Nikki Jean LIVE in Pittsburgh

The beautifully talented Nikki Jean concluded her Living Room Tour in a city she once called home. In the mid-late '90s, Nikki's musical coming-of-age took place in Pittsburgh, PA. A graduate of Perry High School, Nikki was an original member of the Pittsburgh super-group, Jive Family. Other well known members of the Jive Family include "The Joker" Gene-Jive Stovall, Chenits (aka Tomorrow aka Chen Lo, also of Hi-Low Productions and Liberation), trombonist Reggie Watkins, Interval Monday keyboardist Howie Alexander, guitarist Justin Portis, hip-hop/soul producer Shade Cobain, and MC/Rhyme Calisthenics co-founder Thelonious Stretch.

Nikki put on an incredible show, performing collaborations with Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Burt Bacharach, Bobby Braddock, and Jimmy Webb. I urge anyone and everyone who enjoys great musical talent to support her. Take some time to watch the videos and listen to her recordings. And put the pressure on your local promoters to bring Nikki to your city!



Written with Carole King


"Mercy of Love"
Written with Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil


"Pennies In A Jar"
Written with Burt Bacharach


Written with Bobby Braddock


"China"
Written with Jimmy Webb


"Sunshine"
Written with Luigi Creatore


JIVE FAMILY (Gene Stovall & Nikki Jean, vocals; Justin Portis, guitar)

Lone Catalysts Album Release Party

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ATTN PITTSBURGH
Show support for city Hall of Famers!

Come out this Friday to see the World Famous Lone Catalysts as they celebrate the release of their new album, Back To School!

That's not all, this event is also dedicated to the three-year anniversary of DJ Drastik and Soul II Sole being in business!

Other featured performers include BZE and Jon Quest of the Varsity Squad. On the wheels of steel will be Drastik, Nuke Knocka, and Rob Chilldren.

RSVP

J. Sands of Lone Catalysts - "Please" from The Poet-Tree of Life

Black Sun Interview

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Part 1: The Early Years
In this segment, Black Sun speaks about early experiences as a hip-hop artist, the forming of the Four Horsemen, his transition from high school to college, and power-outage ciphers.



Part 2: Music Lives Forever
In this segment, Black Sun speaks about the internet and hip-hop becoming a global phenomenon, the "now" generation, and the economics of lyricism in hip-hop.



Part 3: Saying Lines & Scoring Touchdowns
In this segment, Black Sun speaks about hip-hop upgrade, his hometown of New Kensington, the soon to be released All-Madden '11 Mixtape, family, and work ethic.



Black Sun performs live at:
GSMG x Stilltown present IMPACT Music Series
Shadow Lounge, Aug. 27, 2010
"When We Do Our Thing"


"Baby Powder"


"Hannibal Lecture," from the soon to be released All-Madden '11 Mixtape


Freestyle with DJ Melun (of Blowup School)



Black Sun's All-Madden '11 mix album COMING SOON!
Follow Black Sun on Twitter

Last but certainly not least, here's the first single:
"Still Shining"


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The Sole Vibe - One To Grow On (2010)

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1) AV – Self Centered (Prod. by Keelay & Zaire)
2) Mario Dones – Ring To It (Prod. by Keelay & Zaire)
3) AV & Slo-Mo – Work (Prod. by Keelay & Zaire)
4) Mario Dones ft. Kam Moye – What More Could You Want (Prod. by Keelay & Zaire)
5) The Ave – Bob Knight (Produced by P. Fish)
6) Mario Dones – Pastries (Prod. by Nice Rec)

7) AV - Been Around The World (Prod. by J. Fish)
8) AV – The Quiet (Prod. by Nice Rec)

9) The Sole Vibe Interlude (Prod. by Veterano)
10) The Ave ft. Slo-Mo – Miss Jane (Prod. by Lazy J)
11) Mario Dones – Slow Motion (Prod. Keelay & Zaire)
12) AV – Reflections (Prod. by DJ Whooligan)
13) The Ave – Last Day of Summer (Prod. by J. Fish)
14) Mario Dones - Episode Call Life Revisited (Prod. by P. Fish)
15) AV – You (Prod. by Keelay and Zaire)

DOWNLOAD

Preview and Buy on Bandcamp

Follow The Sole Vibe on Twitter

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Shade Cobain - Anti-Love Theory [Appetizer] (2010)

ThemFightingWords presents Shade Cobain's Anti-Love Theory

THEM FIGHTING WORDS Presents Anti-Love Theory Appetizer by Shade Cobain

Anti-Love Theory album drops 10.10.10

Stay Tuned!

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Black Sun - Shut Up & Listen! (2003-05)

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Vol. I
01-Guess Who's Back
02-America (Wake Up
03-Clones
04-Who Shot Ya
05-The MC (Mass Appeal)
06-Nuff Said

07-Do U Smoke (Cross the Border)
08-Non-Stop (Freestyle)
09-Reality
10-I Declare War
11-Big Ass On the Floor
12-Fallin'
13-Two Nickels


DONWLOAD

Vol. II
01-The Jumpoff
02-2004

03-Radioactive
04-Everybody's On Drugs
05-Backpack Anthem
06-Gettin' @ Sunny
07-For the Children
08-Interview 1
09-I'll Be Around
10-Sex, Drugs, & Hip-Hop
11-Disneyland

12-Kill Bill
13-Breathe In
14-That Ain't Right
15-Interview 2 - Keep Doin' It
16-You Don't Know Me Either
17-Walking Thru the Hood
18-Selfishness
19-Doves
20-Sayonara

DOWNLOAD

Full of quotables:

"On some solo shit, never been seen/
like George Clooney on the cover of Ebony Magazine/
Or, Shanaynay in the KKK/
packin' AK's, stickin' up Free and AJ"

"Fuck rhymin' bout diamonds and gems/
Yo, I'd have a pair of 12-inch Timbs than 20-inch rims"

"Sick in the brain, dawg never been in my right mind/
Word to Jesus rob Regis for his lifelines"

And those are all from one track, "2004."

Follow Black Sun on Twitter

All-Madden Mixtape '11 coming soon!
Stay tuned to the Stilltown blog for the world premiere

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GeeMan aka Grand Ear Remixes

Erykah Badu - Window Seat (Grand Ear Remix)
WINDOW SEAT GRAND EAR RMX by Grand Ear aka GeeMan

The Roots - Don't See Us (Grand Ear Remix)
The ROOTS Don't See Us-Grand Ear Remix by Grand Ear aka GeeMan

Nas - Mastermind (Grand Ear Remix)
Nas Mastermind Grand Ear Remix by Grand Ear aka GeeMan

You can hear more from the Grand Ear on Bandcamp

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Jasiri X Interview / Concrete Elete - Basic Instructions (1998)

Concrete Elete consisted of Furious Styles, God Gifted, OMG, Chilly Ism, and Evil Man, with El aka Asiatic the Natural on production, a six man wrecking crew that did damage on the Pittsburgh and Philly hip-hop scene during the mid-90’s. Members brought their own artistic vision to the knocking instrumentals. In 1998, that vision was expressed through the crew's debut album, Basic Instructions: Listen... and Repeat.

Basic Instructions was 19 tracks deep, showcasing each MC's unique approach. El's versatile production served as a comfortable home to the rebellious lyrics of Furious Styles, the street savvy rhymes of God Gifted, and the clever wordplay of OMG.

Here to build on the crew’s history is Furious Styles aka Jasiri X.

RW: Peace Jasiri. Describe the foundation upon which Concrete Elete was assembled. How’d you meet and join forces?

JX: We met because I used to buy weed from Chub aka Evil Man. One day he was out of town so he hooked me up with Chill and OMG. We started talking about hip-hop, and that same day we were in me and Asiatic's studio, and the rest is history.

RW: You collectively finished the Basic Instructions album in 1998. How was it released?

JX: We actually put the album out ourselves, but we didn't have all the technological means like we do now, so not a lot of people heard it, but it gave us a buzz in Pittsburgh. Everybody called it the Red CD.

RW: Following the release of Basic Instructions, what ultimately led to the disbanding of the crew?

JX: We actually recorded an entire album after Basic Instructions, but we couldn't agree on the direction. I felt like we should remain underground and other members felt we should make crossover records so we just went our separate ways.

RW: How did the Concrete Elete experience provide groundwork for Jasiri X, the solo MC?

JX: It caused people to know and respect me in the Pittsburgh Hip-Hop scene, so I could still get shows and support as a solo MC. Plus we performed a lot, so it enabled me to learn how to rock a crowd, which is a lost art today.

RW: How do you believe fans can embrace this long lost Concrete Elete album?

JX: To me it still stands up to the test of time, good beats and good lyrics. I'd put us up against a whole lot of groups out today that aren't half as talented. Also want to send a special shout out to two original Concrete Elete members not on the album, The General and the Black Chinaman.

Tracklist:
01. Intro
02. Dat First Shit
03. We Got U
04. Raw Dilly
05. Where U At
06. Interlude
07. Physical Anger
08. Khalifahs
09. I Don't Know
10. Takin Over

11. Fugitive

12. Concrete Veteran
13. Shinin
14. Patent Leather
15. Droppin Styles
16. Johanisburg

17. Survive
18. Concrete
19. Outro

DOWNLOAD

Stay updated with Jasiri X on Twitter


New video - "Real Gangstas"


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Living Proofe - Grown Man Travelin' (2010)

Brand new mixtape from Living Proofe

DOWNLOAD

Link with LP on Twitter, Facebook, and ReverbNation

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GSMG x Stilltown presents IMPACT: Back to School Edition

Gene Stovall Music Group and Stilltown presents the HOTTEST Back to School Event!!
**IMPACT Music Series: BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION**

First 25 people through the door get a FREE exclusive limited edition hard copy of the new Stilltown mixtape compilation, Stilltown Vol. 4, featuring more than 20 of the Steel City's best hip-hop acts!

...#HiPHoP Real MC's

HOSTED by: **Kid A + DJ Melun**

FEATURING ------->*VARSITY SQUAD*
Also performing:
*Black Sun*
*The Sole Vibe*
*Ayatollah Jaxx*
*Reverrb*
*Melodiq*
*Blowup School*

Doors Open @ 9pm/ 18+

$5 w/ College ID or RSVP in FACEBOOK event page
$8 at the Door

****SPONSORED**** and Giveaways by: SOUL II SOLE: Sneaker Boutique
(Pittsburgh King & Piffsburgh T-Shirts)
also sponsored by: RepPghHipHop + Rhyme Cal + Classic 1824


+Varsity Squad+
This newly formed supercrew will follow-up their debut performance at the Method Man/Redman show with an epic set at IMPACT: Back to School Edition. Jon Quest, Beedie, and Shade Cobain have already generated a national buzz as solo artists. One of the hypest hip-hop groups out, do youself a favor by getting familiar with this crew now.


^The Sole Vibe^
Mario Dones and AV hold down the mics for the Sole Vibe collective. Their music will have you busting out your neckbrace and waving your hands uncReontrollably. Their new album, One to Grow On, will be released late this month.

~Ayatollah Jaxx~
Aiyo, real rap? This dude can out-rap both your favorite rapper and your favorite rapper's favorite rapper, at the same time. Not only that, he's one hell-of-an-entertainer as well. When Jaxx is one stage, it will be all eyes on he.

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Stilltown x TROY presents 4-1-2 Throwbacks (1992-2004)

The process of digging up and sharing more than two decades worth of Pittsburgh hip-hop material is fun, but also quite time consuming. In the process of finding these treasures, I'm doing a lot of fact-checking and researching of the story behind each artist and release.

There is plenty of dope Pittsburgh music that will soon invade the blogosphere. With the explosion of Wiz Khalifa on the mainstream music scene, Mac Miller on the brink, Jasiri X carrying conscious hip-hop on his back, Shade Cobain creating the future sound of the genre, and other local acts like Ayatollah Jaxx, Kid A, and Varsity Squad on the come-up, there is no better time than now to introduce the many hip-hop artists that have worn the city's name on their chest in years and decades passed. Here is a compilation of some music that will soon be released in-full on the Philaflava and Stilltown blogs.

01 - Crush Money - Full Tilt (Prod. by DJ Rampage) (1998)
02 - Afro Cinema - 3 1/2 Minutes of Fame (Prod. by Shamir Shine) (1997)

03 - Blowup School presents Versemaster Sef feat. Cool Ass Doug - Famous (Prod. by DJ Melun) (1998)
04 - Pensoulzinakup [Akil Esoon, Emmai Alaquiva, Oyo] - Scat (feat. Da Selecta & B-Tree) (Prod. by Pensoulz) (1993)
05 - Rook & Bishop - Relatin to Transparent (1998)
06 - Mel-Man - The Mel-Funktion (Prod. by Mel-Man) (1991)
07 - Choked Out - The Roots of All Evil (1997)
08 - DJ Demonic - Last Nite (Prod. by DJ Demonic) (1995)
09 - Concrete Elete - Takin Over (Prod. by El the Asiatic) (1997)
10 - 4 Horsemen [Crush Money, Black Sun, I-Shine, Scandal] - Inner City Life (1998)

11 - Strict Flow - Dirt (Prod. by Strict Flow) (1997)

12 - Bravo - Slip (1997)
13 - L.A.B.R.A.T.S. - The Haunting (2002)
14 - Nabri Savior feat. Sha-King - Nabri's Theme (Prod. by DJ Huggy) (2000)
15 - Elevated Mindz [2tymez, Random Sample, Drama J] - Trilogy (2002)
16 - EnSilence - Sick (2004)
17 - Hi-Low Productions - Hi-Speed Chase (Prod. by DJ Lord Khaos) (1997)

18 - Deadly Scribes [Dos Noun, Mic Language, Ambush, Snuff, DJ Yamez] - Identity Crisis (Prod. by Snuff) (2000)
19 - Reverrb feat CT Money [RIP] - How I Feel (2004)
20 - Deezil Money feat. Misty & Shauna Ranks - Soldier of Fortune (Prod. by G. Norris) (1997)

DOWNLOAD



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Sha-King - No Fly List (2010)

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It's finally here! The long awaited and latest project from Sha, the "No Fly List" Mixtape. Featuring production from Akim Mathematics (NC), London English (UK), TRIBE LLC/ChinChilla Muzik (GA) & Dj Trama (NC)... download it for FREE to your IPOD, play it in the whip, burn it for a friend, whatever. Just turn it up loud & enjoy!

DOWNLOAD

Network with Sha on Facebook and Twitter

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Method Man & Redman live August 17 at Altar Bar

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Method Man & Redman live in Pittsburgh!
Tuesday, August 17
The Altar Bar in the Strip District
1620 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

I HAVE TICKETS FOR SALE
Only $35 in advance, $40 at the door
Hit me up at stilltownmgmt@gmail.com or 412-956-3361
Save money and support Stilltown by buying tickets early:

Featured Stilltown affiliated opening acts include Gene Stovall, Smilo/SMI, Kid A, DJ Vex, and the premier performance of the new group Varsity Squad (Jon Quest, Beedie, & Shade Cobain)

Also opening for Meth N Red will be Formula 412 & Myztery N Sneek

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Kid A - The Devil's Advocate Vol. 1 & 2 (2005-07)

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These mixtape compilations were released by Kid A, formerly recognized as EMS, in the later half of the decade. Since his early teens, when he began stepping into ciphers with some of the city's most respected MC's, Kid A has been impressing his peers. The Devil's Advocate mixtapes show the skills and potential of this young artist. Here for the long-haul, with fate in-hand, this MC's experience and hunger are two factors that support Kid A becoming the next Pittsburgh hip-hop artist to flood the global hip-hop market.

The Devil's Advocate Vol. 1 (2005-08)


"The Devil's Advocate"

"It's the... (The Anthem)"


DOWNLOAD

The Devil's Advocate Vol. 2 (2006-07)


"City of Gold"

"It's Me"

"First Off"


DOWNLOAD

Kid A on Facebook, SoundCloud, and Twitter

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Scorchin' Hot Entertainment - Pittsburgh's Finest (2001)

According to the back cover, producers are Tobias and Playboy Bailey, however, half of the album is over industry beats. The MC's that I can name are Bad News, Chick Kain, Feat, Goldie, Leah, Nicky Bricks, P6, Savage Blair, Slum Nino, Tamika, and Woozy.

DOWNLOAD

CD1
01-Intro
02-Bad News

03-1 Fifth Tea
04-Slum Nino
05-Last Breed (Acapella)
06-Drip For Drop
07-Projezek Stress

08-1700 Hundred St.
09-That Young Hoe
10-I'll Be Your Everything
11-Interlude
12-Watch the Lye
13-No Hook
14-Hill All-Stars
15-C.D.Y.T.
16-Hill-Homewood Connection
17-How Real Is That
18-Like This Shit

CD2
01-Interlude
02-You Ain't Gotta Look For Drama

03-Bitches Wanna Look Ride Now
04-Load Up and Blow 8
05-I'm Hot Who Beg To Differ
06-We Business Men
07-Goldies Back Again
08-We Just Too Much
09-Blackout

10-I Want to Walk Away
11-Plays of the Week
12-Leave It to the Streets and the Dark
13-Go All Out Like It's Your Last Night
14-Hate Me Now
15-I'm a Mursalis
16-Freestyle Off the Top of the Head
17-Street Tales
18-Outro

The crew released a second album, Street Politics, in 2002. If anyone has it and can hook it up, it'd be appreciated.

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