After a short 2-week absence and a slight change in location, I’m back and ready to hit you with one of the hottest Re-Ups ever. Now reporting from Bloomington, Indiana as your new Indiana University Rep, I thought it might be a good idea to kick off this Re-Up revival with a little local news. When thinking of Indiana, I’m sure urban street wear isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, it’s probably not even in the top ten. Yet for Matt Fields, when looking out among the endless cornfields and countless churches, he did think of urban street wear and thus, Dope Couture was born. Read on to see why Dope Couture may just be redefining style in the Heartland straight from the man himself (here). Back to business in the big city, the buzz all last week centered on the first Chicago appearance of Canadian trio, Keys N’ Krates. The URB Next 100 band made up of JR Flo on the turntables, Matisse on the keys, and Tone on the drums, set Lumen off during their performance a week ago. Click here for the pics to see what the party was like, video coming soon. Also be sure to check out our 7 Minutes W/ Keys N’ Krates video interview here for the total experience.
On the flipside, we still rock those fresh new interviews…
RH First Look: Dave Coresh
If you don’t have confidence in your work, why would you put it out in the first place?” says, Dave Coresh on the consistent amount of scrutiny he receives from the “anonymous haters” on Fake Shore Drive. Despite the negative comments, constructive criticism, and even praise, he continues to keep submitting music to FSD and other outlets, hoping to magnify his voice. Can Dave’s decision to keep his head up say something about his character and drive? Maybe…Read it here.
RH First Look: Big Homie D.O.E.
His catchy hooks and lyrics to go along with them make DOE stand out amongst the pack, and his recent move to our homie Naledge’s Brainiac Society has only served to increase his visibility, improve his work ethic, and place him in the right situation where opportunity meets preparation. Many people wondered how the somewhat intellectual approach of Naledge would work with the “in your face” personality of The Big Homie D.O.E., but as he said, it’s not as much of a stretch as some may think. Find out why here.
Izza Kizza: Get In Where You Fit It
The new cool, as far as music is concerned, has dictated that there’s no single key to success. In addition, the minor leagues, or chitlin circuit, are getting bypassed faster than you can say rising star. Georgia’s own Izza Kizza is a clear example of all of the above this. From his debut tape Kizzaland to his most recent project The Wizard Of Iz, Kizza has proven that his music can be off the beaten path of Hip Hop and still be successful. With his debut album on the road to release, RubyHornet conversed with Izza Kizza to get a feel for his musical inception so far, his breaking from Timbaland, and his place among the rest of the success hungry rookie emcees in the game. Read more here.
RH TV: Infinite Bars Freestyle In The Park
We’ve featured many rappers in our Freestyle In The Park series, from Alchemist to Keith Murray, Dilated Peoples to Mikkey Halsted, but none like Infinite Bars. Chicago’s best kept secret, most feared emcee, and the world record holder for the largest collection of sunglasses and beer glasses, Infinite Bars makes an extremely rare appearance in this week’s Freestyle In The Park. Effectively retired from rap since June 14, 1993, Bars announced his return, dropped this freestyle, then effectively retired yet again. See his first and last appearance here.
RH TV: Truck North, Big Pooh, Mikkey Halsted Freestyle In the Park
You read it right, we got these three mean emcees together for a “Closed Session” session, and afterwards took it outside for a Freestyle In The Park. Truck North and Big Pooh set it off, before our hometown cat, Mikkey Halsted takes things to a whole other level. I think you’ll notice his face snarl up about half through…just watch and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Fierce! – http://bit.ly/Ea3el
New artists, latest tracks, and more…
*RH Inside Track: A.J. Crew x Rhymefest
*Donnis: “Over Do It” (prod. By Focis)
*Amir Sulaiman: “When I Die [rebuild]” featuring Mos Def
*Nike Air Max LeBron VII: Chicago Colorway
*Mr. TasTees Visual Mixtape
*Dirty Digital: “Goodt Day” featuring Lady Tiagra and Wes Restless
Before you head out for the weekend, take a look at some of our upcoming events…
*RH Events: Tanya Morgan Live In Chicago
*RH Events: Dimes & Dozens Featuring Amanda Diva
*RH Events: Sneaker Pimps w/The Clipse
…and that’s only just a taste of what we’re rocking this week at RH. Get your daily dose of the hottest music, photos, fashion, and more at rubyhornet.com.
Check ya later,
Sarita Applebaum