Steve Aoki
By Ferrari Sheppard
When contemplating
celebrity DJ Steve Aoki, it's important to consider the sheer magnitude
of his businesses and accomplishments. As one of the most recognizable
faces in indie music, Aoki has remixed songs for some of the biggest
acts around (Snoop Dogg, Lenny Kravitz) and is founder of Dim Mak
Records, which is responsible for launching the careers of such acts as
Bloc Party, The Kills, The Klaxons and MSTERKRFT. Along with a non-stop
schedule of intense international DJ gigs, festivals and appearances,
Aoki runs his own clothing company--Dim Mak Collection--which partners
with Diesel and Supra. His clout has come from nothing less than
an immense passion for his craft and tireless dedication.
Continue Reading.
Raymond Roker [Founder of URB Magazine]
By Ferrari Sheppard
The
most common joke during the Great Depression among out-of-work men (who
had nothing better to do other than sit around and converse) was
actually not a joke at all─it was a question. One man would ask
another: “Do you know if anyone is hiring?" and both men would
laugh hysterically (my grandfather told many stories.)
I
offer this cheerful anecdote in hopes of setting the tone for what will
become a time-capsule of sorts, documenting the outstanding spirit and
drive behind today's visionaries, entrepreneurs and businesspeople who
are sustaining businesses despite a drastic economic downturn. 2009 has
been a dirty year, especially for print publications; Vibe magazine,
founded by Quincy Jones in 1993, recently folded amidst financial woes,
and the general sentiment is that nothing is safe from the monster that
ate it.
Fortunately, for lovers of urban lifestyle, URB magazine─founded
by Raymond Roker in 1990─has maintained its position as a leading
publication and website for new artists and urban fashion. Continue Reading.
By Ferrari Sheppard
Thunderheist-the name itself evokes imagery of lightning and galloping horses; but if you ask the Canadian-based electronic-pop duo to explain their
name, they'll tell you," We steal thunder, so you move that ass." Like
a fireball, Isis Salam (MC of the pair), commands the crowd while
producer and DJ, Grahm Zilla, provides a steady flow of pulsating
bass. The team even adds a touch of dirty south Hip-Hip to the mix
with tracks like "Little Booty Girl", which has Isis riding the beat
like a customized Cadillac.
Following
an intense European and US tour, the duo is currently in Toronto
performing shows in support of their debut album, which is untitled and
scheduled to be released March 31, 2009 on Big Dada Records. Continue Reading.
Josh Young [Flosstradamus]
By Ferrari Sheppard
DJ duo Flosstradamus, aka Josh Young (aka J2K) and Curt Cameruci (aka Autobot), began
playing monthly dance parties in Chicago in 2005. What began as an
excuse to play music for their friends, "Get Outta the Hood"--the moniker of their night at the Town Hall Pub--rapidly
became the hottest dance party in the city. It was only a matter of
time before everyone from MTV executives to Vice Records A&Rs were
pushing and shoving to catch a glimpse of the boys on wheels of steel.
A few years later--after performing hundreds of shows and appearing on the cover of the March 2007 edition of URB magazine--Flosstradamus, continues to be a Chicago favorite.
I caught up with one half of Flosstradamus, Josh Young (brother of
female MC, Kid Sister) for a light-hearted Q&A, and this is what
was said:Continue Reading.
Maino
By Ferrari Sheppard
If
experience, talent and unwavering ambition were the only factors to be
considered when calculating one's potential to be great, the man I'm
going to introduce you to - Brooklyn-bred MC, Maino - would already be
king. As we all know, greatness takes time, and with his debut album, If Tomorrow Comes set
to be released May 19th 2009 on Atlantic Records, Maino is just getting
started. Fresh off of the success of his hit single "Hi Hater" along
with "Hi Hater" remix, which features Jadakiss, T.I., Plies, Swiss
Beats and Fabulous- Maino is ready to solidify himself as one of the
juggernauts of rap.
Recently,
I was able to catch up with Maino to talk about his new album and
single "All The Above," featuring T-Pain, and this is what was said: Continue Reading.
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