Above paintings by Itsthael

Introducing….Vancity Committee…Under above ground…
In kahoots wit her roots, repping the flyish…concious artist…real to the realish… respect due.
Welcome to the view… MRC the might rebels, pimp slappin devils.. on every and all levels…bringing you quality over matter that doesn’t matter… No need for chit chatter… like funky homemade.. banana pancake batter… and all dat… because this sister is all that… like Sly on the synth… now enter the Labrynth ..

MRC INTERVIEWS ITSTHAEL

Q. MRCPROMO: What’s good EL, how are you and what city are your from?
A. EL: Im well thank you, thanks for having me. I’m from Vancouver, Canada aka Vancity, and shes taking me to places unknown.

Q. MRCPROMO: How did you get involved with art and what’s your favorite medium?
A. EL: Truthfully, Art was something I just did when the class was in session. I always enjoyed colors and being crafty but my inspiration or shall I say, motivation was lacking. When I paint, design or draw, I use a variety of mixed media; Acrylics, Oil, Aerosols and Ink. Usually, it all starts off with the basics pencils, pencil crayon, chalk, conte’ or charcol and my favorite, sharpie! Art in general is a practice, and so I enjoy a diverse collage of artful mediums. Self expression is badass!

Q. MRCPROMO: Where do you derive your inspiration from?
A. EL: That is a very heavy question. Lol. Where is there not to become inspired? My whole life has been Art from the get-go! Look around you! Yours too! Ive been blessed to have such incredible senseis who never seize to stop igniting my flame. Aside from school, my parents were heavy into music. My mom loved to dance and my dad liked listening to Beatles. ‘Nuff said? Ha, well, its usually at that moment when I’m listening to a tune and I catch a drift where Ill pick up a pen or pencil and start sketchin out.. and not in that sorta way. Something I was feeling or related to must have triggered me to want to express and just go nuts! Aside from that, if you got the time, its real good therapy, fun thing to do with children or it can help motivate you to see life in different angles.

Q. MRCPROMO: What projects are you currently working on?
A. EL: Whoa, currently my computer is need of some RAM butta,…Lots! Tons and tons of work to be done! Im actually in the midst of hunting down an art and print space. I plan to have an art show that will showcase most things I’ve been working on the past few years but its been a bit hectic having to move from one city to city all while juggling real life sitcheeations. I can never settle I’m thinking the Saturday before Christmas Ill launch a few design concepts that Ive left on the backburner for years. I got a poetry book and a pet line called Cheeba Treats Im releasing in the new year as well! Excited for that!

Q. MRCPROMO: What materials do you often use and why?
A. EL: Pickax, samurai swords and a whole lotta paper with numbers on them. Lol my main form at the moment would be canvas, painting materials; brushes, spray cans aka Aerosols ink and Acrylic. ha ha, My main form of weaponry has gots to be the music tho- its all in the Music. Time flies by when ur lost in your art! Often, I find myself crafting outta nowhere with whatever I have around me.. string paperclips, beads..Its all about being a Mcgyver.

Q. MRCPROMO: What was the last exhibition you went to?
A. EL: Humm, I just went to the doctors office and asked myself, “where the hell I was?” I swear I caught myself walking the perimeter reading artists name and looking at their pictures. It was nice. Seriously though, Vancouver has constant art shows and battles in Vancouver. I recently went to a show at Vancity’s Fortune Sound Club, Calabash Bistro and another at EastVans Rong Shop- Shop Wrong.

Q. MRCPROMO: How do you come up with the pricing for your pieces?
A. EL: I usually like to factor in my materials used, size, and then time I’ve invested. A lot of my work has been mostly about getting out there and finding out what people value. Im still just starting out so all prices are negotiable however, some pieces go for no less than a $500. When I tried my hand at photography, it seemed a lot easier but I couldn’t get my contrast and lighting right. So, because it takes a lot longer I feel those who value the art will be willing to pay.

Q. MRCPROMO: Where can we purchase your work?
A. EL: I have a a FB Artist page and a few things on ArtPal. Im not really pushing too much on Social media as there’s lots to be updated. I also have a tumblr page under #itsthael which I use for photos, Most time its in person and at shows. My website is being created as we speak.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any shows or exhibits coming up? Where can we see more of your work?
A. EL: I am having an art collab with a few other friends at Shop Wrong in Vancouver. I had to fight them to get their attention but they eventually welcomed me well with open arms! They are good peoples and always about helping the community and getting to know the people. Thats going to happen a week before Christmas. After that there’s not looking back!

Q. MRCPROMO: What’s been your greatest artistic success?
A. EL: Its actually been quiet difficult to find success as I feel I can be pretty hard on myself. Especially doin it all on my lonely. Realizing that, I understand that for the most part its because Im talented. Painting is only one of the many ways we as humans can chose to express ourselves, communicate and showcase whats going on inside and round us but we all got other tricks up our sleeves, all in due timing.

Q. MRCPROMO: Last words or shouts?
A. EL: Huge Shouts to Vancity for allowing my family to lay its roots in the city. My bredren and sistahs in the hood that came before me. Eastvan Smokes aka Urban City apparel, FWUH aka Dipt, the best radio show back in the day, 102.7 co-op radio with Maximus Clean and Angel, Rascalz, Swollen, Moka O, Vancity Nightclubs, Fortune, EastVan Moving, Archivest, Everybody in them Private school crew, St Pattys, ND, VC and More, my City Planners, whether good or bad, I loved them all. Respect!

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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INTERVIEW: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Itsthael

Take a walk into MRCS kitchen. Today we give you.. Louisville’s own.. home grown, gristle to ya bone, spots gettin blown.. C4 to the core, rhymes beats galore and more.. ya bout ta know him now if ya didn’t before…
you know how we do.. A litte bit of this and that.. and some of that and this …with an added Lil twist to bring you what you need. Even if you dont know it….as LKY’S multi talent artist “N.A.T.I.V.E.” let’s you.. Step into his world….so.. without futher ADO… hailing from diverse university, check out the roots of a musical master chef.. who’s keeping the oven on fire with recipes by the score…

MRC INTERVIEWS N.A.T.I.V.E.

Q. MRCPROMO: Peace Native, thanks for the interview.. what’s good?
A. NATIVE: No problem bruh your welcome. Living life to the fullest as a single father.. stayin focused and priority driven.

Q. MRCPROMO: Where are you from and where is home now?
A. NATIVE: I was born and raised in Louisville KY. and currently reside in Atlanta GA.

Q. MRCPROMO: Your first experience with hip hop culture?
A. NATIVE: Breakdancing!!! (B-Boying) The battles where insane!! Gettin arrested because you dressed as a B-Boy.

Q. MRCPROMO: You rap and produce beats which skill came first or did you develop both at the same time?
A. NATIVE: I would say musically, production because I’ve been a drummer since five years old playing in churches and traveling with my mother as she played piano for various gospel groups. I really didn’t start rapping until the early 90′s in Germany with my mayne man Bo Stone. We formed a political rap duo called Point Blakk.

Q. MRCPROMO: Who or what inspires you to create music?
A. NATIVE: The Creator.

Q. MRCPROMO: Your all time favorite hip hop artist? Can you tell us why?
A. NATIVE: Tupac Skaur. His music made him like the Marvin Gaye of our time. Timeless and still resonates to this day. He showed his vunerablity and transparency as an artist which is as real as it gets and the music was nothing short of soul!

Q. MRCPROMO: How you do feel about commercial radio?
A. NATIVE: Love hate relationship. Nice to have but can live without.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any projects you working we should know about?
A. NATIVE: 40 Plus with an artist by the name of Jozee welz out of Detroit MI. Returning to the essence of good music, lyrics, subject matter and morals….for the most part lol..

Q. MRCPROMO: How can promoters and artists contact you for shows or collabs?
A. NATIVE: trxlamic@hotmail or THE BAT PHONE (404)-652-0229.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any last words?
A. NATIVE: Allah Ahkbar!!!!

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
N.A.T.I.V.E. – Twitter | Jozee Welz – Twitter | 40 Plus – Twitter

Stay connected to MRC Promotions for the latest information / news on urban music and track production.

INTERVIEW: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: 40 Plus

Rugged rythmic rhyme with a taste of alpha numerial ultra mental euphoric metaphoric illed out, not your commercial blah blah blah blast it sick like Halo reminicent of Pac-Man, raw like sushi 21st century Galaxan, on wax man… spun funky jazzbeaty like The JB’s 151 proof with a twist… MRC catches up of with Sleye Kooper of Shadowpact and it goes like this…

MRC INTERVIEWS SHADOWPACT

Q. MRCPROMO: Peace Sleye Kooper what’s good and where are you from?
A. SHADOWP: I am proud to say I was born and raised in Louisville Ky.

Q. MRCPROMO: What was your first memory of hip hop culture?
A. SHADOWP: Man that’s a tough one, I’d have to say when I was around 6 years old my brother would always blast Dr Dre and Eminem in his car and I fell in love with it.

Q. MRCPROMO: When did you start MCing/rapping?
A. SHADOWP: I started rapping when I was like eleven but didn’t really take it serious until I was like seventeen.

Q. MRCPROMO: How would you describe your style of rap?
A. SHADOWP: I would say it’s a fun, gritty, style with a lot of punchlines and references.

Q. MRCPROMO: Who produces your beats?
A. SHADOWP: I actually have had the pleasure to work with a lot of dope producers in the city such as Dr Dundiff, Stsy, Filthy Rich and the Brunette Bomber herself Artemis the Archer.

Q. MRCPROMO: Your favorite hip-hop artist(s)?
A. SHADOWP: I could go on for hours on this question so I’ll just name a few, MF DOOM, Mos Def, Guru, Aesop Rock, and Vinnie Paz.

Q. MRCPROMO: If you could collab with any one who would it be?
A. SHADOWP: Wow these are hard questions, one of my all time favorite rappers is MF DOOM and if I had the opportunity to work with him I would do it in a heartbeat.

Q. MRCPROMO: What do you do outside of hip hop any hobbies?
A. SHADOWP: When I’m not rhyming I like to play video games and go drinking, most of the time it’s a mixture of both.

Q. MRCPROMO: What advice would you give to up and coming rap artist?
A. SHADOWP: Don’t give up, every time you write a rhyme you get better, try to network with other artists and build a relationship with like minded people who want the same thing as you and work with them. It’s hard to do this hip hop stuff it’s even harder to do it alone.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any last words or shout outs?
A. SHADOWP: I want to give a shout out to my label Little Heart Records for holding me down and always having my back. And to you guys for this interview thanks homies.

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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ARTICLE: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Shadowpact

All of the singles issued from one of the most legendary debut albums in music history, “Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde”, are presented here as a deluxe 45 box set.
Bizarre Ride II The Singles Collection contains the singles issued from Bizarre Ride in full color jackets. Each of the seven singles included in the set are in a different colored vinyl pressing.

Originally released in November 1992, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde emerged at a time when gangsta rap dominated what people were hearing, seeing and buying, especially on the West Coast. The Pharcyde’s refreshing sound – lively, humorous and inventive lyrics over lush, jazzy productions –changed hip hop’s trajectory and influenced a generation of artists. “Bizarre Ride” helped establish a new alternative scene on the West Coast, paving the way for artists such as Hieroglyphics, The Coup, Jurassic 5 and many more.
Over the years, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde’s status has grown to that of a five-star classic, beloved by critics and fans alike. Pitchfork named the release one of their “Top 100 Favorite Records of the 90s” and even The Source, who gave the release a mere 3 1⁄2 mics in their initial review, included the record on their listing of 100 Best Rap Albums.

Tracklist:
1A. Ya Mama (Single Version)
1B. Ya Mama (Acapella)
2A. Ya Mama (J-Swift Remix)
2B. Ya Mama (J-Swift Instrumental Remix)
3A. Soul Flower (Remix) (Single Version)
3B. Soul Flower (Remix) (Acapella)
4A. Passin’ Me By (Single Version)
4B. Passin’ Me By (Acapella)
5A. Passin’ Me By (Fly As Pie Mix)
5B. Passin’ Me By (Fly As Pie Instrumental) 6A. Otha Fish (Single Version)
6B. Otha Fish (Acapella)
7A. 4 Better Or 4 Worse (Single Version) 7B. 4 Better Or 4 Worse (Acapella)

Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde – The Singles Collection Music Box

Label Contact Info:
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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ARTICLE: KAY-DEE
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Bizarre Ride II

MRC INTERVIEWS IGNITE DESIGNS

Q. MRCPROMO: Peace Ignite Designs, thanks for taking the time for the interview. Can you tell us about your background? Where are you from?
A.IGNITE: I was born and raised in The South Bronx. I grew up in Patterson projects on 142nd and 3rd Ave.

Q. MRCPROMO: How long have you been in graphic design and illustration?
A. IGNITE: I’ve been drawing since the age of nine, I started graphic design in 2006 in an art program at Bronx Community College. I wanted to learn animation to bring my characters to life.

Q. MRCPROMO: How has your style developed since you first started?
A. IGNITE: My style has developed into a professional format since I took those classes back in 2006. I always had skill but my professor’s taught me how to clean up my style and make it stand out. I still do hand drawings but now I improve the imperfections with digital graphics on certain pieces.

Q. MRCPROMO: Can you walk us through your creative process from beginning to end? How does your artwork go from an idea to final image?
A. IGNITE: My creative process is simple, I find inspiration through music and situations I see people go through. I’ll play my favorite hip hop artist and what ever mood the song puts me in brings images and ideas to my mind. I start with a sketch keeping in mind the message I want to send, to see if my hand can copy what my mind has in it’s vision. Then I build on top of the sketch layer by layer improving line and curves with an ink pen to it’s perfection or close as possible. When Im satisfied with the inked drawing I color the picture to bring it to life. Depending on the situation I might bring the picture into a digital art program and clean up some more. I like to color my art work, colors is what draws people’s eyes to the image. Then I frame it and show it the world.

Q. MRCPROMO: What are your favorite tools of the trade?
A. IGNITE: Alor of artist use special expensive tools to get their art work done. I use a regular #2 pencil and a ball point pen for the begining process. Depending on how I feel I might use markers or color pencils. When working on large canvases I’ll use spray paint and markers to create the art work.

Q. MRCPROMO: What or who inspires you to create artwork.. is there someone you look up too for inspiration?
A. IGNITE: When I was little my moms took me on the six train to go down town. In the 80′s all the trains had graffiti on it, murals and tags. I remember one of those trains had smurfette painted on the side of it. That inspired me to draw, watching that train role in the station with cartoons on it was amazing. You can say comic books and Bronx graffiti is what started me drawing. When the trains became clean and all those writers hit the streets in the 90′s it kept me at it. Even to this day the murals that FX crew and TATS crew do are inspiration for me. Both crews helped me to increase my style, I would stand in front of their walls for hours and just stare and learn. That was before college.

Q. MRCPROMO: Recently you released a comic book can you tell us about that project, and where can we purchased it? Will there be a follow up?
A. IGNITE: My comic book is called Determination, its about a graffiti writer who is strictly out for fame until the troubles of his life causes him to become a super hero. He wears a gas mask to hide his identity and a book bag full of graffiti tools to put fourth his message while he fight injustice. You can find my comic book on lulu.com , just type Determination by Tori Harris. Im working on book two now which should be released March 2016. Yall should check for that.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any other works you’ve released in the past or published we should know about?
A. IGNITE: I did an album cover for Circa 95 Reph Star and Patty Dukes for a song called Black Suit it on their free lunch album. I just put out a t- shirt this past summer with my logo on it. That logo is actually the gas mask on my comic book character. Which was to tie the comic book and t- shirt together.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any advice you could give someone starting out in Illustration? What are some requirements they should know about?
A. IGNITE: My advice is stay focused, write down all your goals and then accomplish them one at a time. Put yourself in a position where you can do what you love and get paid for it, but keep God first work hard and stay consistent. In order to chop down a tree in takes several hits with an axe the tree don’t fall on the first hit.

Q. MRCPROMO: Shouts or last words?
A. IGNITE: I would like to give a shout to my wife “Feenix Flames“, she’s a poet from The Bronx and my daughters “Beautiful Gift” check out their Youtube channels.

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website | twitter | Instagram

Stay connected to MRC Promotions for the latest information & news.

INTERVIEW: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Ignite Designs

Coalmine Records is pleased to offer the Untagged/No DJ version of ‘Phazed Out,’ produced entirely by Australia’s Aria award winning M-Phazes. This iTunes-only release serves as a collectible alternative to the inaugural, February 14th mixtape-edition, which is mixed by DJ Rhettmatic of the World Famous Beat Junkies. This version is accompanied with an ‘album only’ bonus track of “Holdin’ It Down”, featuring Emilio Rojas and soul singer, Rich Rivera.

Phazed Out breathes new life into many of the boutique label’s previously released material, showcasing M-Phazes signature use of soulful melodies, coupled with loose, smacking drums. This fast-paced mix includes an impressive roster of guest features that epitomize the climate of today’s underground hip-hop scene, such as Heltah Skeltah, Saigon, Inspectah Deck, CL Smooth, Emilio Rojas, Skyzoo, Sadat X, El Da Sensei, Termanology, Bekay, DJ Babu, Torae, Brown Bag AllStars, Chubb Rock, DJ Revolution, Mela Machinko, Krondon, Phil The Agony, Mista Sinista, J-Live and more. The album is reminiscent of the mixtape-style album, circa both the Soundbombing volumes (Rawkus Records) and Beat Junkie’s mixtape series that reigned supreme during the late 90’s.

With this release, M-Phazes continues to prove why he is one of the most burgeoning and versatile producer’s on the scene today, boasting a discography that includes track placements with the likes of Eminem, Kimbra, Sean Price, Pharoahe Monch, Amerie, Talib Kweli, Mann, Slaughterhouse, Redman, Bliss n Eso and more. The former champion of Sha Money’s 2008 One Stop Shop Producer’s Champion proves that no matter where you’re from, you can make an impact on the rest of the world…good gracious!

M-Phazes “Phazed Out” (Untagged/No DJ)

Track Listing:
1. “M-troduction” (feat. Emilio Rojas)
2. The Raw (feat. Saigon, Inspectah Deck & Bekay)
3. All Out (feat. Big Noyd Phil The Agony, Krondon & Mista
Sinista)
4. Underground Railroad (feat. Famoso, Termanology,
Shabaam Sahdeeq,Phantasm, Chubb Rock & Sadat X)
5. I’m The Reason (feat. Bekay)
6. Midnight Madness (feat. Heltah Skelah)
7. Another Classic (feat. Burke & Torae)
8. Perfect Timing (feat. CL Smooth & Skyzoo)
9. Brooklyn Bridge (feat. Bekay & Masta Ace)
10. What It’s All About (feat. Brown Bag AllStars)
11. 2 The Death (feat. El Da Sensei & Mela Machinko)
12. Super Good (feat. J-Live)

Label Contact Info:
Twitter | Facebook | Website

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ARTICLE: Coalmine Records
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: M-Phases

From the Kendrick joint to touring with Earl and teasing what seems like a monster R&B album with
Anderson. Paak, Knx’s efforts are reaping some beautiful fruit. This doesn’t mean the young prodigy is
letting go of old ways.

Today he just let loose a buckshot, a two-for-one remix track featuring heartfelt verses from GFK and Boy
Sand airlifted to the soul-soaked beats in the wide world of Knx. The Ghost joint is vintage, but I think the HBS
bars may be exclusive to the newest edition of Hexual Sealings, which is rumored to be making its way to cassette.

by Sweeny Kovar

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Twitter | Soundcloud | Website

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ARTICLE: IndieShuffle.com
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Knxwledge