What's upper! Urban Network's Summit #14 Conference held in Palm Springs, May 5-8th is now history & if you weren't there, you really missed out. This year it was noticeable that there wasn't a packed house like years past. Record labels budgets have been cut & a lot of music industry heads are unemployed. I have to say that it was actually nice that it wasn't so packed cause it was much easier for everyone to network with others one on one. It felt great meeting new people to those that was down with me 24 years ago! The panels were well organized thanks to my brother in Hip-Hop, Jellow from Ch'rewd Mktg. & a lot of the same things were said in those panels that I've heard over & over all these years but what did stand out was this, mixshows & mixshow dj's are no longer a way to get Hip-Hop music broken on the radio. Why? Because commercial stations now provide mixshow dj's a song list of what they can play in the mix & if you want to break a new record in the mix, you can't unless it gets approved by your PD &/MD. Back in my days as a mixshow dj, the whole idea of being on the radio mixing records was to bring new life to a record via a remix & to introduce a record you felt was gonna break & mix it between two familiar hot tracks & eventually get that cut in some form of regular rotation on your radio stations' airwaves. Here in 2004, as I always believed, the tide is changing & flowing back to where records will break & that is through college radio, mixtapes & yes independant labels! So to all my dj's reporting to Rap Attack, I applaud you, thank you & encourage you to continue to be a leader in your market & really start getting even more involved in your market with retail, clubs &   most important, the streets. We also got to see an advance screening of the motion picture "Beef II" I never got see "Beef 1" which I need to now but "Beef II" kept you on the edge of your seat & also takes you back in time to the days when there was beef between UTFO & Roxanne Shante', Roxanne Shante' & the Real Roxanne, KRS-One & Nelly, Kool Moe Dee & Lovebug Starski, LL Cool J & Canibus, Ice Cube (Westside Connection) & NWA to Cypress Hill & most recently the Source Mag, Benzino & Eminem and yo, D-12 & Royce 5'9". This movie got real intense & I recommend you peep out "Beef II" once it hits your town... I want to thank from Urban Network, Miller London, A. Scott Galloway, JoAnne Gamalinda & Christina Alonzo for the great hospitality & you have my support for next years conference. I also want to thank Nathan Sheard & Sony Urban as well as Hahnsolo & Web Entertainment for their support in providing the hotel rooms for our dj's. I know times are rough right now & it always seems that college radio gets shit#ed on, but I feel very thankful to still have the relationship & backing by the labels who continue to do their best to help us. THANK YOU...

Ok, now for the bad news as our dear friend, Mike Money is no longer with Def Jam Records. Here's his official letter to me that I wanted to share with you; " It's official homie, 4 months of interning, 12 months on the street team, 16 months of running college promotion, managing street promotion staff, multitasking, graphic designing, nightclub, and mixtape servicing and on and on and on. Basically I've done it all and now its time I gracefully bow out. I came, I saw and I enjoyed. It's been a pleasure to service your panel. You are a good man in the truest sense. I will still be involved with Def Jam on the consulting tip but not doing college radio promotions. I started my own company Called Cool Kids, Inc. and after three years, I'm finally happy!!! Holla if you ever need anything & here's my updated contact info:

Cool Kids Inc
120 Wall Street, Floor 29
New York, NY 10019
ph. (877) 726 8954
fax.(212) 658 9786

 www.coolkidsonly.com

Supporting College Radio for life!!!!!!! Mike Money...                                                                                                                                                            

On a brighter note, Rap Attack's servicing with Interscope Records is about to become a reality once again! Recently I took their master mailing list & took about three hours outta my day to update their mailing list with a very up to date mailing list with the correct names, call letters, mailing addresses & contact phone numbers. Big ups to Interscope's Garrett Williams on all his help but with cutbacks going on at Interscope, Garrett's hands are full. I have been informed to let you know that if you need help with getting product from Interscope, you need to holla at Chunk effective now. You can reach Chunk at (323) 304-1311... On the new address tip, DJ Nesto aka Ernesto Acosta from WODU is now a proud owner of a new home for his family & his new address is: 900 Burksdale Road, Norfolk, VA. 23518. Please update your files & congratulations to DJ Nesto into moving into his "FIRST HOUSE EVER!!!!!"... My dawg, A to the L has relocated back from Ireland & his site www.Altrap.com is back online & running outta his new spot in Florida! If you'd like to hit him up with any new Hip-Hop news you want hype on, you can reach him at (850) 459-4286 or via email at: mail@altrap.com... This just in from DJ EQ outta WBCR; " I.Emerge won the DMC NYC 2004 Regional held at Webster Hall - his 1st battle/win of this years battle season. Among other things, this marks the 1st time that the 5th Platoon (even though we are a nyc based crew) has ever had a member that won the NYC regional. Now he moves onto the USA finals held in LA in August. Daddy Dog and Neil Armstrong were out in the crowd, and they got amped after Merge's performance. Neil threw up a water bottle, and Daddy Dog pushed one of the monitors in a bout of sheer joy. The security didn't like it too much and booted Dog. Once again, ain't no party like a 5P party. Congratulations to all the competitors.

1st Place - I. Emerge
2nd Place - Shiftee
3rd Place - Fat Fingaz

Check out the pics at http://www.5thplatoon.com. Peace, Frederick "EQ" Quijano (EQ PROMOTIONS/WBCR)... The "Beatz & Lyrics Show" hosted by Jayforce featuring DJ's Rastaroot & DJ Legacy at Atlanta's WRFG are nominated for Atlanta's Best Hip Hop Radio Program! Please Vote for their show & check them out online at: www.hhaw.com ... Darin Gloe & DJ Episode from Late Night Promotions & KDRU in Springfield, MO. had this to share with our Rap Attack readers & dj's, " You might remember the boys from K-Otix from their now classic 12”s “Do you Wanna Be an MC/7MC’s Pt II” and “Questions”. They have been steadily touring Europe and doing their thing, but they didn’t forget about the college/hip-hop crowd the put them on the map. Lending a hand is Grand Agent and Donte of Mood, hope ya’ll remember Mood. Damien takes on the production on the A-side “Hammerproof” as well as slamming it on the mic. A simple piano chop and some nice drums makes this another K-Otix style banger, of course Grand Agent and Donte can’t hurt. The b-side “Something”, Kay of The Foundation cooks up a heater of a beat. An eerie piano chops starts it off with Kay doing his thing on the mic. Mic and Damien continue the lyrical tyraid over a nice trumpet sample reminiscent of Pete Rock. This is something for your hardcore hip-hop audience or even your commercial audience, this 12” is for everyone. Some of you may have received this 12” through K-Otix themselves a while back, if so let us know…..very limited supply is available!!! Clean, Dirty, Inst, and Acc for both tracks!!! If you didn't get both records I can get you mp3s. Thank-you"... DJ Sammy Figgs (Figueroa) outta WRSU in NJ can now be heard & seen dj'ing live & in the mix at South Jersey by Seaside Heights club called, Room 112. You can get more info by logging on to the site at: www.prophetentertainment.com. Please note if you haven't already, Sammy Figgs new email address: djsammyfiggs@aol.com... " Don't trip cause WSUM will be in full effect this summer and we'll be traveling and networking at various events as the National Hip Hop Political Convention in Newark NJ, June 16th. Invited guests include Krs One, Russell Simmons, David Banner, Kevin Powell, Davey D, and many more, for more info check www.hiphopconvention.org . Also expect to see myself and a couple other WSUM heads at the Rocksteady Crew Anniversary in late July, and of course the Warped Tour. Lee will be heading to the Buffalo Bills as a wide reciever, so there's definitely cause to celebrate. I'm also preparing to drop 2 Mix CD's within the next month, one with local favorite Bro DJ of NE. Special thanks to Nes, Papa D, Alma, JJ, Rebecca, Kate & Chasekillz, Nash, Chiko, Spliff, EQ and definitely to Jessica @ Spectre. Ya'll keep this goin, and that's what's up!," David Muhammad... Edgie Kokowski from WUNH in NH gives us his latest lowdown on his best & worst story of the week:

Best news story I heard this week: That badass guy from Mississippi who gets captured and shot by Iraqis, and then busts out of their jail and runs back to safety. Awesome! The best escape I've seen since Busta Rhymes left L.O.N.S. 

Worst news story I heard this week: "Cops seize Michael Jackson's underwear". Which cop on the force gets this coveted job? If my Lieutenant came up to me any was like "Kokoski, go grab Michael Jackson's drawers", I would be like "You know what, here's my badge and gun." Because upholding the law is not that important!"...Austin, TX's DJ NickNack will be on tour with Diverse and RJD2(djing for Diverse). Here are the dates: 

5/11 Spot date in the NYC (more info TBA)
5/13 Bowery Ballroom New York NY
5/14 First Unitarian Church Sanctuary Philadelphia PA
5/15 Paradise Cambridge MA
5/16 Cabaret Music Hall Montreal PQ
5/17 Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto ON
5/18 Wexner Center Columbus OH
5/19 The Abbey Pub Chicago IL
5/20 Berbatis Pan Portland OR
5/21 Chop Suey Seattle WA
5/22 Q San Francisco CA
5/23 El Rey Theatre Los Angeles CA        

If he will be in your town and you want to get on his guestlist.call NickNack at: (512) 339-6549...Make sure you peep out my O.G. dawg's new 12" "Let's Go" (Nature Sounds) by Chris Lowe. This cat like me, reps the old school & Lowe was the first to discover the famed Skull Snaps breakbeat for the classic Stezo joint "It's My Turn" (re-popularized & sampled on Gang Starr's 'Take It Personal'). My preference is The Black Side featuring Fort Knox & Chuck Chillout which brings back the classic '88 Hip-Hop sound back to 2004! Hit up Papa-D for copies at (888) 513- 3998... I'm very excited to get an advance listen to El Gant's "The Evolution Of Execution" (Nacirema Records). The new single "All That I Got" b/w "Pressure" featuring The Plan Be has shipped to our panel. Check your mailbox & make sure you bump El Gant's ish on your ones & two's once you get it aiight... The RapAttackLives.com "Rock The Beat Promo Only Double Vinyl-Volume One" will be dropping next week! "Volume Two" will be dropping in June 2004. Deadline for Volume 2 will be May 15th. Get at me to be on Volume 2 at: nastynes1@aol.com. Here's an advanced heads up on who will be featured on our "Volume One" vinyl compilation;

STRANGE FRUIT: Strange Fruit are two emcee's, Stonehands and Ol' Soul based outta L.A.'s "818" & "213" area codes. Rhyming together as a group for the past four years, Strange Fruit describes their sound as raw & uncut Hip-Hop bordering between the sounds of Outkast to Black Eyed Peas. "We don't just use samples in our music but incorporate live instrumentation," says Ol' Soul. Strange Fruit can best be described as the neo-soul & ambience of Hip-Hop & after you peep their debut "Who Killed Hip-Hop (Gangsta's Die Young)" you will soon see & hear this group becoming the next big ish to break out big from Southern Cali!

HILL-B: Ex-NFL linebacker & former member of the Denver Broncos & Seattle Seahawks, Hillary Butler, aka Hill-B is no stranger to the mic since he was 13 years old! Just completing his 1st solo album debut as a Producer/Artist with "Different Game, Same Aim," you'll get to peep his debut single "It's A Fiesta" on your one's & two's. Unlike other kats from pro NFL & NBA status turned part time rapper, Hill-B stands out on his own & has the lyrical skills & production skills to prove others wrong as he takes his passion to full time status. Hill-B expects nothing less than the same success "off the field" that he has experienced "on the field" as he focuses on his new venture into the music industry.

SPECIFICS: Specifics is a three man crew outta Montreal, Canada with local DJ Goser from Montreal, Think Twice originally from the west coast U.S. & Golden from Vancouver, B.C.. Together as a group for four years, the name Specifics comes from attention & detail to the beats, lyrics & cuts. Already making a huge buzz & big noise in Montreal, their name speaks for itself, "Expression & learning about each other through music & making people come together & nodding heads!" Each group member's musical influences ranges from Dean Martin to Pete Rock to Busta Rhymes. Get ready as Montreal blesses the U.S. with their single, "TGIM" & the name Specifics becomes one of Hip-Hop's household names as our Rap Attack panel gets the opportunity to be the first to break & make this group!

NSS16: Get ready as these four very diverse girls (African American, Asian, Latina & White descent) hit the mic! NSS16 is their name & they've landed a sweet record deal under  record label mogul, Tommy Mattola's new label, Casablanca Records. "OopDeeWopDee" (The Remix) is produced & remixed by Grammy winner & hitmaker, Gregory Lawson and Hakeem Khaaliq. NSS16 covers it all musically when it comes to pop, Hip-Hop, r&b and soul. Rap Attack is very privileged to be picked as one of the outlets in breaking NSS16 via our loyal & dedicated Rap Attack dj's! "OopDeeWopDee" is Hip-Hop meets reggae & again, we get the opportunity to be the first to break NSS16 before this group crosses over!

J BULLY: A native of Raleigh, NC & now reppin' the ATL, J Bully's been rapping since he was in the 4th grade! "When breakdancing was the shit, I was too fat to backspin, & too broke to buy turntables so rapping became my forte'," says J Bully. Describing his sound as "Educated Thug Muzik," J Bully is a battle emcee who focuses on his lyrics but his education & street influences have made his style gutter, witty & unpredictable. Thousands of viewers have caught his lyrical skills battling on BET's 106 & Park "Freestyle Friday." Originally known as "Tha Jugganaut" then "Jugga The Bully," J decided to shorten his emcee name to "J Bully" to keep from having to whoop muthaf#cka's ass when they mispronounced his name! "Hot Shit" is the single that's gonna put this bully on the maps via college rap radio, internet rap shows & of course mixtape dj's! Watch the streets, clubs & radio react to "Hot Shit" as J Bully bullies his way onto your wheels of steel!

SHOUT OUT TIZIME: To my fam I got to chill wit' at the Urban Network conference in Palm Springs; Chill Will (WCBN), J Bully, L.A. Nevins, Jason-D (KHDC), Davey-D (KPFA), Sonny-D (Capitol), Mar & Aaron (Virgin), Ken Wilson (J Records), Mii Mii (Suspens Recordings), Chela (WXDU), Mike Jax (WKPS), Resident (WKNC), J-Tyme (X-104), Kate Wolfson (ABB), Jessica Weber (Spectre), Adrian Miller, DJ Honda, Alex Aquino (www.icandj.com), DJ Nonstop (WBBM), Tony Perez (Ground Zero), Roddy Rod, Rockbarry Benson, Big Paul (Universal), Steve Pina, Al Franklin, ET, Bruce Johnson, Rona Mercado (Mixwell), Sir Charles, Latin Prince(TVT/BumSquadDjz.com), Jeff Clanagan (Urban Works), Mc O'Roni (Cali Way Records), Hobin aka DJ Pick-One, Jellow-Solo-Big Chris-Nadia (Ch'rewd), Chris Roker (Spin Doctors), Adam Favors (Interscope), Andre "Cool Dre" McJimson (DMAFT), Laura, Carmelita Sanchez, Greg Johnson (KJLH), MC Breed, Spinderella & DJ Hideo (KKBT), Jay King, B-Mello (KEXP-KUBE), Chris Thomas (ARS), Dow Jones (X-104), Fidel Rodriguez (KPFK), Ali Shaheed Mohammad (TCQ), Echo Hattix, Kevin Flemming, Geoge Daniels (George's Music Room), Skip Miller (Panda Ent.), Greg Johnson (Genuine Rep.), Rob Z & wifey (RMZ Music), Kelly G (BET), Marv Mack (Top Notch), Survivalist (Slave Ent.), Nathan Sheard, Nick Huff & the Wylde Bunch (Sony Urban), Del, Dundee (87.7FM Da Radio Show), DJ Splif (WKRB-Sony Urban), Just-O, Sara, Meech Wells, Phillip Embuido, Eric Flores, Xzavier (Work That Sucker To Death!!!) & Rick Aaron.

PEACE, LOVE & HIP-HOP UNITY (God Bless & Isa Mahal),

Nasty-Nes

(Pinoy Pride4Life / John 3:16)