Monday, July 26, 2010

The Blast Spotlight: The One Kemist


Check out this week's Blast featured artist The One Kemist.  Check out one of the latest digital exclusives from one of hip hop's rising stars, the name of the song is titled "The Work Out" and it's produced by NC based boom bap beatmaker Self Taught.  Listen as Kemist exercises the ear drums of the listener with his sharp word play, and gifted voice.  You can stream the song by clicking the YouTube video here.

 


For more information e-mail us at TheGiantBlast@aol.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Blast Spotlight: Random AKA Mega Ran




The Giant Blast:  What has Random been up to lately?
Random:  Well, school is out (I'm also a middle school teacher), so while summer for most means vacation, for me it mean it's time to push the music as hard as possible. Right now I've been promoting my new album Forever Famicom with producer K-Murdock. We just got back from LA for E3 and some other shows. I'm still on a high from that.  Now I spend most of my days mailing out CDs, setting up shows, and writing new material ... and when I can, playing X box.




The Giant Blast:  In your own words how would you say Random is different from all the other artists?
Random:  It's easy for an artist to say "I'm bringing something different to the table," or "I'm different because I think differently," but it's not backed-up by their songwriting. I think just looking at my musical output, my upbringing, the fact that I juggle two very complex careers, and always try to work outside of the box is what makes Random "Random."




The Giant Blast:  For those that are unaware how would you describe the Mega Ran series?
Random:  Wow... well if you were a fan of the Mega Man videogames on the old Nintendo at all, then you'd know that one thing that always stood out was the impressive music. I decided one day to sample some of my favorite Mega Man tunes, chop em, slice em, throw some drums on them, and create rap songs around the basic premise of the Mega Man games. It was extremely risky, but it was fun, and that was what I needed at that time in my life, was fun. A gentleman at Capcom (the company that makes the games) got a hold of me on MySpace, and told me that they not only weren't going to sue me, but that they enjoyed the music and wanted to help me promote it. That's an awesome feeling.




The Giant Blast:  Who did you work with on the Mega Ran 9 project? 
Random:  Some of my absolute favorite people: beats were done by myself, DN3, Samik, K-Murdock, Fingaz, Ravage and Andre Jackson... Storyville did a little of everything on the project... he rapped, produced and mixed the entire album. I think he did more than I did, haha. Guest vocals were done by Chicago's Pugz Atoms, Ciphurphace, Side Effect, Rufus Pipes and more.




The Giant Blast:  Are there any plans of doing a Mega Ran X series in the future? 
Random:  I can't say a definite yes or no.. ironically, I get beats in my email from a lot of producers who have made beats out of tracks on Mega Man X, and while they're very dope, I'm a sucker for the 8-bit MIDI chiptune sound.  If it sounds too realistic, I don't like it as much, haha. So as of now no plans, but who knows what the future holds-- I never even thought I would have done Mega Ran 9.




The Giant Blast:  Getting back to Mega Man what game in the series had  the best music?
Random:  Mega Man 2, hands down. I used most of my favorites from MM2 on the first Mega Ran album, but there are still a few I haven't touched.. Crash Man, Air Man and Wily Stage 1. Maybe one day.




The Giant Blast:  What do you have planned for the future?
Random:  The future is a mystery right now... In my few years in the business I've learned not to look too far ahead, because you miss the good things about the present.  Right now it's all about Forever Famicom. We're talking to a label in Japan about releasing it over there this Fall, even a promo tour in Japan...so fingers are crossed on that.  We have a great sprite artist working on some music videos for a lot of the songs on the album, we have some summer tour dates going. That's the immediate future.  I'm happy to say that my next album is completed as well, but I'll plug that when the time comes, haha. After all this stuff calms down, I want to write a book in 2011.




The Giant Blast:  So far what would you say is your greatest achievement has been? 
Random:  I don't know if it's happened yet, I've had some amazing moments so far-- getting a full page in Nintendo Power Magazine (April 2010), Performing to a packed house in the Viper Room in Hollywood.  Getting a song into a video game (Caster, for PC and iPhone), but I think the best is yet to come.  I have dreams and visions of where I see myself going in music, and those haven't come true yet.




The Giant Blast:  What has been your worst experience in the music  industry so far and how did you learn from it?
Random:  Well, I actually talk about it on a song on the new album, "Priceless:" One of the worst moments had to be when RAHM Nation was still local, me, Ohene, and G. performed at a terribly promoted festival where about 13 people were in the crowd (almost as many as were backstage), including 3 elderly folks who had no idea what was going on. Talk about humiliating!  But that situation humbled me greatly, and showed me that we had a lot more work to do to get the name out.  Making good music is only half the battle, if that: The big fight is getting the word out to the people.  Since then I've been working extra hard on promotions, both online and off, and I learn something new every day.




The Giant Blast:  What does Random get into besides music?
Random:  When I'm not teaching, I love to draw, and I love to play video games. I haven't had much time to do either lately, but those are my main releases from reality.




The Giant Blast:  Any future show dates you want to plug? 
Random:  July 22-25, 2010 – Special Appearance @ San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego, CA (Capcom Booth)
July 22, 2010 – Live Performance @ The Casbah, San Diego, CA (w/MC Lars, MC Frontalot and more), 9PM
July 23, 2010 – Live In-Store Performance @ Access Hip-Hop, San Diego, CA @ 5:30PM




The Giant Blast:  Anything else you would like to plug, any shout  outs?
Random:  Much love to everybody reading, cop that Forever Famicom from UGHH and get a Bonus CD!
http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/store/detail.asp?=Mega-Ran-aka-Random-K-Murdock-Ariano-In80-Jermiside-Schaffer-The-Darklord-Forever-Famicom&UPC=RANVSKMCD


Big shouts to RAHM Nation and everyone on the Mega Ran forums...Thanks for the support and let's keep it going!





For more information e-mail us at TheGiantBlast@aol.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Blast Spotlight: UnXplained

UnXplained
"Do It Again" (CLEAN VERSION)
BLAST HOT PICK
 
Let me take a moment to introduce you all to hip hop duo UnXplained and their debut single "Do It Again" which we are calling all support on. They come to you straight out of South Carolina and they are ready to put on for their city! This is one of those real laid back records you can ride and vibe to. They compliment each other well and it's obvious in their delivery on this track. DJ's give it a listen. A&R's keep your eyes and ears open to UnXplained. Media outlets are all welcome to post on sites, blogs, etc. It's exclusive so don't wait!
For drops, interviews, bookings, or any requests contact Derrick - 864.266.3204
VISIT UNXPLAINED ONLINE TODAY

DJ's, Radio, Bloggers, Media...Lets CONTINUE to make history together.


FOR MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL US AT

The Blast Spotlight: Chanell Ketchmore


Check out the latest single from Chanell Ketchmore titled "Calling All The Troops" produced by up and coming North Carolina based beatmaker J-Coleman.  In this song Chanell Ketchmore explains to the listeners that they should do a little more than just talk about being active in the community, and just get up and do something about it, stating that "if you want to change the world/ you have to start with you!" and other lyrics of encouragement laced throughout this song.  Listen as Ketchmore gives the fans a nice little pep talk over a strong violin laced backdrop orchestrated by J-Coleman.  You can download the entire song here at http://www.mediafire.com/?dde4ny21xqn 

Last month The Giant Blat had a one on one interview with Chanell Ketchmore, you can read all about it at  http://theblastblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/blast-spotlight-chanell-ketchmore.html


For more information e-mail us at

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

The Blast Spotlight: Ike Turnah

Check out Blast featured artist Ike Turnah

Ike Turnah sits and talks with The Giant Blast about his music, his latest project and more in this new exclusive interview.


The Giant Blast:  How would you describe your latest project Different Spokes?
Ike Turnah:  It's not a album but I intended for it sound like one. It's more of a collection of calabs with other artists and producers from the Charlotte area.  Plus it displays two of my favorite artists (Dee richards & Panama Ski) to record and build with on a music tip.  It's really just a promo project, but it's a classic still.


The Giant Blast:  Who did you work with for this project?
Ike Turnah:  Beats done by- D.R., Madwreck, Blaqsmith, Matt Cagle , Sun7 , and Herron and it features emcees Panama Ski, Big Treal,  Dee Richards, Kam Moye, Herron, Kil Ripkin, Wolly Vinyl , and Z Doe.


The Giant Blast:  How would you describe the feel or the type of sound of this project?
Ike Turnah:  Raw hip hop but well polished. A mix of different styles that doesn't conflict but compliments each other. It's a gumbo of street, intelligent, positive, and negitive thoughts that most people have. It shows another side of southern rap music that is rarely heard.


The Giant Blast:  Who have you worked with in the past?
Ike Turnah:  Mostly the same producers and artists that are on different spokes.  Beside them Marley Carroll, Speaks Reazin, Mr. Invisible, Mattic, Mindelxir, Mr. Dash, Klass, Coalition of Kings, JJ
Bass, DJ Jamad and Nicolay


The Giant Blast:  Who would you like to work with in the future?
Ike Turnah:  La Fine Equipe, some rock & jazz musicians I know.  Norah Jones, Rich Medina, Marc Antony, DJ Cannon, Oukast, Herbie Hancock,  CL Smooth, Neptunes, Kareem Riggens, Madlib, Spike Lee, Macy Gray, Cannibal OX, Badu, Sharon Jones, Organize Noize, Radiohead, The Roots, and Steven King (laughs) plus a lot more.


The Giant Blast:  Speaking of the future where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ike Turnah:  Trying to stay on gods good side.  The family life. Being well respected for my music....ballin (laughs)


The Giant Blast:  Where do you see hip hop in 5 years?
Ike Turnah:  Who knows? Trends are changing every couple of months in hip hop.  It's all depends on what the people want.


The Giant Blast:  Speaking of hip hop, how would you describe the North Carolina music scene?
Ike Turnah:  Powerful artist, with no major outlet.  Also we lack heavy local support, it's hard to take it to the next level, but the talent is solid


The Giant Blast:  So far what would you say was one of your worst experiences in the music industry and how did you learn from it?
Ike Turnah: Everything that happens to me has been good.  I'm not worried to much about the industry cause I'm going to make money regardless.  If you love it you will grow. I've been disappointed before, had some wack shows but that's life.


The Giant Blast:   Is there anything you would like to plug, any shout outs?
Ike Turnah:  IKE TURNAH -THE UNCOVENTIONAL IS ON ITUNES & AMAZON Turnahclassics.  My people in france & ëë ... 252 704 305 All my family & god city



Download the latest mixtape from Ike Turnah FREE here at this link
 
OR you can download the mixtape for FREE at this link as well





Check out these links from Ike Turnah!
For Drops, booking info and more
(and tell 'em The Giant Blast sent you)

For more information e-mail us at TheGiantBlast@aol.com

The Blast Spotlight: L.E.G.A.C.Y.


Check out the new digital exclusive from Hall of Justus recording artist L.E.G.A.C.Y. of North Carolina's Justus League titled "Reckless".  In this new single, L.E.G.A.C.Y. rocks it out over an electric guitar laced backdrop provided by up and coming Charlotte, NC based beat maker J-Coleman.  The "Legster" spits lyrics of fury, boasting that he's "Jerry Heller Ruthless" and thoroughly explains how he'll "disrespect you", "behead you/ Maria Antoinette you" if you ever step to him the wrong way. 


Stream the song by clicking the embedded YouTube Video below.

Download the song by click the link here 
http://www.mediafire.com/?eymmoytyydz

Take a look at our past interview with L.E.G.A.C.Y. here at
http://theblastblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/blast-spotlight-legacy.html



Take a look at our past interview with the song's producer J-Coleman here
http://theblastblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/blast-spotlight-legacy.html
 


For more information e-mail us at