Encore Status

Random...

2009-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

picture by Hope McDowell

Random,aka Big Ran, is a conscious rapper with the flow of a monster. He is an educated man that has a way with his words. He speaks on his pain, heartache, experiences, and happiness within his music. I feel that he has impeccable delivery. Each word touches you soulfully when he expresses his experiences and thoughts...Big Ran is a TRUE emcee.

His song Push, which has more than 18,000 plays on his MySpace page (www.MySpace.com/random215), is one of his best songs lyrically. He speaks on his experiences growing up. In his lyrics, he explains that when things got rough, he had to push himself through. He makes many brilliant points and references in this track. He not only expressed how he had to push himself to be a better man but how he had to push himself for his family sake, for the individuals that fought for his freedom in the past, and for the future of the children and rappers coming up.

Raze the Bar Remix shows Big Ran’s competitive side in every which way. He addresses rappers that lie in their rhymes to receive praise for experiences that they’ve never gone through. “What I look like fronting to form a little change”. Clearly he's against rappers that compromise what they stand for just to get their paper up. I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Random probably wont get the accolades he deserves because he isnt willing to compromise and commercialize his craft. He seems ok with this..because he’s doing something he enjoys and whats true. “Whether or not the label call, I’m still going to raise the bar”. - Random is definitely Encore Status.

--by blkbarbi3

The Reasonable Doubt Remix...

2009-03-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Seems like thing DMV producers are hard at work! Download this mixtape featuring a producer friend of ours called E-Minah. Let us know what you think:
http://www.zshare.net/download/57936925a319a1f4/

Trezure The Empress = Encore Status

2009-03-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

photo by Evie Robbie

By: Sha-OS
Soul music is too vague a term to describe the kaleidoscope of human emotion we deal with. Really its just gumbo that resonates with a present moment, a present hurt, or joy, or question that someone else somewhere is sorting through, and someone else somewhere needed to put to music. That tapestry, that tradition, of what we call soul is somewhere between rhythms and blues, between Etta and Mary J and just beneath the surface of what language is capable of with clarity. It needs song. That requires a deft touch, an ability to hear those different chords and tell us our own stories. It usually means what we get in contemporary music is something we know damn well aint soul, or something we’ve heard before. What sets Trezure apart, is how she’s found a way to turn a corner, staying true to the sounds our parents played in living rooms, with accents of what we know, and what we’ve grown into. Her sound hits the mark—compelling, while fun, relevant, without beating you over the head, just off the shoulder or grazing the thigh without groping, composed and strong, while it runs its hands over something tender and vulnerable. Her voice is the protest, and the promise of something soothing for wearied shoulders and tired feet. What you get in “Killer Cop” is our daily concern, our modern world angst and anger, and coping. “Time” is something haunting, beauty in the downturn and thoughtful. And “What Made Love” is not the passing romance, but the depth we all hope for - interlocked fingers pointing toward the same promise. What you get in Trezure is a new sound, a new soul that knows where it came from, and how to take us somewhere better, darker, lovelier, stronger, and more human.

Check out www.myspace.com/trezuretheempress to get a sample and to see her upcoming performance schedule.

Visit our website: http://EncoreStatus.com

Recession Song - Win Recession Prizes

2009-03-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

Saw this on http://www.star-telegram.com

When we heard a tune by Jimmy Buffett
called A Lot To Drink About, we knew a new genre of music
had been born: the "recession song." (To hear a snippet of the song, go to www.mailboatstore.com. Warning: He didn’t exactly write it for kids.)

Now we want you to compose a laugh-out-loud-while-you-cry-inside kind of ditty, too.

Our panel of judges will select the finalists, and the winner will be determined by readers in an online vote.

Whaddaya win? Well, sorry, but we can’t shell out gift cards right now. Times are hard here, too. Instead, you’ll get a bag full of free stuff that publicists send us and that ethics rules keep us from taking home. Your bag could include: new CDs and books, makeup, clothing, toys, gadgets, cleaning supplies and a box of Alka-Seltzer.

Oh man lol...Here are the rules if you are interested- RULES

photo from Jupiter Images

Visit our website! Http://EncoreStatus.com

The Soloist / LA Times Photo Contest

2009-03-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Soloist and LA Times is having a photo contest. Enter and win! Good Luck. Information below:

My Story. My L.A.
The Soloist "My Story, My L.A." Photo Contest Sponsored by the Los Angeles Times and DreamWorks Pictures. Enter your best photos now through April 2nd for your chance to win!

Win a camera package
Your photo will get published in the Los Angeles Times
Winners will be contacted by April 6. Good luck!

Click here for rules and details.

Visit our website: http://EncoreStatus.com

Fresh Daily = Encore Status

2009-03-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

by dclare
Who says Hip Hop is dead? On the contrary, it is breathing through the lyrics of Underground artist, Fresh Daily. His diverse style and original approach merge with his laid back tone; giving listeners not only something we can dance to, but also something to think about.

Hey ladies!! Fresh wants to see our “Colors” on the dance floor. The upbeat tempo and unforgettable hook gives a few reasons to show what you got. Fresh leaves the typical to the competition and grabs the reigns of a whole new world in “Jump”. This original track gives our feet a break as he challenges the mind to take the world to another level. Motivational expression leaks through and grasps a hold of your inspiration as he leads us in lyrical splendor to follow your dreams and make it happen!

Overall, Fresh Daily is the next new thing in Hip Hop. Trend setter and go getter, there is no stopping him in the industry. With the diversity and delivery of a seasoned artist, there is no doubt that in no time, he will expand beyond the Underground and have all recognizing he is………..”Superspectacular”.

Photo by Fly Si

Final Outlaw...Encore Status?

2009-03-23T22:35:00.001-07:00

Final Outlaw.

Last time I saw him perform, he was was at Southpaw in Brooklyn,NY. He performed this song 'Hip Hop 4 Eva' that rocked the entire joint. I felt embarrassed because:
1. It was my first time seeing this great artist perform
2. I didnt know this friggin song....EVERYONE in the joint knew it except me (i felt like a fool)

Anyway he has a video for this song. As you can tell, I'm biased....I like the artist and the song...BUT...you be the judge.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

--

http://EncoreStatus.com

WorldSings 1,000,000 Dollar contest

2009-03-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

WorldSings Launches Million Dollar Competition to Find World's Best Song— WorldSings (www.worldsings.com) unveileda new social site for music discovery and kicked off the official start toits first annual World's Best Song competition with $1,000,0000 in prizes.The new site brings together artists and music fans from around the worldin a rich social network that promotes self-expression, social interaction,music discovery and sharing.

John Campbell

2009-03-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Emperial Nation's "You Got Fact" of today:

John Campbell:
A respectful Civil War Surgeon who had a record full of success stories, was from New York.He was serving in the army with numerous duties from 1847 to 1885.Above, he is posed in his civil war uniform , holding his M1840 Medical Staff Sword.

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

Cotton Club Tee http://www.emperialnation.com/Emperial Nation is dedicated to preserve history through fashion & arts

-NewStream is Mainstream-

ENCORESTATUS.com

2 THE HARD WAY: Jean Graë vs. Tamar-kali

2009-03-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is a show you don't want to miss:

HIP HOP & ROCK COLLIDE!!
at the
KNOCK DOWN DRAG OUT SHOW OF THE CENTURY
Saturday, MARCH 28TH
@ Santos Party House
96 Lafayette St.
7:00 - 10:00PM
TICKETS
- Free Giveaways
Oyin Handmade: Nourishing Hair & Body Care Products
http://oyinhandmade.com/oyin/index.php

31 Cornlane: Tote bags and accessories
http://www.31cornlane.com/

& featuring the ever ecclectic Mr. LEN (Company Flo/The Masterminds) on the 1s and 2s

Visit our website: http://EncoreStatus.com

Introducing the Mimetiks: (a)Live Music

2009-03-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

Crowded hipster bars offer too much in the way of cliché with dim lighting and tiny stages. You expect to leave the entirety of the experience there with empty bottles of Brooklyn brewed six dollar pilsners, and awkward convos with would be mistakes. But then to assume the comfort that the Mimetiks display in such mundane settings is somehow related to the mediocrity around them would be the greatest mistake. Like so many high caliber musicians before them, they find success in just the opposite, to transform the moment into something musically remarkable, to make the stage seem larger than it is. The close quarters become something apropos of a shared musical pilgrimage, a movement. The Mimetiks are a retrospective. Not a rehashing of worn out forms but a re-imagining of music that once had soul. It’s like feeding off of something undeniably kinetic. The kind of music that recalls Stevie Wonder in its contours; pays homage to Donnie Hathaway in its depth; and makes you wish D’Angelo didn’t start smoking crack. What the Mimetiks give you is musical dexterity, crossing genres and broad swaths of time, from contemporary soul to classic R&B, all the while keeping their sound distinct. Lead vocalist and pianist Akie Bermiss displays a range that can both gravel and pierce, and can make one song seem like many, often playing with the fluidity of sound in his rendition of standards such as “Blackbird,” or in original material like “Used to Be a Good Day.” Kyle Jaster may appear to be the archetypical “funky white boy” on bass, save for the fact that his talent is anything but cliché. He plays bass the way a person should, supporting the sounds above him, and filling the voids with the bounce that bobs heads and moves waists. Drummer Aaron Steele, has scary talent, playing far beyond his 21 years, showing the ability to smoothly transition from dance licks to ballads, without missing the proverbial beat, all hands and sticks. The Mimetiks are defined by overwhelming stage presence, by a musical persona that swells into crowds. Their ability to move from mood to mood, to respond to the crowds whims, or direct them, is music par excellence, and something to needs to be seen as well as heard. Check out www.hemimetiks.com to get a listen.
-Sha-os

Outasight From There to Here (An Album Prequel)

2009-03-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Outasight, Our featured blog artist from our website has just released his new mixtape, From There To Here hosted by the undeniably dope Mick Boogie and his Press Play Show family. The prequel features the likes of 6th Sense, Oddisee (who is also featured on our website), Ced Hughes, The Kid Daytona, Donny Goines, Tunji, Cook Classics, Print, and D/Will.

Download link:
http://www.thriftshophiphop.com/OutasightMickBoogie.zip
Enjoy

Mike Leavitt featured at Fuse Gallery

2009-03-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hey NYC!
Fuse Gallery will have Mike Leavitt's work on exhibition starting March 21st. For those who are unaware, Seattle artist Mike Leavitt is known for his action figures, Barack Obama pieces, cardboard shoes, and other things that make you say 'wow'.

Swiped from the press release:

Leavitt’s most notable work is the “Art Army” series of one-off action figures depicting a range of historical subjects from Van Gogh to Tupac. The figures are also formatted as custom wedding cake toppers, now a lucrative side-project. Other projects include “Penny Places”, an ongoing series of “lucky” pennies found in the street, painted with tiny landscapes showing the exact location where the penny was found; “ArtCards”, hand-drawn trading cards of artists,sold in wrapped packs with a stale stick of gum; “Portable Homeless Shelters”, made of recycled-material and built and used in the Seattle area since 1999; and "Push Button Performer" which toured the Pacific Northwest from 1998 to 2003.

“Don’t Stop Shopping,” artwork by Michael Leavitt runs March 21 through April 18, 2009, at Fuse Gallery, 93 2nd Ave (between 5th & 6th Sts, 2nd Ave stop on the F), NYC, NY. The opening reception, on Saturday, March 21, from 7 to 10 pm, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Fuse Gallery at 212.777.7988 or
fusegall@fusegallerynyc.com.

"Parallel Perpendicular" - Homeboy Sandman track

2009-03-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

One of this month's features, Homeboy Sandman, blessed us with a snippet from one of his upcoming mixtapes called "MY Crew's All Thinner". Also featured on this mixtape will be Mickey Factz (also featured on on our website...boy, we're batting 1000!). Enjoy!

Listen to our interviews on our website : http://EncoreStatus.com

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Video Contest

2009-03-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

Found this gem on mxlmics.com

We're looking for singers, rappers, musicians and other promising artists who have talent to share. The MXL Experience invites artists from all genres to upload videos of their original songs and/or scores on www.youtube.com/group/mxltalent.

Use of MXL microphone in video is not required.

PRIZES:
(1) 1st Prize: An MXL Genesis Microphone

(1) 2nd Prize: A Pair of MXL V88 Microphones

(1) 3rd Prize: An MXL 440/441 Microphone kit and 2 MXL Mic Mate™ USB adapters

(1) 4th Prize: A pair of Mogami Cables

(1) 5th and 6th Prizes: A pack of 3 MXL Fox dynamic microphones

HOW TO ENTER "THE MXL EXPERIENCE":

To enter, you must complete three steps:
Read the Official Contest Rules. Click HERE for full details and contest rules.

Upload your video to: www.youtube.com/group/mxltalent

Send an email to contest@mxlmics.com with "Experience" in the subject line. You will be required to include your name, mailing address, telephone number, AND the title of the music video (the "Video") made and directed by you.

Go directly to their website to read the fine print. Good luck

Radio/Web Feature Opportunity

2009-03-12T23:18:00.000-07:00

artwork by: browngirlgenius

For the next few months, some of the featured artists on Encore Status will be picked to get a short interview on the philly based, WURD, 900AM- The Urban Round Table radio show w/Joe Idokogi. This show aires Fridays from 9-10pm. Sabrina Cuie will be interviewing indie or unsigned music artists during this show . From your submissions she'll be picking some of the most talented artists to holler at for a few minutes on the show. Some of her choices will also be interviewed and featured on our website. The interviews on EncoreStatus.com will be abotu 10-15 minutes long.

Please send the following to http://Reviews@encorestatus.com

* Short Bio
* LINKS to recent music (myspace, cdbaby, Reverbnation, last.fm, etc)
* Email/Cell contact

Thanks and Good Luck.

You Got Fact "Jack Johnson"

2009-03-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

Emperial Nation's "You Got Fact" of today:

Jack Johnson (1878-1946):
The first African American Heavyweight Champion of the World (1908-1915)Jack Johnson, defeated Canadian Tommy Burns on December 26, 1908, in the World Boxing Championship held in Sydney.This initiated the quest to find a "Great White Hope" to defeat Johnson.James Jeffries, a leading white fighter, came out of retirement to answer the challenge. Jack Johnson won their fight on July 4, 1910. For more than thirteen years, Jack Johnson was the most famous, and the most notorious African-American boxer in the world.

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

Cotton Club Tee http://www.emperialnation.com/Emperial Nation is dedicated to preserve history through fashion & arts

-NewStream is Mainstream-
ENCORESTATUS.com

No Name Society and TCOR Present: Garden Variety

2009-03-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 26

No Name Society B/W The Custodian of Records Present: Garden Variety

Featuring Live Performances from:

Tony Liv
Izzey Grimey
Hymn
St. Joe Louis
Ill Poetix
Born Wreckless
Dutch Mastah
Grasshopper
Solzalez
vikter creed
Paperface
B-Boy Academy
Brokn.englsh
Premium

Hosted by Joey Glasses & Soy Milk

w/ sounds provided by Dat Kidd and Subtraxshun

adm: $5... can't front on that..

doors at: 7pm (DON"t BE LATE!)

21 & over to enter

Where?
The Armory Tavern
142 Sussex Ave
Newark, New Jersey

Tell a friend

Shooting Gallery #3

2009-03-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Photo by Felix the Cat

Purple Reign Returns
Yes you guessed it a new Prince album. Prince has partnered with Target to release 3 cds LOtUSFLOW3R" and "MPLSoUND" — as well as a third by his new artist, Bria Valente, for the price of $11.98. I am pretty sure the album by Bria will be a glorifed coaster unless you are still bumping that Carmen Elektra cd(oh you forgot she started out as a singer first)!!!
-fun fact- Carmen started out auditioning for an all girl rap group before Prince convinced her to change her name and record a solo album.

Just give up already
Carmelo Anthony on the cover of the source. WTF. I know there is very little in the way of journalism at that magaizne but to sink as low as becoming another sports illustrated issue. Boo try again. How about I dont know... trying to introduce new talent or I dont know actual reporting about something interesting like why Bow Wows album isnt out yet on second thought stick to the sports illustrated rip off.

Kids deal with the recession
I know you heard about the 16 year olds running a prostituon ring out of an apartment pimping there younger friends. On one hand this is insane because the amount of people who had to be duped in order to make this work is well "mind bottling" (parents/apt staff/ school personell/weirdo johns intent on doing the young women harm) However this is the sort of resourcefulness that if channeled can get us out of the recession in weeks lol. They could have sold cookies or at least photos but not a**. You telling me those guys wouldnt have bought anything those girls were selling...

-Shoot the messenger

Check out our website: http://EncoreStatus.com
Currently featuring:Mickey Factz, Oddisee, Homeboy Sandman

"Everything" Is Presidential Remix Contest! - Murs

2009-03-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

Recently got this by email. All beat makers/producers...see here! see here!

Fresh from his 2008 Hip-Hop Presidential campaign, rap stalwart Murs
is proud to present this exclusive remix contest, courtesy of Warner
Bros. Records, Loud.com and Zune. Murs is looking for the most
talented up and coming producer to remix "Everything", which is Murs'
latest single from Murs For President.

Entries will be accepted from 12:00am EST February 16, 2009 until
11:59pm EST March 29, 2009. A winner will be announced on April 13,
2009.

Click here to get more details: http://mursmusic.com/everythingremix

The Day Laborer's Release

2009-03-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

You know you love hip hop when weather.com issues a SEVERE winter weather advisory alert(basically a brawlic friggin snow storm approaching)...and you still go to a show. As I shifted the whip into four wheel drive and made my way to Brooklyn bar Southpaw, I whispered the mantra "This better be dope..." repeatedly.

I was not disappointed. The Day Laborer's release party for "The Learning Process" was worth the trip. They had an opening line up that was chocked full of talent. I managed to take some pictures on my Treo.

Nightwalker doing his thing.

8thw1 and Louis Logic on stage.

Homeboy Sandman --after seeing him perform, its confirmed that he's a kleptomaniac-- definitely stole the show. He's featured on our website: http://encorestatus.com/. Check him out

It was definitely worth the trip. So much talent out there people!

You Got Fact "Gangs of New York / Five Points"

2009-03-03T17:40:00.001-08:00

Emperial Nation's "You Got Fact" of today:

Gangs of New York / Five Points:

Five Points, overcrowding a roughly five-square-block area centered on the intersection of Cross Street (today's Park Street),Anthony Street (today's Worth), and Orange Street (today's Baxter).Good-time girls swing from rafters in oversize canary cages, sword-slinging mobs rule the streets,and murder lurks in every corner.

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

Cotton Club Tee http://www.emperialnation.com/Emperial Nation is dedicated to preserve history through fashion & arts

-NewStream is Mainstream-

ENCORESTATUS.com

Cavalier = Encore Status

2009-03-01T22:38:00.001-08:00

Brooklyn Anthems

The Cavaliers: The Breaking

By Sha-OS

Us from the borough of Kings have watched it transform for better or worse, and often as is the case that change has cost those without the means; a dissolution of what can only be categorized as a Brooklyn Culture, that thick stew of gutter and groove, of rasta sensibilities, Kosher Bagel joints, and the supremacy of hood heroes from bodegas bumpin boricua beats: “Regoolahr turkey papi?”

If you close your eyes and listen to Cavalier, you can almost hear that, furlined northfaces, and open laced timbs. His delivery is Brooklyn as f*ck—intelligent, layered, hungry, and not lacking in the least with aggression. His lyrical acumen, is acrobatic, turning turns of phrase, into praise worthy meditations on why weed smoke is a hazy haven, or offering the poetic possibility of revolution: “My best dreams show cops getting murdered, by pops with a burner, modern day Turner, is he dropped, Im awoke before shown, a lot to learn from, wake and bake spark and burn one...” His anger is not uncomplicated or unwarranted, but a response to the reality of present day Brooklyn born angst, the squeeze felt by natives as they watch their neighborhoods flip around them. Nor is the “Breaking” a political piece. Where there are politics in its seams, it is above all a work of art, in the sense that it works through different themes, and finds a way to resolve them into something cohesive. 70’s samples, and drums abound lacing screwface beats that turn the volume up on their own. From straight gutter tracks like “Straight Cheeze” to humorous imaginative turns with tracks like “Cecil Be Cool” Cavalier crosses the gamut of the dreamscape, and produces pure Hip-Hop; existentially probing, entertaining, and relevant. In a lot of ways he’s what Brooklyn needs right now¾ a bard with Bed-Stuy in his veins, Ghetto erudition as complicated as heavy hearted hustlers, and no hints of compromise, like he wakes with “Brooklyn Stand Up” in his mouth. Cav wins. And in the Borough of Kings, that’s saying a lot.

Visit www.cavwins.com/music/ for a sample

Check out our site:ENCORESTATUS.com

You Got Fact "Cowboy Hats"

2009-02-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

Emperial Nation's "You Got Fact" of today:

Cowboy Hats:
The cowboy hat was first designed during the 1860's by a New Jersey man named John Batterson Stetson. Stetson saw a market for a broad-brimmed hat for ranch wear. He opened a shop in Philadelphia and began designing hats under the Stetson name in 1865. By 1906 Stetson employed approximately 3,500 workers, producing over two million hats a year

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

Cotton Club Tee http://www.emperialnation.com/
Emperial Nation is dedicated to preserve history through fashion & arts

-NewStream is Mainstream-

Love Lockdown Remixes

2009-02-23T22:30:00.001-08:00

This is one of the best Love LockDown Remixes I've heard on the net. Please listen and vote on this joint featuring Xavier Marquis.

P.S. If you've heard better, please contact us at blogthis@encorestatus.com

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Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Hasan Salaam's New Video - 15 Minutes

2009-02-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

Check out one of Encore Status's favorites, Hasan Salaam, in his new video "15 Minutes". What? You still sitting there? Take that mouse and click on the video NOW! Enjoy!

Outasight = Encore Status

2009-02-19T20:01:00.001-08:00

By: The People Have Spoken!

Dear Hip Hop Nation, times have truly been tough. We are going through some of the worst economic times since the Great Depression, we have troops fighting a war of attrition in the Middle East, and on the music front, hip – hop music has been down right stale!! Well ladies and gentlemen, there is light at the end of the tunnel! That light goes by the name of Outasight!

The best way I can describe the music of Outasight is just straight fresh! Now I haven’t used the word fresh to describe anything non edible since 1988 but it’s an adjective that really describes Outasight. Outasight’s flow can best be described as a cross between Lupe Fiasco with a touch of Kanye! You take that mix and add a very unique and smooth singing voice and you have a possible future hip hop all star! Songs that are my personal faves are Employee of the Month, Fame or Fortune & Lights, Camera, Action. Did I forget to mention that the production on these tracks are incredibly tight! It’s going to be interesting to see how the mainstream music audience is going to react to this cat! He definitely has a real old school appeal! I hope that this cat signs to the right major and gets a creative A&R person to push him correctly. Too many good artists get screwed with unimaginative A&R’s trying to fit circles into squares! Please music industry, don’t f*#@k up this diamond in the rough!

-The People Have Spoken!

You Got Fact "Sultan's Harem"

2009-02-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Emperial Nation's "You Got Fact" of today:

Did you know??

Sultan's Harem:

The sultan's harem often contained several hundred women,, with different nationalities. Some were captured at wars, some volunteered to be at sultans harem for the purpose of living a luxurious life..

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

Cotton Club Tee http://www.emperialnation.com/

Emperial Nation is dedicated to preserve history through fashion & arts

-NewStream is Mainstream-

WE WANT YOU!

2009-02-15T15:31:00.000-08:00

artwork by: browngirlgenius

For the next few months, some of the featured artists on Encore Status will be picked to get a short interview on the philly based, WURD, 900AM- The Urban Round Table radio show w/Joe Idokogi. This show aires Fridays from 9-10pm. Sabrina Cuie will be interviewing indie or unsigned music artists during this show . From your submissions she'll be picking some of the most talented artists to holler at for a few minutes on the show. Some of her choices will also be interviewed and featured on our website. The interviews on EncoreStatus.com will be abotu 10-15 minutes long.

Please send the following to Reviews@encorestatus.com

* Short Bio
* LINKS to recent music (myspace, cdbaby, Reverbnation, last.fm, etc)
* Email/Cell contact

Thanks and Good Luck.

Free Download: The Custodian of Records sampler

2009-02-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

We love Jersey...Heres a sampler from The Custodian of Records

Download from here

Hailing from the muck that is Essex County, New Jerusalem (Home of Reggie Noble, Tame and El, Treach and Vinnie, LOTUG and The O.G Flavor Unit) comes The Custodian of Records. A self pro-claimed minimalist, once raised on the Radio, only began producing due to the mainstream of sewage and boring indie scene... Growing up on the four P's (Premier, Prince Paul and Extra P) among an almost endless list of other production greats, his journey begin when he was in the 7th grade and his folks bought him the rag tag Gemini start up kit (As seen in the back of The Source adds next to the gold teeth.) When he found out how "beats" were actually made, he booked time at a local studio and brought his own samples to the engineer to record into the Akai S950 and then dump into the classic SP-1200. Followed by that was a decent software program and weekly trips to local record spots (Yesterdays Books and Music!) and months later began hitting the pads on his trustee MPC 2000XL..

After years of self doubt, he started to step out with beat tapes and would even bring his sampler with him to Speak easy sounds open mics... Wasted money and a shitload of records and beats later, he feels his production is ready for the masses to hear and appreciate...

His production has featured reputable artists such as Pace Won, Thirston Howl III, Bully Mouth (of Mr Lens Dummy Smacks Ent), Reef The Lost Cauze, Doap Nixon (AOTP) and has recently been working with a numerous local Jersey mc's... one of which being Solzalez out of Newark, Brick City... The pair has had their tracks heard on such radio stations as "Coffee Break for Heroes and Villians" on WFMU with Noah Zark along with DJ Eclipse's legendary "Halftime Show" on NYU radio.

His current focus now is to push his first complete album "Burton Music" featuring a wide variety of skilled wordsmiths and of course, raw, straight-to-the-point beats! Slated for digital release in early 2009 via Domination Recordings, The Custodian promises to deliver (to put it bluntly) "that classic boom bap shit!"

Free Download: The Custodian of Records sampler MP3

Peace
Domination Recordings
http://www.dominationrec.com
http://www.dominationrechiphop.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/dominationrecordings

Shooting Gallery #2

2009-02-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Photo by: DerrickT

Pre -Valentines Edition
Feb 12, 2009

The Day the Muzak stopped
It was reported on Nightly News that Muzak has filed for bankruptcy. Thats right the people who make elevator muzak not the singer from philly. Unfortunately Muzak is not going to go away the filing is a business move to stay afloat. I hate Muzak it makes the dentist office even worse and reminds me of pathmark.

The New Disrespect
By now you are aware that 50 cent and Rick Ross are beefing. Im pretty sure you dont care either however on top of their equally corny diss records have been some youtube madness.
50 threatens Dj Khaleds mom and takes Rick Ross' baby mama and her friend shopping after a quick interview. Im not sure how that hurts Ross but it is funny. Now when Jayz slept with Nas baby momma we all went WOW, but shopping?!! I know exactly how to get you back take someone shopping.Man bags and skinny jeans now this. Rappers are getting less masculine by the moment

Words of Wisdom
Only fools rush in. Its the second mouse that gets the cheese from the trap.

shoot the messenger

Fashion Magazine one year anniversary party

2009-02-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

Fashion week is here!
Got this invite from our friends in 'Way Over Budget'...please support

Come kick off Fashion Week with Pinstripe Magazine (www.pinstripemag.com) and Kicks And Toys Magazine (www.kicksandtoys.com) as they celebrate their one year anniversaries this Thursday Feb. 12th at Greenhouse (150 Varick St). Complimentary beverages from 9-11pm courtesy of Corona and Ron Barcelo Rum (www.ron-barcelo.com). Rsvp to poull@wayoverbudget.com for guest list no later than 12noon Thursday.

Please click here to view the official invitation:
http://www.wayoverbudget.com/events/invitations/invite.html

Cotton Club

2009-02-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

Emperial Nation Historical Fact of today:

Did you know??

Cotton Club:
The predecessor of the Cotton Club was Club DeLux which was owned by heavyweight champion Jack Johnson.
Johnson sold his club to gangster Owney Madden.
Madden changed the name to Cotton Club to make the club appear as a stylish plantation.
In its prime, the Cotton Club was the king of New York City nightlife,
only the wealthy elite, celebrities and notorious could get in ..

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Cotton Club Tee

http://www.emperialnation.com/

Emperial Nation is dedicated to preserve history through fashion & arts

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

-NewStream is Mainstream-

Calling all Producers and Beat Makers

2009-02-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

photo by: Darwin Bell

Hey All,

Thanks for the love and the suggestions on how to update and upgrade our brand new website. As you can see, we have a movie that plays on the homepage. The theme song is "Get Ready." While creating the site we sorta kinda thought that song fit because we were trying to get our launch on...
Now, we have launched and are HERE! We need an NEW instrumental that will give life to our new one minute piece. If you want to have your track be the background audio of our new 1 minute video video please email us:

encorestatusentertainment@gmail.com

Many Many Many Mey – Dynamite Custom Show

2009-02-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Big Show on Saturday Night! Its the 6th Anniversary Special: Many Many Many Mey – Dynamite Custom Show presented by Fig Lab and Mishka. The show is a collection of over 40 artist customized figures from all over the world. GID finger puppets and full-size Many Mey GID blanks will be on sale.

Show info:
Saturday – February 7th
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Address: 350 Broadway space in Brooklyn

Rugged N Raw....

2009-02-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

Damn, he really sounds like Wu Tang. One of them anyway. While I hate to critique music by throwing together a myriad of rappers and painting the artist in question as a hybrid of the known, the resemblance is inevitable. Rugged N Raw sounds a little like Ghostface Killah.

Take that with a grain of salt because while Ghostface spent his tenure as an emcee rhyming amongst many and created introspective heavy tracks, Rugged's style is more hubris, more attention-demanding and whimsical. How hubris? As much so as the "I'm Better Than You" t-shirt available for sale on his Myspace page. How whimsical? His strength is his lyrical jovialness. He's playful, as exemplified by lyrics such as "the only way that I'm riding dirty, is if the pissy cars on the train goin' take me" on "Broke n Proud", the reverse anthem for those few who take pride in a meager existence.

The album doesn't have a cohesive message, but it doesn't need one either. I can't critique an artist for what he is not attempting to do. Perhaps this is purposely done to emulate someone with a dose of Truth Serum -Unconsciously spilling the beans…without a care…without control. Truth Serum plays like one freestyle. You may not know more about him by the close of the album, but the truth is, he may not want you to.

Great tracks on this album are:

That's What It Is ft HiCoup

Broke N Proud ft. Hasan Salaam

I'll Stay

Purchase the album here:
http://www.ruggednraw.com/
-Makila M.

Emperial Nation; ALPHA-TEAM

2009-02-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys,

Our friends from Emperial Nation sent us this Historical Fact today:

ALPHA PHI ALPHA:

Alpha Phi Alpha is the first established African American intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity.A handful of African American students at Cornell University founded this organization to unite against the intense racial environment on campus. The founders of this fraternity went on to become prominent professors, physicians and architects.

for more interesting facts from history; http://www.emperialnation.com/

Encore Status has a 10% off discount on this shirt. Just type in the coupon code EN121ENCORE

-NewStream is Mainstream-

Dr. Medzoo custom kicks

2009-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

We had a chance to interview a brilliant custom sneaker designer from Paris by the name of Dr. Medzoo. He is one of the greatest custom sneaker designers I'VE ever seen (...and if you know of better let us know at talent@encorestatus.com). We featured some of his kicks before and during our launch. Here is part 1 of our interview with him

-Let me get this out of my system early, how many sneakers do you own?Which is your most prized pair and why?

Wow you started with a good one! Just one second I'm going to count them….I've got 1,2,3,4…… around 30!!!! (laughs)

There are many pairs that I like the AJ 5 & 6, Reebok twilight zone or the air flow…but there is one that it was very hard to get... it's a classic one, the Air max 1 storm. Simple and very efficient in the design. That's why I love this pair. It's one of my favorite !

-Has sneakers always been your canvas? How did you get into sneaker customization?

Of course not!!

During the 90's, I was hanging around older guys who had the opportunity to travel overseas to America for example. I would see their original sneakers, and I wanted to have my own. An easy way to do this without flying half around the way around the world, was to change and modify my own sneakers, to be an original, something that only I owned. They were exclusively my own.

A few years ago, in 2003, I decided to pursue my desire to design, and work with textiles. I started to use various materials such as jeans, t shirts and caps. The feedback I was receiving for my work was very positive, and this gave me the motivation to pursue and develop new creative ideas. My ideas and creations were being received so well, I started finding myself extremely busy, doing customized special orders for various customers.

In 2005 I began to apply my knowledge of textiles into my sneakers. What I wanted to achieve was to totally modify the sneakers, painting on new colors and graffiti designs. This desire has grown stronger as I continue to get more and more involved within the sneaker customizing game.

-What is your favorite sneaker to customize and why?

There are all different and have there own specificity if you want to paint on it. For me the best one to customize is the Dunk High because there is a lot of space on the sneaker to express myself .

-Is there a sneaker you wouldn't customize?
The proper answer would be NO. I'm here to customize whatever people want and make the customer happy. BUT there is one pair that I just can't stand it's called the "Requin"it's an Air max plus tn –shark in French- they are very popular in France but it's only street cats and toys that wear them. I just hate this pair. And of course I'll never paint on FAKE shoes !!!

I'll pick 3 of our favorite sneakers from your page, and you give us a little information/story about it:

Hell Print 2008

In the evolution of my work it was necessary to have my own "cement "effect. The AM Light came on the spot. The color way was exactly what I wanted and match perfectly with my cement. I spend a lot of time on it and at least I'm proud of the result.

Spider Attack 2008

For the Vandal series that I've done I choose famous characters like Wolverine, Spiderman, Bart Simpson and Bender to prove that it was possible to do a clean custom of a character and at least it works really good ! What do you think ?!

VANDAL HIGH NO SCHOOL
Its funny that you have mention this one because I haven't communicate much on it. Nobody ever saw the biggest part of the job because I've done something special inside of the shoe. With this video I will let you see what I'm talking about :

Stay tuned for more on Dr. Medzoo!
Mail :mail : dr.medzoo@yahoo.fr
link : www.myspace.com/drmedzoo

iPod Killing brings Community Empowerment

2009-02-01T22:34:00.001-08:00

photo by:williamli1983

We just wanted to get the word out about 4th Annual Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign. For those who aren't aware, Christopher Rose was stabbed and killed in 2005 for his iPod in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. It is believed to be the first ipod related death/killing. His family, though heart broken have started community uplifting movements related to ipods. This Saturday (Feb 7th) they will be having, food activities, giveaways, live entertainment and an iPod Raffle.

Details:
Saturday Feb 7th from 3-6pm
Catherine McAuley High School
710 East 37th St., Brooklyn NY 11203

For more information:
email: Forchrisrose@yahoo.com

"We live in a world which is changing rapidly. We have the technology that can give us the iPod and everything else, but it's not all these things. We have to work on the minds and the hearts. We're failing these kids. We're not loving them like we're supposed to."

-Errol Rose (Christopher's dad)
New York Times,2005

Renaissance Rap (rmx)

2009-01-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-01-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Google Audio Widgetgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

download now: this charming mixtape.

2009-01-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

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"

Google Audio Widgetgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Listen to her interview:

Google Audio Widgetgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

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

2009-01-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

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'....

2009-01-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

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

Google Audio Widgetgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

New Line Drop from EMPERIAL NATION.

2009-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

"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.

2009-01-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-01-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

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!!

2009-01-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

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!!

2009-01-03T13:40:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

(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

2009-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

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

Encore Status donates shoes for the holidays

2008-12-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

This post isnt about hip-hop, freestyling, Emcees, voting, b-boys, custom kicks or custom toys...
Its about helping those who need help. Encore Status supports the organization Soles4Souls.org. They donate shoes to needy people all over the world. We collected a barrel of shoes to send off to their warehouse in Alabama and shipped it on December 13th. We thank all of you who supported our drive. We will continue to collect shoes in the new year and will keep you all posted on where you can drop off your kicks. Thanks

Christmas Sale from Mishka!

2008-12-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

They are doing it again! Mishka is in the Christmas spirit...

Starting Christmas Day (12am) we'll be offering 50-75% off select items site-wide, plus we'll be giving you all an extra 35% off your order when you use the Discount Code XMAS which works on almost everything* in our online store!. Yes this includes Holiday 2008 Product!

And to sweeten the deal even more, all orders over 250 dollars will receive a free calendar or T-Shirt while supplies last!

We've re-stocked many of our Fall and Holiday items after our warehouse sale, re-upping many previously sold out items and sizes, so don't delay in checking for what you've been looking for.

This sale runs from Dec. 25th through Jan. 1st!

*The only exclusions from the XMAS discount code are the following: Mishka Hayter Sneaker, Any Brand New Custom Team Color New Era Caps (Bears, Cubs, Wild & Grizzlies), 2009 Calendar and [Keep Watch Corduroy New Era Caps]

Dance Contest: Win $250 gift card or XBOX 360

2008-12-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hey guys (and all you Dance Dance Revolution fans),
We found this dance contest on Youtube. Please read the information below...and good luck.

Win a $250 Extrabux gift card or an XBox 360 with Dance Dance Revolution! Just post a video response of you dancing! See the Extrabux channel http://www.youtube.com/extrabux for contest rules.

Dance Contest Rules

1. Make an ORIGINAL dance video! Download the music in our video, or use your own, and dance however you please. You can download the entire video and add effects that you think will make it an original video. You may download the song and video here: http://www.extrabux.com/danceoff

2...

You can read the rest on their Youtube Channel. Contest ends Jan 8th 2009

Is D. Green Encore Status?

2008-12-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hello,
First of all thank you all for your support since our launch on December 1. We have a few artists lined up that have submitted Youtube videos of their original tracks to allow YOU the people to vote. If you want your stuff posted to be voted on, please email your youtube vids to reviews@encorestatus.com. Please listen to the track then vote below.

First up is D. Green with his song "Watch it Fall" featuring Famous.

Do you want an Encore?

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Win $1000 at Mental Supreme's Training Camp Showcase!

2008-12-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

It goes down every Tuesday at club Pyramid in NYC!

All up & coming artist are welcome. We have the most comprehensive artist developmental program to date. For over 6 years {weekly} we have provided the unsigned community with a plateau to master their artistry & challenge their level of creativity. We are the highest form of artist development. Our events frequently have reputable industry personnel scouting for talent.

LOCATION: Club Pyramid - 101 ave. A bet. 6/7st. NYC ~ 18 to enter 21 to drink. Admission $10

On tuesday 12/30...they are giving away $1000!

Sale at Mishka NYC

2008-12-20T10:45:00.001-08:00

While reading Fresh Daily's blog I found out about this sale at the Mishka Warehouse in NYC:

Friday, Dec 19th - Sunday, Dec 21st!

50-75% OFF MERCHANDISE!!!
Tees, Hoodie, Knits, Sweaters, Shirts, Jackets, Jeans, New Eras, Hats & Bags! Past, Current, Sample & One-Off Merchandise Will Be Available!

Friday: $100 of Credit* for every $200 you spend for the First 20 people.
Saturday: $150 of Credit* for every $200 you spend for the First 20 people.
Sunday: $200 of Credit* for every $200 you spend for the First 20 people.
---
1 pair of sz. 9.5 Mishka x Adio Hayter raffled ($1) off each day!
1 Mishka x K2 snowboard to be raffled ($3) off on Fri. Dec. 19th!

Who needs an AUTO-TUNE??

2008-12-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Someone passed me this gem from WorldStarhiphop.com. This homeless dude, RIPS it. Puts T-Pain, Snoop, Lil Kim, Lil Wayne, Kanye (yea I said it) pretty much any one who has used the auto-tune on a track... to shame. This guy ...aww heck just listen...

Free TEES from ToxicFresh.com

2008-12-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

Found this on their website:

What's up people? The ToxicFresh team is giving away FREE T's to the first 10 folks that reply. Hit us at
toxicfresh@gmail.com or use the "Contact Us" button on the home page. Just give us your name, address,
and size (S thru 3XL) and we'll ship your new T off pronto!
Who's showin' love this holiday season? ToxicFresh, that's who!

Visit the site:
http://www.toxicfresh.com/

Dont know about yall but we in a recession. I sent them MY info....lol
-Pure Madness

The Shooting Gallery

2008-12-16T18:16:00.000-08:00

Photo by Blurasis

Every once in a while we'll put some tidbits out there about whats going on in the world. Encore Status' version of the news...

The Apprentice
Last week the news broke that Kanye West is trying to become an intern at Louis Vuiton or Raf Simmons. I am sure this is going to spin into something even more ridiculous. Maybe a Mr. West tv show were he interns at Pathmark and has a fight in the checkout line over Goya coupons. Of course Mr. West would be demoted to the back, stocking the freezer. I am sure no one could pass up singing "Memories made in the Coldest Freezer" while Mr West cried a top the frozen peas.

But you cant pick your family
"There is no explanation for this death other than he died from a nose-bleed, consistent with picking his nose. I do not think for a moment he knew what he was doing was going to cause his death.' said Manchester coroner Nigel Meadows about the death of 63-year-old Ian Bothwel.Now I the man supposedly had dementia but come on so much picking that you die. It makes you wonder what else was my mother right about? When she said keeping making that face and your face will stay like that...it may be true as well. Momma Noooooo

Who wants to see that again
Kim Kardashian has mentioned that she can see herself doing Playboy again in the future. I wonder who would buy the magazine when theres a porno out. Video vs Magazine I dont see the debate but maybe Im just putting me out there.

Words of Wisdom
If a dream dies, dream another dream.

- Shoot the Messenger

E-Minah Unleashes some Heat...

2008-12-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

We always have this fight amongst ourselves over at Encore Status. What do we fight about? 'Are Producers considered 'Artists'? OBVIOUSLY Im the one in the group that believes wholeheartedly they are. Call me Sarah Palin...because Im going ROUGE...this post is going up despite the camps uncertainty. I present to you DMV's own E-Minah. He just dropped Unleashed Heat Vol 1. Check it out! My personal favorite. 'Home Sweet Home' using a Clipse sample. Track 19...get at it.

Listen here:

http://myspace.com/eminahmusic
Email:thavillenz@gmail.com

OR download from here:
http://www.zshare.net/download/52555669b7fd312b/

$25/lease $100/purchase (limited time only)

Kenlo Key Freestyle...

2008-12-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

Droppin some deep stuff if you ask me...but see for yourself.

Download his mixtape from Datpiff if you think he's the truth. Its called Destined 4 Greatness

Read a review of his mixtape from our very own Digital Man Whore

Samuel Markus = Encore Status

2008-12-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

One of Markus’ strengths is that he seems to concentrate on post production just as much as he focuses on the craft of song writing. The Talking Heads sounded just as assured on stage as they did on their albums. I have yet to see Markus on stage, but the construction of these songs is assured and mature; the fundamentals so strong, so I can imagine them played as effectively during happy hour, as they are played on this album. “Rosa” leads off the album New Dawn, and it is one hell of a track with classy crunching chords and a pleading, if manipulated voice. It perfectly expresses the desperation contained in the lyrics. Markus is also incredibly evocative with a prototypical ‘folky’ voice, one that can frequently lie about the singer’s worldliness. He channels Dylan, but it is clear that he can sing. I really enjoy the voice because it speaks in sun tones, and with each song I find myself imagining a different time of the day, or a different temperature of the light outside my window. Marry that voice with a great set of poison pen lyrics, and you have a first rate folk singer.

If Markus has a weakness, it’s that he betrays a little too much of his influences. I don’t have to look at his myspace page to tell you that he digs Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan. “New Dawn” in particular borrows a little too much from Tom Waits’ lilting psycho-trubador vibe. Having said that, it is a great title track with an interesting play between his refined voice and the very raw backing vocals. “The Offering” is a top notch Dylanesque song that sounds straight off of “Blood on the Tracks,” and I’m kind of ambivalent about it because of the similarity. At the same time, the lyrics are well written (as they are throughout the album). At other times he gets a little too conventional. “Suzanne” in particular sounds a little too much like a top 40 hit, and it is a little disappointing to hear it after a string of dynamite tracks. “One Door Land” also falls into this category as it is a good track, but it does not match the fun of his other more manic tracks, and it is self consciously morose. The album contains a formidable number of tracks for a debut album (15), and that leads to a hodge podge sense of continuity. Markus relies on his heroes for several songs, and does so with aplomb, but it is when he writes his own songs and relies less on his influences that this album shines.

Once we enter the Southwest kick of the album, tracks 7-10, we don’t look back, and it is a treat that keeps on treating. His grasp of roots music is particularly dazzling on a stomping track like “Miles Away” that kicks a substantial amount of ass. I feel like I’m in a Southwestern bar, on my last stop before Cowboy oblivion. This is a track that would impress T-Bone Burnett, and I highly recommend it to anyone, even those not predisposed to Tex-Mex. “Jitterbug” is another pleasant surprised, as the voice says Dylan, but the cocaine-tempo boogie dances fast, and escapes any of his influences. It is a track that he completely owns and it would be great for driving, for a party, or just for listening after you’ve had some coffee. The guitar solos are short and sweet (and man are they sweet) and on “Deeper Well,” the guitar work stands out with scary guitar slides that recall Eric Clapton’s “Layla” (the GOOD version).

Above all, Markus joins a growing legion of professional grade artists that eschew the amateur textures of self conscious low-fi, and embrace virtuosity. The backing band, The Only Ones, deserves a lot of credit for this album’s success. They do not try to hide behind “conceptual” strong structuring or DIY textures; this sounds like an album made in a top studio. Markus should be very pleased with the results. I know I am.
- Bork

P.S. Samuel Markus is having a show in LA at the House of Blues on Dec 11th. Please show your support. More info here

Nilaja Show this Tuesday!!!

2008-12-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hello,
I would just like to let you know that on Tuesday, Nilaja will be peforming at Katra lounge. If you dont know about her-- YOU WILL!

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THIS EVENT ...especially if you are an artist. Some VERY important people will be there. Here are the details -
Date: Tuesday, December 9th
Location: Katra Lounge
Address: 217 Bowery & Rivington Street (btwn Prince & Spring)--New York, NY

For more details:
nilaja@nilajafever.com

Please check her out in this Ipod video
Written and Produced by Chris Rossomando and Joe D'Acunto.
Directed by John Paxton, AmmeAifos Pictures

WASTED TALENT = Encore Status

2008-12-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

A little while ago, we got the chance to interview toy customizer/clothing designer WASTED TALENT. Here is part I of his interview.

First let me get this off of my chest, how many toys do you have in your collection? How many toys out of your collection have you designed yourself? How many were purchased out of the shear love of toys?

I've got one Dunny made by the infamous INSA. I got it 'cause the dude is so dope! Everything he portrays is so unique and fresh. I also got two big ass Ecko Unltd. Rhino Statues that were used for store displays, a 1 of 500 in the world life-sized Gremlin statue from NECA and pretty much every McFarlane Alien/Predator toy ever made. I wish I designed the Alien or Predator (shit is so sick!) Every other toy I ever got, I customized myself. I only found out about Kidrobot last year and was instantly hooked. I've made about 50 different customs over the past two years and I got a bunch more on the way...

It was the Kidrobot "N it for the Munny" event at the RIME store where we first saw your works. Kidrobot Munny's are one series of toys that some design. I know there are Dunny's...what other series are there and which ones do you sometimes use or prefer to make your customs?

They got Fatcaps too, but I don't just use Kidrobot stuff to customize though. I've customized Qee's by Toy2r, Angry Panda by Angry Panda. I'm currently working on 2 Mod:1's by Supermodifiedstudios that are going to blow your mind and I still got so many more different types of designer toys to experiment with. I got other things to customize too already in the works.

You had some sick pieces in that contest from what I remember-- what would you say is your most prized piece and why?

I think they're all my prize pieces really. I really do like the Radio Head one and the 20" Dunny with the head flipped upside down, mainly 'cause it's something I know nobody really ever did before and on a large scale.

You've a Munny designed to look like Paul Wall-- grill and all. Can you talk about that piece a little? How long it took to make what inspired it...etc?

It was actually the very 1st Munny I ever designed. I just wanted do to something with grillz, so I decided Paul Wall was best. I posted up like a 1000 comments on myspace not thinking anything was really going to come of it; just showing my people my art and got contacted by Chingo Bling who then put me onto Paul Wall himself. I was commissioned to do 10 replicas. The very first one I ever did though took me two days 'cause I was so psyched to do one, but when I look back at it, it looks like shit! [Laughs] I used the wrong markers and shit and I really didn't know how to go about customizing them that well. The next 10 replicas came out dope though! It took me a few months 'cause I was doing like five different projects at that point, plus I had to crazy glue each one of the rhinestones on one by one with tweezers. Most meticulous thing I ever did. Don't really want to do it ever again either. [Laughs]

When you gave me advice on making a Munny, the first thing you said was 'HAVE FUN'. Why did you feel like you needed to stress this?

'Cause when you make it a job, it becomes stressful. You don't want to be stressed when you're trying to perfect your craft even though that's stressful itself. But keep in the back of your mind, that it's just art. The options are practically limitless. Have fun with it.

I remember at the RIME store seeing a Munny with a head made out of a Boom Box! Designing these things can get crazy! What's the craziest thing you've done/used to create a custom toy?

Other than the Mega Munny with a Boom Box on the head, I dissected a brand new Nike Dunk to make a custom Munny for Sneaker Bistro Boutique that actually looks like you can put your foot in the top of the head cause I transformed it into a "sneakerhead". I also did another right after that for YRB Magazine with real Hammerhead Shark teeth. Needless to say, it was a Hammerhead Shark Munny. I got plenty of other innovative things nobody ever used before in the works. I truly am going to blow minds with what I got in store. I can't tell you what it is yet, but just know it's going to be sick!
(...To be continued... for now...just check him out here: http://www.myspace.com/therealwastedtalent)
(Radio Read)

Get 'em while they're HOT

2008-12-02T22:29:00.000-08:00

"COLD" (top picture) "HOT" (second picture)

A little while ago, we were given the opportunity to interview Queen Qustom from the UK. Queen has customed designed kicks for artists like Jay-Z and Memphis Bleek. This award winning custom designer is definitely on the come up. Here is part 1 of her interview--

Queen, what are your biggest achievements to date?The best moment for me so far was winning the award for Best Customizing Designer at the UK Urban Fashion Awards in 2007. I really didnt expect to win. I know everyone says that but I was still new in the game; the only sneaker customizer to enter and up against the favorites - last years winners. But, I won, I had a great time and it opened alot of doors for me. Another of my favorite moments was designing for Jay-Z recently when he was in the UK. I got the go ahead from the tour manager and had a busy few days putting together some kicks for Jay-Z and Memphis Bleek. Didn't get to meet Jay but met up with Bleek and he loved the kicks. I was invited to go to the next tour date, got on the guestlist for the concert and met with Bleek again to give him another pair. He said Jay-Z liked the kicks I did for him, and to tell me he thinks I'm talented. I want that in writing [Laughs].

How many pairs of sneakers and shoes do you own? Which is your most prized pair and why?
Personally, I have about 35 pairs, and I have a room full of customized sneakers which are not my size but I just cant bare to part with. My most prized pair is my 'practice' kicks. I used to try techniques out on them before laying them down on a fresh pair. They are a complete mess with little sections of different designs and so many different colors.

Is there a special story behind you creating the heat sensitive kicks?I had an idea in the back of my mind to get hold of one of the heat sensitive tees you used to get back in the 90's and use it to customize a pair of dunks. I was having a nightmare trying to find a new unworn tee so my research began in to the technology behind it and my heat sensitive paints were born!

To continue this conversation along the line of your heat sensitive sneakers, please talk about the "hunter v hunted high af1 heat sensitive"-

What inspired it? Getting onto the Sneakerpimps tour.
The "Hunter V Hunted" design was originally done on a pair of court forces, and redesigned for sneakerpimps on a high AF1 at 'cold' temperature. The sneakers have a tiger print design...but when exposed to heat such as hot weather, a hairdryer, warm hands, the orange changes to white - giving it a zebra print. I am so excited about the heat sensitive range - its amazing to be wearing one pair of sneakers when you are in an air conditioned room, then you step outside in the heat and they change to have a completely different appearance. This is something that is currently exclusive to Qustom Queen - you cant purchase heat sensitive custom kicks anywhere else.

....THERE's MORE...later on we will hear from about how her custom kicks actually got on the sneaker pimps tour and the story and motivation behind 3 of her custom kicks... and her infamous 'Sneaketto' heels.

If you'd like to see more of her work please visit her myspace: http://www.myspace.com/qustomqueen
Like what you see and want to order: Contact qustomqueen@yahoo.co.uk for more information

Is "Broke and Proud" encore status??

2008-11-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

Since we are in the midst of a recession (though no one will really admit it) we felt it fitting to post a music video by the artist Rugged N Raw. The song is called Broke and Proud and features the artist in our last post, Hasan Salaam.

Enjoy!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Hasan Salaam = Encore Status

2008-11-16T23:52:00.000-08:00

Jersey native Hasan Salaam is the answer, if you've been questioning what conscious without corny sounds like. Hasan Salaam is as gritty as any hood rapper, with a poetic cadence and an unmistakable flow, that's as far from the soft and cushy spoken-word that plagues other purposed emcees. He's refreshing; definitely hip hop and not hip pop. He has clearly sacrificed fame for purpose, because unlike so many conscious rappers, mainstream is not out of the question for Hasan. His look doesn't typecast him either way and his sound is hood credible.

He is a rapper that is not misogynistic, materialistic or indulgent and a man who is not afraid to reveal his love for the woman he describes as the "Earth by his side" in Suga. Lyrically, he's reflective. On the track 15 Minutes he admits that music does have an affect on the youth and tells them that the fantasy portrayed in songs are not a reality. He spits "kids no longer separate life from entertainment and with all the gangsta sh*t no one explains an affidavit/You're ghostwriters ain't coming out to you're arraignment emulating your favorite rapper is a painstaking engagement." But don't be prepared for a musical lecture; Hasan is not some beat box-soap box preacher. The must-hear, Prayer of a Sinner delivers a gritty but heartfelt ode that's both revealing and profound; "First was the word/and if life is a test, hope we graded on a curve/'cuz we weak in the flesh…"

Is he unparalleled or unabridged? Uncertain. But what Salaam does possess is the ability to invoke the totality of a history of a people that he deeply cares about. He quotes Jackie Robinson ("a life is unimportant except in the impact it has on other lives"). He seems to really believe this and he acts on it, by volunteering with inner city youth. He credits reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X for his young conversion to Islam. Yea, he's conscious, on that I'm-well-read-I-know-my-history deal. So what if he falls short on the "it's the message not the messenger thing." (Read: it's always the messenger). Hasan Salaam escapes the shadow of the coterie of many non-mainstream rappers by avoiding the shuck and jive club banger, the obligatory I-get-money track, and not selling out to make a vain attempt at fame and selling out venues. And for that, he just might restore some context to the game and remind mainstream of its core.

-Makila M.

Oddisee = Encore Status!

2008-11-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

artwork by: aniekan

What up DMV! (DC, Maryland, Virginia) We in the building right now putting the spot light on Largo, Maryland's own Oddisee. You all may remember him from his first commercial appearance on Dj Jazzy Jeff's 2002 release The Magnificent, in which he produced and spit on the cool out track, Musik Lounge. Since then, Oddisee has worked with the likes of Jean Grae, J Live, Wordworth, Little Brother, and Saigon. This month Oddisee has been flooding the web with two mix tapes. First he released Oddisee 101 and Oddisee 102 on iTunes, if you feelin some of the joints on here, PLEASE Support. Second, Hot 97 Radio Show Host, Peter Rosenburg recently posted a mixtape called "A Rosenberg Oddisee" of tracks featuring MCs he personally recruited to spit over Oddisee beats. With cosigns like these and musical talent, Oddisee is destined for greatness. Now that we understand, Oddisee is a rapper and a producer, let me recommend some of his illest verses and beats.
When I first heard Oddisee, I liked his song the Musik Lounge. The current state of music has conditioned me to like a song before the artist. Usually artists come out with one hot track and drop a subpar album, or they get pushed back until you forget who they were. Well I have heard much more from Oddisee and I can finally say I like him as an artist. His musical ability shines consistently on both mixtapes without topics or beats sounding the same. Being a sample junkie myself, I especially enjoy the horns used on the tracks picture painting track "Camera" and funky instrumental "Chocolate City Dreamin." Other stand out beats to look for are "Sand to the Beach," "Money on the Clock," and "Endure (2 Fish Remix)." Lyrically, his descriptions of the diversity and gang issues in the DMV hit home for me on "Camera." Demonstrating his knowledge of the culture, Oddisee creatively travels through the history of hip-hop over the Nas influenced track, "Memory Lane."In addition to the many iPod worthy songs I've already mentioned, check out these as well "Soul Clap," "A Song for That," and "I'm Gone (Remix)."

Overall Oddisee is definitely an artist to look out for. His sample heavy production, which I feel is his strongest skill, is true to the culture of hip hop and has earned him the respect of many great lyrists in the game. Lyrically, I feel Oddisee leaves a little more to be desired, in terms of flow and delivery. Although, content wise he gets my seal of approval and will only improve with time. So now that we've reached the end of my review, what do you do next? Holla at iTunes to support my dude Oddisee. Then keep your ear to the street for his cross over hit that puts Maryland on the map.

PanamaBlack

Anton Sword = Encore Status!

2008-10-29T18:32:00.001-07:00

I like Anton Sword. Affable chap. Very smooth. Haven’t met him, but I appreciate how clean, how subdued he is on his album “Sentimental Education.” I hope Anton will forgive me for assuming that his house doubled as an airport lounge, but I’m starting to think that’s the case, first from the album’s cover, and also from the music. Anton is a crooner. He shows great range in that style of singing, so he can sound spooky on “Infrared,” (more due to backing vocals as opposed to his own voice) or melancholy as when he sings “Throw yourself away, Throw yourself away/ Liquify your face, Liquify your face.” He seems to feel that the pop artist’s job is to reflect emotions to the audience as opposed to experiencing them firsthand, and I like that about him. The most emotional track on the album is “Standing on the Precipice,” a track that more directly adheres to adult pop conventions, but even that draws back at points when it feels itself getting carried away. The guitar work directed by Sword on this track is particularly impressive (guitarists were Julian Maile and Erik Paparazzi) because it is smooth, measured, and soulful all at once. It suffers a little at the end, specifically because it does abandon its restraint a bit, but maybe that’s part of the fun. Still, amazingly good track.
Anton’s is an act that thankfully eschews kitsch or cheese, or at least an overdose of those elements, and takes the material as seriously as any emo artist. “Liquify” is the most comprehensive of his tracks, as it’s all subdued sincerity and ambiguous haze . I like that Anton feels free to wander about his keyboard, and the solos have a pleasant sense of timid spontaneity. He likes to squiggle, like a kid coloring in the margins with a glitter pen, but there is plenty of method to the wandering.
Then again some of the other tracks such as “The Instrument, Your Friend,” or the aforementioned “Infrared” sound more urgent, and even a little panicked. They traffic in ambient territory, and help by adding shades to the starbursts. “My Judgement” is much more of a bad trip though. Here, he subverts much of the album with some very harsh production that almost sounds like the wailing of space ghosts in an arty sci-fi movie. It comes off a bit overwhelming, if extremely skillful, and contrasts, unfavorably, with his more salient tracks. The production is, as I said, skillful, but at times inconsistent in that it sometimes compliments its surroundings, and sometimes swells to the point of overwhelming itself. There are violins and heavy stings, kind of like Phil Spector, but it comes and goes too much. These are quibbles really, and highlight just how accomplished this all is for a debut. The bottom line is that Anton has already crafted a pretty steady persona, and laid out some very strong thematic work in the realms of liquid, light, and indecision.

-Sporky

Sneaker Design Contest!

2008-10-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Calling all custom sneaker designers....or people just sick at using ADOBE! RunAthletics is having a shoe design contest...but not just a regular ole sneaker design contest...its for charity. Scion and Run Athletics have teamed up to host a benefit for the not-for-profit Soles4Souls. Soles4Souls is an organization dedicated to providing footwear to those less fortunate around the world. The Kick off event will be held at Ultra Nightclub in NYC from 6-8:30pm on Oct 24th. If you bring two pairs of slightly worn shoes, boots, heels, etc...you get in FREE. Celebrity DJ Mel Debarge will be spinning.

Please check out http://www.lalucas.com/soles4souls/ to find instructions, templates in order to design the kicks, etc. 300 limited edition pairs of the winning design will be produced. A final party on December 17th will announce the winner with honorable guest Reverend Run of Run DMC and RunAthletics.

Kenlo Key..."Destined 4 Greatness"

2008-10-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Before I get into the nitty gritty about Kenlo Key’s recently released mixtape, “Destined for Greatness,” let me just get this fact out in the open from the jump; this dude has rhymes for days. It’s no exaggeration for me to say that you will be utterly convinced of Kenlo Key’s lyrical superiority within the first 40 seconds of popping in this mixtape. As avid followers of underground hip-hop can attest, the one thing that we’ve heard over and over about this Chicago emcee is that he knows his way around a freestyle, and certainly, the Key does nothing to disprove the hype on this mixtape. So yes, folks, Kenlo Key can spit. You heard it here first.

Of course, having a hot flow does not mean you can automatically declare yourself the Second Coming or whatever. Kenlo Key, while incredibly talented and certainly has much to look forward to in the near-future, leaves much to be desired on this mixtape from a musical standpoint and fails to push himself beyond the stale “I got money, guns, and bitches” theme that has held hip-hop under arrest since the late 90’s. Sure, that shit was fun to listen to back when we still had CD players in our JanSport bookbags and had nothing but optimism about driving tricked-out Beamers and Escalades in the (then) near-future. But now, it’s kinda hard to listen to someone talking about “counting all this cash” and “ballin’ harder than the Globetrotters show” when considering that in today’s crazy economy, not even banks have money. (And don’t even get me started on that one…) Between the tired themes restated throughout this mixtape and the generic-sounding beats that fail to make a lasting impression, it’s clear that the Key still has a lot of growing left to do as an artist before we see him reach his full potential.

Still, there are some bright spots on this mixtape that certainly make this free download worth your time. Easily the best parts of this album are the various freestyles placed throughout that show just how gifted Kenlo Key can be when he’s off script. Outside of the freestyles, there are two tracks that warrant your attention: “Gingerbread Man,” easily the most radio and ringtone-friendly track on this album and “Black Mask, Black Gloves,” the most gully, hungry, gutter-sounding track Kenlo Key has on this mixtape. (Too bad it’s only two minutes long, though) The other tracks, while not bad, certainly aren’t too memorable in their current forms and lack that “oh, shit” factor that an artist like Kenlo should be getting based on his lyrical skill level.

Overall, Kenlo Key’s “Destined for Greatness,” while certainly not an instant underground classic, serves as a great “foot-in-the-door” for one of Chicago’s finest raw talents. If given the opportunity to work with a couple of hardcore loopdiggers, there’s no doubt that Kenlo Key will push beyond the played-out boundaries he set on himself in this mixtape effort. And if that happens, shorties won’t be the only people calling Kenlo Key the “Gingerbread Man…”

Ray Torres, The Digital Manwhore

Download Kenlo Key's Mixtapere here

Encore Status Promo

2008-10-18T19:44:00.001-07:00

Emperial Nation Fall 2008 Launch Party

2008-10-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

Our good friends over at Emperial Nation are dropping their fall 2008 line, with inspiration from the great Harlem Renaissance Era. Take a trip uptown with these original pieces that include images of Jack "Galveston Giant" Johnson, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, and other strong images from that time in history.

To celebrate this release, Emperial Nation will be having it’s very own release party, in collaboration with The Tastemakers Society, on October 16, 2008 at New York City’s Gallery Bar located in the Lower East Side. From the hours of 7PM-10PM, Emperial Nation will be playing host to one of NYC’s most exciting and happening spots. Two Hungry Brothers will be in the house spinning everything from old school R&B, electro-pop to underground hip hop. Those that come celebrate will be treated to gift bags, complimentary Sonu beverages and celebrity style photography sessions. Did we forget to mention the 7:30pm to 8:30pm open bar?! This is The Back to School event you don’t want to miss!

For more information on the release party or the Emperial Nation line, check below and visit www.emperialnation.com.

See ya there!

To Trick...or not Trick...

2008-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

photo by: happyeric

In my experiences with the dating scene, I have learned to attract the opposite sex using the gift of gab, to always stay sharp and say the right things to entice the opposite sex. Nothing could drive a woman's imagination more than a man's ability to spit some good game. That's why it bothers me a bit when I see my brothers in the club spending and wasting money on women who they have only known for so long. Whether you are buying drinks or making it rain to get a woman to talk to you, such acts are classic examples of trickin'.

What is trickin', you may ask?
Well, UrbanDictionary.com gives the following definition:

trickin' (v): To splurge on large gifts for a girl or boy that you like but don't know very well.
To me, using money to get what you want out from women is bad enough. It is even worse that now many influential music artists are now perpetuating to this phenomenon. The following are excerpts from some of the more recent hit songs rap and R&B songs:

“Like yeahhh, and everyone say it/
Mr. Rain Man can we have a rainy day/
Bring an umbrella, please bring an umbrella/
Ella, Ella, Ella, EH /
Bitch ain't shit but a hoe and a trick/
But you know it ain't trickin' if you got it”
Lil' Wayne – “Got Money”

“Shawty, you the hottest/
Love the way you drop it/
Brain so good, coulda swore you went to college/
100K deposits, vacations in the tropics/
Everybody know it ain't trickin' if you got it”
T.I. – “Whatever You Like”

“I can put you in the log cabin/
somewhere in Aspen/
Girl ain't nothing to the Pain/
it aint trickin if you got it/
what you askin'....for”
T-Pain – “Can't Believe It”

“I like to trick trick trick/
I like to trick (trick) trick/
I wanna spend some money, spend some money/
I like to trick, I like to trick”
Ray-J – “I Like to Trick”

Music has been so influential in promoting many of society's vices, with this “It ain't trickin' if you got it” movement coming on the rise. It is funny that these artists have the means to “trick” of their money, while a vast majority of their fans and listeners don't. I can ramble on about my thoughts on the topic, but the purpose of this post is to get your opinion about the topic. Please feel free to post your opinion, for it is humbly appreciated.

To trick or not to trick – that is the question.
- From SatisJackson305

STREET ART STREET LIFE

2008-10-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

photo:Fatimah Tuggar, Coverfield, 2008

On view through January 25, 2009
Organized by guest curator Lydia Yee, Street Art, Street Life examines the street as subject matter, venue, and source of inspiration for artists and photographers from the late 1950s to the present.

This far ranging exhibition, one of the largest to consider the subject, includes street photography; documentation of performance, events, and artworks presented in the street; works using material from the street; and examples of street culture by more than thirty artists including William Klein, Lee Friedlander, Raymond Hains, Vito Acconci, Martha Rosler, Sophie Calle, David Hammons, Jamel Shabazz, and Francis Alÿs, among others.

Museum hrs are: Thursday - Monday, 11am - 6pm, Friday: 11am - 8pm, Tuesdays and Wednesday are closed.Cost is $5 for students, $3 Seniors, children under 12 FREE.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts
1040 Grand Concourse (at 165th Street)
Bronx, New York 10456
718.681.6000
www.bronxmuseum.org

-Krazy Cam

Anonymous Twist = Encore Status

2008-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

Anonymous Twist, a Toronto based MC, DJ, and producer, blessed us with a couple of tracks for our mixtape back in february(Melange mixtape featured on the right panel of this blog). One of the tracks and a personal favorite of mine was entitled 'Brainwash.' His camp put a video up for the track featuring clips from the movie City of God. Enjoy the track, and cop his album available on Itunes.

David Sides = Encore Status

2008-10-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

We're probably late bringing this to you, but a friend of a friend of a friend of Encore Status sent this to me today and I was blown away. Known as the "Mozart of hip hop" D-Sides has done brilliant piano renditions of the music from top artists in the music industry. "Buy You a Drink"(T-Pain), "Bed"(J Holiday), and "Closer" (Ne-Yo), are tracks I have listened to personally. Please peep the rendition of Lollipop, originally performed by Lil Wayne.

Oh yea...and don't be late like us...friend him on the myspace.

-PM

STOP...now do the french Fry

2008-10-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Hello,
After posting the Smiley Jonez video "Chicken Wing," we set out to find content that was more tasteful. We think we have found what we were looking for. This Sweet and Sour clip forced me to STOP...and do the French fry. Please view yet another uncategorizable gem -- The McDonalds rap.

Enjoy,
StatisJackson

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Rex Milano = Encore Status

2008-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

While digging through Youtube the other day, we found this 21 year old hip hop dance phenom from Italy. His name is Rex Milano and seems like he would step to ANYONE on the dance floor. If you've seen anyone that will or can test him, please contact us at Talent@encorestatus.com. (We wont expect that many emails...just watch his video below).
Enjoy,
Pure Madness

Please check out more of his stuff in our Youtube widget on the right.

Dionis Ortiz...Encore Status

2008-09-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Recently featured in the New York Times 'City Room' section, Harlem resident Dionis Ortiz is a New York Artist on the rise. His "Self Portrait" piece is a part of the 'Evolution: The Changing Face of Harlem' exhibit at Columbia University. The exhibit features the art of 25 artists in the artHarlem community and will be open from September 22nd to November 6th.
Check out Dionis Ortiz's bio below and his website:

Harlem native Dionis Ortiz explores his dual identity as a New Yorker and as a person of Dominican descent, born to immigrant parents. His paintings visually narrate interpretations of his experiences and surroundings through the use of landscape, symbols, text, as well as various mediums and painting techniques. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from the State University of New York at Purchase College and his certification in Art Handling from The Bronx Council on the Arts.

Dionis cultivated his interest and background in the arts to establish Inspiration Fine Art, a fine art gallery located in Harlem. Since its inception in 2005, he has organized and curated various group exhibitions and showcased the works of emerging and established artists from New York City.

Tabi Bonney...

2008-09-20T19:47:00.001-07:00

Particularity. Swagger. Beat. Rhyme. Often we fall victim to parsing apart hip-hop artistry as such. Aside from the occasional comment about how an emcee rides a beat, there is fairly little convo in the way of what amounts to cohesion, to the whole picture. Tabi Bonney is a scuff on the kicks of such linear thinking. That is to say, there is something musically compelling about him, that can’t be identified in any one aspect. Self proclaimed genre blender, he pulls from everything he can get his hands on, producing a sound that occupies a precarious space between alternative, rock, and hip-hop. His shit is gumbo, and I feel that excessively. His lyrics on paper, or beat-free, would leave something to be desired, namely quotables. What you do see on tracks like Superhero is a let-me-clear-my-throat oeuvre, and a well developed union of music and flow that augment one another (think okra in a bangin ass rue). What I hear in Tabi Bonney is possibility, and a sound finding itself. His laid back somewhat sparse cadence can be mistaken for laziness, the same way the blues unexamined, can be mistaken for simple. It will be interesting to see where he takes this sound in future projects. His style is undeniably the changing face of an industry starving for new blood, and artists wiling to take risks, and experiment (i.e. mainstream artists like Kanye West). Hip Hop is turning a corner and seems to be going in one of two directions. Atavism, as artists strive for the Bronx born beat sound of minimalist concrete tracks punctuated with gutter verses and brick hard lyrics (which I f%!@k with), or music that is increasingly “hyphenated” with limited writers (such as myself) trying to cram round peg sounds into so many square categories that are becoming insufficient. Tabi Bonney is a round peg, and if he can continue to push and defy being defined, even by his own patterns and limits, he’s on to something.
Check out one of his videos: Syce it/Escalator

Picture from Tabi Bonney's Myspace

No Chicken Noodle soup..We ordering Chicken Wings...!

2008-09-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

While digging for diamondz (again) on Youtube, one of the Encore Status staff found another 'uncatergorizable' gem. Before we had our usual all out FIGHT about it, one of us was smart enough to suggest we put it up for you guys to vote. So here is is 'Chickenwing' by Smiley Jonez. We dont want to ruin it for you...but we'll leave you with a snippet of the lyrics...

Booty goes Pitty Pat Pitty Pat bakers man
Look at that big booty man
Pop that thang like a chicken wang (MOVE YOUR BIG BUTT)
Pop that thang like a chicken wang (MOVE YOUR BIG BUTT)
Pop that thang like a chicken wang (MOVE YOUR BIG BUTT)

...you get the point. Enjoy
-CB

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Brooklyn meets Japan - Aiko exhibit

2008-09-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...(especially those in BK), please go to the Brooklynite Gallery to see the beautiful Aiko exhibit "Shut Up & Look". The exibit opened last Saturday but will continue through October 11th.

Heres a little more info about Aiko:
Being given the honor of moderating Brooklyn Museum's
"Visual Release: Gender, Art, Representation and Exchange," as part of the museum's Love and Pop symposium, and guest speaking at "Envisioning Japan: Creative Dialogues with the Wider World" during the Murakami symposium were only a hint of Lady Aiko's academic side.
She has lectured StreetArt/Grafitti at Kyoto Art and Design University, and taught with street arts famed historians, Martha Cooper and Charlie Ahern, at the School of Visual Art, NY.

Recent shows have included a steady stream of group show presence such as Heart Throb, Independent Residents, BEHIND THE SEEN, and Pop Subversion, capped off with PINK| AIKO: Brick Ladies of NYC, with fellow maven of the pavement, Lady Pink. Kid Robot has even given her the greatest defense against the buffer: her famed spraycan bunnies have come to life in full vinyl glory - BrooklyniteGallery.com

For More info, visit the gallery's website.
Brooklynite Gallery
334 Malcolm X Boulevard (between Decatur & Bainbridge)
Brooklyn, NY 11233
Train: A/C to Utica Avenue

Heads Up: Internet TV for indie Producers...

2008-09-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hey,
For all you independent film producers out there, there's a cool alternative to Youtube to getting your content out there. Babelgum is the name of the company. They have events, online film festivals, and much more... according to the site:
Babelgum is:

The free, interactive Internet TV service which offers independent and brand new content, provides an alternative to traditional broadcasters, and personalizes the user experience through tag searches and collaborative filtering.

...like sites such as Revver, they give producers the opportunity to make money from their content. Check it out!

Tired Black Man?

2008-09-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

So, a member of the Encore Status team and I got into a BIG argument just over this preview. It's a clip of a film called, "Tired Black Man." I dont want to ruin it for you guys but all I can say is its a rebuttle to Tyler Perry's 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman.' As a female I have a few comments about this promo clip but I'll leave it to you all to start the commentary. Watch the clip, take the poll, let's hear your opinion.
-Mizz Trish

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Michael Jackson...Mister Lonely

2008-09-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's something that we CANT miss once it hits the U.S. Mister Lonely. Its directed by Harmony Korine. Here is the synopsis as quoted by IMDB.

"In Paris, a young American who works as a Michael Jackson lookalike meets Marilyn Monroe, who invites him to her commune in Scotland, where she lives with Charlie Chaplin and her daughter, Shirley Temple."...
...yeah...sounds like a hit to me...check out the trailer. Its awesome.
Luv,
Pure Madness

Mister_Lonely
by moviestrailer

Scion's Hype Man Contest...

2008-09-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

Scion is looking for this year's best Hypeman...question is...is that person you?
Check out this link ASAP. The winner gets $2,000 and a home-studio prize package provided by M-Audio that includes a Fast Track Ultra - High-speed USB 2.0 Interface, ProTools M-Powered software, Q40 Studio Reference Headphones, Nova Studio Microphone, and Studio backpack... stop frontin like you don't need it.
Scion Hypeman contest info

Here's a video from last year's event.

Happy Birthday to a Freak-a-holic

2008-09-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

It was the Egyptian Lover's birthday this weekend. This legend has been touring since 1983...which in our eyes, makes him a tour-a-holic. In this video, he lets us know...he's a Freak-a-holic.

Happy Birthday E.L.
Luv,
Pure Madness

P.S. Those of you who need your memories jogged Egyptian Lover did the following tracks:
"I'm so Freaky" (Back from the Tom)
"Keep it Hot" (Platinum Pyramids)
"Kinky Nation (Kingdom Kum)" (On the Nile)
and many many more...
photo from Egyptian Lover's myspace

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

2008-08-29T20:12:00.001-07:00

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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