IMPACT Music Series (Performance One)

If you're in Pittsburgh, Stilltown suggests that you get out to the Shadow Lounge this Saturday, July 24 at 9 p.m. for the first show of a soon-to-be classic performance series.

Gene Stovall Music Group has brought together some of the city's best hip-hop artists to rock the house all night long! Jon Quest, Kid A & BusCrates, Jack Wilson, and Divine Seven are sure to move the crowd with new music that has had the city buzzing.

Headlining the show is Gene Stovall's newest band, Fullfillingness. Aside Stovall are some of the Still City's most promising aspiring artists, including singer K. Renee and multi-talented musician Carlos Pena. With Stovall leading the band, the audience is sure to hear an incredibly unique mix of their favorite pop songs, theme songs, and hits from obscurity.

The Gene Stovall Music Group welcomes you to the first volume of the IMPACT Music Series this Saturday night at Shadow Lounge in the heart of East Liberty.

The evening's line up includes new band FULFILLINGNESS' (Comedic Popular Fusion Hop) whose members include K Renee (vocals), Carlos Pena (guitar), Ralph Crewe (bass) and Miguel "Cha" Sagne (stage chillin').

IMPACT also stars Pittsburgh Hip Hop show stompers Kid A, Jon Quest, Divine Seven, and Jack Wilson.

DJ Noetik FiveThousand will be spinning our favorite songs after and during the set breaks.

Enjoy the comedic stylings of Tj Amick.

Adults only. $7 door charge. Doors open at 9pm. Tip your bartenders.

FULFILLINGNESS':

Gene Stovall - Vocals, Drums, Talk Show Jokes
Carlos Pena - Guitar
Ralph Crewe - Bass, Talk Show Jokes
K Renee - Vocals, Talk Show Jokes
Miguel "Cha" Sagne - Stage Chillin', Vocals, Percussions, Talk Show Jokes

FUFILLINGNESS' was named in honor of Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale available at 720 Records (5943 Penn Avenue. Pittsburgh, PA 15206). Created in Braincase Sound Laboratory, FULFILLINGNESS' focuses on playing multiple styles of music by creating a soundscape of melodramatic popular songs and textbook television rhetoric in a comedic manner.

The band is lead by vocalist extraordinarie and satirists, Gene Stovall, who is actually not the drummer of this band, but only acts as the drummer when the actual drummer (James Johnson III) can not make the hit. Returning to the band for this Saturday's event is guitarist and spiritual mentor, Carlos Pena, who is probably known best for his vibraphone solo performed live at the New Amsterdam Pub during the very first taping of Smoke Ritual. Pena will be soloing on stage this Saturday during songs like the "Diff'rent Strokes Theme song", Stovallian classic "Heaven in the Meantime", and Stevie Wonder's "Creepin'" from the album Fulfillingness' First Finale.

FULFILLINGNESS' will be joined by CreweStovall and Hood Gang bassist Ralph Crewe, Glory Box lead vocalist K Renee, and Guaracha leader Miguel "Cha" Sagne in the absense of Justin Bechak, Brother Renz, and DJ Vex.

Jon Quest:

Jon Quest is a new emcee emerging from Pittsburgh who is gearing up for his debut release "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest". With numerous collaborations under his belt, Jon Quest is ready for the world to truly understand his love and passion for Hip Hop. With a 5th Rhyme Calisthenics appearance, Quest finally made it to the finals in Rhyme Calisthenics 9 against BlackSun who left the battle as the Rhyme Cal 9 Champion in a very close game. Jon's music is heavily influenced by that true Boom Bap sound and 90's era of Hip Hop. Jon Quest is an upcoming artist that will help to further putting Pittsburgh, PA on the map.

Kid A:

Kid A is a 24 year old rapper/songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Born in 1986 on Pittsburgh's North Side, Kid A(or Aarie Williams) was involved in music well before his birth. As son of an accomplished drummer, he was blessed with the innate love and appreciation for music. It started in the late 80's curiously pushing buttons on his father's drum machine; which later turned into secretely creating rhymes while taking notes in school as a teenager. By 2005, Kid A had already performed in front of sold out crowds and shared stages with major regional and national acts.

Now heading into the 2nd decade of the 2000's, Kid A, or EMS, is sprinting at a fast pace and about ready to go full steam into fragile arms of the music industry. With 2 upcoming solo projects in 2009 in "Backstock" and his official debut "Blunt Guts & Glory". On top of the 2 coming solo projects is the long-awaited collaboration with Dj/Producer Buscrates, which is high on a lot of people's wish lists and it should be one of the prized releases of 2011. The ethereal soundscapes that Buscrates provides create an innovative new sound really bringing to life the name-change from EMS(Everything Makes Sense) to Kid A.

Jack Wilson:

Jack Wilson is a Pittsburgh MC whose new EP "FAME" with DJ SPAED you can download at: http://jackwilsonmc.bandcamp.com/album/fame-ep ALSO download the free mixtape "Take the Fire from my Hand" at http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.takethefire.com%2F&h=49155

Divine Seven:

Delving Inside Very Introspective Notes Eternally...

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA... DIVINE SEVEN embodies the essence that permeates Pittsburgh... Struggle, sound and soul... Raised in various areas around the city, Sev has seen his fair share of what city life has to offer. Along his journey, he found his solace in music. As evidenced by his various influences, including Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Jimmy Hendrix, Nas and 2Pac; Sev has an intricate ear and this is displayed in the versatility of his music.

Releasing his first two projects, 'THE NATIVE SON' and 'SEVEN WONDERS...THE EP', both in 2008, he quickly became a staple for the city’s underground Hip Hop scene. He has enjoyed success with both projects, as his music has reached the radio waves in markets as far as the British Broadcasting Channel. Widely known for his smooth delivery and electric live performances, Sev has garnered the Hip Hop Buffet's 2008 Best Male and 2009 Best Group Performance awards. He was also nominated for the 2009 and 2010 Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards Underground Artist of The Year and has placed in the top three of the ‘This Is Who I Am…’ talent show.

Amassing over 200 local and out of town shows, Sev is clearly on his way to greater horizons... He can be found collaborating with various artists and producers from Pittsburgh including, Tabu Mahogany, A.P.E.X., BusCrates, Shade Cobain and many more… Sev has released the joint project, 'BLACK CONNECTION' with Ayatollah Jaxx to critical acclaim in Fall of 2009 and hasn't slowed down yet… In fact, he released an EP entitled, ‘INTROSPECT’ earlier in the year plus released the full-length project, 'LISTEN!!!' in June of 2010. Forever the visionary, he is prepping his next full-length project entitled 'THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DAT TURNER', and mixtape ‘DE TALK ABOUT: VOL. 1’ both slated for a late 2010/early 2011 release. He can also be found on several mixtapes reaching fans and supporters via the Internet and other media.

When asked about his passion for the art, he elected to keep it simple by quoting the talented Patti Labelle, “If only you knew..."

Noetik FiveThousand:

Noetik 5000 is a jack of all trades he is a ARTIST MANAGER/PROMOTER/EVENT PLANNER/HYPEMAN/DJ/BOOKING AGENT/VIDEO SHOW CO-HOST/PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR/RECORD LABEL REP/ and just an all out music enthusiast. Born in Passaic, NJ and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He started out as an hungry competitive mcee in the streets of Pittsburgh beginning in 1989 as a youth entering various rap battles & forming hiphop groups around his neighborhood then in 2000 decided to become more behind the scenes focusing on the business aspect of music doing promotion work for various artists from Pittsburgh, PA and also djing as well to put their music out to the masses.

The grassroots company he ran & still push to this day is called N.U.C. (Never Under Competition) Promotions stemming from his competitiveness in his short-lived Hiphop career as an mcee previously. He began putting on showcases around his area for starving artists such as he was to gain somewhat of a name for themselves and build their stage prescence. From then on he has been focused just on his djing skills & being more involved in the promotion,branding & marketing for various artists.He has been djing & promoting for some of the coolest spots & special events in Pittsburgh,Pa. Nowadays he is more involved in other music selections in his sets outside of just the genre of your everyday Hiphop music but more into the electro,international hiphop scene and various dance remixes & mashups. He just likes to rock parties/events by all means necessary with no boundaries.

Tj Amick:

Is excited about Space Rollerblades.

Divine Seven - Listen!!! (2010)

Brand new release from Pittsburgh's own Divine Seven
Production handled in-full by Shade Cobain

Divine Seven feat. Apex & Tabu Mahogany - 4 the Love


DOWNLOAD

Follow Divine Seven on Twitter and Facebook

VIDEO: "Shadow Loungin'" by Divine Seven feat. Jon Quest & Beedie

New video from a soon-to-be released album by Divine Seven. The song features fellow Pittsburgh MC's Jon Quest and Beedie, and was produced by Shade Cobain. "Shadow Loungin'" also appears on Stilltown Vol. II.

Divine Seven Interview

Few emcees in Pittsburgh have the ambition shown by Divine Seven. Sev's extensive resume has earned him the credibility and respect that many artists strive for. In 2009, this multi-faceted MC released two collaborative albums and performed at more than 50 live shows. However, before growing accustomed to the spotlight, Sev had more than a decade of experience in creative writing.

Rory Webb: Prior to being one of the most recognized MC’s in Pittsburgh, Divine Seven had notebooks full of poetry. So let’s take it back to the first poem put to paper. What inspired you to begin writing?

Divine Seven: Haha! First and foremost, peace and thanks to you for the interview, good brutha! It’s funny you should ask that, though. I began writing seriously in 1997. It’s weird how it happened though because I actually awoke from my sleep in the middle of the night and just started writing. I wrote two poems that night. The first was entitled ‘I Thank Thee’. It was an ode to the Creator and I was thanking him for the gift and for guiding me through certain situations. I was impressed considering that I never seriously used that form of art as expression.

Life is what inspired me though. I came from a pretty arduous background and experienced a lot of things early in life. Throughout all of that, I was always inspired by music. I loved how an artist could arrange a song, exercise the power of speech, and really move people.

RW: Was your poetry something that you shared or kept private?

DS: In the beginning, I felt a little intrepidation about sharing some of it because it was so personal, ya know? But as time went on I felt more compelled to let it breathe because 1) I thought it was a great way to express myself creatively and 2) I was good at it! (laughs) It’s hard for a creative person to not want to express it with an intended ear, fa’real.

So yeah, I used to share it with close friends and associates. Around that time I was involved in a poetry circle (laughs) and learned how to do spoken word/freestyle. Once I did a joint for an open mic back then, I was hooked. I knew then that I was working with something.

RW: Will you explain the similarities and differences between writing lyrics to a song and writing poetry? And how has your experience in writing poetry contributed to your talent in writing songs?

DS: I used to always say that emceeing is a lot easier than writing poetry because the art and precision with words were different. With poetry, I thought that it was more meticulous because it relied solely on words. I learned to be very conceptual and creative there. I found emceeing to be easier because your personality, charisma, etc. can come out there and really connect along with the words. The impact is different.

In retrospect, I only thought writing poetry was more intricate because I haven’t yet grown into my craft.

RW: In the past year, you’ve managed to release various music projects, both as a solo artist and as part of a team. The Black Connection album had you and fellow MC Ayatollah Jaxx trading verses, while the Seven Wonders EP was fully-produced by BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble. Can you talk about the significance of networking and collaborating with other artists in the city?

DS: It’s very important for various reasons. It’s essential to network and build with your peers. There is a very talented pool of people here. But even beyond that, it’s important to show the city and the global hip hop community that Pittsburgh artists can collaborate and contribute to each other’s successes. People ARE checking for us, ya know? We have a reputation here in the ‘Burgh of having that ‘crab in the barrel’ mentality though, ya dig?

RW: You’ve also toured an assortment of venues in the city of Pittsburgh. What goals have you set for 2010 to maintain your progression?

DS: Where do we begin? (laughs) As far as shows go, I don’t have a particular goal to attain, honestly. The shows usually just come at a steady pace. I intend to get paid for a lot more shows this year and not just do shows because they’re there. Since I came on the scene in the bottom of ’07, I’ve done over 140 shows in and outside of PA, you dig? Maybe rock bigger venues… I don’t wanna overextend my brand without adequate compensation (mo’ money).

I am, however, going to be more visible and interactive with the fans and supporters. Be it promotional campaigns, radio spots, interviews, collabs, mixtapes, whenever, wherever, whatever (Maxwell voice). (laughs)

RW: So you’ve been working on the new album, Introspect… The LP. Who have you been collaborating with and when will the people be given the opportunity to hear the album?

DS: For Introspect, I’ve worked solely with Pittsburgh talent… L. King, Steez Xtreme, J. Basement, Tabu Mahogany, and Jon Kwest. Plus my DNA fam, Nate Netro and Ayeques. I have tons of local production talent on there as well. J-Pad The Juggernaut, James Moore, Shade Cobain, Freeze, and many more have contributed to the soundscape.

The album is 85% done and should be available by the end of February, early March at latest. I’m looking to get this and all future releases in stores, too.

RW: In your opinion, what are the ingredients for a classic Divine Seven album? What have you done to strive for it?

DS: Hmmm… You would need pounds of creativity, a pinch of passion, a dash of lyricism, concepts, stories, and faith with staying in your own skin… I’ll leave it there on that… The rest of the game is to be sold.

I constantly strive for it though; I wanna make timeless music, man. I’m not comfortable with being put in boxes artistically, so when I release a project, I try to put my all into it and make sure it is distinct from my previous work. I wanna show the growth in my music. Music is life!

RW: Final comments?

DS: Most def… Be sure to cop Introspect... The LP at the top of March, coming to a store and website near you. Be on the lookout for the “Shadow Loungin’” video. Also, stay tuned for the free downloadable EP, LISTEN!!!(The DAT Turner Files) dropping on 4.12.10, as well as The Life and Times of DAT Turner... in the summer (both produced entirely by Shade Cobain). And last but not least, be on the lookout for the Seventh Entity mixtape to close the year out.

Shout outs to anyone reading this down to the letter. Peace to you as well, Rory! People like yourself help the artists on the scene tremendously with what we’re doing here, much love for that. Peace and thank you to all of my supporters and anyone who has contributed to my success. You all inspire me. Also, to my musical peers (there’s too many of y’all to name). You know who you are though. To all the college radio stations showing love, www.reppghhiphop.com and the movements I move with… STEEL CITY, LET’S GET IT… GYEAH!!!

Divine Seven - "Sometimes," from the upcoming album Introspect


Divine Seven featuring Tabu Mahogany - "Hold On," from the upcoming album Introspect


Divine Seven & Ayatollah Jaxx as Black Connection - "Happiness"


Divine Seven & BusCrates - "Across the Waters," from the album Seven Wonders

Divine Seven & BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble - Seven Wonders EP (2009)

Divine Seven & BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble - Seven Wonders EP (2009)


Tracklisting:
01. Suttin' Wonderful
02. Rise N' Shine
03. Dooinitt!!!
04. Across the Waters (Yes Y'All)

05. Life, Resurrected
06. When I Scribe

07. Seven Wonders
08. Melodious

Watch out for the new album from Divine Seven, Introspect... The LP, coming soon.

DOWNLOAD

Black Connection (2009)

As the Black Connection, Ayatollah Jaxx and Divine Seven take a different route than most. Only 35 minutes in length, the album strays from the unnecessary filler and proves that quality defeats quantity.

Jaxx and Sev are veterans, and leaders of the new school in Pittsburgh hip-hop. Getting your attention from the first word he spits, Jaxx is a lyrical hurricane that will surely have you rewinding the track. Sev brings a uniquely smooth, laid back delivery, along with catchy head-nodding hooks. Their complimentary styles create an ideal combination that is responsible for the refreshing sound heard on this album.

While the album explores the deepest essence of hip-hop in Pittsburgh, it can be appreciated by fans of the music worldwide. Unlike many albums released today, Black Connection maintains replay value. In addition to Jaxx and Sev, a collection of producers have invested their art to the project.

The album has soulful production from local favorite BusCrates, as well as contributions from Shade Cobain, J-Pad, TPM, Tone Beatz, and PMC/CJams. Normally, an album may struggle to vibe so perfectly with numerous producers, but that struggle is not heard here.

On "Happiness," a precisely chopped James Brown sample asks, "you know what happiness is?" Divine Seven replies, "It's a movement, man." This sums up Black Connection well. The album is uplifting and geared toward the progressive mindstate. It's up to the consumers to decide if this is a movement they will be part of.


01. Love <3 (Intro)(Prod. by BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble)
02. Black Gold (Prod. by BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble)
03. Regality (Prod. by BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble)
04. Wordplay (Prod. by J-Pad the Juggernaut)
05. Al Silla Al Sawdaa...
06. Happiness (Prod. by Shade Cobain/BusCrates 16-Bit Ensemble)

07. Live Together (Prod. by TPM)
08. City Lights (Prod. by Tone Beatz)
09. Laureate Sketch (Prod. by PMC/CJams)

10. Pitch Black (Prod. by PMC/CJams)

http://www.zshare.net/download/67491636cd0eb232/