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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.
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.
In the pack of Pittsburgh's new school hip-hoppers, few are as versatile as MC Jon Quest. Three stints in the Rhyme Cal MC Competition have helped to craft this artist into a well-rounded MC. Local respect has earned this MC nominations for Lyricist of the Year and Underground Artist of the Year in the 2010 Pittsburgh Hip-Hop Awards. Jon Quest hopes to continue his progression with multiple releases on deck for this year.
Rory Webb: What are you goals and aspirations as a person and emcee?
Jon Quest: My goals as an emcee are to simply put out good, quality music and to deliver a good mixtape to the people, as my introduction into the Pittsburgh Hip Hop scene. As a person, my goals/aspirations that are separate from my music are to finish college and graduate, and to just be the best the person that I can be as father, student, human, emcee, worker... whatever it may be. It's been going on for quite some time already so I'm' just going to continue the cycle.
RW: What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weakness as an artist?
JQ: That's a dope question right there. Truthfully, I feel that my greatest strength is my lines. I saw some things that I've never heard anyone say before, which is good because a lot of lines get recycled with rhyming in different forms and etc. My weakness would be my stage presence, in my opinion. I've only rocked the stage a few times, but I've been going to a lot of open mic’s lately to correct that. It'll come over time I guess, ha.
RW: You've been a participant in Rhyme Calisthenics 6, 7, and now 8. What has the competition taught you about emceeing and how have you developed as an artist since your first Rhyme Cal appearance?
JQ: The competition actually taught me a lot about emceeing. When I write a song, I'm always thinking of wild concepts to keep me out of that box of the normal topics you hear emcee’s rhyme about. Rhyme Calisthenics will have you rhyme about anything, at any given moment, which definitely helps out your writing skills, thinking process, and creativity. It's played a big part in my emceeing journey, if that's what you want to call it. I will say that when my CD drops in March/April, you will definitely hear that Rhyme Cal experience from beginning to end. I have a wide range of songs for that tape and I’m still not finished.
RW: How has your preparation for the competition changed since your first appearance in Rhyme Cal 6?
JQ: Well, my very first appearance for Rhyme Cal 6, I really just threw myself in a lion’s den, not knowing what's going on. I didn't know any of the emcee’s in Rhyme Cal. Over the past couple one’s, since I've been doing music and getting my name out in the city more, I've become friends with most of the emcee’s, if not all that have been in the Rhyme Cal. And I go to more events as well.
The practice still goes on before Rhyme Cal comes up, but I also feel that I'm more prepared now because I know the emcee’s and the game. The team on Rhyme Cal have been helping me out and showing me love as well, so shout out to James Armstead Brown, Thelonious Stretch and Shade Cobain!!
RW: On the Rhyme Cal wheel there's a category called Cameo. The DJ spins a record and the artist needs to fit theirself into the song, as if they were a guest feature. If you could be on the remix to any song in hip-hop history, what song would it be and why?
JQ: Hmmmmm... that’s a tough one. I might have to say Big L, "Ebonics" ...Big L was and still is a beast, R.I.P. But I've picked “Ebonics” because there's a whole bunch of words now that can easily bring that song back around in 2010, for a part two. It's sad that his life was ended short.
RW: This year will be a busy one for Jon Quest. You are working on your mixtape, "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest," which is due out by March. What can the people expect to hear on the tape?
JQ: You’re going to hear EVERYTHING on this mixtape. It’s my introduction tape, so I'm really having fun with this and not holding back anything… why would I? Some people may get lost with the things I say, but I just hope the people enjoy it. It's going to have everything from concepts, to your female songs, to your freestyle tracks of just straight bars, all types of stuff man. It's going to be good. The toughest part about it is just picking what is going to make the tape and what’s not going to make the tape.
RW: You've also teamed up with fellow emcee R-Sin to form Dem Suburb Boyz. How did this collaboration come about and how is it different from working on a solo project?
JQ: R-Sin been my homie since High School. I started rhyming with him and a few others, all throughout high school, and we both had similar styles as far as rhyming. We wanted to form a group along the lines of The Cool Kids. When you hear the name, Dem Surburb Boyz, people will be thinking, "Oh these guys are gonna be trash, they can’t rhyme." But just wait ‘til we touch the mic, in my opinion The Cool Kids are like that. Also, we picked the name Dem Suburb Boyz because we have moved all around the city, and just happened to also live in the suburbs before, but it doesn't mean that we are from there. People get that idea twisted when you say you live in a certain area.
The differences between doing a solo project and a collaboration… it's a lot different, because I'm the only one who's really getting the shine right now. You can say that I'm trying to open doors for everyone as far as connections too, definitely not forgetting my team. But I choose to take the solo route for a first time go, because it's hard for us to do group stuff all of the time and be on schedule for things. Conflicts as well, we are both busy people, but you'll definitely hear work from us real soon. He will be on my tape.
RW: Final comments?
JQ: I just want to shout out Rory Webb for giving me the opportunity for this interview and also for the love that you've been showing me too fam! Appreciate all of it heavy!
Jon Quest - "This Ain't Captain Save A," from the album Stilltown Vol. II
Ayatollah Jaxx featuring Jon Quest, Beedie, & Dominique LaRue - "I Don't Wanna Know," from the album Nothing Like You Ever Heard
Divine Seven featuring Jon Quest & Beedie - "Shadow Loungin," from the upcoming album DAT Turner
APEX featuring Ayatollah Jaxx, Jon Quest, Living Proofe, & Vaig - "The Cypher II," from the album Struggle City
Listen to Jon Quest's first single, "Emcee University":
ATTN PITTSBURGH
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