Thursday, July 31, 2008

Whuzi interview about new album "The Kitchen Sink" and ATS Fall return!




If you didn't know, this is the label that
I am signed to AftertheSmoke, LLC and Whuzi
is as well as CEO of ATS/Medium Rare Fashions
but a mastermind behind the microphone!

I caught up with Whuzi to ask him questions about
the new album "The Kitchen Sink" and some questions
about the label AftertheSmoke making there return this fall!


Blaquesphere.com: Whuzi, so many people are asking questions about the album since releasing your very unique album cover on your myspace page. What was your inspiration for the artwork of your new Spring 09 album, "The Kitchen Sink"?

Whuzi: We'll for this project I wanted to test myself. I wanted to put together something epic, while blending all the elements that represents me. The album title is a play off of the old phase "Everything but the kitchen sink". I wanted to take that image and expand on it. All the hardships that we all deal with in life and also my personal conflicts will be reflected. The Kitchen Sink is where we let it all pile up...I'm going to be get beneath the grim and residue and show you me.

Blaquesphere.com: With such a indepth album, how many tracks can we expect from the new album "TKS" (The Kitchen Sink)?

Whuzi: I'm aiming for at least 11 solid tracks.

Blaquesphere.com: Sounds great, your style and sound is very unique and from the public you get comparisons from one of the greats, Andre 3000 (true story!) how would you describe your sound and the content of your music?

Whuzi:I try to convey something fresh for the true fans of innovative music, but ever new kid on the block will have to deal with being compared to the already established. I'm aiming to bleed together different genres in order to make songs that stand out on their own I also want to connect the album with my artwork. Almost like a musical comicstrip.

Blaquesphere.com: Speaking on your artwork, a lot of people don't know that you are the mastermind behind all of the crazy fresh designs that make After The Smoke different from a lot of the others, how heavily does your artwork play a role in your music?

Whuzi: In this project it will play a dynamic role. I want the listeners to get a visual of what is inside of my head I've never really promoted my artistic ability before now...so just like the title says...I want to give my fans everything.

Whuzi: Well, you have a lot of fans ready for this album so trust it will be a must cop come Spring 2009! As far as AftertheSmoke from your recent video blog you said that you all took a break this summer but get ready for the Fall, what can we expect from the ATS crew this go around?

Whuzi: a huge expansion. taking what has worked for us so far and taking it to a higher level. The great part about 2009 is that I have graduate college and will finally have time to pursue music with everything I have.

Blaquesphere.com: And thats a blessing man, and as apart of the AftertheSmoke family myself, I can't wait to get started! Thanks Whuzi for taking time out to let us know about your new project "The Kitchen Sink" and hopefully we can do this again closer to the album release!

Whuzi: Thats for checking up on it. I will have singles pushing in the next couple of days.


Check out Whuzi at Whuzi | Official Myspace for the new singles coming out soon!

MADFOOT 08!



Madfoot! has kept to their roots providing both homage styles and colors as well as these recent releases creating styles reminiscent of an earlier Bapesta. Liberal use of patent leather is seen on the Mad Predator while two other releases include a black sparkle upper and a grid paper-esque Mad Professor. Available now at eproze.


dopeness right?

Underground Artist Of The Week: Justin Nozuka

Lending elements of neo-soul, folk, old-time blues and pop, Justin has the guts of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of Lauryn Hill.

This guitar slinging aficionado has the street smarts of an urban swinger and the heart-bending soul of a gospel preacher, and is adept at blending a dark, bluesy Americana vibe with warm, acoustic soul where bits of old folk music and flamenco tunes swirl in and out of earshot.

Half Japanese, half American Justin Nozuka was born in New York and grew up in Toronto. Raised by a single mother, Justin was the sixth of seven children, where all four of his brothers are artists in some form. As a teen, he spun Motown, folk and hip-hop as he fleshed out his music skills learning guitar with his Mexican friends at boarding school.

During his short career, Justin has already snagged stage time with greats like John Cale, Crowded House and Ziggy Marley and with up-and-comers Sam Roberts, Jully Black and Xavier Rudd.

It’s open aired honesty tightly knit. You’ve discovered something that’s all your own yet it spans backstories and countries to fill a million yards and a hundred theatres. This could be Central Park, could be Massey Hall.

QUOTES:

"In his debut album "Holly", Justin Nozuka has created eleven impressive pieces of thoughtful acoustic-soul. Filled with understated melodies, minimal production and an interesting, sometimes dark take on song-craft...4 Stars." -- BBC

"Superior acoustic soul... 4 Stars." -- Q Magazine, UK

"...Nozuka is producing material that is unlike any other singer songwriters - and consequently is beyond genre definition. Largely, it is one man and his faithful guitar - but with a voice like his, there really is no need for any other instrumentation. In truth it would only get in the way. 4 Stars." -- Belfast Daily Telegraph

“Nozuka seemed very modest, but there was absolutely no reason. He had every eye on him and it was nearly impossible to look away. Every song seemed to outdo the one before it, and when he quietly walked off, we were all aching for more.” --Chartattack.com


Visit Here For More Info!
Justin Nozuka | Official Myspace

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Shwayze from the group "Shwayze" home blog.



this dude is hillarious
check out there show "Buzzin" on MTV
Wendsday night at 10:30pm est.

Black Thought & Questlove Interview


OkayplayerTV - The Roots @ UCLA from Okayplayer on Vimeo

Cassie Feat. Lil Wayne - Official Girl (Song)













Download: Cassie Feat. Lil Wayne - "Official Girl"

she's back and looking badder than ever!

oh yeah -- lil wayne is up there too .. lol!

Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul (Video)



freaked me out when i first saw it
but after watching it, totally understand
where they were trying to take the concept.

video directed by chris milk

Barack in his on words.



nothing else to be said!

OBAMA 08!

Behind The Scenes Of Keri Hilson's "Energy" Video



I swear im in love with this woman!



like really!

Lil Wayne & Juelz Santanna Go Bowling in NY! LOL!




Lil Wayne: "Yeah i just sold 1,000,000+ copies
of my album, i guess ima celebrate and go bowling!"


hahaha!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Kanye West Meets Lorenzo Zarate

Raekwon on KarmaLoopTV Pt.1



The Chef is Back People!!!!

Part 2. Coming Soon ...

Consequence Feat. GLC & Really Doe - Disperse (Video)




New Joint from GOOD Music Artist Consequence
and he brought a long GLC and Really Doe with a
special video guest appearance from Lupe Fiasco how
could you not love this song and video!!!

post your thoughts on it!

AftertheSmoke: Whuzi & Carmen Update!

Whuzi & Carmen


These are my two label mates Whuzi & Carmen
just letting you know that we are back and ready
for the fall point of new music, videos and more!!!

Check out AftertheSmoke | The Official Website for more information on us!!!!

Producer of The Week: J.72

I have a sound that can't be duplicated and a sound that is rare. Not just speaking for myself, its what i've been told many times from listeners. I'm apart of a new Generation of producers and a big network as well. Listeners from Europe have shown alot of support overtime and its nice to know that your music is being played from people you may never see. I used to DJ (i may pick that up again) and incorporate that with my beats. I've been producing music since 2000 and haven't stopped since then. I have been influenced by many producers such as Prince, The Neptunes, Sa-Ra, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and the likes of my fellow peers.

The music i create is someting that people will never experience unless they turn my music up to the highest level. I let the kick hit deep and the snare sound mindblowing while i have the hi-hats supporting the background sound. I study music production from other producers that influence me. When i study music production, it isn't jacking their style and listening to the emotion and the artistic form the producer put into the work. It sounds wierd, but its a story that has to be told.


You can check out more J.72 at his
official myspace page and blog!

J.72 | Official Myspace
Atlantic Ave. | The Official J.72 Blog

VANS-DALISIM 2008!!!!


Vans SK8-HI LX Cargo


Vans Lacey


Vans Classic Kicks Edition


Yes, Vans are always the top shoe of choice for me
and I must say, 2008 they have just lost there minds
with so many hot shoe designs, some that i have on the way
and some that i must get before january 1st, 2009!!

Young Chris Feat. Wale - Large (Song)


yes ladies and gents! my favorite philly rapper
(other than Meek Millz) is finally on his way back
to the music scene slowly but surely!

dropping off tracks with artist like lil wayne,
freeway, beanie sigel and now wale, the big YC
isn't playing any games this go around!













Young Chris f. Wale, "Large"

(from Elitaste)

Cold War Kids - We Used To Vacation (Video)



probably my favorite song off the
album "Robbers and Cowards" and they
actually released the new single from
there new album coming in September witch
ill post up here later today!

oh , if you didn't know the reason for this
post , umm .. Cold War Kids is one of my favorite bands.

duhhh...

Cold War Kids | Official Myspace

SHABAAAAA!!!! (Throwback Comedy)



shouts out to my hommie Kenny for posting this
on his blog, OMFG!! yo if you don't remember
this it's from the show that use to come on FX
called "In Living Color".

MARLON WAYANS = NO COMMON SENSE AT ALL!!!!

THIS IS TOOOO FUNNNYYY!!! HAHHAHA!!!!

"SHABA!!!"

Kaine in 'serious' veep talks with Obama

WASHINGTON - Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has told close associates that he has had "very serious" conversations with Sen. Barack Obama about joining the Democratic presidential ticket and has provided documents to the campaign as it combs through his background, according to several sources close to Kaine.

Sens. Evan Bayh (Ind.) and Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Del.) are also being seriously vetted by the campaign staff, according to sources with knowledge of the process.

Obama has revealed little about which way he is leaning. And despite rising anticipation that a decision is imminent, campaign officials said an announcement is likely in mid-August, shortly before the Democratic National Convention. Obama's top aides, David Plouffe and David Axelrod, huddled yesterday in the Washington office of Eric Holder, who along with Caroline Kennedy is vetting potential running mates.

Although rumors have circulated about former military leaders and other nontraditional contenders, including Republicans, Obama's pool of prospects is heavy on longtime senators with foreign policy experience. Kaine and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius are the only state leaders believed to be under serious consideration, sources close to Obama said.

Others still under consideration
Democrats who have discussed possible choices with campaign officials and have knowledge of the vetting process said others being considered include Sens. Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and former senator Sam Nunn (Ga.). Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel (Neb.) and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.) are mentioned as long shots.

Aides to Kaine declined to comment about the possibility that Obama might pick him, referring all questions to the senator's campaign. "The governor has been pretty clear from the beginning, when Senator Obama asked him to be a national co-chair, that any conversation he has with the campaign, on any topic, are conversations that he is keeping private," said Delacey Skinner, Kaine's spokeswoman.

But several people who have spoken to Kaine said he has talked about the seriousness of the possibility. Each spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing the campaign's desire to keep the process secret. One said Kaine has stressed that there are other top candidates but described his discussions with the campaign as "very serious."

Two other associates said Kaine's staff is providing the background information necessary to allow the campaign to search for potential political land mines. One source said Kaine chief counsel Larry Roberts is coordinating with Obama's team. Roberts could not be reached for comment. Kaine will be in Washington today for his monthly interview on WTOP Radio.

The Black Man In America (Full Documentary)


In the "The Black Man," Soledad O'Brien evaluates the state of black men in America and explores the controversial topics of black men and fatherhood; disparities between blacks and whites in educational, career and financial achievement; and factors leading to the dramatic rates of black male incarceration. The documentary also examines the achievements of black men and the importance of the positive influences of black fathers.

Was gonna post the new Lil Wayne video

(like every other blog on the internet =/)

but felt like this was more important
to be seen for those who missed it.

Natasha feat. Rick Ross - Activate (Download)



okay -- most of you know im in a group called After The Smoke
and we have a female singer/songwriter, Carmen, who is in the group and she's awesome
(Carmen www.myspace.com/carmensings) but not hating or anything
i came across this song the other day and remembered I heard this
female named Natasha before on a song with the Clipse (So Sick feat. The Clipse)

but i must say and i mean that my homegirl Carmen should of been
signed YEARSSSS ago if the industry is producing and promoting this
and saying she's the next big R&B sensation.

shorty please. anyway check her out.










Download: Natasha f. Rick Ross, "Activate"

Chromeo - Momma's Boy (Video)



saw this video the other night on
FNMTV when they premiered it and honestly
i think it is freakin (trying not to cuss) awesome!

also heard a lot of people didn't want Chromeo to
release this video because of the type of video it is.

won't spoil it -- but check it out and let me know what you think.

Michelle Obama To Introduce Barack's Plan To Support Working Women And Families


For working families trying to balance jobs and kids and maybe even aging parents of their own, the American Dream can feel like it's slipping away.

Over the course of this campaign, I've had the chance to sit down with so many working women across the country. I've talked with mothers struggling to make ends meet because their salaries aren't keeping up with the cost of groceries or the price of gas. I've listened to the moms who are nervous about taking time off to care for a sick child, and the moms-to-be who are scared of getting fired if the boss finds out they're pregnant.

Then there are women who work hard every day doing the same jobs as men, but earning less. And the military families, who struggle to make ends meet with one paycheck where there used to be two. They welcome their loved ones home with full hearts but little support from their government for their service.

These struggles – the struggles of working women and families across America – aren't new to me or to any of us. And they're certainly not new to Barack.

As President, Barack will expand the Family and Medical Leave Act, so that millions of additional Americans will be able to take time off to care for a baby or an elderly parent – or just to have a few hours to attend a school play or a parent-teacher conference or take a child to the doctor. Barack will require employers to provide all their workers with at least seven paid sick days a year, and ensure that women are paid fairly for their hard work.

This agenda is about helping women reclaim their dreams for themselves and their families. It's about giving them a helping hand, not a handout. The subjects here are near to my heart, and they're at the center of this campaign. But the policies will only succeed if they address your needs. So please let us know what you think.

Best,

Michelle Obama

Charles Hamilton - November 10



song is very different...

but i think it's actually pretty dope.

DJ Drama & Ludacris - The Preview (Mixtape)


YESSSS!!!!! LUDA IS BACKK BABBYYY!!!!!

whoever said this man should stick to
making movies should jump off the tallest building..

in the f***ing world!!

shouts to MOP for the upload.

Download: DJ Drama & Ludacris - The Preview (Mixtape)

M.I.A - Paper Planes (Video)



I actually heard this M.I.A chick on one of the
NBA Live editions, (I think it was Live 07, not sure)
but I couldn't stand that damn song.

The second I heard this joint from her though,
I couldn't get enough of it! Got it on replay daily!
Check it out if you haven't already.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Where's Your Freakin Originality!



honestly, just sick and tierd of people
trying to jock others "Swizag" instead
of trying or daring themselves to do
something else original!