Sunday, February 21, 2010

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK 2/21/2010 PRESENTS: CONFIGA

This week I am proud to present CONFIGA as my Featured Artist of the week. CONFIGA is from the UK, so NOLA Belle has officially gone international!!!! Configa has a different style that I JUST HAD to add to my blog, very reminiscent of The Gorillaz. So, lets find out more about CONFIGA. Below is his bio, pictures, music links & contact information. Ladies & Gentleman, I present to you CONFIGA...enjoy...and feel free to comment & provide feedback.  


***Who Is He?

UK based Configa A.K.A Andrew Laidlaw first got into hip hop in 1988 via the sounds of The Native Tongues.  As a young teenager Laidlaw saw his future as lying in radio, and even had his own hip hop show on a local unlicensed station, but ultimately the draw of the mic proved too great and he started writing his own rhymes at the age of 16 under the pseudonym ‘M.C. Unique’. Early ventures included making mix tapes that were sold and distributed on the local streets, freestyle battles and exploiting musical avenues through the relatively new medium of the Internet.  As a noted battle rapper, Laidlaw decided to build upon his buzz and release his debut album entitled ‘Baptizm Of Fire’ in 2000. Aside from mic duties the album was also self-produced/mixed/manufactured and financed by Laidlaw himself.  The album notably featured a collaboration with B. Down the owner of LA based ‘Rap Junkie Records’ who signed Laidlaw to his fledgling independent label in 2001. Laidlaw (as ‘M.C. Unique’) featured on two mix tapes on the LA label (Independent Game 1 (2001) and Independent Game  (2002) and released his second album ‘The King Of Linguistics’ in 2002 also through ‘Rap Junkie Records’, this album again being mainly self produced by Laidlaw himself. The album garnered favourable reviews and received solid exposure including a mention on MTV.com alongside the ‘8 Mile’ Soundtrack and Christina Aguilera on its release date and was subject to European and US wide distribution. Following the promotion of the album, in 2003 Laidlaw decided to take a back seat on mic duties and rebrand himself ‘Configa’ where he has focused on production work since. In 2004 Configa formed, along with Wargasms, Arsenal and C-Gully, the crew ‘Slept On Fam’. The album ‘Audio Crack’ was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. Rapreviews.com asked the rhetorical question “What makes Configa so good?” and heralded his “splendiferous sonic scenery”; music Insider Gian Fiero stated “It's not often that I get a group Rap project that embodies this much personality, influence, and talent”; ukhh.com exclaimed that “Configa serves up the production crack for those audio canals” and Blues & Soul magazine pinpointed “Configa’s stirring production”. To coincide with these rave reviews the accolades started pouring in, culminated by Slept On Fam in 2007 winning ‘Group of The Year’ at the second annual Get ‘Em Magazine music awards in Florida (hosted by the legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr), beating such luminaries as recent Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia. More recently Configa has begun work on his solo album entitled "Inside The Echo Chamber” which will be entirely produced by Configa himself with a host of different MC’s guesting on the tracks. The album is set for release early 2011.




***The Music

"Green Power" by Slept On Fam (produced by Configa)

"The Way They Do My Life" by Slept On Fam (produced by Configa)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/7285500906340f94/

Configa featuring Floriginul "Hot Off Da Press"
http://configa.com/track/hot-off-da-press-configa-ft-floriginul

Taken from Configa's forthcoming album "Inside The Echo Chamber"


 


***Where Can You Hear & Find Out More?

Main Site: http://configa.com
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/Configa
Email: configa@gmail.com


 

  

Thank you very much Configa for letting me share your talent & music with the world. I look forward to watching your talent & career go further in the industry.  Congratulations & keep up the good work.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Featured Artist of the Week 2/14/2010 Presents: Duece

I proudly present to you this week's Featured Artist of the Week: DUECE. He has a style all on his own...below is his bio, pictures, music links and contact information on this up & coming artist trying to make a name for himself in the industry...

***Who is He?
From the depths of the infamous streets of New Orleans Louisiana, comes an artist herald as The next big thing, Andrae Noel aka Duece. With a masterful blend of subject matter and his formula of wit, truth, and street savvy, he possibly could breathe a fresh breath of air into the Hip-Hop culture. A strong dose of reality will descend upon music lovers, as Duece descends upon the music industry, and Hip-Hop alike. This Bad-fella brings a realistic approach about life, attitude, the streets, and worldly issues, not only in his music, but also dvd, in his starring Lead Role in the newly released movie Treasure n tha Hood which features an all-star cast; Katt Williams (" Rebound, Friday After Next and The Tracy Morgan Show"), Reynaldo Rey ("BET Comic View", "Friday"), Todd Bridges ("Different Strokes"), Miss Dupree ("Ray", "Tom Joyner Morning Show"), No Limit Records' platinum rap artist Choppa, Dexter Tucker ("Money Talks", "Rush Hour III"), and comedian Tre Luv. Duece also Co-stars in Desire written and directed by Clarence Thomas III, and Joe Elmore, which is scheduled for release in early 2006. Having just completed the filming of the upcoming film Rim Shop which features Clifton Powell (Ray, Woman Thou Art Loose, and Next Friday), Tommy Tiny Lister (Austin Powers in Goldmember, The Fifth Element and Friday) and Maia Campbell (In The House and Poetic Justice), Duece is now focused on pursuing his first love music. Duece is considered a verbal guru, or in-depth architect. He brings gumption and placid verbal pitches musically, a story teller who verbalizes the trials and tribulations of inner city life, through melodious and lyrical metaphors, that in the delivery, you'll share his grimace of pain, as if writing, are his form of purification. A rare find, his assembled plethora of lyrics, will knock any true hip-hop listener off their feet. With a euphemism referred to as the microphone assassin, he implies a lyrical addiction to listeners. He is the finalist and the finisher, as he puts it when it comes to completion of subject matter and depth of production. Gifted with the ability to illustrate conceptualized visions through his music, he has written and produced for artist already established. This Bad-fella is well seasoned and prepped for introduction with a dosage of unique urban hip-hop sounds, spiced with a New Orleans flavor. Having been in the business for some time, Duece honed his skills, but is now ready to release his self-entitled album. As we await the release of this album, know that he is ripped and ready to deliver all of his experiences, attitudes and heartfelt love to the community, the country, and the music world; hopefully, all will be ready for his talent, so get ready for street subjects and hard lyrics with a powerful message. Imagine in Hip-Hop a variant so inclusive, that musically, the message could inspire a culture. Hip-Hop, prepare for the Dirty South's underground Godson lyricists Introducing, New Orleans, own... Mc Andrae Noel, known from here on, as... Duece.



***Music Links



"What the Streets Want"


"Chasing"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/71912460cf267538/

"Super Sonic"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/71912461e8b48494/

"Keep Going"
http://www.zshare.net/audio/71912475aa8872eb/


***How to Reach Him?
Twitter: Trakspecialist
Email: trakspecialist777@gmail.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/Duece



 

 

Congratulations Duece on your feature! Thank you for letting me share your talent with the world...I look forward to seeing your career grow...

Friday, February 12, 2010

On the Local Scene

Here's a look at some of the hottest events happening in & around New Orleans in the coming weeks...

2/26/2010 - Uniquity  

 


UNIQUITY & Off the Dome Present Special Edition Concert
February Uniquity features two live bands and several of the city's most talented hip-hop emcees & freestylers
WHEN: Friday, February 26, 2010 
Doors open at 10:00 p.m., Show starts at 11:00 p.m. 
WHERE: The Howlin' Wolf Den, 907 S. Peters St., New Orleans LA
COVER: $8 at the door, $5 pre-sale ticket
FEATURED ARTISTS:
- Billsberry Flowboy
- 6th Strict
- B.C. (www.myspace.com/westbankgeneral)
- Tiny Archibald (http://www.myspace.com/brentonandthebrentones)
- Onaje (www.groundbreakin.com)
- Intelligence (http://www.myspace.com/intelligencesfe)
- Slangston Hughes (www.reverbnation.com/slangstonhughes)
 
This month Uniquity raises the bar by joining forces with monthly rap freestyle battle, Off the Dome, to bring New Orleans the second annual Winners' Cup event. All five of the former Off The Dome champions and two of its main artists will perform alongside both monthly events' bands, Fo On The Flo and Snuff Sugar. It will be hosted by local comedians, Mark Caesar and Rusty Lowdown. 
Come out & support the Hip Hop Movement!!!

2/18/2010 - NOHH
 

Wes B. & XCEL Records Presents NOHH
OFFICIAL KICKOFF
Thursday, February 18, 2010
& EVERY 3rd THURSDAY

CLUB UNIQUE
3201 EDENBORN AVE. METAIRIE, LA

9:00 PM

LINEUP INCLUDES:
A. LEVY
TRUTH UNIVERSAL
LYRIKILL
SKIPP COON & Mr. Nick

ADMISSION: FREE FREE FREE 


2/20/2010 - SOUNDCLASH




Host: LYRIKILL & RUSTY LOW DOWN

Premier beat battle, artist showcase & industry mixer
Artist Lineup Includes:
DAIN
STREET KIDD
TNC BOYS
M. HARRIS & SPYNAGE

MAISON (UPSTAIRS)
508 FRENCHMAN ST. NEW ORLEANS, LA

DOORS OPEN @ 9:00 PM
ADMISSION: $5


2/21/2010 - CRESCENT CITY COLLEGE TOUR KICKOFF
CONCERT & AFTERPARTY           

 
                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                              
CRESCENT CITY COLLEGE TOUR KICKOFF CONCERT


THE ICU
SUAVE
LINX & BUNDY
BZYBEE
LIL DEE
CODAC

SPECIAL GUESTS: A. LEVY & D.Y.

SPECIAL GUEST HOSTS: LYRIKILL & SLANGSTON HUGHES

CAFE PRYTANIA 
3445 PRYTANIA ST. NEW ORLEANS, LA

DOORS OPEN @ 6:00 PM 

SHOW STARTS @ 7:00 PM

PRESALE TICKETS $5 ; $10 AT THE DOOR...

COME SEE THE "FRESHMAN OF THE NEW SCHOOL OF HIP HOP"...

AFTERPARTY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING @ CLUB VOILA 
300 DECATUR ST. NEW ORLEANS, LA


Friday, February 5, 2010

LIVE INTERVIEW TONIGHT 2/5/2010

***In case you missed last night's interview with Lyrikill & I on Ride Heavy Radio hosted by  Mz. Fresh & Priceless, here is the link for free download
:
Check us out now...


Tonight on Ride Heavy Radio, myself and Chuck "Lyrikill" Jones will be getting interviewed LIVE ON-AIR at 11pm EST/10pm CST/8pm PST...

How can you participate & ask those burning questions???? SIMPLE...

Call (917) 889-7641 and press '1' to speak to the host...


SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT MY PEOPLE!!!!

  



***SPECIAL & GRACIOUS THANKS TO THE LOVELY MZ. FRESH OF RIDE HEAVY RADIO FOR THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY!! ***

Thursday, February 4, 2010

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: WES B.

Wes B. was the second client I signed on to work with me. He is a solo artist, member of Supergroup Tygah Woods and CEO of XCEL Records. Wes B. has recently entered the showcase scene. On February 18th he will be launching his very own artist launching pad entitled 'NOHH' (New Orleans Hip Hop). Concurrently, he is working on his solo effort entitled Blu Muzik. He likens himself to the style of Joe Budden & Lupe Fiasco. I have included music links, video footage and events Wes B. will be involved with...

Ladies & Gentleman, I present to you WES B. ...please enjoy...



***Singles
"Check My Fresh" 


***Mixtape


NEW "Blu Musik" RELEASED TODAY***
http://www.sendspace.com/file/iqpih6

"B Mixes & B Sides"


***Video

"Lupe Fiasco vs. Wes B. "The One"



***Upcoming Schedule***
2/18/2010  NOHH: New Orleans Hip Hop
Club Unique
3201 Edenborn Ave.
Metairie, LA
9:00PM 
ADMISSION: FREE


Come see some of New Orleans & surrounding areas HOTTEST artists take the stage...




***Contact Information:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WesBeez
Email: MrXcelRecords@gmail.com
Publicist & Booking: Nicoya Hogan, nicoya.hogan@gmail.com


Thank you Wes B. for allowing me the pleasure to work with you...I look forward to our future endeavors...





Sunday, January 31, 2010

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK 1/31/2010 Presents: Lil Dee God's Gift

I proudly present to you Zone Gang's very own "Lil Dee God's Gift" as my Featured Artist of the Week. Below is more information on this young man trying to put New Orleans back on the map....enjoy & as always, your feedback is greatly appreciated...

 

Lil Dee, Gods  Gift, born June 1, 1989 and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana has taken the struggle of growing up in the South and transformed it into a lyrical landscape to gain insight to Rap and Hip Hop music. Though only 19, his sound and skills far surpass his age. The early influences of The Notorious B-I-G and Nas have helped developed his style of positive rapping and thought provoking rhymes.

Lil Dee began performing before others his age knew what rhyming was. From the first talent show at age 10, it was apparent that his lyrical style would set him apart from the rest. Lil Dee began to showcase his talent by performing on local radio shows, which led to him winning the Freestyle contest for The Source Magazine. His success prompted him to enter the studio to record and release a mix tape that would go on to sell over 20,000 copies.

Lil Dee's strength as a performer goes far beyond the studio. His ability to engage and captivate an audience has allowed him to open artist Rick Ross (Def Jam). He has work with artists like Fiend (Formally of No Limit Records), and Baby Boy Tha Prince (Universal Records). He has been featured on many well known artists CDs including Turk from Cash Money Records.

Lil Dee's positive style has allowed him the flexibility to perform on radio, television, and video. He has appeared on BETs 106 and Park, the UPN Network, and a DVD titled Bonose TV. Rapper T. I. was quoted saying that Lil Dee was the future of New Orleans Rap. Lil Dee is not just the future but God's Gift to Rap music.


 


 ***Music Links

"Ready for Whatever" 
"Unbelievable"

"City Lights"
http://twiturm.com/gtofj 

(once you click the music link you will have to download...at no charge of course)

***Music Video: "City Lights"



"Addicted Freestyle"
***Where You Can Find More of Him

Twitter: @lildeegodsgift





***Contact Information
Artist, Lil Dee: zonegangboss@aol.com 


Thank you very much Lil Dee God's Gift for letting me display your talent to the world...we look forward to hearing more from you in the future...good luck in all of your future endeavors...


Please provide feedback on this week's featured artist...

 

Monday, January 25, 2010

NFL Playoff Recap Week 3



Let's take a look at this past weekend's matchups and a glimpse at what's to come for the Super Bowl, two weeks from now...

AFC Championship Title Game

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts -- Well, this game began like a fairy tale but it ended in reality...let me elaborate. At the start of the game & particularly the first half, the New York Jets (yeah those guys) had complete control over the game, defensively & offensively. Scoring 17 points in the 1st half and holding Indianapolis to field goals only, they were looking to set the tone & give Indy the game they wanted...ahhh but all's well that ends well and THIS WAS NOT WELL...I'm not too sure what either Jim Caldwell or Peyton Manning himself told the team at the half but the start of the second half and every second that followed was ALL INDIANAPOLIS...Peyton went into 'stealth' mode seek, find & optimize target! Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne & one of Haiti's finest Pierre Garcon all chipped in, in displaying Manning's pinpoint accuracy...The New York Jets NEVER scored anymore points after accumulating 17 in the first half, whereas the Colts went on to score 30 and inevitably winning the game, thus crushing Rex Ryan's PCP-enhanced Super Bowl win dreams & squelching Mark Sanchez's dreams of being any type of record holder...sorry buddy not gonna happen this year...So, next stop for Indianapolis is MIAMI, FLORIDA for SUPER BOWL 44...

Final Score 30-17 Indianapolis

NFC Championship Title Game

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints --- WHO DAT WHO DAT WHO DAT SAID THEY GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS?!? WHO DAT WHO DAT!!! YEAH WE DAT! Whew, got that out real quick...on to the action...So, Minnesota came out pumped and ready to go. Their first drive on the field Favre takes them from one end to the next resulting in a touchdown...so okay they are trying to set the tone of the game. Fine, anything you can do WE can do better...Saints take the field led by Drew Brees, we return the favor and score as well. So, it looked like it would be score for score this game and that is what happened...but the road was NOT easy for Favre. The QB took hit after punishing hit...spending alot of time on the turf. It seemed his offensive line wasn't quick enough to stop the penetration of the Saints Defense. Each time Favre hit the ground (Favre on the ground, Favre on the ground, you looking like a fool with your Favre on the ground...had to do that too), he got up slower & slower, one time limping off the field. But he continued to play & take the brutal beating. Favre contributed 2 interceptions, one leading the game into overtime. Percy Harvin & Adrian Peterson both contributed fumbles which were recovered by the Saints...particularly specializing in fumble recoveries Sunday was Haitian Sensation Jonathan Vilma!!! Reggie Bush was quiet as usual and in standard form fumbled the ball on a return, thus leading to Minnesota taking over in the Red Zone...setback indeed but the Bless You Boys recouped and Pierre Thomas came in to show em how its really done shaking defensers off & jumping over people & literally flyiong in the air for yardage & the sacred TOUCHDOWN...give that man a handclap!!! Drew Brees made impeccable plays, Colston, Meachem, both Thomas', and Vilma were the standouts of the game...The game went to Overtime and Saints won the toss received first...and it all came down AS I PREDICTED to a 40-yard field goal attempt by Garrett Hartley...he sets up, the ball is snapped, he kicks, annnnddddd IT'S GOOD THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!! WHO DAT WHO DAT WHO DAT SAID THEY GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS!!!!!!! The Saints are heading to the SUPER BOWL for the FIRST TIME in Franchise History!!!! So amazing...CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH & EVERY PLAYER, COACH SEAN PAYTON, PHENOMENAL GREGG WILLIAMS, COACHES, ASSISTANTS, CONTRIBUTORS & SPECIAL THANKS TO TOM BENSON FOR NOT GIVING UP ON THE TEAM & MOVING IT TO A DIFFERENT CITY!!! NEW ORLEANS BRED, NEW ORLEANS LOVED...NEW ORLEANS SAINTS...BLESS YOU BOYS...WE LOVE YOU...


Final/OT Score 31-28 New Orleans Saints

*YES, I'm a Saints fan but NO, I'm NOT  a fan of Reggie Bush-Kardashian...that's a whole other blog post for a different day...WHO DAT!

SUPER BOWL GLIMPSE

February 7, 2010 -- Miami, Florida -- Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints


This is sure to be a game of epic proportions...one fact, this is a TRUE NEW ORLEANS SUPER BOWL...the Manning family is from New Orleans, Archie Manning is one of the famous former Saints' QB's...so it only seems natural that his blonde hair All-American son would be playing the Black & Gold for the pinnacle...Now, don't get lax & forget...these are the two #1 seeds in their respective divisions. This hasn't happened since 1993. Lets go head to head offensively...


Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees    *tie*
Addai/Garcon/Brown vs. Bush/Thomas/Bell   *SAINTS*
Clark vs. Thomas/Shockey     *COLTS*
Wayne/Collie vs. Meachem/Colston/Henderson     *SAINTS
Vinatieri/Hartley    *tie*


The two defenses are also tied in the matchup as well with regards to Mathis, Freeney as Colts' notables and Fujita, Vilma & Greer as Saints' notables...this is going to be a game based on heart, passion & more importantly DESIRE & WILL...The SAINTS CAN BEAT INDIANAPOLIS...I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE!!! We just have to PROVE it and to do that we just have to DO it...I expect this to be a low scoring game, I expect both defenses to gun for the QB's, I look for the Colts to put immense pressure on the passing game & they will plug holes against the runners...SAINTS defense MUST stop Peyton Manning point blank period. And they must stop Garcon because he is a firecracker on the field no matter the space alotted...


Focus, determination, heart, soul, passion, desire, will, strength...all of this will be needed & displayed in the upcoming Super Bowl 44 on February 7th...

LEAVE EVERYTHING ON THE FIELD....


I CAN'T WAIT!!!!




                                          



















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