Famed artist/producer Antagonist Dragonspit and Ron Karona team up for ‘Classified Documents’ Album. The duo returns to give fans doses of potent rhyme schemes and wordplay brewing with distinct messages. The album also features Rafik of Cult Fiction along with guest producers, including Grammy-winning J Clyde. Press play and connect below.
United Kingdom Hip Hop artist Rhyme Assassin tells all about his upcoming, major single release dropping everywhere on April 3rd, 2023. “Rhyme Apostles” features a handful of Hip Hop legacies including Crooked I, Craig G, Reks, Ruste Juxx, K Solo, Chino XL, Keith Murray, Chino XL, Canibus, AFRO, and Antlive Boombap with an intro by Jadakiss and Deep Voice on production. Just in time for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, Rhyme Assassin offers Hip Hop heads a record set to push the elements, essence, and culture of Hip Hop back to the forefront; when emcee’s did their part of moving the crowd. Rhyme Assassin talks in-depth about the single, bringing legacies together for this global collaboration, his contributions to Hip Hop, and more.
MJ: Before we jump into your upcoming release of “Rhyme Apostles” let everyone know who you are and where you’re from.
Rhyme Assassin: My name is Tichaona Brian Monera. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. I migrated to the United Kingdom to explore opportunities for further education and personal development. An important part of that was pursuing a career in music. This is something that I have already been doing in Zimbabwe where I gained popularity with hip-hop in the early 90s. Freestyling with my homies after school, I was able to hone my craft to become a recognizable voice on the Zimbabwe music scene. These were formative moments in my music career. These encounters earned me the name Rhyme Assassin which has become my official MCEE name. The name Rhyme Assassin resonates with the skillful poetic lyrical expression of the music and the excellence of execution of my craft.
MJ: As a Hip Hop artist from the UK, tell us about the Hip Hop scene over there.
Rhyme Assassin: Hip-hop has always had a firm grip on the UK music scene with a lot of drill dominating. Hip-hop artists like Stormzy have become household names, generating a huge following worldwide. My estimation is that the UK is on the brink of becoming a hip-hop powerhouse globally. There are many upcoming hip-hop artists….
MJ: What led you to begin a career in rap and lead a lifestyle true to Hip Hop culture?
Rhyme Assassin: The greatest influencers that kickstarted my rap career are the likes of all-time greats such as KRS ONE, Run DMC & Big Daddy Kane, BIG, and 2 PAC. I grew up listening to their music on cassettes and vinyl. Because of my experiences and encounters with these hip-hop moguls, I embrace the hip-hop culture and started living out and expressing this in my lyrical content. My inspiration to write was primarily from Canibus and Krs One. I can even recall the first day I listened to Gangstarr – Moment of truth, Dead Prez – Let’s get free and DMX – It’s dark and hell is hot. Those were the early days when hip-hop was not playing much on Zimbabwe radio. Our exposure to hip-hop was mainly from folks coming from overseas and bringing cassette tapes back home. I would use my pocket money to rent out hip-hop tapes for a couple of days or more so that I can just listen to the latest hip-hop beats.
MJ: Ok, let’s jump into your new single which will be available for download and purchase on April 3rd, 2023. How were you able to link with all the powerhouses and legends? Talk about the thought process of “Rhyme Apostles” to hand-picking features, to the production, and to the final canvas.
Rhyme Assassin: The initial idea was for Rhyme Apostles to have 4 artists. Later, drawing inspiration from the Bible, the thought of the 12 apostles of Jesus dawned on my mind and this became the womb that gave birth to Rhyme Assassin’s 12 apostles on the track. The new single is based on an idea that had been in for quite a while. My vision was to bring together some of the greatest lyricists and recognizable names in hip-hop. Being on the same record with the likes of Crooked I Canibus, Craig G, Keith Murray and a host of other renowned hip-hop legends is an incredible personal triumph.
Achieving this was monumental. The journey was not a straightforward one. It was long and challenging, but an enjoyable one. The one thing that made it worthwhile is the caliber of people that I was targeting. These were real hip-hop heads, with a genuine love for true hip-hop culture. I was truly humbled by these guys’ acceptance and willingness to embrace me and work with me to bring my vision to fruition.
Every single one of them exhibited high levels of professionalism with such amazing humility. Each demonstrated a love and a passion to collaborate with emcees with roots in Africa. The emcees that made it on the record I those that reached out to and they were magnanimous enough to accept the invitation.
Shout out to those emcees who believed in me and were keen to be part of the project but could not make the financial commitment in time and were unable to be featured. There will always be scope to do collaborative projects with them in the near future. Another noteworthy artist who made an enormous contribution to this project is Deep Voice, a UK producer who created the best used in the debut single. He created the beat some seven years ago along with other beats that I subsequently used. This particular beat was archived until now and it is just the right beat for the project. The bear will be mixed and mastered by yet another creative, P2doah, a Zimbabwean-based producer. We are also currently working on the video for the song.
MJ: What are you hoping audiences take away from the single?
Rhyme Assassin: The single greatest desired outcome for this project is a greater realization but both artists and music lovers of the incredible power of collaborative music ventures across the industry. The single, Rhyme Apostles, is a clear and powerful demonstration of the synergy resulting from such collaboration. My wish for this single is that it will be timeless in its appeal and not just for a season.
MJ: It’s evident with the single, you are on a mission to conserve the authenticity of Hip Hop and push it to the forefront of music. Can you elaborate on that?
Rhyme Assassin: I am a firm believer in the need for the conservation of the truest essence of Hip hop culture expressed through lyricism. The caliber of emcees on the track have mastered this art and is an inspiration to me as I climb to my place of significance in the game.
My conviction is that hip-hop culture has a powerful potential to bring about societal and cultural cohesion globally. In that sense, the single has an apostolic assignment – to bring about a fresh crop of hip-hop artists whose focus is beyond their individual musical domains to champion a movement that will produce a generation of like-minded people. The talents and skill sets of the participating emcees are as diverse as their fingerprints are. It is this diversity that I value and celebrates the most in this project. The creative lyricism and different execution styles of the art make this project unequaled by any in hip-hop circles and that is what thrills me.
Established, reputable indie Hip Hop artist Maine The Medicine gives an in-depth interview about his latest album ‘S.O.A. (Son Of Alice).’ The album is dedicated to his late mother. Maine shares high emotions creating the album, making his mother proud, the secret weapon for making timeless gems, and more.
MJ: I see you and Leadgeon are still going strong, talk a little bit about that chemistry.
Maine: Well with Leadgeon, that’s 30-year chemistry and brotherhood. I don’t have to tell him what kind of beats I need, he already knows. Now lyrically we always push each other with the pen. For us, that inner competition will always be there.
MJ: One thing I find when it comes to your albums it’s difficult to pinpoint one or even two favorite records. All your albums are theme-based and flow like a story from beginning to end, with no skipping. However, I do want to touch on “Pour Liquor” as that seems to hit hard and hit home with many fans and listeners.
Maine: Yes, “Pour Liquor” seems to be a popular one with the fans. I wrote that hook during the Covid, because of all the friends and family I lost that year. I hadn’t gotten a chance to write a verse to it until the night of my dad’s funeral. I was already halfway through the album, but I needed to pay homage to my father. As for the feature, that’s my cousin Khali Hustle from the Bay Area. He, like myself, lost a few people, and almost lost his own life to an attempted murderer. So, I’m grateful he’s still here to jump on this record with me.
MJ: I want to take a moment to pull on heartstrings and ask how difficult it was to create “Momma” and the array of emotions you must feel hearing that song being played.
Maine: Yes, that song was hard to make, and at times was hard to listen to. My mom was my everything, and that void will never be filled. She was a single mom, worked 2 jobs, and tried her best to provide for my sister and me. She was a big fan of my music, even though she said I curse too much. But she would love to watch my videos on YouTube. So, I just wanted to honor her with this album, and make her proud. Maybe one day I can compose myself enough to perform it.
MJ: Both as a fan and professional in the music industry, I must say how refreshing it is to experience your growth as a man and artist with each album you release. There’s a manner in which you invite the world into your personal life experiences that allows us to authentically embrace and grip your emotions. Your use of lyricism and wordplay flows effortlessly over boom-bap cadences. What is it about Maine The Medicine that stands out from other artists?
Maine: I just try to be the best version of myself. I move off of the emotion and the vibe of the beat. Sure I have topics that I want to address, but instead of forcing I wait for the right track to bring it out of me. I also know as an artist I can always get better. I can always make my sword sharper. I never convince myself that I made it because that can go to your head. I want to continue to keep that hunger for more.
MJ: Take us behind the scenes of the album ‘S.O.A.’ Let us in from the inspiration to creation to the final product. I know the album is buzzing with a social media frenzy and fans are listening on repeat with genuine compassion.
Maine: The creative part was fun and therapeutic for me. I mean, of course, it was some pressure because this album is dedicated to my mom. But at the same time, that’s what helped it flow. When I was listening to the tracks, I was thinking who could’ve made this dope? There are so many dope artists I know that I hadn’t worked with yet, so I wanted to link with them on this album. Plus I got the few staples that are always on my albums like Leadgeon, Suspect, and Tysoul. But I listened to this album about a hundred times to make sure it gave me the same feeling as the first time. I can honestly say it most certainly did.
MJ: What is your secret to being able to stay afloat and create timeless music? In an era where music seems to fall into an abyss of one-hit wonders and what’s trending, there must be some challenges.
Maine: I make music on how I feel and the vibe the beat gives me. I put my all into my music, and I’m not afraid of being vulnerable about my life. I think artists fail when they force a hit or try to sound like what’s hot. The best thing to do is to let the music come naturally. In the process sometimes you end up with a hit that you didn’t know was going to be a hit.
MJ: I’m not sure what can top ‘S.O.A.’ but can you give us some inside scoop on other projects or endeavors you’re working on?
Maine: It’s going to be really hard to top ‘S.O.A.’ but I’m not really sure that I want to. Because it’s such a special album, I wouldn’t mind if this is my “Illmatic.” No album I do after this will ever be as special as this one. As for future projects, I will stick to the same formula I have been using and let the mood and the beat take me on a journey. I have a few projects coming up, like the Mercy Gang EP and an EP titled ‘Iron Horse Talk.’ Leadgeon and I have an EP as well. But for now, I’m just pushing the ‘S.O.A.’ album, and the tee shirt line we’re working on with Electric Frog Designs.
MJ: As we wrap up, take this time to let the world and fans know anything else about the album or Maine The Medicine
Maine: I want people to know that I put a lot of time and emotion into this album. I’m super honored about the response I’m getting off ‘S.O.A.’ The love and support make me feel like I succeeded in making my mama proud. The thing I want people to know about Maine is I love being creative. I’m going to always try to give you something different.
Righteous defines the role of an emcee and DJ in his new single/video “What Is.” The Canadian Hip Hop artist/CEO of Taot Recordings recruits Ruste Juxx and DJ Mercilless for the track, which is the lead taken from his latest album ‘and the DEVIL is.’
DJ Mercilless kicks off the video by assaulting the turntables with his signature wizardry while Righteous is crate-digging, setting the theme for the video. What is an emcee if he can’t rap, what is a DJ if he can’t scratch resonates through ear canals as both Righteous and Ruste Juxx show off their lyrical mastery to pay homage to authentic Hip Hop, the culture, and the lost elements. Without sounding dated they provide this message so all schools of Hip Hop can grasp it. Watch the video and stream the album below.
Stream the album ‘and the DEVIL is’ below which features AKX of Righteous Revolution, B Fox, Kool G Rap, Rashad Roulett, Thirsty McGurk, Van Glorious, Ikee Mula, and the late Faith Walker with production by DJ Mercilless, Ear 2 That Beat, and bytman.
Seasoned Hip Hop artist Joe Dirrt delivers authentic elements of Boom Bap with his projects “Late Nights & Early Mornings” and “Dirrt Season Vol. 1”. His latest single/video is no exception. “Back on my B.S.” produced by Redwood Productions and featuring Rothstein, declares Dirrt’s stance in Hip Hop. He offers impeccable lyricism over mastered production. This epic dose of earmilk is sure to please Hip Hop heads around the globe. Watch the video and connect with Joe Dirrt below.
Vic Monroe and Tone Spliff release an emcee/producer project titled ‘Marinade.’ The 7-track album features Milano Constantine (DITC), Innocent?, Freddie Black, and is available on major platforms.
Spliff provides Hip Hop heads with a polished arrangement of piano keys, horns, knocking bass, soul, and classic cuts while Monroe delivers fresh rhymes and clever wordplay. Stream ‘Marinade’ on Bandcampand watch the official video below.
Connect with Vic Monroe and Tone Spliff on all platforms below.
Righteous “The Administrator of Truth” enlists Edo. G, G Dot & Born, and Dominique Gorley for the second release (video) of his new EP entitled ‘Be Conscious Of.’
“Radios” produced by DJ Corbett exudes a classic boom-bap, head-nodding impression with a soulful chorus that amplifies the energy from Righteous, Edo. G, G Dot & Born. The animated visuals set the tone for a chill-vibe, a feeling radios used to emanate but somehow lost that grip along the way.
During a time where the world is oversaturated with conceit, greed, killings, and lust, “Radios” transcends us back when music allowed us to unite and vibe off each other. Press play for that experience and connect with Righteous below.
Philly’s own prolific emcee, D Prime 215 delivers more mind-blowing realities in his latest video “What They Tell Us.” The single/video, produced by Johann Sebastian, is off Prime’s latest “Sacred Mantra” EP, available on all major platforms.
“Mass media controls how many people get their news. The issue is, it’s not always accurate or close to it. When it comes to Black Folk, accurate isn’t even a thought most of the time. Negative statistics and stereotypes permeate the media as the overpowering narrative. This one-sided narrative is viewed as Gospel by those who don’t come in to contact with Black Folk on a regular basis if at all. As a Black Man, being viewed as the sum of negativity is asinine to me, as if that’s ALL we are. This record is my 2 Cents on it. I present to you “What They Tell Us.” Press Play.” – D Prime 215
The video is a simple one, just D Prime walking through his city of brotherly love. Because of his intricate wordplay and ingenious lyricism, there’s no need for gimmicks to entice viewers in. Also, a mini-film or animation, etc., would just take away from Prime’s lyrical declaration.
Prime addresses stereotypes placed on African Americans repeatedly for centuries. He also claims his human stance, free of felonies and other negative connotations. He goes on to mention that deliberately damaging advancements for African Americans must come to an end. It makes you raise an eyebrow and wonder if others were just born jealous. Prime delivers his revolutionary rhymes over chilling, hair-raising production blended with classic cuts and scratches. Watch “What They Tell Us” and connect with D Prime 215 and Johann Sebastian below.
About D Prime 215
In the English language, the word “Prime” is defined as “of first importance”. One could certainly say that Philadelphian emcee D Prime 215 has christened himself appropriately, as hip-hop has been of first importance in this young man’s life since he picked up a pad and pen in 2009. You can hear the warm, “golden era” sounds of J Dilla, A Tribe Called Quest and hometown heroes The Roots pulsing through his music, but with an updated, current twist. Prime’s held his own on wax with underground veterans like Reef the Lost Cauze, Hezekiah and Has-Lo, and shared the stage with heavyweight names such as Torae and Marco Polo. His approach is straightforward, his words honest, and his work ethic diligent. D Prime 215 is on a mission to create songs that stand the test of time, and with his unique blend of the old and the new, he’s sure to accomplish just that.
Philadelphia producer Carl Madison pays tribute to West Philly’s own Hip-Hop Icon Will Smith. “I’m da Producer, He’s da Rapper” fuses Will’s classic flow and Madison’s raw and gritty approach, thus giving us a new interpretation of the Fresh Prince that the fans will appreciate and love.
The nine-track project with scratches by DJ Sidewalk, elevates the essence of traditional Hip-Hop. Madison cleverly fuses soul, funk, and sounds of keys and bass to celebrate a classic album and an iconic artist. The rendition of “Parents Just Don’t Understand, “Summertime” and “Gettin’ Funky Wit It” will have listeners reminiscent of house parties and boom-boxes vibrating on the b-ball courts. While “Switch” will awaken the soul and lead listeners to the club banging out house music. Madison also inserts comedic skits from a few of Smith’s most popular films as well as interludes from Smith sermonizing about work ethic and excelling the craft of artistry.
Watch the full interview on what inspired the project below and stream the project here
About Carl Madison
Carl Madison is a music producer, artist, and songwriter hailing from the city of Philadelphia. Carl Madison represents an artistic revolution through music, art, education, and hip-hop culture. For all inquiries contact Stone Perspective Media stoneperspective@gmail.com
From an inmate to entrepreneur, actor, radio personality, and emcee; Pharaoh Rising has made a worldwide name and buzz for himself.
In his recent project titled‘Supreme Balancement’ Pharaoh displays his uncanny versatility with impeccable flows and rhyme schemes reminiscent of authentic, classic Hip Hop. The first song “Changes” covers the chaotic Hip Hop cycles that repeat every decade. The dance hall hit, “Lean on Me” encompasses the full appreciation of a good woman. “No Matter What” is a street banger for those who still head nod to boom-bap. “Panties on the Floor” was tailor-made exclusively for the clubs and poles, while “Buckwild” is a celebration of life and embracing freedom. The project ends with “Think About It”, a reflection of the world we want to ignore, and a reminder that our past, present, and future are connected.
When he’s not full throttle in the studio, Pharaoh can be seen on Tylor The Creator’s Cartoon, “The Jellies”, “Diary of a Badman”, and the Underground Urban web series by Branchout Productions titled “The Ninth Pawn.” As a co-host on Re-Vision Radio, Pharaoh guides listeners through multiple dimensions, alien invasions, government conspiracies, and rules of the matrix. If that isn’t enough hats, Pharaoh is also co-owner of Natural Nature Herbs (naturalnatureherbs.com), based on the healing tradition of Dr. Sebi and wife Maa of the Fig Tree.
Pharaoh Rising is a promising breath of fresh air and a major staple in the music industry, Hip Hop culture, along with holistic and over wellness. Be sure to stream/purchase his catalog of music and his latest EP ‘Supreme Balancement.’
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