Round 2 of The Blaze "Freestyle Battle Contest" went down this past Friday! The emcee's were Yo Q, Dolo Dollaz, Yung Boi and AB. I would say this round was more competitive. Yo Q kicked it off with a bang and set the tone with AB giving a solid backdoe (freestyle ebonics) Then came Dolo, who was spitting some GREAT bars but seem to struggle with his delivery, which I think is the reason he didn't advance. Yung Boi closed the deal with his flow to end the round.
The Breakdown
Yo Q and AB were the 2 artists who advanced to the next round. I would say they were chosen right. Its pretty cool hearing these artists spit. Its like watching the Slam Dunk Contest of the NBA because its the most exciting aspect of the game, and to most of us, Freestyling is that to the rap game! Advice to future contestants. Focus on your delivery and confidence, sound like you belong! Also be sure to bring the single that your pushing, you are going to a radio station!! I'm looking forward to next week's round, I'll be listening!! Your A&R Al-B
Straight outta Tyler Texas, we have KD. I came across a record he released called "Make It Work" featuring Young Black. I must say I am very impressed by this song! Now before I heard this record, I really didn't know about KD, but I DO NOW, and that's all that matters. I love when I hear good records from artists, because I know how hard it is to generate them. The production is hitting hard, definitely will rock the clubs. Young Black gets you hooked as soon as he harmonizes the chorus, which he is known to do! KD keeps the record balanced with some respectable verses. Check the record out below! Contact KD at https://www.facebook.com/KDeezyFaSheezy
********** MLP Boys - Get It Girl
I must say, I'm glad to see them MLP Boys (Tyler, Tx) is still on it! We all know that they set the East Texas scene on fire with their "Full Of That Drank" record! Seem like they had everybody flooding the bar at the club! Some time has surpassed, but they have still been releasing material. The latest release from them is a record called "Get It Girl" produced by Young Wreck. By the way, artists you might wanna network with this producer, this beat is very dynamic!! I feel like it can get the ladies off the wall or out their seats to the dance floor, in which I believe this record was designed to do! So big ups to them MLP Boys, keep it up! Contact MLP Boys at majorleagueprofit@gmail.com
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D Swan - The Stine
"NEW EDITION N***A TO THEY BURY ME"!!!! Those who are not from Palestine, Tx may not know what D Swan is talking about! "The Stine" is the name of this record, where D Swan is paying homage to his area. Once I heard this I thought to myself this could be big! This reminded me of the "Oakcliff, Thats My Hood" joint, not that they sound the same, but due to the fact that it had people all over yelling it, not caring if they was from Oakcliff or not! I've personally seen D Swan's growth as an artist. Dude is a true talent and can deliver outstanding 16's! This song is very catchy and will have you repeating it! Wonder if Adrian Peterson has heard this, who is a Palestine native himself! Ok, had to get that in us Palestinians are proud! But real talk, this is a good look for Palestine and D Swan! Be sure to watch the video too! #ThaStine Contact D Swan at https://www.facebook.com/derrick.swanson.3
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Lil Booky Ft. Dirty White & Sgt. B - Get Off My D!ck
By the title of this song, seems like Lil Booky has a strong message for those hating on what he do! Sometimes it be like that and you have to let them know. But all seriousness, this record is banging, a common characteristic of any Big B produced record. Booky holds his own as he gets features from Dirty White and Sgt. B. Texarkana definitely has some artists with some firepower! This track will definitely connect with those who catch envy from peeps who are doing less than them, and Lil Booky decided to put it out there, so you can't hate that! Contact Lil Booky at stayfreshdvd@gmail.com
I have some good news for East Texas Artists! For all those that wanna show their lyrical ability, The Blaze now brings you this opportunity. They have implemented a new segment called "Friday Night RapBattle" which will allow artists to flow live on the airwaves! Dewayne Blaq [Dj/ Blaze Radio Personality] and Kayon [Muzik Manager] collaborated and put this together. I like to see people create avenues for artists to get heard, so big ups to those guys!
Now lets cut to the chase, the first round of this battle kicked off Friday, May 3rd. The artists who participated were Mista Jippa, Bam J, Tha Kidd and Z. They did well, seem like a couple may have had some pre game jitters, but that is to be expected, especially when you know you live on the air! The beat that they rapped to was produced by Deshun Swayze [Longview, Tx] Personally, I'm cool with what I heard, but a lil advice for those who step up to that mic next, TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! You never know who is listening!
So overall, it was a good look, artists and producers was heard by the people. Bam J and Mista Jippa are the 2 artists that advanced to the next round, so congrats to them! Upon hearing the initial battle on the radio, I do believe this Battle could grow very rapidly. So support it, artists, look to sign up and get it in!! I have the first round below so feel free to listen to it if you missed it!
The Queen of the Booth is what she calls herself huh...well its much deserved!! I admire how she is able to give you the street sound and totally switch it over to club and not miss a beat! This track is very catchy and could go down as the latest ladies anthem! Shoutz to June James, this is another production to his hitlist!!! DONT LET EM OUT DO YA!!
Follow @XoMuzik
Dolo Dollaz - Bounce
Shoutz to Dolo for making my list again. I just can't deny a banger when I hear one! Produced by WoodKnock, who are starting to become my favorite Texas producers, laid down an amazing track...and Dolo knew exactly what to do with it! Like the swagga in his verses and the hook is uptempo and catchy!! He got me hollerin BCE NATION!! YALL SUPPORT HIM!
Follow @DoloDollaz
SwagBoi Roe - WorkOut
I came across this hard hitta thanks to my friend Terry McGill. SwagBoi Roe [Mt. Pleasant, Tx] puts forth a good effort here, I got a good sense of him, he is very animated and entertaining but can get hood! This is another track produced by WoodKnock Productions, artists if you have not got a track produced by them yet, what are you waiting for!! But I do like this record, its another track that can pop, but again needs the Dj's to make it become that record!
Follow @SwaggBoyRoe
Noah G'z Ft. Xo Muzik - Wait Hold Up
Seems like its some boyz out in Marshall Tx making some noise! They go by the Noah G'z! One word for this record...CATCHY!!! Production is nice due to Shayne Blac. I was a big fan of D.S.R out of Dallas, so I've honestly been waiting for a rap group to take off, And if they keep releasing tracks like this and it will definitely happen, keep ya eyez on these boyz!
Follow @noahgz_Aboogie
Reece James - Make It Clap
Been hearing alot of "Jakka City" chants lately, So I decided to do some research on it. Turns out that "Jakka City" is the street name for Jefferson Tx. Ok, thats whats up, but do they have some legit artists in it??? YES THEY DO!!! Meet Reece James, a member of the "Jakka City Boyz" Im feeling this track. Its STRAIGHT CLUB!!! It will most def get the ladies goin, in which we all know that's what the Djs love to see, so it can surely spread!
Ok, peeps, this here is my "East Texas Top 5" list. If your record is on here that means I feel like it has mad potential and could be the next big record in the area. I will do a new Top 5 every month. This is to challenge the artists to make competitive records and in the end should raise the East Texas area up as a whole "Musically". If you feel like you should be on here, send material to albdiddy@gmail.com , I listen to everything that's sent my way. This list will be seen by many, inlcuded Dj's, Radio Personalities, Taste Makers and other bloggers as well. Well what you waiting for, hit that studio and GO HAMMER!!
Dolo Dollaz "Party My Azz Off" Ft. Xo Muzik & J Yung
This record is definitely bangin!! Dolo did the damn thang with this one!! I really believe in this record!! It features Xo Muzik and J Yung and its produced by WoodKnock Productions. This joint could jump off big time! The hook is extremely catchy and the beat is pounding like a racing heartbeat!! If this record is marketed effectively and the Dj's get behind it, its pretty much a wrap, a GUARANTEED WRAP! I CO SIGN!! Support this record people!! Download it here and "PARTY YA ASS OFF"!!!!!!!!!!!!
Follow @DoloDollaz @XoMuzik
Lil Rico "That Woddle"
Soon as this record comes on you will get instantly hooked!! Lil Rico (of M.A.A.P) makes a great debut with this one!! This dude has a voice that can get anybody hype! This record has a lil bit of that "Dallas Club Swag" that alot of people fell in love with. Production is real nice, had to figure that since Recka made the track. I wish I was a Dj so I could drop this record personally just to see the ladies run to the floor!! Keep your eye out on this one, get on it now!!
Follow @lilricomaap
Chu'Zu "Sassy N Classy"
Aye!!! Do Just What I Say!! I blame Chu'Zu for getting this stuck in my head!!! And you will blame him too soon as you hear it! But on a serious note, I love this record!! I also believe Ch'Zu produced this joint as well... yea, dude got mad talent! Again, this is another one that just needs the promo!! I urge the Dj's to play this! Chu'Zu is working the Auto Tune well, on top off a beat with alot of 808 in it!! What else can I say, its just an absolute banga!!! Much love to Ch'Zu for dropping this!!!
Follow at @ChuZuMusic
Dougboii "Dizzy" Ft. LMK
Yes Yes Yes Yes!!Another great record!! This joint got that bounce!! Doughboii brung it with this!! It features the rap group "LMK" These boys can rap! Along with Doughboii, they beasted on the verses!! Ive actually seen how people react to this record when its played, and its crazy!! Definitely one you need to watch out for!
Follow @deshunswayze
Sgt B & Dirty White " Bing Bang Bow" Ft. Chalie Boy
One word....Bangin!!! Sgt. B &; Dirty White must have been Turn'd Up that night in the studio!!! Hook is on point and beat is killing and top of that they got the homie "Chalie Boy" on it too! I think the ladies will respond heavily to this and tha fellas will rock wit it too! Press play and see why!
When you hear the words "East Texas" most people think of an excluded country area at the least, but believe it or not there is quality muzik being made. "Dolo Dollaz" is one of the artists in the area responsible for that! Hailing from Mt. Pleasant Texas, Dolo is building his brand thru banging recordz!! I've personally peeped this dudes movement and I am pretty impressed. He has a powerful production team behind him by the name of "WoodKnock Productions" Who has produced alot of records for major artists like B-Hamp and Dorrough. Dolo has one particular record called "Thinkin Bout Money" that I spotted on www. Virdiko.com, which was another good move made by Dolo, Virdiko is a popular Virtual Dj Record Pool that alot of Dj's go to for hot muzik. (NOTE TO ARTIST: GET YOUR MUZIK ON THIS SITE) Now, at first glance "Thinkin Bout Money" is not a stand out title, but once I pressed play, it grabbed me. Dolo harmonizes the hook quite well, its pretty catchy and the production is doing its part!! Dolo also held his own on the verses, an area alot of artists struggle with. He has a mixtape that he is pushing called "From The Sticks To The Bricks" I have included a link to it, its a very solid listen, check it out! Bottom line, I really believe this guy has a legitimate shot to make it, if he keeps bringing the heat with his records. He has the formula for success, the muzik, the grind and a humble mindframe to go with it. Get familiar with him, don't be last to Co-Sign "Dolo Dollaz"
Dolo Dollaz Interview
Al- B: So, in a industry that's very saturated, what do you feel makes you different or makes you stand out from other artists??
Dolo: It has to be my sound, caliber of music and fearlessness. Me being from a small tall in between two major cities growing up I listened to different styles of music. Sh** The independent radio stations in my area wouldn't play just ten or twenty of the same records all day, they mixed it up. Their playlist had pop, blues, underground and mainstream hip hop and R&B along with any other genres. As long as it jam they played it. Now that i think about those times i laugh because i used to freestyle to almost anything. It helped me not to be afraid of doing something new and innovative when it comes to tunes. that made me fearless.
Al-B: So how would you define your style of rap, and how does Dolo want the people to view him??
Dolo: I don't really have a specific style but if i had to choose it would be inspirational rap. Life inspired music. Because i channel all my emotions into these songs whether there happy, sad, mad, horny hell whatever."ha ha" I just want the people to see, respect and accept for who i am because I've never believed no man or woman is greater than the other. material things may separate us on a social level but at the end of the day were all the same ya feel me. And one other thing, When you see my name, logo or that (BCE) Big Cash entertainment brand. Just know we firmly stand behind it be because it is us. #BCENATION We don't give a **** we gone live our lives to the fullest!! and i forgot to say that my producer are dope!
Al-B: Lastly, being from East Texas, what do you feel needs to happen in your area to make it more prominent in the music industry??
Dolo: East Texas is my stomping grounds and rep it proudly. I think we just need to look around and really pay attention to the world out side of us as far music. Take more time with it, make sure its up to industry standards as for as quality of sound. i know one thing i do is play someone who has already made it and right after i play my song. If its not clear, the bass isn't hitting hard enough or i cant fully understand the words then i record it again because its not ready to be heard. Another thing is that we have to start building on our brands and using some strategies behind our Cd's before we put them out. But don't get me wrong because there a bunch of artist that are extremely talented and some are on the come up foreal. NO GIMMICKS EITHER! Alot of artist that I've worked with mos def can hang with anybody on ya tv set, ipod or any other major artist outlet. Down in east texas it goes down! And the last thing im gonna say is we have to support each other as well. For instance, if you have party or show have another hott local artist to share the stage with ya, or if someones having a party help them promote it ya feel me. We have to create our own buzz for us to get noticed. 903 baby letz work
Dolo Dollaz "From The Sticks to The Bricks" Mixtape
T.I has released his 7th studio album, for anyone that doesn't know anything about success in the music industry, well that pretty much spells it! T.I has been through a lot since his last release, having his own reality show along side his wife Tiny called "The Family Hustle". Also he has had a couple more run in's with the Boyz In Blue, which is never a good thing... or is it, it could boost an artists street cred but with T.I's prior success and status that's not needed. Now with that being said, the album is named "Trouble Man Heavy is the Head" Interesting title that should grab attention, but any big T.I fan like myself would have grabbed it just because of hype alone, he could have named it "Compact Audio Disc" for all i cared! Point is, dude is dope! So I had high expectations. Of course one of the highlights of the album is the record "Ball" featuring Lil Wayne. This record has that New Orleans club sound in it, which is very catchy! Other notables are "Trap Back Jumpin" and "Go Get It" which also touched alot of air waves around the country. I like those records because it is vintage T.I, the T.I that's gangsta, hood and rapping proudly in that ATL Georgia accent that we love. But as I took a deeper listen to the album, it started to lose me. I feel T.I wanted to lyrically illustrate what had been going on in his life, to his credit, he succeeded, which is not hard for him because he is a gifted emcee. But I feel he forgot to make the records entertaining, which he has done so well on previous albums. Songs like "Dead And Gone" ft. Justin Timberlake and "Live Your Life" Ft. Rihanna were right on time, he spoke seriously about his life but the records were still hot and catchy!! "Trouble Man" falls short to me in that department. Even the R. Kelly feature on "Can You Learn" missed by a mile, usually any record with Kellz on it is something you put on repeat, but not this time. On a good note, the production is respectable and T.I wasn't afraid to reach out on the album. It features R. Kelly and Lil Wayne, whom I mentioned earlier, Pink, Akon, Meek Mill, Andre 3000and CeeLoo Green. To end, I was a big T.I fan before I heard this album and I'm still one. Even after being disappointed with it, because T.I is still one hell of a rapper, and at a time when artists are getting deals that cant even spit, I gotta respect him. I give this album a 5/10, a tough score I know, but that's how it is when you drop clazzik's like "Urban Legend" and "Trap Muzik" Thanks for reading, your Independent A&R "Al-B"
Trouble Man Ratings: Production: 7/10 Originality: 6/10 Lyrics: 9/10 Entertainment Aspect: 4/10
