William P | Grown Man

Written by: Robert Baker

From his newest mixtape Dear Summer, Phoenix spitta William P kills it on his Jay-Z sampled single "Grown Man."  Be sure to check out his new music video after the jump.

Jukebox with LeiRock Interview | G.o.D Jewels

I've been following this guy on twitter for some years now and been checking out his music as well. He has a great movement and nice music. This guy I'm talking about goes by the name of G.o.D Jewels. For those of you who may know or may not know, he hails from Chicago, Illinois, and that right there is all I'm going to give away. To learn more about who this artist is, check out the interview.

LeiRock: Who's G.o.D Jewel in five words? 

G.o.D Jewels: Cerebral, proficient, passionate, spiritual, and visionary. 

LeiRock: Where do you rep?

GJ: Chicago, of course.

LeiRock: How did you get your stage name?

GJ: It is inspired by feeling as though I'm one of God's jewels and trying to live up to and exceed my full potential.

LeiRock: What's the best and worst experience of your come up? 

GJ: The best would probably have to be people from not only all over America, but all over the world listening to and enjoying what I bring to the table musically. The worst would have to be my own city not fully embracing it.

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

GJ: To be mentioned in the same breath as the Nas's, Kanyes, and Jay-Zs. I'm in it for the respect as an artist just as much as I'm in it for the success.

LeiRock: What are some releases that We should be looking out for and where can we find find them?

GJ:  I urge everybody to check out #ReasonableMatic via the music page on http://www.godjewels.com. Also, be on the look out for "Glimpse of Destiny" which is a collaboration between myself and my DJ/Producer Hero George.

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

GJ: To be ahead of the curve. There is nothing like the satisfaction of discovering an artist before the masses do. A lot of people need to be told who to listen to. They need to be told who the next "hot" artist is going to be. The question I would ask them is: Do you want to be one of those people?

 LeiRock: Do you have any video links where people can see you, or any websites of any type? 

GJ: Everything you could ever want to know about me is on http://www.godjewels.com. Blog, music, and video. Check it out.

LeiRock: Anything else you want to share with the public audience/readers? 

GJ: I'd just like to humble myself and thank everyone who has been instrumental in my success thus far. Thanks to all of the old fans as well as the new. Greatness opens doors.

Dom Kennedy | When I Come Around

Dom Kennedy dropped a new video today from his latest mixtape "II: From the Westide with Love" check it out.

Yelawolf talks Radioactive, his willingness to collab with Justin Beiber and Lil B, and more

Written by: Robert Baker

In an interview with Ohio's own Michaela Lillian, Michaela gives an exclusive interview with Yelawolf right before his performance at Peabody's in Cleveland, Ohio.  Yelawolf discusses how his music evolved into radioactive material,  pandemonium he experienced during his tour, and how he's willing to collaborate with Justin Beiber and Lil B on a track. Click below to hear the full interview.

Sir Michael Rocks signs to Curren$y

Written by: Robert Baker

Things are looking better for The Cool Kids. Well, at least for Sir Michael Rocks.  Spitta just signed the retro-futurist to his label Jet Life, and things will surely be interesting as new music from both is sure to come out in the new future. I definitely smell a joint mixtape in the works. #Jet Life

J. Osceola | You Can't Stop Me

Written by: Robert Baker

J. Osceola goes into Juggernaut mode and spits fever in "You Can't Stop Me." The new song is featured on the "Electric Saigon" soundtrack.  The video is pretty dope, and the break dance crew Stylistic Rhythm and Originalitees absolutely kill it in B-Boy fashion.

Taj Torrence & DJ Corey Grand | Check the Rhyme

Taj Torrence of Mansfield, Ohio has leaked a track from his upcoming project "The Tribe Tape" that is soon to be released November 1st. So be on the look out and check the track after the jump.

NAIRA ft. Young Scolla & D. Julien | inkDREAMING

I had the opportunity to grab this video from a fellow song bird that goes by the name of NAIRA featuring lyricists Young Scolla and D. Julien. There's no more to be said. I will let the video and the song get its message across. So with that being said, check this video out after the jump.

Jukebox with LeiRock Interview | Rio the Mechanic

I have been going all around Cleveland checking out the local music scene and this cool guy whom I am glad to call a friend of mine that goes by the name of Rio the Mechanic caught my attention. He's a producer who I have been checking out for years and I got the opportunity to link up with him for a interview. So to know more about who  "Rio the Mechanic" is check it out after the jump.


 
LeiRock: Who is Rio the Mechanic in five words?

Rio the Mechanic: Creative, crazy, respectful, kind, and loyal


.

LeiRock: Where do you rep? 


Rio: I'm from Cleveland, Ohio- South Euclid to be exact. My hometown is Youngstown, Ohio.

LeiRock: How did you get your stage name?
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Rio: It's known by a lot of people that if you put a piece of machinery in front of me, then I could figure it out in less than 2 hours flat, with no manual. My name comes from me knowing a lot about analog equipment. My first sampler was an Ensoniq EPS which is a 12 bit sampler. That is how I came about the name "12bitmechanic". Then I changed it because it didn't describe who I was, it was too cliche. So I changed it to just "Mario The Mechanic". I felt like people who were listening to my music, needed to know who I am along with the music and my lifestyle. It's more than just a name. I'm the same guy with or without the music.
                                                           
 

LeiRock: Who or what influenced you to become a producer?                           
          

Rio: I was already into music at a young age. My grandparents were into alot of jazz. My father played drums and could sing. Growing up I was always exposed to it, so it stuck with me. Later, I started listening to rap music and I was heavily influenced by the culture. I listened to Souls of Mischief, Hieroglyphics, People Under The Stairs, and the Wu-Tang Clan. Later, I got more into music production. I was bumping The Alchemist, The Rockwilder, DJ Premier, Havoc, Kanye West, The RZA, True Master, etc. The Alchemist and Kanye West had the biggest influence on me and still does.          




LeiRock: What's the best & worst experience of your come up?
                             

Rio: The best experience has been grouping up with CLVND.CTY.CNQRS(Keyel and A/V) SHOTSFOREVERYONE, F/C(FRENCH CONNECTION), The Grand Mechanics(DJ Corey Grand) and The Varsity Squad. The reasons being that they motivate me to make my best, and allow me to watch great people grow into what they are doing. It's a privilege and honor to work with them. Also linking with artist like Darren Anthony, Sted Lee, Ray Cash, has been a great experience.The worst experience...I haven't had any bad trips yet (laughs). Thank the lord for that. But if I did, I would have to say the haters. That's a good experience, too, because you see who's really into what you are doing and who's not trying to do business with you. So it's all for a greater advantage at the end.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

LeiRock: What are some releases that we should be looking out for and where can we find them?
                                                                                                                      Rio: My first piece of work was called "Wine and Cheese Vol.1" which is not available for download anymore so whoever has it is very lucky, because I don't even have it (laughs). "Abstract Cocaina" by The Grand Mechanics which is a remix project mixed by DJ Corey Grand. That's one of my favorites so far. It's available for download still, and it's somewhere on the net. We also have something coming soon. This time it'll be a lot smoother and cleaner. I think you will enjoy it.I have a project called "#papercake" coming soon. No specific release date at the moment. But you can find collabs from Cleveland artists and other states that I have done work for on this project soon.

 
                                                                                                                                                     

LeiRock: Describe the type of music you produce?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Rio: I make hip-hop, rap, R&B whatever you wanna call it. I stopped focusing on a genre and started not to categorize my sound. It puts a damper on what you can do for other artists down the line. I'm an overall producer, I can work with anything you put in front of me.

      

  

LeiRock: Do you prefer cutting samples or being original and starting from scratch?                                                                                                                   
Rio: I chop samples all day long!!! Sometimes I do original, but hardly. I'm a backpacker at heart so I'll never leave sampling alone. You can always expect a sample in my production even if it doesn't sound like one

.
         

LeiRock: Where does your inspiration come from when producing a song?
   

Rio: There's no intrinsic inspiration. I'm kinda weird. There's 2 reasons why I do music. I wake up hearing music, not actual songs. But I wake up to sounds and noises that trigger how I feel for the day which trigger my mood also. And that causes me to make the music that I make. Second reason is my ex girlfriend. I should have been married years back. If I was, nobody would have known me for doing music. So I do it in order to not go crazy. Music is no longer fun, but I consider it as medication to heal my broken heart. Sounds like some sucka sh!t, but everyone asks me my reasons and I keep it real 200% of the time.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

LeiRock: If I were a fly on the wall, what things would I see in the studio as you produce a track? 
     

Rio:(Laughing) A lot of Black &amp Mild smoke, A/V probably rolling up, Keyel lounging. Tons of records, old samplers from 1985 collecting dust. My laptop and MIDI controller. Lots of conversations and building.



LeiRock: Do you plan on expanding on the musical side other than production?
                                                                                                                                    Rio: Yes. I see myself songwriting for people in a year or two. I never had a plan to just be a producer, but to grow into more as the time changes. I wish I could leave music alone, because I do not want to go crazy. But at the end of the day, I just want to be a personality associated with what Ohio has to offer. To represent what people don't get to see, and what WILL be imminent in the future.

                                                      

LeiRock:Is there anything or information you want to share with the public audience/readers, such as websites, or youtube links?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Rio:S/o's to jukeboxwithleirock.com
If you want to check me out you can hit me on Facebook- "Mario The Mechanic" Follow me on twitter - @Riothemechanic and check out my homies too @SFEVERYONE also catch me on shotsforeveryone.com http://soundcloud.com/mario_the_mechanic and if you want to buy beats/collabs or have other inquiries you can contact me at 
themechanic@shotsforeveryone.com

F/C x CCC x The Grand Mechanics x shotsforeveryone.com

Add-2 | Iron Mic

Check out this brand new video from Chicago's Add-2 for the single "Iron Mic" directed by Mike Paulucci. The single "Iron Mic" was produced by Sundown of 9th Wonder's group Actual Proof and is featured on Add-2's recent mixtape One Missed Call. Check it out after the jump.


IRON MIC BY ADD-2 from Mike Paulucci on Vimeo.

Rhyme x Reason | Tokyo Dragon (Godzilla)

It is FINALLY here! The hip hop group Rhyme x Reason dropped their new video "Tokyo Dragon (Godzilla) video via twitter @Rhymeandreason. So without further adieu, check it out after the jump.

Stephen Prewitt Film | NYC is Dope

Film artist Stephen Prewitt has dropped a dope short visual film showing different dope aspects of life in New York City. This is the first of a film series highlighting the cities of New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Washington D.C. The flim includes New York subway trains, shots of the Universal Studio Group building and many more check it out after the jump...


Nyc is Dope from stephen prewitt on Vimeo.

Blctxt Contxt | A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception

Southern artist Blctxt Contxt released his most recent EP today "A Smart Black Boy: The Sonic Inception". It is collection of complete thoughts, intoxicated nights, heartache and most importantly hope for a better future. I have had the opportunity to give this piece a music a listen and I enjoy it dearly. The EP includes the single "Goodbye" which includes the sample "Hello" by the Isley Brothers. But I rather you all give it a listen and make your own opinions of this piece of art. Check the download out after the jump here ---> http://blctxt.bandcamp.com/album/a-smart-black-boy-the-sonic-inception .

Jukebox with LeiRock Interview | Rhyme x Reason

LeiRock: Who is Rhyme and Reason in 5 words?
Rhyme and Reason: Fun, Intelligent , Goofy, Creative and Random
LeiRock: Where do you Rep?
RxR: Cleveland, Ohio
LeiRock: Who are some of your influences?
RxR: Marvin Gaye, OutKast, Coldplay, DJ Premo, Gorillaz, Tribe Called Quest, N.E.R.D, Lupe Fiasco, to name a few...
LeiRock: If you absolutely had to give up music what would it be and why?
RxR: Originaal: religion J-star: death Dj Majette: A job with the browns front office DJ Nomadic: Run my own financial advisery firm.
LeiRock: If someone asked you why should they listen to your Mixtape, What would be your response?
RxR: Basically because its a new and creative sound that should be heard.
LeiRock: What was the best and worst experience of your come up?
RxR: The best experience would be the positive response from the people who take to our music. The worst experience was performing at venues that had no one in them.
LeiRock: What are some releases that we should be looking out for and where can we find them?
RxR: Tokyo Dragon video and the release of the Angles Beyond 90 on www.RhymexReason.com
LeiRock: Without giving too much away, can you describe what listeners might experience after hearing it?
RxR: A breath of fresh air lol.
LeiRock: Where would you like to see yourself in music years from now?
RxR: Hopefully better artists that have matured and grew, also still being able to do whathat we love to do in front of a still growing audience.
LeiRock: Links or websites where people can reach you and listen to your music?
RxR: www.RhymexReason.com  twitter@RhymeandReason

Slick Rick Breaks Down "The Adventures of Slick Rick"

Written by: Robert Baker

Taking part in Red Bull Music Academy's "Five Out of Five" event series, Hip Hop legend Slick Rick breaks down his unforgettable classic debut album, a few cuts from the record like
"A Children's Story", and how his former record label tried to "kill" his career by releasing "Teenage Love."  It's a pretty dope interview. Click below to hear it in full.

Elzhi talks the success of Elmatic mixtape

Written by: Robert Baker

In an interview with Out Da Box TV, Elzhi  discusses the success of Elmatic, the positive feedback it received  from Nas' management team, and how it earned him a position in Chrysler's "Emerging Artists" campaign. He also talks briefly about his come up in the game, how "real music" is still viable in today's market, and how valuable the internet is in upstarting new rappers' careers. Click the video to hear the full interview.

Sir Michael Rocks | I'm Doggin'

P. Blackk | Brainz

Ray Jr. featuring Ducky Smallz | Sloppy

Cleveland artist Ray Jr. dropped his video to his high energy single Sloppy shot by Stephen Prewitt of Super Kids Media. Check it out after the jump...

Stalley | Lincoln Way Nights Re-release

Just the other day, Ohio's own Stalley tweeted that there will be a re-release of "Licoln Way Nights" which dropped earlier this year in February. Stalley expressed in his tweets that the re-release will be in stores and on iTunes next month on November 1st. He also shared that the re-release will have a regular and deluxe copy, and both will include new songs such as "The Tune Up," "Chevy's and Space Ships", "Summer in America" and "Lincoln Way Nights (Shop-Remix)" feat. Rick Ross. The deluxe copy will have videos and behind the scenes footage. So with that being said, be on the look out from what's great from this artist.