Cas Metah ft. Praverb, Sivion - Up And Coming

This track is off of Cas Metah's Guest Room album. The track features myself and Sivion and the message revolves around how we are relatively unknown to the masses yet we still strive for listeners (hence the title up-and-coming). If you like this song please help Taylor out by purchasing a copy of the CD.

Share

Introduction to God 101

Nice and creative spoken word piece from Charissa. Charissa states that she was nervous but I do not see outward symptoms of nervousness. We all have different talents that can used to glorify the kingdom. We need to be disciplined and open minded about those who have talents outside what we conventionally hear.

Share

Week of Elaquent: Bhon & Elaquent - Self I Am

Elaquent continues his dominance behind the boards with this presentation with Bhon called Self I Am.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Bhon & Elaquent - Self I Am

Share

Week of Elaquent: Elaquent - After Midnight

The homie Elaquent is a beast on the boards. Take a listen to this instrumental album that encompasses why Elaquent will be a household name soon.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Elaquent - After Midnight

Share

Week of Elaquent: Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 3 (Dirtiest Loops)

Here is the third installment of the In Colour series and it features the production of Elaquent. The YouTube video sheds light on an emcee by the name of Solar C who sounds comfortable over this dope Elaquent beat.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 3 (Dirtiest Loops)

Share

Week of Elaquent: Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 2 (Dirtier Loops)

Here is the second installment of the In Colour series presented by Elaquent. The thing that is interesting about this instrumental tape is the fact that each beat corresponds with a color. Take a listen to a dope instrumental collection from this up and coming beatmaker.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 2 (Dirtier Loops)

Share

Week of Elaquent: Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 1 (Dirty Loops)

The featured producer for this week hails from Toronto, Canada and his name is Elaquent. He is probably one of the most complete beatmakers that I have ever heard in my life, take a listen.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 1 (Dirty Loops)

Share

Week of Mydus: Mydus - Interview

Midas was a mythical Greek king who had the ability to turn things into gold, with the touch of his fingers. Mydus, a Miami based beatmaker, applies the Midas touch to beatmaking thus creating an ultimate backdrop for a hip hop artist. Mydus is a person who manages to stay afloat in an industry that is dominated by the emcee or rapper. Mydus draws his inspiration from being undervalued as a beatmaker.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


First and foremost introduce yourself to the masses.

What's shaking y'all. I go by Mydus and I'm a producer coming out of Miami Fl.

We are all influenced by people in life regardless of there profession. Who influenced you to make beats and what age did you start producing?

I've been producing for roughly 4 years now. I first tried my hand at producing when I was 14 through my best friend's older brother, who at the time was already a recording artist and began producing for himself. I was always into music before I met him and actually wanted to begin doing something involved with Hip Hop. But for the most part, Nas' 'Illmatic' and A Tribe Called Quest's 'The Low End Theory' were really the first albums that molded me into making the decision to be involved in this music. One day, I just asked the dude if he can hook me up with some programs and from there I just grew.

Some people are real secretive when it comes to describing what they use to make beats. Are you a hardware or a software guy?

When I started I was only able to get programs from friends since I really couldn't afford hardware. Around the time of my first release (My rendition of AZ's A.W.O.L.) I was making some money and actually bought my first MPC. The 2000XL. I stayed with that for awhile but then transitioned back to software recently. It just makes the whole process from pre to post production a lot faster and easier in my opinion.

Describe your mind state when you are crafting a beat. What is your ritual and does it vary depending on the project?

If I'm the mood to just bang out some beats, it usually starts whenever I come back home from digging with the back seat full of records. I'll sit down in the lab with the records spinning for some hours until a piece grabs my attention. From there the idea sparks and I lay something down and build on it. On the other hand, with projects like 'The Passion' with Mally, I took a more broader view and aim when digging to create a sound. We would discuss how we wanted the album to flow in terms of bounce, vibes and sounds and begin digging until I find what we're looking for.

I have also noticed that you have released a lot of instrumental projects in the past as well as remix albums. What inspires you to continue to put out material?

The response I get from the people who check out the material and the feedback I get from producers I actually look up to. I remember getting a comment from Large Professor complimenting me on my beats when I first started and BuckWild sending me a message through myspace about my beats. With that I just figured I wasn't doing anything wrong so I just continued to put out as much material as possible and hopefully land somewhere..

How has your sound changed from the past?

Looking back it now, when I first started making music, I was just making beats to make beats with no concept or ideas to them. With time I began studying tracks and teaching myself how to actually develop songs with the beats to make some dope material. I guess you can say I transitioned from being a beatmaker to an actual producer.

You also hail from Miami, Florida and Miami is known for its vibrant music scene. Do you believe that your surroundings or upbringing had an effect on your craft?

Yes and no. As you can probably tell, my music doesn't really reflect whats coming out of Miami on a mainstream level. But where I live does play a part in the vibes I like to give off in my music.

You have are also known for your remix albums (AZ and Jay-Z). What inspired you to remix albums by those talented artists?

Basically wack producers getting shine from their remixes. I said 'why not' and remixed them myself. It turned out pretty good.

You have been busy lately, churning out beats for Mally, 810, Black Sunn, and working on collaborative instrumental albums with Varan. Do you feel that you are under appreciated? and what will you do to make a name for yourself in this business?

Def. I'd be lying to you if I said I was just making this music to keep it to myself and not try to make my mark on the scene. In due time, I'm hoping people will eventually catch on to what I'm doing and pay more attention. But as of now, I really can't complain. I'm just gonna continue to do my best in whatever I'm involved in.

Describe the collaboration with Varan, What inspired the VanDus instrumental tape and how long did it take to complete?

Varan and I have always had a connection since I started putting out music. It started as me reaching out to him for graphics and it turned into me getting wisdom from him on the production side of things. One day we were just building on some music and it occurred to both us that we really never put out any material with each other. From there we gathered some ideas together and the first VanDus EP was born.

Do you ever get the urge to rhyme over your own beats or rhyme in general?

Nah, I can't really see myself getting on the mic anytime soon but you never know....you might just get a track in your inbox with a 'Ft. Mydus' on the title (laughs). But till then, I'll stay in my own lane for the time being.

If you could pick any artist or group to work with right now, who would it be?

That's a hard one. I'd have to say Nas and Elzhi from Slum Village. Nas for obvious reasons and Elzhi because I've never really heard anything wack come from him. One day....

What do you have planned for the listeners in the future?

If all goes well, you will hear a lot more songs and beats produced by Mydus above and below the mainstream line. Everyone will be in for a treat with more placements and collabs coming soon. I promise that.

What are some of your goals and aspirations outside of the music realm?

Eventually somewhere along the line I want to be regarded as one of the best to ever to do it. As Cliché as that sounds nowadays, its just the truth.

Is there anything else you want that you want to contribute

Yea, to all your aspiring artists, please treat your producers like they're your wives. Respect them because at the end of the day they provide the backbone to your projects. No one is gonna buy an acapella album from you. Bottom Line. Big thanks to Praverb for hooking it up with a dope interview and shouts to 810, The Black Sunn, Varan, Mally, Sincere and a hell of a lot more people.

Check out the homie on Myspace and Twitter.

Share

Week of Mydus: Mydus & Varan - VanDus

Here is an interesting collaborative project from Varan and Mydus called VanDus EP. This project is interesting because it highlights the two producers attacking the same tracks. Take a listen and get familiar with VanDus.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Mydus & Varan - VanDus

Share

Week of Mydus: Mydus - American Elegancy

The Week of Mydus continues today with American Elegancy. American Elegancy showcases the acapellas from Jay-Z's American Gangster on top of production by Mydus. I am not a big fan of Jay-Z's modern work but that is besides the point. This album is intended to showcase the talent of Mydus!!!

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Mydus - American Elegancy

Share

Week of Mydus: 810 - Supply and Demand

Awhile ago an artist by the name of Matthew Sutton aka 810 hit me up with some awesome tracks from his album Supply and Demand. The tracks were posted on the blog and I told him that I would post the album upon it's completion. The album features production from Mydus who happens to be this week's featured artist.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
810 - Supply and Demand

Share

Week of Mydus: The Black Sunn & Mydus - Born Alone, Die Alone

The Black Sunn and Mydus hit the Internet with their latest collaborative effort called Born Alone, Die Alone. The Black Sunn states that he "put everything into every lyric that I wrote down and spit for it," in reference to the project. The Baltimore based emcee wanted to share with the world that B-More is more than drug dealing and the wire. Download this album and give it a fair listen.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
The Black Sunn & Mydus - Born Alone, Die Alone

Share

Week of Mydus: Mally - The Passion

I downloaded this mixtape based on an awesome review over at 33 Jones. Mally, a Minnesota emcee, teams up Miami based beatmaker Mydus to create an album that is full of quotables. The Passion embodies the transformation of an emcee who was focused solely on spitting bars to a person who knows how to carefully craft a song. The lyricism shines over the soulful production from Mydus (I will get at you about an interview). Mally is an emcee who can captivate the audience with his polished delivery and heartfelt lyricism. Get familiar with Mally and Mydus as they form like Voltron and give you The Passion.

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Mally - The Passion

Share

Week of Nefarious: Nefarious! - Interview

It is so rare to find someone who loves old school music especially someone who just finished high school. Nefarious is a person who would rather stick out than follow the masses perception of what is hot. Nefarious, a young beat maker from California, took the time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions. The mythological legend is bent on world domination and becoming a household name. Get familiar with Nefarious!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


First and foremost introduce yourself to the masses.

Yo, my name is Nefarious! and I am a hip-hop producer out of Hayward, California. Reppin' the Bay Area.

Who are some of your musical influences? Who or what inspired you to start making beats? and what does the perfect beat consist of?

My musical influences range from producers like J Dilla, Madlib, and Nicolay to groups like Little Brother and De La Soul. I was inspired to make beats out of necessity. I started out as an emcee who needed beats, I eventually put the mic down for good and took up producing full time. The perfect beat... That's a hard one. The perfect beat would be a beat that can tell a story and move people emotionally without the aid of an emcee. A beat that you can listen to on repeat and forget that you've been listening to it for hours.

I listen to your material (on a regular basis) and I notice that your projects focus heavily on soul samples. What group or individual do you enjoy listening to when you are in a beat makers block?

When I have block I listen to Wu-Tang while playing Halo 3 Online until I feel motivated again (laughs). Seriously though, I'll listen to jazz music to calm my nerves.. Mostly Yesterday's New Quintet or anything else by Madlib on the Jazz tip pretty much.

Has the Internet helped you in terms of gaining fans? How So?

The innanets is the best tool for putting people onto your music. I get most of my fans from my YouTube videos where I make a beat and play it afterwards (and eat). That was before blog sites started messing' with me. It seems like being plugged on a reputed blog site is better promotion than having your song on the radio nowadays.

With that being said explain the thought process that is involved in your beat making videos that are on YouTube? Do you feel like you are a mentor to others who want to become beat makers?

I usually just turn the camera on and forget that it's there. I just make a beat how I normally would and edit out the boring parts and parts I don't really want everybody knowing (laughs). I feel like I provide help and maybe a little inspiration for those who are looking into making beats. I get a ton of emails and messages from people asking for help every day. It is pretty overwhelming but I try to respond to everyone.

Explain the concept behind your latest project More Than Music? How long did it take you to complete the project?

More Than Music was a collection of beats I made that stuck out to me for some reason and I guess it's to show that it's More Than Music to some of us. A lot of people who don't make music might not understand that a song or a beat means much more to the person who created it. It took me about 2 weeks to complete the project. I was just feeling weird one day and grabbed the dopest beats that weren't previously released and put them on a project. 5 days later More Than Music dropped and now I'm getting a lot of positive feedback for it.

The album cover for More Than Music is classic. Who did the artwork for More Than Music and were you satisfied with the finished product?

My homie Indy Sparks did the artwork. He is crazy with the photoshop. Dope emcee also. He dropped his album the following Sunday called Circa '09. Dope rhymes. Very talented cat. You will hear much more from us in the future also. Me on the beats, him on the rhymes. Iller than swine.

Albums nowadays tend to be emcee heavy in regard to an extensive focus on lyricism. Do you feel that beat makers are under appreciated? How So?

I think beat makers are under appreciated because beat tapes are not for everyone. I have had multiple people ask me "Where's the rapper?" and it's frustrating because you put your everything into a project and it isn't enough for some folks.

When people listen to music they are usually exposed to the personality of an artist. How do you plan to convey parts or portions of your personality without lyrics?

Most of my beats DO infact have lyrics. Sometimes I chop the vocals to say something and it isn't on accident. It goes over most people's heads, but I do get messages from random folks saying they 'think' they heard something.

I also observe that you are apart of Cosmic Soul Collective and The Soul Dojo. Does the interaction with like minded individuals motivate you to become a better artist?

It helps me improve my craft because there is always that competition. No one wants to be the weakest link. We have big dreams with the Cosmic Souls Collective stuff. Be on the lookout for releases by us soon. As for The Soul Dojo I'm not sure what I want to do with the site yet. Might make it my own site where people can just see updates on what I'm working on and stuff like that.

Describe the likes and dislikes (your pet peeves haha) of working with emcees?

I like working with emcees because more people will listen to it for longer. Like, that track For Your Love ft. my homie J Nolan, if I released that as just an instrumental it never would've gotten as big as it did. The downside is it is hard to find emcees who are serious about what they do, so I have a lot of beats I gave out and haven't heard from the emcee in months and it is just a big waste of time.

Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future? What artists do you think are overrated?

I would like to collaborate with Little Brother and anyone from the Justus League pretty much. Median ahem. I think artists like Lil Wayne and shit are overrated. They aren't saying anything that hasn't been said before, they just do it sounding even more ignorant.

What are your goals and aspirations outside of music?

Outside of music, I'd like to get into photography or something like that. I've always been a fan of photography and graphic design.

Which artist or group is currently getting rotation on your mp3 player?

A ton of artists, I have over 11k songs on the zune. Common, Black Star, Slum Village, Digable Planets, too many to list.

Any final shoutouts?

I'd like to shout out the Cosmic Souls Collective, Amor Jones, Indy Sparks, SLik d, BC for helping me come up with the idea behind More Than Music and smoking me out that one time (laughs) and everybody else making moves right now.

Check out the homie on Myspace, Twitter, and YouTube.

Share

Week of Nefarious: Nefarious! - Anthology EP

The Anthology EP was a remix EP that Nefarious! released in 2008 and it features remixes from Little Brother (Life of the Party and Whatever You Say), Tao, Pyrospoken, and more. Nef stated that he did not promote this project as much as he wanted to but I decided to revive it. Check out Nef's Youtube Channel where you can observe the young man making beats.

DOWNLOAD LINKS:
Nefarious! - Anthology EP

Share

Week of Nefarious: Nefarious! - Rebirth of the Cool

Today I present to you Rebirth of the Cool by the homie Nefarious!. Get familiar with Nef before he blows up and charges one billion dollars for a snare haha. This young fellow is definitely putting in work on the beat tip, download Amor Jones - Epic Failure mixtape because Nef has four beats on there!!!

DOWNLOAD LINKS:
Nefarious! - Rebirth of the Cool

Share

Week of Nefarious: Nefarious! - Nef on the Beat Vol. 1

The third installment for the Week of Nefarious! includes an instrumental beat tape entitled Nef on the Beat Vol. 1. In the video above the homie Nef (youngin') previews beats for the project, the beats are soo soulful!!!

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Nefarious! - Nef on the Beat Vol. 1

Share

Week of Nefarious: Nefarious! - Crush Groovin'

The second installment for the Week of Nefarious! includes an instrumental beat tape entitled Crush Groovin'. If you need beats get at Nefarious!

DOWNLOAD LINK:
Nefarious! - Crush Groovin'

Share