Renaissance Rap (rmx)

photo by Phillie Casablanca

I am almost sure Pigs are now flying.
Q-Tip - Renaissance Rap (rmx) f. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne
http://www.mediafire.com/?enmlzmlymik

Its better then you think!

-Shoot The Messenger

U-N-I... Before There Was Love (Mixtape)

Among the new crop of talent in the west coast UNI composed of Thurzday and Y-O have been receieving some attention(MTV anyone).
They recently release their breakthrough mixtape Before There Was Love Mixtape with Mick Boogie.
Give it a listen at least for Black Milk on Castle Vee Re-Up and Talib Kweli on Return.

Mick Boogie Presents U-N-I - Before There Was Love (Mixtape)
http://www.zshare.net/download/54759600bd68dafb/

For those in need of some ketchup
Fried Chicken and Watermelon (Mixtape)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=85G4RIRJ

-Shoot The Messenger

The DopeShow

What's good!

I been going hard getting the word out about this fun lil event taking place on Friday. If you hung out in an arcade in the late 90's you already know how serious this is gonna be lol.

Here's a a rundown courtesy of the good homey Fresh Daily:

JAN 30TH MARVEL VS CAPCOM 2 TOURNAMENT/SHOW!!!
Category: Music
It's here.
It's FINALLY HERE!
THE MARVEL VS CAPCOM 2 TOURNAMENT and HIP HOP SHOW!
FEAT:
*FRESH DAILY
*MICKEY FACTZ
*THEOPHILUS LONDON
*PRINT
*$TRICTLY BUSINE$$
*SUEDE JURY
*KEN BOOGALOO

FRIDAY JANUARY 30TH 2009
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
70 North 6th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211.
718-782-5188
L TRAIN TO BEDFORD WALK TO NORTH 6TH.
between Kent and Wythe

ADMISSION IS 10 BUX but you can RSVP to AOKCOLLECTIVE@gmail.com
for the reduced list of 7 bux!
GIRLS FREE ALL NIGHT! DRINK SPECIALS!
MUSIC BY MELO X

TO SIGN UP FOR THE TOURNAMENT (space is limited)
either:
A) ARRIVE EARLY
B) when you RSVP add that you'd like to sign up for the tournament!

K_Swift = Encore Status

Hey
Listen to this CRAZY track called Nu Old School by K_Swift. Featured on the track is Da Gif (who was featured on our mixtape last year).

This track is definitely Encore Status. K_Swift will be a force to be reckoned with.

download now: this charming mixtape.

http://www.zshare.net/download/54566314434972bf/

theophilus london has recently released a mixtape, "this charming mixtape". some of our favorite joints include "tnt", "crazy cousins", and the BANGER "cold pillow" featuring up and coming r&b singer jesse boykins iii. click the link above to get the download, you wont be disappointed...

Pri the Honey Dark

Pri:

Far from what you expect a female emcee to be nowadays, Pri the Honeydark is refreshing. Aside from being a member of the all female hip-hop group The Anomolies, she produces and does her own thing on the mic. Pri the Honeydark has been featured in Vibe Magazine, XXL Magazine, Fader Magazine, Honey Magazine, The Source Magazine...just to name a few. Check out this interview and get to know her a little better...

Listen to her track: "I Be"


Listen to her interview:




If you have time, visit her Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/prithehoneydark
http://WWW.FEMALEPRODUCERS.ORG

Interview conducted by Brooklyn Collective

Sabrina CUIE Vol. 1 Released

A word from Sabrina Cuie...check out her Mix CD! Go to www.sabrinacuie.net

CUIE Vol. 1 is a compilation of song quickies as well as collaborations with some of my talented friends. Some of the Underground's finest have blessed this baby of mine, including Random, Poesh Wonder, Cee Knowledge, M.O.A., Dumhi, John Blake, and more.

Let me not fail to mention the ladies truly represented for the smarter and sexier gender. Shouts to Keena Wilson, and Auntie Tay of Luminous Flux.

Haji Rana Pinya, aka Haj of Dumhi, aka the hardest working underground Producer in Philly with a day job...executive produced this project (yes Haj, I'm a biter). Many thanks to you Sir!

The engineering and sound tweaking of CUIE Vol. 1 was done by Real Soon. Soon is what they call him. I just call him Aaron, because I'm special like that. But for real, don't sleep on this guy!

Oh, and what's also unique about this project is that the majority of the tracks are original. My favorite producers gave me free range to do as I please with my verses/hooks, so many thanks to DN3 , John "Bang Bang" Simmons, Low2Behold, Rico of Tune Raiders, Nex Millen, and Fel Sweetenberg, not to mention Haj and Real Soon.

If you are releasing an album/mixtape let us know... email events@encorestatus.com

Garden Variety: The City Subway Series

N.N.S and The Custodian of Records Present:
Garden Variety: The City Subway Series
Feb 19, 2009

Hosted by:
Joey Glasses and Grizzly Adams w/ DJ's subtraxshun and Dat Kidd on the wheels!!!

Featuring Performances by:
El Da Sensei
Poesh Wonder
Bill Brown
Slumz
Solzalez
Big Snuff
Ronnie Rawls
Divine Drummah and Feed
Pistil
Brokn.English
Animal Crackaz
Venomous
Lyric (Mr Go Hard)
Sessions Crew (Poet, L.I.F.E. Long and Respekt Da GOD)



Cost: $5... You can't lose with that!!!
Age: 21 and up..

Place:

The Armory Tavern
142 Sussex
NEWARK, New Jersey

For More information email: fiverowsback@gmail.com
or call 973.715.2012

Hasan Salaam Talks to the People

With President Elect Obama's inauguration day only 24hrs away, we wanted to show you a video done by Hasan Salaam, one of the features on our website. Watch Hasan as he gets opinions of people on Election Day 08.

Goodness...inauguration day came so QUICK...

Will Brandy J be 'Famous'....

Vote whether Brandy J's song 'Famous' is Encore Status.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

New Line Drop from EMPERIAL NATION.

the good folks over at EMPERIAL NATION have dropped their "Harlem Renaissance" line!! Featuring tees of all kinds, from Alpha Phi Alpha to the Cotton Club, this line is definitely hot and something you wanna get your hands on!!

if you shop at emperial nation, be sure to put in the coupon code EN121ENCORE for a 10% discount. let 'em know we sent ya!!

Hip Hop - Live @ the Annex

"Hip Hop - Live @ the Annex" was an Open Mic performance by some of the livest underground MC performers, artist such as: 8thW1, Final OutLaw, Prezzure, Kalil Kash, Top $ Raz, and more.

Hosted by HomeBoy Sandman & DJ'ed by Dj Irs, the show was an Out spoken collaboration of different hip hop styles of raw talent which embodied the meaning of True Hip Hop.

All MC performers contributed to a successful show that night. One of my favorite MC is Final Outlaw, his swagger reminds me of the Late "Big Pun", just smaller built lol. With no doubt, the MC with the most energy on stage is Prezzure, an artist thats on a move with a hard to stop momentum. Before I wrap this up, let me say HomeBoy Sandman did an excellent job hosting and shared his Hip Hop performance, with his own swagger and charisma he host this event for an impressive show.

By - G40oz

Super Friends.

A little late on the post, but here it is...

"Super Friends" featuring Print (Superman), Mickey Factz (Silver Surfer), Homeboy Sandman (The Sandman), Fresh Daily (Spiderman), Oddisee (Archangel), Von Pea (Plastic Man), 6th Sense (The Thing), $trictly bu$ine$$ (Wolverine), AND Outasight (Gambit)...

...now thats a roster right there. Be on the lookout for all these upcoming artists, and make sure to look out for Oddisee on the Encore Status site very soon!

also check for Print's "Comic Books Unlimited", set to hit the net mid-January.

shout to Yellow Rebel on this one...

listen and download "Super Friends" here

Customizing "CHANGE"

We got a chance to talk to Van -- famous for the Obama custom kicks....With the inauguration coming up, we decided to talk to him and find out a little more about this very talented artist.


Who are your influences?

Well my main influence is Jesus Christ; he gave me the ability to do what I do, and at the level I do it. All the glory belongs to the Lord. Artistically, I'm inspired by classical music composers such as Mozart and lyrically inclined artists like Nas because of the way they paint pictures with musical notes or words. They keep me razor sharp when I'm thinking of my new projects by making me think outside the box in my approach. These people are such creative geniuses; it forces you to elevate your game.

How do you choose the subject matter for your shoes (which ranges from political to sports icons)?

It depends. I generally create the subject matter but sometimes the client has something they want done and I paint it for them. All of my major designs from political to sports icons (i.e: Obama, Darfur, Fleetwood, etc), have all been my independent creations. I always wanted to add substance to my work to give more for people to feed off of. So whatever is on my mind or soul at the time…I release on the sneakers.

What type of paint do you use on sneakers?
I use Angelus mainly but sometimes I mix Createx. I have only used those two brands…if there are more out there I'm ignorant to them.

The Louisville slugger sneakers. Who is the person on the sneakers tongue? Why did you choose him? What technique did you choose to place the image on the tongue? The gentleman on the shoe is Moses Fleetwood Walker. He is one of a few African-Americans to integrate a major league before Jackie Robinson did in 1947. The first is believed to be Bud Fowler. None of these gentlemen are celebrated. In 1883, Walker made his debut with the Toledo Blue Stockings in Louisville, Kentucky. Also the same year the Louisville Slugger bat debuted. So I decided to tie the two together in one shoe.

Which custom design do you feel is your favorite?
My favorite shoe or shoes have to be the ones dedicated to people who lost their lives. The Northern Illinois University shoes in honor of the students who were killed last year on February 14. The other is of a gentleman name Montre Walker who tragically lost his life in a home accident in 2006.

What are you working on now? Or what was your most recent work.
I can not get into many details about what I'm creating now...but just stay tuned to www.myspace.com/van20. In 2009, I will approach themes never explored, techniques never performed on shoes before. So I'm looking forward to the process.

2008 Greats #3

photo by iam SAM

Teaspoon's pick for today: Producers Nujabes and Uyama Hiroto (Japan)
Song: Feather
Album:"Metaphorical Music 2: Modal Soul"

Lyrics:Akin and Cise Star of CYNE ("Cultivating Your New Experience")- Indie group from Gainsville FL

Although Modal Soul came out in 2005, this track along with "Lady Brown" is timeless.

Theophilus London "This Charming" Mixtape Release Party

shout to Theophilus London...his mixtape release party will be happening TONIGHT at webster hall. check the flyer for RSVP details. definitely something good to get into...

New Mixtape out!!

Brand New Remix Showcase from the Remix King DJ Gunz....featuring Dubs, Mega Mixes & Remixes from Brooklyn Collectiv artists and Reggae & Hip Hop's Biggest Names....


http://www.djgunz.com/audio/mixtapes/Vol%2010_TheFinest.zip

01-Finest Intro
02-So Special RMX ft. Mavado, Sag Black & Yung Image
03-Smuggler - Vybz Kartel
04-Banton - Beat It Dub
05-War Bridge Boss RMX - Bounty Killa
06-Toledo - Rise N Start War Dub
07-Toledo - Cyaan Run Dub
08-Real Mckoy (Hi Haterz) - Mavado
09-Another One Dead - Toledo Dub
10-Rah Hydro RMX - Sagittarius Black
11-Lighterz Up Hydro RMX - Lil Kim
12-Siddung Pon It (Baby RMX) - Mentally Ill
13-Raper (Baby RMX) - Vybz Kartel
14-Miss Indie RMX - NeYo
15-Mrs Officer RMX - Wayne + Bobby V
16-Addiction + No Games (Unfinishd Business RMX) - Ryan Leslie, Cassie, Serani
17-Invite Me Unfinished Biz RMX - Yung Image
18-Roccin Pon Di Corner (Hard Grind RMX) - Kartel + Jay Z
19-Cant Believe It (Hard Grind RMX) - TPain
20-Arab Money Superstar RMX - Busta Ron Browz
21-Pop Champagne (Superstar Reggae ReMix) - Ron Browz
22-Single Ladies DJ Gunz RMX
23-All Around The World (Feel The Steam) - Lloyd
24-Spotlight (Beauty Mix) - Jennifer Hudson
25-Official Girl (DJ Gunz Beauty Mix) Cassie
26-Got Me Going (Beauty Mix) - Day 26
27-Closer Rmx ft Mavado - Ne Yo
28-Life Sweet (No Matter What RMX) - Vybz Kartel
29-Winner (No Matter What RMX) - Konshens
30-Million By Morning (Put On) - Kartel
31-Gunz Out (Put On) - Mavado
32-Dont Fkk Around (Milli RMX) - Mavado
33-GSUM (Milli RMX) - Dr Evil
34-Dem A Pree Mr Carter RMX - Mavado
35-Rise Di K Mr Carter RMX - Vybz Kartel
36-On The Go ReMix - Mavado
37-Paper Planes BK Collectiv rmx - Yung Image
38-Got Money Creepa RMX - Wayne + TPain
39-Finest Outro

New Music: Super Friends

Here's a jewel passed to us by Yellow Rebel

I want to take the time out to introduce you to a phenomenal artist by the name of Print. Some of you may already recognize him from the comic book themed track "Super Friends" featuring Mickey Factz (Silver Surfer), Fresh Daily (Spiderman), $trictly Busine$$ (Wolverine), 6th Sense (The Thing), Homeboy Sandman (The Sandman), Oddisee (Archangel), Outasight (Gambit), Von Pea (Plastic Man) & 8thW1 (The Beast) that has gone on to make some noise in the blogosphere...


NahRight
OnSmash
2DopeBoyz
IllRoots
Metal Lungies

This is the first song off of his newly re-worked album Comic Books Unlimited, which will be hitting the 'Net in mid-January.
You can listen to this track in the player below.

2008 Greats #2

picture by Wha'happen

This post is the choice pick of Encore Status' resident hippie (aka 'Kelly B').

Kelly B's picks for today is: Theophilus London
Song:"Cold Pillow"

'"Cold Pillow" was a big banger in '08 for me. Theophilus London is a crazy blend of Hip Hop, House, Techno, Dance...anything you want to name, he's got it. The production for "Cold Pillow" is a little reminiscent of Michael Jackson for me, I dig. And to top it off with Jesse Boykins III's smooth R&B didn't hurt at all...'

...that's pretty much all we could get out her before she insisted on returning to pressing raspberries to use as red paint for the canvas she was making for her mom for the holidays....


Click here to see 2008 Greats pick #1

Be Featured on OUR WEBSITE!!

Happy '09 y'all...

To ring in the new year, we here at ENCORE STATUS ENTERTAINMENT are having a contest. We want to know...

are YOU encore status?!

upload videos, submit materials to the website, and YOU could be featured on our website's homepage, www.ENCORESTATUS.com!!!

Check out the site or the blog (www.ENCORESTATUS.blogspot.com) for more details...

..and remember, NEW STREAM is MAINSTREAM!


Encore Status Entertainment
http://www.ENCORESTATUS.com
http://www.ENCORESTATUS.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/ENCORESTATUS

Custom Sneaker Queen Interview part 2

(Scorpion Forces...new from Qustom Queen)

Here is Part 2 of a three part talk with Qustom Queen...we love her ish...what can we say?! Missed Part 1 click Qustom Queen 1 to read it.

Let's talk about you getting into the Sneakerpimps tour. This was a special experience for you from beginning to end. Can you tell us about it?

I had contacted Sneakerpimps a few years back to ask if they were planning on coming to the UK at any point, and my message was passed on to Pete Fahey (founder of Sneakerpimps) who had a look at my myspace and asked if I would create something for the tour. I was over the moon, at that point I didnt even consider having my work on the tour so it was amazing to be approached like that instead of asking them. I now have 3 pairs on the tour. I've still never been to a Sneakerpimps show! I'm trying to get to NY in October for Sneakerpimps this year though. Its going to be big.

We'll mention three of our favorite sneakers -- you can tell us the back story behind its creation:

THE WRITINGS ON THE WALL

These were designed as part of the UUFA collection. I think they took about 12 hours in total to complete. I designed these to represent the time when I first discovered that word of my work was spreading online, and the anonymity of the internet gives people courage to say whats really on their minds - just like if you were writing something on a wall and no one was looking.

Big Cities & Bright Lights

There are two cities under this theme - New York and London. Very similar places actually. I had been wanting to try out a glow in the dark theme and thought a city skyline was perfect and reminded me of my first trip to NY in 2006 on the ride from the airport all you see is this massive block of light against the dark.

Worship the Ground She Walks on


I cant lie, these were a tribute, well, a diss, to my ex! The lips to represent affection, attention and passion, and the pavement effect to represent that if your lady doesnt get what she deserves, she's going to walk away. One of my favourite pairs. Alot of people have picked the inspiration up wrong as being 'kiss my feet because I am a Queen'

Speaking of 'Worship the Ground She Walks on,' your page, your descriptions, and statements on your myspace page show a bit of confidence that the level of quality and creativity of your designs are unparalleled. Are we right? Is this why you have the name 'Qustom Queen'?

Qustom Queen is confident, she is my alter ego. It took a long time to come - I still dont see what everyone else sees sometimes but I have developed a confidence in the past few years which I think shows in my work. I'm not saying that they are unparalleled at all - there are many that I look up to and awe at designs that other artists produce - mostly Mache (he's cute too) Emanuelabor, Mizzee and C2. There are things I can do that others cant, but at the same time, there are things others can do that I cant (yet..)

My favorite customs other than my heat sensitive kicks are my 'paradise' designs which I have done on all kinds of bases - but the best pair I did were done on a dunk hi - you look at them and it actually relaxes you.


More to come from Qustom Queen. Check out her myspace if you love her kicks.

If you are a talented custome sneaker designer let us know.
Email: sean@encorestatus.com

2008 Greats

photo by Drunken Monkey

As we look towards the year ahead and sit in anticipation of the new music to come, we cant help but look back at the great songs and artists that have graced the wax (in our ears) during 2009. Teaspoon and Shoot the Messenger have made their top pics for 2008. We will trickle them out to you during the next few weeks.

Teaspoon's picks for today is: Blue Sky Black Death
Songs:In The Era When We Sang, My Work Will Be Done, Ghost Among Men
"In The Era When We Sang" is my favourite song of 2008 a nice meld of hip hop, post rock, and electronic, "My Work Will Be Done" has great bridges/transitions and "Ghost Among Men" is one of the most cinematic instrumental hip hop songs I've heard, especially the last 3 minutes or so.

Buy their ALBUM -- but if you want a hear a little of their stuff...here is a Youtube link of 'In The Era When We Sang'
Audio:
The Era When We Sang
-Teaspoon

P.S. WELCOME TO 2009!! We thank you all for your support of Encore Status. We just put the website up last month and have had tremendous response