What's upper! Congratulations to 717HipHop.com & Rap Attack's own, DJ Kristyles (aka Chris Westbrooks) & his fiance', Liz on the birth of their first born daughter, Zyla Westbrooks born on July 10th & weighing in at 7lbs & 3 oz.! Chris is truly blessed & I'm so proud of him not only with his accomplishments on coming up in the Hip-Hop game but by becoming a proud new daddy cause I know he'll be a great dad! I love you fam & congratulations again. You all can hit him up online to give him his "BIG POPPA PROPS" at: djkristyles1@aol.com... KOCH Records announces the release of "Final Call," the new full-length album by the critically acclaimed former member of The Firm, AZ. "Final Call" is the follow-up to his 2002 release, "Aziatic" (Motown). A thoughtful, literate gangsta rapper in the truest of New York traditions, critics have long celebrated AZ’s lyrical prowess. Like local peers NAS and Jay-Z, not only does AZ bring intelligence to his rhymes, he also brings forth an impressive lyrical flow that further sets him apart from the flood of New York MCs fighting for survival in the crowded rap game.With a successful underground career dating back to 1995, AZ has often been linked to NAS (beginning with his career making step-out on NAS’ “Life’s A Bitch”). With Pete Rock crafting beats for him on his earlier solo outings, his career took an upswing as he joined rap super group The Firm (featuring NAS, Foxy Brown and Nature) recording with Dr. Dre and Trackmasters. Since the 1997 release of The Firm’s "The Album," AZ has released 3 solo albums that have each sold upward of 200,000 units a piece. "Final Call," AZ’s soon to-be-released effort is a rock-solid collection of material 15 brand-new joints. Things are already heating up on the first single “Talking Gangsta,” (featuring Tony Sunshine of the Terror Squad) which already started making its way onto mix-tapes... Hip-Hop heads, get ready for "FREESTYLE: The Art of Rhyme" documentary coming soon to a theater near you! This explosively documenting the world of improvisational rap and freestyle provides an authentic look into the life, music and culture of Hip-Hop in America today. Featuring Mos Def, Freestyle Fellowship, Black Thought, Questlove, Medusa, 2 Mex, J-5, Lord Finesse, Juice, Craig G, Supernatural MC and The Last Poets. This critically acclaimed film is packed with rare and archival footage of some of the most amazing hip-hop MC's ever to bless the MIC! Countering the false notions of Hip-Hop's erroneous negative and overly aggressive image, this documentary holds great educational value for "heads" as well as for those misinformed about the culture with it's intimate and honest portrayal of hard working independent artists in there quest to be the best MC. 1/2 art house cinema 1/2 underground mix-tape, a DJ plays for the audience before and after every screening; the filmmakers usually introduce the film and answer questions from the audience and there's an Open Mic and/or Cipher after every screening. This one is not to be miss! Log on to: WWW.HIPHOPFILMFESTIVAL.COM for updates and screening times or call (323) 939-6450 or (415) 305-7041for more info. You can RSVP asap to: press@hiphopfilmfestival.com to catch this Moday's, July 12th screening at NY's: Cinema Village, 11am, 22 East 12th Street(between 5th & University). Or make sure to catch "FREESTYLE" here at:

 Special Limited Engagement Opens, NYC
Fri., July 16th.,
Cinema Village
22 East 12th Street (between 5th & University)
www.cinemavillage.com

Special Limited Engagement Opens, LA
Fir., July 16th.,
Laemmle Fairfax Theater 3
Beverly & Fairax Blvd.
www.laemmle.com

Here are some of the tour dates for The Procussions, Time Machine, Insight and Edan. If any djs want to do interviews or ticket giveaways on your show, please hit up my dawg Papa-Dizzle at: papad@brickrecords.com.
DON’T SLEEP TOUR! Presented by Mixwell/Scion:
July 15@Temple Bar, Santa Monica CA
July 16@Mason Jar, Phoenix, AZ
July 17@ Blue Tribe Studio, Albuquerque NM
July 18@Emo’s Austin, TX
July 20@Echo Lounge, Atlanta GA
July 21@DC9, Washington DC
July 22@Nanci Raygun, Richmond, VA
July 23@Trinity Church, Albany NY
July 26@Toad’s Place, New Haven CT
July 27@Northsix, Brooklyn NY
July 28@Ottobar, Baltimore MD
July 29@The Fire, Philadelphia PA
July 30@The Living Room, Providence RI
Aug 1@The Middle East, Boston MA
Aug 2@Lee’s Palace, Toronto, Ont
Aug 4@TBA, Harrisburg, PA
Aug 5@Pirate’s Cove, Cleveland OH
Aug 7@Schuba’s, Chicago IL
Aug 8@ Ascott Room, Minneapolis, MN
Aug 10@ Fox Theatre, Boulder CO
Aug 11@Cervantes, Denver CO
Aug 13@ Lo-Fi, Salt Lake City UT
Aug 17@ Red Devil Lounge, San Francisco, CA

 

The Northwest Urban Music Festival will be held August 6-8 at Judkins Park in Seattle, WA. The event which is part of the northwest’s annual Umoja Family Fest African Heritage Festival will include three days of artist performances featuring national recording artists, outdoor basketball tournament, dance & step competition, urban fashion expo, Hip-Hop DJ Soundclash, MC Battle, Hip-Hop For Justice Rally & Town Meeting, participation from minority owned businesses, educational, health and youth organizational displays, an array of cultural and artistic vendors, as well as voting rights and civil rights organizations. While the focus of the event is Hip-Hop culture, the event will be intergenerational, channeling the energy of Hip-Hop into a family event. "Umoja" is a Swahili word which means "unity", is the main theme of the festival. Coordinated mostly by young adults, the Northwest Urban Hip-Hop Music Fest and the Umoja Family Festival & Parade is a shining example of youth using their creative energy to build stronger and safer communities. This years festival sponsors include Swedish Medical Center, Boeing, Muckleshoot Bingo, the Initiative Newspaper, Mecca USA, Seaspot Media Group, Links Management and Shades of Synergy. The festival’s cultural mix of music, food, vendors and activities includes something for everyone. Other attractions include Children’s Day, African Drum & Dance, Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Spoken Word & Poetry, Gospel Fest, Chicago Style Stepping In The Park, Bite of Africa, Vendor Marketplace & Community Resource Fair. An excellent vehicle to promote your business, the Northwest Urban Hip-Hop Music Fest and the Umoja Family Festival & Parade provides a number of opportunities to participate including sponsorship, exhibitor, artist showcase, fashion showcase, program advertising and more. For vendor, parade, performer or volunteer applications call 206.279.8589 or email: info@umojafestnw.com. For a full list of events and activities please visit online: www.northwesthiphopfest.com....

Here are the NATIONAL DATES FOR The Shure Inc./Vinyl Kombat DJ Battle & for more information go to: www.vinylkombat.com:
July 16: The Parish, Austin, TX
July 18: BB Kings, New York City
July 30: SomArts Cultural Center, San Francisco
Aug 5: The Showbox, Seattle
Aug. 8: Nation, Washington DC
August 19: The Metro, Chicago

You can log on now peep the Black Eyed Peas "APL Song" video at: http://www.xylophonefilms.com/bep.html or at: http://www.kidheroes.net/aplsong.htm. Make sure you put your votes in on July 26th & help us make this the #1 music video on MTV's "TRL!" Maraming salamat...

Detroit's own, King Gordy's new joint "Fat-Tastic 4" features the Fat Killahz (Fat Father, Marvwon & S. Bango) on WEB Entertainment. Here are the latest cities & dates you can catch D-12, King Gordy, Slum Village & Bone Crusher. Note if you want to get King Gordy to do an interview with you if he's in your market hit up Hahn Solo at (734) 945-5156:

Tue-Jul-13            Boynton Beach, FL             Club Ovation

Wed-Jul-14          Orlando                 House of Blues

Thu-Jul-15            Atlanta                   Earthlink Live

Sat-Jul-17             Myrtle Beach       House of Blues

Sun-Jul-18            Norfolk                  Norva Theater

Mon-Jul-19           DC                           9:30 Club

Wed-Jul-21          Phil                         Trocodero

Thu-Jul-22            Sayerville, NJ       Starland Ballroom

Fri-Jul-23              NYC                        BB Kings

Sat-Jul-24             Providence           Lupo's

Sun-Jul-25            New Haven           Toads Place

Fri-Jul-30              Pittsburgh            The World

Sat-Jul-31             Cleveland              Agora Theater

Sun-Aug-01          Detroit                   State Theater

Last Friday night both DJ Crazy Ase from Universal Records & I went out to peep once again, L.A.'s own Strange Fruit performing live to a near all packed house. Their DJ, DJ 3rd Degree surprised us all as he got in front of his cd-j's & mixer & started freestylin' over a new joint they just wrote featuring a dope sample from a Jimi Hendrix classic! Overall, this group is startin' to get a major buzz here in their hometown as well as off the Rap Attack "ROCK THE BEAT VOL.1" promo vinyl which is this weeks NUMBER ONE MOST ADDED RECORD! Here's some of the feedback we've been getting on "Rock The Beat Vol.1" from our most loyal & dedicated dj's from around the nation:

Edgie Kokoski (WUNH-NH): "Strange Fruit "Who Killed Hip Hop": I really like these cats and they have a definite hot track on this one. I'm not crazy about the singing but the production more than makes up for it. Nice industry commentary. This is the gem on here."

Chris Hodkins (KGNU-CO.): "Specifics and J-Bully get the love on the first sampler."

Jason Gloss (WOWL-FL): "We're absolutely lovin' the new Rapattacklives 12". Strange Fruit is a banger!   

Darin Gloe (KDRU-MO): "Specifics with "TGIM" is my favorite cut on this Vol. 1. Specifics seems like they have something to say and the beat hits. Thank God It's Monday is a nice switch up from the boring shit out there. Reminiscent of All Natural from Chi... J.Bully with "Hot Shit" has been doing his thing for a while now. The beat sounds like a Beatnuts produced banger. I"m feeling this cut & this is my second favorite cut on the wax. If J Bully keeps doing his thing, he will make some noise... NSS16 with "Oopdeewopdee (remix)." I wasn't feeling the original of this that I got from Universal, so I wasn't really expecting a whole lot. I throw this on and i hear Diwali, I'm like, Played out & Skip. But in it's defense, IT WILL work on mixshow."  

J-Tyme (X-104-WA): "Specifics: This track is a straight up college record. The production is nice and they really catch wreck over it... J-Bully: I've been all over this record since May. This record has the potential to be huge. Don't wait, jump on it RIGHT NOW!!... NSS16: This record will for sure hit in the club. Don't sleep on this track. These girls are really doin their thing... Hill-B: I'm really feelin the beat on this track... Strange Fruit: This cut is refreshing and it works for me. A definite
college record...

DJ X-Cell (WSIA-NY): "J.Bully - Hot Shit: Dope joint, beat is hot and and J.Bully's flow is tight."                                                                                                 

DJ Solo (WECI-IN): "Specifics-TGIM: The beat for the most part reminds me of something from the Boogie Monsters. The rap style is quick and clear. Each emcee delivers different, but lastly, I can never say "thank god for monday", I like Fridays. Dj Goser's cutting is nyce. College style... J Bully-Hot Sh*t: Surprise attack ish.. Comical rapper with a way of expression into himself. Production is nyce. Atl put yo hands up for anotha one... I want to see a video or something big out of this... Tell his peeps he is worth pushing. club material... NSS16-Oopdeewopdee: Club ish!!!, I can't describe the beat it has all kinds of ish to it. Change ups and all. Banner delivers totally different. This track makes me smile like these 4 divas are singing to me. Did I say club ish... Hill B- It's a Fiesta: The beat has the salsa/latino feel. Hill B is soft spoken. He does have club appeal, just hard to hear, lyrics are rap game material with smooth stlye. Maybe it's the production mixdown, he sounds like Shaq speaking...just don't have him scream like DMX. CLub appeal for sure... Strange Fruit-Who Killed Hip Hop: Gangsta do die young, this has a dancehall beat, if it is a live band, thumbs up to that... Any dj that listen's just once and doesn't like this for any reason, needs to relisten, cuz they speak the truth. Truth as known is, being a gangsta don't payoff in the long run, cuz your life could fall short. If they are hating on thugs, get over it, the truth hurts... Could work more in college than club, but versatile. This will conclude my long azz essay, look forward to Rock the Beat Volume 2!!!"      

Chill Will (WCBN-MI): J Bully-Hot Sh#t: "This joint is fire I'm feeling this alot!!!!!!!! The hook is dope and catchy his lyrics are on point also. This is also a certified club banger."

Rap Attack takes a "WHAT'S UPPER" look this week with: Dan Shores (WHRW-NY): "Before we get started - REST IN PEACE TO DJ SPINZ . I didnt know the guy , but from what I've heard he was a hardworking DJ and all around good dude, say a prayer for him and his family if you could please. Congrats to DJ Episode as he's going to be a proud dad. Whew, what a weekend. We started off with the four year anniversary show of Live and Direct, which i would like to thank everyone who called and showed love, Then we got a little sleep. We woke up Saturday ready to go for a barbecue that was out of control . DJ's inside and outdoors free food , free drinks and it did not end until about 3am (because of the bar closing) . The after party went on until 8am. It doesnt stop there, wake up Sunday afternoon sometime and head to Ithaca NY for the fourth. DJ Cappel and his partner Double A ( who i got the chance to tag team w/ at the barbecue) tore up this back deck party overlooking a harbor. So with all that said, I must apologize to all parties involved for my slightly tardy charts. Reorganizing about seven crates of records and recovering from lack of sleep does that to you . I have to take the time out to big up Elan at WICB , after driving around into the town and hearing what he was playing i knew i had to at least stop in and say hey. Everything from old Kane to Kurtis Blow to Whodini. Twas very nice. Semp - thanks for the help .Double J - thanks for that email - very encouraging words. : " I like what you guys are doin up there". Speaking of this area Jadakiss mentioned something about Binghamton on his album . Wonder if he's heard the show and made note of the events we do up here, I doubt it. Also, I'm trying to create an early buzz here w/ a record . I'm requesting everyone to hit off my man Pack Fm ( www.packfm.com) for his new 12". The record features production by Kno of the Cunnylinguists and also features Chicago emcee Juice. Hit him off and tell him I sent you . Thanks for your time and consideration"... Brian "DJ Wicked" Coulombe (WBRS-MA): " Howdy folks. Hope y'all had a great fourth. Just a heads up if anyone is interested, this girl Nedelle who I've been working with to release a 7" is heading out on tour beginning next week. Not a ton of dates, but it covers a good chunk of the US. Definitely check her out if you can and of course the 7" will be on sale during the tour! Dates are below and my chart for the week is below that... NEDELLE & THOM (recent signees to the Kill Rock Stars label)
July 2004
17 - Portland, OR @ Berbati's Pan
18 - Olympia, WA @ Red House (early show)
20 - Seattle, WA @ SS Marie Antoinette
22 - Missoula, MT @ Area 5
24 - Fargo, ND @ Ralph's
26 - Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock
28 - Chicago, IL @ The Bottom Lounge
30 - Easthampton, MA @ Flywheel
August 2004
02 - Portsmouth, NH @ the Red Door
07 - New York, NY @ Pete's Candy Store
08 - New York, NY @ Knitting Factory (Old Office)
18 - Houston, TX @ Proletariat
19 - Austin, TX @ Flamingo Cantina
21 - Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory/Alterknit Lounge

DJ A-Beats (WGMU-Washington, DC): "The weekend was off the hook. I hope everybody had a safe and fun weekend. If you haven’t seen "Fahrenheit 9/11" please do yourself a favor and go peep the movie. It is definitely a one sided view of an administration and yes it is definitely biased, but isn’t the media? Either way this movie really made me want to go and vote. So if you haven’t registered yet do it and lets get Bush out of office. Its really simple just visit the following link: https://www.workingforchange.com/vote/"... DJ Toast (WRPI-NY): "We've got a show coming up in Albany with a who's-who of underground hip hop. The flyer can be seen at http://www.djtoast.com. Friday July 23rd at the Trinity Church, Lark St in Albany, an all ages Hip-Hop show featuring: Edan, Insight, the Procussions, Time Machine, Sev Statik & Dezin8ed. Also, I will be at Scribble Jam this year with my 518 brethren. Let me know if you are going"... Edgie Kokoski (WUNH-NH): "After starting my day at 7am, and sitting at the computer typing in WUNH at 8pm still in my work clothes, it reminds me of how much the holiday weekend is a gift and a curse. Sure, you get an extra day off, but when you get back to work you have to cram twice as much paperwork in, answer twice as many emails, get twice as many phone calls, and listen to twice as many people tell long drawn out stories about their BBQ and how cute their kids are in the pool. It makes me have to go home and shoot twice as much crank. Joe Budden certainly didn't do himself any favors by guesting on Usher's "Confessions Remix". In case you missed his violent abortion verse, it goes a little something like this: "Pray that she abort that if she's talkin' 'bout keepin' it/One hit to the stomach, she's leakin' it." Nice work Joe, that should solidify your female fan base. I suppose that Joe will blame this one on his alter-ego, Joe BuddenS, the guy he blamed his sh*tty album sales on. What's up with DMX getting arrested for car theft? Is this guy f*cking retarded? I guess you would have to be to agree to do "Exit Wounds" and "Cradle 2 The Grave" in one acting career. Pretty uneventful 4th of July for me. I finally saw "Farenheit 911" and was extremely impressed, just as I expected. With John Kerry picking John Edwards as a running mate today, it seems like George Dubbya's fate is sealed. The only way that George could be worse off is to have Joe Budden for a running mate! R.I.P. Marlon Brando...the most famous actor who did the least amount of movies"... Nate Abney (WKDU-PA): "Hope everyone enjoyed the 4th. I spent it at that place Chingy talks about. At least the girl I worked with was a dime so looking at her for eight hours wasn't all bad. As some of you know or may not know, there were a few indictments last week with people who were working with Philly mayor John Street. Mayor Street was not indicted, and I just want to clear the air on some things.
1. I do know Mayor Street
2. I used to live 5 blocks away from one of the houses he owned in North Philly
3. He did give give me tickets for box seats to see the Bulls play in 91 at the Spectrum(no deal was made between he and then Sixers owner Harold Katz)
4. He also wrote me a recommendation for college (There is no truth to the rumor he put pressure on the State to cut funding from Penn State had I not been
admitted)
5. I went to the same high school as all of his kids and last but not least before the FBI puts it out there
6. I did date his niece for several years (No this was not a perk). So now my name is clear of any wrong doing"...

And here is NJ's own DJ Yoshi's: "Tentative Tour Schedule 2004":

7/24: Chicago, IL

7/29 - 8/1: San Francisco, CA

 8/7: Dallas, TX

8/21: Atlanta, GA

10/9: Cleveland, OH

10/23: AC, NJ

11/19 - 22: Honolulu, HI

12/11: Miami, FL

SHOUT OUT TIZIME: Happy B'day this week to Jon?Doe from KCPR (San Luis Obispo, CA) & to Benny Ben from WDBM (East Lansing, MI) who are both celebrating their b'days on July 13th. To F-Sharp aka Matt Feldsberg (KSPB in Carmel, CA) who's celebrating his b'day on July 16th! A belated Happy B'day goes out to DJ Yogi from WRFG in the ATL!... DJ Roslynn at ThirdFloorRadio.com & LittleBGirl.com (ano ba Tita Bebe) & to Ranella reppin' the LBC (I'll see you at the top!!!)... Shout to my girl Princess at Geffen (thanks for the Ashlee Simpson CD & I don't care if people'll hate on me but Ashlee's 'Pieces Of Me' ROCKS!!!)... I'd like to say R.I.P. to DJ Spinz from Salt Lake City's KCRL and his wife. Spinz always looked out for Gene Dexter & I with Crazy Pinoy Promotions & I am saddened to hear about your tragic & horrifying deaths. My prayers and thoughts are going out to your friends & family.

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

Nasty-Nes

(Pinoy Pride4Life / John 3:16)