By |

The latest “Rapture & Verse” monthly column written by the UK’s Matt Oliver has just been published in Monolith Cocktail.

The column is a regular bite sized but informative summary of news, events, videos, single, EP, mixtape and album releases in the world of hip hop keeping you up to date with the key movers on both sides of the Atlantic.

This month’s article includes Apollo Brown, The Doppelgangaz, Royce da 5’9″, DJ Shadow, David Begun, Public Enemy, LMNO, Big Punisher, Confucius MC, Verb T, Main Source and many more.

Also mentioned in honourable despatches is the new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” by eastcoast rapper / producer duo Tone Chop and Frost Gamble. Releasing on September 29th it includes featured artists Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, online battle rap sensation DNA, Canadian upcomer White Rhino and Tragedy Khadafi with whom Frost is currently recording a new album.

READ THE FULL COLUMN HERE

“Respect Is Earned Not Given” will release in digital and CD formats through 22 Entertainment and is available to pre-order on iTunes and Bandcamp

The first single released last month was “Walk the Walk” featuring Kool G Rap, currently receiving airtime on stations including Sirius XM and Rapstation. It is streaming on Spotify and Soundcloud

All international press, media and radio station DJ enquiries regarding Tone Chop, Frost Gamble and their new album can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact information is available HERE

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

ATM-Shout4Music

Multi-genre online UK magazine Shout4Music caught a few minutes with Long Beach hip hop group Horseshoe Gang last week just after the release of their new album “Anti-Trap Music”.

The interview focuses on the new album, the subject matter covered including the motivation behind its title, and the recording process. They also discuss how they feel they’ve evolved from their earlier releases and how they operate now in comparison to when just starting out, their passtimes outwith music and also the current political situation in the United States.

READ WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY IN THE FULL FEATURE HERE

CHECK OUT THE FULL “ANTI-TRAP MUSIC” ALBUM STREAM

Available to buy in digital format from iTunes HERE and in CD format from Amazon HERE

The group are set to release a new single next week, are still conducting interviews with international media and are also in the early stages of setting up tour dates and recording a new album which they hope to drop later this year. Keep up to date with all of Horseshoe Gang’s news on social media via TWITTER and FACEBOOK

All media, press, radio & tv station enquiries regarding Horseshoe Gang can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

ATM-WKNDTV

A few weeks back, Horseshoe Gang met up with US online tv channel WKNDTV at their local Long Beach studios – the station has bases coast to coast.

In this filmed interview, Demetrius, Dice, Kenny and Julius discuss their new album “Anti-Trap Music” and the influence and guidance provided by their elder brother Crooked I (aka KXNG Crooked), they speak on their well documented rap battle with Hopsin’s Funk Volume last year, give their thoughts on collaborating with other artists and talk about meeting with Death Row’s Suge Knight.

Watch the video of the interview on Youtube

Earlier this week, the group were guests on J Hart’s Big Bang Show on London’s Itch FM radio. The audio stream has just been uploaded to Mixcloud.

LISTEN BACK

“Anti-Trap Music” is Top 50 in the iTunes album charts in 15 different countries, and can be bought HERE CD versions are available to buy from Amazon HERE

The group are still conducting interviews with international media as they prepare to release a new single next week. Keep up to date with Horseshoe Gang and their latest news on TWITTER and FACEBOOK

All media, press, radio & tv station enquiries regarding Horseshoe Gang, including requests to interview the group, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

UrbanElite PR
wwww.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

ATM-SwurvRadio

Long Beach hip hop crew Horseshoe Gang, the younger brothers of Slaughterhouse member KXNG Crooked, release their fourth official studio album “Anti-Trap Music” later this week, on Friday April 29th.

The album includes production by COB affiliates Jonathan Elkaer, DJ E.D.D.E.H., Tabu and Grammy Award winners Pitchshifters together with a feature and further production by their elder brother. The west coast lyricists touch upon a wide range of subject matter including poverty & aspirations, police brutality & “Black Lives Matter”, the loss of those closest and also address the current state of hip hop today

The latest review to be published is written by Wayne Allen for the US online Swurv Radio, and includes the line “‘Anti-Trap Music’ is an exceptional album that conjures up memories that are one part Little Brother and one part Gangstarr.” and can be read in full HERE

HSG_IMG_6673a

The album will be available to buy from iTunes HERE with CD formats available direct from the label Seven 13 Music & Entertainment HERE Royce da 5’9″ “Layers” is also available from that store.

ALBUM LISTENING PARTY MONDAY MAY 2ND

While still conducting further interviews with media around the world, Horseshoe Gang are also gearing up for their album listening party next Monday, May 2nd.

VENUE G/S Game Sports Bar, 5630 W Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90045.
FREE ENTRY
TIME 9pm PST – 2am PST.

The group will be performing live with their DJ Sauce the Boss, resident DJ Ynot will be on the decks and also performing will be special guest, appropriately enough, KXNG Crooked.

Not one to be missed !

Keep up to date with Horseshoe Gang on TWITTER and FACEBOOK and check out their single Shoe-icide Squad

All press, media and radio station dj enquiries regarding Horseshoe Gang can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, contact details are HERE

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

RighteousFury-Soundcrave

American online music publication Soundcrave Magazine cover album reviews, interviews, news and tour reviews and information.

They sat down recently with west coast MC Matt Maddox on the eve of the release of his new album Righteous Fury to discuss the follow up to his debut Asylum Artistry, his history of working with European artists and those of the caliber of Tragedy Khadafi, King Magnetic, The Snowgoons, C LAnce of Jedi Mind Tricks, Skammadix & Vanderslice on the current project, his tour with Reef the Lost Cauze and Adlib and his thoughts on “commercial rap” in relation to the traditional elements of hip hop.

Read the whole feature HERE

He also launched the official audio stream of the album today, premiered by The Rap Up. Check the tracklisting and the stream on Soundcloud :

1. No Country For Old Men produced by Engineer
2. Interlude produced by Sultan Mir
3. Sick & Tired cuts by TMB produced by Sultan Mir
4. BARbarians ft Godilla, UG & Born Unique produced by Hellzwind
5. Work ft Mina Fedora produced by Skammadix
6. El Mariachi produced by Nemesis
7. The Get Back ft King Magnetic produced by Skammadix
8. Comedy Pt 1 produced by Skammadix
9. Murder Weapons ft Swann Cuts by TMB produced by C Lance
10. Spider Man ft Adlib & Reef The Lost Cauze produced by Vanderslice
11. Mjolnir ft Burke the Jurke Cuts by TMB produced by C Lance
12. King Killer produced by Sicknature
13. Olympus Has Fallen Cuts by TMB produced by Hellzwind
14. Upon A Pale Horse ft Edd Bundy Cuts by TMB produced by Edd Bundy
15. Comedy Pt 2 produced by Skammadix
16. A Time To Kill Cuts by TMB produced by Hellzwind
17. Street Art ft Tragedy Khadafi Cuts by TMB produced by Skammadix
18. Reality’s a Bitch produced by Skammadix
19. Show Must Go On produced by Nemesis

Righteous Fury is available in digital and physical CD format from a wide selection of online stores around the world, including iTunes, Amazon, CD Universe, UGHH.com, Barnes & Noble, and many more. Just do a simple internet search and you’ll find your preferred store in the United States, Canada, UK, Europe, Japan and Australia.

Still on tour with Reef the Lost Cauze and Adlib, and about to hit Chicago and Wisconsin, keep in touch with Matt on twitter @MattMaddox82 and connect with the magazine at @SoundCraveMag

All international media inquiries regarding this release can be forwarded to UrbanElite PR HERE

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

MagnaCarta-HitTheFloorMag

Latest in what has been a long line of UK and international media coverage secured by UrbanElite PR for London’s Melanin 9 and his debut album “Magna Carta” which released on 3rd December 2012.

This time Sean Cloherty gives it his full seal of approval on behalf of British multi genre online magazine Hit The Floor.

“Don’t mistake M9 for another rapper who ignorantly spits about drugs and guns either, the talent he has with words is extremely impressive. He paints a picture in the mind’s eye; there is a lot of wordplay revolving around meaningful subjects” again follows in the same vein of many previous journalists’ analysis of what has been a landmark release for the artist, his first official album since releasing mixtapes 144,000, High Fidelity and the Orion’s Stencil EP.

Similarly, comparisons in lyrical approach to Nas, Mobb Deep, Wu Tang & Biggie have been a common theme in many of the reviews and interviews, and this one is no different, summarizing :

“Magna Carta is embedded with hyper-visual lyricism, dark soundscapes, gritty narratives, and hard beats, and really gives the impression that Melanin 9 is out to spread knowledge.”

Read the whole review at HIT THE FLOOR

Hear the whole album in snippet form

Available now on iTunes, and also in CD format by mail order via http://m9ether.bandcamp.com We understand that due to the large number of orders placed via his Bandcamp, there had been a slight backlog in shipping, however this has now been resolved and turnaround is expected to be only a few days.

Melanin 9 is currently working on some new material, including some international collaborations. He is also available for festival and show bookings, so any other press, media or booking enquiries can be sent to UrbanElite PR via the CONTACT page

You can of course keep up to date with him on twitter @Melanin_9 and the magazine @HitTheFloorMag

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

MagnaCarta-InSpirels

In-Spirels Magazine is a London based lifestyle online magazine covering music, fashion, hair & beauty and much more, with the focus being on those who inspire others and act as positive role models via their achievements.

Recently, the publication’s Taytula Burke interviewed Melanin 9 for their “1 2 Watch” feature.

They discuss his new album “Magna Carta”, what acts as his main motivations, his thoughts on hip hop generally and the journalist picks up on his approach to writing :

“If you haven’t guessed by now, Melanin 9 is not your average ‘money cash hoes’ type of spitter. His name alludes to the fact that he has a deeper way of thinking than your average guy on the corner……

Speaking of genius, I think there was a hint of that going on during the composition of Magna Carta. The LP has a throwback ‘diggin’ in the crates’ kind of vibe; so if you are bored of the monotonous computer generated sounds around, you’ll love the jazzy soulful tones and ‘real hip hop’ beats that M9 flows effortlessly over…..

If you are into British hip hop, this guy should definitely be on your playlist. Melanin 9 already has a solid international fanbase and I can only see Magna Carta helping the numbers to increase.”

Its a really well put together piece by the magazine, a good insight to the artist’s thoughts as well as analysis of the album itself. Read it in full HERE

The album is available on iTunes and the CD version can be bought directly by mail order via http://m9ether.bandcamp.com

Follow them on twitter @Melanin_9 and @InspireLS

Further media or booking enquiries for Melanin 9 can be sent to UrbanElite PR HERE

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

ECHOES MAGAZINE

MagnaCarta-Echoessml

INTERNATIONAL HIP HOP (FRANCE)

MagnaCarta-IHHfrontcover

MagnaCarta-IHHFranceblog

In their end of year edition, legendary UK magazine Echoes have included a review of Melanin 9’s new album “Magna Carta” which released on 3rd December 2012.

“Recreating the claustrophobic climate of pre-millenial angst, Magna Carta could have snuck out in the late 90’s. To his credit, Melanin 9 never sounds like he’s having to try too hard” opens Sunil Chauhan’s analysis in an issue which also includes new releases by Homeboy Sandman, Ruff Sqwad, Kingdom of Fear, Lazy Habits, Kendrick Lamar, Jungle Brothers and Kool G Rap

“Magna Carta does what it says on the tin, as it’s supposed to do” it concludes, and you can read the whole review in the publication which hit UK stores today. You can see more about the magazine online at www.echoesmagazine.co.uk

Meanwhile, French magazine International Hip Hop hits stores in France from Tuesday 18th December, and we have a sneak preview of the reviews section which as well as covering Melanin 9’s album with a 90% rating, also features releases by Mystro, K-Def, Lord Finesse, Pace Won & Mr Green, Snowgoons and Blaq Poet.

Written in the French language (obviously), the Paris based publication lives up to its name covering hip hop from all over the world, and is produced on a monthly basis. This month’s edition also includes interviews with Nas, Redman, Big K.R.I.T., Jean Grae and Kool Keith. You can find out more about them online at www.ihh.cc

Melanin 9 has built up a loyal fanbase in France and Europe for a number of years, so its no surprise he rates highly here, just as he’s done with a wide level of coverage in the UK’s media and now also making some headway in the States.

The album has been available to buy on iTunes since the 3rd December 2012, and CD versions can be bought by mail order from http://m9ether.bandcamp.com

All international media for this release handled by UrbanElite PR. Any further press enquiries or booking enquiries for Melanin 9 from event & club promoters can be sent HERE

Meanwhile connect with them all on twitter @Melanin_9 @IHHmagazine & @EchoesMag

UrbanElite Promotions
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

MagnaCarta-AudioCred

MagnaCarta-Sampleface

Two more international reviews for Melanin 9’s album “Magna Carta” which released today on iTunes. You can buy it HERE

AudioCred is a multi genre online magazine covering “Music with Insight”.

Most of their content would focus on all forms of “urban” music, but they also report on other styles such as blues, rock, dance and pop, with many internationally renowned artists having had their releases reviewed.

All the more impressive that Melanin 9’s debut album is afforded a 4.5 / 5 rating, and the analysis provided by Bryan Hahn is in depth, addressing the concept behind the name “Magna Carta”, the subject matter delivered in a style reminiscent of ATCQ, Mobb Deep, DOOM and Aesop Rock, and his contemporary take on the undoubted influences from the Golden Era of hip hop.

“M9’s style and word choice is impressive and captivating. He has definitely done his fair share of homework on history and various ideologies and then masterfully breaks them down with finesse. Take note America, we could learn a thing or two from the Brits” he concludes

Read the whole review HERE

Second up is a review by Blaise for the UK’s online Sampleface

The name of the blog taken by their own definition “a facial expression made when a piece of music is deemed worthy of sampling” inspired by DOOM !

Another informed 4 star review where some background information is provided about Melanin 9, and again comparisons in approach and delivery are made not for the first time with artists of the calibre of Nas, Lord Finesse, Wu Tang and Mobb Deep.

Blaise himself is a hip hop artist and can appreciate the wordplay, lyricism and subject matter displayed by Melanin 9, in his own words, “there is a wonderful balance of lyrical artistry on a canvas of exceptionally produced beats”

Read the entire review HERE

The scale of media coverage on this release so far, with more to come, isn’t just hype. This is an appreciation of a lyricist and hip hop artist drawing from the best of the Tru Skool Golden Era generation and giving it a different flava for 2012. Not only for himself, this can only be a promising sign of things to come for all similar international artists and fans of the genre.

Follow Melanin 9 on twitter @Melanin_9 and if you prefer the album in CD format, it can be “mail ordered” via http://m9ether.bandcamp.com You can also purchase the 12″ vinyl of his single “White Russian” featuring Roc Marciano from his Bandcamp. Meanwhile, you can connect with both magazines on twitter @AudioCred & @SampleFace

Any further press, radio or other media enquiries about this release can be sent HERE

UrbanElite Promotions
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

MagnaCartaCover1400

One of the biggest UK hip hop releases of 2012 is now available to buy from iTunes.

“Magna Carta” is London emcee Melanin 9’s official debut album and from today, 3rd December, people can purchase it online via the store HERE

Of course, if you prefer to buy the physical CD version of the album, they can be bought by mail order directly from http://m9ether.bandcamp.com

There has been huge trans-Atlantic and European media interest in the album, already named “Album of the Month” in Guestlist Network with further coverage in publications such as MOJO, Clash, Flavour, British Hip Hop, The Hip Hop Chronicle, K-Mag, Subba Cultcha and many more, with much more to come.

His freestyle for SBTV’s new SkooledBy Series was also featured by Stateside magazine The Source, he’s been interviewed live on DJ 279’s Choice FM show and Funhouse TV, and you can look forward to seeing further filmed performances and interviews in the weeks ahead. His single & video “White Russian” featuring Roc Marciano had a massive international response, and he’s currently working on the follow up

Any fans of the Golden Era of hip hop in the 90’s with a contemporary twist where the focus is on powerful lyricism and skilled wordplay will want to get their hands on this release. A truly 2012 tru skool classic.

You can follow him on twitter @Melanin_9

The full tracklist is :

1) Gene of Isis (prod by Anatomy)
2) Magna Carta (prod by Anatomy)
3) Landslide (prod by Anatomy – scratches by Evil Ed)
4) The 7 Blues (ft Madame Pepper) (prod by Hey!Zeus)
5) Cosmos (prod by Parental – scratches by DJ LOD)
6) 11:08 (prod by Option Command)
7) Love’s Stencil (ft Madame Pepper) (prod by OhBliv)
8) Heartless Island (ft Triple Darkness) (prod by Jehst)
9) White Russian (ft Roc Marciano) (prod by Anatomy)
10) Red Snow (prod by Anatomy)
11) Organised Democracy (prod by Tony Mahony – scratches by DJ Madhandz)
12) No Man’s Land (ft Triple Darkness) (prod by 7th Dan)
13) Colour Blind (ft Madame Pepper) (prod by Anatomy)
14) Marble (prod by Tony Mahoney)

Any further media enquiries about the album should be addressed to UrbanElite Promotions HERE

UrbanElite Promotions
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr