and the Bell family please visit: http://www.justiceforsean.net

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interviews Melissa Duncan

2008-05-01T18:11:00.001-04:00

Mr. Sykes Interview Melissa Duncan [ I Wanna Be A household Name]

2008-04-30T22:19:00.008-04:00

So we went down to Fort Green park to meet up with R&B singer Melissa Duncan. This woman was wonderful to interview. She had some interesting things to say and she was really down to earth. She's bound to be a household name!

Mr. Sykes: Hip-Hop is vastly changing so how are you contributing to that change?

Melissa: I think we definitely contributing, when I say we, I mean my songwriting partner and myself (J.B.). As far as music goes we're just exploring a lot of things. Opening up a lot of avenues, we put in a lot of Jazz we wanna do some country with it. And not just because everything is popular, but because music is about everything! So we just wanna grow with it.

Mr. Sykes: What made you decide to come to Brooklyn? Cuz I know you're from Florida so made you want to come up here?

Melissa: Truthfully, J.B. and I just thought it was time for a change. So we where in Miami, and after High School we just thought it was time for a change. So it was either or New York or some place else. So we were like it's New York!

Mr. Sykes: Brooklyn loves you so you need to be here.
Mr. Sykes: So what have you accomplished since you've been here?

Melissa: Well I've been doing a lot of shows, worked with a lot of great people. And we record over at Brown Sugar Recording studio, so we worked with V.I. He's a great artist from Cleveland but he's out here too. But truthfully the biggest thing that New York has given us as songwriters is just an avenue to express ourselves. Where at home it would be a little harder to do.

Mr. Sykes: So in three year Melissa Duncan will be?

Melissa: In three years? Melissa Duncan will be, you know what we really believe is a household name. It's like you got Black & Decker, you got Kitchen-Aid, you got Melissa Duncan. We're just really trying to be in you homes, we wanna be in your hearts. And we look to really touch everything.

Mr. Sykes: Hip-Hop Living is what?

Melissa: It's living the free life. It's coming home really early in the morning, it's traveling a lot. I love R&B, I love Hip-Hop I love everything it's about because there is just so much energy. And sometimes living Hip-Hop is living over the edge and we don't wanna do that! Hip-Hop is just about living in the moment, is really what it is.

Mr. Sykes: Favorite summertime spot?

Melissa: My favorite summertime spot, would definitely be home in Miami! It's super hot! but it's the beach every single day. That's my favorite summertime spot.

Mr. Sykes: What do you like more performing or in the studio?

Melissa: I wanna be honest, cuz I want people to know the truth about me. I love being in the studio it's my own space where I can be creative and become whatever I need to be for that song.

Mr. Sykes: Music matters to you because?

Melissa: Music Matters to me because, it's very important. I know that sounds really vague. But that's just how it is. Not necessarily my voice or my music it's just it matters to me cuz it's important

For more from Melissa Duncan Check out: http://www.myspace.com/duncanmelissa

Link This to your myspace or post a bulletin CLICK HERE

Download The Big Urban Mixtape Vol. 1 "Changing The Game" On Datpiff.com

2008-04-28T20:36:00.003-04:00

Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com

Photos From The Launch Party!

2008-04-25T08:14:00.002-04:00

Mr. Sykes Interviews Barbershop Quartet [ Hip-Hop Is True Expression]

2008-04-24T10:29:00.011-04:00

I finally got the chance to do an interview with Hip-Hop group The Barbershop Quartet. A rap group that I'm actually a member of, scheduling was a little tight since we're working on our album, but it was good just to sit down and talk. This group has a strong history starting from way before I even joined. With influences from Spanish boleros to the heavy hitters of underground hip-hop. The Group consist of S. Kai, Geo ( The God Of Diction), Remmus, and yours truly Mr. Sykes all haling from Brooklyn New York. Our motivation is to be the saviors of hip-hop. Our music is real, and we talk about real issues...Album coming soon so watch out for us.

Mr. Sykes: So how long as the group been going on?

Geo: The group as been going since....

Kai: Gotta be three years now.

Mr. Sykes: How did it start?

Kai: We had this group called GS9, we had my man Wize, Geo, Remmus, MAC 40, L Ripper, Hurtz, Element... Anyway I guess you could say we were a hip-hop super group. And just started ripping tracks it was one of those high school things where we started making tracks. And the group already existed before we hopped in. But eventually whole shit split up so we started this new shit. Me , Geo, Remmus, and also you. (Mr. Sykes: every now and then) But still we this new shit going on and we making a lot of movement, working hard.

Mr. Sykes: [Paraphrasing] It's funny how you should mention not being in GS9 from the start, because when I had joined this group after you guys had been together for a while. And I remember being over at your crib one day just joking around saying like: this is like the Fugees and I'm like lauryn hill, I'm here but I'm really not. Then you said 'well I'll be damned if I call Remmus Mr. Roncal, or Geo Mr. Remirez.' And that's how I kinda got my name when I was just like well you can call me Mr. Sykes.

Mr. Sykes: Your Music Is different than everyone else's... There arent really a lot of rap groups out there now. So how are you going to bring back the rap group, in essence?

Geo: Just be real with it, just be real. There's no other way you can do it, as your real with yourself even when you're up there spitting a verse you're not just spitting a verse. You're expressing yourself, people can tell your being truthful. But if you're there just spitting Verses trying to make some money, just writing verses to write the verses, and cash in on it. Then you can tell you're being a fake it doesn't sound as good.

Mr. Sykes: Your music is different also in that fact that you guys flip a lot of Spanish samples, and like old school music, so where does that sound come from?

Geo: Well I grew up listening to a lot of Spanish music and stuff. In the house my mother would always play these old school boleros with sick organs and shit, and crazy singing. I just got the idea to start sampling Spanish stuff originally from my bother, he was the one who started looking thru Spanish stuff. And I'm just the one who caught on to it and I got more deep into it. And eventually I came across this group "The Enemy Of Mankind" and I was already switching all these Spanish samples. When somebody introduced me to this group and that inspired me even more. Cuz he wasn't just sampling English stuff, he was sampling Italian stuff, Spanish stuff and it still rocked as English hip-hop. He didn't even have to spit a Spanish verse and it still rocked.

Mr. Sykes: So with that said, best rap album of the past ten years?

Geo: There is no best... Kai: If you had to chose like one honorable mention?

Mr. Sykes: On a good day what joint could you rock all day and not be bothered by it?

Geo: well on a good day, recently "So. illaquists Of Sound" that one and "Ur Turn" That shit is ill

Kai: I'd Have to say "Blackstar" and it doesn't matter if it's a good day or a bad day...That Mos' and Kweli right there, you gotta feel that.

Mr. Sykes: Mine most people already know, is the "Unplugged" album from Lauryn Hill...I can rock that and it's been 8 years now I still feel it.

...

Mr. Sykes: whats the message behind the music?

Kai: The Message behind the music is life itself. Cuz everything we kick is life itself. It always has a relevance to something. We don't pick up a pen " and oh I'ma start some beef with this cat." Cuz i'm trying to make records sale. Naw it's like, this is going on, we're gonna write about it. We come with a concept we come a beat, we got an idea and we flip it. It's life itself.

Mr. Sykes: Vodka or Cognac?

Kai: I'm not really a drinker...

Mr. Sykes: sure make me look like the alcoholic of the group... I'll go with the 'gnac.

Mr. Sykes: Favorite Video game?

Geo: Metal Gear Solid 1

....

Mr. Sykes: What is hip-hop?

Geo: Hip-Hop is being yourself Kai: Hip-Hop is true expression

Mr. Sykes: What are we going to change the game?

Kai: We trying to bring good music to the peoples ears it's just as simple as that. Like what I just said about the TV and how I don't turn it on. It's the same thing with the radio. I really don't turn it on cuz there's not to much good hip-hop on there. You turn it on and everything is sounding the same. We want it to come to a point where you turn on the radio and you hear good shit playing. and it doesn't have to be us . But if one person or one group can get in there and rock that shit and make people understand it more than just this, chain, bling bling. That's bullshit, that's just jokes and stuff, it's gimmicks. Geo: It's not about trying to act gangster and trying to look cool. It's about making music.

Mr. Sykes: It is all about the music and we're knocking anybody per se. all that shit is valid but thats not all hip-hop is, it's better to have a balance.

Kai: All that shit has it's purpose like you said ain't gon' be no Crank barbershop quartet.

For more from the Barbershop Quartet Check Out: http://www.myspace.com/kaigs9

S. Kai & Born Wize Freestyle For Big Urban Mixtape TV

2008-04-24T10:26:00.003-04:00

Download Big Urban Mixtape Vol. 1 "Changing The Game"

2008-04-18T02:31:00.004-04:00

Click Here To Download Changing The Game

With Feature Tracks From Artists:
S. Kai, Yung Mac, 3x a Lady Crew, Chanes, Future, Yung Squad, Born Wize, Mr. Sykes, Jimmie Reign, Tauros, & Philly Spade

Thanks To Everyone That Came Out To The Launch Party

2008-04-18T02:24:00.002-04:00

Tonight was such a blessing I had great time, and I hope everyone that was in attendance had great time. And to all the young people out there, dreams to do come true if you stay on your grind and have faith.

Thanks to all the performers, SITY, Ade Marie, Chanes, Yung Squad, Carly D. & Arson, Yung Mac & Fats (sorry for the sound problems).

We had an awesome turn and please expect more great things from us in the future.

I'm on my grind stay on yours
- Mr. Sykes

PS: THE BIG URBAN MIXTAPE TEAM IS THE SHIT!!!!

Mr. Sykes Speaks w/ Adé Marie [I Can only be Adé Marie]

2008-04-11T23:25:00.007-04:00

So I got a chance to sit down and talk to the spirited R&B singer Adé Marie. She was preparing to leave to fly out to ATL to do a show, so I was glad to catch a moment with her. Generally I don’t speak this way about artists, but it was a real blessing to speak to this girl… I was not in the best mood that day and she encouraged me so much and made me laugh. She is definitely on the rise so watch out for her.

Mr. Sykes: There are a myriad of female artists out there, you have your Beyonce’s, your Ciara’s, your Ashanti’s, so how do you differentiate yourself from those people?

Adé: I differentiate myself by remaining true to myself always! Everything I do has to be a reflection of myself; I’m not trying to be Beyonce, or Ciara, or Rihanna or anyone like that. Every time I sing, I try to immerse my heart and soul into everything I do. When I’m working with other artists, songwriters, or producers I try to let them know who I am. I want them to know about the journeys I’ve been through in my life so that they can understand me. Also I wanna be a trend setter not a trend follower. I definitely don’t wanna be like anyone, I’m Adé Marie.

Mr. Sykes: When did you realize you where mean to be a singer? How did you know you were meant to be a singer?

Adé Marie: I realized I was meant to be a singer ‘cause God told me I was supposed to be singer. He gave me this voice, since I could talk. And When I was 4 years old I was given the opportunity to sing in front of a large crowd, and I embraced it. I enjoyed being in the spotlight and ever since that day I’ve always had the urge to be on stage. Going to concerts and seeing various artists on stage I always wished that I was in their spot, I envisioned their fans as my fans. So That’s always a feeling that was set in my heart…

Mr. Sykes: So who’s in your ipod right now?

Adé: Well I listen to various type of music, it ranges from Sam Cooke all the way to Maroon 5. I’m not just focused on any one artist…

Mr. Sykes: What do you feel is wrong with the current state of the music industry, what do you feel is right with it?

Adé: Lets do this backwards lets start with the positive. Music first and foremost makes the world go round so it’s necessary. But unfortunately music lacks the effectiveness that it used to have. Now a day’s people can just make a hit song if you have a hot beat. But the context of the music is not where it needs to be. I feel that’s a problem that needs to be changed immediately.

Mr. Sykes: Where in the world would you most like to visit?

Adé: I would love to visit the motherland that being Africa, if you haven’t known my father is Nigerian, so I’m part Nigerian. I would love to go back to the motherland and help out as much as I can…Mr. Sykes: What song did you sing in the shower this morning?

Adé: Oooo what song did I try to sing in the shower this morning? Well normally when I get up in the morning I try to do my vocal warm up, you know a little 20 min la, la, la before I start singing. Yesterday I started working on this new song so I was actually trying to figure out some lyrics to the new song I’m putting together.

Mr. Sykes: I think that’s common with singers; we come up with stuff in the shower. I know personally I’ve written some of my best songs in the shower like, ‘Man I wish I had some paper in here this is great
[Laughs]

Mr. Sykes: If you where offered a recording contract right now would you take it?

Adé: It all depends on the contents of the contract; I don’t want to be quick to take anything. But if you know anybody who’s offering a contract tell em’ feel free to holla me and my manager. [Smiles]

Get more from Adé Marie check @ http://www.myspace.com/ademarie

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interviews Yung Squad

2008-04-03T23:24:00.002-04:00

Yung Squad [ Not Your Average Dudes!]

2008-04-03T21:39:00.014-04:00

So I made my way up to the BX (The Bronx for non New Yorkers) to talk to rap group Yung Squad. The group is made up of two gentlemen that go by the names Hollywood Hood, and Body Baggs. I first heard these catz at a performance at 50 Mics Tournament a few weeks back, and as I said then, it was the most hype, energetic, live rap performance I've ever witnessed. This dudes have some serious swagger, with something which consider to be a new sound. And as a group the posses a realness which makes the music they create all the more appealing. These Catz are not your average rappers.

Mr. Sykes: How long have you guys been a group?

Body Baggs: It's been like 3 or 4 years now. I met my man Hollywood about three years ago, doing a little battle in the streets.... Actually they wanted me to battle him, but you know they made a big deal about it. I realized I had a little talent in the game, so we hooked up from there.

Mr. Sykes: Your sound is real different from mainstream Hip-Hop, like at 50 Mics Jay-Z could have been on stage and it wouldn't have been that hype. So where does that sound come from?

Hollywood: ... That's us we're bringing a whole new movement from the last mixtape. You're gonna hear the difference from this mixtape. We got a whole new style, a whole new swagger we're bringing a whole new movement at the end of the day. Cuz it's Yung Squad! I bring the new style, the lyrics, the hype to it. He brings the swagger that's a whole 'nother kind of energy so when that comes together... It's YS

Body Baggs: To feed on to that, we're a little different than the average rappers, than the average dudes....

Mr. Sykes: With that said, if you guys got signed to a major lable what artists/ producers would you like to work with?

Body Baggs: I like Kanye...

Hollywood: I need a Dre beat off jump... I gotta get on a legendary, late, great Dr. Dre beat. It's everybody.... Pharrell, gotta be on that list, Swizz Beats.

Mr. Sykes: So who makes your beats now?

Hollywood: We have different producers, like whoever wants to work with us. We don't have an "Official" YS producer. But it's like we turn nothing into something all the time...(Thanks) 3rd Street Beats

Body Baggs: Shout out to Chris he did a lot of work with us too.

Hollywood: And we're working with Buddha " The Future" you already know Buddha.... (He did) That joint we performed at 50 Mics "Yung Squad Anthem"

Mr. Sykes: What's the message behind you music? What are you trying to bring to game?

Hollywood: Hip-Hop back, no gimmicks all the gimmicks are out the window. Everybody's using it all up. All the T-Pains'. Can be like T-Pain, can't do nobody's dancing not more. We gotta bring back lyrics back, and make real music we're trying to bring y'all that....

Yung Squad[Paraphrased] : We're not hating on anybody out there making paper...but it's time to change

Mr. Sykes: Oatmeal or Grits?

Body Baggs: Grits

Mr. Sykes: Favorite Video Games?

Hollywood: 2k8, 2k Sports

Body Baggs: Y'all wanna know, I really suck at all the games [Laughs] I don't know I'ma say Madden... Yeah I'll be with Madden on this one

Mr. Sykes: What is Hip-Hop?

Hollywood: Hip-Hop is a culture, it's a whole movement, it's society. Everything in Hip-Hop reflects what you do daily, you get up you get dressed in the morning. Whatever you got it's a Hip-Hop swagger that how I feel music motivates you to do different things. That's why we make music, not for "old" heads but for the middle crowd for everybody that's getting into Hip-Hop. They're gonna feel us, those who always been into Hip-Hop they definitely gon' feel us.

Body Baggs: I definitely agree with that.... But it's true Hip-Hop is a culture from the way we dress to the slang we use, it's how we present ourselves in general that's Hip-Hop

Mr. Sykes: Music matters to you because?

Hollywood: Cuz That's the way we gon' get rich and take over this game. That's how I'ma feed my mother, put a better roof over her head.... Take care of all my niggas

Body Baggs: There's a lot that comes with it. I'm not doing it just to do it [Music] Like I said I started out with the poet thing I realized I had talent, I don't wanna be a waste. Music is everything it's like in general.

Get More From Your Boyz Yung Squad @ http://www.myspace.com/yungsquad2

Yung Squad Freestyles For Big Urban Mixtape TV

2008-04-03T21:32:00.005-04:00

Hollywood Hood Freestyle

Body Baggs Freestyle:

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interviews Yung Mac

2008-03-15T08:36:00.004-04:00

Mr. Sykes Interview Yung Mac [ I'm Not Just That Asian Rapper ]

2008-03-13T20:37:00.014-04:00

I met up with Yung Mac and the crew from AVS records, at his car shop in Sunset Park Brooklyn. Actually we do things real down home on The Big Urban Mixtape, so I hitched a ride with them to the car shop.

Dudes had me cracking up in the car! He was really down to earth, and cool with jokes for days. And I think with Yung Mac it's more than just an image, the kid has dreams. It's important to know that Hip-Hop comes in many colors, shapes, and vessels.

Mr. Sykes: How long have you been rapping?

Yung Mac: I been rapping since way long ago, from when I first heard Diddy.... I started rapping early. Believe it or not 6-7 (years old) Everybody I went to like Jr. High with they all knew I was doing my thing. They wanted me to blow, but not everything works out the way it's supposed to.... Yeah buy I've been rapping for a long time.

Mr. Sykes: So who are your greatest musical influences?

Yung Mac: Tupac, I listened to Big L when I was growing up, Big Pun. I don't really like listen to rap to much cuz I kinda start sounding like the person I'm listening to. But I still listen to rap I ain't gon' like.

Mr Sykes: If you didn't rap you'd probably be a?

Yung Mac: I'd probably be still doing what I'm doing now, making money you know whatever... Anyway there is to make money I'd be doing that.... I'm not gonna say I'd be a lawyer or some shit thats not true. Wherever the market is to make money you'll see me there.

Mr. Sykes: Whats your writing process like?

Yung Mac: Yo I go in the booth and I'm off the top of the...Naw [Laughing] I sit down in the booth for a couple of hours. I open up my sidekick (LX of course) go to note pad and I rocks with it. Most of the them it comes out good, I'm my own worst critic so if the shit is wack I won't put it out.

Mr. Sykes: Now you mentioned Diddy, but who made you want to rap?

Yung Mac: I know Diddy isn't lyrical or nothing like that but that kid got the most swag in the world! Pretty much just watching him swag around and shit I just wanted to be like him: young entrepreneur, fly, flashy, having sex with R&B bitches....( I was cracking up) Why not? Why wouldn't you want to live that life, that's the life I wanna live minus the R&B bitches.

Mr. Sykes: Grilled cheese or Bread & Butter?

Yung Mac: Grilled cheese

Mr. Sykes: Love or Money?

Yung Mac: Love...and Money...Louney!

.... The love of money?

Yung Mac: Mofve....Ha!

Mr. Sykes: Favorite food?

Yung Mac: Big Mac

Mr. Sykes: hottest chick in the game?

Yung Mac: My girl

Mr. Sykes: 7th or 10th grade?

Yung Mac: 10th grade was my prime had a lot of R&B bitches there.

Mr. Sykes: What has your experience been being an Asian rapper? ( By the way he's Vietnamese not Chinese just to clarify)

Yung Mac: I try to drift away from being THAT Asian rapper but somehow it always pulls me back in. I'm just trying to go with the flow... The Asian community, I can't say that they accepted me or anything like that. Cuz I haven't really blown up or anything like that. From how my career has been going I really don't mind, I like the way it's going.

Mr. Sykes: Do you feel that they will support you?

Yung Mac: Once I get that deal and start making them hits! I'M THE BEST!!!

Mr. Sykes: Have you faced any backlash for other hip-hop artist...?

Yung Mac: Just me being the person that I am, being Asian, dressing fly having money. Not only in hip-hop, that's just pure jealousy from the get go. But the fact that I rap will just add to more envy, and stuff like that... That's with anybody.

Mr. Sykes: What are you doing to changing the game?

Yung Mac: .... Just doing me... I'd open the door for people, shout to Jin who I feel he tried to open the door for me. But I'm willing to open he door for people, But I ain't gonna hold the door for that long tho'. Cuz there's money to be made... Just fucking be a millionaire, I'm trying to be a trillionaire... WE THE BEST! I'd be a trillionaire; is that away of changing the game? Let me be real, I wanna make hit music cuz I know me and my team are capable of making hit music. Turning pop, making records with Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, why not? and for no fucking reason do a record with Nas!

For more from Yung Mac and the Crew from AVS Check out: http://www.Avsquad.blogspot.com & http://www.yungmac.blogspot.com

Mr. Sykes Goes To 50 Mics

2008-03-05T21:35:00.028-05:00

So this past Thursday I was invited to the 50 Mics competition @ spotlight live in time square. I'm very shy (even though most people can't tell) so when I got there, initially I didn't speak to anyone. I took a few pictures of people that where around before the show, and the venue itself. I spoke to my connect there Kareem Davis of Sandbox TV, had a drink and took in the atmosphere. And I realized how strange it was for me being at a show and not having to perform myself. I mean you hear people warming up in bathroom, and in green room. You see them pacing back and forth, nervously talking to their managers and friends; and for the time I'm on the other side of that.

The show started a little @ around 9:50pm when I was supposed to start at 8:30pm. But it was very well but together and excellently organized, so shout out to the production time at 50mic.

But this is the first time I felt like a real journalist.... I mean I was out there cover a story with my camera, filming this artist as the pour sweat, hard work and raw talent right in front of me. I don't think I could have been anymore excited it I was writing it for rolling stone.

But I digress, the artist where hot (some of them) and the judges where very competant.
And were fair.

Right Side up: Female Rap/R&B group (in the style of Floetry) from Baltimore MD, the track was nice but to performance was over hyped and unpolished.....but the girls have talent.

A Rapper from Baton Rouge Louisiana who's name I didn't catch...I wish I did because his performance was great.

Niki-Bond: performance would have been fantastic but before it rhymed he gave the crowd some weak speech about how file sharing killed Hip-Hop. I'll tell what killed Hip-Hop Niki and it wasn't file sharing.

Sharp: Rap group from Long Island....All have to say is I really didn't remember them.

Melissa Duncan: Was definitely the diva of the night. Dressed in a very chic black flowing evening gown. The track the she sung almost threw me off because I wasn't expecting it to be so hard. She gave a performance that could give Pattie Labell a run for her money.

Ade Marie: Gave one of the most hype performances I've every seen. The stage wasn't big enough for her and her dancers (literarily) so they performed right on the floor, which gave it a subtle intimacy. The choreography was excellent, it was sharp and strong, with this edge to it. Even though the judges tried to clown her on a vocal performance (Hey you try singing loud and dancing like that!) she came back with an amazing a cappella rendition of "I'm Going Down" by Mary J.

Receptor: in an effort to express how 50 Mics isn't just Hip-Hop, they had a metal band play. And to my surprise the crowed was feeling it or at lest acted like they did. I enjoyed them greatly to spite the fact they had sound difficulties. In addition, the lead singer had a lot of energy, and some pretty good pipes.

Philly Spade: Had a dynamic performance at one point he jumped into the audience and started rhyming. He had a swagger kind of like Kanye West when he performs.

Yung Squad: Was crazy, I don’t think if it was Jay-Z on stage the crowd could have been more hype. There energy was remarkable, and they embody what a true Hip-Hop performance of that nature is supposed to be….

Please Check Out: http://www.50mics.com

Yung Mac Freestyle's For Big Urban Mixtape TV

2008-03-03T18:46:00.001-05:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Big Urban Mixtape Official Album Design Contest!

2008-02-25T21:20:00.005-05:00

The Big Urban Mixtape Official Album Design Contest!

That's right people, Grand Prize an iPod Shuffle 2nd Prize $25 Gift Certificate to Pearl Paint.

Guidelines:

1) Submissions must be an original creation of the artist.

2) All Submissions must be jpeg or png format.

3) Please send all entries to:

submissions@bigurbanmixtape.com

4) Entries that include the artwork below will be given special attention:`

Deadline for all entries: March 15th

Big Urban Mixtape Official Sneak Peek

2008-02-22T20:02:00.002-05:00

This is the Big Urban Mixtape Official Leek....But Shhhh Keep it on the low.

NOT!

With Bad Ass Tracks From:

3x's A Lady Crew

Yung Mac

Philly Spade

Jimmie Reign

Heyzeus

Midnyht

Chanes

Future

Tauros

And Yours Truly Mr. Sykes

Big Urban Mixtape "Changing The Game" Dropping April 5th!

Mr. Sykes Interview's Jimmie Reign

2008-02-14T20:28:00.011-05:00

The First Lady of the Bay Jimmie Reign called in to talk this ours truly. I love this girl, she has a great personality, friendly and warm, and one of the best interviews I've had in a long time. She is a very busy woman so I'm glad she had the time to call in and talk with me. She had just flown in from Miami, working on Pleasure's (formerly of Pretty Ricky) debut album. This Girl is gonna be huge in a minute so keep an eye out, but this is what she had to say:

Mr. Sykes: When did you start singing?

Jimmie: I started singing professionally when I was about 14. My God-brothers had a rap group and they asked me to sing on a hook. And that was the first time I got in a booth and from there it's been non-stopped. Something I really like to do

Mr. Sykes: Could you tell us some recent work you've done?

Jimmie: Well I actually just came came back from working on Pleasure's album. I don't know if people know Pretty Ricky, He's a singer from Pretty Ricky They basically split so he's working on his album. I did some song writing and some vocal production on there. I worked with J-Valentine on his album he's on J-Records, I've also worked with Clyde Carson who's on Capital Records. I do a lot of songwriting and a lot of vocal production, and vocal arranging. But those are the most recent things that I've been working on.

Mr. Sykes: Are there any records that we would know? or instantly recognize... "Oh that's a Jimmie Reign record!"

Jimmie: Mmm I think the biggest thing I've done was actually something in Japan so I don't know if anyone in the United States would know it. But In Japan I had a single off a really well known artist over there. It did really well a couple of years ago. Right now we're just trying to see if I made that next big hit and hopefully I'll have that with Pleasure's album or J-valentine's album.

Mr. Sykes: So what your favorite color?

Jimmie: It's Purple

e.g. The color of this article....

Mr. Sykes: Handbags or shoes what do you have more of?

Jimmie: Shoes!

Mr.Sykes: So when did things start to pick up for you, I mean your notoriety. 'Cause I know your really huge in the Bay Area (and other places)...So when did things become big for Jimmie Reign?

Jimmie: I think probably about 3 years ago my songs started playing on the radio, and I don't know...I started having way more shows. My buzz has gotten a lot bigger 'cause from the shows came magazine interviews and internet interviews. So I guess more people know who I am now.

Mr. Sykes: "Make You Wait" I really like that song. How Important is waiting in a relationship [to you] and is this song a womens anthem....?

Jimmie: Wow I don't know if I would say that it's an anthem, it's something that a lot of women relate with. It's something That I think women should do; "Make You Wait" is from a personal experience I think it's important in a relationship. If a person doesn't know who you are going into it. And they're not willing to find out who you are before taking that next step...Then they probably aren't the best person to be with. Everybody's different but for me it's important to wait...At lest a little while.

Mr. Sykes: What artist have inspired you most in your music?

Jimmie: Definitely Amel Larrieux, she's a very big inspiration to me and her voice is amazing. El debarge, is also someone who influenced my sound. There are the great people like, Stevie Wonder, I always listen to Minnie Ripperton. I love Mariah Carey, Beyonce is a very big inspiration to a lot of up and coming R&B singers who are female right now.

Mr. Sykes: What are you doing to change the game?

Jimmie: I think that I bring a different kind of "swag," and I hate saying that word 'cause it's a little bit played out right now. I bring a different swagger to R&B I definitely, I think I'm "The Pretty Girl" but I have an edge to me. And I think that's what's missing in R&B. You get "The Pretty Girl" and you get this really gritty "hardcore urban girl" there's really no mix. So I'm kinda trying to bring both to the table. And I think that's a little bit different I that's a change.

Get more from Jimmie Reigh @: http://www.jimmiereignworld.com & http://myspace.com/JimmieReign1

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interview's Future

2008-02-13T21:36:00.001-05:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Mr. Sykes Talks w/ Future

2008-02-12T06:36:00.004-05:00

So I sat down with Brooklyn rapper, and West Palm Florida native Future, to actually discuss the "future" of hip-hop. This bright and talent young man had many things to say. In trying to bring life back to hip-hop and positivity back in the music.

"What I am trying to do is bring Hip-Hop back to the light now everybody's saying hip-hop is dead..."

Mr. Sykes: How long have you been living in New York?

Future: I've been in New York for 4 years, I came up from West Palm Beach Florida. I was 13 or 14 I came up here to live with my father, you know to follow my dream of being in the music industry. I got my first equipment at the age of 14 that was my inbox Protools, and that started me off getting me into a course I wanted to do.

Mr. Sykes: So what made you decide to come up here?

Future: I was having problems with my mother at the time and was going through a lot. So I decided it would be better for me to... separate myself from that environment with her. And come live with my father where I could get a man's guidance and learn how to be a man.

Mr. Sykes: Who are you biggest musical influences?

Future: Probably 50... 'cause of his determination I know everybody's gonna be like why is he choosing 50. It's really not about image to me its really about his heart and his determination... What he's been through and the fact that he put it into his music raw. I like that fact he's raw and I really feel what he's saying as an artist.

" We're not gonna hold it against you [laugh]"

Mr. Sykes: ...You have a clothing store, you do merchandising?

Future: Yeah, we have FMM clothing store, it's been shut down for a while now.

Mr. Sykes: Do you actually design clothing?

Future: Nah we doing design clothing we have people that actually do that for us....

Mr. Sykes: How does it work having a parent as a manager having had?

Future: It's tough, its real rough you gotta separate business with pleasure. So you can't really catch too much emotions when dealing with your father as your manager. It's hard, but we stopped that whole situation because it wasn't working and I found the proper manager.

Mr. Sykes: Do you think it can work?

Future: It can work if you're disciplined enough and if you, 'I'm saying from a parents perspective' if you have control over your child in that type of way of course its gonna work. But if you don't then its gonna get crazy.

Mr. Sykes: "Humility is an attribute I can't rebuke. I want the finer things and its not necessarily." What inspired you to write that song?

Future: Finer things in life is basically a description of me, the person that I am. Everybody is out there for different reasons and doing what they do for different reasons. I do me just because I want to live this dream of being in the music industry, and I just want to tell people my story... the finer things in life is not diamonds, nice cars or fancy clothing, the finer things are living out your dreams and as far as the finer things in life I am trying to say: Your family, different aspects of your life could be the finer things in life; not necessarily something materialistic.

" I ask this because people don't write songs of this nature and genre anymore, so it's refreshing to see a younger artist say those things."

Future: What I am trying to do is bring hip-hip back to the light. Right now everybody's saying hip-hop is dead. It is dead! But you know someone in the future would back and revive that situation, get back to normal....

Mr. Sykes: Who was the last person that text message you?

Future: My girl...

Mr. Sykes: What's your most prized possession?

Future: My Girlfriend [Smiles]

Mr. Sykes: What are you doing to change the game?

Future: I'm bringing the realness back to hip-hop, there's nothing fake about me. I'm trying to be more positive in my music, lead the next generation into something that's gonna be more positive and successful, more enlightening. You fill enlightened by my music, your learning something. How to be a better person and how to live out your dreams. Focus, knowing that you need determination; so basically I'm gonna be the future. "Focus on the future, forget about the past." Thats my whole motto, to my career, to my theme, everything, my music, "Focus on the future, forget about the past."

Get more from Future @: http://myspace.com/youngfuture

Future Freestyles For Big Urban Mixtape TV

2008-02-05T21:12:00.001-05:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

The Daily "Oh Snap"

2008-02-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

Today In the daily "Oh Snap"

As many of you may have heard and it seems to be true... Hip-Hop mogul Marion "Suge" Knight Jr.

Has been banned from the city of Compton. It is alleged that the celebrity rouses to much trouble and disturbance with local gangs, and other community youth. So Knight has the boot until father notice.

Favor Of Love 3!

This is a God damn degradation! I can't wait too see!!!!!

That’s right…there’s a new season of Flavor of Love on the way, and this time there’s a twist. In the time since Flavor of Love debuted, Flav has seen his public profile skyrocket. The woman he’s looking for this time around will be a woman of sophistication who can keep up with his high-profile lifestyle. It seems that Flav paid attention to Charm School (after all, he did attend the reunion taping) and saw that his new show could benefit from a new, positive perspective. [Source: VH1.com]

Big Urban Mixtape TV Interview's Chanes

2008-02-01T01:31:00.001-05:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Mr. Sykes Interview's Chanes

2008-02-01T00:16:00.000-05:00

This amazing MC from Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, Called Chanes came through and spoke with us. And let me tell you his views, and his story are just as dope as his rhymes. We discussed how Hip-hop is moving into the digital future, everyday life, acknowledging your family, respecting women

"... It's not exactly bashing women, well some of them are. But some of them don't put them in a favorable light. I mean I love my moms to death,

so there's no way I could go on recording and degrade a woman..."

Mr. Sykes: When did you start rapping?

Chanes: Mmm about 12 years ago actually. So I've been rapping since I was real, real young when my name had the ending "fresh."

Mr. Sykes: So what was your original name?

Chanes: One of them was "Trent Fresh" another one was "EZ-Rock," I had a lot of Hip-Hop names.

Mr. Sykes: Well how did you come up with this one?

Chanes: Well this one I just simplified, it's actually my last name with two letters cut off. Try to make more personal, Instead of having like an actual stage name.

Mr. Sykes: Who inspired you to start rapping?

Chanes: Well initially I listened to like Run DMC, like a group that inspired me. I just took from them, you know the creativity that they have as being a group, as well just because they were on the forefront. Then from there I guess it kinda trickles down into the many artist that we have now but I am really inspired by a lot the rappers from the 90's. Mainly because I feel like during that time period it was a variety of rap. I mean you had De-La-Soul, you had Biggie when he first came out Mobb Deep, everybody was different.

Mr. Sykes: What's your all time favorite song?

Chanes: I really don't have one, I have a few Hip-Hop songs that I'd say stand out to me. "Children's Story" Slick Rick, a classic of mine. Also I like Jay-Z, "Dead Presidents" So it's a few...

Mr. Sykes: What do you think is happening with underground Hip-Hop in the streets right now?

Chanes: Well I actually think it's improving. being underground is a good thing, as opposed to being on a major [label.] Where they don't really give you the push, unless they see you with a hot ringtone or a song that maybe hot for a moment. And being underground to me means longevity, being there for the grind, you start from a low pint and you bring it to the next level. So being underground to me is being major.

Mr. Sykes: So where do you see Hip-Hop in ten years?

Chanes: I just see it expanding you know, it went from selling records out of your trunk for underground artist and now it's a whole new outlet and medium on the web. So it's defiantly becoming digital so I see the digital aspect of it becoming good with itunes, you tube and even myspace. Making it expand to the next level, I see it getting bigger and bigger.

Mr. Sykes: Do you have kids I wanna make sure my info is correct...

Chanes: Yes I have a son. [He smiles and looks a little surprised that I knew that or ask that, Like "Where is he going with this?"]

Mr. Sykes: How do you balance having children and your career?

Chanes: It's tricky, it's hard just like with anything else it's a grind. It's exactly what you said it's a balance of your time. I spend time with my son, I also work and I do music as well so you know it's just like balance in every aspect of my like from one to the next. I'm giving a 110% in everything I do. It can be hard at times but it's really not hard if you set your goal to want to do it.

Mr. Sykes: At what age did you lose your parents?

Chanes: Well my mom I actually lost her last year on April the 16th, 2006, and my father was December 31, '92 eve of '93.

Mr. Sykes: How has that influenced your music in anyway?

Chanes: I 'm largely inspired by my parents and family. Where as some people take inspiration from millionaires, and people that they don't even know. I'm really inspired by people who made a valuable impression on my life. And even though they passed away they're definitely a big part of why I do music and write the type of songs I write. Cuz I write a lot of songs that deal with family and relationships.

This part of the interview really spoke to me it's not often that we hear young men speak about how much their family and experiences touch, inspire and motivate them. But on a lighter NOTE!!

Mr. Sykes: Nas or Jay-Z?

Chanes: I like both of them for different reasons. I like Nas for not being a conformist.... In certain articles you read that he won't do certain endorsements, because he doesn't believe in them. Like Budweiser, he wouldn't do that, he would want his kids....[or] anybody drinking Budweiser. (Mr. Sykes: Thank God!) On the other hand Jay-Z is an artist that went from an independent level and took it way beyond that! So I admirer him for his grind. But I admirer Nas for not conforming, positive lyricism, and always bringing himself up for the game.

Mr. Sykes: Hypnotized or Life After Death favorite Biggie album?

Chanes: I Like life After Death, I really do only because at that point Biggie had gotten to a certain level.... You could tell he was real comfortable where he was at. Everything he was flowing on was just smooth I think he was at a real good point in his life.

Mr. Sykes: Who Left you, your last comment on Myspace?

Chanes: I think it was a friend og mine I'm not to sure.... I think it was a friend of mine from work I believe.

Well I know who is was....

Mr. Sykes: Favorite Childhood Pet?

Chanes: A Cat, I lived in VA for a little while, I had a big gray cat and I name him rakim.

Mr. Sykes: What do you feel is the best song you've written so far, a song you put together?

Chanes: I got a song called "Get It How." To me it's a good song because it's probably the best song that I've written. Because it's a song celebrating women, as apposed to all the songs that are out right now. It's not exactly bashing women, but you know some are. But you have some of them that don't put them in a favorable light. I mean I love my moms to death so there's no way I could go on record and degrade a woman. I want to use this as a means to think outside of the box. Instead of doing what everybody else is doing NOT to celebrate women, to celebrate women.

Mr. Sykes: Finally, what are you doing to change the game?

Chanes: For me changing the game is just really thinking outside the box and not writing the same material that everybody else is. People just stick with certain topics so much that, but there's so many things you do in a day as a person, that you can relate to in song. That other people will relate too, so I definitely don't just wanna stick into that or be botched into one type of song "we only make dance records" and so forth; its just creativity really.

Get more from Chanes @ : http://www.myspace.com/chanemusick

Chanes Freestyle's For Big Urban Mixtape TV

2008-01-30T16:41:00.001-05:00

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Mr. Sykes Interviews Heyzeus & Cramz Of Boillin Pot Ent.

2008-01-26T03:21:00.001-05:00

Heyzeus
Cramz

Press Play to listen to the interview

The Daily "Oh Snap" : What The Hell Hip-Hop?

2008-01-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

What is the name of Christopher Wallace is going this week in hip-hop? First off:

Allegedly Def Jam has threatened to drop Nas, if Does not change the title of his next forth coming album "Nigger."

So those punk take a stand on the N word now! When the last Dem franchise boys album didn't have one song that didn't use that word at lest once. I'm not sure of Nas' reason for this particular album title but I'm sure its more up lifting than "Crank that..." Its funny how money change the situation def jam.

Next:
Amy Winehouse "The Crack Chronicles"

Over the passed weekend singer Amy Winehouse was allegedly video taped by a friend smoking Crack-Cocaine in her London flat. Watch Below

Now...Who the hell in this day and age still does crack? Amy It's WACK!!!! In the last few seconds of the video the person video taping appears to ask "Crack?" I can't make out the words of her reply (Thanks to the London Sun for the choppy audio) But from her expression it's like "what the fuck do you think it is?" Then Amy appears to tell him to turn off the camera...

Thank God that her parent took her ass into rehab:

Image By TMZ.com

to help her clean up before the Grammy's. Hopefully it's not a little too late. It would BE a shame to see such a great talent go down the drain...

Lastly:

"Little Duffle Bag Boi Bagged!!!"

Lil wayne ladies and gents, was busted in Arizona on tuesday... Drug sniffing dogs allegedly found: 105 grams of marijuana, about 29 grams of coke, 41 grams of ecstasy. A spokeswoman from the Arizona DEA stated that they also found several firearms and $22,000 in cash!

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I have one thing to say....DAMN!!!! I thought you learned from that last time. If you rapping please stop slinging!

Behind The Scenes @ The NYSD Winter Photoshoot 08"

2008-01-22T23:45:00.001-05:00

Video Production done by ur's truly!!!

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Get more from the Ladies @ http://nystylediary.com

Heyzeus Freestyles For Big Urban MIxtape TV

2008-01-21T02:58:00.001-05:00

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Big Urban Mixtape TV Sits Down WIth Triple "C" Of Boillin Pot Entertainment

2008-01-21T02:36:00.002-05:00

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Mr. Sykes Interview Triple "C" Of Boillin Pot Entertainment

2008-01-20T19:09:00.000-05:00

I went out to harlem, and chilled with the crew from Boillin Pot Entertainment. Spoke with Chris Cruz AKA Triple "C", the spokes person for Boillin Pot so to speak. These dudes are like family, and it's apparent when you hear their body of work and see how they vibe with one another. This is a new wave of young urban entrepreneurs. Triple states, "I believe that we can own our own stuff. I don't believe that I have to work for 'This Guy.' I believe everybody coming from these countries and opening these little business up and we live here. You have to think about that..."

Mr. Sykes: So let everybody know whats your name and where from?

Triple: I'm Chris, I'm from Harlem, NYC broadway borough, you know how it is.

Mr. Sykes: So what exactly do you do?

Triple: Right now I do a lot of promotions, plus I have the Boillin Pot situation going on. I'm the CEO of the label plus I have partners and do a lot of promotions that's exactly what I do.

Mr. Sykes: How did the company get started?

Triple: When one of my partners his name is El - Varius he's also a rapper, and one of my artist also. Me and him we was sitting in the studio and we were trying to figure out a name. We had a few names and stuff like that, and we came up with the Boillin Pot Situation. And we ran with that for only 2 1/2 years. But from 2 1/2 yeat we been making a lot of noise, you know what I'm saying...

Mr. Sykes: Who else is involved with the entertainment group?

Triple: El - Varius, HeyZeus, Ravi right here, there's a lot of us, Cramz who's coming right now. Who's also the producer of the label, see we all work as a team, know what I'm saying we're a family, we're a unit. Just like everybody else but we just like know how to work together. The thing I do is I'm the face, I'm the guy that goes out there and makes the hype and do what I gotta do.

Mr. Sykes: So how did you guys, get the name finally?

Triple: We finally came up with the name Cuz like I said. My nigga right here came up with the Boillin Pot thing, you know we Boillin! So we were like yo! Originally we were spelling it the regular way, "Boiling Pot" but then my lawyer switched it to the way we got it now, the same way.... Sounds the same.

Mr. Sykes: How many artist do you guys work with?

Triple: I have three artist and producers, Cramz, L- Precise, MS Beat Proz, these are my main producers. And Cramz is the in house producer you know what I mean and MS Beat Proz.

Mr. Sykes: So what do you love about Hip-Hop?

Triple: I love Hip-Hop cuz I love music, and I love what it brings. I always from a long time ago loved the music. So Hip-Hop to me is ( Ravi: A way of life.) Yeah it's away of life. it's the way we are.

Mr. Sykes: What do contributions do you feel Hip-Hop has made to society. Young inner city urban people, Black people, Latino people? What has it done for you? I know it's hard to talk about what it's done for everybody else so what has it done for you?

Triple: ... Well really nothing right now, I being real I'm doing for myself you know. I want to create a mark for us from now. That's why I feel like, it's done a lot but for me it hasn't done anything the way it is right now. The times we're living in right now!

Mr. Sykes: So why is it important that you make a mark in the industry?

Triple: The thing is I have to make it. It's one of those question I'm raw with ( He cracks a smile) I'm gonna make the mark this is what I do! I gotta make the mark cuz I'm bringing something different, I mean everybody says they're bringing something different to the table. But I just feel like if I can make the mark I can really set out the trend in my area. That could bring ... If I get the mark I can open doors. You know what I'm saying , cuz I know how it's from the way we struggling right now trying to get in. But the thing is I'm humble to this, so I'd open doors for anybody, If I get a deal or something like that.... If you got some hot music or something like that I'll listen. I mean on a lot of people say all this.

Mr. Sykes: So if you weren't doing all this you'd be?

Triple: I'd be working doing something trying to make a lot of money!

Mr. Sykes: What did you wanna be when you grew up...

Triple: I wanted to be a fireman...but you know you grow up....

Mr. Sykes: So what else do you do?

Triple: I do a little bit of recording, a little bit of engineering, a little bit of real estate. I've been going to a lot of seminars about real estate. I've been trying to learn about that.

Mr. Sykes: So what your favorite drink, like when you go out to the club or something?

Triple: Long Island Ice Tea...but only at the club.

Mr. Sykes: What do you think is happening with Hip-Hop on the streets right now?

Triple: I think the computer messed it up for the Hip-Hop world. I'll tell you why, because you can't make sales anymore. You don't think so?

I think it's changing I don't know if that's a negative or a positive thing at the moment. But it's changing.

...

Mr. Sykes: So where do you see the state of Hip-Hop in ten years?

Triple: In ten years kid, in ten years you'll be able to spit anything you want. I mean do you think the Hip-Hop world will be buzzing in ten years?

I think that it is changing, I think it's changing for the better in someways and negative in others. Now it's more about marketability and less about talent so...

...

Ravi: You gotta understand that Hip-Hop also going toward that "Booty Music" Like you said thats the market. Let's target sexuality, let's put these girls with poom, poom shorts and whatever. What happened to Common, and Nas, putting common music out there, knowledgeable music. That's what I see is dropping down.

Mr. Sykes: So what are you guys doing to change the game?

Triple: What are we doing to change the game? Is we're gonna put out hot music and we're gonna hit every state, and country with it. (Ravi: and we're doing it with a heart and soul and a passion.) and none of our stuff is gimmicks... We're coming to this straight up, that's the thing you put me in I'm staying in. That's basically what it is and I'ma change the game by giving you hot music all the time. That's how I see. Everybody says the same old shit. But when Boillin Pot get in we gon' stay in that what I'm trying to say, which we're about to get in soon.

Ravi: The beauty about Hip-Hop is that, Hip-Hop doesn't have a no color, no sex, no race. And being in Boillin Pot being from different races, cultures, different countries that's what makes Hip-Hop to Boillin Pot different. The different ideas that everyone has...

Triple: It's a recipe you got producers, you got DJ's, directors all in this one boiling pot. And that's what we're gonna try to establish, Ourselves to become real big.

Check out the crew from Boillin Pot @: http://myspace.com/stuiritup

Big Urban Mixtape TV Sits Down WIth Tauros!

2008-01-14T01:10:00.001-05:00

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Mr. Sykes Interview's Tauros

2008-01-14T00:13:00.000-05:00

So I sat down with R&B singer Tauros on in his visit to New York. A man working in the industry since he was 18 years old working with artist like, Tyrese and Monica, Tauros had a lot of valuable information to share. There was a warm atmosphere in the room and he spoke like a seasoned veteran of the business. Soft spoken, but friendly and warm this is what he had to share...

Mr. Sykes: So just tell us what's your name and where your from?

Tauros: Well they call me Tauros that is my name I'm from, Detroit Michigan. I've been kind of traveling the world so I've been in LA for at lest a good eight years. Now I'm in New York doing music so That's basically it.

Now I assumed that Tauros was a stage name, turns out it's the bothers real name (who knew)

Mr. Sykes: So that's your actual name it's not just what you go by?

Tauros: Naw... My mom she's really in to astrological stuff and she used to read my horoscope to me. She would say "Tauros" while I was in the belly but when I came out she was just like "Tauros." It's spelled differently though it's with an "O" instead of a "U"...

Mr. Sykes: So how long have you been singing for?

Tauros: Wow, mmm probley since I was in the womb maybe... Along time

Mr. Sykes: How does the New York Hip-Hop and R&B scene differ from the one in Detroit?

Tauros: Well basically, I spent like the last eight years in LA so when I went back, Detroit, it kind of mimics New York's underground scene. It's based a lot upon free styling and stuff like that. But it's not too different.

Mr. Sykes: So what about LA?

Tauros: A little bit more flamboyant you get a lot of people that rap and sing at the same time. it's really more... how can I say? It's more mmm out there!

Being able to experience Hip-Hop bi-coastally is probely what gives Tauros music such a different sound. It sort of has the fast plusing beats of the west cost along with soulful vocals from Detroit.

Mr. Sykes: So how did you get the opportunity to work with Monica?

Tauros: The funny thing is the industry in LA is different, like it's all about who you know. So you meet one person and you get to meet this person and meet that person, and meet that person and it just keeps going in circles. So as I started to sing for Tyrese, I met people in his circle and I met another person through him. That got me to the Monica Thing.

Mr. Sykes: So if you weren't a singer you'd be?

Tauros: I don't know, I like to help people so some charity work or something like that. Like one of thos kind of people that hand out turkeys or something.

Mr. Sykes: Married/Single???

Tauros: I;m single, I'm looking though, I know you got my myspace.... (Laughs)

Hear that ladies, single black man with a job...

Mr. Sykes: How long was your longest relationship?

Tauros: mmm Longest relationship four years...

Mr. Sykes: Ever been heartbroken?

Tauros: Yes I wrote a song a beat it on myspace it's called" heartbeat."

Mr. Sykes: So what inspired this new project?

Tauros: Basically I've been doing a lot of different kinds of music I got into soul, neo-soul, folk, R&B, everything. Hip-Hop and R&B fused together has been a real passion for me and I've just been real interested in it lately. You just see what I do with it, but I've been getting a good response so far.

Mr. Sykes: So is this your first project?

Tauros: No actually I have, I've done some stuff with a group well we weren't really a group we where like a duo. And I done some other things in the past. That I don't perticularly wanna... It's about me now! (He says Laughing)

Hey we've all done things we're not proud of...

Mr. Sykes: Sierra mist or Sprite?

Tauros: Sprite

Mr. Sykes: Dominos or Pizza Hut?

Tauros: Pizza Hut

Mr. Sykes: Popped Collar or Regular?

Tauros: Popped

Mr. Sykes: Why?

Tauros: It just looks cooler...

Mr. Sykes: N*sync or Backstreet boys?

Tauros: Both

Mr. Sykes: 50 or Tupac?

Tauros: Tupac!

....

Mr. Sykes: Breast or Ass?

Tauros: As far as....(The opposite sex...) both.

Mr. Sykes: Rain or Thunder storms?

Tauros: Rain...

....Mr. Sykes: Hilary or Obama?

Tauros: Obama (Do you think He'll win?) yeah...

Mr. Sykes: If you had the chance to would you sign with a major label and why?

Tauros: I love that question... If I had the choice I would, based upon the agreement. But it would have to be something that's not a long term agreement. I think the worst thing about record deal.... In the past is the fact that you would sign something that would keep you locked in. It's almost like if you worked at Mcdonald's and you didn't have the opportunity to quit. But they made you do fries everyday.

Mr, Sykes: Do you feel like being independent is better for you at the moment?

Tauros: It's better for me as far as I'm able to make the decisions that I want. Kinds of pictures I wanna take, what kind of songs I wanna write, who I wanna work with. With record labels everything is controlled and everything is based upon time. I was talking to some people about Myspace: I can make a song tonight and put it up tomorrow and everybody can hear it. I think It's better to be independent. But with a major label you get backing. You get the money that you need to the extravagant videos...etc

....

Mr. Sykes: Okay...Big Urban Mixtape Question, What are you doing to change the game?

Tauros: Mmm pretty simple I think I have that Alicia Keys kinda thing where it's like the fusing of hip-hop with instruments. I wanna be one of those people that step out by playing instruments and incorporating the "hood" of hip-hop. So you know I think That's how I'm gonna change it.

You can check Tauros out @ http://myspace.com/taurosmusic

FRANCHISE & SITY FREESTYLE FOR BIG URBAN MIXTAPE TV...

2008-01-07T02:33:00.002-05:00

SITY

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Franchise

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Mr. Sykes Interview's 3x's a Lady Crew!

2008-01-06T22:39:00.000-05:00

Mr. Sykes of the Big Urban Mixtape sits down with the feminist, all female rap crew 3x's a Lady. The group consist of Shanya Israel A.K.A SITY (Should I Tell You) & Mendita Francois A.K.A Franchise and these girls are defiantly three times a lady. These women are smart, sexy and confidently opinionated. Seldom have we seen women collaborate in Hip-Hop but they are truly the perfect blend. Educated and sophisticated, with their musical repertoire of songs ranging in topics from, Racism, sexism, female identity, queer identity, and down right club bangers. This is what they had to say...

Press Play to listen to this portion of the interview

Mr. Sykes: So not to beat you over the head with the whole feminist ideology thing. But you use this term to describe yourselves and your group and what your about, but in a few of your songs you use the the word "bitch" what does that mean?

Franchise: Well I, I can speak for myself , I'm definitely all about re-appropriation of words. And taking the sting out of certain words and actually I have a verse where I speak directly to the word bitch. And it's like, "Mirror, mirror sitting on the wall tell me who be the most vicious bitches of them all." Then when the mirror ask me well what do you mean? And then I go off and I'm like, "Beautiful, Intelligent, Talented, Charismatic, and Sophisticated. Flow hell bent." and so on... Because what I've noticed is a trend where women have been taking the word bitch and re-appropriating it within themselves. If you look on Myspace you have all these layouts and graphics (Sity: 'The magazine bitch') Exactly, so I think it's about time that, that it's directly infused into popular culture . And that we make it known like okay, I can call myself a bitch but I mean something totally different by that.

SITY: Also for me again with 3rd way feminism everybody doesn't have to subscribe to the same ideology. I don't use the word bitch , I chose not to use it, I chose not use that in what I do. That's just my politics, I'm not comfortable with using that term.

Mr. Sykes: Okay so I have some myspace question for you guys

Mr. Sykes: Burger King or Mcdonald's?

SITY: None geez I'm vegaterian!

Franchise: Mcdonald's

Mr. Sykes: What animal best represents you and why?

SITY: A cat, they are honest they're also warm if they feel that same energy in the room. Very discerning, I am very discerning . Mmm and just sleek and slick with it. I feel like that expresses me.

Franchise: You know it's hard to say, I would say a dog but I don't know if they represent me the best. I just like dogs... Maybe a giraffe.

Mr. Sykes: Who is your ultimate celebrity crush?

Franchise: I'm defiantly feeling Kanye West, and I know he's married ( Mr Sykes: is he?) But I've always respected Kanye West as an artist and a political activist and he defiantly knows what he's talking about. And when he first came out people where at hin like, you're not a really a rapper, or your soft and you're this and your that. But he's never let anyone define who he is as an artist or an individual. I respect him for that I am defiantly feeling him...

SITY: Mary, I am feeling her.

Mr. Sykes: Who would you cast to play you in a movie?

3XL: We just talked about this!

Franchise: On screen, probley Gabrielle Union, she has a lot of attitude she's very good with facial expressions and she's feisty.

SITY: I guess I would have to say Jada Pinkett because I defiantly have a very powerful presence and I think we do look alike. She would need to gain a little weight to play me though.

Mr. Sykes: What is the greatest music video of all time?

SITY: Thriller! or the stop pressuring me video...

Franchise: Maybe rhythm nation...?

Mr. Sykes: Who are your greatest musical influences?

3XL: Queen Laitfah, Lil Kim, Lauryn Hill, Eve, Tupac, Nas (Sity: Beanie Seagal)

(Franchise:) Mary J., Made me wanna sing with real love with real love, and 411. Bob Marley, Tonya Stevens, Tupac, nas Weezy, Lauryn Hill, salt and Pepper... A Maraud of people but defiantly these.

Mr. Sykes: What do you think about the state of Hip-Hop as it reflects african american culture?

SITY: I don't think we can claim being a mirror for the black urban experience or the black experience. Or the black youth experience, yes we could but there needs to be diversity in what is presented. There's a lot of Hip-Hop, feminist Hip-Hop, Queer Hip-Hop, Political Hip-Hop, all these different kinds of rap out there and that doesn't get presented. And until we began to diversify what is played in the media then we can say what is the black experience, this is only a small fragment that is shown right now.

Franchise: I would agree I defiantly feel like there is diversity that's not really being cultivated. It's not being embraced and there is a level of corporate, and social responsibility. Mmm with the men upstairs and who really run things at the end of the day. The men with degrees, and I feel like once we can get past and when I say we I just don't mean black people. But once we as a society can get past our own racism's and the single dimensional view of what black popular culture should be. And once we can accept the Kanye West's, Talib Kwali's, the Common's. the Lauryn Hill's as well as the 50 Cent's, the Beanie Seagal's, the Tupac's then I think we will have made progress.

Mr. Sykes (To Sity): How do you Identify your sexual orientation?

SITY: I am a polyamorous, Woman loving queer. I say I am polyamoruous meaing that I think it's possible to fall in love, not to be with sexually but, fall in love with multiple peoples at the same time. I say woman loving queer because, I perfer women and I say queer because I am open to dating people of various genders. Trans-gender people, Queer people, men at times...

Mr. Sykes: What are you guys doing to change the game?

Franchise: I'm defiantly trying to bring to the talbe that it's ok to be smart! especially for young black girls, and young black men in the inner city. I feel like often time people who are rappers or are in the industry and have a degree or are educated don't try to put that to the forefront. Or they try to dumb it down a little. That's what I feel in Hip-Hop that's where we are right now. A lot of it is being dumb down and we are just settling, like that's okay. And I'm trying to strike a balance between the hardcore rap that's out there and the conscious rap that we are contributing to in so many different ways...

SITY: I also want people to know in telling my everyday story that you can dance to every day life... It can be hard, it can be soft, it can be whatever and you don't have to be afraid to say certain things. And I'm just presenting people to different ways to just be in rap. Cuz I feel like there are just very specific roles, men are supposed to look like hardcore thugs. Women are supposed to look like video hoe's and if they are Mc's they're supposed to look a particular way. And so we are just breaking that and showing you that there are more of us out there doing different things, looking different, saying different things. And we still consider ourselves part of the Hip-Hop generation.

Franchise: And the movement, Hip-Hop is a movement...

Check the Ladies out @: http://myspace.com/3xaladycrew

Big Urban Mixtape TV & Mr. Sykes Interview 3x's A Lady

2008-01-05T14:35:00.002-05:00

Getting To Know The Ladies of 3XL....

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Now Taking Submissions!

2007-11-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

The Big Urban Mixtape is now taking artist submissions. So if you an Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Lyricist. Please download the Rules & Guidelines/Artist Submission form
CLICK HERE.Please send submissions via E-mail to
BigUrbanMixtape@Gmail.com

THERE IS CURRENTLY NO SUBMISSION DEADLINE I AM TAKING SUBMISSION STRAIGHT INTO THE NEW YEAR!

New City Big Urban Mix

2007-11-27T17:33:00.000-05:00

COMMING SOON!!!!