R&N - 03/28/09 - OnSmash Saturday Pt. 1

Hey everyone,

Check out this fresh joint from N.A.S.A. ft. Kanye West & Santogold. This is pretty hot. Peep game.

N.A.S.A. ft. Kanye West & Santogold - Gifted

~1~
AB

R&N - 3/27/09 - Concert Tomorrow

!!Gospel Music Update!!

Reminder: Invite from Tha Man of the Hour ~ Titus Glenn

"It's almost Here [Live Recording]. March 28 is one day away. I can't believe it. It's going to be crazy spread the word."

The Band:
Tim Clifton, Jimmy Wyatt, Robert Sput Searight, Kevin Williams

Vocals:
Sop
Shena Crain, Montwanette Beal-Taylor, Kiyoka Wilson

Tenor
Ryan Brockington, Kingsley Mcgraw, Dwight Williams, Shaun Wilson

Altos
Calvin Walker, Precious Ruffin, Theresa Harris

The doors open at 5 p.m. and the recording begins at 6 p.m. It is located at The Verge, 3838 Spur 408 in Dallas, Texas.

R&N 3/27/09 - MF Interview with DJ Pete Marriott

DJ Pete Marriott and Generation Next Radio

How's everybody doing today, I had the opportunity to talk to a very respected DJ, producer, and current host of the brand new Generation Next radio program. In the interview we discussed his beginnings in the music industry, the problems facing commercial radio, and the new and fresh approach he plans on bringing to the airwaves. He's giving out a lot of knowledge so take notes. Enjoy!


How did you get your start in the music business?

That’s a very long story that I don’t think anyone would have the patience to read so let me truncate it as best as I could. Basically I worked very hard scrubbing boats during the days and DJing one to two parties a week for an entire summer to build my own home studio, made a very strong 4 song demo cassette with my then MC, Choice Love and we shopped the demo through our managers went through a six month bidding war between Select, Profile, Def Jam, Next Plateau, Sleeping Bag/Fresh and signed a 3 album deal with Warlock/Idlers because the other labels wanted to sign us for 7 albums which was the standard deal back then. After the paperwork went through we had to go into the studio to redo the songs along with new material. I was 15 years old when I produced that record. I often wish we took the Def Jam deal but we didn’t know any better back then but I don’t regret it, you live and you learn.

As a radio personality, what do you bring to the airwaves that set you apart?

Aside from experience, I bring integrity and a true passion for the music. You’re not going to hear me spin a record that I would never play on my free time. I’m addicted to great music so you won’t worry about me torturing your ears with wack artists making horrible records. It’s not in my nature, I haven’t listened to commercial radio in ten years. The internet helps me filter out all the abuse most people are subjected to in their daily lives. Thank goodness for Comcast I’d be lost without them.

What is your opinion on the current state of commercial radio, and what would you like to see improved about it?

I think there is lots of room for improvement especially now that internet radio is becoming standard broadcast medium for people like myself. I think the programmers at the terrestrial and satellite stations are so out of touch with what music that people really want hear on the radio, that they need to hire urban specialists like myself to consult them in their music direction.

If given the opportunity I can take a dying station in a sizable market and bring it up to at least a top 5 ranking. I know how the radio industry works, but I also know what people want to hear. I’m a DJ with a Producer’s ear and I’m greatly in touch with the internet, branding and the energy that fuels it all.

The problem is the radio industry is so scared of losing sponsors right now, that they will overlook my ideas as untested or risky, but when it appears like the structure of this country is about to fall apart, I think taking a risk now more than ever is the safer thing to do. The people who program these stations forgot the most important thing about music on the radio is the music. I really can’t get too deep into it right now because your readers heads might cave in if I broke it all down but the conglomerates that own these major station need people like myself who are in tuned with everyday listeners to program these stations.

Tell us more about Generation Next.

Generation Next is going to be an innovative return to form of what a radio mix show is supposed to be. Innovative in the artists we’re spotlighting and a return to solid mixing of the music. I think radio got away from that because people got hooked on exclusives, but then the quality of the music declined when the DJs started compromising their audiences and in some cases themselves for the sake of getting put on.

We’re bucking that trend by staying true to ourselves. Like I said before, I’m not spinning music on my that I wouldn’t listen to at home or in the car or while I’m doing my laundry. Right now I’m listening to a great artist my dude D. Money who works for MySpace put me on to named Muhsinah and I’m going to let her know myself that I’m going to play her records on Generation Next.

This is the kind of passion and excitement I have for great music and I believe everyone should be aware of these artists because it would be irresponsible for me not to spread the love. So I guess Generation Next is a mix show for music lovers by music lovers. Not just someone doing it to be famous or for a lofty check.


How involved are you with creating and managing the playlists on your show?

I have number one rule and that is; Any artist, producer, manager, label or publishing company that attempts to bribe me with cash, gifts or sexual favors will get banned from my playlist for life. My two rule is no Programmer, music director or radio consultant is allowed to interfere with my playlist. My third rule is anyone, signed or unsigned can submit music to me. Just send your clean versions 320kbps MP3s to newmusic@petemarriott.com along with your bio, press photos, links to your sites and tour dates and I will listen and decide if I’m going to play it based on if I actually like it. I basically play what I want to hear on the radio.


What’s the difference between being a DJ and a radio personality?

A radio personality is a person that speaks on the mic and talk to the people a DJ is who gets on the turntables, mixes and scratches the music. I do both, so I guess I’m a DJ with a personality.

Do you prefer producing or DJing and how is the creative process different?

I became a record producer because I was a DJ first. When you’re a DJ in rap group or band you’re not only responsible for mixing the music or performing the scratches, you’re also in charge of lifting the mood through the music and how it sound. A producer does something similar when then they get in the studio except it gets more technical so to me they go hand in hand. I can’t imagine not doing either of the two in my life.



What’s the most useful tool in The Toolshed?

Right now I would say my creativity. If I can’t be creative every time I’m composing a beat or designing a synth patch, or creating a new sound by manipulating my samples, synths and microphone positions then my music would be the typical and boring stuff on the radio and I wouldn’t learn anything new.

But if you want to talk physical gear that you can relate to immediately then it would be my Numark DJ gear which is comprised of my pair of Numark CDX turntables, my Numark M3 mixer and my Numark Virtual Vinyl because when I produce my music I always have the DJ in mind first and foremost. I can quickly test my new compositions by beat juggling them, cut and scratch various parts of the song or individual instruments or vocals. But make no mistake it all comes down to having skills and the creativity to utilize them effectively.



Every producer uses samples, how do you approach sampling to bring your own fresh spin to a classic? How do you determine what part of a song you want to sample?

Wow I guess I’m going to end giving up my secret sampling weapons by answering this question. I use a few tools like Photosounder and Meleodyne to isolate and span my samples so I can get a full range of instruments and noise to compose my own original music but with that old school sampled flavor. It’s a tedious process but it’s very much worth the time and effort.

I’m also chopping and stacking drum breaks from various breakbeats and making them the backbone of my music this allows me to give my songs a true soulful hip hop sound. So many cats are relying on just sampling loops and chopping them to impress other beatmakers but I’m not beatmaker, I’m a skillful DJ, Musician, Sound Designer, Composer and a Producer. I can direct a recording session from beginning to end because I know what I want and how to achieve the sound I’m looking to create and how to work with an artist or a band in the studio. So it’s not about sampling to me it’s about making the song sound good.

What else can we expect from you and Generation Next Radio in ’09?

I would have to say a very strong return of great hip hop music and a solid infusion of other urban music genres such as Soultronica, Neo Soul, Afropunk, NuJazz, NuFunk, NuSoul, Dub, Electro, R&B, Neo Soul, 2-Step, House, Drum & Bass, Dancehall and lots of fresh sounds by the best new artists that everybody should know about. You’re just going to have to listen to the show to understand where we’re taking it.


CHECK OUT THE GENERATION NEXT PROMO.


DPT
mf3int

R&N - 03/27/09 - MF3 Exclusive Pt. 2

Hey everyone,

New joint of the day. How do you all feel it? Leave comments. Holla back.

GLC feat. Kanye West - Big Screen

~1~
AB
mf3ex

R&N - 03/27/09 - TI Jail Time Delayed

TI's Stays Out of Jail... For Now

Hey everybody,

So if you have been keeping up with the current events of TI, the judge finally gave TI his sentencing to a year in prison today. HOWEVER, due to previously agreed-upon commitments, he will not enter prison before May 19. What a break! So, he has about an extra month left of freedom... I don't know what the restrictions are up until then, but that's a lil' more time he can spend with his family.

TI also delivered an inspiring 10 minute speech to the judge that outlined his past, present and future, while stating that he is committed to turning his mistakes into positive results. Later, T.I. held a press conference where he thanked his family and all of his fans and supporters.Here is a quick clip of what went down.



~1~
AB

R&N - 03/27/09 - MF3 Exclusive

Hey folks,

I would love to know if I should love this, hate this or tolerate it. I'm torn... Sounds decent... but it's Bow... & it doesn't go hard... or does it? Help me out with this one. Comments?

Bow Wow ft. Dondria - Like This

~1~
AB
mf3ex

R&N - 03/25/09 - Evening News

Lots of interesting events recently:

Here's Long Island band, Push Play, who created a mock video for their fairly new song "Covergirl". I personally think the video is pretty amusing.



& Vote for them to win the contest on KIIS FM in California. (They're near the bottom of the left column.)

Their bulletin from this morning:
Yessssss! Middle of the week hump and anticipation for the rollllll into the weekend of fun, fun, fun! EVERYONE!!! DID YOU CHECK OUT OUR HOMEGROWN GUERRILLA STYLE MUSIC VIDEO OF COVERGIRL? We entered it into a KIIS FM contest. Here's the link: http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/breakoutstar/voting.html. Please vote for it and tell all your friends to vote for it! Would be thoroughly amazing if we won the $10,000 because every cent of it would go directly to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
PURPOSE!!!!! "

I have mentioned the Gentlemen of Honor Society multiple times during my writing for Music Forecast. In fact, my first article (last June) was about them. Well, they have recently acquired Twitters and all except Andrew Lee have their own Blogspot. Sooo, follow them! duh. ;)

Michael: Twitter (RiskyBusinessMB) & Blog
Jason: Twitter (theRoser) & Blog
Andrew: Twitter (IAMtheCOMMODORE)
Alex: Twitter (thePISTOL) & Blog

If you live in the Los Angeles area or you just happen to be there this weekend, you can win tickets to their show at the House of Blues this Saturday at 8pm. 102.7 KIIS FM is giving away tickets all week. & you shouldn't go without knowing the Honor Roll. See video. :) & learn here.

On a sad note, Stephanie M. Gotz, an original member of the Jonas Brothers' street team, passed 1 year ago today. There are quite a few videos dedicated to her. This is just one, with the very fitting song from the Jonas Brothers that they wrote for their grandmother entitled "Eternity"



Here's another video, mainly pictures. I didn't know her or get to talk to her, but I heard/read from her friends & other fans she was really fun and a wonderful friend. RIP S.M.G. "It's not Goodbye, but I know and I believe.. I will see u in Eternity."

~*Hermione*

BTW, remember to add Music Forecast on myspace & Fan us on Facebook!

R&N - 03/24/09 - TI's R2R Season Finale

Hey everybody,

You don't want to miss T.I's Road To Redemption season finale. TONIGHT AT 9:00PM ET/PT.

Pee Wee Update


Recording Paper Trail

Shout outs to T.I. Keep your head up, man. You've done a lot of good in the hood and Music Forecast salutes you, man.

~1~
AB

R&N - 03/24/09 - Damon Dash- No Money, Mo' Problems

I guess the money isn't flowing like it used to Damon Dash.

Roc-A-Fella Records and Rocawear co-founder Damon Dash has received yet another depressing issue... divorce papers from his wife Rachel Roy.

Rachel Roy, a fashion designer, filed for divorce from her husband of four years this month in Manhattan Supreme Court due to "non-monetary relief". The couple met when Roy worked for Rocawear. They got married in Mexico in January 2005 and have two daughters. I'm sure that didn't help his growing list of legal problems.

Dash once estimated his empire at "about $50 million" in New York magazine. These days that $50 million has turn into massive debt, bad business deals, and a waiting list of lawsuits.

Dash, who in 2005 sold his stake in Rocawear to Jay-Z for $20 million, owes $2 million in state taxes, and has two Tribeca condos in foreclosure. A Manhattan judge even ordered the city to seize his luxury Chevrolet Tahoe SUV last year when he couldn't make the $714.99 monthly payment. He's also being sued by law firms and landlords for not paying his bills.

"He's broke, he's got nothing left," a source said.

R&N - 03/24/09 - SXSW Coverage

Hey folks,

Check out these videos straight from the South by SouthWest festival.

88-Keys Video Performances from SXSW


Izza Kizza Video Performances from SXSW


Hip Hop walks 6th Street at SXSW

~1~
AB

R&N - 03/22/09 - Gospel Sunday Pt. 2

Hey folks,

I just wanted to drop this gem for you guys... I truly believe in this song... Check it out...

Marvin Sapp - I Believe

~1~
AB

R&N - 03/22/09 - Gospel Sunday Pt. 1

Gospel Music Sundays ~ Don't Play!

Whew--Ooooh-OOOOOHhhhh!!! (Imagine Tye Triple "T" singing)

ShhhhHH ~ It's only a rumor right now, but I'm hoping it's true.

Supposedly Kim Burrell is releasing her new album on April 7th!

I received an email from a friend of a fan organization of Kim's [on facebook I believe] that released the info this week...this is what tha source says," A credible source told me that she was in Houston, TX attending Jericho City Church this past Sunday and Kim Burrell was there. My source says that Kim Burrell then stood up and annouced that her CD will be on shelves APRIL 7th!!" We'll SEE, don't get too excited...this is only hearsay OK?? Gossip if you ask me...tha GOOD kind! lol



Try not to Go In....Trust ME!!





Mary Mary's New Vidjoe ;-)



So it's the moment we've all been waiting for since the album first dropped, M-squared has been on tha set shooting a new video for tha snap ya fingers do ya step joint ~ God In Me. I absolutely love this song, dem girls and their producers have always brought to us that music that makes ya dance while giving Him ALL the Glory! Classic Mary Mary ~ Tha SOUND. But guess what star cameos they've conjured up??? It's crazy ya'll!

Flex and Shanice (two of the most slept on artist) Mad PROPS!

Wonder if we'll see any classic Fonzy moves?? (That's right! Fonzy.)

Rapper Kanye West will be featured on the video. Remix huh?? Hmm this will be interesting!

I'm sorry but I couldn't Resist!! Hahaha...





It's da Questions...

Yep it's that time again...though I must say, I'm not hearing feedback from you guys like I should...WAKE UP SAINTS ~ this is serious FUN bizness...so back to tha script~ Listen, What do you guys think of Sundays Best winner Crystal Aikins ~ Just got the new album and I have my own thoughts about it and was wondering what your response to it has been ~ Yay or Nay?? Hit me up: cbqueen1@gmail.com



If you haven't heard it yet, here's a sample ~ Love n' Peaceful Blessings





P.S. Don't forget~ The live recording of Titus Glenn’s second album,

“The Worshipper’s Corner”, will be held Saturday, March 28.” The doors open at 5 p.m. and the recording begins at 6 p.m. It is located at The Verge, 3838 Spur 408 in Dallas, Texas. Featured artist include: Lady Michelle Nurse and Remnant, Candy West, Tha Messenger and Anointed Worshippers.