J*Midd & Ying Yang Twins "Choosing" NEW SINGLE

J*Midd is an Atlanta, GA based rap recording artist with a blazing hot new single featuring Ying Yang Twins titled "Choosing" that is currently making noise over the Internet and across the nation.  Although this newsletter is mainly dedicated musicians, bands, vocalists and entertainers residing in either North or South Carolina, J*Midd is presently working with a Carolina stationed Internet Music Marketing Firm and for that reason along with having a nice well produced single that we all enjoy that also happens to be generating a huge buzz on the web, we here at The Carolina Inquirer will make an exception for the artist in this case.  Take a listen to the song above.


You can learn more about J*Midd and his music at http://www.jmiddnews.blogspot.com/  

Ketchmore Kids Fundraiser Event at Chili's (in Charlotte, NC)

Download and print this link for the information: http://www.mediafire.com/?o7bomso3ixcf48e

For more information on The Ketchmore Kids organization go to http://www.ketchmorekids.org

Bangnat Radio

Listen to Bangnat Radio with your hosts Empress Journee and K.B. every other Wednesday Night 10:00 PM at http://www.bangnatradio.com

You can also listen to previous shows on the website as well.

Single Review: Mr. Boom Boom Bang "Fa Sure"

(written by Cody Blevins)

Mr. Boom Boom Bang: Fa' Sure- A catchy hook ignites Fa' Sure like a firework show, skittering drum beats, spacey soul synths, and an autotuned intro to send it over the top. The rhymes come smooth, with bursts of speedy delivery that keeps it interesting in between crooning and biting one liners. Overall an understated club pop song that really gets under your skin. 

(watch Mr. Boom Boom Bang's video "Fa Sure" below) 

 

Mr. Boom Boom Bang's Music

Mr. Boom Boom Bang is an Atlanta, GA based rap recording artist with a blazing hot new single and video titled "Fa Sure" that is currently making noise over the Internet and across the nation.  Although this newsletter is mainly dedicated musicians, bands, vocalists and entertainers residing in either North or South Carolina, Mr. Boom Boom Bang is presently working with a Carolina stationed Internet Music Marketing Firm and for that reason along with having a nice well produced single that we all enjoy that also happens to be generating a huge buzz on the web we here at The Carolina Inquirer will make an exception for the artist in this case.  

You can learn more about Mr. Boom Boom Bang and his music at http://www.boomboombangblog.blogspot.com

Eric Brayman talks about Blue Collar Rap, Queen City Hip Hop and Clubs with Strict Dress Code Policies

This week, The Carolina Inquirer gets in touch with a popular hip hop promoter/ DJ that has been one of the major backbones in Charlotte, NC (the Queen City's) hip hop scene for years.  Take a look at what Eric Brayman has to say about Charlotte's underground.

The Carolina Inquirer:  Underground hip hop events in Charlotte, NC are usually known for drawing crowds primarily comprised of other local rappers, D.Js and beat makers... would you say that the events you hold are different, and if so... what does your events have that would interest the every day person that doesn't participate in hip hop?   
Eric Brayman:  We are the outcasts of the local music scene! The Blue Collar rappers!! The music heard is not that of average Hip Hop events. Its not going to have you grinding on the dance floor. It is more of head nod and turn to your friend and say "did he just say that" when a rapper says something clever.  They don't talk about pushing drugs and cars with 58" rims. They talk about real life. True Hip Hop. Its def not the 106 n Park crowd!!  Yes we have beat makers, DJs and other rappers. Birds of a feather flock together!  As to an everyday person at my event. Well, I have turned some old "rap sucks" guys into fans!! The music done by the artists that frequent my event is very different from commercial Hip Hop so they are really blown away by the different sounds and styles. I like to describe the artists that come to my events would rather go on tour with KRS ONE than Lil' Wayne! The Freestyle Battle cypher always makes people "ooh and awe".  It's part of the reason I do this.  It is Hip Hop at its truest form.  It amazes some that don't know Hip Hop in that way. They wont hesitate to come back.  Its great entertainment.  It also amazes the ones who see it all the time but just love it! 

Who are some of the acts that frequently perform at your event? 
Charles Herron. Keyza Soulsay, JJ Bass, Ike Turnah, Panamah Ski, Dee Richards, Big Treal, Raz Omega, Mr Invisible, Salty Dogs, Caliba, K-Baz, MC Cataclysm, Fallen Angels, Stereogram, Chekar Kareem, K-Baz, THE COMDOT and so many more new and old!!  We are very lucky to have so much talent!!!


How would you describe the hip hop scene in Charlotte, NC as a whole?There is not a Hip Hop scene.  There are scenes!!  We live in a southern city with people from all over the world living here.  Therefore the styles are all over the map.  There is a scene for club style hip hop.  I guess they do well.  I don't really feel that type of music so I don't know much about how they do it.  There are the southern trapper style they mix with the club cats but neither mess with us. There is some crossover here and there with the back packers and classic boom bap style kids and just new school. All in all each group sticks together. 


What do you say needs to improve or change in Charlotte's hip hop scene?

Speaking for our movement, We need smaller venues open to doing shows and not charging hundreds of dollars to do it. I don't have a home club to throw shows as I did in the past with The Room and The Spot so now Its hard to put on a real local concert and make it profitable for anyone other than the club. Artists end up splitting a hundred or 2 when the the bar rakes it in and the promoter get pennies. Its almost as bars hear hip hop and they think Bentlys and bottles of champagne so these people must have money! Well not in our case again we are blue collar!!! Dont get me wrong. There are a few venues that welcome us with open arms cause we drink a lot of beer and never cause trouble. Never a fight. We would rather argue politics or why Lil' Wayne should die! 


On your Facebook wall you have expressed your disdain about certain venues and their strict and seemingly unfair dress code policies, would you care to elaborate on that right now?

I hate dressing up going to the club!!!  I would rather drink and dance in sneakers or Timbs than dress shoes.  I'm more comfortable and that makes my mood better as the night goes on.  I can be grown and sexy in Timbs I'm almost 40!!!  I'm pretty grown.  I understand you want to have a more formal event or establishment so basketball jerseys and hats might not be appropriate however I think some have taken it to another level.  I was denied entrance to an Epicenter club because I had on a polo, shorts, and Timberlands.  I was told by the door guy I did not meet the dress code and if he let me in his boss would have his ass ok no prob.  No fight outta me, not my kinda place or music anyway.  I was only going in support of a friend.  As me and my wife who was dressed great and hot are talking about our next move.  I was tapped on the shoulder by an Epicenter security guard who was accompanied by a police officer. The security guard then proceeds to tell me that Timberlands are not allowed at the Epicenter after 9pm and I had to leave the premises now and was escorted by the two of them down 3 flights of stairs until we got to the courtyard where 4 more CMPD joined them and walked 2 steps behind until we hit the side walk.  UNREAL.  I had went to the Epicenter after a dinner at LUCE an incredible Italian fine dining restaurant and was welcomed with open arms and treated like me and my wife were king and queens.  2 blocks away we were treated like we were homeless.  I was there supporting a friend again last week at the Epicenter again and watched in amazement as the bouncer of a club would not let one of 2 men in because of sneakers.  They both had jeans oxford shirts and jeans and white sneakers.  One had white puma soccer sneakers [so] he was ok.  The other had white running shoes and he could not get in.  Both brand new and white.  I laughed.  Though I will give the Epicenter this. They do not discriminate in their idiocy. Those two gentlemen were Indian and I am white.  They need to realize to stop being petty there are so many "high class" clubs and clubs in general. With people not spending as they were a few years ago they should really lighten up!!

What other events do you have lined up for the future? 
I have been toying with a regional show mixing locals with others from around the Carolinas trying build a family of Carolina hip hop not just queen city hip hip.  Just trying to find the right venue.  I tried at 2 [venues] and would be doing it at 1 of them if they had a stage and monitors not just a dance club.  I'll find a good home that wants good hip hop. Good things take time!

Is there anything else you would like to plug, or mention? 
QCHH!!

Hip Hop Video Produced and Directed by Self Taught

Take a look at the hot new video for the song "Next Level" performed by D.R. Universal, with the song produced and video directed by Carolina Inquirer contributor Self Taught.  Watch the video above and post comments below.

WHERE ARE ALL THE FANS???

Written by Mutha F'er

The above question is what every local artist especially in hip hop should be asking themselves. Every local hip hop event I have attended in my adopted city of Charlotte NC has left me asking the same question: Where Are The Fans?  It seems that every time I attended any of these events, the people in the audience are either other hip hop artists such as emcees, rappers, producers or DJ's.  It's always an audience filled with people who are involved in hip hop in some way.  When I ask myself, WHERE ARE THE FANS?!, I'm talking about the average person who doesn't rhyme, make beats, DJ's, owns a label or etc. I'm talking about the average person that has a 9 to 5 job that just enjoys hip hop music in general.  I'm speaking about the person who has no desire to do anything hip hop related such as rhyming, making beats, DJing, etc. Whenever the FANS do attend, they usually come with the artist to be used as that particular artist's cheering section. When that artist has finished performing, the FANS usually walk out with the performer.  For example if artist so and so is scheduled to perform third, their fan/fans will stay in the venue until artist so and so performs and after that, leave.  So imagine if that artist is performing last, that artist will literally be performing for the people that came with him or her.  What I notice is very FEW "real fans" in my adopted city of Charlotte, NC go out to these local events and support local hip hop.

So, each time I go out to one of these local events, there are a ton of artists, DJ's and producers with CDs in hand and other promotional items, all ready to get on stage and shout out their myspace, facebook and youtube pages to an audience filled with their peers (other artists) who really don't give a f--k because they're about to get on next and do the same exact thing!  All of this makes it hard for artists to come up and sell their merchandise because in most cases local artists don't usually buy each others music. So as an artist at one of these local events, you are literally telling other artists  "yo, GO purchase my CD. It's on itunes." AND VICE VERSA. wow!

In my opinion, the solution is for these local artists to try to open up for more established acts that come to town, such as Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z or etc. These artists will attract the average 9 to 5 job working hip hop loving fan to come out to the event. As result, the local artist now has a legitimate crowd to perform in front of and sell merchandise to, but as long these local artists are at these local venues performing only in front of their peers (other local artists), they will not be able to build a legitimate fan base.

Read more upcoming articles from Mutha F'er at Boom Bap Renaissance at http://www.boombaprenaissance.blogspot.com

Single Review: Mora "Let Em Know"

(written by Cody Blevins)

Like a combination of Kanye West, and Drake, Mora is a powerhouse of catchy soul choruses lifted from Usher and a laid back baritone rap that just reaches and grows through every real life line. He is not afraid to let anybody know in this song, he's confident, catchy and cocky, a blend that is a perfect fit for pop music and hip hop; charisma and self-assured greatness. 

Mora's Official Music Video for the single "Let Em Know"

Check out the official music video for Mora's single "Let Em Know". Post your comments here...

Mora's Music

Mora is an Atlanta, GA based hip hop recording artist with a hot new single and video titled "Let Em Know" that is currently making waves over the Internet and across the nation.  Although this newsletter is mainly dedicated musicians, vocalists and entertainers residing in either North or South Carolina, Mora is presently working with a Carolina stationed Online Music Marketing Firm and for that reason along with Mora having a nice well produced single that we all enjoy that also happens to be generating a huge buzz on the web we here at The Carolina Inquirer will make an exception for Mora in this case.  

You can learn more about Mora and his music at http://www.moramusicblog.blogspot.com

Carolina Bands On The Rise: The Situationals

Written by Chris Coleman

        The Situationals is a band from Charlotte, NC powered by their love of  80’s style Alternative rock and  Contemporary Indie rock.  They put a modern spin on Post Punk Power pop.  By Definition, “Power pop" (or powerpop) is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music.  It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs.  The most important and influential band in Power pop history are The Beatles. 

        From their Myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/thesituationals.  There are 5 different tracks by The Situationals.  These tracks were "Celebrity Meltdown", "Play", "Sometimes",
"Way too Blue", and "Boys of Troy".  "Celebrity Meltdown" is a great song, it paints a picture of a Celebrity having problems in their life, and that they are forced to show people their personal life, no matter what happens. A great lyric in this song is “Sitting there on my T.V screen, man are you ok?”.  "Play" has a sad feeling to it.  The lead singer, Candice Tucker, sang as if the song was about her life struggles and that she had no time for sympathy, she had to “Play”.
        "Sometimes" has very pumped up rock cords backed up by Candice Tucker singing about what seems to be about throwing caution to the wind and sometimes doing what you feel like doing.  "Way too Blue" sounds like a great break up song. In the beginning, you think its going to be a depressing song.  Finally, "Boys of Troy" sounds like a tribute to the entitled, “boys” of Troy, and what happened to them, and their city, their heaven, and how the band sees Charlotte, NC as there heaven.
       Other than Candice Tucker, the band also includes Kelly Morse, Todd Day, Jason Perkins, and MichaelCarinelli. The songs listed above, and more are on the album, Heaven is High, and the Emperor is far Away,
that is available now. Look out for their new album, Bellwether. about the old  “ boy meets girl, they date, then boy leaves girl, girl is sad” but its more about trying to forget about the “boy” rather than missing him.

 

http://www.thesituationals.com/

 (The Official Website for the Band)

Raeford, North Carolina artist Hancho shoots video in hometown

Contribution by Miss 910


Raeford, North Carolina artist Hancho shoots video in hometown.  Artist Hancho pays homage to his neighborhood as he shoots video in hometown of Raeford NC, Robin Heights.  Look out for video premiere. Video shot by Miss 910.  Although this artist moved away to Maryland, he never forgot his roots.  This is his second video in Raeford this year and he plans to shoot 2 more before the year is out.  He is proud of his deep family roots in this small town.  He is said to be someone that a lot of the youth look up to in his hometown.  He believes strongly in never forgetting where you come from.  His cousin died a week after shooting video so this video has sentimental value to his community because everyone there is like family.

New Mixtape from UnXplained Country Days, & City Nights

Take a listen to the latest mixtape 

from 2 Da Realness Entertainment recording artists

UnXplained titled
Country Days, City Nights. 

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

Kam Moye (Supastition) Retires

          For those who have been asking for updates on myself and my album. Kam Moye is longer an artist on MYX Music Label. As of a few months ago, MYX Music is no longer in business from my understanding. At this point my album is kind of lost in the shuffle and I am hoping to get things resolved as far as rights to the music go. The mother company ABS-CBN took some serious losses in the past year so they cut off finances for it’s smaller subsidiaries including the label. It was beyond my control and nothing could have prevented it. More than a few artists lost their deals. I’ve dealt with a similar situation before when Chain Letters in 2005 was released and two or three months later the distribution company shut down without warning. That’s just the way the ball bounces. Hopefully things will work out for all parties. I wish Karim Panni (label manager of MYX) all the best in his new endeavors. There will be no more singles or videos off of the album. Thanks to those who supported the album. I am grateful for the opportunity regardless.

          At this time, I have no plans on recording another professional solo album as Kam Moye or Supastition. This decision isn’t based on my recent situation with MYX Music but based on the state of the music industry and where it’s going. It wasn’t an easy decision for me but I felt that it was the best choice. I’ve sacrificed a lot of money and time and it’s just not worth it to continue with it the way I have done in the past. All isn’t bad news though… I have enough unreleased songs saved in the stash at this point to compile a few more albums. With that being said, I’m going to put those songs together and make them available for free download as soon as I can get clearance from the producers and guest artists involved. There is no release date and there won’t be one. There will be no labels or promo involved. Whenever I can get the okay from everyone involved then I’ll put up a link on my site, Facebook, etc… It’s as simple as that. Not to mention, I have recorded close to 100 guest appearances in my career so I’m sure they will continue popping up on the internet throughout the years. There are some other MC/producer projects that I already had in the works with Dela (from France), D.R. (Electric Ave), and Madwreck. I’m a man of my word so I will make sure that those projects are finished and completed. I’ve been left hanging way too many times by people that I’ve worked with in the music industry so I’d never do that to people I respect. I mainly chose to do projects with them based on their talent, loyalty, and just being good people and friends in general. The collaboration project with Dela may be released on CD/iTunes depending on what he decides to do with it but the other two projects will be free releases. Also, I just provided DJ Concept (Bash Brothers) with over 70 songs to release in a Kam Moye/Supastition mixtape series in order to help distribute the remaining songs in my catalog.

          Although I’ll always write and record music, I have no interest in to pursuing it professionally anymore as an artist beyond this point. 5 record deals, 3 albums, 3 EP’s, 5 videos, 12 countries, and 40+ U.S. cities is more than enough for me to be proud of. I know some people will wonder why can’t I still just make music? The truth is that I have never “just made music” because most of my career I have managed myself (until recently), booked most of my own shows & tours, found my own record deals, found my own producers, and most recently recorded my own music. That takes a toll on you and your personal life after awhile. Out of all those duties, I spent the least amount of time rapping and recording music. With music being technically free nowadays, that’s way too much effort for the results I’ve seen. Waking up to see a blog giving away your entire discography for free followed by a single sentence saying “support the artist” is a very humbling thing to see when your rent is due. That’s not bitterness, it’s just today’s reality… I’m at peace with that. I’m going to make sure that the rest of the music in my catalog will reach those fans who have supported me over the years. This isn’t some corny retirement speech or “I quit” rant… just me personally giving you an update on what to expect and what not to expect from me. I’m sure people will interpret it any way that they like though. I had originally written a lengthy and personal message breaking down a lot of things but I realized that nothing on the internet is personal anymore. Thanks all of those who have supported and all of you who will continue. I’ll update you on things as soon as I can. Hopefully you will enjoy the rest of the music and if not then you have more than enough music from me already. Peace and respect y’all.

- Kam Moye (Supastition)