The ‘Scratch DJ Academy’ Opens up a New School Chapter In Atlanta (The @KoolKila Report)
February 18, 2014
After three years of consideration and strategic planning, the world-renown Scratch DJ Academy has now opened a new school chapter in Atlanta, GA. Saturday, February 15th, Scratch DJ Academy held an open house for it’s new facility located within the SAE Institute. The event was packed with aspiring students, industry professionals and music enthusiasts of all kinds. Founded in 2002 in New York City, NY, by Jam Master Jay (hip hop pioneer and DJ for Run DMC), Scratch DJ Academy continues to attract individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of DJing. Several chapters have already been established in the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and now Atlanta. After students successfully complete courses, they can receive certification for their education. Professionals already established in the business can also take courses to update themselves about the latest technologies for DJs. Hosted by instructor DJ Hapa and other academy employees, visitors were able to see the musical gear used in classes, meet new employees, and witness live DJ performances. DJ Hapa also hosted a panel discussion to introduce a few of the instructors for the school, including Atlanta veterans DJ Jaycee, DJ Jelly, and DJ Sky. Another contemporary favorite in Atlanta, DJ Sofa King Evil, was on hand to introduce himself as well. Classes are slated to begin in March. For more information, visit: www.scratch.com. Also email at info-atlanta@scratch.com.
Posted in Cover Story, Education, EVENTS, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Shots | 
Tags: Atlanta, DJ, DJ Culture, DJs, Kool Kila, Scratch DJ Academy | 
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Young Chris x Peedi Crakk – “Nosetalgia Freestyle” (Video)
February 18, 2014
Although they are getting hit with heavy amounts of snow along the East Coast & in my hometown of Philly, it didn’t stop two of North Philly’s finest emcees Young Chris & Peedi Crakk from shooting a new clip for their freestyle over Kendrick Lamar & Pusha T’s dope ass ‘Nosetalgia’ track. The track is so ill it’s no wonder why skilled emcees like the L.O.X., Joel Ortiz, & even them Philly bulls have been hopping on it. Be on the lookout for Young Chris’s upcoming project ‘#GunnaSeason‘
Why Engagement Rings Are A Scam (Video)
February 17, 2014
A few years ago I got into a debate with a few friends of mine about how many of the diamonds & jewelry that most rap artists wear do not have really have any REAL value. I tried to educate them on the history of engagement rings, blood diamonds, & an a myriad of things that could be easily researched through google, but people don’t always listen to you unless it’s on television or something. Well go ahead & watch this and should you & your significant other decide to get engaged you may want to invest in real estate instead of spending heavy for something that doesn’t have any REAL value. But I have to agree with the college humor crew….. Most of you will still buy them anyway.
Posted in Cover Story, Education, Fashion, History, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Videos | Tags: Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Why Engagement Rings Are A Scam | 1 Comment »
VICE Names Atlanta The ‘Strip Club Capital Of The World’ In New Mini-Documentary ‘Strip: Atlanta’ (Video)
February 13, 2014
I have many friends who have worked or are currently employed at strip clubs in Atlanta from bartenders, bouncers, DJs, & dancers. I’ve traveled all over the world & for as long as I’ve actually lived in Atlanta I’ve always considered this city to be the strip club capital of the world. Even when friends or associates of mine visit, one of their priorities while in Atlanta is to go to a strip club. Most of us who live here are already familiar with strip club culture in Atlanta than any mini-documentary could cover in 30 minutes, but VICE’s London based music journalist Jo Fuertes-Knight tries to do just that. The mini-documentary doesn’t cover any new ground for residents of Atlanta, but they do manage to stop by just a few of the popular spots like Magic City, Diamonds Of Atlanta, Kamal’s 21, & the legendary Clermont Lounge. Atlanta is truly the strip club capital of the world when I think of all the spots that VICE didn’t cover in this report. It would have been cool if they had the opportunity to visit other spots around Atlanta as well like Onyx, Stiletto’s, Strokers, Blue Flame, Pin-Ups, Goosebumps, Club Blaze, Follies, Shooter’s Alley, & several others just to name a few. Yes…after just typing this list of spots it’s clear that Atlanta truly is the strip club capital of the world if not for the sheer number of strip clubs per capita around the city.
Common – “Made In Black America” feat. Ab-Soul (Prod. By NO I.D.)
February 12, 2014
Brand new music from Common called ‘Made In Black America’ featuring West Coast emcee Ab-Soul. Perfect timing for Common to drop this dope yet socially conscious joint during black history month & shining light on the issues affecting the black community. This is just another teaser & the second single since “War” to the upcoming full-length project called “Nobodys Smiling” that will be entirely produced by fellow Chicagoan NO I.D.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: Ab-Soul, Cocaine 80s, common, Made In Black America, NO I.D., Nobody's Smiling | 1 Comment »
The Beatz & Lyrics Show with Jayforce: #Dear Dilla Edition [Rebroadcast/Podcast]
February 11, 2014
#DEAR DILLA WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIP HOP!
THE BEATZ & LYRICS SHOW WITH JAYFORCE!!
This is a rebroadcast episode of Atlanta’s premier hip hop radio show that aired live on Saturday night 2/8/14 from 10pm-1:00am EST on the 100,000 watt radio station WRFG 89.3 FM just 1 day after the birthday of celebrated Detroit producer & emcee James Yancey a.k.a. J. Dilla.
It was fitting that our special guest on the show this week was none other than Phife Dawg, formerly of legendary hip hop group ‘A Tribe Called Quest.’ Phife & producer DJ Rasta Root spoke on the making of the new single & video for #Dear Dilla that celebrates the life of the fallen hip hop icon. We also discuss Phife’s upcoming album “MuttyMorphosis” which is due later this year.
We are also joined by the artist Allah’s Apprentice & his partner in rhyme & in production Sabir. They spoke about their new music & obstacles coming up as hip hop artists out of Macon, Georgia.
In addition to plenty of brand new & exclusive music and quality bangers, this turned out to be another stellar edition of the ‘Beatz & Lyrics Show with Jayforce!
[DOWNLOAD THE NEW “JAYFORCE” APP FROM iTUNES]
Make sure you check out the new “JAYFORCE” APP for iPhone, Android & Blackberry! YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP HERE!
VISIT JAYFORCE.COM DAILY FOR MORE VIDEOS, MUSIC, & NEWS
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @BeatzlyricsATL @JayforceDotCom @ArtByOdell @Carmen_Breezy
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW OR SEARCH ‘JAYFORCE’ & THE BEATZ & LYRICS SHOW IN ITUNES
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music, R&B, Radio | Tags: 2/8/14, 89.3 FM, Atlanta, Beatz & Lyrics Show, Dawg, Dear, DearDilla, Dilla, DJ RASTA ROOT, J Dilla, Jayforce, Phife, Phife Dawg, PODCAST, Rebroadcast, The Beatz & Lyrics Show with Jayforce, WRFG, WRFG 89.3 FM | No Comments »
Lebron James Does ‘Off The Wall’ Dunks During Miami Heat Practice (Video)
February 11, 2014
People keep complaining about Lebron James not participating in the NBA Slam Dunk contest year after year, but the league hasn’t exactly offered any attractive incentives for the best players to stay involved in it every year. The winner of the contest only receives around $35,000. If I’m not mistaken, even the prize money is not worth getting involved. At least when Blake Griffin won the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk contest he got a check from the KIA car company too from jumping over one of their vehicles. Spoiled fans still panned Griffin’s efforts on social media despite what I thought was still an entertaining dunk. My impression is that most of the people who are clamoring for Lebron to get in the 2014 NBA Slam Dunk contest are those who wish to see him fail anyway. If you’ve been following King James for a while you know he’s one of the illest dunkers ever in the NBA period. Check out the video above as Lebron drops some ill off-the-wall dunks during the Miami Heat’s recent practice in Phoenix and below I posted a reminder video of the skills of King James during a charity game for Chris Paul’s charity foundation in North Carolina.
Posted in Sports, Videos | Tags: 2014, Lebron James, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA All-Star, NBA Allstar Weekend, Slam Dunk Contest | No Comments »
Phife Dawg – “Dear Dilla” (Video)
February 11, 2014
If you missed the Atlanta & Detroit debuts of this special song dedicated to the late great James Yancey aka J Dilla then as of now your wait to is over. Without further ado, here’s the brand new video from Phife Dawg called ‘Dear Dilla’ produced by DJ Rasta Root & directed by Konee Rok.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Producers, Videos | Tags: Dear Dilla, DJ RASTA ROOT, Konee Rok, Phife Dawg | No Comments »
Slum Village – “Yes Yes”
February 7, 2014
J Dilla would have been 40 years old today February 7th. As people around the world celebrate the greatness of the Detroit producer & emcee James Yancey aka Jay Dee aka J Dilla, his brother Illa J & the remaining members of Slum Village (T3 & Young RJ), let loose this joint appropriately titled ‘Yes Yes’. ‘Yes Yes’ is fitting as fans are happy to know Slum Village has a new album coming featuring more J Dilla production from the period when he was going by the name Jay Dee. Black Milk & Young RJ are also expected to provide some musical soundscapes as well. Rest in Peace J Dilla Dawg!
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music, Producers | Tags: Detroit, Detroit Hip Hop, illa J, J Dilla, Jay Dee, Slum Village, T3, Young RJ | 1 Comment »
Events: The #DearDilla Private Video Screening In Atlanta with Phife Dawg (The @KoolKila Report)
February 7, 2014
Thursday night, February 6, 2014, the Atlanta music community came together for a special video premier party, celebrating the new solo release from Phife (A Tribe Called Quest). “Dear Dilla†pays tribute to the legendary hip hop producer James Yancey, aka J Dilla. The single drops in time for the yearly “Dilla Day†celebration of the famed producer’s birthday in February. J Dilla produced classic songs for A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Common, The Roots, and is very notably admired for his solo albums and work with Slum Village. He died from a rare blood disease in 2006.
The new single, “Dear Dilla,†produced by DJ Rasta Root (longtime friend and DJ of Phife and A Tribe Called Quest), is Phife’s first new music in over 13 years. He participated in a Q&A with DJ Rasta Root, video director Konee Rok and independent Atlanta artist 4-Ize (co-star in the video). Also on hand for special performances was rap artist and MC Boog Brown (who performed J Dilla’s material), and DJ Fudge of 5 Star Generals.
Held at Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema theatre, the video release party played host to many of Atlanta’s music trendsetters, DJs, journalists, music connoisseurs and fans. The video premier was hosted by Jayforce of the Beatz & Lyrics show (WRFG FM). Sponsors of the event included Whole Foods, Jayforce.com, Okayplayer.com, Mono, and Zico Coconut Water . Event production by Riddim Kidz, Smokin Needles, SOciaLight and The Agency.
The single “Dear Dilla†is now available to purchase on iTunes.
(additional photos below courtesy of JAYFORCE.COM, @KoolKila, &Â ATLHipHop)
VIEW: FULL LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE EVENT VIA KAT GODUCO
Posted in EVENTS, Hip-Hop | Tags: Dear Dilla, DearDilla, DJ Fudge, DJ RASTA ROOT, Jayforce, Kool Killa, Phife Dawg | 1 Comment »
MTV Cribs Retro Rewind: Back To Redman’s Newly Renovated House (Video)
February 6, 2014
One of the greatest MTV Cribs segments EVER was when the cameras visited Redman at his Staten Island home. It was one of the most memorable & hilarious episodes on television. As we now are in 2014, MTV Cribs went back to Redman’s house to see how he has now upgraded & ‘Beyonce’d out’ his home since 2001. Some people may have laughed AT Redman back in 2001 when his hilarious MTV Cribs segment aired, but when you think of the hundreds of recording artists who went broke or filed for bankruptcy trying to impress fans on the show it’s clear that Redman was the true winner even if his home is rather modest. Redman’s humble home maybe entirely paid for at this point. In case you never saw the original episode I posted the link below….
Cuudy Broun – “Outro” (Spoken Word By EYJAI) [Video]
February 6, 2014
You might remember EYJAI from the collab we posted here with the homie Aleon Craft a good bit back. Well, he’s back; co-piloting a cut with his buddy Cuudy Broun. Here’s the video to “Outro” (spoken word piece by EYJAI. Cuudy’s project – “Carolina Excellence” (out now) is full of what that trill hop. Get it FREE via the link below.
– @ojones1
DOWNLOAD: CUUDY BROUN – CAROLINA EXCELLENCE
Posted in Hip-Hop, Mixtapes, Music, Videos | Tags: Carolina Excellence, Cuudy Broun, EyJai, Outro | No Comments »
Pharrell On Snoop’s GGN Network (Video)
February 5, 2014
“The long awaited interview with none other than Pharrell Williams. This episode is full of mutual admiration, classic stories, and an all around iconoclastic explosiveness that will knock your Arby’s hat clean off… u-funky-bitch-u.” – Snoop Dogg (GGN Network)
Posted in Celebrity, Hip-Hop, Television, Videos | Tags: GGN Network, Nemo Hoes, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg | No Comments »
R&B: Phil Beaudreau – “Anyway” (Video)
February 5, 2014
Phil Beaudreau continues to impress me with his music ever since I’ve been following his work. In fact, this song ‘Anyway’ produced by Dawaun Parker off of Mr. Beaudreau’s new full-length project “Ether” that’s available now, I first heard in January of 2013. It’s about time the L.A. based singer dropped a visual clip to further propel awareness of his talent as supporters like myself have been playing his music on my radio show & posting various joints up on various websites. Nothing too crazy extravagant with this Charley Mac & Phil Beaudreau self-directed video but even in its minimalism, just like the song itself, it doesn’t take much to really hit home.
DOWNLOAD: PHIL BEAUDREAU – ETHER (ALBUM)
Posted in Album, EP, Mixtapes, Music, R&B, Soul, Videos | Tags: Anyway, DAWUAN PARKER, Ether, Phil Beaudreau, Soul | No Comments »
Prodigy x Alchemist – “IMDKV” (Video)
February 5, 2014
One of the best hip hop albums to drop in 2013 (#6 on our list of Best Hip Hop Albums Of 2013) was the Alchemist-produced ‘Albert Einstein’ project featuring 1/2 of the M.O.B.B., ill emcee, Prodigy. For those who love that gritty hip hop music, the album surely it didn’t disappoint & the video keeps in step with that same hardcore concept. I’m personally waiting for an ill video to my favorite song ‘Bear Meat’, but for now Prodigy x Alchemist deliver this new clip for “IMDKV” directed by Tha Profitt & featuring actor Tray Chaney of the HBO series ‘The Wire’. The video is partially inspired by a scene from the critically acclaimed television series based out of Baltimore.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Videos | Tags: Albert Einstein, Alchemist, IMDKV, PRODIGY, The Wire, Tray Chaney | No Comments »
Mobb Deep – Taking You Off Here
February 5, 2014
New music from the infamous Mobb Deep called ‘Taking You Off Here.’ This new banger is the first single from Prodigy & Havoc’s upcoming album ‘The Infamous Mobb Deep’ due in the very near future. You can pre-order from PledgeMusic….
LISTEN: MOBB DEEP – TAKING YOU OFF HERE
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: MOBB DEEP, TAKING YOU OFF HERE, THE INFAMOUS MOBB DEEP | 1 Comment »
Small Eyez – “Rare Pixels Freestyle 2.0” (Alchemist Production)
February 5, 2014
Atlanta based emcee Small Eyez gets busy over some dope ass Alchemist production that initially appeared on the Step Brothers – “Lord Steppington” collabo album with fellow producer & emcee Evidence. This freestyle right here is a great combination like Reese’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate. Small Eyez is indeed ‘radiating’ excellence over this jawn right here…
DOWNLOAD: SMALL EYEZ – RARE PIXELS FREESTYLE 2.0 (ALCHEMIST TRACK)
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: Alchemist, Rare Pixels 2.0., Rare Pixels Freestyle 2.0, Small Eyez | No Comments »
Fabolous – “Thim Slick” feat. Jeremih (Video)
February 5, 2014
Fabolous drops a brand new video from his ‘The Soul Tape 3’ project he released in December. This new single ‘Thim Slick‘ clip featuring R&B singer Jeremih also features a cameo from R&B singer/songwriter Teyana Taylor. The video serves as one of a few visual appetizers to the Brooklyn emcee’s upcoming album ‘Loso’s Way 2: Rise To Power’.
DOWNLOAD: FABOLOUS – THE SOUL TAPE 3
Posted in Album, Hip-Hop, Mixtapes, Music, Videos | Tags: Fabolous, The Soul Tape 3, Thick | 1 Comment »
Black Milk – “Cold Day”
February 5, 2014
It’s so cold in the ‘D’ but Detroit producer & emcee Black Milk is hitting us with some sure fire heat for the winter. It was just a few months ago when Black Milk released his “No Poison, No Paradise” project and now he’s already gearing up to drop a new project called “Glitches In The Break” due May 4th. “Cold Day” is the first official single from the forthcoming ‘Glitches In The Break’ EP that will be released digitally on March 4 followed by a 12″ vinyl format on Record Store Day, April 19. Digital pre-order is available now via the Detroit musician’s Bandcamp page.
DIGITAL PRE-ORDER: BLACK MILK – GLITCHES IN THE BREAK (EP)
Posted in Hip-Hop, Music | Tags: Black Milk, Cold Day, Detroit, Detroit Hip Hop, EP, Glitches In The Break | No Comments »
Comedy: A Conference Call in Real Life (Video)
February 4, 2014
Funny & hilariously true! If you have EVER been part of a conference call meeting, you will feel this sketch by Tripp and Tyler.
