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RPL-WordplayMagazine

British online & physical publication Wordplay Magazine cover all the elements of hip hop, music, breakin, graffiti, fashions, deejaying and more.

With healthy quality controls, they report on the best hip hop from around the world and remain of course supporters of the homegrown UK scene. It’s a great read for fans of traditional hip hop culture, hip hop heads and those wanting to learn more.

Their contributor Delphina Scott cast en eye over the debut solo album by West London’s Apex Zero. Releasing on 28th October, “Reality Provoking Liberation” is the follow up to his mixtape “The Pulse of the Awakening” and he may also be known to some as part of the city’s First and Last duo as well as performing with The Pantheonz of Zenn-La

The review opens : “There are a growing number of emcees on this side of the pond i.e the UK or maybe more appropriately ‘The Belly of The Beast” who are perfectly aware of the governmental pressures that are being heaped upon the 99%. Apex is part of this uprising and he continues with what would seem to be his mission launch a full assault on the system using his self described ‘Neo Hardcore’.”

His energetic & passionate flow addressing a range of political & social issues is touched upon “Apex Zero’s style is lyrically dense but not un-fathomable and it’s likely some of the knowledge he kicks may push some people to learn about things schools don’t teach. He has a full on lyrical machine gun approach via his rapid unrelenting flow.” and in summary reflects “Apex brings us plenty of food for thought and production that’s full of atmospheric strings and tuff beats. Indeed his album is a 12 course meal. 12 tracks of nourishing revolution! Don’t sleep on it.”

Read the whole 4 star review HERE

The album launch party takes place on Saturday 2nd November at London’s Vibe Bar, 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch E1 6QL. Also performing will be Caxton Press and Iron Braydz, with DJ A.Gee (Itch FM) and host Peaches. The event runs from 8pm – 1am, £5.00 on the door and entrance is for those aged 18 & over. It looks like being a great show, so get down if you can.

Meanwhile, check out his single “A Meeting of the Continents” which also features Iron Braydz along with Hasan Salaam.

You can follow him on twitter @ApexZero00 and the magazine @Wordplaymag with Delphina over at @RawBlueCheese

DJs looking for clean radio edits of any singles released to date, or press and media with further inquiries about the album release and event at The Vibe Bar can contact UrbanElite PR HERE

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SoulOnFire-FlavourMag

Leading UK online urban music, fashion and lifestyle publication Flavour Magazine took time out recently to speak with ethemadassassin, the hip hop MC currently based in Los Angeles but most associated with his native North Carolina.

Starting out in the 90’s based in cities such as Greensboro NC and Camden NJ, he started out coming up through the rap battle scenes, although it was his relatively short time on the mic compared to others that earned him his moniker. He went in for the kill, short & sweet, and one night a comment was heard “damn, that’s some mad assassin shit right there” and the name stuck.

Although the discography is relatively modest in comparison to others for an artist so long in the game – Soul on Fire being only his 3rd official studio album – this has been down to a variety of factors, the regular life trials & tribulations, the right producers to work with, moving from place to place, but it’s always worth the wait. He moved to LA in the last couple of years to team up again with his old partner in rhyme from NC Veteran Eye to form Veteran Assassins, so time has also been spent recording and touring as a group.

There is in fact a new Veteran Assassins album in the pipeline with significant production from Edinburgh’s Sci Fi Stu who who provided the beat for the killer track on the current album “80’s & 90’s”

London based journalist Taytula Burke jumped on the phone to E recently to speak on the new album and his time back in the day starting out and learning his craft. He speaks openly about his relationship with his parents and the impact that had and how his life changed when he took himself off to college and saw the comparison in life there to what he’d been accustomed to on the streets.

The album itself is very auto-biographical in nature and the interview goes more in depth into the background and what makes the man he is today. Read it all HERE

Soul on Fire is one for the real hip hop heads, soul, rock and hip hop sample led beats with some skilled narrative in the lyricism and wordplay. You can buy it on iTunes now HERE

Meantime, check out some of the joints off the album

80’s & 90’s

H.T.G. ft Sole-R

CAN’T GET ENOUGH

Follow him on twitter @ethemadassassin and the magazine @FlavourMag You can reach Taytula @Taykeova

Thanks also to Flavour Magazine editor Annika Allen

Press, magazines, media and dj requests and inquiries can be sent to UrbanElite PR HERE

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Rah-FlavourMag

Newark NJ is home to one of the legendary names in the rap & hip hop game, ex Flipmode member Rah Digga

Its been 3 years since she last dropped an official album, 2010’s “Classic”, but she aint been sleepin with a series of buzz joints released to the internet in the past year, a new Hood House EP, a new rap mixtape coming later in the year, the setting up of a new non profit community based dance facility in Newark, running for local office, a new album scheduled for early 2014 and international tour plans

She took time out recently to speak with London based journalist Delphina Scott for one of the UK’s leading urban music, fashion & culture online publications, Flavour Magazine. She talks in depth on all her activities as well as her thoughts on the Kendrick Lamar verse, her views on the new upcoming artists, recording processes and reveals she’d like to work with Roc Marciano, Azealia Banks and how she rates Detroit’s Danny Brown

Read the whole interview HERE

All official Rah Digga product & merchandise can be purchased from her Bandcamp

You can hear all of her joints from the past year over at her Soundcloud

Check out a couple of them

NEW HOES


I HEARD YOU SAY

Look out for news on the new mixtape coming soon, and keep up to date with her on twitter @TheRealRahDigga Get updates from the magazine on twitter @FlavourMag and if youre a real hip hop head, say hi to Delphina @rawbluecheese

Thanks also to Flavour Magazine editor Annika Allen

Any further UK & European media or press inquiries for Rah Digga can be addressed to UrbanElite PR HERE

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Rah-InSpirels

As part of their “Wonder Woman” series, London lifestyle magazine In-Spirels caught up with legendary emcee Rah Digga recently.

Currently launching her new Hood House EP, a hybrid of classic house beats and rhymes, Newark NJ resident and ex Flipmode member Rah Digga is also currently finishing off her new rap mixtape due for release around the turn of the year ahead of her new solo album due in early 2014.

She has also launched her new non profit organization NJ Dance Network as well as becoming involved in local council politics

In this interview with the magazine’s Taytula Burke, she discusses her new music projects & tour plans, explains the possibility of running for office, the “molly craze”, reflects on her career to date and the industry today and her current inspirations. Its a really in depth insight to her various activities which you can read HERE

All official Rah Digga music & merchandise can be bought from her BANDCAMP and you can check out all of her most recent releases on Soundcloud

Check out “New Hoes” and “Another One” ft Rapsody


You can follow her on twitter @TheRealRahDigga and the magazine @inspireLS and Taytula @Taykeova

Any further media, dj or press inquiries can be sent to UrbanElite PR HERE

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SoulonFire-SubbaCultcha

UK online music magazine Subba Cultcha covers a wide variety of genres, featuring news on artists, releases, interviews and more

The publication’s Ben Bradford took time out recently to speak with Los Angeles hip hop emcee EtheMadAssassin ahead of the release of his third solo album “Soul on Fire” on 17th September.

Something of a veteran in the independent scene…and not just as part of Cali duo Veteran Assassins…he started out based in Greensboro NC and also spent time in Camden, New Jersey before making the move to the west coast primarily to start the new group with his partner in rhyme Veteran Eye.

The interview is preceded with an overview of the new album itself “if you want to learn of life on the streets, particularly in the 80s and 90s then this is the place to come” adding “This is Assassin rap…where Ethemadassassin comes out fighting for you, fighting for himself, and fighting for people to be together and fighting against the bullshit…its an honest and breathtakingly direct approach, which has come to fruition on his new album ’Soul On Fire’”

The interview itself covers details about the single and video for “Can’t Get Enough”, the making of Soul on Fire, working with the producers on the LP, how he formulates the ideas behind his rhymes & lyrics and the general writing process, the formation of Veteran Assassins and the days in when he started out in NC and the artists who acted as his own main influences.

An artist with his own unique style & personality, he sums it up :

“I found my pocket a long time ago and I definitely don’t try to emulate anyone, its like being yourself isn’t cool, I have my own way of doing things” read the whole interview HERE

If you like those old soul groove sampled joints with a nod to the good ‘ol days, check out two of his most recent singles:

Video for “Can’t Get Enough”

Single for “80’s & 90’s” produced by Edinburgh’s Sci Fi Stu

Follow E’s latest chapter in his book of life on twitter @EtheMadAssassin and also the magazine @SubbaCultchaCom

Any further media & press inquiries regarding this release, or dj requests for full quality clean mp3s of these tracks, can contact UrbanElite PR HERE

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SoulOnFire-HHK

Los Angeles (by way of Greensboro NC) emcee ethemadassassin releases his new Soul on Fire album on 17th September, the third solo LP from one half of the Veteran Assassins duo.

Coming up through NC’s rap battle scene during the Golden Era, the new single “80’s & 90’s” produced by UK beatsmith Sci Fi Stu speaks on these days. Anyone familiar with the sights and sounds of the time will recognize the fashions name-checked and lifestyle represented throughout.

Described in a recent album review “fired up by a dope reminiscing beat, the dreamy backdrop empowers Ethemadassassin to throwback to times gone by with inspiring effect” , the single is one for the Tru Skool heads through the generations.

The single was premiered today by the UK’s HHK Mag (aka Hip-Hop Kings) where he also gave an exclusive interview and insight into his days starting out as an artist during hip hop’s Golden Era, he speaks on the impact of the internet for artists by comparison to those early years, the current focus on 90’s fashions and culture happening now, opening for Immortal Technique and Wu Tang and of course his new album and working with international producers.

It’s a fascinating read for all those interested in the historical aspect of hip hop from the perspective of an artist who has lived through it and still performing and evolving his style to this day

Read the whole interview HERE

Check out the new single 80’s & 90’s on Soundcloud

80s90scover

You can follow them on twitter @EtheMadAssassin @SciFiStu and @HHKMag

Any djs not already serviced with the clean / radio edit of this track can request it from UrbanElite PR HERE

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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

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MagnaCarta-SabotageTimes

UK’s online magazine Sabotage Times cover a wide range of content including music, sport, fashion, politics, food & drink, travel…a full lifestyle publication with the leader “We Can’t Concentrate So Why Should You”

Contributor Tobi Oke has just reviewed Melanin 9’s new album “Magna Carta” for them introducing the release as “an exploration into the facets of the mind”

Touching on the influence of the 90’s era of hip hop, or Golden Era, the acknowledgement is there that the album takes it to a contemporary level, and not just a slavish re-enactment:

“M9 is heavily informed by supreme mathematics, righteous teachings and the general imparting of knowledge using hip-hop as his medium. Regardless of this, the music above all is what truly separates one MC from another and whilst being a very capable lyricist, M9 has wisely aligned himself with some of the premier beat makers this country has to offer to sculpt his sound.”

The review is a thoughtful look at this record in context of the various directions the genre has taken generally, and the artist’s approach specifically in terms of subject matter and lyricism

Read the whole review HERE

The album can be bought via iTunes now HERE while CD versions can be purchased by mail order from http://m9ether.bandcamp.com

You can follow him on twitter @Melanin_9 and the guys at the magazine @Teflontobz & @Sabotagetimes

There’s been a fantastic international media response to the release over the past couple of months, and you can expect to see more press coverage and video features into 2013.

Any further press and media enquiries about this release can be directed to UrbanElite Promotions HERE Any club and event promoters looking to book Melanin 9 can also contact us via that link or at the artist’s Bandcamp

UrbanElite Promotions
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MagnaCarta-BrokenCulture

If youre into all things hip hop, and we assume you probably are, you should definitely check out the UK’s online magazine Broken Culture

They have a really wide level of coverage including music, events, art & graff, skate & bmx and much more. The owner Max Quinn has done an excellent job in representing the culture and you can easily tell that “the knowledge” is there given the in depth analysis provided.

They’re the latest to cover Melanin 9’s new album Magna Carta which releases on 3rd December. The feature covers the launch event last Friday at London’s Vibe Bar, provides some extra background information and history on the artist, you can also watch several of his videos and of course read a thorough review of the album itself.

It’s a really well presented piece of journalistic writing, and you can read it HERE

The CD version of the album can be bought direct from http://m9ether.bandcamp.com and the album will also be available to buy digitally. Note that you can also buy the vinyl 12″ of his highly successful single White Russian featuring Roc Marciano, so again if you contact his Bandcamp you can cop that heat there

There will be a lot more coverage on this release coming over the next few weeks, including special video features, and an exclusive snippet stream of the entire album via Bonafide Magazine shortly.

Meanwhile keep up to date with what Melanin 9 is doing on twitter @Melanin_9 and connect with Max and the guys @BrokenCultureUk

Any magazines, press, media or djs looking for more information about the release should contact UrbanElite Promotions HERE

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With the release of Melanin 9’s debut album coming up next Monday 3rd December, best get used to this as there will be a whole load of media coverage going live from both sides of the Atlantic and Europe in the next couple of weeks!

Latest is the UK’s Wordplay Magazine who have a good range of content from hip hop releases and features, graffiti & paints, fashion and pretty much cover the whole hip hop culture.

Joe Downes gives his full backing with this review HERE

Anyone who prefers CD versions of the album can buy these online via http://m9ether.bandcamp.com

You can keep up to date with him on twitter @Melanin_9 and the magazine @WordPlayMag and their reviewer @JoeyDeezGi

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