Previously advertised at The Assembly this Friday, but moved to Mercury Live, Friday 8 August
43 De Villiers St, District 6 (Zonnebloem)

Heal the Hood Project has hosted this event since 1997 and paid for more than 85 dancers to go to the World Champs in Germany. Each year we have spent the money raised on taking hip hop around the country, hosting this event and buying flights for the SA Team. This year we have decided to plough our peoples’ money into developmental workshops and activities in South Africa. This will see money from Hip Hop and our communities being ploughed back into our communities and empowering hip hop artists.

King Solomon and Giggles emerged in 2007 with the smash web hit "Camouflage Back Massage", which generated over 500,000 views on YouTube, and features on other prominent video sites such as Veoh, Myspace, Collegehumor, The Daily Reel, DotComedy and a homepage feature on NBC.com. After capturing interests from fans from around the globe, they're now back with a follow-up release "Take Your Pants Off (Don't Touch My Balls)" – a track about going to the doctor's office to get checked for hernia.
 
Influenced in the style of early 80's Prince, Michael Jackson and Rick James, King Solomon teamed up with his production sidekicks Rakeman and DJ Man-E to produce an intricate, slick Hip Hop dance track with a retro feel for "Take Your Pants Off."
 
"Once you hear it, you'll feel it in your balls…even if you're a woman" says King Solomon. "Ok, maybe that's physically impossible. Fine. But it'll definitely make your uterus explode."
 
Growing up in Philly, the King Solomon and Giggles were surrounded by the neo-soul Hip Hop scene, which was heavily popular in the city at the time. "I wanted to do something different," says King Solomon. He describes his rapping style as "a totally awesome sound that makes the ladies go wild."
 
Although they deliver a new-school sound, their music is a blend of comedy and Hip Hop, reminiscent of old-school rap rooted in comedy ala Digital Underground's classic "The Humpty Dance," The Fat Boys, Biz Markie and others.
 
Titles like "Camouflage Back Massage," "Girls With Diseases" and "Buttcheeks & Titties" define the tone of the duo's music. "Some people tell us that nobody will take our music seriously because we're doing comedy," explains Solomon. "But think about how Hip Hop reached the masses… songs like The Fresh Prince's 'Parents Just Don't Understand' helped get the ears of the surburban kids, and ultimately caused Hip Hop to blow up. Back then, nobody said ‘that's not music!' Hip Hop has become so serious over the past decade that people forget that it was often rooted in comedy."
 
Combining hot beats meshed with carefully constructed rhymes and lyrical delivery, King Solomon and Giggles aim to prove that good Hip Hop can still make you laugh. "We make comedy and Hip Hop go together like pudding and Bill Cosby."

http://www.myspace.com/kingsolomonandgiggles
http://www.youtube.com/user/kingandgiggles

Fun Hip Hop is back in the mix, thanks to New York duo King Solomon and Giggles! After releasing several humorously unique singles like "Smack Your Dog In The Face" and "Camoflauge Back Massage," the multi-talented musical team has unleashed their hilarious new video for "Take Your Pants Off (Don't Touch My Balls)."
 
An ode to a rather "touchy" situation at the doctor's office, "Take Your Pants Off" was written, composed and produced by King Solomon, Rakeman and DJ Man-E. Giggles performs alongside Solomon with a stoic gaze as they lament on the sensitive topic. Add in a few hot chicks, some crazy dance moves and an E.R.-friendly beatbox cipher, and you've got nearly five minutes of comedic funk.
 
While King Solomon and Giggles have stayed true to their namesake with uniquely-styled humor engrained in their songs, they take the actual music very seriously. Solomon is a classically-trained musician and producer, and feels strongly that paying homage to fun Hip Hop in the vein of Digital Underground's Humpty Hump, The Fresh Prince, Biz Markie and other comedic rappers is only right.
 
"Some people tell us that nobody will take our music seriously because we're doing comedy," explains Solomon. "But think about how Hip Hop reached the masses… songs like The Fresh Prince's 'Parents Just Don't Understand' helped get the ears of the surburban kids, and ultimately caused Hip Hop to blow up. Back then, nobody said ‘that's not music!' Hip Hop has become so serious over the past decade that people forget that it was often rooted in comedy."
 
"Take Your Pants Off," "Smack Your Dog In The Face," and "Camoflauge Back Massage" are available on iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon, eMusic, Zune and Walmart.com. Meanwhile, King Solomon and Giggles are making even more music to put smiles on the faces of Hip Hop fans everywhere!

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As Hip Hop continues to thrive and influence today's mainstream pop culture after three decades of growth, the world-famous Rock Steady Crew is on the verge of their 31st Anniversary. The historic four-day celebration kicks off in New York City beginning Thursday, July 24 with the legendary Celebrity Benefit Basketball Challenge, and will wrap on Sunday, July 27 with the Outdoor Concert in Newark, New Jersey as an official event at the Third Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival.

North Carolina based emcee, Supastition, returns with the CD release of "Leave of Absence" on Reform School Music / Domination Recordings.

Supastition who released the fan-favorite "The Deadline" EP in 2005 and the critically acclaimed "Chain Letters" in 2006, which featured Little Brother and production from Illmind, Jake One and M-Phazes made massive noise worldwide. Supastition has received praise in magazines such as XXL (Chairman's Choice), The Source (Independent's Day) and Scratch (4/5 rating) in addition to headlining tours in over a dozen countries.

Originally a digital-only release, this limited edition CD version of "Leave of Absence" features the underground favorites "Worst Enemy" & "Word Has It" plus the brand new M-Phazes produced single "Wrong" as well as two more bonus tracks. Guest appearances include Torae, Kil Ripkin, Dan Johns and Finale plus production from Illmind, Marco Polo, Khrysis, D.R., Eric G and Johnny Madwreck.

Supastition "Leave of Absence" in stores this August!

"I never could have predicted that I'd still be rocking the mic more than two decades after my debut, but here I am," LL Cool J says with a smile. 
 
Here he is indeed. Nearly 25 years since he first burst onto the scene, LL Cool J continues his vibrant, trailblazing career with the release of EXIT 13, his appropriately titled 13th album for the only label he has called home – Def Jam Recordings.
 
EXIT 13 is a study in contrast and showcases LL Cool J's duality. "Depending on my mood, I can be aggressive, explosive and in-your-face, or alternately suave, smooth and sensual. It's no secret that I like making love songs as much as I like to lay down rhymes," commented LL.  With a career chock full of both and a new album packed with collaborators as diverse as 50 Cent, Wyclef Jean, Richie Sambora and The Dream, and producers such as Suits, DJ Scratch, Ilfonics and Raw Uncut, EXIT 13 is the album LL Cool J fans have been clamoring for – full of passion, braggadocio and smooth rhymes.  "When it came time for me to go into the studio, I tried to make this project as relevant as my first, and having that sense of my career coming full circle. Believe me, it was a blessing to be able to go back into the studio and create this album."
 
Joining forces with 50 Cent on a track called "Heartbeat," the two Queens natives rap over a stripped down track, while sounding like they are having a good time. "It's a song about role playing," says LL of "Heartbeat."   On the tracks "Rocking With The Goat," LL taps into his native New Yorker persona, and teams with labelmates The Dream on EXIT 13's first single "Baby."  The track, which recently debuted on the Billboard charts, marks LL's 42nd career chart debut.
 
What began for LL Cool J in the nascent, burgeoning rap and hip hop scene of the 80's, has now seeped throughout the musical and cultural phenomenon that is today's hip hop. All the while, LL Cool J has remained a musical and cultural force, a living icon and a significant, relevant artist still churning out the hits.  First introduced to the world in 1984 as a Def Jam Records flagship artist, LL is the first rap artist to amass ten consecutive platinum-plus selling albums, while 2004's "THE DEFinition" and 2006's "Todd Smith" both went Gold.  He is currently tied for third place for most Billboard chart debuts by a rapper.
 
As an entertainer, he has succeeded in crossing into multiple mediums.  Already a talented actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner, LL continues to display his wide range of talents in his projects. 
 
He recently inked an exclusive deal with Sears, Roebuck to brand an affordable clothing line that will appeal to families.  A focal point of Sears own re-branding efforts, LL's merchandise is slated to hit stores in time for back to school.  "The clothes are fashion forward, and I'm using my whole family in the ad campaign." 
 
Expanding into the digital world, LL has founded www.boomdizzle.com, an online social networking community designed for aspiring artists to record, share and remix original music and video content, as well as an online space for LL to share his music and highlight ancillary projects.
 
As an actor, LL Cool J recently wrapped production on "The Deal" opposite William H. Macy and Meg Ryan. He also recently starred in Paramount Pictures' "Last Holiday," opposite Queen Latifah. The film was lauded by fans and critics alike and proved to be a box office draw.  Both "Last Holiday" and "Edison," a film starring Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Justin Timberlake, are now available on DVD.
 
Over the years, LL has appeared in more than 30 films and starred opposite acclaimed actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell in Sony Pictures blockbuster "S.W.A.T.," Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in Oliver Stone's "Any Given Sunday," and Gabrielle Union in Focus Features' "Deliver Us from Eva." Other film credits include "Rollerball," "Charlie's Angels," "Kingdom Come," "In Too Deep," "Toys," and "Slow Burn," with Ray Liotta.  He has also received a Blockbuster Award for best comedic performance as the "Chef" in Renny Harlin's blockbuster action film "Deep Blue Sea."
    
Three years ago, LL transitioned to television with a dramatic and critically acclaimed performance on the second season premiere of FOX's hit drama "House."  He recently guest starred on the NBC comedy "30 Rock" in a memorable performance as hip hop mogul Ridiculous.  He currently has a new dramatic television series is in development at CBS.
 
Also an author, LL's recently released his new fitness book, LL Cool J's Platinum Workout, which was a New York Times Bestseller.  In the book LL shares his personal workout regimen in a revolutionary new program that promises to help anyone build muscle and burn fat.   In 2002 he released a children's book, And the Winner Is, as part of Scholastics series of books and CDs by today's hottest rap stars called "Hip Kid Hop." And the Winner Is tells the story of a young basketball player who learns the importance on winning and losing gracefully.  He also penned a 1997 autobiography, I Make My Own Rules.

Tradin' War Stories is the second August release from West Coast rap mainstays West Coast Mafia Records, via their new distribution deal with indie powerhouse KOCH. Over the years West Coast Mafia Records has developed a stronghold in the hardcore rap market, and a full release schedule under this new partnership will enable the label to add to their west coast rap legacy. Flagship artist and label founder C-Bo stands out as having one of the most consistent careers in rap music, as both an artist and a businessman. He has been releasing records on his own label for more than a decade and has sold more than two million units independently, routinely moving 100 000 units on a single release. He has also personally contributed to albums by best-selling artists including 2Pac, Master P, E40, Too $hort, Luniz, Scarface, Yukmouth, Jazzy Phae, Lil Flip, Baby Bash, Dr Dre, Spice 1 and more.
 
C-Bo is raising the bar once again, this time collaborating with Omar "Big-O" Gooding. If that last name sounds familiar it's because he is indeed the brother of Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. Omar "Big-O" Gooding is a television and movie star in his own right – you can see him in numerous TV series including Barbershop (based on the movie) along with movies such as The Gospel and Baby Boy.
 
With the help of C-Bo, "The Mob Father", the duo has created one of the hottest albums of the summer.  Tradin' War Stories officially marks Big-O's entry into the rap game, and his skills are sure to surprise a lot of people. Tradin' War Stories is music to ride to – "Weeest!" is poised to be a West Coast ‘hood anthem, featuring Playa Ham from up and coming South Central collective Young Giantz. Guests on the 17 track album, include Chino XL, Stylie Ray, Denver underground legends Young Doe and Hawk Man plus production from noted multi-platinum producer Focus.  On this collaborative effort, Tradin' War Stories sees C-Bo delivering his signature street knowledge while Big-O demonstrates his venomous spit. A Big-O solo album is slated for release later this year.
 
www.myspace.com/cbomusic

Streaming tracks
We Ain't The Same: http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/cbo/weaintthesame-tradinwarstories.wma
Weeest!:  http://wms7.streamhoster.com/elemental/cbo/weeest-tradinwarstories.wma

West Coast Mafia Records continues to build on their impressive track record in the rap game with the first of two August releases from the Californian rap icon C-Bo. West Side Riders 4 drops on August 5th and is the first release under the label's new distribution deal with independent powerhouse, KOCH.

Over the years C-Bo's West Side Riders series has sold over 200 000 units and this fourth volume is set to deliver the goods once again, and demonstrate C-Bo's continued growth as an artist. West Coast Mafia label mates Killa Tay, Young Bleed, Big-o, Young Chaz, Streets, Spade all contribute in addition to the Outlawz, Yukmouth, Realist, and more. Tracks such as "Jays On My Feet" and "Riding for Mines" are sure to make an impact both with C-Bo's core fanbase and DJs nationwide. West Side Riders 4 is destined to be another street classic.

C-Bo stands out as having one of the most consistent careers in rap music, as both an artist and a businessman. He has been releasing records on his own label for more than a decade and has sold more than two million units independently, routinely moving 100 000 units on a single release. He has also personally contributed to albums by best-selling artists including 2Pac, Master P, E40, Too $hort, Luniz, Scarface, Yukmouth, Jazzy Phae, Lil Flip, Baby Bash, Dr Dre, Spice 1 and more. Over the years C-Bo and West Coast Mafia have developed a strong fanbase with an almost cult-like demand for his music. By consistently cultivating a solid relationship with this audience, the label has been able to grow, allowing it to develop a stable of artists. 

C-Bo garnered national media attention in 1998 when he became the only artist to be imprisoned for his lyrical content. He was charged with violating his parole because of the controversial, anti-law enforcement lyrics found on his fifth album, Til My Casket Drops. "Once they came after me for that, it made me get on the anti-government, political stuff every album," C-Bo says. "I had the NAACP come help me. The government couldn't stop me from saying what I wanted to say."

THE HOBBYSHOP HERO presents… "The DrumLove EP"
(designed exclusively for the Blogosphere & beyond)

After a decade of releasing music, Dutchmassive has spent the last 6 months planning a new form of attack (free digital downloading). After releasing several 12 inches in the late nineties and new millenium and his 1st solo album "Junk Planet" in 2004 on CD & Double Vinyl, Dutchmassive was asked by close friend and Rawkus A&R, Slopfunkdust to participate in the RAWKUS 50 project. In which fifty of today's leading independent hip hop artists would each release a digital album on Rawkus Records. Dutch, having A few projects in the works gave Rawkus "Crush Your System" which featured the lead single "Better Man" (feat. Median & Von Pea) – Produced by illmind. The Album will be released on CD in Fall|Winter of 2008 on Domination Recordings and will feature 5 Bonus tracks not on the original Rawkus release.

To hold his fans over and in an effort to reach an entire new audience. Dutch has decided to put together a small instrumental project around 25 minutes long setting the tone and mood of his upcoming projects. Futuristic, vintage, jazzy, mellow, boom bap, dusty yet so clean, basically just really good music. So get ready for Crush Your System / Music 2 Sleep To / Quit Work Make Music & The NEXT Final Fantasy. Not only does Dutch has 4 Full Length albums ready to unleash, but 1 of them is a double Cd, and another one will be released with A Theme based mixtape. In closing, Dutch hopes to spread "The DrumLove EP" to every Music, Fashion, Sneaker, Toy, Entertainment blog humanly possible. Coming soon will be another free digital download EP of fresh new songs with vocals.

For more info on free downloads, upcoming projects, etc. please visit:
Myspace.com/Dutchmassive & Thehobbyshophero.blogspot.com

Free Download: The DrumLove EP via sendspace

DJ NOIZE & GORILLA ZOE – UNLEASH THE BEAST

01. Gorilla Zoe – Intro
02. Gorilla Zoe ft Young Jeezy, Big Boi and Rick Ross – Hood Nigga (Remix)
03. Webbie ft Gorilla Zoe – Independent (Remix)
04. Yung Joc – Independent Freestyle
05. Gorilla Zoe ft Big Gee – Tryna Make A Jug
06. Gorilla Zoe ft Yung Joc – Take Your Shoes Off
07. Roccett checkin' in
08. Roccett ft Gorilla Zoe – G Move
09. Gorilla Zoe – I'm Dumb
10. Boyz N Da Hood – Everybody Know Me
11. Lil Wayne ft T-Pain and Yung Joc – Got Money (Remix)
12. Gorilla Zoe – Zoe
13. JC ft Rick Ross – Tic Toc
14. Gorilla Zoe – Paper
15. Big Gee – We Gangsta
16. Gorilla Zoe ft T-Pain – Cyclone (Remix)
17. Boyz N Da Hood ft Yung Joc – We Ready
18. JC checkin' in
19. JC ft Gorilla Zoe – Nobody Gotta Know
20. Al Fatz ft Yung Joc and Gorilla Zoe – Came Down (Remix)
21. Yung Joc ft Gorilla Zoe – Coffee Shop
22. Yung Joc checkin' in
23. Yung Joc – Pak Man
24. Gorilla Zoe – Pole
25. Hot Stylz ft Yung Joc and R. Kelly – Lookin Boy (Remix)
26. Luney Tunez N Yo Area checkin' in
27. Lil Wayne ft Gorilla Zoe – Lollipop (Remix)
28. Gorilla Zoe ft Gucci Mane – Waddle
29. T.I. ft Yung Joc – No Matter What (Remix)
30. Gorilla Zoe ft Yung Joc – Juice Box
31. Yung Joc – Boo Koo
32. Yung Joc ft Gorilla Zoe – Bottle Poppin
33. Shawty Lo ft Gorilla Zoe – They Know (Remix)
34. Yung Joc ft Traeyon – Gigolo
35. Gorilla Zoe – Doeboy
36. Gorilla Zoe ft Sean Kingston – On The Corner
37. Young Wine ft Gorilla Zoe – Get Off Me
38. Soulja Boy ft Yung Joc – Donk (Remix)
39. Gorilla Zoe – Outro

BONUS TRACK:
40. Gorilla Zoe – Hood Nigga (KD-Supier Remix)

DIRECT DOWNLOAD HERE:
http://rapidshare.com/files/128580872/DJ_Noize_and_Gorilla_Zoe-Unleash_The_Beast-2008.zip

Under the earth’s surface in the rough waters of the deep blue sea, the ocean’s creatures exist under one motto: hunt or be hunted. But along their voyage of survival, each organism, from the tiny flounder to the mighty marlin, knows its position in the food chain. That is to say, while establishing roles and defining leaders of the underworld, these same animals put aside all egos and immediately bow down when the King of Kings comes through. Feared and respected by all, he is Kertasy, AKA the black Vince Chase of the rap game.

While many of today's up and coming artists get buried in the shuffle of promoting their records, New Jersey-born Kertasy is bringing a fresh face and new style to the forefront of today's music. Kertasy has teamed with Debonair Records to create his full-length debut album, which is due out later this year. He recently released the catchy single "Fresh 2 Def," and now has a video to bring the song to life.
 
Hailing from Elizabeth, New Jersey, Kertasy faced a number of challenges in his youth, all of which he has been able to express through his music. At one point he was in the streets, hustling in every way imaginable. Through the traumatic experiences of witnessing his mother's drug addiction, his father passing away and seeing how street life was bringing down his friends, Kertasy chose to take a different route. Through his life changes, his mother also got back on the right track and is clean to this day. Kertasy still enjoys inspiring others through his actions. 
 
In the past two years Kertasy has released two mixtapes, Kockback and Reloaded- Leave a Message Vol. 1 and 2, and created a buzz for himself with the street singles "All Eyes," "Shake Dat A**" and "Drinkin My Money." Beginning in 2005, Kertasy performed on the national Vibe Magazine College Tour for three consecutive years, sharing the stage with the likes of Juelz Santana, Fabolous, Little Brother and Cheri Dennis.
 
"I feel like my success has been climbing over the past three years," explains Kertasy. "It was a highlight to be on the Vibe Magazine College Tour and rocking for hundreds of people, all cheering and loving my music when they were hearing it for the first time. That is inspiring, and shows me that I'm on the right track in giving the fans what they want, while holding on to my musical vision."
 
In June 2008, Kertasy appeared on BET's Spit Ya Game segment, garnering even more interest from fans via his Myspace and YouTube channels. He's been in the studio working on his album, which will be released only when Kertasy and Debonair Records feel the time is right.
 
"People can expect a lot of different concepts with the direction I'm taking my music," explains Kertasy. "It won't be a bunch of words slapped together to make it rhyme – there will be meaningful stories in the album. Of course I'll make some enjoyable music for the women and the clubs too, but it's all about achieving a balance."
 
With his new single "Fresh 2 Def," Kertasy is poised to make a solid impact on radio, television and live appearances throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. The video offers a vivacious performance from the young artist, and currently receives favorable play on independent video shows in the tri-state area, and radio rotation on 26 stations on the East coast. The video is also on the Music Choice On Demand cable network.
 
Debonair Records is looking toward more live shows, promotional touring and special appearances for Kertasy as the album date nears. "Kertasy is definitely an artist who not only through his music, but he as a person exemplifies all those attributes that made me devote my life to Hip Hop," explains Debonair Records' CEO Philipp "Debonair" Pierre. "When I first heard his music, the first thing that struck me was his colossal voice and the sincerity he expresses. His humble, hard working attitude is refreshing. His fans come from all over the country, all with different stories and struggles. He is truly an artist of the people."
 
Kertasy expresses a mutual admiration for the Debonair Records team, and foresees big things for the future. "Debonair has a very firm work ethic that pushes me to work harder," says Kertasy. "He truly believes in me and the project, so much that nothing will stop him in accomplishing the goals we set. Debonair will be the next great label with me as the flagship artist to set things off!"

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http://www.myspace.com/kertasy