Logic

Nando

This week, two dope up and coming artists from the DMV came through The Hip-Hop Corner to chop it up.  Logic and Nando entertained us with some candid interviews.  We talked to Nando about his recently released project “The Carryout 3″ and played some tracks off of it.  And we played a throwback: “Super Nike Nando”.  With Logic, we talked about his upcoming mixtape “Young Sinatra” plus he showed us his real side and talked about his relationships with his team members, among other things.  Plus, we played some yet unreleased music by Logic off “Young Sinatra”!  Click here to listen to this week’s episode of The Hip-Hop Corner and check it out!

Kevin Sinatra ft. Nike Nando, Farma Wesley & Brian Johnson – “4Quarters”

Dope.

After months of hearing great music projects from DMV (DC, Md., & Va.) music artists, I decided it was time for someone to start a series of mixtapes that would expose the rest of the world to the DMV’s music scene. “Playlist the DMV” is the product of that idea. Organized by me, Arteest and released under the ArtLyfEnt (Arteestic Lifestyle Entertainment) brand, this series is a collection of songs from talented artists all over The District, Maryland, and Virginia. This is my attempt at helping artists from the area by providing an additional outlet for getting their music heard.

Each mixtape explores a broad range of vocal, production, and collaborative abilities. Artists range from amateur, unsigned hype to musically seasoned, signed entertainers. Songs will range from the more mainstream sounds we are used to hearing on radio and TV to the more underground type of appeal appreciated by true music enthusiasts. Every volume in the series will give listeners a musically diverse project from one of the most profitable and listened to genres in the world: Hip-Hop.

The title “Playlist the DMV” came from the idea of searching the genres “hip-hop” or “rap” in iTunes to create a playlist and this mixtape is what you would get; a playlist of various music artists who rap about diverse themes and have a wide array of styles and sounds.

All available internet resources will be utilized to make each volume of the series more accessible. Every mixtape in the series will be free and will be uploaded to websites like Datpiff.com and Bandcamp.com and also downloadable via Hulkshare and various blogs. It will also be promoted via facebook, twitter, and word of mouth. Under the ArtLyfEnt brand with the help of music lovers everywhere ArtLyfEnt hopes to become a major influence in music, organize and host quality mixtapes, and help elevate unsigned artists to gain national if not global attention. That is the mission of ArtLyfEnt and the “Playlist The DMV” series and I hope everyone enjoys volumes one through four and future volumes of the series.

ArtLyfEnt Presents Playlist The DMV Vol. 4

This is the fourth installment in ArtLyfEnt’s Playlist The DMV series. It features talented music artists from the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area). Most of the artists from this mixtape already have mixtapes and musical projects of their own. This project provides a sample of what their mixtapes sound like. PTDMV 4 features songs from such DMV music artists as Black Cobain, UCB, Nike Nando, DTMD, Muggsy Malone, and Kid Musiq to name a few. With 19 tracks that prove the DMV music scene is hungry and thriving, volume 4 packs some bass heavy, super lyrical songs and some laid back, suave jams that are guaranteed to strike a moment of nostalgia for the ol’ school hip-hop head and yet intrigue the average neo hip-hop enthusiast. Curious? Download ArtLyfEnt Presents Playlist The DMV Volume 4 and find out what the DMV has to offer.

To download volume 4 click cover art above

To download volume 4 click cover art above

Follow: @ArtLyfEnt , @Arteest1 & @DMV_LiveRadio1

For mixtape placement inquiries contact: ArtLyfEnt@gmail.com

Nando’s TheCarryOut3 is set to drop later this month.

Download: Nando ft. Mouse -Bundle Heem

Ihsan Bilal

@Arteest1: I know you have been writing and singing since the age of six. What inspired you to pursue music as a career?

@Ihsanbilal: There were a few instances but one that really stood out was when I was a little girl and I saw Michael Jackson perform on tv at the super bowl. I said to myself I want to be like that and have a gazillion people know who I am, anticipate my every move, and help people over the entire world lol through my music!

@Arteest1: What influence has your family played in your music career?

@Ihsanbilal: My family is awesome lol! We are all involved in the arts in some way. My father really believed in me at a very young age and always entered me in talent shows. I have four younger siblings and we were like a modern day jackson 5. My brother AB produces, writes, sings, and raps. He produces most of my music.  My brother Nabeeh creates music videos, he founded CreativeJunkFood and shot my animated “Barbie Doll” music video. My sister Karimah sings background for me from time to time and we all support each other.

@Arteest1: What is the motivation behind your music?

@Ihsanbilal: Art. Just pure Art. I could go on and say a specific show or movie. But, I’m inspired by Life and that in itself is Art.

@Arteest1: I know you have worked with numerous local music artists like X.O., Cayan, Nike Nando, and PHZ-Sicks. What other producers, music artists, and/or bands have you collaborated with?

@Ihsanbilal: Ra the Mc, Jay Millz, Emperess, Chris Barz, Deangelo Redman, 2tone 7, pert mcfly  and the list goes on and on.
I feel blessed!!

@Arteest1: Name some of your favorite music artists/musicians.

@Ihsanbilal: Of course MJ. My favorite is N.E.R.D.,Beyonce’, Prince, Marsha Ambrosius, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson and a whole lot more

@Arteest1: What musicians/music artists would you like to work with?

@Ihsanbilal: I definitely would love to branch out of the city and work with everyone. NERD is #1 on my list:) They’re so different and underrated in my opinion.

@Arteest1: Describe your dream performance.

@Ihsanbilal: The super bowl and the Grammy’s- I fantasize every year these award shows come on- sighhhhh …one day lol!

@Arteest1: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

@Ihsanbilal: I love sports! I used to play soccer, t-ball, softball, tennis (for a few days lol) and basketball. I’m a huge basketball fan. Derreck Rose is the man. lol! I predict Chicago winning the ring this year!:)

@Arteest1: I know that you have executive produced a few music videos. What videos did you produce, how was that experience and do you see yourself producing more in the future?

@Ihsanbilal: I executive produced all of my music videos. We are up to number 6 yayyyyy! A lot of work goes into them, sleepless nights, literally blood sweat and tears.  I’m actually in the process of putting together my biggest production yet for my debut single “Big Band Theory” . We’re shooting that next month in a week! I have the Ballou Marching band plus over 100 other people on set. This will be pretty cool when its done.

@Arteest1: How did you link up with The Danvilles and how has your experience performing with them been?

@Ihsanbilal: Long story short- By me telling everyone that doesn’t know me that I’m a singer (you never know who you’re going to meet). I met Mike (the creator of merrifield records) and we connected instantly. The guys are cool. We rehearsed once and headed to Texas. Its been pretty awesome to know that no matter your race, color, or creed people just really love talent! I’m a black girl singing at 98% white events and I get so much love. Its so humbling!

@Arteest1: I know your debut album ‘Big Red Box’ releases on May 31st. What is the motivation behind it and what can we expect from the project?

@Ihsanbilal: Expect a different sound not only as a whole but each song is different. I have a song for every popular genre out there. But it’s going to give you an alternative R&B feel. Its my box of different sounds. Its my present to the fans.

Ihsan Bilal - Big Band Theory - Single

@Arteest1: What do you want people to take from your music?

@Ihsanbilal: Empowerment is what I aim for. I like to be thought of as a motivational singer/ speaker. I want to make people feel good and touched when hearing my music which in essence is everyone’s music once its put out!

@Arteest1: I always ask people I talk to about their hopes for the future. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

@Ihsanbilal: I see big success in the near future. With that success my team that pushes me to keep going will receive that, DC being even bigger than what it is now. I can definitely see me touring the world, starting up a few charities/ organizations, opening up a school for the arts, and being even happier than I am now.

@Arteest1: What would you like to tell your current and prospective fans?

@Ihsanbilal: For anyone wanting to pursue anything in life always be professional about it, never give up, give it time to grow (no one is perfect), and never let anyone tell you that “You can’t”!!!

Thank-you all for your support and I hope to continue to motivate, inspire, and empower you all!!!

~IhsAn

Well, I can honestly say that you have the talent in you. As long as you keep the drive and the humility I can definitely see you going far in your musical pursuit. Keep up the positivity and remain true to yourself and your music and you will always have my support and the support of your fans. I appreciate you taking the time out to teach us a little about yourself and I hope to continue to hear great things from you in the future.

You Can Follow and keep up with Ihsan Bilal at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ihsantv
http://www.ihsanbilalmuzik.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/ihsanbilal
http://ihsanbilalmuzik.tumblr.com/
http://www.reverbnation.com/ihsanbilal

You can download her latest single
“Big Band Theory” today on iTunes!

ihsanbilalmuzik.com®

The Dean’s List – Dear Professor (right click, save as to download)

The Dean’s List – Light Up The Sky ft Dani Ummel (right click, save as to download)

Next up we got this Chip joint off the recently released “Gift Raps.” Pretty mellow project, and this feature right here is no exception. Super smooth and super dope. Chip was the biggest snub when XXL mag released their 2011 Freshman Class without him included. I don’t really take that list very seriously, but I would imagine it’d be a cool feeling to be included, and Chip deserves that. Seriously though, OJ Da Juiceman made it in 2010….

Chip Tha Ripper – Plural (prod. by Blended Babies) (right click, save as to download)

Big K.R.I.T. did however make the XXL list. Probably could have shut that magazine down had he not. If you’ve followed anything I’ve posted, you know how high I am on this dude. I don’t think he will be losing that swagger anytime soon. This one come’s off “Hometown Here: The Best of Big K.R.I.T (presented by KevinNottingham.com).”

Big K.R.I.T. – Swagger Back (right click, save as to download)

Damn, J. Cole keeps putting in work in every direction. I posted the “Smallville” joint he produced for XV a while back, and that was the first time I was introduced to dude’s production skills. Here’s another jam in which he provides the hook for as well. Thoroughly impressed again. This one’s off Fashawn’s recent release “Higher Learning 2.” Fashawn got mad skills himself. Real talk about real struggles.

“Wonder why my young brother stuck on reefer
Because the state refuse to pay good teachers
While the rich kids watch from the bleachers
I ask Jesus, let some light creep in”

Fashawn – Nothin For The Radio ft J. Cole (prod. by J. Cole) (right click, save as to download)

Here’s a solemn, introspective joint from the up and comer Nike Nando. I don’t want to try and compare my struggles to any of these rappers because comparatively speaking, my life has pretty much been a cake walk. Still doesn’t mean I can’t hear their words and relate it to my own situations. This one comes off “Love Day.”

“I give good advice but I cant manage to take it
I develop foolish pride due to those situations
A bit emotional, I use to be ashamed
of what I looked at in the mirror, drive myself insane”

Nike Nando – Born To Lose (right click, save as to download)

This next one comes off Young Dro’s “Equestrian Dro.” Not a fan of this project at all, honestly. I’m kinda over this type of shit, but I still like something upbeat to get down to every once in a while. Dro usually can be counted on to fill that void. There’s obviously still a large demand for these types of jams, cuz of all the artists I’ve featured so far, Dro is the only one really getting paid.

Young Dro – Strip ft T.I. & Trey Songz (right click, save as to download)

Love this beat + sample. Killer Mike is a beast and T.I. always adds some quality hype. Rock this one loud with the bass up and you might cause a scene. That’s how I roll.

Killer Mike – Ready Set Go ft. T.I. (right click, save as to download)

We entered Axum lounge, a kind of “sleeper” lounge from the outside. I remember thinking to myself, “the beat battle is in this place?” From the outside it looked like a shack. Not very aesthetically appealing to say the least. But once we got upstairs on the second floor I was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted with the sounds of laughter, conversations, and hip-hop music. The upstairs lounge was nicely laid out and there was a decent little crowd at the time of our arrival. We had gotten there early to ensure that Busa would have a slot for the battle. I remember one of the first people I saw when I got up the stairs was this short dude with these really nice shoes on. We exchanged quick eye contact and for some reason I got this arrogant, cocky vibe from him. It kinda felt like he thought I should know who he was. It’s funny now that I look back at it cause I know now, that guy was DMV rapper Nike Nando. LoL And he actually is a really good, talented guy. I’ve had the pleasure of featuring him and his DMG crew on DMV Live Radio, a radio show I host (you’ll learn more about that later) and he once performed at an Undergrounduates event I organized (you’ll learn more about that later as well).

Anyway, Roc, Busa, JCA, and I hung out talking about music and stuff and we met up with more of JCA and Roc’s friends there as they came through before the event started. We were having a good time and then this guy with dreads who looked really busy comes over and briefly says wassup to JCA and JCA introduced him to us as either Nathan or Sinitus, that part I can’t really remember. But I do know that today Sinitus Tempo and I are great associates, he’s a super talented producer from the DMV that I will clue you all into in later posts. At this point in the evening the battle was about to begin. So everyone moved to the front of the room where it was going to go down. I remember looking over at Busa after the first round, checking to see if he was nervous. He said he was a little. I just remember hearing some of what his competition had to offer and JCA and I telling him he’s good, he’s got it. We didn’t know just how right we were.

After a few great live performances from artists PHZ-Sicks, JF Coop, Obii Say and many more, we witnessed the final round of the beat battle. It was a battle between the two youngest people in the competition, BusaBeats who was 18 at the time and a kid who went by the alias Prometheus who was 17 at the time. He was actually so young that his mom had taken him to the competition and was right next to him throughout the night. He almost didn’t get to stay for the final round because she wanted to take him home. He had school the next day…lol But after some convincing from the judges and the host Stef telling her what the reward was, she allowed her son to compete in the last round of the evening. But, while her son Prometheus had some amazing beats, they weren’t strong enough to beat the dynamic versatility that is BusaBeats production. The beats he played blew the crowd away and solidified his new position as the first Beat Clash champion ever.

Busa’s win further approved the notions in our minds that he was a phenomenal producer in the making. That event was the very first time I had been exposed to live DMV hip-hop and it changed my perception of the music in my area and the direction of my life’s path from that day forward. Good times!

“Apparently I’m passionate, the concept I’m graspin it
I’m trying to find the balance of hard work and happiness”

Being able to grasp your audience’s attention right from the get go is essential in Rap. It’s too easy to just fall into the rhythm of the instrumental and forget to pay attention to the lyrics. You can tell though, Mike wants you to pay attention to his lyrics as he provides some insight into “life.”Awesome use of movie samples (i.e. Almost Famous at the beginning) as well. This one comes off his recent mixtape “Wet Paint.”

Mike Petrow – The Balance (right click, save as to download)

Speaking of falling into a trance from the instrumental, this is exhibit A. I love this beat, and judging by the lyrical flow provided, so do Nike Nando and newcomer Dre-Ski. This one is off Dre’s newest mixtape “Cloud 8.7.” Pretty decent piece of work, with this being a highlight.

Dre-Ski ft Nike Nando – Music & Sound (produced by The Madman) (right click, save as to download)

“She goes out and he goes in, in his shell where he wont bend
and he don’t fake and he don’t break, cuz he can’t take another heartbreak
she can see it on his face, that he ain’t happy but he wont say
cuz he don’t speak much and she can’t keep up, with his needs and he can’t either”

Here comes another rapper going over that “Knocked Up” Instrumental/sample from Kings of Leon/Lykke Li (see Tabi Bonney). CurT@!n$ (very annoying name to type btw) gives you his personal insight on women and relationship troubles. It’s pretty simple why I am attracted to songs of this nature rather than those about drugs/money, per se; I can actually relate. Isn’t that the point of music?

CurT@!n$ – Kings of Dope Master (right click, save as to download)

When I see Jackie Chain’s name, I gotta take a listen. First off, that name is awesome. And second, his country-ass, white boy flow is unfuckwitable. Always feelin Jackie when he gets a chance to spit over a solid instrumental. He’s got the voice to provide a solid hook as well, and this is no exception. This one’s dedicated to all those that don’t necessarily like to partake in the marijuana smoking activities. It’s ok, you aint gotta puff, you can get a contact hiiiiigh.

Hollywood Floss ft Jackie Chain – Contact High (produced by Chris Rockaway) (right click, save as to download)

I’m telling you, Chris Brown is puttin in work. He’s gotta come up big in 2011 or he may never get back to that level of popularity he had before the Rihanna incident. Anyway, he contributes a nice hook on this one from the British rapper Chipmunk. That’s another trend that’s about to take on, the British are coming! I kinda dig the funny accent though, so I’m not mad. Of course, the main reason for this songs inclusion here is the J. Cole verse at the end of it. Its a Cole world (especially in Chicago).

Chipmunk ft Chris Brown & J. Cole – Champion (Official Remix) (right click, save as to download)

Did someone say this world was cold? Well, Tayyib Ali agrees. Here, he describes the struggles he’s seen growing up, including his short journey to fame so far. This beat is too nasty. It’s a beautiful thing when the instrumental of a song matches the mood of the song, as delivered through reflective lyrics, perfectly. This one is produced by B-Free off Tayib’s recent mixtape “Eighteen.”

Tayyib Ali – Cold World (produced by B-Free) (right click, save as to download)

I am not going to lie, I don’t know half of the people on this track, but regardless it’s pretty tight. West coast rapper Paris Jones pulls aside a bunch of people to remix his new single. Download after the jump.

http://cdn.hulkshare.com/p/player.swf

Download Paris Jones’ “Pop a Bottle [Remix] (feat. Young Rell, Nitty Scott, Nike Nando Threezy McFly, Qwality, Like & Uness)” Here

I am not going to lie, I don’t know half of the people on this track, but regardless it’s pretty tight. West coast rapper Paris Jones pulls aside a bunch of people to remix his new single. Download after the jump.

http://cdn.hulkshare.com/p/player.swf

Download Paris Jones’ “Pop a Bottle [Remix] (feat. Young Rell, Nitty Scott, Nike Nando Threezy McFly, Qwality, Like & Uness)” Here

Paris Jones – “Pop A Bottle” (Remix) ft. Young Rell, Nitty Scott, Nike Nando, Threezy McFly, Qwality, Like (of Pac Div), & Uness)

Yessir, Another Exclusive from yours truly! The homie Nando sent over a track to listen to and I instantly fell in love with it. The rest is history, and now I am introducing it to the world. A world exclusive. ENJOY!

PS – Hey bloggers, if your decide to blog this. Make sure ya boy gets some recognition. THANKS.

Download : NikeNando – Priceless

4 MCs from DC/Maryland/Virginia. All sound pretty dope.

via  DC Mumbo Sauce

Do zassania z stąd DOWNLOAD

Beats for Lovers is the culmination of this raw emotion – whether we want to accept love or deny its power. Produced mainly by Thelonious Martin and presented by iLLVibes, Beats for Lovers is a story for all about how we deal with this feeling: as much as we try to understand and truly think we know what it means, we could never fully comprehend the exact essence of love.

Tracklist x Download Link after the jump

Download: Beats For Lovers

Here’s the full Mixtape from Producer Thelonius Martin and iLLVibes-DMV.Com called “Beats For Lovers” and features 14 tracks produced by Thelonious Martin, and one from AB the Producer and another fromDJ Soundtrax, Beats for Lovers includes original songs from Greenspan, X.O., Marky, Pro’Verb, Ra the MC, Wordsmith, The Paxtons, Cayan, Ice the Villain, Dre-Ski, Nike Nando, Amor Jones, PHZ-Sicks, K-Beta, Tha Future, Volition, and Jabee. Shouts to everyone who made it! Look who’s song #2! POWW!!

Download: Thelonius Martin & iLLVibes-DMV.Com Presents – ‘Beats For Lovers’ Mixtape

Nike Nando, the newest featured local artist. I first heard about him when I was in highschool, and ever since I left, his name kept popping up. The song that first caught my attention was the single Super Nike Nando. After that i’ve been keeping my eye on him and trying to catch up with him at shows, he’s the main reason I went to the Beat Clash. For More on Nike Nando Visit his Blogspot, Myspace and Twitter

1. When did you first start rapping?

I started rapping when I was 6 years old. It was a way of me expressing myself without having a behavior problem

2.What inspires you to write?

My insparation to write is based of sometimes fiction and very personal life experiences. I feel like that way the music is timeless and more people can relate to it cause EVERYONE doesn’t own a Benz. (lol.)

3.Do you write first or pick the beat?

Usually I will find a beat because it helps me a lot more with the concept of the record.

4.Favorite Artist(s)

My fav artists RIGHT NOW would have to be Gucci & Wale. The others are Fabolous, Kanye, Pharrell, Clipse, 50 Cent, Kiss, Wolfmother & TV On The Radio.

5. When was your first show?

My 1^st show was when I was 14 years old and it was with promoter Dre all day in the paint. I wasn’t even old enough to be in the club because they were serving alcohol. (lol)

6. Favorite collaboration?

My best collaboration has been the stuff I’ve done with A.B. The Producer. We’ve made classic records.

7. Favorite quote/ rap line

My favorite rap line has to be the line I said on Dopage when I was like, “Como se llama your mama’s a huge fan/ and you just mad cause your girl look like a huge man/”

8. Favorite Song you’ve recorded

Without thinking “Super Nike Nando” that record was just random and fun. I honestly recorded it 3 or 4 times and it was on my mixtape before “Super Nike Nando”

9.who would you love to work with?

I would really like to work with Timbaland or Missy. It’s just something about they’re sound that is really dope.

10. Favorite mixtape out this year and why

“District Of Caylumbia” from Cayan. To me he’s honestly one of the best lyricist in the area and one of the best song writers.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

Fresh for Thursday another Five One remix.

DOWNLOAD: Time Is Cheap ft. Nike Nando