From Superman....to Shopping Cart...

So another member of the Encore Status crew found this video showing a new dance...Should we forget the Superman and check out the shopping cart? You be the judge and vote below.
Enjoy,
Pure Madness

P.S. The pun was intended when I said 'check out' the shopping cart.

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Radio Killed The Toy Star-- On Sale...

If you collect toys you already know this...the picture below is a Custom 20" Mega Munny. "Radio Killed The Toy Star" was custom designed by Nasty Neil of Wasted Talent. Nasty has done work for Redman and Paul wall (just to name a few). Check out his myspace...check out his auctions on ebay. You can purchase the one of a kind "Radio Killed The Toy Star" there.

Those who aren't familiar with this whole custom designing of toys thing...please get familiar. The video below will give you a good idea of how things start when receiving/buying a DIY (do it yourself) Kidrobot Munny doll. There's more to come about this both on this blog and on the website

One of the best custom kicks designers in the World?

When EncoreStatus.com launches in the fall, we'll have some pleasant surprises for you. We've talked to the most talented designers around the world. One of the artists we spoke to customized the kicks below. What do you think? Is he Encore Status? Vote below! Join the mailing list for more info on the designer.

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Reasonable Gangster ...

I have a problem. I have a tendency to download the remixed versions of albums before I listen to the originals sold in stores. Why? Perhaps its a habit that has stayed with me over time because when I was younger I didnt have the money to buy an artist's album for full price in stores. Now that I'm older, I STILL do it (I'll PRETEND I DON'T HEAR YOU GUYS WHISPERING 'CHEAP'). Again, while digging for some unsigned diamonds -- I found the most phenomenal remix to the Jay Z American Gangster album. What's that? Do I also hear you guys whispering- 'I thought encore status was only for the indie/unsigned...' - you're right, it is. I'm focused on the talent of this producer who was able to make this album comparable to the original. I know this is up for debate, but I believe that producers are artists too. In my opinion, like a director and cinematographer who have the responsibility to create the look and feel of a film, a producer has the same responsibility in music. With that said, the Brazilian producer, Nel Sentimentum, has one of the BEST remixes I've ever heard. Please listen to the two tracks from his "Reasonable Gangster" remix below and vote. If I AM wrong...please comment as to where in the world I'll be able to find something better than this...Thanks
Download the rest of his mixtape from his myspace.

Luv, Pure Madness

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Kris Kasanova...Track of the Week?

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Want to know more about him? Read the partial bio below...

Who Is Kris Kasanova? Correction, what is Kris Kasanova? He's an undeniable force to be reckoned with. This Brooklyn born, Red Hook native has been honing

his craft since the tender age of 7 and is now ready to be heard.

Arriving into this world amidst the declining years of the Reagan Era, Kris is influenced by the personal struggles he encountered in the streets and

at home. He was also influenced by relatable artists like Rakim & Jay-Z. Perhaps, it's because of this assortment of talent and knowledge that Kris' rap flow

is infused with the angst of the streets and the resilience of his peers. Kris has a love and passion for the art of music that is only surmounted by his

unique and charismatic style, which dubbed him 'Kasanova', Kris Kasanova.

Throughout his school years, Kris continuously developed his skills in order to emerge as one of Brooklyn's talented MC's.
His refreshing sound, undeniable appeal and unorthodox delivery opened the ears of fellow Brooklynites as well as producers Clyde and Harry, who are very

well known underground and mainstream. The duo quickly opened their arms and the evolution of Kris Kasanova commenced.

Check out his page if you want to learn more...Kris Kasanova

-Pure madness

J. Cole...Definitely...on point with "The Come UP!"

His lyrics are reflective. His flow is classic though his sound is not easily pinpointed. He’s from the South, though not the Deep South, but his New York influence is undeniable. The Come Up is, simply put, complex—not conflicted. It’s about more than a rapper straddling the line between the college game and the rap game, more than an homage to the city that shaped him, or a thank you note to the single mother that raised him. It’s all those things. Explicit and raw, there’s no gratuitous profanity or minstrel-like money, cash, hoes shucking and jiving, and no obligatory club-banger—all to the rapper’s credit. Rapper J. Cole, who hails not from some predictable rap Mecca like Atlanta or NYC, but from a city the size of a neighborhood in one of these metropolises, Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is an artist who turned an academic scholarship into both a ticket to the birthplace of hip-hop to launch his musical career and a degree from a prestigious university.

Opening on a strong point, “Simba” is a creative twist on the “Just can’t wait to be King” theme, a refreshing alternative to the usual “This is Why I’m Hot” posturing. J’s rhymes are a nice open to what unfolds into a complete package; the mixtape is a wholehearted effort to break into the industry complete with a cohesive theme from start to finish, and the kind of interludes that pushed rap CDs over the edge in the late 90s.

“School Daze” is a nostalgic look at his high school experience with references to three-way calling. However, Dame Dash and Jay Z make you realize this really wasn’t that long ago. He also samples Ahmad’s 1994 “Back in the Day” hook. But in places like this where the album gets a bit predictable, the listener forgives the artist because his candor speaks for himself. He’s going to rap on his own terms, or “if this rap shit don’t work, I’m going for my master’s”, he says on the hook “College Boy”, where he brags about his scholastic achievements and concludes “college is a real good look.”

There’s more to the mix tape than can be expressed in this short space, but it is well worth a listen, especially the mellow “Split You Up” or the surprising “Dead Presidents” on which J. proves he’s up to the task of rhyming over a track that both Nas and Jay Z previously coined. J. Cole finds his groove at the beginning of the CD and rarely loses it. Its incredibly personal, and leaves you wondering what more he would do if given the opportunity.
- Murder She Wrote

J.Cole...definitely Encore Status

Wale at SOBS

This show happened in July...but was good enough that we said...better late than never

The show began with the AOK collective (Fresh Daily, Nola Darling, 8thWon, Homeboy Sandman) tearing through your soon to be favorite jams. The perfect ender to there set was "Body Bags". AOK killed it and were nice enough to clean up the mess.

Next was the almost set by Che Grand. Due to technical difficulties he sort of just stood on stage and complained. He almost did a verse over the beatbox provided by a random crowd member. Then when Blu and Exile's set started he almost rhymed again. Blu's set was a touch long at 45 minutes but provided any newcomers to his sound with a thorough introduction: laid back, lyrical and heartfelt.
D.J.Jazzy Jeff and Skillz (Nod Factor for any 80s babies) were next and despite a crystal clear delivery and a raucous song set the crowd seemed more excited to see Talib Kweli come out on "So Far So Good".

Finally Wale's band was all setup and he appeared on stage. Wow is the only word for the UCB band. Wale and the band lead us through some classic Go-Go history(does anyone remember The Butt) to more recent jams like "Something about a Player." Then when he gets into "Artistic Integrity" off the new Seinfeld inspired mixtape A Mixtape about Nothing and things reach a new apex. I thought he gave his band a little to much showtime but when they replayed Jay-Z "Roc Boys" note for note it was hard to complain. A great show! Please view the video above for a taste.

~Shoot The Messenger


Video by: PreZZure Another artist with skillz, Please check him out!!

Humble Opinion: MC Tia

For those heads concerned with the paucity of fem-cee voices in the hip-hop cosmos Mc Tia might be a listen in the right direction. For those heads concerned with the musical absenteeism in much of contemporary hip-hop, Mc Tia, is a breath of what's fresh, cause her whole swagger says fresh like a Kangol and rope chains. It recalls an aspect of hip-hop many underground dwellers concerned with conscience and depth have forgotten in their zeal to politicize the genre; that Hip-Hop can be fun. Given this reviewer’s humble opinion, the title of a work like “Revolutionary Poetry” might be misleading given the levity of its production. The track says chill, on the ‘lounge and trendy drink” tip, and doesn’t really do much to inspire radical insurgency, despite her seemingly lyrical brush with introspection. In regards to flow she is undeniably gifted, even if her content, and lyrical sophistication, at times could leave something to be desired. Does that mean you’ll feel it any less? Probably not. Her cadence is music, and her punctuation is compelling. Don’t get it too twisted though, she will hit you with a little gutter such as the oeuvre to the offering “Project Dubplate pt.2”, and can at times display some of that acrobattery we demand from emcees, such as her second verse in “Today Was a Long Day.” On the comprehensive, I give her a “hip-hop” seal of approval. She weds vocals with beats quite nicely, and on occasion will impress you. Is she a revelation? No. But then again she’s more than what we hip-hop heads have apparently been asking for, or receiving as of late, and could very well grow into the emcee mantle like a fitted.

-Shaos

Photo from MC Tia's Myspace
Photo by Signe Emma Kristjansen
MC Tia is featured in the Encore Status Mixtape "Melange" (Track 17)

Maiysha...

If you're an eclectic music listener, check out self-dubbed "Progressive Soul" singer, Maiysha. Her new album, "This Much is True" combines almost every musical element imaginable. On her album, she has successfully included drum and bass, rock, neo-soul, funk and some classical sounds to name a few. One track that particularly stands out is "Wanna Be". With its rock band guitar riffs and hardcore drum line on the hook, you wonder how much more fantastically well rounded an R&B singer can be.
In addition to her open-minded approach to music writing, Maiysha has incredible control over her voice. While it is clear which type of groove singers should stick to, she is able to sing up-tempo dance tunes ("Orbit") as well as full out ballads ("Over my head") without the voice faltering. This vocal quality will allow her to dip in and out of many musical genres.
Maiysha guarantees for a satisfying musical experience, especially if you're in the mood for, well, everything!

Listen to Maiysha here: Maiysha Music

-The Foxi One

Encore Poll:Track of the Week?

I have to out-right say that the DJ King Midas The Stendhal Syndrome Mixtape featuring Ill Eagle (the Anti-Rapper), is one of the best underground mixtapes I've heard this year. There was only one other mixtape that I've EVER listened to from beginning to end and enjoyed myself enough to listen to it multiple times (That would be Rhymefest's Man in the Mirror). With that being said, I could be smoking basil or telling the truth...you be the judge...Track below...Take the Encore Poll.
-PURE madness

Learned It From C...

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