From Audible Treats:

Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother to Guest Blog for SLAM Magazine Online

Emcee And Sports Fanatic Pooh To Provide Fans With Insights On 2010 NCAA Men's Tournament

(March 16, 2010 – Brooklyn, NY) As the anticipation for Little Brother's upcoming album continues to build, Rapper Big Pooh, one half of the celebrated North Carolina duo, is excited and proud to announce that he will be guest blogging for SLAM Magazine's website. Pooh will be contributing his thoughts and views on the NCAA Men's basketball tournament from start to finish in the weeks leading up to the April 20th release of Little Brother's fourth and final album, LeftBack.

SLAM Magazine is one of the nation's premier basketball authorities, combining hip-hop and hoops in a way that other publications and websites have yet to achieve. "I have always been a fan of SLAM," says Pooh, "for the simple fact that they dedicate their time to one of the most popular sports in the world." Pooh will be dedicating himself to NCAA's Men's tournament this year, which begins with its Round of 64 on March 18th, and concludes with a championship game in Indianapolis on April 5th. Sports and music fans alike can expect Pooh's March Madness musings at least twice weekly throughout the tournament on his blog at SLAMonline.com, aptly titled "Pooh On Sports." In addition to his ongoing thoughts on The Big Dance, Pooh will also be writing one pre-weekend prediction post and post-weekend wrap-up post every week. When asked about the prospect of sharing his b-ball ponderings with SLAM's readers, Pooh said, "Being able to share my thoughts and opinions on the sport of basketball with their readers was an opportunity that I could, and would never, have been able to pass up."

While Big Pooh is an instantly recognizable name in the hip-hop world, his superior sports knowledge is often overlooked. A self-diagnosed sports junkie, Rapper Big Pooh is the ideal basketball buff for SLAM's commentary on this year's NCAA Men's tournament. Having grown up in the Washington D.C. area, Pooh's allegiances lie with hometown teams Georgetown and Maryland. In lieu of a career on the courts, Pooh has spent a lifetime watching and discussing basketball, even starting his own blog a while back also titled "Pooh On Sports." This opportunity at SLAMonline.com gives Pooh a chance to engage in the nation's unofficial pastime - sports debate. "The thing I'm looking forward to the most in blogging for Slam is the feedback" says Pooh. "Sports debate between people who have no impact on the actual outcome has to be one of the greatest things in the world!"

Fans can expect further announcements from Little Brother, including tour info and other interesting developments on LeftBack's road to the release.

Read Rapper Big Pooh's first blog post for SLAMonline.com: http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2010/03/my-informal-introduction/ .

The Background:

Little Brother, the Durham, North Carolina group formed in part by Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, released their debut album The Listening on ABB Records in 2003. They are now gearing up for the release of their fourth album, LeftBack, which will be the last of Little Brother’s illustrious career, available April 20th via Hall Of Justus. Continuing the tradition they set with the critically acclaimed third release GetBack, Big Pooh and Phonte have enlisted multiple producers for LeftBack, both from within and outside of the Justus League camp. The album features production from the likes of Khyrsis, Denaun Porter, J.Bizness and guest vocals from Torae, Truck North, Jozeemo, Chaundon, Median, and more.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/phontigallo and http://www.twitter.com/RapperBigPooh .

From Sasha Stoltz Publicity:

Death Row Records AND Danny Boy

"It's About Time" 

WIDEawake-Deathrow Entertainment LLC announces their next  release of 2010, Danny Boy "It's About Time" set to hit  shelves, April 20,  featuring songs produced by DJ  Quik and Devante. .  Danny Boy Steward a.k.a. Danny Boy, signed to Death Row Records in 1994, debuting his soulful vocals on the Murder Was The  Case soundtrack with R&B Charter "Come When I Call."  Danny Boy's vocals also appeared on such hits as "I Ain't Mad At Cha" on Tupac's multiplatinum selling album All Eyez On Me as well as "Toss it Up",  "Picture Me Rollin"  and "I Can't Get Enough" from the Gridlock'd  Soundtrack.  Most recently Danny Boy was featured on Death Row's 2009 sampler and Death Row's Ultimate Collection box set. April 20, is Danny Boy's time and  "It's About Time"


Follow Death Row Records:
  
Official  Site:
www.deathrowmusic.com
    
MySpace:
www.myspace.com/deathrowrecords  
    
Facebook
www.facebook.com/deathrowrecordsllc  

Twitter
http://twitter.com/deathrowmusic

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/deathrowchannel

Follow Danny Boy:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22127562241&ref=ts

From Web 'n Retail:

For Immediate Release

SIN at SXSW

 The New SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN)
Debuts Exciting International Line-up at SXSW Music 2010

NEW YORK - SIN (SonyMusic Independent Network) is a new division of Sony Music Entertainment focused on releasing foreign repertoire in the United States.  A marketing services arm of Sony International, SIN functions as an extension of Sony Music territories across the globe. 

An entirely new model within the existing music business structure, SIN utilizes a network of trusted independent press, promotion and marketing companies to create customized marketing plans specific to each project.  Staffed by a core group of music industry veterans including Jeb Hart, Vinny Rich, Adam Pollock and John Porter, the group is focused on artist development and long term campaigns with the goal of bringing exciting new music to the U.S. market. 

SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN), the new independent services arm of Sony Music International, is excited to present SIN at SXSW on Thursday, March 18 from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm at Antone's.  The line-up features both emerging and established Platinum-selling international talent.  Beverages and tasty Mexican food will be served.  The event is open to all SXSW Music and Platinum badge holders, but is subject to capacity limits, so arrive early.

Bands showcasing at the event include:
Cassette Kids (SIN/Sony Australia)
Eva & the Heartmaker (SIN/Sony Norway)
Kate Miller-Heidke (SIN/Sony Australia)
Nneka (Decon/Epic)
Becca (SIN/Sony Japan)
Kasmir (SIN/Sony Denmark)
Karnivool (SIN/Sony Australia)

Hear some tracks on the jukebox here

In addition to the daytime event at Antone's, all bands are playing official SXSW showcases and other events, details of which can be found here.  There will also be a complimentary calendar in the SXSW big bag that will include all the dates and times of SIN's showcasing acts.  

Ludacris :: Battle of the Sexes
Def Jam
Author: Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania

"Ludacris to me was always the new Busta Rhymes. Aside from making energetic club banger classics, and occasionally dropping stunning guest verses (his "Made You Look" verse is still worth checking for), there was also the flip side - I would never buy a Ludacris album. Seriously, never. Or a Busta one. They were always "Greatest Hits" dudes. But hey, Busta proved me wrong last year - I ended up making "Back On My B.S." my second favourite album of 2009, so it makes sense for me to give Ludacris an unbiased, fair crack at crafting a long play worth spinning on repeat. So how does "Battle of the Sexes" - which has almost infinite potential as a concept - manage to end up?"

http://rapreviews.com/feature.html

Classified :: Self Explanatory :: Halflife/Sony Records
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"At RapReviews.com we're always open to special requests. Last week I got one asking that we cover Classified's "Self Explanatory," which I was more than happy to answer. In truth I thought we already HAD covered it since he seems to drop at least one album a year and they generally get high marks. One music industry veteran recently told me "no internet artist has even gotten large without major label support" and Classified seems to simultaneously prove and disprove that notion. His albums routinely chart in Canada and he's up for three Juno awards this year (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy). He's the rap artist who put Enfield, Nova Scotia on the map AND he's highly regarded by the RR staff, yet I'm willing to bet 95 out of 100 hip-hop heads in the U.S. who don't read this website have never heard of this rapper/producer.  "

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_selfexp.html

Count Bass D & DJ Pocket :: In the Loop :: Domination Recordings
as reviewed by Patrick Taylor

"This album is a collab between the Count and his friend DJ Pocket, a DJ who is expanding into MCing. I'm basing my review on a download, so I'm not sure if the Count or DJ Pocket are handling production, or if they trade off, Jaylib style. They trade off on the mic, or at least I think they do: they sound so similar that it's hard to tell them apart. Count Bass D's voice is a little deeper, and his rhymes are more out there, but it's easy to get them mixed up. As unpromising as the "producer-turnt-rapper" tag can be, both hold their own on the mic. Count Bass D has already proven himself as a rapper during his decade-plus career, and DJ Pocket shows that turning the knobs is not his only talent. "

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_cbdintheloop.html

Do or Die :: Headz or Tailz :: Rap-A-Lot/Virgin
** RapReviews "Back to the Lab" series **
as reviewed by Pete T.

"In 1996, the label scored a surprise hit when Chicago trio Do or Die's debut "Picture This" scaled the Billboard charts, anchored by the irresistible singles "Po Pimp" and "Playa Like Me and You" as well as the Midwest anthems "Paper Chase" and "Money Flow." Sporting rapid, melodic flows, Belo Zero, N.A.R.D., and AK-47 painted grim pictures of the Chi-Town streets with bleak crime narratives, harmonized choruses, and more than your daily dose of common pimpery over rich production. Do or Die's debut was also noteworthy for introducing the world to the dark, mechanical Midwest funk of producer The Legendary Traxster, as well as two frequent collaborators: the haunting R&B vocalist Johnny P, and a certain like-minded quick-lipped MC from Chicago named Twista."

http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_headzortailz.html

Dot Silly :: Silly City, Vol. 2 :: Clout Media
as reviewed by Pete T.

"Brooklyn rapper Dot Silly opens 2010 with a download mixtape, "Silly City, Vol. 2," an impressive fourteen-track listen from an artist who definitely appears to be on the come-up. "Silly City, Vol. 2" serves as a showcase for the 22-year-old MC featuring all new tracks and production. Dot Silly is not a conceptual rapper, but his charisma, swagger, and energy make "Silly City, Vol. 2" a memorable listen. A telltale mark of a successful New York rapper is an insatiable hunger at a young age, and Silly is dead-set on establishing his name and his music well beyond the five boroughs. With an aggressive, versatile flow, Silly comes armed with boasts and punchlines for days that the DJ Khaled set should find extremely appealing."

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_sillycityvol2.html

various artists :: Jovonn the Last Don & DJ Suss.One Present The New N.Y. :: {self-released}
as reviewed by Pete T.

"Most of the mix features gritty street rappers rhyming over simple, minimalist mixtape beats, although a few more established names roll through with appearances. Jadakiss aids Mysonne on the grimy opener "Try Your Luck," RedCafe abets Bravo on "I'm On," and Sha Stimuli has his own track, the rugged "Follow the Leader." Early highlights include "Go Hard," where Sweet Peezy smoothly rhymes over a mean horn-laced beat, and Sikai's mellow "Like a Star." After a series of banal autotune-heavy tracks, Shinobi brings some energy on "Do It Like." Karnell and A.P. come strong on their respective late songs "Calm Before the Storm" and "Sometimes I (Wonder).""

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_jovonnpresentny.html

Masta Killa :: Live :: Gold Dust Media
as reviewed by Justin 'Tha Shiznut' Chandler

"Masta Killa has remained true to the raw image created by Wu-Tang's debut "Enter 36 Chambers." He surprised the core fans when he stepped up as one of the artists to hold down the Clan when they started to slip from the top of the rap game. While Ghostface drops an album full of ghetto love songs and Method Man teams up with Red for some bouncy, dope smoking, antics (not that this is necessarily a bad thing); Masta Killa released two rock solid albums in "No Said Date" and "Made in Brooklyn." Coming March 30th, 2010, we get an album of Live recordings from the Masta."

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_mastakillalive.html

Rascalz :: Global Warning :: Figure IV/ViK Recordings/BMG Music Canada
** RapReviews "Back to the Lab" series **
as reviewed by Matt Jost

"Even if you weren't intimately familiar with Canadian hip-hop, in 1997/98 it wasn't hard to tell that "Cash Crop," the second album by Vancouver crew Rascalz, was a landmark release for the scene. The production was on a consistently high level and songs like "Solitaire," "Dreaded Fist," "Clockwork," "Soul Obligation," "FitnRedi" and especially the post-album, guest-heavy single that would be included in the album's '98 edition, "Northern Touch," determinedly pointed towards a brighter future for Canadian hip-hop, a fact that remains acknowledged to this day. The release also provoked the greater public to take notice when the group refused to accept the 1998 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording because it was presented to them during the untelevised part of the ceremony. A year later they won again for "Northern Touch," sealing their acceptance of the award with a live performance of the song. "

http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_globalwarning.html

This week on Hip-Hop Shop we're featuring new music from Little Brother, Truth Universal, 40th Dimension and more! If you like what you hear be sure to e-mail dj.flash@rapreviews.com with feedback or to get more information about sponsoring the show. Hip-Hop Shop features podsafe music, so give a copy to your friends and tell them to check us out every week at RapReviews.com! PS: Be sure to check out our good friends mrob & The Cancer at K4D too!

Download Here (right click to save)

Tracks featured this week:

* Truth Universal f/ Evelyn Champagne - The More Things Change
* BurntMD f/ Copywrite, Phil Da Agony, Reks - Let's Get ILL
* Little Brother - Curtain Call
* Jake Lefco - Take it Up a Notch
* 40th Dimension - Spitsbergen 2
* Maze f/ Copywrite, Nutso - Trapped in a Maze

From Sport'n Life Records:

D.Black Rocks SXSW Friday, March 19th: Friends of Music SXSW Instore Performance 1704 South Congress Avenue Brought to you by: MYX Music Label / Quality Control / iM Culture SHOWCASE starts @ 5pm Featuring: D.Black Kam Moye Jern Eye One Be Lo Crown Royal Tanya Morgan And more.. Hosted by Nightclubber Lang from Boom Bap Project Saturday, March 20th: Klub Krucial 614 E 6th St (21+) SHOWCASE starts @ 8pm 4ize    8:00pm Trek Life  8:45pm Moe Green   9:25 D.Black   10:05 Charles Hamilton   10:45 YelaWolf    11:30 Rhymefest   12:15 A Few D.Black Treats For You!    Click HERE to download "Wake Up" (taken from the album Ali'Yah) Click HERE to view footage of D.Black @ KEXP 90.3FM Studios

** If you're in Austin come check us out!!!

Devin the Dude “What I Be On” Video

http://videos.onsmash.com/v/K7aYcvnGrB3HDPKE

“Do Not DistHerb (Suite # 420)” EP AVAILABLE TOMORROW!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/do-not-distherb-suite-420-ep/id359556889

ALBUM COMING: 4.20

http://www.twitter.com/therealdevin420