Michael Kolar: 3 Years Tap, 4 Years Modern
Some of you may know Michael Kolar, many of you probably don't. He is the man behind SoundScape Studios, the recording home of many of Chicago's top Hip Hop artists. He's got crazy stories involving ostriches and pimps, crucibles and the hottest rapper in Bulgaria. Beyond recording GLC, Naledge, Mikkey Halsted, and RTC, he is also working on a little project of his own, something unlike anything we've seen before. It is a project that has so floored us, we felt it was time to share it with the world in an exclusive preview. What is this project you ask? Well, Mr. Kolar has enlisted a big band, and backup singers, will be donning his best suit and fedora and remaking classic Hip Hop tracks in the style and signature of Frank Sinatra. In this clip he breaks down the project and offers a preview as he debuts cuts such as "Hits From The Bong," "Announcement", and "Shake Your Ass"...See it below.
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Naledge: "I'm In Chicago Bitch"
I'm in Chicago Bitch! Been in the studio.....hope you guys like this...more coming!
B-Real: More Than High Hopes
"I’ve done the platinum records, I’ve done the gold records, it would be great for it to achieve that. Am I expecting that? No," B-Real says about his expectations for his solo album, Smoke N' Mirrors, coming soon on Duck Down Records. It's hard to believe that after nearly 20 years as a Hip Hop artist, it is only now that B-Real is readying a solo record. While some may have expected B-Real to lean on DJ Muggs, the producer who ushered in a new sound along with B's nasally voice, B-Real purposefully decided to do the full LP sans any beats from one of Hip Hop's best producers.
"I needed to set the tone of my solo record and put it on my back. With that I had to stay away from any sound that would have been compared to Cypress Hill at all," B-Real said. "I had to take the challenge and do it without him. His tracks are hot. He’s one of the greatest producers in Hip Hop, and one of the most underrated at that, but I had to take the challenge by producing some of the stuff myself, by going to other producers who would give me a sound that’s not at all in anyway like the Cypress Hill sound."
Cypress Hill's sound is one that not only stood out for it's uniqueness, but also it's ability to reach a wide audience. The labels that came with it, and claims that Cypress Hill sold out are all topics of discussion in this exclusive interview with B-Real. Read on as he also speaks on the hidden keys to his success, and the nasally voiced super group that never was.
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RH Photos: Valentine's Night At Tonic Room
Love was definitely in the air at Tonic Room on Saturday. DJs Izzo, VIPJ, and RTC all turned in dope sets, accented by performances from Naledge and Mic Terror. Definitely a few babies were made that night...Check out Benny Roc's pics and see for yourself.
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RTC: Treasurechest's Blog #4
I want begin by saying...shut the f**k up...let me begin my saying...please stop tagging me in facebook pictures and videos that I'm not in. This is annoying as hell, and I don't really think it helps your cause. Not to belittle myself, but you're got going to get too many extra clicks on your computer camera made freestyle, or party pictures because I'm tagged in them...Now with that out of the way, let's start blog #4.
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Sole Junkie: Accidental Genius
The path to greatness is different for every artist. Influence, inspiration, and circumstance play a heavy role in one's passion for and pursuit of the creative arts. Steve Cedre Jr. aka Sole Junkie is no exception, and has perhaps one of the more freakish stories behind his entry into the world of sneaker customization. The story goes that SOLE got into customizing kicks after a freak accident where his son landed on his head, causing him to go to the emergency room with two bulging discs in his neck. Having to stay at home to recuperate from the accident, one of Sole's brothers made him aware of a new art style of sneaker customization coming out of Harlem. So Sole took his brush to his kicks and Sole Junkie the custom sneaker aficionado was born. While the accident itself doesn't play a big role in his current and future designs, it does stay on his mind as a reminder,
"that life is a trip! It can steer you wrong or it can set you on a course you never dreamed of before. It will start it for you, but your hard work will continue it. It is also a reminder of not taking anything for granted or having too big of an ego. You can get it all taken away in a blink of an eye! I try to stay humble...I'm not perfect at it...but it's a work in progress."
Sole has reason not to be too humble. As some years, and many dope sneakers later, Sole is recognized as a top member of the sneaker community and has recently released his first book showcasing his art. The book is in stores now, and we caught up with Sole to talk about his art, both on sneakers and canvas, the importance or lack thereof of formal art education, Obama's streetwear presence, and much more.
Fever Ray: "When I Grow Up"
The second video off Fever Ray's Self Titled LP set to be released on March 24th through Mute Records. Fever Ray is the solo project from the sister of the Scandinavian sibling duo, The Knife.
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