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New Orleans Hip-Hop for Hope:
Masters of Ceremony & Music Groups
Raw Dizzy:
Years of Participation: 2007, 2008
Website: www.rawdizzy.com
Representing: 9th Ward, Downtown New Orleans
Dizzy AKA Raw D.I. has already proven himself as an establish rapper among the streets of New Orleans. Having gained the support of New Orleans from Uptown to Dowtown, Westbank to the East, Dizzy is setting his sights on other cities in the region and around the country.
Dizzy recently opened up shows for Jim Jones, Juvenile and Rich Boy. He has performed frequently with Young Money Entertainment on such tours as the Nelly Ville tour in 2003, The Georgia Power Tower featuring Young Jeezy, T.I., and Lil Wayne in 2005 and the Young Money Entertainment tour in 2006. When Dizzy isn't touring across the country you can find him recording and performing in his hometown, using his talents to give back to his community through benefit events like Hip-Hop for Hope, raising over $6,000 for a recovering school in the 9th Ward. Dizzy is a reoccurring performer at the New Orleans House of Blues, The Venue, Caesar's, Club Dreams, and other clubs located in Baton Rouge, Houma, and Hammond Louisiana.
Dizzy is affiliated with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment and P.C.O. (Paper Chasin' Organization), a label that he co-owns and runs with DJ Raj Smoove. He was the first in New Orleans to turn mix tapes into albums. He has since released 6 mix tapes/albums, 1000 Miles to Downtown, Best of Dizzy AKA Raw D.I., Unload, Reloaded, The Raw, From the Ground Up, and is currently working on his seventh album, "On the Inside Looking Out".
Dizzy possesses a mature street sound and his new album features hip-hop influences with contemporary style that is continuously redefining the New Orleans hip-hop genre. Dizzy's new album, dropping August 25th, has already created a buzz of anticipation around the streets of New Orleans surrounding the singles "Sit Still", "Yeah Trick" (remix) ft. Lil Wayne, and the highly anticipated song, "Change".
ReBirth Brass Band:
Years of Participation: 2008
Website: http://www.myspace.com/rebirthbrassband
Representing: New Orleans Brass Bands Forever
Live @ Essence Fest 2008
Simply put, The Rebirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. Rebirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world’s top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, “…it’s clear that Rebirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat (July 2001).” With its latest release – Rebirth For Life – the band has delivered its best studio album in years. As 2008 progresses, Rebirth Brass Band is continuing with their relentless touring schedule to all parts of the world. The New York Times has noted Rebirth’s sound, saying: “Rebirth can be precise whenever it wants to, but it’s more like a party than a machine, as minigroups form and dissolve at any moment.” The invigorating music that sounds so spontaneous is the combination of natural born talent, dedication, spirit and a complete immersion in the New Orleans street tradition.
Dee 1:
Years of Participation: 2007, 2008
Website: www.myspace.com/dee1music
Representing: New Orleans & Baton Rouge Public Schools
SORRY WORLD, but Dee-1 does not fit into a box….. He is a college graduate and a middle school teacher. He is a product of New Orleans East and grew up entrenched in all the street elements that trap so many of his kind. He is one of a small number of hip hop artists that can make music that is thought provoking and lyrical while still appealing to the masses. Most of all, Dee-1 is Dee-1. His motto is “I AM WHO I AM.” He grew up like most New Orleanians, idolizing No Limit and Cash Money Records, as well as rappers like Nas, DMX, and Tupac. After starting college, Dee-1 switched his passion from basketball to rap, and he has not looked back since. “I’ll be honest, no one has ever represented New Orleans like I will. I’m rapping to entertain, influence lives, and help my people-- I’m not doing it for any selfish reasons. Honestly, real recognizes real, that’s why REAL people feel my music… black, white, young, old, whoever!” -Dee-1 His N’awlins accent, educated rhymes, clever metaphors, and catchy hooks have quickly made Dee-1 popular in clubs and on the streets in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. He has developed a reputation as a phenomenal lyricist and performer. His most recent street album/mixtape, “I AM WHO I AM,” has listeners everywhere buzzing, and his song “Priceless” has received charted radio play….. all due to his grinding and his “One Man Army” mentality. “Ask anybody… my best song is ‘One Man Army.’ I can’t wait until the world can hear my songs like that because that’s the type of music EVERYONE can relate to.” Dee-1 has been featured on the Pepsi Mic Smash video, the popular Kush DVD, the popular Katrina tribute video “Freedom Land,” and he has been crowned the Seagram’s Gin Talent Showcase Champion. Recently, Dee-1 delivered an unforgettable performance in front of a stadium full of fans, while opening up for Atlantic Records recording artist, Musiq Soulchild. While Dee-1 is most definitely the new voice of a new movement and the new face of the new, New Orleans. “God by my side, so no man can harm me, this is the story of a One Man Army.” And the battle continues…..
TRUTH UNIVERSAL:
Years of Participation: 2006, 2007, 2008
Website: www.truthuniversal.com
Representing: New Orleans Underground, Grassroots Hip-Hop
With his political messages and lyrics practically being the polar opposite of the bling-rap from his mainstream counterparts at Cash Money Records, Truth Universal belongs to the lesser-known alt-rap underground in New Orleans. Originally born in Diego Martin, Trinidad, Tajiri Kamau moved to the Big Easy in 1977 at age four. Initially wanting to DJ, he dove head first into hip-hop culture in the mid-‘80s. His parents' tastes in political reggae and calypso, including that of Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, and Bob Marley, informed his hip-hop collection and guided him towards artists influenced by the Islamic Five Percent Nation. Truth's career began underground, dropping several low-key, street releases, like the "Dashiki Dialogue" (2000) 12"/maxi-single and the EP Plantation Graffiti (2001). When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, he was forced to relocate to Houston, TX. The political fallout and the strain in race relations within the city in the storm's aftermath greatly agitated Truth, whose Afrocentric rhymes from thereon took on a more direct and decidedly pointed character. While he was preparing to release his debut LP, Decolonization, he happened to cross paths in early 2006 with like-minded Bay Area MC Paris, who invited Truth to join his Guerilla Funk imprint. The Decolonization effort was pushed back to late 2008, however he wound up releasing the album Self-Determination as his debut on Dragon's Breath Records in April of that year. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide
Know One:
Years of Participation: 2006, 2007, 2008
Website: www.myspace.com/mcknowone
Representing: Uptown New Orleans
It's almost de rigeur for post-Katrina local artists to talk about What Happened—to them, to their people, and to the city in general, naturally delivered with a healthy dose of What It All Means. That's certainly the case for members of the hip-hop community, and even moreso for one of indie label Media Darling's biggest stars. Social conscience and intelligence are expected. "By day, he spends his time rebuilding the city," proclaims the CD's booklet, as if Know-One was some sort of superhero. But it's really hip-hop he wants to save. The 23 concise tracks on this, his first disc since the tragedy, are divided into past, present, and future ruminations, and it's no coincidence that he spends almost twice as much time talking about the classic days of the genre. Being underground and old school is still his main, not-so-secret identity.
As such, there's a strong R&B flavor running through Know One's Home, as if he and virtual knob-twirler Quickie Mart realized that familiarity equals calm. The sound is just angular and jazzy enough to qualify as collegiate, but breaking new sonic ground isn't as important here as quiet reflection, as if this was a musical version of a Road Home hearing. Yet to this MC, the souls of his fellow DJs seem more in danger of decay than the Crescent City, so when Stanton Moore pops up on "Savali… It's Complicated" and all of Galactic joins in on "Too Much," it's less a gambit for musical community than a realization that popping up inadvertently in the musical mainstream carries its own special responsibilities. By day, he rebuilds the city… by night, he becomes Know One, groove vigilante. Few rappers of any scene can pull that one off.
Soul Rebels Brass Band:
Years of Participation: 2006
Website: www.soulrebelsbrassband.com
Representing: New Orleans Brass Band Funk & Hip-Hop
Imagine blending the sounds of Mardi Gras funk, soft rock, and reggae so seemingly it defies category. Now shrink that idea into a eight-piece ensemble, add a hip hop sensibility plus a hundred years of New Orleans jazz tradition, and you’ll get the Louisiana sound known as the Soul Rebels. This shrewd crew of college trained multi-instrumentalists are forcing listeners to “Let your mind be free” as they “Work it out” on the dance floor. There music is utterly uplifting and hard core leaving fans with a myriad of intrinsic sounds and songs to enjoy.
The Soul Rebels were destined for success. After parading around the streets of New Orleans in the traditions of the second line and jazz funerals, the Soul Rebels began their professional debut with the famed Neville Brothers in New Orleans at the Hot Spot Tipitina’s! The Soul Rebels rocked so hard and so strong they continued opening for the Neville Brothers and beyond. The bands hard funk groove has landed them gigs as an opening act for: Bootsy Collins, A Tribe Called Quest, Better than Ezra, Counting Crows, The Fugees, Digital Underground, The Roots, Brand New Heavies, The Gap Band and Robert Plant & Jimmy Page just to name a few. The Soul Rebels have traveled the US and abroad, bringing their live and uncut rhythms as far as England, Italy, and France.
Perhaps there latest album, “Rebelution” says it all. The Souls Rebels have rebelled against the music world rapping, soul shouting, and blasting out an assault of what is, in the truest possible way, unquestionably the hottest dance sound around. Get ready to party like never before with a visit by the Soul Rebels.
Nutt Da Kid:
Years of Participation: 2007
Representing: 9th Ward, Downtown New Orleans
Nutt Da Kidd is a stand out rapper from New Orleans' Ninth Ward with an impressive and hard style . He was part of the group Sqad Up with Lil Wayne, Jay Gudda, Yung Yo, Raw Dizzy and others in which he honed his skills and payed his dues, and he continues to put out rap songs with a flavor and energy all his own. Many times wearing his heart on his sleave, you can feel the love he has for his city, the time and dedication he has put into his craft, mixed with the warnings of the deep end of the street life here in New Orleans.
Nutt da Kid was recently featured on Lil Wayne's multi-platinum selling album, "The Carter 3", contributing a verse on the popular track, "Mrs. Officer" with Bobby Valentino. He has been compared to the legendary Soulja Slim, by many, for writing rhymes that have a real and human quality to them. If you want to know what "real" means and you see him on the street, go up and ask him. Thats how real he is. -D.J. Johnny Bapo www.myspace.com/ridagangent for more info
Baby Boy da Prince:
Years of Participation: 2006 Headliner
Website: www.babyboydaprince.com
Representing: New Orleans, West Bank
Out of the West Bank of New Orleans comes the Prince of the City Baby Boy da Prince. His career began at the age of 16 opening up for No Limit Records artist Choppa. Baby Boy created a name for himself in New Orleans with a lavish on stage performances and catchy feel good records.
Then in 2004 he stepped from behind the scenes and into the spotlight hooking up with a local management company, Bosshogg Entertainment (B.G., Juvenile, Choppa). After years of hard work, Bosshogg Entertainment inked a deal with indie label Extreme Entertainment.
Baby Boy hit the road in early 2005 to spread his music and fan base further outside of New Orleans. He went on tour opening for platinum acts, Juvenile, Paul Wall, 50 Cent, and many more. Then in August 2005 Baby Boys world came crumbling down as New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina. Throughout the ordeal he vowed that he would get his life together and continue his dream of becoming one of Hip-Hops newest stars. Living in a FEMA trailer, Baby Boy began writing new material for his upcoming album. He continued to do shows in New Orleans to show his fans support.
In 2006 Q93 in New Orleans began to play his hit single The Way I Live. The single became an instant hit and in 3 weeks was the number 1 record at the station. Baby Boy had reached a new plateau and proved that his music could perform with the best artists in the country. The buzz in the city started to spill over and major labels began to take notice. Universal Republic Records jumped on the opportunity and signed Baby Boy as their premiere Hip Hop act.
Baby Boys hard work and dedication brought him out of the trials and tribulations that affected him throughout his career. His music is a testament to the revival of New Orleans and the people who live in it. NAWMEEN!
The Show:
Years of Participation: 2008
Website: www.myspace.com/theshowno
Representing: East New Orleans
The Show is one of the hottest up and coming Hip-Hop artists in New Orleans. Representing East New Orleans, the Show's mixtape features and notorious freestyles have earned him the reputation as a lyrical genius. His smooth delivery and unique style have earned him the chance to record songs with the likes of Mannie Fresh, Lil Wayne and others. Recently, the Show recorded a break through track for the Flytracks Crew Mixtape, "Promotional Use Only" with New Orleans rapper Raw Dizzy and Atlanta rapper Willie the Kid (DJ Drama's artist).
Jimi Clever:
Years of Participation: 2006, 2007, 2008
Website: www.myspace.com/jimiclever
Representing: 13th Ward, New Orleans
Born and raised up-town in the 13th ward of New Orleans, Jimi Clever has always been a step ahead of the average. The level of professionalism he presents through his cutting edge rhymes and crystal clear flow pushes him so far ahead of the competition, he leaves his audience watering at the mouth for more. Standing at only 5ft 4 with a slim frame, it is quite an experience to witness so much power and creative energy come from such a small individual. After years of experience, Jimi Clever has become well seasoned and has all the makings of a star. He has proven so by dazzeling crowds of up to1200 plus at various clubs an events in New Orleans such as the world famous House of Blues, 6 Flags, even the center stage for bayou classic right outside the New Orleans Superdome where the big game is played every year. He has won a staggering amount of contests and battles, including the 2004 AND 1 MIXTAPE TOUR, which gained him the chance to compete in the finals at the 2004 SOURCE AWARDS that year in Miami. From radio intros, on-air freestyles, to live performances, Jimi Clever has become one of the most strongly respected and saught after UNSIGNED artists from New Orleans. Journey with him as he takes you on a voyage through the colorful, creative, and emotional landscape that is his life. He is the future, he is the truth, he is the peoples champion, he is JIMI CLEVER. welcome....... to the JIMI CLEVER EXPERIENCE.
J-Dubble:
Years of Participation: 2006, 2007, 2008
Website: www.myspace.com/jdubble7
Representing: Marrero
J-Dubble represents the new movement in Hip-Hop today. Being a southern artist from Marrero, located across the river from New Orleans, He displays an old school style with a new school sound of music. Reminding listeners of the golden era of Hip-Hop when you could create any type of music and have a good time doing it.
For example: Run-DMC mixed with J-Dilla. Breaking away from the stereotypes of Southern artists in the Big Easy, J-Dubble manages to avoid the typical rhyme patterns of bling-bling, booty shaking, drug dealing, and gun-totting the latter two only happening in the movies type of music.
"Right now everyones tired of hearing about your car, how many women you have or how many guns you bust. People want music and thats what Im going to give them", says J-Dubble.
J-Dubble establishes a unique sound blending in harmonizing vocals with truthful lyrics and a style that resembles no other artist out right now. J-Dubble supplies the industry and city with a breath of fresh air with various musical influences ranging from J-Dilla to Michael Jackson.
Background by a deep voice and a passion for making good music, J-Dubbles music and lyrics tells its own story. On his brand new album, Rock-Box Music J-Dubble displays a versatility to speak on a array of topics such as being an only child to admitting his personal struggles with life. The former English major believes that artists are not being real with their fans and thats where he differs.
"Im the everyday persons rapper, I go through the same things that they go though. So listeners can relate to me and my music because Ive been in the same scenarios that they have. I think thats how I make my connection with the fans and they make their connection with me," says J-Dubble.
Also check out... MR. JAI: http://www.myspace.com/infinitethoughtsep
Nomadic Soul:
Years of Participation: 2006, 2007
Website: www.myspace.com/nomadicsoul504
Representing: Live Hip-Hop, Loyola U.
Jealous Monk:
Years of Participation: 2007
Website: www.myspace.com/jealousmonk
Representing: Loyola U., New Orleans Funk
Formed in the Wake of Katrina, Jealous Monk has quickly garnered recognition as one of New Orleans Premier Music Acts. Bridging elements of hip hop culture with the live New Orleans Gritty Funk life, Jealous Monks music is unlike any of its kind. "Jealous Monk recaptures the lost spirit of hip hop...Funkiest hip hop i've heard in a long time" Alex McConduit (CrecsentCityRadio.com) "Jealous Monks Mixture of Live Funk Music, Hip Hop swagger, and New Orleans Soul ensures that they will be here for years to come..."Tom Gentry(Edge Music) "Then, It was upstairs to check out one of the best live hip-hop acts in town, Jealous Monk. The band was on fire, with bassist Kenny Caine keeping the grooves pulsating with energy. Jermaine Quiz was all over the stage alternately rapping and cutting up the tables.I just can't say enough good things about the main MC, who goes by the name Intelligence. He freestyles better than almost anyone in town. He takes everything around him at the moment and puts it into his raps. That is no easy task, especially when most of their tunes are rolling along at about 98 to 110 beats per minute. Jealous Monk has a CD coming out soon and I have heard some of the preliminary cuts. It is smoking hot, so listen up." Kevin Oday (NewOrleans.com)
The Idea: Prior to the storm, MC Jermaine Quiz started hitting the stage at local live music venues joining Johnny Vidacovich and "The Trio" to start the Jealous Monk live HipHop Movement. The idea was to lyrically freestyle to an improvised soundtrack provided by live musicians to create a completely organic and fresh new sound complete with all the trimmings of New Orleans Funk. The idea was embraced by live music fans all around the city.
The Return: Coming back after Katrina, Jermaine Quiz wasted no time in continuing the journey to put live hip hop in the New Orleans Music Scene by continuing his interaction with premier New Orleans Musicians including George Porter Jr, Ivan Neville, Tony Hall, June Yamagishi, Russel Batiste, Kirk Joseph, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Soul Rebels, Mark Mullins and Big Sam. Fan started to take notice that these affiliations arent a passing thing and live Hip Hop was here to stay. The Monk: Today, Jealous Monk consists of a monestary of young and older faces around the New Orleans Scene committed to the fusion of Live Music and Hip Hop and the ressurection of New Orleans. Since Katrina, Jealous Monk has played countless shows all around the city as well as FEMA trailer parks and Benefits help nurture the city that they love. MC Intelligence, when not rocking crowds, is spreading the love of Music by teaching hip hop at a local New Orleans Public School.
They recently were named Where Yat' Magazines 2007 "Best Hip Hop Acts" and featured on NPRs "Morning Edition" along with Rebirth Brass Band.
5th Child:
Years of Participation: 2006, 2007, 2008
Website: www.myspace.com/5thchildmusic
Representing: Jackson, MS, Uptown, Loyola U.
From recording karaoke machine mixtapes with his brother, to dropping two classic solo albums, 5th Child has evolved into one of the Souths most groundbreaking artists. Hailing from Jackson, MS, 5th Child has risen out of the crunk nature of his surroundings, bringing political awareness, black consciousness, and raw lyricism to the Magnolia State. This artist/producer mixes poetic commentary with soulful production giving listeners an alternative to the run-of-the-mill radio hype. His latest project, True Love is already taking over stereos and i-Pods in Houston, LA, New York, New Orleans, and of course Mississippi.
AL THE KID
SIR DILLA
FUEGO
Tickets for Hip-Hop for Hope 2008 are on sale now at www.tipitinas.com
2006 Line Up:
Baby Boy da Prince
Soul Rebels Brass Band
Da Truth Brass Band
Outlaw Nation
Nomaic Souls
Media Darling Records: Know One, Impulss, Soapbox, the Able Chris
The Zoo
The Villa
Artwork Entertainment: Schola
Jimi Clever
J-Dubble
Sir Dilla
Ben Brubaker © 2007
CountryviewProductions.com