For avid readers of The Daily Rind, you might remember an article that was posted on songwriter/producer/artist Victor Newman back in July, 2011. Since that time, Victor has diligently been working in the studio as all of the above on a multitude of projects.
One of them is the recently released Down for which The Orchard is providing digital distribution courtesy of our label Lovelane Music Group. The smash single is “Cali’ Livin’” featuring the Doggfather, Snoop Dogg a.k.a. Snoop Lion, which is a tribute to the West Coast that you can bump out your speakers while in your vehicle. The title track, “Down,” is another energetic track that is sure to get couples on the dance floor with its funky beat. Victor continues with up-tempo Club tracks including “Patron,” “Till The Wheels Fall Off” and “Take Me Away.”
Towards the latter part of the release, Victor changes the pace. “She Ain’t Givin It Up” is about a girl that he is into, but she is reluctant to go all the way in their relationship. On “I’m Still Here,” despite being gone for an extended absence, he is always going to be around for his lady no matter what happens and vice versa. One of the standout tracks is “Mama Thank You,” where Victor gives props and love to his mother for being a wonderful parent who rode with Victor through thick and thin. The album’s finale is “Let’s Go,” another blazing track where Victor catches wreck on the microphone strutting his stuff.
Currently, Down can be downloaded on iTunes, eMusic and Amazon, or streamed on Spotify and Rdio.
In addition, Victor has been promoting Down in Dubai, where he also has a residence. You can check him out below doing an in-store at the Virgin Megastore there:
So, if you want to really be “Down” with what it is really going on, look know further than Victor Newman!
Nitty Scott, MC was born in Michigan, raised in Florida, and currently resides in New York City via the planet of Brooklyn.
One of the first times you may have heard her was when she spit in the Cypher at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards alongside Lecrae, Soprano, and Estelle where DJ Premier manned the turntables dropping the beats for the MC(s) to rhyme. Also around the same time, Nitty Scott, MC appeared with fellow female lyricist Rapsody on the track “Black Swan” off of DJ Statik Selektah’s Population Control.
From there, her exposure has just kept increasing. She has put out two critically acclaimed mixtapes entitled The Cassette Chronicles with DJ J. Period and Doobies x Popsicle Sticks. Check out the video for “Bullsh*t Rap” off of Doobies below:
In addition, she has worked with B.E.T. on their Music Matters project, freestyled on MTV2’s Sucker Free Sunday Countdown and been in the ring with DJ Envy for his show on the network. She’s also a member of The Source’s “Unsigned Hype,” a select and prestigious list of up-and-coming MCs that includes the likes of Mobb Deep, Common Sense, DMX, and The Notorious B.I.G..
The Boombox Diaries Vol. 1 EP is Nitty Scott, MC’s debut project released by Money Maker Records and digitally distributed through The Orchard. Nitty uses her microphone techniques on twelve cuts using an eclectic mix of dope producers, singers, and fellow MC(s). On “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” produced by Jet Audio, she talks about the trials and tribulations of traveling abroad promoting her music in the spirit of Hip Hop. On “Flower Child,” produced by Paul Boogie, Nitty uses herself as a metaphor of a flower that is blossoming and interacting with everyday surroundings. On it, she enlists Kendrick Lamar, one fourth of Black Hippy and one of Dr. Dre’s protégé’s, to contribute a solid verse to the track.
araabMUZIK gives Nitty a heater on “IllumiNitty” where she lays down lively verses, and producer/remix master DJ Ted Smooth provides a treat on “You’re My Favorite” that Nitty tears up featuring the vocals of Tiara Wiles. Towards the latter part of the record, Nitty trades bars with Chef Action Bronson and The Kid Daytona as they hang out in “Auntie Maria’s Crib.”
Nitty is serious about her craft, which is clearly evident in this project, and she values the Boombox which for many Hip-Hoppers going back to first generation is the means where one can hear the latest jams, and where an MC would get the inspiration to write his or her own rhymes. Nitty Scott, MC is the embodiment of true MC’ing, and she is a prime example of the strength of female MC(s), which is a cornerstone of Hip Hop culture.
You can get The Boombox Diaries, Vol.1 EP now in all stores and streaming services. Check out more info on her website, or on Boombox Entertainment.
Coalmine Records recently released Phazed Out (Untagged/No DJ Version) by M-Phazes, the Australian producer from Melbourne who has been crafting tracks for artists in his homeland as well as overseas.
Most notably, M-Phazes produced four tracks on Pharoahe Monch’s last release W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), including the lead single “Clap (One Day)” and “Assassins” featuring Jean Grae and Royce Da 5’9.
On Phazed-Out, the man has a plethora of artists on tracks remixed with his soundscape. One of the standout tracks is “Brooklyn Bridge” featuring BK rhymers Bekay and the Juice Crew/MAIncorporated All-Star, Masta Ace.
Check the video right here:
Another strong collaboration on the album is “Underground Record” by Famoso, Termanology, Shabaam Sahdeeq Aka S Double, Phantasm, the one Chubb Rock, and Brand Nubian lyricist Sadat X. Each artist’s verse is concise and flows seamlessly into the next.
“Midnight Madness” by Boot Camp Click mainstay Heltah Skeltah is a heater you’ll want to check out. It’s a very energetic track that will bring fresh air to any block party. M-Phazes does a Phazed Out Remix on the CL Smooth and Skyzoo track “Perfect Timing,” which is definitely good riding music. He ends the record with the track “Super Good” by triple threat artist J-Live.
If you want an album to start the summer off right, Phazed Out is a must-have.
Gracie Productions has just released “Kolexxxion” by Bumpy Knuckles, a.k.a. Freddie Foxxx, and DJ Premier, an album both physically and digitally distributed through the Orchard.
DJ Premier is one of the most prolific producers in the history of Hip Hop. He has made tracks for the likes of Jay-Z, Nas, KRS-One, MC Lyte, The Notorious B.I.G., and so many other greats. He is one-half of the legendary duo Gang Starr with GURU, which has contributed an extensive catalog of music that is revered by many Hip Hop fans, fellow artists, producers, journalists, and DJs. Primo also has a show on SirusXM’s channel Hip Hop Nation, owns Headcourterz (formerly D&D Studios) and runs a record label called Year Round Records.
Freddie Foxxx has been in the game since ‘89. He has been a part of the two legendary crews Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit and the Gang Starr Foundation in addition to his current duties at Krupt Mob Entertainment Group. His resume includes “Freddie Foxxx Is Here,” “Crazy Like A Foxxx,” the critically acclaimed “Industry Shakedown,” “Konexion” and the recently released collaboration with KRS-One entitled “Royalty Check” where he produced the majority of the cuts on the album in addition to MC’ing.
On “Kolexxxion,” Premier and Bumpy get the party started with tracks like “Shake The Room” featuring Public Enemy’s legendary hype man Flavor Flav, “B.A.P”, “P.A.I.N.E.” and “D’Lah.” Important topics dissected on this album are the lack of originality in today’s Hip Hop landscape where artists lack creativity in their rhymes or copy other artists in order to sell records, the problems of online piracy, and repetitive playlists on radio which have undermined the culture of Hip Hop. These issues are addressed on songs like “wEaRe aT WaR,” “OwnIT” and “FYPAU” as well as various interludes throughout the album where Bumpy drops words of wisdom reminiscent of his verbal gems on “Industry Shakedown.”
We also get a day in the life of Bumpy and Primo when they rode around with GURU and the rest of the Gang Starr Foundation on “The Gang Starr Bus.” Further, one of the most exciting collaborations which Primo deftly remixes is “Turn Up The Mics” where Bumpy and Nas trade rhymes which will surely warm the hearts of any Hip Hop fan. The album closes with “Word Iz Bond” in tribute to the late Headcourterz – an intergral part of the Gang Starr Foundation.
This record is a certified classic as Bumpy’s rhymes thoroughly compliment Premier’s production. If you want to get the true embodiment of what Hip Hop is all about, then look no further then “Kolexxxion.”
Download the album via iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody, and stream it on Rdio and Spotify.
Lovelane Music Group is proud to present “The Music Of Victor Newman And The L.A Divas.” This 8 track project has never been released for distribution until now digitally via The Orchard. It was originally recorded around 2005 and features songwriter/producer/artist Victor Newman who hails from Akron, Ohio with vocalist Heather Godell and MC Nikki Monroe.
Just to give everyone a little background around Victor Newman, he has been in the music industry since the mid 80’s and started out as a DJ who was apart of the KidsWorld Tour with the Fat Boys and Run-DMC back in 1984. While continuing to show his deft skills on the turntables, around 1993, Victor transitioned to producing under the tutelage of industry veterans Norman Whitfield Sr. (Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Rare Earth) and David Cochrane (Lionel Richie, The Commodores, and Paula Abdul). Through them, Victor was able to work with a variety of acts from the Four Tops to Daisy Sanchez and expanded his expertise by producing in multiple genres from Pop to Latin. By early 2000, Victor ventured into radio by producing DJ Spinderella’s (Salt & Pepa) morning show on one of L.A.’s most renowed radio stations 92.3 The Beat and scored a Nike commercial that aired during the 2003 NBA finals. Presently, he is the C.E.O. of Win Win Global and is part of Win Win’s feature act Radio Traffic which has been touring the country and working with artists like Snoop Dogg and David Ruffin Jr. You can check out Radio Traffic on You Tube here and ReverbNation at here.
From start to finish, as you listen to this record, you will be taken on a ride as if you were cruising in your car on La Cienaga Boulevard or the Sunset Strip. Victor’s production is lively, diverse, and precise. Heather’s vocals are solid, and Nikki’s rhymes are fresh to def. One of the standout tracks from this release is “Hot” where Victor and Nikki go back and forth showing everybody what they are made of. Heather shines on the energetic track “Like Woh” which is sure to set off any party. Other heaters include the opening track “Power Moves”, “Whatcha Know About It” and “Lovin’ What You Do To Me.”
The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, Napster, eMusic, and Rhapsody. If you want to feel good and get a taste of L.A., Victor & The Divas will do the trick!!
