By |

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

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

KeepOnGrindingCover

Legendary New York hip hop veteran Bumpy Knuckles is set to release Lock’d N The Lab in late August via Gracie Productions, his first solo album in 10 years since Konexion.

This of course follows on from last year’s highly successful collaboration The Kolexxxion LP with long term associate DJ Premier.

“Keep On Grinding” is the first official single taken from the album, featuring Christopher Williams and is produced by Bumpy himself, aka Freddie Foxxx. Currently putting together plans for an international tour later in the year, expect to see more singles, videos & news on this release over the coming months

More information at http://BumpyKnuckles.bigcartel.com & connect with him on twitter @BumpyKnuckles

The single is available now on iTunes HERE

Check out the audio stream of the original version on Soundcloud

Any djs not already serviced with the shorter clean radio edit mp3, or the clean edit of his track “Ask the Coach” which he launched recently, contact UrbanElite PR HERE

UrbanElite PR
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

MagnaCarta-RapReviews

Zach Gase, contributor to US online RapReviews, is the latest to cast his eye over the new album “Magna Carta” by London’s Melanin 9

“M9 is a skilled wordsmith, he pairs together syllables that work well together, and the things he raps about are of social importance”

Scoring a very creditable 7/10, the UK emcee has consistently impressed with his trademark lyricism and wordplay, even with those who’s own preference may lie outwith the 1990’s Golden Era tinged influence in the beats and rhymes.

The full review can be read HERE
Check out the sounds now, via the videos “Organised Democracy”, “White Russian” ft Roc Marciano and the album snippet stream first featured by Bonafide Magazine :

VIDEO : ORGANISED DEMOCRACY

VIDEO : WHITE RUSSIAN

ALBUM SNIPPET STREAM

The album is available to buy now from iTunes HERE

More media coverage to follow soon. All press enquiries about this release can be addressed to UrbanElite PR HERE

Meanwhile you can connect with both on twitter @Melanin_9 and @RapReviews

UrbanElite Promotions
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

Regular visitors to this site – and thanks, we know there’s many of you – may have noticed a slight redesign recently.

While we have been busy over the years generating media & public exposure for the artists and labels we work for, and highlighting their various online platforms, we received many enquiries about the range of services we provide

All of that can now be viewed here at www.urbanelitepr.com

We’ve kept it simple. The main page will continue to provide news on current campaigns, for example copy press, video & single releases, tour news and links to the artists concerned, while various pages have been set up giving more information about who we are, what we do, past examples of media, radio, tv, videos, single releases and tours

UrbanElite Promotions are a PR and Marketing company operating primarily in the UK with secondary operations on mainland Europe. We have 7 years’ experience working with many independent and Major artists from the UK, United States and Canada

The main focus is on hip hop & rap, but have also covered r&b, soul, dubstep, dance, drum & bass and various other styles

We work single, video & album releases, servicing physical & online press, magazines, newspapers, blogs, radio & club djs, satellite tv, provide tour press, assist in setting up events and tour dates, and provide artists & labels with further development, logistical & marketing assistance.

Our reach for single & video releases includes UK, Europe, Canada & United States while album promotions concentrate mainly on the UK market with mainland Europe a secondary option. Tours & events cover mainland Europe and the UK, with secondary options available for Australia

We are aware of other organizations of a similar name such as a community online radio station & a London based Club Night operation, but we have no affiliation with them having been in existence since 1998, wholly independent since 2005.

However, check the various pages highlighted at the top of the main site to see more information about ourselves, snapshot examples of previous media campaigns, artists’ music & interview videos, tracks on Soundcloud & Youtube, details regarding tours and events & information regarding the full range of services

At the very least you’ll get to hear some great music and watch some bangin hip hop videos !

If you would like to get in touch with any enquiries, visit the CONTACT page

UrbanElite Promotions
www.urbanelitepr.com
T : @urbanelitepr

By |

This is a compilation of video clips of singles we have promoted into the UK and European marketplace.

We promote all forms of “urban” music, and these tracks are hiphop and drum & bass

They are “London Calling” Double AB ft Iron Braydz
“Now” Verbal Kent produced by the UK’s Kelakovski
“Walk My Shoes” ETheMadAssassin
“Betta B Ready – D-Code’s drum & bass mix” Ras Ceylon
“Miss Right” – Peter Jackson ft Sizzla

They represent tracks from all around the world, UK, USA, Canada & Jamaica. On our main youtube account http://www.youtube.com/urbanelitepr you will be able to view full versions of these videos as well as more from artists such as Souls of Mischief, Deeprooted, Tha Vill ft Kele Le Roc, TQ as well as audio promotions for artists such as Ohio’s Copywrite and New York’s Vast Aire featuring a number of other UK artists

We also arrange for some videos to be premiered on world renowned sites, and of course service all of the top UK tv stations, top global online specialist blogs & magazines, radio, press and also handle tour press and events such as with Detroit’s D12, and most recently publicity for Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs on his visit to London. Artist development and label support are also included in the range of services we provide.

We have represented independent labels and majors over the years

Examples of past and present campaigns can be seen at http://www.myspace.com/urbanelitepr you can find us on Facebook “Urbanelite Smith”, tracks available at http://www.soundcloud.com/urbanelitepr and you can also reach us on twitter http://www.twitter.com/urbanelitepr

Any business enquiries can be sent to urbanelitepr@gmail.com

URBANELITE PROMOTIONS

By |

THE LOCK IN BLOG

We have just launched a new blog on Tumblr, “The Lock In”

As a company, Urbanelite Promotions have several online platforms on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, various blogs etc to help promote our international client base

We decided to launch a less formal platform on tumblr to highlight anything that entertained or interested us. This could be news, videos, tracks, sport, music industry “advice”, anything of any nature that we just felt like posting.

This will also be a platform for artists & labels, most likely involved in hiphop, rap, r&b, soul or any other form of “urban” music who we may not be directly involved with, but we like, to have their videos or tracks uploaded. Any artists interested in having their material or details of events added should check the site first, all the contact details are there.

As a taster, we have uploaded some examples, including a rare interview with Souls of Mischief & Sarah Love & “tour stories” from their time in the UK supporting the release of the album Montezuma’s Revenge, when we took D12 to meet Tim Westwood & news of their tour last year & dates in the Uk this year, and some other videos of Stateside & UK artists such as Copywrite, Vast Aire, Supar Novar, Depprooted & we’ll be adding more soon. We also uploaded a couple examples of our 8Tracks mixes featuring international hiphop artists we’ve been in touch with over the years.

Here are a couple examples (the full tracklistings are on the new blog)

Mix 1 incl Phi Life Cypher, Genesis Elijah, Epsilon Project & Classified

http://8tracks.com/mixes/301217/player_v3

Mix 2 incl MC Life, Sway, Skinnyman, Vast Aire, 6th Sense, Saigon, Eternia, Scram Jones

http://8tracks.com/mixes/343905/player_v3

Every week or so we’ll then summarize the latest content in our various other online platforms. Only submissions to the contact quoted at the tumblr page will be considered. General mp3 blast companies need not apply….!

Otherwise, drop by & if you want added, drop us a line

URBANELITE PROMOTIONS
twitter @urbanelitepr

By |

DEEPROOTED ALBUM CAMPAIGN

DEEPROOTED SINGLE “CRAZY” OUT 24 AUGUST
ALBUM “D.E.E.P.R.O.O.T.E.D.” OUT 28 SEPTEMBER
DEEPROOTED

Cali’s DEEPROOTED were formed in 2004 by ex Battle Axe artist Mr Brady and local San Diego rap artist Johaz, to be joined later by producer DJ Artistic and female vocalist Just Brea.

Moving out from the studio to take their brand of electro soul laced hiphop to the masses, they were joined on stage by San Diego’s Urban Dynamics Crew Dancers, CeSe and Boosie, and developed a reputation as one of the hottest tickets in town, a must see at every venue.

Think The Roots mashed with The Fugees, and that’s the kind of funked up business we got goin on here.

For 3 consecutive years from 2005, DEEPROOTED were picking up various awards for their initial recordings and live performances in San Diego, and their first Vans Warped Tour in 2004 resulted in being invited to rejoin the nationwide circuit in 2005 & 2007.

They remain the only artist to score a straight 10 outta 10 three years running at the renowned Urban Network Conferences, and have opened for Public Enemy, The Roots, Common, KRS-1, Lupe Fiasco, X Clan, Wu Tang, Kurtis Blow, The Boot Camp Click and many others.

In the studio they have collaborated with Diamond D, Blu, Killah Priest, Rock of Helta Skelta, Exile, Jake One, Rhettmatic, Planet Asia, Guilty Simpson, Abstract Rude and OHNO, some of whom appear on the new album. Theyve had music featured on X Box and Play Station video games, and enjoyed support from some of the hottest urban stations in the States, including Jammin Z90, Blazin 98.9, Jazz 88.3, KJLU 88.9 and Power 106.

They have still found the time to do voluntary charity work, helping raise money and awareness in relation to the genocide in Darfur, as well as several local youth initiatives in schools and colleges.

With two previous albums released independently, they have now teamed up with Clear Label Records, headed by Souls of Mischief’s Tajai Massey for the new album’s global release. Also watch out for European tour dates in the autumn in support of Souls of Mischief.

CLR is a perfect home for DEEPROOTED, with the label’s policy on finding and taking on only the highest quality hiphop, r&b, soul and dance artists, providing them with a great support infrastructure while also allowing them to breathe, develop & retain their artistic control. It’s an organization operating on the premise of partnership with positive input from all sides, and will ensure that CLR becomes a name to watch on a global scale over the next couple of years.

DEEPROOTED’s introduction to the UK comes via their self titled album which displays a range of styles drawing from the best of traditional hiphop values, soulful vibes & off the scale contemporary production.

First single, CRAZY, is a big bass heavy slammin banger, with the mic gettin worked hard by the MCs and Just Brea providin the killer hook in the chorus. Watch for this at tv, clubs, radio and press. There will also be some choice cuts on the special promo cds being serviced for the djs that will keep all crowds happy.

Late summer will come the follow up, CELEBRATE b/w FADE, two tracks served chilled from the best bars in town. Again, be on the lookout for these at tv and on the radio stations.

All media enquiries, press & djs, email uepmusic@aol.com

URBANELITE PROMOTIONS http://www.myspace.com/urbanelitepr
DEEPROOTED http://www.myspace.com/deeprootedent

DEEPROOTED 2

By |

THA VILL
ARTIST THA VILL – “MR FIBER OPTIC”
SINGLE HAPPY HOUR b/w FIBER OPTIC LOVE
RELEASE DATE 28 SEPTEMBER 2009
LABEL HI ENERGY ENTERTAINMENT

LA based Tha Vill, dubbed “Mr Fiber Optic” for his fresh NuTek-Hop take on r&b and hiphop, has come a long way from his tough upbringing on the streets of North Chicago, to drop his debut UK single HAPPY HOUR b/w FIBER OPTIC LOVE.

Co-produced by KAGE (The Saturdays “Work”, Simon Cowell’s George Sampson “Body Language”, Flo Rida, Westlife, Janet Leon, Lindsay Lohan), it’s set for release digitally 28th September 2009.

The MC, singer & producer is pushing new boundaries for electronic urban music, picking up from where Kanye, Black Eyed Peas & Flo Rida are currently at, and movin it up several gears.

Though HAPPY HOUR is being promoted globally, an earlier Stateside-only leak resulted in over 140,000 downloads in one month. Flipside FIBER OPTIC LOVE has already been released in the US with major coast to coast radio backing, including WDRE (NY), WXIS (VA), KWIN (CA), KZFM (TX), KRKA (LA) & WGCI (IL). It is also to be used in the upcoming movie “HOW TO MAKE LOVE TO A WOMAN”.

HAPPY HOUR will be an easy sit for all those fans of Kanye’s most recent productions, while FIBER OPTIC LOVE is a hard driving infectious hybrid of electronic dance, hiphop and r&b. It refelects the NuTek-Hop sound he has developed with a range of producers on his forthcoming album “THA VILL”, due for release later in the year. The slammin video for Happy Hour was produced by Hi Energy Entertainment, the company co-owned by Tha Vill, and is due to be released in the UK ahead of the States.
THA VILL 2

Tha Vill has been getting his grind on from an early age. Despite in his formative years living through the murder of his father, losing friends to the life of gang warfare & drugs (a life in which he subsequently became involved leading to his own incarceration) and physical abuse from a step father, he refocused his life, majored in business from college, played NCAA basketball, and returned to his first love, music.

Originally part of THE TRUE ONES signed to NY independent Hush Hush Records, he moved to LA and set up his own Free Man Records, with his debut album WELCOME TO THA VILL selling 10,000 copies, and a further 20,000 downloads.

Building further industry connections in LA resulted in him becoming “The Face” of KTLA Morning News (Tribune) via a station ident he both wrote and appeared in, with further tracks being used by MTV, VH1 and Good Day LA (Fox). He has performed nationally with Slick Rick, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Brian McKnight, Cypress Hill, Ace Young, Trea and many others. This in turn led to the formation of Hi Energy Entertainment with new partners working with international producers.

He has written, produced and featured on tracks such as CALIFORNIA (The Game, Eastwood, Ya Boy), SHIMMY (Janet Leon), LET’S TALK (Sheri Novrozi) and FAST LIFE (Ace Young), and is a current top Myspace artist http://www.myspace.com/thavillian.

When not recording or performing, he focuses much of his time in the charity he set up “KEEP THE FAITH”, designed to help creative inner city youths reach their goals, and involves several of his fan clubs in these activities.

With his debut UK release and focus set on creating new & innovative commercial urban sounds, he now aims to build on his massive Stateside and European online fanbase.

“Mr Fiber Optic” and his handpicked NuTek-Hop production teams can count on it.

URBANELITE PROMOTIONS ARE SERVICING ALL UK TV, PRESS, RADIO & CLUBS

see more at http://www.myspace.com/urbanelitepr

VILL 3