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NEW MUSIC FEATURE: ASDR Release Visuals from Album “Health, Wealth & Vibe”

By: Antonice J. - @MsJalene_Category: Features

(AllHipHop New Music Feature) Michigan’s own, ASDR (All Songs Done Right) is a Michigan-bred hip-hop duo patiently creating something fresh yet nostalgic for real hip-hop lovers and music enthusiast everywhere. They intelligently capture the pure essence of old school hip-hop, R&B, and soul with a youthful hardcore energy while using classic samples to create and develop beats for any ear’s enjoyment. It’s clear ASDR is on a mission to help bring real hip-hop music back to your speakers, one track at a time. In late 2016, ASDR released their debut mixtape, “Health Wealth & Vibe” on Soundcloud, ReverbNation, Itunes, Datpiff, and Spinrilla. As the project gained local respect, it was a vision of theirs to showcase the music visually. They then decided to began the journey to a complete visual project. “Health Wealth and Vibe Vol 1.” was created to break the mold of what hip-hop culture and music today has become. With influences from hip-hop greats like Eric B. and Rakim, KRS-ONE, Nas and Public Enemy, the lyrics reach deep within the group members, Da’Shonte Riley “Tae” and Anthony Strickland II “Strick,” to paint pictures of their circumstances– good and bad, over the years. In late March 2017, ASDR released eight videos almost back-to-back including album favorites “Family” and “All Me” to connect the music visually to supporters. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSdPaeoZ1cI] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9HDaN2MtYM] Other visuals included, but definitely, aren’t limited to a freestyle and ode to their lost community “Willow Run.” Willow Run was a bonus track that was supposed to be added to the original “Health, Wealth and Vibe” mixtape but turned into a visual project of its own. As the hometown to rapper, Strick, the Willow Run series takes you on a ride with Strick to old neighborhoods and childhood friends as they share stories and memories of what the community used to be. There is a part in the “Willow Run” song where they explain how Ypsilanti and Willow Run have different zip codes, although each city is recognized on the map as Ypsilanti, Michigan. Side note, as of 2013 the Willow Run School District was dissolved and later reestablished and combined with the neighborhood district, Ypsilanti Public School to create Ypsilanti Community Schools. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEz9ACs100g] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhIrkQ0krk] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcSGtbrXl18] The other two videos wrap around their “For the Culture” series where you get the inside of what happens when Strick and Tae get together and discuss what the culture needs and how they plan to change it through music. They go from general conversation to Strick spittin’ flows all in a 2-minute sitting. It’s a lot to take in but definitely worth the listen. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNvg959xRYU] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMT2PYDvuFU] ASDR will be releasing a few additional music video this spring in preparation for their new album “Summer Session” which is set to release in Summer 2017. ASDR is bringing real hip-hop back, and it’s a movement. Join the wave. Follow ASDR on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and visit ASDR Website for music updates and Summer Session release.

ASDR

#TheBusinessBully – The Truth About the Radio Business

By: Dave AndersonCategory: Editorial

I feel like it’s important for people to understand that I’m not just saying things for the sake of being combative. Rather, I feel that it is necessary to educate the public on the truth about the radio industry. My career in the radio industry started in 1987, almost completely by accident. I started in talk radio at the age of 9, and it wasn’t until the late 1990s that I made the transition into what is now considered “mainstream” urban radio. Nothing that I’ve written in this piece is coming from anyplace other than a place of honesty for those who are wondering about how the industry really works. The general public’s perception of the radio business is so far from the truth that it’s laughable to anyone who actually works in radio. First, if you are an aspiring hip-hop artist, it is an egregious waste of time to ask your friends and family members to call up to the radio station 50 times a day to request your song in hopes to get it played. To think that all of a sudden someone is going to put you into heavy rotation is utterly ridiculous. Even if you wind up getting into light rotation, it’s not going to be enough for you to actually make the record labels pay attention to you. On the “bright” side, there are several companies (google them) who’d be happy to take your money to get your record played on the air. But if you have anything less than a $10,000 budget, don’t even bother. Those companies have a lot of palms to grease, and they have to make a profit as well. While your record won’t be officially added into rotation, they will “spike” (play sporadically) your record. Now before you get into telling me how “illegal” that is, I want you to understand that there are businesses that basically do what COULD BE CONSIDERED money-laundering. They are “independent promotion companies” (known as “indies”) that give radio stations money for “promotions”. That way EVERYONE’S hands are clean. The record label pays the independent promotion company, who then in turn pays the radio station, who then in turn plays the record. And that is how you get around any FCC regulations or potential fines. Does this happen with every record that gets played on the radio station? The answer is of course not. However it happens a lot more than you think. If you think that Elvis, the Jacksons, or several people you listen to on the air haven’t cut a check, you’re kidding yourself. But let’s go all the way, shall we? Let’s just say you want to be a radio personality. In this climate, I don’t know how you’re going to pull it off. There was a time when you could be an intern and that was your way into the business. Unfortunately, with companies like IHeartMedia removing the option of internships in many markets, it is next to impossible for you to find your way in if you’re an aspiring talent. Also let’s just say you do get in. Congratulations! Get ready to be a puppet. Unless you’re some type of comedian, Pseudo celebrity, or washed up celebrity, There is no way they’re going allow you to be creative in any way shape or fashion. The radio industry have a thing where they do not want to cultivate or create talent that elevates itself the level of a superstar. There will NEVER be another Tom Joyner, Rick Party, Doug Banks or Russ Parr. However, there will always be plenty of Rickey Smiley’s, DL Hughley’s and Steve Harvey’s. DJ Khaled is an anomaly who will never be duplicated. The funny thing (no pun intended) is that these same radio companies (who are in many cases) struggling to maintain relevance will give people who have the slightest level of celebrity (but little to no actual training or radio skills) the ability to do whatever they want. These “talents” can show up late or not at all without regard to the amount of money it costs the company or its impact on producers and cohosts. (That’s not calling anyone unprofessional. I’m only talking about what I’ve seen with my own two eyes). If a full time radio talent asks for resources to improve their show (like a producer or maybe someone to videotape moments to send out for press or awareness like The Breakfast Club), they are told that there’s no money in the budget. However, there’s money to spend on things that make no sense, like TV commercials that are as archaic as a fossil, or a fleet of promotional vehicles which don’t get used (except for making appearances at sporting events or concerts or the same tired nightclubs). The object of the game for most radio companies is to keep talent in a certain arena. They don’t want to get them to be too large. Because if you create a radio start, then you have to pay them and worse yet, you have to deal with their ego or run the risk of them leaving your station for greener pastures. To be fair there are some great people who are Programmers like Hurricane Dave in ATL or Derrick Brown in Chicago who encourage talent to go for it. Unfortunately, those programmers are rare. Most companies want you to talk about the same things and do things the same way. If you have creativity, it will most likely be wasted. Oh! How could I forget about the voice tracking (pre recorded and canned shows that are piped between pre-programmed music)!!! 90% of the average radio talent staff isn’t live or local, making the job pool even smaller for potential air personalities. It’s easier to pay a great talent like my good friend T-Roy (who is on in so many markets that I can barely count one) salary, instead of paying 40 full time people 40 sets of salaries and benefits. Think that radio is a great way to advertise your business? Think […]

#AHHPowerfulWomen: Universal Hip-Hop Museum’s Renee Foster Reminds Us To Win Each and Every Day

By: Antonice J. - @MsJalene_Category: Features

(AllHipHop Features) Renee Foster is a nimble results-driven public relations and marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience in performing arts, entertainment and currently new media. Experienced in developing comprehensive communication strategies and event solutions that advance goals and improves efficiencies is her forte. A creative communicator well versed in consumer behaviors, trend spotting, and cultural marketing, with specific attention to tone, messaging and outcomes is her strength. She is a former lifestyle magazine writer/editor, and is adept in event planning as well as content creation. As an influencer, it is her passion to shape conversations, amplify the positive impact of technology on a changing multicultural landscape that have an impact on communities and culture. Her mission statement is: “Winning hearts and minds, one at a time.” As the current Chair of Fundraising and Development for the Universal Hip Hop Museum, Ms. Renee Foster truly has a passion and values the culture that is Hip-Hop. With the opening of the Universal Hip Hop Museum around the corner, it was great to catch a moment or her time to connect about her work and her motivations to continue to embrace her power. AllHipHop: Explain what your job entails:   Renee Foster: I’m responsible for capital campaigns that raise funds for the creation of the future Universal Hip Hop Museum in addition to developing strategic alliances with the arts/entertainment, business, and academic communities. AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties:   Renee Foster: What I enjoy most is celebrating the legacy and impact of Hip Hop culture with others that feel as passionately about it as I do. It’s even better when that passion is coupled with financial support for our mission to create the next great museum in NYC. AllHipHop: What is the hardest part:  Renee Foster: The hardest part is bringing about a consensus when there are lots of opinions. It requires the ability to listen carefully, a willingness to address all concerns and to diplomatically forge agreements that satisfy a mutually agreed upon goal. AllHipHop: Can you describe a moment of adversity personal and in your career?  Renee Foster: There were times early in my career when I was insecure and my confidence in my abilities wasn’t what it should have been. I realize now, that this is a fact of maturity or a lack thereof. There are decisions I made then, that I would not make now. And I’d be a bit less cautious and a lot braver. It takes a lot of personal growth to self-assess and to acknowledge these facts. AllHipHop: What keeps you from giving up?  Renee Foster: I’m too intellectually curious to not engage in the world around me. The reality that Hip Hop has become the predominant youth culture worldwide and the fact that we are 3-4 generations deep into it and still growing. It excites me. AllHipHop: Who inspired you to become a leader or boss?  Renee Foster: I’ve had the opportunity to observe a lot of women lead as bosses. Some have mentored me and I’ve had the honor of working with some of them. Their successes have inspired me to take on new challenges and always set new goals for myself professionally. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life?  Renee Foster: I make it a point to give myself some quiet time. I’m never too busy that I can’t check in with family. And I prepare and share Sunday dinner with friends & neighbors potluck style on a fairly regular basis. These simple things give me balance and keep me connected to people that I care about and that love me. AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun?  Renee Foster: Traveling is my jam! I love exploring new cities, new cultures & cuisines. I also love to escape to the movies preferably alone, whenever I can. It’s usually an independent, foreign or art house film. And I want to be anywhere where skilled musicians are playing live music! AllHipHop: Please provide what it means to you to be a powerful and influential woman in the urban music and hip-hop industry.  Renee Foster: To me, it means that I get to be the “keeper of the flame.” All too often women’s contributions to arts and entertainment are ignored, erased or invalidated. Our efforts behind the scenes have built careers that have made millions for others. By continuing to do the work that I love, there’s a young woman or girl somewhere that will be inspired by the example I’ve set. AllHipHop: Final Thoughts or words of advice?  Renee Foster: Surround yourself with people you respect and admire. Don’t allow yourself to become jaded or cynical, it will drain all the joy out of living. Above all else, be grateful that you have yet another chance to win each and every day.  

Renee Foster

#AHHPowerfulWomen: HOT97’s Music Executive, TT Torrez Describes the Importance of Enjoying the Process

By: Antonice J. - @MsJalene_Category: Features

(AllHipHop Features)  “Being focused on success wasn’t a choice it was a need. It was literally a need to succeed.” -TT Torrez Within minutes of our call with Music Executive, TT Torrez, we felt the vibe and an understanding of the grit and determination that this powerful woman embodied. The multi-media personality and music executive at HOT97 humbly made it clear that she’s worked very hard to be where she is. From a rocky start, being on her own since she was 14-years-old, she dealt with the harsh realities of many inner city kids. It wasn’t until she got to college that she discovered her love and passion for radio. Torrez made it her mission to make her way into the radio world and locked in her first professional role at WCHH Hot 92.7 in Charlotte, NC as a part-time radio host. She then moved further south to WSSP Power 94.3 in Charleston, SC to be a midday personality and producer for the esteemed Russ Parr Morning Show. After her time at The Russ Parr Morning Show, she spent four years traveling for Music Choice, writing and producing for television shows, and hosting on-camera interviews with celebrities. She even found time to work weekends as an on-air talent for the legendary WUSL Power 99 in Philadelphia. Torrez worked full-time as the afternoon personality and Music Director for WCDX iPower 92.1 in Richmond, VA prior to moving to New York’s Hot 97. Given her humble beginnings, Torrez ensures that she makes time to give back to the community through philanthropic efforts including her “Pink Birthday Party” charity event benefiting breast cancer research and the “I Will Wait Until I Graduate” campaign which was founded by Torrez to encourage young girls to graduate before parenting a child. Torrez recently received the award for “Best Community Service” from the VA Association of Broadcasters for her “Prom-A-Thon” campaign that provided over 500 girls with prom dresses, make-up and hair to attend their high school prom. Despite being an exclusive media source in her own right, Torrez has also been featured in various media outlets including The Source, Star, and VIBE magazine, television’s Nancy Grace, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and blog sites like necolebitchie.com, bossip.com, and globalgrind.com. She also continues to cover the red carpet at the MTV VMA’s, the BET Awards, the BET Hip-Hop Awards and The Grammys. Ms. Torrez says the radio world can be a bit of a “boys’ club,” but through hard work, knowing what she wanted and successful networking, she’s managed to land her dream job. With the hustle and bustle of curating what hits the HOT 97 air-waves, AllHipHop got a few moments of her time to discuss her world as a female music executive: AllHipHop: Please explain what your job entails: TT Torrez: I am responsible for developing, coordinating, and supervising all music programs, production and overall day-to-day operations of the station. I also plan and produce special musical concerts and/or workshops and coordinate fundraising efforts. The main job of a radio station’s Music Director is to find the right music for the station, but it’s more complicated than just picking quality music.  It’s making sure out of the music that’s available to us, we’re finding the right music our audience wants to hear, which generates the best ratings, which in turn helps our sales department sell airtime.” AllHipHop: What’s the most enjoyable part of the job and your duties? TT Torrez: Interacting with the community AllHipHop: What is the hardest part: * TT Torrez: Balancing work life and personal life AllHipHop: Do you remember and can describe a time of adversity in your career? TT Torrez: I remember the first time I got fired from my first radio gig. It was in Charleston, South Carolina, and I was producing The Russ Parr Morning Show. The company said they were selling their station and as of tomorrow, you no longer have a job. I remember crying wondering what I was going to do. I wasn’t making that much money, but one thing I’ve always been good at was networking. Russ Parr and I became really good friends –he became a mentor to me, and I told him ‘Hey I’m out of a gig,’ and he said there weren’t any positions available, he created an opportunity for me to connect with the program director and see what happens. So I packed up my Honda Accord, put my furniture in storage and drove to D.C. This taught me that you really have to humble yourself and be open to doing other things. I went from literally having nowhere to stay to gaining a great gig in Connecticut. You have to go through the trials and tribulations to get to where you want to be. AllHipHop: How do you express the pride of being a woman of color in the industry, being humble but owning your position and how does that transpire within the music and entertainment industry? TT Torrez: I mean, it’s very easy to get lost in this business. You have to be strong-minded and have a strong personality. Black women already face so many stereotypes when it comes to reality television and from what others perceive us to be. I think for me it was all about me being authentic to who I am…and I had a lot of people on the way that tried to change that or turn me into things that I’m not. I always had to stay strong to who I am while still maturing. You can’t get caught up in what this industry can do to you. You always have to strategize and not always wear your heart on your sleeves. You are smart and you can be on the same level as men. AllHipHop: How do you balance work and personal life? TT Torrez: I definitely I have the situation, but I have a 6-year-old son and I raise my nephew, and you really have to find what you want and how […]

Torrez

#AHHPowerfulWomen: Music Executive, Kelly Jackson Proves That the Grind Shall Set You Free

By: Antonice J. - @MsJalene_Category: Features

“If you do the work and the grind, the person that you want to talk to is going to find you” –Kelly Jackson Very early on, music executive, Kelly Jackson, also known as Kelly Kinkaid, understood her purpose. When taking the leap of faith into the entertainment industry, she made the decision to never compromise who she was or take shortcuts to get to where she wanted to be. The Michigan native symbolizes what the power of experience, knowledge, and networking, can do to create your own lane and how always staying true to yourself is the best form of power. Through faith and fearlessness, Kelly developed an extensive resume working for companies like Columbia Records, Epic Records, TreMedia, V.Brown & Co., and StepSon Music/Tommy Boy. She’s also amassed a client list that includes the legendary Paul Mooney, Deborah Cox, Lil Scrappy, Jim Jones, OJ Da Juiceman, Saigon, Locksmith, DJ Jazzy Joyce and MTV news senior correspondent & SiriusXM personality, Sway Calloway. Jackson is currently the supervising producer for Sway In The Morning Show and Managing Partner at Overdeliver Ent. Allhiphop.com had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly about her journey through the industry with the highs and lows of owning her power, womanhood, and expertise within the intense male-dominated world of entertainment and Hip-Hop. AllHipHop: Could you describe your journey a bit? How did you get to where you are now? Kelly Jackson: Well, I’m a native of Flint, Michigan. I went to Jackson State University, which was a great experience, so I always knew more was to come in life. I had an opportunity to move to New York, although it was never in my plans– it was in God’s plan. Since I’ve always been a go-getter and entrepreneur at my core, I got a full-time job and juggled multiple record labels internships when I first moved to New York, just for the experience. One thing I had to realize on my journey was to understand that it’s not a sprint, but it’s a marathon and when I finally realized that and understood everything happens for a reason…I was good. Today, I know I am still a student and still learning, but everything I’ve experienced on this journey has made me who I am. AllHipHop: What was your childhood like and how do you feel that prepared you for this career? Kelly Jackson: Being from the midwest, I believe we have the best ears because we are able to embrace music from all coasts without being bias, plus we bring the soul. But just particularly where I’m from, I was able to have a balanced life. I came with a different lens. AllHipHop: Throughout your career, can you describe a moment adversity? Kelly Jackson: Everyone deals with adversity in this industry, but for me, it happened when the change of the label structures occurred. The jobs weren’t as plentiful and that made the record industry not as fun anymore for me because it became more competitive. So, I left New York with the intention of going to law school and started working in radio in Flint, MI as an on-air personality. I did begin to miss New York. I loved it there and loved the music industry on the executive side. Although going back, it was a lot more competitive, leaving New York helped me appreciate the industry and the privileges I had within it. Many strive to just get their foot into the door, and it was important for me to get back and live out my dreams and aspirations I had in the entertainment industry. AllHipHop: Through that moment of adversity, or just in general, what kept you from giving up? Kelly Jackson: I’m not a quitter, and the great thing about the industry is, that there is always something, you can find to do. I am a marketer and can market an orange if I need to. People have to understand, if you want to be in the mix, there is a process to this. Many want the easy route, but I’ve always looked at the bigger picture. Some people will only look at the immediate circumstances instead of looking at the long term benefits. AllHipHop: How does family play a role in your journey through this industry? (parents, siblings, marriage, kids, etc.) Kelly Jackson: In 2011 my father was dying and I was literally home weekly. During that time, I had to truly realize that this is just a job and if the people I work with don’t get it, then I don’t need to be working there. I just made sure my work was done because nobody wants to hear your excuses. AllHipHop: No matter what the excuse is right? Kelly Jackson: Exactly. So if I have to stay up 4 hours later than the next person…then I have to do it. AllHipHop: What about any relationships? That is a major factor that sometimes women in this industry definitely have to think about. Kelly Jackson: As far as my personal life, you won’t see on my social media 50 million pics hugged up with someone, but if you respect your private or personal life, you make other people respect that side too. As women, we definitely are held at a different regard, especially when it comes to image, and significant others. AllHipHop: Do you see much woman empowerment and support within the industry? Kelly Jackson: There are pockets of supportive women. We support each other in small ways. You don’t have to be someone’s best friend to support them. You can say hey, I really liked what you said right there or anything uplifting. It’s ok to give compliments, we actually need to continue to encourage each other. We as women need to continue to be secure in ourselves and to understand what’s for you, is for you. The men do it… AllHipHop: Balancing work, family and health can be crazy especially as women, what tips would you share with other women? Kelly Jackson: On […]

#AHHPowerfulWomen