RH First Look: Bullet
More love over there, than over here is a popular phrase for underground Hip Hop artists. From Wordsworth to Little Brother, Dilated Peoples to Pugs Atomz, many emcees spit bars about feeling neglected in their hometowns, and Chicago grew quite a rep for sending artists elsewhere to achieve some sort of validation before gaining the Windy City's love. It's perplexing and frustrating for some, daunting for others, and disappointing for most. But, not so much Bullet, a Chicago emcee that reps hard...for Jupiter that is. Bullet explains,
"I personally got tired of trying to be a part of something that was so cliquish. I got tired of reaching out to certain people, so I did it on my own and was like, 'you know what? You can have Chicago. My mind is somewhere else.' Hence the reason I rep Jupiter."
But Bullet's not all Rodney Dangerfield. While he battles for more attention in the city, he has built a solid foundation outside city limits and hopes to capitalize on them witha record deal. Bullet talks about his plans, speaks more on Chicago, and breaks down his outerspace ambitions vs. Lil' Wayne's. Check it out below.
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Finale: Only The Beginning
Detroit artist Finale knows a little about being a new comer to a large audience. A while back he received his rap name after being unexpectedly pulled up to the stage at Detroit's legendary rap battle club, St. Andrews. After ripping several other ciphers, the artist that dragged him up on the stage said, "this is the Finale." The words struck Finale...hard. The upstart had an epiphany, which he relayed to us when we spoke with him shortly after the release of his debut LP, A Pipe Dream And A Promise. "Yo that's going to be my name," the emcee decided right there and then. With his debut album, Finale is definitely is introducing himself to a new audience, with something reminiscent of Hip Hop's older days: a rhyming pattern and delivery that is drawing comparisons to the great Rakim.
RH's Ashydakid caught up with Detroit's Finale for an extensive interview giving you a deep look at this up and coming artist out of the Motor City. Finale speaks on the conscious and unconscious impact of the Motor City, shares J Dilla stores, and more. Check out the full interview below.
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QuEST: "I Will"
QuEST goes in over Kanye's "Say You Will", and does an excellent job. I wanted to get this up yesterday, but have to give myself the late pass. I'll make up for it though come June 28th, when QuEST releases his new mixtape, Only One Month Left, which will be hosted by (drumroll please) DJ RTC...So there you go...Get the new track below.
Fashawn: "The Outer City" (prod. By Exile)
"f**k snatching purses, I'm better at spitting verses, so this is dedicated to the blue collar worker."
Those used to the harder joints from Fashawn will be pleased as he adapts his urgent style to a more relaxed beat. "The Outer City" (prod. by Exile) is a day in the life type track, displaying Fashawn's ahead of his age lyrical ability. Not just punch lines, Fashawn tells a story on "The Outer City" that conveys sensibilities we may sometimes reserve for someone older. We highlighted Fashawn quite a bit ago in a First Look column, and I'm not surprised at all about the emcee's growth and production. His debut album is, Boy Meets World, is on the way and will not feature "The Outer City". You can download it here and also get it as the b-side to Fashawn's Itunes single, "Freedom"
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RH First Look: The Kid Daytona
The Kid Daytona can flat our rap. That was one of my first thoughts after hearing the Lanky BX native, who hit the scene with a remake of Tribe Called Quest material handled with care and knowledge as well as guidance from Hot 97's Cipha Sounds. There's something a bit more to The Kid, as witnessed in his second successful "concept" project, The Daytona 500, a seven song EP in which producers from Double O to 6th Sense reinterpret Bob James' "Nautilus". The record gets better, as Daytona adds to the songs by weaving stories about career take-off, as each song contributes to his ultimate flight. We caught up with The Kid to talk about his last EP, as well as the main course, Come Fly With Me, set to drop later this year. Daytona also talks about working with Cipha Sounds, and how the loss of his parents has impacted his music. Check it all out below as The Kid Daytona goes under the RH First Look Microscope.
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Keelay and Zaire: "Alright With Me" featuring Dminor and Phonte Video
From our homie Keelay:
Just wanted to shoot you all our new video that is out now and currently on rotation on MTVU featuring Dminor, Phonte and also Alycia Bellamy of MTV's Daddy's Girls. I know alot of of you posted the Vimby that we did on the behind the scenes of this video shoot, so thanks for that. Heres the official video. Shouts to Myx Music Label and Alycia Bellamy for helping us make this video happen. Directed by Jeremy Ian Thomas who directed our video "The Times".
Check the video out below, and check out our interview with Keelay and Zaire right here.
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RH TV: Backstage At The Attention Deficit Tour
This is just some of what went on backstage at Wale's Attention Deficit Tour in Chicago...Appearances by The Smash Bros., Naledge, Bighomie D.O.E, Right Hand, Vic Mensah, Wale, Nez & Rio, Chuck Inglish etc...Watch the tomfoolery below.
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The Clipse: "What Happened To That Boy" Live In NYC
Hands down my favorite Clipse song...Glad they're finally taking ownership. Check out the video below.
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