RH First Look: Miguel
Miguel presented some troublesome issues to industry exec and A&R's. His bi-racial background (Mexican and Black), singing voice, and subject matter didn't quite fit the mold of "R&B superstar", so Miguel was told to stick to writing for other artists, rather than seeking the spotlight for himself. It was get in how you fit in for Miguel, who didn't let definitions deter him from his dream of making music.
"It was hard for them to place, they didn’t know what to do with that," he told me via phone. "But fortunately, times have changed and with the advent of the Internet, our spectrum of music and the palette of music that we’re familiar with and able to pull from is a lot broader. That’s what has changed. Also as a person I’ve grown more aware of myself and comfortable in my own skin, so that definitely helps. I’m sure they can feel it more now."
Miguel's music has been felt from a growing fanbase, as well as a collective of emerging Hip Hop artists ranging from his high school friend, Blu to NYC's Emilio Rojas. We caught up with Miguel to put him under the First Look Microscope. Here he talks about his entrance to writing as a way to deal with his parents divorce, the buzz term that is genre-defying, and what it means to be level-headed. Check it out below.
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Snoop Dogg: "That Tree" featuring Kid Cudi
Snoop Dogg and Kid Cudi team up for this jam about traveling essentials. This song is pretty much like one of those, 'if you were stuck on an island and could only bring 3 things" type of joint, and I love it. The song will officially appear on the upcoming re-release of Snoop's last album, Malice N' Wonderland.
Complex officially debut this track, which you can download here.
Neak: "Make It" Video
Here is Neak's NYC-filmed video for "Make It". Crisp, clean, and right after the jump.
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RH Events: Dimes and Dozens Presents BBU's Mixtape Release Party
Dimes and Dozens returns this Saturday with the official release party for BBU's new mixtape, Fear of A Clear Channel Planet. The mixtape will be released on March 1st, and features 13 BBU joints, hosting duties from Million $ Mano, and is mixed by DJ RTC. See the full flyer and lineup below.
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Twone Gabz: Hip Hop Vs. Gucci Mixtape
Twone Gabz gets an "A" from Moe Dee for sticking to themes on this one:
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Mic Terror: "Send It Up" Video
Davy Greenberg is back in the director's chair after releasing "Momentum", the video he directed for GLC, Greenberg now sends over his take on Mic Terror's "Send It Up". I was able to preview this one a few weeks back, actually when Davy was in the office with GLC... "Send It Up" is one of my favorite Mic Terror joints, especially the first four bars. Below you will find the full video, which follows a kid who gets bullied and teased only to take revenge on his antagonists. Well done all around....
In other Mic Terror news, he is putting the finishing touches on his new mixtape, Can I Borrow A Feeling, which will be out in the next few weeks and is being mixed by RubyHornet's DJ RTC.
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Miike Snow: "Siliva" (Hook N Sling & Goodwill Remix)
Miike Snow has got to be one of the best bands to remix. Their songs naturally lend themselves to reworks, with the open spaces and lush material. Here's another one to add to the mix, and no, it's not another version of "Animal", not that there's anything wrong with that. Here we have a new Hook N Sling & Goodwill remix of "Silvia". Download it here via RCRDLBL.