From Ballin' PR:

MC Raashan Ahmad Readies Sophomore Solo Record for March

Oakland, CA--Crown City Rockers front man Raashan Ahmad is readying his second and latest solo project, For What You’ve Lost on Bay Area indie imprint A Champion Sound. The 13 track collection is a musical voyage decidedly introspective with Raashan’s emotional-laden lyrics over funk-drenched grooves and sharp live instrumentation. Guest appearances include vocalists Aloe Blacc and Noelle Scaggs along with hip-hop veterans Gift of Gab, Count Bass D, Chicago’s Rita J, and Stro the 89th key of The Procussions.

For What You’ve Lost is as much a celebration of Ahmad’s recent struggles as it is a mourning of them. “I’ve learned valuable lessons from my set backs.” On “In Love with Wax,” where every line of a song is a favorite 12” single from the 90's, Raashan pays homage to the forefathers of hip-hop. “These cats are the foundation of the culture I love,” explains Ahmad. “I wanted to celebrate them.”

Traveling the globe performing for teams of fans stretching from Europe to Japan, Australia and stateside, this collection of songs highlights a worldview unique both in perspective and production. Raashan employs producers like Mitsu of Japan, Australia’s Paper Plane Project, and France’s Soul Square, among others. “Of course I brought on my Crown City fam Headnodic and Woodstock too,” adds Ahmad.

Born and raised in Pasadena, CA, it’s no surprise that hip-hop runs through Raashan’s veins. His dad was a DJ, keeping a huge collection of records and mixtapes in the house. But music wasn’t just a passing phase for Raashan. In the late 90s, while in the Roxbury section of Boston honing his skills at underground spots, Raashan met hip-hop heads and musicians from Berklee School of Music Woodstock, Kat Ouano, Headnodic, and Max MacVeety. The chemistry was undeniable and Mission was formed. The emcee backed up by a live band were compared to the Roots, but “way funkier” according to XLR8R magazine, and instantly became known for their rousing live performances.

In 1999, Mission released the self-titled album, which quickly became a cult classic.  In 2001, after an old 60’s British rock band also named Mission asked them to switch  monikers, they obliged and chose the name Crown City Rockers. In 2004, they released the astonishing LP Earthtones, resulting in one journalist writing: “Having  elevated their chops and their internal chemistry vastly on  this release, Crown City Rockers might want to think twice before they change anything else in this winning formula.” In 2009 they released another critically acclaimed LP, The Day After Forever.  In 2009, Raashan released his impressive, solo debut The Push, again to high praise from critics.

There’s nothing lost here. For What You’ve Lost drops March 2011.

From J-Ronin:

MP3: Timbo King f/ Math Hoffa - "The Alliance"

DIRTY - http://hulkshare.com/txoaeoj7eabp

CLEAN - http://hulkshare.com/ey5bk77qhx7n

TIMBO KING -  THE GRIND WAVE HOSTED BY DJ J-RONIN DROPS FEB. 8TH     

FOLLOW TIMBO KING ON TWITTER http://www.twitter.com/timboking1

ADD TIMBO KING ON FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000197804480

From Kerosene Media:

Swollen Members' Madchild To Release 'Banned From America' EP on February 15th

Swollen Members’ Madchild has announced the release of a new EP entitled “Banned From America” through digital retailers on February 15th, 2011. The digital EP is the first offering from Madchild, who is currently putting the finishing touches on his debut solo album “Dope Sick” for release later this year.
 
"After being turned away at customs, I drove home that night feeling full of disappointment and frustration. I knew I had to do something positive as a way of dealing with it, so I started writing about the experience," commented Madchild. "I started recording immediately and didn't stop for six days. I was only sleeping a couple hours a day, because if I wasn't writing or recording, I would have gotten myself into some trouble. Looking back, this was the best thing I could've done for myself and some dope new songs came out of these recording sessions. Everyone at the label loved the material and I'm excited for fans to hear it."
 
The “Banned From America” digital EP comes on the heels of Madchild being denied entry to the United States by US custom officials. Swollen Members will release their new studio album “Dagger Mouth” on April 12th, 2011 through Battle Axe/Suburban Noize Records.
 
The track listing for Madchild’s “Banned From America” is as follows:
 
1 - Black Phantom
2 - Mental Explosion
3 - Little Bad Wolf
4 - Super Ill Villain
5 - Re-birth of the Warlord

From the Brown Bag AllStars:

Video: J57 f/ Jefferson Price - "Digital Society"

Digital Society (J57 ft. Jefferson Price) from Nicolas Heller.

From Chris at E1 Music:

Video: Jessie J f/ B.o.B - "Price Tag"

From Ballin' PR:

BAY AREA TRIO ZION I & THE GROUCH READY SOPHOMORE ANNOUNCE "HEROES IN THE HEALING OF THE NATION"

**Z&G HIT THE ROAD FOR NATIONWIDE TOUR- February 19 AT SAN FRANCISCO'S FILLMORE THEATER--STAY TUNED FOR COMPLETE TOUR ITINERARY**

OAKLAND, CA—February 1, 2011— At last! West Coast hip-hop stalwarts Zion I & The Grouch return with their sophomore collaborative effort Heroes in the Healing of the Nation.  The long-awaited follow-up to the group's 2006 critically acclaimed Heroes in the City of Dope could not arrive at a more fitting hour. This time around Z&G raise the stakes to expand the playing field from City to Nation, inviting listeners everywhere to join them on their quest in channeling their highest selves. Amp live provides the bulk of the banging backdrops as Zumbi and The Grouch consciously kill it with a well versed ease.

On the rousing “It's Goin Down” Zumbi and The Grouch are at their best, pontificating the ups and downs of everyday life along side Soja's lead singer's reggae-inspired chorus. The semi title track "Healing Of The Nation" boasts a rare Amp Live vocal appearance where he effectively and infectiously whisper-yells “Get yourself up!!” over twisted guitars and signature heavy bass kicks.  "Rockit Man" takes fans one level higher with an unforgettable soulful Silk-E performance before blasting of into infinity and beyond!

Zion I & The Grouch have been leaders marching to the beat of their own 808's for some time now but the group suggests that we're all cut from the same cloth. “Anyone changing other peoples lives for the better is a hero to me” explains The Grouch of the album’s title. “People are going through a difficult transition these days,” adds Zumbi. “We want this album to aid in that process.” 

Heroes in the Healing of the Nation features an array of musical brethren, including Freeway, Fashawn, Casual, Mystic, Eric of Rebelution, Jacob Hemphill of Soja, Eligh, Marty James, Los Rakas, Codany Holiday, and the R.O.D Project. Heroes in the Healing of the Nation is due out March 22, 2011.

Track Listing

01. Invitation (ft. Brother Ali)
02. Leader
03. Victorious People (ft. Freeway)
04. Drop It On The 1
05. It's Goin' Down (ft. Jacob Hemphill from Soja)
06. I Used To Be A Vegan
07. Rockit Man (ft. Silk E)
08. Be A Father To Your Child
09. Healing Of The Nation
10. Frankenstein
11. Plead The Fifth (ft. Codany Holiday, Fashawn, & Casual)
12. Test of Time (ft. Marty James)
13. Journey to Forever (ft. Mystic & Eric Rahmney from Rebelution)
14. Like A G (ft. Los Rakas)

* http://www.myspace.com/zioniandthegrouch *

* http://www.therealgrouch.com *
* http://www.youtube.com/therealtherealgrouch *
* http://www.twitter.com/therealgrouch *
* http://www.facebook.com/therealgrouch *

* http://www.zionicrew.com/ *
* http://www.youtube.com/zionitv *
* http://www.facebook.com/zionicrew *
* http://twitter.com/zioni *

From J. Melo:

Jimmy 2 Tymes (feat. Tity Boi) "Chuck E Cheese"

From Ty Cannon:

Focus... - The Avant Garde Project

Super-Producer Focus… Reinvents Himself On Solo Debut The Avant Garde Project

SPECIAL EDITION MONDAY JANUARY 31, 2011

Featuring Phonte, Marsha Ambrosius & Sol

* http://focus.bandcamp.com/album/the-avant-garde-project *

Jan, 31, 2011 – ATLANTA, GA – On Jan 31, 2011 renowned Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop producer will make his first foray into the entertainment industry as an artist with the re-release of his debut solo LP The Avant Garde Project via his own independent imprint, aFam Entertainment. The re-release, which features all original production and vocals by Focus… is bound to not only take many by surprise, but also challenge the norms of today’s contemporary music.

Born Bernard Edwards, Jr., Focus… stands out among his peers as one of Hip-Hop and R&B’s few complete musicians. As a songwriter and producer, his portfolio includes songs by 112, Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, Christina Aguilera, Dr. Dre, Marsha Ambrosius, Mary Mary, ‘NSync, Pink, and Slaughterhouse. His latest creation, The Avant Garde Project not only harkens the evolution of today’s popular music, but it also represents the full scope of Focus…’ talent, artistry and passion for music.

The seeds for The Avant Garde Project were born long ago, during Focus…’ days as a budding producer in Los Angeles. During that period of his career, he would often take breaks from his work to experiment with sounds and styles that varied widely from the music he was becoming known for.  In 2009, while revisiting the results of those experiments, Focus… decided to release this project as a complete departure from what most would expect.

The result is a collection of songs that evoke a level of emotional connection that has become rare in today’s popular music. And that connection is by no means accidental. Focus…’ songwriting success comes from his ability to tap into his own experiences to marry lyrics to the emotions of the tracks he creates. Having crafted The Avant Garde Project , Focus… is able to deliver each note with a sincerity that draws the listener in, allowing you to live the pain of unselfish love on “Recession,” featuring Phonte (of the groups Little Brother and Foreign Exchange); the frustration of an unnecessary argument on “At All;” or the desperation to break from love gone wrong on “Br@keFr3e!” Focus…’ creative arrangements, instrumental intricacies and sonic experimentation allows the music itself to stand strongly alongside the artistry, with neither outshining the other.

For more on Focus… please visit http://focus.bandcamp.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/aFamFocus .

From Future Star Music:

MP3: Ty$ f/ DJ Mustard, Joe Moses - "All-Star"

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE DJ SERVICE PACK

* http://www.mediafire.com/?i40lw1xbhyw18fp *

Here is a brand new exclusive from west coast artist TY$ who is building a strong buzz at the moment.  This record is called "All-Star" and I gotta admit it's pretty hot.  The track was produced by Fuego.  We've provided the full DJ pack for you with all available versions.  This record is currently getting heavy support from the Future Star DJ's amongst others.  DJ's if you need drops or have any requests please reach out.  The west coast movement is real strong right now so let's be the first to break this one and put another artist on the map.  This is a smash and one listen will prove that.  This is the World Premiere so let's work!!!

From Nancy B:

Yung Berg Joins the OGPR Roster

From his platinum album sales, to his multi-platinum-selling production work, there are few unfamiliar with the musical stylings of Yung Berg. OGPR can now proudly announce the recent inclusion of this multi-talented artist to its client roster and Berg has plenty to publicize.

With a history in music that began at age 15, Yung Berg's collaborative success includes names like Diddy, Ray J, Soulja Boy, Young Money and so many more, both behind the mic and the boards, resulting in multi-platinum sales and millions of video views worldwide. Currently a free agent, Berg is back with a new radio smash called "Sex N' The City" which currently enjoys rotation on MTV Jams and has garnered well over 10 million views on WSHH - http://worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhyslt8O85CSszzSpm .

Female-driven music is Yung Berg's specialty. His current mixtape, "The Love Project" has joined past efforts as a bedroom staple and "Mr. Ward", hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar, expected in the coming months, will definitely have its own place in the nighstand drawer. The tape is expected to feature Soulja Boy, Ray J, Roscoe Dash, Pleasure P, YG, Day 26, Brisco, Hot Dolla and Ya Boy.

Next up for Yung Berg is a Valentine's Day release of "72 Hours" along with a video, the self-produced single with Roscoe Dash called "I See You", both from "Mr. Ward" and making the rounds at Super Bowl, Grammy, NBA All Star and SXSW events.

Under the new management arm of Christopher 'Cam' Martin of Camouflage Entertainment (Hurricane Chris, DJ Mr. Rogers, The Party Boyz) and Tiffany J of Family Tree (Bangladesh, Willy Northpole), Yung Berg's focus on the prize is more driven than ever. There's been ups and downs and many lessons learned on Yung Berg's road to success but through it all, the ability to make songs that the masses want to hear has never faltered.

* http://www.YungFlyMovement.com *