The Str8OutDaDen Podcast: Making Your Brand Attractive As A Producer w/maticulous

Today the marketplace is completely flooded with new producers and artist. This makes it almost impossible to stand out among the pack of hungry competitors. So what's the difference between you and everyone else? Attractive branding! How do we achieve this attractive branding and is it impossible?

Well for today's podcast, Str8OutDaDen focuses on making your brand attractive as a producer. They give 3 simple steps and layout some of the do's and don'ts to give you maximum exposure. Str8OutDaDen also explains why you shouldn't chase placements and give you a few creative way to combat the horse race of the placement game.

They are also joined by Brooklyn producer maticulous, as he discuss his methods of standing out, his latest project, The maticulous LP and much more.

***Thanks to Str8OutDaDen for sending***

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The Str8OutDaDen Podcast: Choosing The Right Manager

In this week's episode of The Str8OutDaDen Podcast they break down the What, Why, When & How of management. This is the first of a three part series as they go through the process of artist choosing the right manager. Stream & Download the podcast below!!!

***Thanks to The Str8OutDaDen Podcast for sending***

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News: A3C Line-Up Announcement

2015 A3C will take place October 7-11, 2015, in Atlanta’s eclectic Old 4th Ward, along Edgewood Ave, and East Atlanta Village.  A3C has moved the Conference Center to The Loudermilk Center, and the host hotel to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.  The A3C Pro-Audio Conference Center will remain at the SAE Institute of Atlanta, and A3C has partnered with the Atlanta Streetcars to move A3C attendees around Atlanta for free.

A3C artist submissions are open through September 19th.  Submissions are free through September 1st for artists with a Sonicbids account. To date YCDon, Buggs Tha Rocka, Shope’, Young Chizz, Triune and nearly a dozen other artists have been selected to perform at this years A3C Festival & Conference.  Past Sonicbids selections include: Young Thug, Trinidad James, Rhymefest, Ca$h Out, Que, Black Sheep, Tanya Morgan, CJ Fly of Pro Era, & Propaganda.    

Submit here: http://www.sonicbids.com/find-gigs/2015-a3c-hip-hop-festival/

The A3C Festival features 500+ performances over 5 days, while the Hip-Hop community ascends on Atlanta to experience, celebrate and discover the most legendary, talented and promising artists from across the US, and abroad. Artists are continuously added to A3C Festival line-up and every night features surprise performances. In other words, the A3C Festival is an amazing Hip-Hop experience like no other. "I love the team at A3C for giving artists a platform to be heard and build their craft!”, states Sean “Diddy” Combs.”

The A3C Conference is an incomparable platform for the Hip-Hop industry, academics, creatives, companies and organizations to connect, learn and build.  A3C Conference includes keynote speakers, panels, workshops, demos, interviews, screenings, mixers and exhibits featuring over 150 Hip-Hop industry experts, academics and influencers “I really love what this conference represents.  I love that most of the people that you see are business minded, it’s inspiring.” states Bun B.

2015 A3C Festival & Conference presenting partners currently include: MyMixtapez, Monster Energy, SAE Institute of Atlanta, Morehouse College, Mail Chimp, Tunecore and Sonicdbids.

For more information about the A3C Festival & Conference, taking place in Atlanta on October 7-11, 2015, visit www.a3cfestival.com. Follow A3C on Facebook.com/A3Cfestival and Twitter - @A3C and Instagram - @A3CFestival  and the hashtag is #A3C2015.

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News: The Best Sneakers of 2015 (So Far)

We're halfway into 2015 and there's been dozens, if not hundreds, of sneakers that have already dropped since the start of the year. We don't know about you but at the Complex office it's been difficult to stay on top of every single release, and that's why we pored over all the most notable drops to determine which sneakers were the best of the best.

And while Complex just ranked the best Air Jordans of the year so far, this list encompasses all kinds of sneakers, including Air Jordans. From futuristic runners to sneakers infused with soccer DNA, we rounded up the most influential kicks to release this year. Did your favorite pair make the cut? Here are The Best Sneakers of 2015 (So Far). CLICK HERE



Source: Complex

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News: 10 Celebrities Caught With Fake Air Jordans

Though they may have a little extra income at their disposal, celebrities are prone to buying fake sneakers like anybody else. With a need for ego-feeding exclusivity and locked up schedules, the famous don't always make informed decisions or keep an eye on what their stylists are sending their way. As a result, they're often shipped outright knockoffs or flawed early release pairs from China.

The issue came to a head last week, when sneakerheads challenged Jim Jones on the authenticity of his 'Ring Night' Air Jordan 11 Ray Allen PE. Only two pairs were produced by Jordan Brand for Ray Allen, but a healthy amount of replicas are currently listed on eBay.  Jim Jones owns one of those replicas, but seemed poised to prove that his connections run deeper than those of even the biggest non-famous collectors. Like most celebs when they're caught with fake product, Jones labeled naysayers as "haters" who are "mad because they don't have them." Right.

But don't fret, Capo. You're not the only celebrity out here stunting in fake Jordans - these are the 10 worst instances.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE:
http://solecollector.com/news/celebrity-fake-air-jordan/#ixzz3XrzwQxf6


Source: Soul Collector

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News: ORGANISE YOUR SNEAKER COLLECTION WITH SNUPPS

Snupps is the latest app that helps sneakerheads create an online inventory of their ever-growing collection with a clever platform that also doubles as a social media community. When your sneaker stockpile starts to get out of hand, sometimes it’s difficult to sit down and stocktake all the sneakers you have. With Snupps, it makes this otherwise tedious process a breeze; it’s as simple as taking a picture of your sneaks, uploading it into Snupps and organising it all on your digital shelves. And as the only thing sneakerheads are more obsessed with other than shoes is flaunting said shoes online, Snupps have created a community for their users to share, discuss and sell their uploaded gear, creating a buzzing ecosystem that currently has over 50,000 active users adding and following sneakers. You can share your collections to other social media channels, bringing your Snupps shelves to all your friends, and unlike other similar platforms like Instagram, you can choose to keep some items private, so you won’t be shamed into excluding your collection of Sketchers from your inventory.

Snupps is the perfect way to finally organise your sneakers like you said you would, while making it enjoyable in the process. Available now for free on iOS and Android devices.


Source: Sneaker Freaker

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News: Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr Partners with MC Lyte On Groundbreaking New Book

LOS ANGELES (January, 2015) -- Civil Rights Leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. and Hip Hop Icon MC Lyte have joined forces with the penning of FUSION: Bridging the Gap Between Civil Rights and Hip Hop (www.fusionthemovement.com),  which spawned from a private conversation about social justice between the two icons last summer. This captivating dialogue examines how the Civil Rights Movement helped with the emergence of Hip Hop and how Hip Hop continues to help the survival of the Civil Rights Movement - with a rare focus on the roles women played throughout this unique era. Misogyny, the evolution of gender roles in the movement towards justice and equality, and the pervasiveness of music on Black culture and its global impact are discussed with the effervescence of two great leaders who are passionate about the continued advancement of peoples of color around the globe.  A portion of the proceeds from FUSION benefit #EducateOurMen, the signature education initiative of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, where Dr. Chavis and MC Lyte serve as Sr. Advisory Board Member and Chairman/Founder, respectively (www.educateourmen.info).

"FUSION and my partnership with Dr. Chavis allow me to continue to lead my generation in delivering positive images and messages about our continued efforts to achieve justice and equality, while providing access to higher education, mentorship and tools for social responsibility," said MC Lyte.

"Working with MC Lyte to publish FUSION will help to stimulate more constructive and progressive dialogue, as well as direct social action, to achieve freedom, justice and and equality for all while highlighting the positive transformative attributes of hip-hop culture and the ongoing Civil Rights Movement," said Dr. Chavis.

The interdependence of the Civil Rights Movement to Hip Hop is unquestionable; hence FUSION uncovers unknown historical stories that show the FUSION of these worlds.  FUSION is that rare conversation turned to life - with an interpersonal look at two worlds: Civil Rights & Hip Hop, colliding in a riveting dialogue between two historic and lyrical leaders.  Books can be purchased on Amazon and at   fusionthemovement.com.

About #EducateOurMen 

#EducateOurMen is the signature education initiative of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation that aims to support and develop males by providing academic scholarships to obtain baccalaureate degrees primarily from HBCU's; provide access to career and personal mentoring; and increase cultural education and social responsibility. Each year since its inception, Hip Hop Sisters Foundation has presented scholarships to advance the educational goals of youth during the Soul Train Music Awards.  Advisory board members include Faith Evans, Ledisi, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chilli, Russell Simmons, Cheryl "Salt" James, Malinda Williams, Lil Mama, Kelly Price, Fantasia, Nicci Gilbert, Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Michele Thornton, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Kenny Lattimore, Melanie Fiona and Dr. Benjamin Chavis.  Join the Movement: www.hiphopsisters.org/news 

Source: Hip Hop Sisters Network

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The Right Numbers (by Cool FD)

This game can be ruled. This time can be smartly spent. This money can make more money. This very fan can bring tons of new fans. This track is new enough to anybody who never heard it yet. This low likes mean nothing. This very like means the world.
It’s time to focus on the right numbers :

• Not enough money ? That means you got some that you can often use better.
• Not enough fans ? That means you got some you could spend more times with.
• Not enough tracks ? That means you should focus on how promote them to the fullest.
• Not enough blog supports ? That means you can focus on building stong relationships with those who support you already.
• Not enought radio plays ? That means you have some you can already be thankful for.

It’s definitely the right numbers over more numbers.

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10 Sneaker Boutiques That Have Awesome Clothing Lines

Sneakers and clothes go hand-in-hand. The sneaker boutique has always been a meeting ground for these two worlds, and it's the place where a lot of sneakerheads first explored their interest in how their complete kit looks.

A lot of boutiques carry a lengthy list of desirable brands from streetwear, menswear, and high-end labels. These shops, though, have also dabbled in creating their own clothes. They've launched their own in-house clothing brands that can be found at the shop, and, increasingly, other locations.

When we discuss sneaker boutiques having clothing lines, we're referring to stuff that's actually branded with the shop's name or designated as the boutique's label — not clothing lines that are ventures by those who own the stores (although those are great). Some of these lines are really good, too. To get a look at the ones you need to check out, here are 10 Sneaker Boutiques That Have Awesome Clothing Lines. CLICK HERE


Source: Complex

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#CoolTips Online For Better Song Longevity! (by Cool FD)

I can’t count how many times I told these words to myself : « this Internet game speeds up way too much the independent music grind ». I couldn’t be able to name all the artists that I’ve seen grinding for months, then release their album and be put out of the radars three weeks after. To make it clear, there is so much artists and so much releases every day that your new single dropped today will be considered as old one the day after … unless you do not accept it !

Why deciding to impose your own rythm ? You put your heart in your music (time and money included), your message is sincere and does not lose quality with time, and the Internet permits you to reach new fans everyday that still haven’t a single note of your creations yet : this is at least three reasons to refuse to follow the pace. Now we agree, how to make it a reality ? How to really control the life time of this precise song from your discography that deserves to be pushed and pushed again ?

Here are some ideas / suggestions that could help you to make it :

• Put different timings in your release, depending on the different audiences you can reach : why not sharing your brand new track with your close friends and family first ? Then the bloggers and radios you like working with and, at then end, to your whole email list ? I personnaly have a groups of contacts named « influencers » with who I like to share first and talk about my releases.
• Re invent the song : the track has been released weeks ago ? Perfect ! Build a remix of it, by changing the beat with working a new producer, or by inviting emcees you appreciate to make an extended version of it. Such a move will give a new life to both tracks, the old and the new one ! For instance, Macabeats and me just dropped « The Fix Remix ». DJ Grazzhoppa, who made the cuts on the original track, published a post talkin about the new remix and the original track at the same time.
• Create the buzz around it : by building a remix contest, you keep the artists’ attention on your work. We all know that artists are the foundation of other artists’ fan base. This cool strategy has been just used by my bros from EMS (M-Dot and Revalation) who recently opened a remix contest in collaboration with KevinNottingham.Com.
• Never forget the lyrics … : many ways exist to use the lyrics to promote a joint. Of course RapGenius.Com is a must. Bandcamp also offers good option around the lyrics. I immediatly appreciate how Devine Carama used it for his album « Believing In Forever » .. and I mentionned this in my Cool Review of his album.
• … Nor the production : ask the producer to make a cool visual of his beatmaking experience of the track, this will give new angles to the track. My brother Big Malk does it well, feel free to holla at him !
• Some insides about studio life ? Yes ! This could permit your fans to see where, how, with who you did the tracks. Could it be before or after the release, this is always a cool content to use anytime. My brothers Eddie Brock and Sincere recently did it for their upcoming collaboration in early 2015.
• From the bars to the stores : have you ever think about printing your favorite bars of the song on a shirt ? My brothers Cee and Notion from The Movement Fam did it, check it out.
• Ask an influencer from another domain to review your track : to be honest with yall, I had this idea while writing it ;) So I promise to try it !

Another ideas ? Suggestions ? Feel free to comment, share the knowledge, and of course holla at me on Twitter or Facebook !

***Thanks to Cool FD for sending***

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"5 Days to master your Twitter" by Cool FD

Day 1 : Create it and/or update it !

This first step could look funny because it is so obvious. But unfortunately I come across so many accounts not updated, which is even worst than not existing. Here are some simple questions, and easy to solve ones as well, you could ask yourself in order to make a global check point :

• Is my name written correctly ? Do not forget that people could be looking for you. They won’t try more than 3 times. So chose it or change your name to the most easy to be found. For instance, I am Cool FD, I make beats, so my twitter name is Coolfdbeats. Try it, type it, you’ll find me directly.
• Do I look like I am ? The profile picture is fundamental. Could it be your face or a landscape that reveals your state of mind, it must be a true representative.
• What do they learn about me ? Your twitter biography is a golden opportunity : a large part of the people who visit your twitter profile will look at it. You can catch them (or make them run away) with one sentence. Use precise words to describe what you do, what you are working, what are your goals and who you are tweeting for. To sum up, send a clear message.
• Where do I want to redirect my followers ? Here is the core question of the social media magic. Twitter (or any other social media) can not (and must not) be your website. You can’t concentrate all the main infos about you. This is not why it has been built for. Structural infos about your grind must be written on an official website or blog. And your social medias have to target it. Like rivers into the ocean.
• Now that i’m done, would they see it ? Your new twitter profile is complete, clever minded and thought for your very music business. Don’t forget to make it appear on your other social media accounts, website, and blog.

Day 2 : It’s a follow thing

Now that your Twitter profile is created and/or updated, you wanna be heard ! That is the aim, yes indeed, but you got to learn this basic rule on twitter : it costs follows to get follows. Why ? Here are, at least, 3 reasons that will convince you to start following people because it worth it.

• It’s all in the interactions : technically speaking, Twitter is a matter of links and contacts between people, through their accounts. In other words, your existence is ignored until you reach people. To reach them, you have to follow them in order to react and answer to what they post. So don’t be shy or too proud, and start following your tomorrow’s followers !
• Build your community : this precise aspect of Twitter is powerful. You have the choice to follow who you want : those who inspire you, those who support you, those are on the same level than you. To sum up, you can build a relentless source of information and written facts directly connected to your activity, goals or questions. Once you’re done with this #2, do not forget to keep interacting (see #1).
• Wear your Tweet List like a suit : the following process and all the good things that it brings must be kept reinvented at any moments of your career. This abality of relentlessly find new people to follow and to speak with will guarantee you to find solutions and opportunities to any problems and at any steps.

Day 3 : Content is king

This well known concept is so relevant when it comes to build a Twitter strategy. You need to be interesting. You need to be smart and precise. You need to catch the attention. Your average follower’s tweet timeline is updated every minute, and Twitter faces with 500 million Tweets each day. So if you don’t made the cut, you’re just wasting time. And independent artists can’t afford it.

• Determine your purpose : what am I about ?
• Determine who you want to be your readers : who do I tweet for ?
• Engage leaders and influencers : mention the people you follow every time it is possible and every time it is relevant. They will help you in this quest of visibility thanks to mentions and RTs. And then, your content will speak for itself.

Day 4 : a bunch of powerful side tools

At this step of your weekly challenge to master your Twitter account, it’s time to focus on the little things that can make the differences in this Twitter jungle. Of course, these tools can be handled in so many ways. So most important thing is that you consider them and start thinking about them as powerful tools. Here are the ways I use some of them :

• Hashtags : depending on your content and your activities, you can create relevant hashtags and keep sticking to them. The more visible you become, the more usefull these hashtags will be for your followers and fans. That’s also a good way to build yourself as a brand and / or as an influencer, which is, according to me, the main stake of this Twitter game for independent artists.
• Favorite Tweets : I use this function as a reminder, a « to check list ». When I see a relevant link or an audio I don’t want to miss, I favorite the Tweet and be back at it later.
• RTs : this function deserves a whole blog post, but to sum up, I use it to spread the work of the artists I appreciate. The edit function of RTs is, therefor, very important since you can precise why you RT this or that information.
• Lists : to be totally honest with yall, I started to study and use this function just weeks ago. So far, I’ve been able to underline at least 2 functions of it. First, it’s a smart way to organize the people vibin around your twitter account, and have a focused look on what a precise category. This can also put you as a person of network, by giving an access to your follower to who is important and usefull to follow as well.
• The search function : don’t miss a tweet about anything you need, could it be blog posts about your music or job research ! Editing a tweet research is very easy, and some cool advice are available on the Internet to push this function even forward.

Day 5 : one Twitter, two steps

I’m pretty sure you’re now convinced that tweeting is totally not only about spamming your latest soundcloud release or youtube new visual. It’s much more than that and it can give you back real benefits that go way beyond your own hopes. A complete tool like Twitter require a comfortable user experience. Try these two steps and lemme know your feedback !

• Twitter.com : if you’re new to Twitter, you should definitely spend some time on the official Twitter website first. You’ll find all the functions mentionned in this article, in a very nice layout. Smartphone user ? It’s all good with the mobile app too (I personnaly use it too when i’m not behind my PC screen).
• Tweetdeck : this wonderful tool allows you to see your time line, mentions, researches and more at the same time. It really improved my Twitter experience and I highly recommand it. It is important to notice that it is totally possible to use your Twitter app and Tweetdeck, depending on what aspect of your Twitter strategy you’re on at the moment.

 So here my « 5 days to master your Twitter account ». This is my own vision of this powerful social media. Of course many other ways exist and are still to be discovered. Feel free to comment, share and send me your thoughts directly by email. And of course, holla at me on Twitter !

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Fans everywhere : gift and curse of the Internet (by Cool FD)

I was in Berlin in early July. Beyond the fact that this city is basically amazing, I had the chance to meet in real life my friend Knightstalker, a very dope emcee and a dedicated hiphop head. German soccer team was in full effect, but as you can guess, the convo went on the typical hiphop topic : people don’t listen to the "real" shit anymore.

I have my personnal opinion about this wrong debate, which is based on a fact that nobody can ignore : the Internet rules the game.

• More fans : the gift

No need to explain more than this : the Internet has been mutliplyin the number of fans that any artist can pretend to. And this is good news. For real.

• Fans everywhere : another gift

Your music is now available, immediately, all over the globe.That means more listeners (potentially), and above all, a great opportunity to build fan base at different places in the world. Interesting.

• But you have to find them : this is the curse

Things would be too easy if the Internet has been allowed to indie artists only, forbidden to the major artists. And this is the precise point of my opinion : you have more fans, in more places, but you have to find them, you have to make you visible from them. The stake is high. If you succeed, you could blow up. If you don’t, you’ll keep sayin that people don’t know what’s good music anymore. But they’re not the musician, you are.

(This article will be followed by another where I will share my advice on how find these fans. If you have some knowledge to drop, feel free to comment or to reach me !)

***Thanks to Cool FD for sending***

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News: 6 ways … to invest on your own career

We all know some classic sentences arguing that investing on your own career is a must :"it takes money to make money" is maybe the one who sounds the most true to me. Indeed, if you aim a benefit from your music activity, you have to think as a profesional. And a profesional does investments on critical aspect of his business.

But it’s not about huge amounts, it’s about little things that help you to fix big details.

Here is a list of 10 things i’ve already paid for in my music career, that were very usefull, so that I considered as investments.

• Buy a .com domain : with only $15 a year, your name is well foundable on google, and looks profesional.
• A responsive layout for your website is a must : it helps your visitors feel comfortable and spend more time on your pages.
• Not everybody is a GFX genius. For a few bucks, you could get a clean logo and / or nice needed artwork. Fiverrcould help you on this one.
• Better drums for better placements is the !llmind’s blap kits motto. I tried. It works.
• Getting exposure is a hard business to deal with. Independent profesionals do it well and can adapt their solutions to your budget.
• You put some money and a lot of time in recording your next album ? It’s time to put the final touch with an efficient consulting talk with a music marketer.

This list could be longer. You got other feedbacks ? Feel free to comment and share the knowledge !

***Thanks to Cool FD for sending***

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News: Nas - Time is Illmatic at #A3Cfilm

A3C is proud to present a screening of the documentary Nas: Time is Illmatic followed by a Q & A with the filmmakers. The film covers the making of Nas' 1994 album Illmatic, often hailed as the greatest hip-hop album of all times, and the timeless themes that have kept both the album and Nas relevant for so many years.

After the film screening, we'll be joined by director One9, writer Erik Parker, and producer Martha Diaz for a discussion about the making of the film, the inspirations behind it, and on the scope and influence of Nas' Illmatic. 

Friday, Oct 10th at 3:00pm #A3Cfilm

A3C All-Access of VIP Pass Required [Buy Today]

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News: The Producers of A3C

A3C has partnered with iStandard and the SAE Institute of Atlanta to produce #A3CProAudio at SAE’s Atlanta campus. #A3CProAudio includes workshops, demos, panels, studio sessions, interview and competitions from some of the most renowned producers, engineers and DJs in hip-hop.  2014 A3C featured producers include...

Organized Noize, 9th Wonder, Jermaine Dupri, Mannie Fresh, DJ Toomp, Prince Paul, OG Ron C, !llmind, DJ Michael 5000 Watts, Da Beatminerz, The Olympicks, Sonny Digital, Cardo, Metro Boomin, Symbolyc One, Needlz, Childish Major, WLPWR, The Fr3shmen, DJ Burn One, V12 The Hitman, D Rich, Kato, Tha Bizness, Nard & B, Streetrunner, Black Metaphor, Khrysis, Nottz, M16 Beats & MORE ADDED DAILY!

#A3CProAudio is 3 days of content featuring: Tunecore Studio, Adult Swim, Behind The Rhymes Interview, iNfluence Award Presentation, The iStandard Producer Showcase, BLAP Celebrity Cypher, Scratch DJ Academy, 1-on-1 Beat Critiques and much more.

For the #A3CProAudio schedule, full-list of confirmed panelists & speakers and link to submit for iStandard Producer Showcase, CLICK HERE. 

Thursday, Oct 9th - Friday, Oct 10th

VIP or All-Access Pass Required

Jermaine Durpi and Mannie Fresh are Keynote Speakers at A3C's Artist Center (Crowne Plaza Midtown Atlanta)

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News: Remix Contest! Dragon Fli Empire - Supreme

Calgary (Canada) boom-bap revivalists Dragon Fli Empire are inviting all beatmakers and producers to take a shot in remixing "Supreme" from their last album "Mission Statement". The best entry will be included on the next DFE project, coming later this year. All the rules/instructions and files can be downloaded in a zip file HERE.

The deadline is ***September 6th***.

LISTEN TO THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF 'SUPREME' (FREE DOWNLOAD):
http://makebelievehiphop.bandcamp.com/track/supreme

---
MAKEBELIEVE RECORDS:
MakebelieveRecords.com
@makebelievercds
Facebook

DOUBLE FLI EMPIRE:
DragonFliEmpire.com
Facebook
@dragonfliempire
Soundcloud
 

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Rick Ross and Elle Varner join "The 2014 Respect My Vote! Campaign"

There has never been a more important time for the Hip Hop community to lead with our voices and with action. Mid-term elections are this November, and we need every American, 18 and older, to participate.

Today, Hip Hop Caucus launches the 2014 Respect My Vote! campaign. Respect My Vote! is the largest and longest running Hip Hop get-out-the-vote campaign. So it is historic today, that I get to announce to you that we have two celebrities, new to the Hip Hop Caucus family, joining us and committing to leading with us to educate and mobilize young people to the polls this year.

The Hip Hop Caucus welcome Rick Ross and Elle Varner as 2014 Respect My Vote! spokespeople.

Check out the press announcement from the Respect My Vote! campaign site.  This will be the fourth consecutive cycle for our award-winning Respect My Vote! campaign. Given the numerous issues that the Hip Hop community faces from barriers to economic and educational opportunity, to climate change, to racial justice, there is not a more important time to encourage participation in elections.

I could not be more excited to launch this election cycle’s ‘Respect My Vote!’ campaign during the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer, when young people organized in Mississippi to register as many African Americans to vote as possible over the summer of 1964. Also significant, however, is that today is the one-year anniversary of the Shelby v. Holder decision, in which the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a key provision of the Voting Rights Act.

The struggle for equality, including our voting rights, is not over and it continues with us.  Follow Hip Hop Caucus on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on the campaign. We are planning big things to bring Respect My Vote! to communities across this country.  For future generations.

***Thanks to Rev Yearwood (President and CEO of The Hip Hop Caucus) for sending***

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10 Ways Kanye West Changed Sneakers Forever

You can't deny the impact Kanye West has had on sneaker culture. Even before the release of his Nike Air Yeezys, he was influencing sneakerheads without the help of social media (besides KanyeLive circa 2007-2010, of course). He made us pay attention to the kicks he wore at shows. He made it cool to wear unbranded, obscure international labels. And he even made sneakerheads step up their fashion game. Anything 'Ye did on the footwear front created sparks, and once he partnered with Nike and Louis Vuitton, his influence ignited a wildfire. You can expect nothing less once his collection with adidas is officially revealed. Until that chapter in Kanye's footwear history begins, here are 10 Ways Kanye West Changed Sneakers Forever.  CLICK HERE



Source: Complex

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Here's How Much Every NBA Team Is Worth Based On The Clippers' $2 Billion Price Tag

BusinessInsider.com recently took a look at how the sale of Los Angeles Clippers is going to change how pro teams' valuations are calculated based on how out-of-whack the $2 billion price tag was compared to the previously perceived value.

Prior to the proposed Clippers sale to Steve Ballmer, the New York Knicks were considered the most valuable team in the NBA at $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, the Clippers were considered just the 13th most valuable team with a valuation of $575 million.

The overriding implication is that NBA teams in general are worth a lot more than we thought.

To get a sense of how much teams might be worth, here is each team's most recent valuation as well as the value of the team if raised by the same multiple as the Clippers' sale price, which is 3.48 times bigger.
 

Instead of $1.4 billion, the New York Knicks are suddenly worth closer to $5 billion, the Lakers may be worth $4.7 billion, and the average team would be worth $2.2 billion instead of $634 million.
Of course, this is the extreme case and it is quite possible Ballmer overpaid just because he desperately wanted to own a team.

However, there are several reasons to believe the potential value of the franchise is much greater than the current value of $575 million, including a new television contract in the next few years and a current operating income ($15.0 million in 2013) that is actually below average ($23.7 million) despite being in the huge Los Angeles market.

This sale also has the potential to impact franchise values in other sports.

Things really start to look crazy if we consider the value of NFL franchises and if they are actually worth 3.48 times as much as their calculated Forbes.com value.

The Dallas Cowboys might actually be worth $8.0 billion instead of their Forbes.com value of $2.3 billion.

Of course, the Cowboys only play eight home games instead of 41 and they cannot sell their own television rights the way the Clippers can. But if there was open bidding for the Cowboys, $8 billion may not be that far-fetched.

Source:  BusinessInsider.com

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News: The Shoe Game Explains What's Wrong With Sneaker Culture

Sneaker culture is growing at a fast pace. This niche hobby has now hit mainstream and it seems like everyone these days is a "sneakerhead".  Like anything else that becomes wildly popular, there's going to be negatives that give the culture a black eye. The Shoe Game takes a look at a couple of these negatives in the feature "Reasons Why The Sneaker Game Is F’d Up! (Part 2)".  You can read the story on The Shoe Game's website.


[via The Shoe Game]

Source: Complex

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