In May this year, ZotheJerk released his album “Black Beach” through 22 Entertainment, a collaboration with producer Frost Gamble which included guest featured artists Sadat X, Guilty Simpson, Boldy James and KXNG Crooked.

Orginally from Detroit where among other things he appeared in the film “8 Mile” and developed a working relationship with the late Proof of D12, he subsequently moved to Kansas where he recived a “Humanitarian of the Year” award for work in the community before currently settling in Ohio.

Known for a conscious rhyming approach encompassing all aspects of life, injected with passion and humour in equal measure, he described the concept of “Black Beach” as “the voice of a people who are tired and demand more, who ask what’s next, it’s the music of the current era

He sat down recently with US online magazine Rhymebeat to discuss his earliest influences and the creative inspirations in his writing, he spoke of his time on the come up at Detroit’s renowned “Hip Hop Shop” and discussed in more detail his move to Kansas and his thoughts on the wider Midwest rap scene.

THE INTERVIEW WAS PUBLISHED YESTERDAY WHICH YOU CAN READ IN FULL HERE

“Black Beach” is available in digital formats from Amazon, Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify

From it was the single “Risk vs Reward” ft Sadat X and the lyric video “Keep Me Safe”, a message from a father dedicated to his children.

He also appears on the first single to be taken from Frost Gamble’s new solo producer album “I Missed My Bus” due out in 2018. “Effin Great” is available now from Bandcamp and also features Ras Kass

Connect with ZotheJerk on social media via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

All media & press enquiries regarding the artists and releases mentioned can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact information details are available HERE

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Earlier this year, Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and NY state producer Frost Gamble, now resident in Winnipeg, released their album “Black Beach” [available on Bandcamp] which included featured artists KXNG Crooked, Guilty Simpson, Sadat X and Boldy James.

In August the pair travelled to NYC to wrap up a new recording project with Tragedy Khadafi – the Rare Fabric EP drops October 20th – and while there they chopped it up with Rapstation’s Tim Einenkel for his “The Library” series of interviews

In what resulted in a very in depth and far reaching interview, the pair discussed their early introductions to hip hop reaching back to the 80’s & 90’s. Frost divulges how the early breakdancing craze was his first step, and introduced him to the music of Whodini and UTFO, and how Rakim and Juice Crew first influenced his decision to pick up the mic, performing cyphers and battling at street corners which is where he first met long time compadre Tone Chop.

He explains the reason for the switch to production, learning from near neighbour DJ Spinna, and the impact “By All Means Necessary” and “It Takes A Nation of Millions” had on his approach, while citing Diamond D as his initial yardstick.

Meanwhile, Zo goes all the way back to first hearing The Rappin’ Duke, Dana Dane, Slick Rick, NWA and Big Daddy Kane, and how hip hop was his escape from the harsh realities around him – poverty, crack sold in elementary school and violence – it was more of an education in his self development.

He recalls watching what would become members of D12 first performing in battles and groups, and the lessons learned on how to progress as an artist from role models such as J Dilla and Proof.

Bringing it to the present, the pair disucss how they first met in 2014, their recording methods and how their track “Honey” was the catalyst for their career defining moment in signing with Miami label 22 Entertainment.

On the theme of “Black Beach”, Zo explains how it was designed as the snapshot of “the black experience” in America today, though there are more expansive themes addressed such as the loss of his grandmother addressed in “Risk vs Reward”. The rapper wears his heart on his sleeve laying out his vulnerabilities, aspirations and anger in equal measure, in effect a cathartic experience that will resonate with most people.

The pair then discuss their future recording plans, including the comparative pressure on artists today to constantly release new music, before the conversation switches to Frost’s work with Tone Chop.

With their new album “Respect Is Earned Not Given” having released just yesterday, Tim asks about their track “Leave It Alone” from their “Veteran” EP of last year, a dedication to the late Sean Price. The producer gives the background to how the track was put together with Ruste Juxx and Nobi, and also gives the reasons why he held the man in such high regard.

The interview not only serves as a fascinating look behind the scenes at Zo and Frost, but also as a vignette of hip hop history through the eras.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN FULL HERE

ZotheJerk x Frost Gamble “RISK VS REWARD” ft Sadat X

Tone Chop x Frost Gamble LEAVE IT ALONE ft Ruste Juxx & Nobi

Frost returns to NYC mid October, this time with Tone Chop, to promote their new album and will be guests on DJ Eclipse’s Sirius XM “Rap Is Outta Control”, Monday 16th Oct.

All media, press and radio station DJ enquiries regarding Frost Gamble, Tone Chop & ZotheJerk, including requests to interview the pair in NYC, can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. Our contact details are available HERE

You can connect with the guys on social media via twitter @FrostGamble @TheJerkNation @ToneChop and there are also two joint Facebook Pages – Zo and Frost Tone & Frost They’re cool guys, holla at ’em.

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Earlier in the summer, Julius, Kenny and Demetrius from Horseshoe Gang dropped by the Homegrown Radio studios in LA to chop it up with DJ Hed, Chuck Dizzle and Miss Bliss.

The full audio stream of the interview can be heard at www.homegrownradio.net, but a new highlights video has just been published to Youtube where the group explain further their views on trap music following the release of their album “Anti-Trap Music” in April.

They also discuss their previous Mixtape Monthly series, their thoughts on operating as a group as opposed to solo artists, their well documented rap battle with Funk Volume last year and what to expect from their new album “4 Brothers” set to release in September.

CHECK IT OUT

“Anti-Trap Music” can be bought on iTunes HERE and the new album “4 Brothers” pre-ordered HERE. Horseshoe Gang merchandise and clothing can be bought direct from Seven 13 Music & Entertainment HERE

Keep up to date with Horseshoe Gang on FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM and check out their video for “Shoe-icide Sqaud”, the group’s take on police brutality in support of the Black Lives Matter movement

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

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Fair to say that 2016 will have proven to be a busy year for Long Beach hip hop crew Horseshoe Gang.

They released their new album “Anti-Trap Music” in April, the album immediately entering iTunes charts’ Top 50 in 15 countries with Amazon’s initial CD stock sold out in a day.

Their elder brother KXNG Crooked (aka Crooked I) had been developing a new talent show “One Shot” which is now due for first broadcast this month with the group featuring as judges, and in September a second limited edition album “4 Brothers” will be released, again through Seven 13 Entertainment.

Peter Johnstone from US online magazine Rhyme Junkie caught up with them recently to discuss their experience of the music industry, their views on trap music, the different lyrical styles each member brings to the group, the political content of tracks such as “Shoe-icide Squad” and what people can expect from “4 Brothers”.

READ THE FULL FEATURE HERE

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In the aftermath of well publicised cases of police brutality over the summer, the group released their new video for “Shoe-icide Squad”

From the new album “4 Brothers”, they have just released the single “Hyenas”

ANTI-TRAP MUSIC” can be bought from iTunes HERE, while “4 BROTHERS” can be pre-ordered from iTunes HERE

The group’s merchandise can be bought directly from Seven 13 Ent HERE

Keep up to date with the group on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM

All media and press enquiries regarding Horseshoe Gang can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR. All our contact information is HERE

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The new July issue of French Magazine Hip Hop Breath has just been published.

Owned and edited by DJ LSM, a Parisien based dj and writer, the magazine appears online every quarter in “flip through” format hosted on Issuu.com.

The new issue includes features on Haddy Racks, Greenspan, Lessondary, G.P. and Constant Deviants.

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The interview feature on Constant Deviants has as its main theme M.I.’s move into the world of film making as an actor, writer and producer, and they discuss the various past, present and future projects.

Naturally they also speak on their new album “Omerta” which released on June 28th, operating in the independent sector and their continuing policy of releasing on vinyl format, and the differences they find between the US and European marketplaces.

You can read the entire magazine HERE with the feature on Constant Deviants running from Page 26 to Page 32.

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“Omerta” is available to buy as a digital download direct from Six2Six Records HERE while vinyl and CD versions are in specialist stores worldwide now having been distributed by Fatbeats.

M.I.’s new movie “Six2Six” co:starring Treach, Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee will be screened at the Hip Hop Film Festival on Friday August 5th at 8.30pm. Organized by Ralph McDaniels, it takes place at the National Black Theater, 2031-33 National Black Theater Way off 5th Avenue in Harlem.

There is more about all of the films to be screened that day HERE

Keep up to date with Constant Deviants on social media, on Facebook (Group & Label) and on Twitter (Group & Label), and meantime check out the “Omerta” album stream

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

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Baltimore rapper M.I., one half of hip hop duo Constant Deviants, spoke with the UK’s Ethan Everton for the US online magazine The REUP Spot recently about his various new ventures.

First up of course was the new album “Omerta” which was released digitally on June 28th and is being distributed on vinyl and CD formats worldwide by Fatbeats now.

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They then move on to the subject of his recent move into the world of film making as an actor, writer and producer. Having already released a co:production with European affiliates SWC last year called “Swiss Banks”, his new movie “Six2Six” co:starring Treach (Naughty by Nature), Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee was selected by Ralph McDaniels for a special screening at next month’s Hip Hop Film Festival in New York.

Finally, as co:owner of Six2Six Records and the new sub division Six2Six Films, he discusses his vision for the label’s future and further expansion. Read the full feature HERE

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The album is available to buy as a digital download direct from Six2Six Records HERE. As mentioned earlier, Fatbeats are currently distributing the physical formats of vinyl and CD to specialist stores around the world.

Last week they released their third single from the album. “Reign Storms” was written in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of Baltimore Police and the riots which ensued, and of course its release is all the more poignant due to well documented recent events in Minnesota, Dallas and Louisiana

Look out for the third and final episode of the group’s live freestyle video series “Tre Volte” launching shortly, and meantime connect with them on social media via Facebook (Group & Label) & Twitter (Group & Label)

All media, press and radio station dj enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

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Omerta-TheRealHipHop

A few weeks back, Baltimore rapper M.I. from Constant Deviants sat down with Sherron Shabazz from The Real Hip Hop in the lead up to the release of the new album “Omerta”.

The group’s fifth full length studio release has a theme running throughout, and the interview begins by discussing the meaning of the title and why it was used before moving on to the concepts behind specific tracks such as “So Underrated” and “DeLorean”.

M.I. has also made a significant move into the world of film making in recent times as an actor, writer and producer. With a new movie “Six2Six” co:starring Treach, Syleena Johnson and Chief Rocker Busy Bee set to be screened at Ralph McDaniels’ Hip Hop Film Festival in NYC next month, the pair talk about how he first became involved in this new venture and the comparisons between the two art forms.

READ THE FULL FEATURE HERE

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“Omerta” released on June 28th and can be bought in digital format direct from Six2Six Records BANDCAMP.

CD and vinyl versions are being distributed worldwide through Fatbeats from Friday July 15th, so check local specialist stores for availability.

Look out for further media coverage together with new audio and video releases shortly. You can keep up to date with Constant Deviants on Facebook on Twitter and on Instagram, M.I. & DJ Cutt.

Meanwhile, check out the album stream

All press, media and radio station Dj enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

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Constant Deviants_v3

During their recent visit to NYC to promote the new album “Omerta”, M.I. and DJ Cutt of Constant Deviants caught up with Rapstation’s Tim Einenkel in Brooklyn to talk through a number of subjects

They discuss the concept behind the album, and the metaphorical role playing element adopted via the personas of Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky. They delve deep into the specific thought process involved and differentiate between a perceived “mafiosa rap” approach to one which juxtaposes circumstances of four people with identical heritages.

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The discussion moves to the duo’s writing and recording process, comparing when they formed in Brooklyn to the current dynamic of operating from Baltimore and New Jersey. Appropriately at this point they talk more about their back catalogue and explain why they still give priority to producing an album as a cohesive body of work.

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DJ Cutt then speaks more on his overall approach to production, how he determines the feel for a record and the various musical genres he sources for samples. Giving his thoughts on the diversion hip hop and rap has taken over the years, he suggests his own style is born of “tunnel vision”

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Meanwhile M.I. explains why very few artists have had any longlasting influence on him, instead outlining his alternative sources of inspiration, and speaks on the broader issue of differing approaches to “the art of rhyme” through each generation.

Ending with their thoughts on the best scene from “Goodfellas”, the interview can be listened to in full via the AUDIO STREAM

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The album is available to buy as a digital download from Six2Six Records BANDCAMP while CD and vinyl formats are being distributed worldwide by Fatbeats from July 15th.

All media, press and radio station Dj enquiries regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, contact details are HERE

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Last Friday, M.I. and DJ Cutt from Constant Deviants dropped into Brooklyn’s Bodega Cold Kutz studio, the show streaming live every Friday from 5pm – 8pm EST.

DJ Joe Bodega spins the real deal when it comes to hip hop, assisted this week by DJ Toshi, and the show breaks for interview segments.

In this 30 minute interview with Constant Deviants (it begins 45 minutes into the show), hosts Jay Drilla and J2ThaMar cover a lot of interesting territory with the duo. First off they discuss the group’s earliest days, how they came together to form the group and how between 2000 – 2006 the group was on an effective hiatus.

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This was due to M.I. signing a solo deal with Arista at the time, arranged by J Cole’s current manager Mark Pitts, while DJ Cutt engineered several albums for Roc-A-Fella. In this particular interview M.I. and Cutt go into far more detail than perhaps has been previously the case about the realities of life at these labels and the consequences it had for them.

In a similar vein, more specific information is provided regarding the circumstances around a 2006 remix of the Rick Ross track “Yup” which featured N.O.R.E. and M.I., but which was sent around djs incorrectly naming M1 from Dead Prez as the featured artist…just so this is cleared up once and for all !

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Baltimore’s M.I. is then asked for his perspective on the riots in the city which took place in 2015 and he gives an interesting and informative perspective on the realities of what led up to these events and the extent to which it actually affected the city as a whole.

They also discuss a range of other subjects including the new album “Omerta”, the move into film making, the use of sampling and differentials in hip hop production, underground and mainstream hip hop and much more. Definitely worth a watch, check it out on Vimeo

Omerta” is being distributed by Fatbeats worldwide on CD and vinyl formats from July 15th, and the digital version can be bought now direct from Six2Six Records’ BANDCAMP

Look out for more international media coverage on the group and the release in the coming weeks and connect with them on social media :

TWITTER Group @Cnstnt_Dvnts Label @Six2SixShift DJ Cutt @IncredibleCutts

FACEBOOK ConstantDeviantsMusic

INSTAGRAM M.I. @M.I.Six2Six DJ Cutt @TheCuttyProfessor

Hear the full album “Omerta” via the stream

All media, press and radio station enquiries and requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, our contact details are HERE

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M.I. and DJ Cutt of Constant Deviants ended a weeklong series of radio appearances in NYC when they dropped in on Brooklyn’s Classic Storm Radio Show last Friday.

Hosted by DJ Toshi and Sunez of the online Premiere Hip Hop, the interview section is one of the most in depth to date as Sunez goes all the way back with Constant Deviants, discussing their careers and the changing face of hip hop through the years.

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They dissect the new album “Omerta”, addressing the various concepts, production techniques and lyricism that all went into the make up of the release. The nature of the interview acts as a real 360 not only in relation to Constant Deviants, but also as an insight into the workings of independent hip hop over the past couple of decades.

Once the interview concludes, DJ Toshi fires up the decks and M.I. goes in on a freestyle. The show is broadcast on Germany’s BM Radio every Sunday and then on Radio Hip Hop every Thursday. Listen back on DJ Toshi’s own podcast

CLICK INTERVIEW STREAM

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The album is being distributed worldwide through Fatbeats on vinyl from July 15th, and can be bought on digital format direct from the Six2Six Records Bandcamp

Look out for more international media coverage in the coming weeks, and keep up to date with Constant Deviants on twitter @Cnstnt_Dvnts, and over on their Facebook Page

To hear all the tracks on “Omerta”, take a listen to the official album stream

All press, media and radio dj enquiries or requests regarding Constant Deviants can be sent to us at UrbanElite PR, all our contact details are HERE

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