First there was Digital Undergound, MC Hammer and Tupac; then E-40 and Too$hort. Now the Bay Area brings us the hottest new artists from the region in the dynamic duo The HoodStarz! Members Band-Aide and Scoot Dogg, both from Northern California, anxiously prepare for the release of their newest effort Controversy, slated for release on October 5, 2010 via their own Lawless Records.

The HoodStarz new single “Laughin” features and is produced by multi-platinum artist David Banner, and there are already five videos filmed from the album. With a synonymous history of life changing events, illegal rumors, extravagant public ordeals and  an all-star bay of even more reputable features including Gucci Mane, Red Cafe, E-40, Glasses Malone, Messy Marv, Selau, Big Rich certifies the album title Controversy to fit The HoodStarz like a glove.

Known for their party-popping high energy songs throughout the western region, The HoodStarz (aka Dem HoodStarz) have decided to expand their bandwidth and share their feel good music worldwide. In 2005, the group released their debut  Hood Reality. From that album, they released a song called “Grown Man” produced by Traxamillion that became an overnight hit in the streets and a smash hit on local radio stations, including world-renowned KMEL.

As the awareness of the group began to swiftly increase, the demand for show performances paralleled. Promoters throughout the west coast began to notice the elevated and charismatic performance style of The HoodStarz.  In 2006 the duo released Band-Aide & Scoot, and for the very first time in their career they proved to be easily recognizable.

Between the radio airplay, sold-out shows and consistent album sales, the group was encouraged to keep producing more music. “Scoot and I were both in two different groups when we first began, but once we met in high school and found it second nature to complete each others rhymes, we knew then we were on to something… and the people could feel it too,” says Band-Aide aka SolidSolid.

Just a year later in 2007, the two released a mixtape Bay Area All-Starz, providing yet another success story to their growing discography.  The mixtape reaffirmed their rap chemistry, as they captured larger audiences with their comedic ability to seize listeners while acquiring an entirely new fan base.

“As artists we’re avid entertainers that love the stage, but a lot of people don’t know we’re also actors – we had a few small movie rolls in addition to our self-directed music videos,” explains Scoot Dogg aka Blakk Boi.

Just this year The HoodStarz released yet another mixtape under popular DJ Fresh’s series Tonight Show, but  it is the anticipated date of October 5, 2010 that will morph and merge past and present, and align new fans with the release of Controversy.

“This is an album that fans will be still be listening to five years from now,” explains Band-Aide. “In this world of reality TV we live in, Scoot and I decided to provide fans a musical reality show with non-scripted adventures of disappointing times and celebrated hours in our daily life.

The HoodStarz are ready and set to turn another corner inside of the music industry as they present their latest musical, vivid, verbal picture of  what they pronounce as “Controversy.”

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

Oakland-born Bobby Brackins proudly upholds the traditions of Bay Area Hip Hop, established by the likes of Too $hort and E-40. The young multi-talent inherited the style, substance and sense of humor that NorCal rap has always been known for, mixed with his own distinct, youthful flare. Brackins also possesses a deep understanding of pop music, embracing the work of legends like Michael Jackson and studying it.

Bobby Brackins first single “143” featuring Ray J burns with the kind of energy that ignites dance floors everywhere. The track blends a sexy synth bounce with Brackins’ fiery flow, creating an intoxicatingly infectious tune. With major attention spreading throughout Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Fresno, Tucson, Honolulu and other major U.S. cities, and over 28k radio spins to date, “143″ serves as a launching pad signaling Brackins’ arrival on the scene!

Answering the call to give his fans more nationwide, Brackins now has a remix for “143” which adds verses from Texas natives Paul Wall and Dorrough, Georgia’s Roscoe Dash and Def Jam’s latest California signee YG to Ray J’s smooth chorus.  With the follow-up single “I’m Ready” on deck, a full-length debut for Universal Republic/Tycoon Status on the docket for later this year and a full calendar of shows, Brackins is bringing good times everywhere he goes.

“143” is a text message code for “I Love You,” but it means so much more to the now Los Angeles-based MC.

“The song’s basically about living life, going out, being with your friends and flirting with girls—it’s just all about fun,” Brackins declares. “We’ve got one life to live, and I tell myself to make the most of every moment. You can party to this song, you can pre-game to it or you can vibe to it. It’s a vibrant colorful track about having a good time.”

After becoming a sensation in the Bay Area, “143″ caught the attention of Universal Republic in April 2010, and Brackins was immediately signed. Since then, “143″ has quickly shot up Rhythmic, Urban and Top 40 charts, instantly becoming a radio sensation. The video for the original track premiered on BET tastemaker show 106 & Park, and is currently in constant rotation on MTV Jams and BET.

Paired with urban superstar Ray J, Brackins manages to shine immensely in his own right on “143.” Brackins initially wrote and performed the song solo, but Ray J heard it and just had to be a part of it. On the single, Ray J accents the Brackins-penned hook with his signature style.

Brackins adds, “Ray J blessed the song with his whole swagger and persona. I’m a fan of Ray J’s music and character. We’re both giving our all on ‘143,’ and the chemistry just works out perfectly.”

Bobby’s thorough understanding of the pop genre has made “143″ a veritable sensation. Not to mention, it has invigorated a large audience of young females. When the young performer plays shows in NorCal, girls hunt him down for pictures and autographs. He receives hundreds of requests weekly via Twitter and Facebook for personalized “143″ signs, and is the scene’s newest heartthrob!

In addition to the undying allegiance of the girls his music has wooed, the Bay Area has also been good to Brackins. At only 17-years-old, he started the successful group Go Dav alongside “143″ producer Nic Nac. They became a local favorite, with their single “Ride or Die Chick” receiving heavy spins on numerous NorCal radio stations, introducing the world to the artist and producer.

Brackins then signed a deal with Tycoon Status Entertainment and dropped his first solo single “Skinny Jeans” in December 2009, and the area radio stations began spinning it in regular rotation. With “143″ now scorching the charts, the 20-year-old Nic Nac is working with Brackins on the entire album.

Brackins is appreciative of his Bay Area roots, and feels fortunate to have such a wide array of influences in his songwriting. “I definitely listen to Bay Area legends like Too $hort and E-40 a lot, but I also love Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and Sam Cooke. My music is eclectic because I have such a diverse taste. I want to leave a legacy like my favorite artists did. Ever since I was in elementary school, I’ve had a journal that I’d write songs in. I always loved to write, and I’d rap at school with my friends. I never knew it was going to be my career, but I always had a passion for it.”

He still keeps a journal, and it’s been the starting point for banging new tracks such as “I’m Ready,” “XOXO” and “All I Need Is You.” With an anything-goes mentality, the music segues from horns to orchestral keys to acoustic guitars as Brackins blazes through clever rhymes, writing every hook and verse himself. The songs come together for one unforgettable ride on his debut.

“I want the album to be like an auditory movie,” says Brackins. “It’s about making the most of your time on earth and enjoying everything. The music has a unique free spirit.”

Ultimately, life is all about music for Brackins—just like it was when he first started penning songs in that notebook. “I’m in the studio every day because I never want to stop creating original music,” he continues. “I don’t want to fall into any type of mode either; I just want to be me. I think people will respect that because the music is different. Everybody that comes to our shows has fun. We like to rock out, and I make sure everyone takes a memory home.”

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

Video

In a place like Memphis, the music is as important to the backbone of the city as the people who built it. The Memphis soundtrack plays out in different dimensions of rock, country, bluegrass, jazz, soul and hip hop, mirroring the town’s diverse population.

Nostalgic tales run deep through Tennessee history, and the story of five-member band Blackberry Wednesday is sure to be as memorable as Memphis legends ranging from Jerry Lee Lewis to Justin Timberlake. With their recently released album Start Again picking up steam on iTunes and videos for the singles “Hey I” and “Save Us From Ourselves Remix” on the way, Blackberry Wednesday is prepared for their journey to the top.

Founding member and lead vocalist Rodney Ryan Henson fondly recalls how his father’s musical influences were passed down naturally. The elder Henson, also a singer-songwriter, appreciated a wide array of artists, and the family had a deep appreciation for soulful Memphis natives like The Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave and Aretha Franklin.

“There really is so much history, and I just try to take from all of it,” explains Rod, who also plays piano and keyboard for the band. “I try to steal a piece of all of them. I feel like I’m walking on the shoulders of giants even though I’m just tiptoeing, and right now in my city I’m that guy.”

Lead guitarist and backup singer Sir Lucien Croy writes a lot of the band’s material, and explains that all members have input in the final songs.

“We have a rule in the band that if you come up with an idea, there has to be three good parts to that one idea,” says Lucien. “We show that to everybody in the room, and if they dig it we can teach them what it is. They take their own stint on it if they want to play piano or drums over it, we write ideas down and pass them around. The songwriter will take a couple of ideas and try to make a song out of them, and we all work together.”

The men of Blackberry Wednesday truly bring together talent on many levels. Percussionist David Wade also does graphics, handles their busy website and assists with day to day scheduling. Bassist Josh Fisher, who previously played in a different band with David, stays involved in the intense songwriting process. Their newest member, guitarist Chris “Batman” Leerskov, writes and plays music without the ability to read it.

Blackberry Wednesday’s cross-genre style unites strong global influences from all the players, creating a club-savvy, edgy American rock flavor that still maintains a radio-friendly vibe. It sounds like a mouthful, but how else can you mash up the spirit of AC/DC, Led Zepplin, Paul McCartney, Jerry Lee Lewis, Otis Redding, Tommy Lee and Rusty Cooper without being strange in the most pleasant, familiar way possible?

“Anybody that likes Top 20 songs will like us,” Rod asserts. “I think we can compete in the market. If you can play a Beyoncé song, you can play ‘Shut Up’ by Blackberry Wednesday, and you can follow it with Lady Gaga. We are popular music… I don’t know that we’re rock, but I’m not really trying to fit into a genre as much as I’m trying to have a great time playing music I believe in, based off of the city I live in.”

“The band just keeps progressing,” Chris continues. “I think Start Again is a great introduction to who Blackberry Wednesday is. “We’re a group of guys that won’t take no for an answer, and we’re completely motivated and dedicated to making this our lives. We’re hopeful to share that with the world, and that’s what everybody wants for us. In the future it’ll only get better for us. Nobody’s afraid to pull influences from the wildest spots, and I think what’s so exciting about the group is the influence. The sky’s the limit!”

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

Videos

The Louisiana music scene has contributed to pop culture more than many people realize. From the classic jazz often sampled in modern music, to nearly two decades of Hip Hop and pop music, New Orleans, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and outlying areas of the Bayou State have produced some of our nation’s greatest hitmakers.

Asylum/Warner Bros. signee Lil Cali is on a mission to be the next great artist out of the Gulf Coast, representing for the new generation of music lovers. As an actor, songwriter and fun-loving performer, Cali has taken the hard edges of his environment and incorporated a sense of purpose and business to everything he does.

In September 2010, Cali will release his Enemy of the State 2 mixtape hosted by Trap-a-holics, The Empire and DJ 5150. Cali’s current single “Money Right” is picking up steam at radio and in the clubs, and an official video will debut soon.

Over the years, Cali’s work with the likes of Lil Boosie, Glasses Malone, Webbie, Nipsey Hussle, Young Dro, OJ da Juiceman and others consistently showcases the versatile rapper’s unique take on music, and Enemy of the State 2 will definitely inspire old and new fans alike.

As a teen, Terrance “Lil Cali” Callahan was inspired to write songs in his hometown of Ponchatoula, about 20 minutes outside of New Orleans, at a time when the Louisiana music scene was already abuzz with emerging rappers like Master P, Mystikal and Juvenile. While most of the artists in the early ‘90s were influenced by Bounce music icons like T.Tucker and DJ Jimi, young Cali was drawn to Tupac and Notorious B.I.G..

“A lot of people in the South say they came up on UGK and 8-Ball & MJG,” explains Cali. “I listened to them, but I wasn’t really into music until I got Ready To Die and Me Against the World. Then I started getting into Cash Money, No Limit, Mystikal and stuff like that.”

Cali looked at music as somewhat of a hobby, until he realized that his budding basketball career wasn’t really what he wanted. He studied at the University of New Orleans on a basketball scholarship, then played his junior year in Southwest Mississippi before he finally left school altogether. No more 6am practices meant more time for music, and the next phase of his life began with a call to longtime friend Lil Boosie.

“The first song I did was with Boosie called ‘You Aint Sayin Nothing’, and it caught on like wildfire. We knew each other before his fame, so our relationship never really changed. When he got big and our song was hot down in Jacksonville, Florida, he’d call me to do a show with him. He always stayed cool whenever we would see each other.”

Cali did so many songs with Trill Entertainment’s artists that people began thinking he was signed to the label.  Cali released his indie debut album Long Live tha Game with Yz Gyz Entertainment in 2005, followed by Bayou Classic in the summer of 2006. He expanded his horizons a bit, and did tracks with Hurricane Chris, Sean Kingston, B.G. and many more as word of his talent spread.

In late 2006, Cali’s single “I’m On My Sh*t” caught the attention of the New York music industry, and by the time his third indie album Mr. Louisiana was released in February 2007, there were deals on the table. By November ‘07, the confident MC signed with Asylum Records. He released his Live from the Trap mixtape in early ’09 with Bigga Rankin, and Enemy of the State in early 2010 with The Empire and 5150.

Despite breaks in the music, there was no downtime for Cali. He nabbed the part of Billy Blue in the 2008 movie Death Toll with Lou Diamond Phillips, DMX and Keshia Knight-Pulliam. Cali has plans to do more movies, and is looking forward to his next full-length album in 2011 with Asylum/Warner Bros.

When it’s all said and done, Cali wants fans to know that he’s prepared to go the distance, and he understands that repping his local scene doesn’t mean staying local.

“I don’t like to keep my music boxed in,” says Cali. “I want to step out and do more national sounding music. I know you have to cater to the area you’re from until you get where you’re going, but most people I’ve worked with already know I’m a real artist. I’m still going to have my music for the streets, but I’m including other types of music that everyone can feel just as much.”

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

For nearly a decade, Harlem, New York native Ron Browz has made it his business to bring the worlds of street and mainstream music together. From his early work with Big L and Nas to more recent work with Nicki Minaj, Busta Rhymes and Jim Jones, the talented producer-turned-artist has made his mark on Hip Hop and Top 40 music across the board.

On July 20, 2010, Ron Browz will release the Etherlibrium street album exclusively on iTunes, via his own Ether Boy Records. The 16-track project includes cameos from Maino, Red Café and J.R. Writer, with all production handled by the “Ether Boy” himself.

Influenced by the sounds of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre and Havoc, Ron Browz’ first big break came in 2000 when he produced four songs on the late Big L’s album, The Big Picture, including the classic track “Ebonics.” Big L taught Ron about the music business, and exposed him to a new network of contacts.

When he gave some beats to Queensbridge icon Nas during the recording of the 2001 double-platinum album Stillmatic, Ron Browz was not expecting history to be made. Nas used Ron’s track as the foundation for his lyrical battle classic “Ether,” a scathing comeback to Jay-Z’s “The Takeover.”

The credibility of “Ether” sparked a demand for the Ron Browz sound, and garnered him the nickname ‘Ether Boy’. His reputation for crafting impactful records grew with songs like Ludacris’ smash hit “Blow It Out” from the 2003 multi-platinum album Chicken N Beer. Other early career platinum-plus albums with Ron’s magic touch include Lloyd Banks’ Hunger For More (’04), DMX’s Grand Champ LP (’03), Lil Kim’s La Bella Mafia album (’03), and Snoop Dogg’s Rhythm & Gangsta: The Masterpiece (’04).

2005 began as another memorable year for the young producer, with a strong showing on Jae Millz’ street anthem “Who” and accompanying video heavily supported by BET. By November, Ron Browz’ production on “I’ll Whip Ya Head Boy” was presented in the opening scene for 50 Cent’s blockbuster film Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. The track also appeared as a special bonus track on the platinum soundtrack for the movie.

Browz stayed determined for the next few years, landing more tracks with G-Unit, Jim Jones, Busta Rhymes, Lloyd Banks, Joe Budden, Remy Ma and more, although he had a bigger goal in mind for his own work. He released his own single “Pop Champagne” and caught a buzz on New York’s Hot 97 and busy club circuit. Soon after, Jim Jones jumped on the track, and landed at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on both the Hot R&B/Hip Hop and Hot Rap Tracks.

Riding the wave of success, Ron Browz soon found himself in an official deal with Universal Motown, and released the singles “Jumping Out the Window” and “20 Dollars.” By early 2010, a date was set for Ron’s major label debut album, however progress slowed with the promotion, and Browz opted out of his deal. Despite what some might think, the move was the best thing possible for the young visionary’s ever-growing repertoire.

“I was bumping heads with the label about what I thought was a hit record, and they didn’t think so,” explains Browz. “That made me go independent again, because I felt I made the decisions to even get on a major independently. My original success with “Pop Champagne” was something I put out independently, so obviously I know what I’m doing. But when you get with a major they act like you don’t know what you’re doing creatively. I had to take a step back.”

The decision to release Etherlibrium was a logical step forward in the new year, and it will definitely give listeners a broader spectrum of sound than the auto-tune laden singles put out in 2009.

“I feel like I owe the fans this iTunes release collectively, being that I didn’t get to put out the album as planned,” Ron says. “All the fans got from me was select singles, so this is more street records than radio records. Before Jay-Z’s “D.O.A.” even came out, I already had records without the auto-tune. People who really follow what I’ve been doing know that I was just experimenting and having fun. I made it creative and made it work.”

With the new project, Ron Browz wants to get back to the heart of why he loves music, and why making songs for the fans to enjoy long-term is so important.

“I want people to really get to know me,” he asserts. “I don’t believe in doing just one kind of music, and I’m just doing whatever I feel. I put my heart into this Etherlibrium project – it’s more lyrical than stuff people have really heard from me. It’s well put together, and I don’t think I was meant to be limited to releasing singles… I was meant to put whole projects together.”

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net

Ron Browz Discography
Singles
2000 – Big L “Ebonics” b/w “Size ‘Em Up” (Rawkus/Priority)
2001 – Nas “Ether” (Columbia/Sony)
2002 – Fat Joe “We Run This Sh*t” (Atlantic)
2003 – Lil’ Kim “Whatz the Word” (white label)
2003 – Ludacris “Blow It Out” (Def Jam)
2005 – Jae Millz “Who” (Wanna Blow/Universal)
2006 – Lloyd Banks “Help” ft. Keri Hilson (co-prod w/ Sha Money XL – Interscope)
2007 – Remy Ma “Fresh” (SRC/Universal – for 2009 unreleased PunishHER LP)
2008 – Ron Browz “Pop Champagne” (Ether Boy)
2008 – Jim Jones “Pop Champagne” ft. Ron Browz & Juelz Santana (Koch/Columbia/Universal)
2008 – Busta Rhymes “Arab Money” ft. Ron Browz (Flipmode/Universal Motown)
2008 – Fat Joe “Winding On Me” ft. Ron Browz & Lil Wayne (Terror Squad/Imperial)
2008 – Jim Jones “The Good Stuff” (Koch)
2009 – Lloyd Banks “In Love With Ya Boy” ft. Ron Browz (G-Unit)
2009 – Nicki Minaj “I Get Crazy” ft. Lil Wayne (Young Money)
2009 – Ron Browz “Jumping Out the Window” (Universal Motown)
2009 – Ron Browz “20 Dollars” (Universal Motown)
2009 – Slim (of 112) “Heels On” Remix ft. Ron Browz & Deezo
2009 – Capone-N-Noreaga “Rotate” ft. Busta Rhymes & Ron Browz (Thugged Out)
2009 – Ghostface “She’s a Killah” ft. Ron Browz (Def Jam)
2010 – Foxy Brown “Ride Ya Bike” (Ether Boy)

Contributions to Albums
2000 – Big L “Ebonics”; “Size ‘Em Up”; “Casualties of a Dice Game”; “The Heist” Big Picture (Rawkus/Priority)
2001 – Nas “Ether” – Stillmatic (Columbia/Sony)
2002 – Fat Joe “We Run This Sh*t” - Loyalty (Atlantic)
2002 – Nas “Last Real N*gga Alive” –  God’s Son (Columbia/Sony)
2003 – Ludacris “Blow It Out” – Chicken N Beer (Def Jam)
2003 – DMX “F*ck Y’all” – Grand Champ (Def Jam)
2003 – Lil’ Kim “Whatz the Word” – La Bella Mafia (Atlantic)
2004 – Snoop Dogg “Oh No” ft. 50 Cent – R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece (Geffen)
2004 – Lloyd Banks “Playboy” ft. DJ Whoo Kid – The Hunger for More (Interscope)
2005 – Tony Yayo “G-Sh*t” – Thoughts of A Predicate Felon (G-Unit/Interscope)
2005 – 50 Cent “I’ll Whip Ya Head Boy” ft. Young Buck – Get Rich Or Die Trying Soundtrack (G-Unit/Interscope/Paramount Films)
2005 – Jae Millz “Bring It Back” ft. Jadakiss – FunkMaster Flex Car Show (Koch)
2005 – Papoose “New Era” – Menace II Society, Part 2 mixtape
2006 – Lloyd Banks “Playboy Part 2”; “Help” ft. Keri Hilson – Rotten Apple (G-Unit/Interscope)
2006 – Joe Budden “Old School Mouse”; “Young Ni**az” – Mood Muzik 2 mixtape
2006 – Webstar “I Just Came to Dance”; “Get Higher”; “Don’t Stop”; “In My Video” – Webstar Presents: Caught in the Web (Universal Republic)
2007 – Lumidee “You Got Me” ft. NORE – Unexpected (TVT)
2007 – Cashis “Thoughts of Suicide” – The County Hound EP (Shady/Interscope)
2007 – Jae Millz “Horror Movie” ft. Al Doe & Remy Ma – Zone Out Season V.1 mixtape
2008 – Ron Browz – The Wonder Years mixtape (Ether Boy)
2008 – G-Unit “Money Makes the World Go Round”; “Straight Outta Southside” – T.O.S. (G-Unit/Interscope)
2008 – Killer Mike “Choose Me” ft. SL Jones and Scar – Ghetto Extraordinary
2009 – Jim Jones “Pop Champagne” ft. Ron Browz & Juelz Santana; “Rain” ft. Rell, Noe & Starr; “How To Be a Boss” ft. Ludacris & Noe (Busta Rhymes on Deluxe Edition) – Prey IV Reign (Koch/Columbia)
2009 – Busta Rhymes “Arab Money” ft. Ron Browz; “Give Em What They Askin For” – Back on My B.S. (Flipmode/Universal Motown)
2009 – Bow Wow “What They Call Me” ft. Ron Browz & Nelly, co-prod. by Jermaine Dupri – New Jack City II (Columbia)
2009 – R.Kelly “Club to a Bedroom” ft. Ron Browz – The Demo Tape mixtape w/ DJ Drama & DJ Skee
2009 – Fat Joe “Winding On Me” ft. Ron Browz & Lil Wayne – J.O.S.E. 2 (Terror Squad/E1)
2009 – Nicki Minaj “I Get Crazy” ft. Lil Wayne; “Kill Da DJ” – Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape (Young Money)
2009 – Capone-N-Noreaga “Rotate” ft. Busta Rhymes & Ron Browz – Channel 10 (Thugged Out)

Miscellaneous Artist Appearances – non-production
2009 – Ghostface “She’s a Killah” ft. Ron Browz – Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City – prod. by Anthony Acid (Def Jam)
2010 – Nicki Minaj “Stripping in the Club” ft. Ron Browz, DJ Diamond Kuts, Latif

As a top prospect for A&R’s across the country, Nickelus F has had his share of ups and downs on the road to success. After several years of shining in the indie rap circles, and working with the likes of other rising stars like Drake and producers Boi-1da and Lab Ox, the respected lyricist is prepared for victory.

Nick’s recent video for “Aggressive Content” positively raised the interest from his international fanbase, and as the May 31, 2010 release date for his street album Season Premiere nears, there is no doubt that the fiery MC’s spotlight is brighter than ever.

The Richmond, Virginia native has fined tuned his talent for nearly a decade. Nick, formerly known as Nick Fury, got his first big break in 2000 at just 17-years-old, and got chance to spit against 300 contenders in the regional Source Unsigned Hype Emcee Battle. He placed second in that competition with no formal recordings under his belt, and took on the top battle rappers with no background in battling.

From that experience, Nickelus F began to look at being a professional artist more seriously. Since 2001, he has been on the radar of several top record labels. He had one of his biggest breaks when he was the last “true” champion on BET’s 106 & Park Freestyle Fridays in 2007. The experience put him on center stage for over six million people, and proved that he has the presence, charisma and personality to be in the mainstream.

He is also no stranger to the radio, and has garnered steadfast relationships with DJs across the country. “I got radio spins with no payola or crazy marketing tactics,” Nickelus F explains. “They were just feeling the records, and my fans were hitting up stations to hear them. So I know when I’m ready to drop my official first single it’s going to be crazy!”

Nick has also frequently collaborated with Hip Hop’s hottest new star Drake, and has been heralded as a major influence by Drake himself. On his personal blog, Drake said of Nick: “This dude is a huge influence and basically the reason I started rapping. I consider him family and I thank him for everything he’s done for me.”

Nickelus F also helped up-and-coming producers such as Canadian beatmaker Boi-1da (Eminem, Lil Wayne, Maino, Drake, Jeezy) and Houston’s Lab Ox (50 Cent, Rihanna, Drake) get their signature sounds across to a wider audience.

With his band Silverust and a team of producers on his side that have already made a mark in the industry – M.Rell (G-Unit, Jim Jones), Bei Maejor (Trey Songz, Soulja Boy, Bun B), Lab Ox and Boi-1da - Nick has enough ammunition to take over a top spot in the game. The latest project offers a taste of the next phase of his career.

“Season Premiere is music to live life to,” Nick asserts. ” There’s catchy hooks, quality production and plenty of food for thought. Everyone that helped in making the album is hungry and highly motivated. They carry the same message in their lives that I try to convey.”

Back at home in Richmond, Nickelus F has a following like no other artist. Most, if not all, of the young artists from that region look up to his talent and strive to be on that same level creatively.

“Being from Virginia has helped make me a well rounded artist, mainly by location,” says Nick. “We’re technically in the South, so of course the city is heavily influenced by Southern Hip Hop, but we’re also only a few hours’ drive from New York, so we do have a serious East Coast influence as well. I am the product of cultural melting pot of styles.

“My inspiration comes mainly from experiences and emotions,” he continues. “I’m not a super thug, I’m just a regular dude who has seen and done a lot. I hope that by staying true to who I am at this point in my life, I’ll give Hip Hop fans the real music they’ve been missing.”

For interviews and press information, contact dove@tygereye.net