Jon Connor- "Never Left"

Arguably one of the hardest working up and coming rappers in the game, Jon Connor assures everyone with his latest single that he's "Never Left." Hell, with three buzz worthy mixtapes released this year, including his latest mixtape While You Were Sleeping, one can hardly argue that the XXL freshman hasn't been on his grind.  Be sure to check out the visuals for his latest single "Never Left" after the jump.

Jukebox with LeiRock Interview | TRAKGIRL

In today's music industry you don't hear about many female producers, if so they are shelved and held behind closed doors. But every since I've been doing this blogging and music marketing this brilliant young lady has been making sure she is out here on the scene via the internet and any social media scene you know of. I took the time and opportunity to do an interview with whom I know as Shakari also known as "TrakGirl". Check out the interview below.


LeiRock: Who's Trakgirl in 5 words?
Trakgirl: Visionary, strong, determined, nerd, love, music

LeiRock: Where do you rep?

Trakgirl: I'm originally from West Palm Beach Florida. But I also rep the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area...whoo whoo !

LeiRock: How did you come up with your name?

Trakgirl: It's so catchy "TRAK", meaning creation of music, "GIRL" well that's pretty obvious.

LeiRock: What inspired you to become a producer, singer, songwriter?

Trakgirl: I love music! I have a passion for it. I was always surrounded by music since I was small. My mother played classical instruments while my uncles and brothers sang and played instruments as well. Music has always been instilled in me when I was younger. I got into production when I was 13 years old, and I really studied the art. One of my goals is to also break the void of producing as being "male dominated"; it's time for us women to take over. Lol

LeiRock: If you could choose someone to work with in the music industry who would it be & Why?

Trakgirl: Such a tough question because there are artist out that I would love to work with. But if I had to choose one person it would probably be Ryan Leslie. His creation process is so insane! He's one of my inspirations.

LeiRock: What was the first track you produced and how did you go about thinking about the concept all the way to the final product?

Trakgirl: The first track I produced was an R&B type of record. I was listening to some 70's classics and I added a bunch of crazy instrumentation to the record. It was so off beat (lol). I really thought I was doing something back then. But I continue to work on my craft. 

LeiRock: Where would you like to see yourself in music years from now?

Trakgirl: Established, I'm not sure of a specific place but I would like to see myself successful within the industry and be able to open doors for other people as well.  I would love to have a few Grammy's under my belt and just inspire people through my music.

LeiRock: What current artist are you listening to?

Trakgirl: Skrillex!! I'm also listening to Kevin Cossom, Mansion on the Moon which is my favorite band out right now. Kings of Leon, Adele, Bridget Kelly, Rihanna, Drake, A$AP Rocky, and more. I have an eclectic playlist.

LeiRock: If someone asked you why should they listen to your music what would be your response?

Trakgirl: I want to inspire you from my music, and hope you have an amazing feeling afterwards.

LeiRock: Are you working on any projects right now? If so, without giving to much away what is the project you're working on?

Trakgirl: #BEATSANDHEELS an all female compilation album produced by me with some favorite female artists. 

Also, be on the look out for a record I produced called "All I Need" for Tiffany Evans dropping on her upcoming EP. That record was written by one of my favorite writers of all time, Ira Hobbs. He's truly amazing.

For music and business inquiries check out Trakgirl's website at http://www.trakgirl.com and or email music@trakgirl.com

?uestlove gives top 5 albums of 2011

Written by: Robert Baker

In an interview with the Associated Press, outspoken drummer ?uestlove gave his top five albums of 2011. Although I don't quite agree with the entire list, it's nice to get insight from ?uesltlove on the subject matter. He cites Jay-Z and Kanye West, The Weekend, Adele, Wyatt Cynac and the Lonely Island as having the strongest albums of the year.  When speaking on the lauded and highly debated album Watch the Throne,      ?uestlove gave an unflinching response to many who question the album's merits. "Watch the Throne is one of those records, I told people ‘You’ll be back in a month and a half.'" He also notes that the Lonely Island's album  is a 2011 reincarnation of the Beastie Boys' classic Licence to Ill. To hear the interview in full, check the video below. 
Do you agree with ?uestlove's list? Please feel free to give us your thoughts by leaving a comment. 

Frank Dolla | 365: Never Die

Detroit artist "Frank Dolla" dropped his first project of the year 365: Never Die give it a listen and click the link here

Jukebox with LeiRock Interview | Taj Torrence

Just a year ago I got to see this artist perform and open up at Stalley concert. This artist high energy and interaction with the crowd and stage performance was one of the many things that caught my eyes along while I was listening to his lyrics as he cited them during the show. I followed him on twitter and checked out his music and have had the opportunity to get in contact with him for an interview in which you can check it out down below and ENOJY!! 

LeiRock; Who's Taj Torrence in five words?

Taj Torrence: Fresh, unique, interesting, different, real

LeiRock: Where do you rep?

Taj Torrence: Mansfield, Ohio.That's the foundation!

LeiRock: How did you get your stage name?

Taj Torrence: Its actually my real name (Haha) I just wanted a name that was timeless, so I kept it original.

LeiRock: You've recently dropped a mixtape "The Tribe Tape" what inspired you to come up with that project?

Taj Torrence: Me and my dude Kmeeze were having one of many talks, and we got on the whole subject of Originality and Impacting the Culture of hip hop, and who did that like A Tribe Called Quest, so we just wanted to pay homage to them. We also wanted to keep that original, fresh sound to it, so we hit up the homie DJ Corey Grand because we knew he was a huge fan of Tribe and would be down with the idea. He contributed a lot to making this tape as fresh as it turned out.

LR: If you could be signed by any music label who would it be and why?

TT:  Hmm, Probably G.O.O.D. Music.  I've always loved Kanye's work ethic and his concentration to his projects. I'm sure I could learn a lot from Ye. From the music side, like trying to create classics, to the life side, like learning how to deal with adversity. Not to mention his focus on his artist is great.

LR:  If someone asked you why should they listen to your music, what would be your response?

TT: It's just genuinely good music. It's that same feeling you got when you've heard a song that you loved growing up. I have a lot to say, and if you take time and hear me out, you'll dig!

LR: Who is your musical inspiration that is a driving force for you to be the artist you are now?

TT: I would have to say my fam, my fans and my team, The Concierge Service. If I can make them proud and continue to keep them going through everyday life with my music with them, I'm doing better than the best!

LR: Last I've seen you perform at the Stalley concert and I heard a few people in the crowd say you resembled the rapper T.I, do you get this comment often, if so what is your response to people saying this?

TT: Haha! I guess I just have to go with it, I've been hearing it since I was younger. I've learned to just smile and keep walking. Haha I don't really pay it any mind.

LR: Where do you see yourself five years from now with your music?

TT: In five years, I see myself a lot more into the business side of things. I want to be executive producing albums for myself and others by then. Building an Empire!

LR: What are some releases that we should be looking out for in the future and where can we find them?

TT: HID2! That's coming early 2012! The second installment of Hello I'm Different which is on www.tajtorrence.com also follow me on twitter @Taj_Torrence for more exclusive updates about me, my life, and my music! Peace!

Stalley | Gentleman's Quarterly

Ohio representative and Maybach signed artist Stalley has laced the internet with a new video "Gentleman's Quarterly" with dope shots of nature itself in which we should adore in black and white. Be sure to check out this video directed by Jonah Schwartz.

Mayer Hawthorne | Dreaming

Stonesthrow recording artist Mayer Hawthorne dropped a video today from his album "How Do You Do?". It's visually stunning with a dreamy concept. Check it out here!