Pittsburgh Hip-Hop -- All of the artists and music on this blog are strongly supported by Stilltown. Links may be hidden in pictures or comments. Please contact me if you want a link removed.
One of the most prominent artists on Pittsburgh's music scene over the past decade is Gene Stovall. Rapper, singer, producer, beatbox extraoridinaire, drummer, guitarist... I really could keep going. The frontman for tens of bands which have featured some of the local scenes best musicians.
Earlier this year Gene released his debut album, 2 + 2 = 5. The album is produced in-full by Gene, and features an various arrangements of Gene showcasing his vocal abilities.
You can listen to the album on Gene's bandcamp page. Hard to pick favorite tracks, but I'll go with these: "2 + 2 = 5," "Walking On Ice," "Alpha Jive Arithmetic," "Electro Pop Memoir," "Cassette Tape Teens," "Example," "Listen," "Permutations"
STiLLTOWN Vol. 4 features new music from the Steel City's most talented hip-hop artists. Intertwining tunes from both the vets and the rookies, the compilation is sure to satisfy hip-hop fans of all eras.
01-Prophecy - The Intro (Prod. by Armstead Brown) 02-Living Proofe - G-Rated '70s Freestyle (Prod. by Shade Cobain) 03-Thelonious Stretch - Insane (Prod. by Shade Cobain) 04-Black Sun - Throw Da Water On Em! 05-Idasa Tariq - Don't Hold It Back (Prod. by Idasa Tariq) 06-Kid A - The Real Me (Prod. by Shade Cobain) 07-Shad Ali - Sleepers
08-B.Shels - Parallel Visions (Prod. by B.Shels) 09-ChaRon Don feat. Davu & SMI - Ginseng (Prod. by DJ Huggy) 10-Huey Neutron - Untill (Prod. by Vex) 11-B-FreeDaMisfit - The Father Side (Prod. by B-FreeDaMisfit) 12-Davu - The Other Side (Prod. by Noel 730N)
13-Shamir Shine - Hol' Up (Prod. by Big Phill) 14-Gene Stovall feat. Ianigma - Lonely People 15-W. Ellington Felton - Cupid's Murder In 3D 16-Big Phill feat. Illpoetic - Fight Thru It (Prod. by Big Phill) 17-Black Sun - The Rulebook (Prod. by Vex) 18-Reverrb - Audible Serenity 19-Will Profit - High Tonite (Prod. by James Moore) 20-Shamir Shine - Good2Go (Prod. by Shamir Shine)
Albums coming soon: Big Phill - Billy Dee Millions Black Sun - All Madden '11 ChaRon Don & DJ Huggy - TBA Gene Stovall - 2 + 2 = 5 Idasa Tariq - Smiling Faces 2 Kid A - Blunt Guts & Glory Shad Ali - TBA
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.
If you're in Pittsburgh this weekend, check out this huge spring kick-off concert at the Hard Rock Cafe in Station Square. The party goes down Friday, March 26 and doors open at 10pm. Performances on this night include Common Wealth Family, The Peace Project and Team Stovall. Each of these bands can be argued for as the best band in the city, so an opportunity to see all of them together shouldn't be passed up.
Following the performances, DJ Selecta will be on the wheels of steel!
Here's some more info on the high energy line-up:
COMMON WEALTH FAMILY
They are the staple of tomorrows trends, style, sound, and vision. Determined to see their mission through of taking over your media towers and outlets, they are constantly creating new wave music and entertainment in to their line-up and flawless approach.
As COMMON WEALTH FAMILY makes strides through the entertainment industry of their backyards of Pittsburgh, PA, it is obvious that they transfer your mind to other places and leave you with a lasting impression at every Pit Stop. The perfect combination to a city locked on popular music, COMMON WEALTH FAMILY draws energy, vibe, and drive from the likes of a medley of entertainers, not just want you hear on your radio dials or on what you tune in to on your television tube. They reach deep back into the collectors closet of genres of the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's for inspiration and fuse for their influences of electronic, soul, rap, rock, and pop to bleed greatness in songs such as [Rollin' Witta Star] and [Stupid Girl]. R.i. Double, Mose Butch, [gR], and Roscoe Wiki form the COMMON WEALTH FAMILY, The Black Beatles of Beyond, taking to your stages like a bat out the cage, prepared to serve their audiences daily, taking the daily operations of their music as a career, pouring into its existence hourly.
With the dream in sight to take their evolution to the next notch very shortly, COMMON WEALTH FAMILY has 100 plus shows in, countless media plugs, magazines, sponsors, and recognized as the Best Group spoken and voted at 2009 Pittsburgh Hip Hop Awards, speaks volume to their demand for themselves and from others. COMMON WEALTH FAMILY honors what "Family" means, how "Wealth" is achieved and the "Common" message they want you to receive.
THE PEACE PROJECT
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, THE PEACE PROJECT is arriving fresh and uncharted! The band, launched by lead singer/songwriter and keyboardist Peace Ike, came together in 2009 to create a style that has yet to show its face on the Pittsburgh scene. Having started out as a solo artist for many years, Peace is no stranger to the world of composition and performance. Since 2003, she has been combining graceful keys with “tell it like it is lyrics” about life, love and purpose. Having recently crossed over into full -band mode, THE PEACE PROJECT continues to generate situational and relatable songs with a catchy melody that most listeners can appreciate.
THE PEACE PROJECT combines piano with rhythmic bass, smooth sax and rocking drum beats— creating a rhythmically driven fusion of soul/jazz/R&B and funk. Taking a contemporary approach to music genres that have been stifled and outdated in most recent years, THE PEACE PROJECT introduces Pittsburgh to soul-jazz of the 21st century. Stay tuned for what’s to come from this innovative and fresh new group!
TEAM STOVALL
In 1995, Gene Stovall (then known as GENo JIVE) started a band that mashed up 6 genres of music and lead 11 Pittsburgh based performing artist into Duquesne University's "Battle of the Bands" contest and won 1st prize. That contest was Gene Stovall's first gig as a band leader. It was also the first time that anybody heard Stovall's original music. That was 15 years ago. Stovall has spent most of the last 15 years perfecting the art of band building and event coordination..not to mention penning some great poetry.
You may know Gene Stovall as the front man of Jive Family (Pittsburgh), Eviction Notice (Pittsburgh), The Rhetoric (Chicago), or The AUDIBLE (Erie). In these bands, Stovall performed original compositions and rearranged pop classics such as The Beatles classic "Strawberry Fields Forever", Nirvana's smash hit "Heart Shaped Box", Radiohead's dark rock ballad "Karma Police", and The Talking Head's disturbingly fun "Psycho Killer". Fans of the Stovallian song book always like listening to his dark love ballad "Heaven in the Meantime" and the more upbeat "Thinkin' About The Way You Lay".
Stovall and Urban Kontent Brand released a live album in 2003 called "Gene Stovall: Live at the Shadow Lounge"..it's now a rare collect-able.
Stovall's musical focus, as of late, has been his CONTRAST Music Events. These concerts put Stovall's spin on the music of a particular band. These events started in Erie, PA. at the Docksider Tavern in April 2009 with "Wu Tang Clan vs Nirvana". He is most proud of his work on the music of Earth Wind and Fire with newly formed super group, TEAM STOVALL.
TEAM STOVALL will perform with CWF and The Peace Project Friday, March 26th at the Hard Rock Café. This Pittsburgh All-Star line up includes Gene Stovall (vocals), Andy Bianco (guitar), Justin Bechak (keys), Jeremy McDonald (bass), and James Johnson III (drums). TEAM STOVALL will perform Stovallian originals and some Radiohead remakes/remixes... and some other surprises.
And check out some videos of performces by Gene Stovall:
And while we're on the subject, check out this incredibly dope video from Interval Monday at AVA Lounge. Vocal performers are Dr. Strange K., Gene Stovall, and Lorens Chuno, on keys is Howie Alexander, drums by James Johnson III, and Tony DePaolis on bass:
