For some people art imitates life. For some people life imitates art…. For others art is life. There’s no reason to fake it.
Kurt Nice
Kurt Nice aka Kurtiss Jackson is a behind the scenes pioneer in the Hip Hop Kulture, creating the first nationally distributed video mix tape series, Shades of Hip Hop, in the late 1990s. Since touring the country with the Stop the Violence Movement and the Temple of Hip Hop as KRS-ONE’s National Marketing Director, Kurt Nice has been a constant commentator on conscious Hip Hop and its relevance to the new rap music of today, through radio and cable appearances. contact Kurt at info@hiphoplives.net
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Kurt Nice aka Kurtiss Jackson is a behind the scenes pioneer in the Hip Hop Kulture, creating the first nationally distributed video mix tape series, Shades of Hip Hop, in the late 1990s. Since touring the country with the Stop the Violence Movement and the Temple of Hip Hop as KRS-ONE's National Marketing Director, Kurt Nice has been a constant commentator on conscious Hip Hop and its relevance to the new rap music of today, through radio and cable appearances. contact Kurt at info@hiphoplives.net
Crossroads, released 6/15/13, is the second project released in a short time by LA hip hop artist NMERCER. Although she has previously sang in cover bands, NMERCER found a great inspiration to become a hip hop artist when introduced to hip hop instrumentals. This EP is a well combined mix of hip hip style verses, beautifully sung melodies on hooks, and varying, nontraditional instrumentals. Some of these instrumentals include dance and pop music elements, which helps to keep the beat interesting. A big aspect on this EP that I particularly enjoyed was that NMERCER isn’t afraid to take risks; she implements many original or uncommon approaches to creating hip hop, and it definitely pays off for her. As for the general tone on Crossroads, NMERCER writes and performs in an energetic, up-beat, and lively fashion. A sound like this holds great appeal to a broad audience. Rather you’re in search of in-depth lyrics that relate to typical life, or something fun to listen to, you will find something you like with Crossroads. There are many unique qualities in NMERCER’s style of music that she herself best explains the origin of: “[But] when I started making my own body of work…I found my voice. I feel so damn proud I withstood the test of time.” Reading this quote after listening to her music spoke volume to me because of the determination and soul that it makes apparent. Crossroads offers something innovative, check it out.
What hip-hop albums do you consider essential material? See if your list matches mine. Here are the 10 essential hip-hop albums I think every fan should own.
I would say there are too many to name. Instead there are some essential artists you must hear tracks from. Like Jeru da Damaja, Brand Nubians, Beastie Boys, Kool G Rap, De La Soul, MF Doom, The Last Emperor, Pharoah Monch, Sean Price, Immortal Technique, Homeboy Sandman, the Fat Boys, Cold Crush Brothers, Soul Sonic Force (w Afrika Bambaataa) Camp Lo, KRSONE, Big Daddy Kane, Redman, Wu-Tang Clan. Pretty much any album from these people will contain gems. Maybe not all the songs are hot to you, but there will definitely be one or two at least that move you.
Hip Hop 4 Life (Formerly Hip Hip 4 Health) is a 501 c(3) not-for-profit youth empowerment organization dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Health professionals, entertainers, celebrities and athletes are enlisted to educate young people on health issues through interactive workshops and empowerment seminars. Hip Hop 4 Life serves young people aged 10–18, with a special emphasis on at risk and low income youth.
Definitely like to hear more about it. Thanks for the info. Post the link for the website.
Nana Wiafe Asante Mensah aka ASEM is one of the hottest young acts in Ghana’s evolving Hiplife industry. He basically came from nowhere to take Ghana by storm. His controversial track, ‘Give Me Blow’ became the most sought after and most transferred/ bluetoothed song among Ghanaian youths when it was unofficially released. His style is enjoyed by urban youths mostly but his combination of Twi with English lyrics makes him appeal to rural Ghana as well. He is touted as one of the artists to lead the evolution of Hiplife into what has come to be known as GH Rap. This is a fair mix of crunk and other emerging forms of American hiphop with traditional Hiplife.
Thank you for the post. Check out the artist info for how to submit music.
http://hiphoplives.net/artists/