The Music Plug Issue #3 by The Music Plug

Online Issue #3 Nov. 1

The Music Plug Proudly Supplyinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill

The Lost Issue

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VOLUME 3

November 1, 2010

CONTENTS

We just tryna eat

Mixtape Hype

Check out some of the hottest mixtapes out on the streets now. d

NC’s Hottest DJ

This aint a hobby, music is his life. Check out DJ E Sudd of HP North Carolina and how his passion for music has him steady climbin to the top. f

Who’s Next

B Stacks got the hood riding to his lat� est mixtape release, but the work don’t stop there. f

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Intro As you probably noticed from the cover, we’re dubbing this issue the “Lost Issue”. Why? Because this shit was supposed to be released October 5th, but then a string of wild events took place which caused me to delay the issue. With water under the bridge i’m releasing the this issue online and the next back in the streets this november, So continue to support us and you won’t be disappointed. More music, more artists, and more exclusive shit. Don’t forget to check us out at newmusicplug.net This issue features Faculty Ent. artist B Stacks, DJ ESudds of Porter House Music Group, mixtape reviews and pictures from events we attended Aggie Eagle Classic Weekend here in the triangle. also included is a special NBA season tip-off preview and my predictions for this year’s NBA season and a lil bit more. So for those of you wondered who wondered where we went, we’re right here and will be for a minute. We just tryna eat! l

“In business and in life you can’t force people to f*ck with you, you just have to prove it was a mistake not to” -Clint Easthood

Mixtape Hype

Big Sean “Finally Famous” Hosted by Don Cannon G.O.O.D Music One of the best end of summer mixtapes has to be Big Seans “Finally Famous 3” hosted by Don Cannon. As a member of Kanye’s imprint “G.O.O.D Music” Big Sean hails from the motor city and made a name for himself in the past 2 years, most notably landing on the cover of XXL’s freshman 10 list for 2010. Since then he has only gained momentum by releasing quality music via the digital underground and appearing on numerous G.O.O.D Music cuts. Most recently Big Sean participated in the BET HipHop awards cipher with the rest of the G.O.O.D Music family and laid down one of the hottest verses out of the cipher. Some people compare his delivery and flow to Drake’s but to those who know better, Big Sean has his own style and sound and will be around for awhile. Big Sean jumped this tape off with a lyrical treat “Final Hour” where bar after he shows off his smooth delivery and lyrical wittiness.... “Sometimes I feel like Im working just to work harder.... and work harder than who work the hardest/man the life of a workaholic.... you either on ya work or just workin on it” Other stand out tracks includes “What You Doing Bullshitting” “Fuck My Opponent” and “Made” featuring Drake. One thing that stands out about Big Sean is that he can make a hot mixtape without drug life embellishments and in today’s industry that’ll take you a long way. In this years Freshman class Big Sean looks to be ahead of the class.

Stack Bundles- The Lost Tapes Hosted by SupaStar Jay and Snatchatape Stack Bundles was an eccentric, confident and articulate artist from the streets of Far Rockaway, NY. A legend in his own right due to the fact that he brought his hood from out of the shadows for a brief moment and was about to bring it into the limelight when he was tragically gunned down at the age of 24. Stack was affiliated with Jim Jones and his Byrd Gang click but was originally introduced to the game by DJ Clue and his Desert Storm label. Stack Bundles made noise on various DJ Clue mixtapes and New York radio mix shows and was known for his raw delivery and flashy bars, Stack was sure to be a force to be wreckoned with in the industry. Its been a little more than 6 years since his passing and on his birthday Super Star Jay and Snatchatape drop a never before heard mixtape from the late Stack Bundles. It features 10 “vintage” tracks from mr. C’more Cake featuring production from Swizz Beats. Although outdated, true Stack Bundles fan can appreciate tracks never heard from one of hip-hops fallen soldiers. He’ll forever live through his music. Every year a group of Stack Bundles closest friends and fans host Stack Bundles Day at Redfern Projects in Far Rockaway; the same housing projects he was raised, lived, and tragically murdered in. R.I.P

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If you don’t have real hip-hop in your life then Joell Ortiz will glady provide the supplement. First off whoever is sleeping on this man’s mic skills needs to wake the fuck up; Joell got some heat. After Joell’s label E-1 told him he needed to start a beef if he ever wanted his record to get out. He’s been heating up and spitting like a nigga with no deal and a whole lot to prove and his mixtape “The Ortiz Manifesto” mixed by DJ Ozone is clear proof that Ortiz got spit game. Relax and take notes.

Hot Indy Pick Bull City stand up! South Side Durham young gunner B. Stacks is heavy in the streets with DJ Scream for Code Red :114.

Hot Indy Pick

I’m always on the hunt for new music and new artists who bring something different to the table and Six Reasons aka Su� per Star Six is that new artist. When I heard his mixtape via a popular mixtape website I was immediately impressed. Super Star Six is the next Superstar Six and that’s always the greatest compliment an artist can receive; to have a style all his own. In an industry saturated with facades and images SuperStar Six has the ability to make a song that is real, and songs that you can relate to while breaking your neck to it. SuperStar Six is from L.A but listen to the tape and your immediate assump� tion is the south and his shit knock like it too. Check out his latest mixtape hosted by DJ Skee “Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200” at NewMusicPlug.Net I guess you forgot where the snow man came from and Jizzle just had to remind you. After releasing one of his hottest mixtapes of the summer “Last Laugh” Jeezy drops a “greatest hits” mixtape hosted by Bigga Rankin’. When you look at the tracklisting and see 45 tracks you forget that Jeezy’s been putting it down for the streets for a minute now. Coming up on his 4th studio album and umpteenth million mixtape Young Jeezy has been putting out dope music for about 7 years strong now with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. I guess you’ll sleep when you die huh Young?

Billionaire Hov Jay-z is not only the king of hip-hop but also the king of hip-hop marketing. Everytime he makes a move within the industry he aims to maximize his gain and he seems to win everytime. His most recent moves have been to write a book detailing his thought process and meaning behind his most famous lyrics. He also teamed up with Microsoft to launch a campaign and contest through their search engine Bing to market the book which is due out November 16th. “In anticipation of the release of his first book, DECODED, which will be on sale on November 16th, Jay-Z and Bing have teamed up to launch a multi-platform search experience and interactive game to help fans decode Jay-Z’s life and lyrics. The immersive online experience utilizes multiple facets of Bing, including Bing Maps and Bing Entertainment, to give fans full access to the stories behind Jay-Z’s songs. Over the course of a month, fans will come together as a community to compile DECODED online before it hits bookshelves. Every single page of the book will be discoverable prior to the book hitting stores, with pages physically placed in locations related to the written content. The journey will take you to over 15 locales; from the projects in the Brooklyn neighborhood where Jay-Z grew up and the London streets where he found inspiration, to the building of his empire in Manhattan and beyond. DECODED’s three hundred pages will be appearing in places and on objects that have never before been used as advertising from pools and pool tables to bronze plaques and high-fashion clothing racks- an array of unexpected surfaces will become the backdrop for Jay-Z’s art. “ Also Hov is releasing a greatest hits LP which will feature a collection Hov’s greatest songs plus 5 bonus songs which is due out in November. The deluxe version of Jay-Z’s greatest hits will feature an illustrated book detailing Jay-Z’s biggest career moments. He’s also managed to sign Willow Smith to Roc Nation (who already has a hit song under her belt) and land Rihanna under Roc Nation Management all in the span of 5 months. You can call him Billionaire Hov whenever you’re ready.

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The Dope Spot Mixtape Reviews

Plies

You Need People Like Me Hosted By DJ Scream

Plies may be right, we may need people like him. With the industry being mainly smoke and mirrors, there are a select few artists that fans can count on to keep it authentic on records and tell it like it is. And Plies does exactly that with his latest mixtape release You Need People Like Me. Since Plies stepped into the spotlight he’s been reluctant to step out; releasing 4 albums in 3 years. But with commercial smash hits like “Medicine”, “Becky” and “Bust It Baby” among the few, the streets started to see the harsh toned goon from Ft. Meyer’s, FL as a commercial rapper. But let Plies tell it he’s always been and always will be goon affiliated. Now he’s taking it back to the streets with DJ Scream to show the streets he was never commercial.

few bars “Wanna ask the government Why you hate us so much, Wanna ask the other color why you hate us so much.” In a time like this with racism at the forefront of political issues and society in general, Plies ask the simple question “Why you hate us so much?” I would love to hear the answer. Of course Plies doesn’t hold his tongue on records, but without saying names he might’ve made a lot of rappers uncomfortable with “Bi-Polar”. Over a hard body beat Plies explains how your favorite rapper might be Bi-Polar. “Let me tell you what it is though-these n*ggas bi-polar, these n*ggas sneak diss then try to sugarcoat it.” “One minute you was this n*gga now you another one bro, let me tell you what it is you bi-polar ho” Sound like one of your favorite rappers?

“Let me tell you what it is thoughthese n*ggas bi-polar, these n*ggas SNEAK DISS then try to SUGARCOAT it.”

Just in case you got it f*cked up Plies sets the tone for the street masterpiece with “Really From Da Hood” where Plies tells you where he’s from , Da Hood.(like really, really, really from the hood tho) On street records Plies has become increasingly gritty. With the release of his older brother Big Gates, Plies re-newed his fire by attacking every record with fierceness and a new found hunger. If you never heard of Plies and listened to “You Need People Like Me” you would mistake him for an unsigned artist hungry for a deal, not an established artists with 4 major label releases. Nothing about this mixtape was commercial this was quality street music from intro to outro. Every track had the feel of Plies first major label success, The Real Testament. Plies versatility isn’t limited to street records and cuts for the ladies. He can still address the problems of the hood and even our race, and he did just that with “Why U Hate”. The listener will pick up the records concept in the first

Then once again Plies keeps it 200 feeling as if the game forgot about Lil Boosie, Plies dedicates a whole song to the homie behind the wall who is looking at a possible life sentence for murder. “Wonder if the kids you bought bikes for even wrote you a letter, wonder if the niggas you did songs wit even heard from them niggas/Wonder how many ya dogs done came by to visit ya, wonder if them crackers you made millions even chopped it up wit ya” Real sh*t coming from a real n*gga, no matter what the internet rumors say about Plies the street know whats authentic and “You Need People Like Me” is authentic.

The Dope Spot J.ColeFallTourDates

Recently J.Cole had the grand opportunity of opening for Jay-Z and Eminem’s historic Home and Home concert series ,where Jay-Z and Eminem both headlined sold out concerts at their hometown ball parks (Yankee Stadium and Comerica Park). Now with his debut album on the horizon and a yet to be named mixtape on the way J. Cole is hitting the road for a 35 city tour. Cole will be headed to colleges, clubs and venues across the country to include 2 shows in North Carolina.

Oct. 1 Alabama A&M University Normal, AL//Oct. 7 Private Location Hayward, CA//Oct. 8 Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY Oct. 9 Greensboro Coliseum, NC A&T Homecoming Greensboro, NC//Oct. 10 Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI//Oct. 12 University of Louisiana Monroe, LA//Oct. 15 Nichols University Dudley, MA//Oct. 16 Private Location New Brunswick, NJ//Oct. 17 Penn State University – Behrend Erie, PA//Oct.21 UNC Pembroke Pembroke, NC//Oct. 22 Private Location State College, PA//Oct. 23 SUNY Delhi Delhi, NY//Oct. 24 Kenne State College Keene, NH//Oct. 27 The Norva Norfolk, VA//Nov. 3 Promowest Columbus, OH//Nov. 4 Madison Theatre Cincinnati, OH// Nov. 5 The Rave Milwaukee, WI//Nov. 6 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI//Nov. 8 The Intersection Grand Rapids, MI//Nov.9 University of Maine Orono, ME//Nov. 11 The Granada Lawrence, KS//Nov. 12 Karma Minneapolis, MN//Nov. 14 The Sokol Omaha, NE//Nov. 16 Belly Up Aspen, CO//Nov. 17 The Fox Boulder, CO//Nov. 19 Club House Tempe, AZ//Nov. 20 Key Club Los Angeles, CA//Nov. 23 Fortune Sound Club Vancouver, BC//Nov. 24 Neumo’s Seattle, WA//Nov. 25 Roseland Theatre Portland, OR//Nov. 26 Voo Doo Lounge San Jose, CA//Nov. 27 Haze Nightclub Las Vegas, NV//Dec. 2 Club 77 Hamilton, ON//Dec. 4 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY//Dec. 5 Highline Ballroom New York, NY

DJ Clint Easthood’s Latest Mixtape Releases

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Rick Ross “Blowin’ Money Fast” Tour Dates

If you thought Rick Ross was done “Blowin Money Fast”, think again. Ricky Rozay is going on his first international tour this fall and hitting state side destinations as well as international spots like England, the Carribbean and Africa. Also Ross is scheduled to rerelease his hit record Teflon Don in November. The summer was his, will it be the winter too?

themusicplug919@gmail.com

11/5 - Springfield, MA-11/6 - Bronx, NY-11/12 - Lawrence, MA-11/13 - Austin, TX 11/16 - Leicester, England-11/17 - London, England-11/18 - Manchester, England 11/19 - Chicago, IL-11/24 - Detroit, MI-11/25 - Newark, NJ-11/26 - Rocky Mount, NC 11/27 - Greenville, NC-12/5 - San Antonio, TX-12/11 - St Louis, MO-12/17 - Nassau, Bahamas 12/18 - Port of Spain, Trinidad-12/28 - Accra Ghana-12/29 - Cape Town, South Africa 12/30 - Lagos Nigeria-1/8 - Port Au Prince, Haiti-1/11 - Winnipeg, Canada 1/12 - Saskatoon, Canada-1/13 - Edmonton, Canada-1/15 - Toronto, Canada

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DJ E Sudd the golden child

MP: How long have you been DJ-ing? E Sudd: I got started about 2005. I got real serious about it late 2005 early 2006. MP: How did you start, what got you started? E Sudd: I started out promoting, doing college parties and everything. I started promoting and I really started spending more and more time at the radio station with Waleed (Air personality at 102 Jamz) because Waleed was promoting parties when I was in high school and he was like one of the guys I looked up to. I started coming to his radio show and really started building with different DJ’s. One of the main DJ’s that was there was DJ Reflection. Like I DJ’ed some of my high school parties but I didn’t consider myself a DJ then because I was like pressing a button and dropping the track or whatever. I didn’t have any order about it. I used to hang out at the radio station dealing with Reflection and watching him helped me realize all the scratching, mixing and everything else.

Born Erik Sudderth, this High Point native is scratching and mixing his way to stardom and he’s bringing like-minded artists with him. His buzz began to build when he attended A & T University as he produced mixtapes and DJ’ed parties four nights a week. Now he’s DJ-ing for Travis Porter and opening doors for independent artists who recognize a true opportunity. The Plug linked up with Esudds during the Aggie Eagle Classic to gain an insiders scoop on how the man is becoming a legend right before our eyes.j

Being at the radio station with Waleed and kicking it with Flex I began to open up for him, after that my name began to build more on the DJ tip instead of the promotion tip and with me being a freshman in college it just all went into play real nice. I guess the first time I tested the waters was in 2006 at a venue on Randleman Road, there was a big crowd and everything and that’s when I started DJ-ing for real for real with actual scratching and mixing and everything else instead of just playing songs, you know what I mean. MP: What school did you attend? E Sudd: I went to Andrews High School in High Point and A & T for college. MP: Which came first mixtapes or live gigs?

do a lot of mixtapes and I always had a love for music but I say like in middle school I started putting tapes together… I was like one of the only kids with a CD burner in my class and I used to burn CD’s for folks so I guess that’s where that name and relation for E Sudds music, parties, and everything else started coming into play. I actually started doing mixtapes like to sell with crazy cover designs and packaged up real nice with printing on the CD’s, that came around my freshman year in college. My first mixtape was with DJ Paradime out of Raleigh, It was called The Future. It was a Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana tape when they started like rapping together and doing collaborations together. So, I got into the mixtape thing a little while after the live gigs, as far as like the official mixtapes. MP: How did you land your first gig and where was it? E Sudd: First gig, really pretty much what it was, they knew me from opening up with DJ Reflections… I guess you could say by just being in that college scene and them hearing me open up they was ready to rock with me one night cause Reflections was already booked and they needed another DJ. So I was on my own. I guess you can say…just knowing the right people being around the promoters and everything they was ready to rock with me. MP: What was your first mixtape hosting gig? E Sudd: You mean my first mixtape gig for somebody else? MP: Yes E Sudd: My first mixtape for somebody else was for Snoog and he is out of Highpoint, NC. I think that’s the first mixtape I did with an independent artist. It was an R&B joint

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called “Don’t compare me”. MP: So you are from High Point, NC; do you live in Greensboro now? E Sudd: I’m from High Point, NC; I guess you can really say the Triad. High Point, Greensboro, Winston (Salem) is all pretty much the same thing… But you can say I live in Greensboro now, but actually just last week I got a spot down here in Atlanta. So, I’m in Atlanta right now. I’ll be back and forth to ATL trying to expand and do a little bit more. It’s not just DJ’ing in clubs and doing mixtapes, like it’s a whole different lane, it’s much larger now. At the end of the day it’s about entertainment like I’m trying to get into everything…like pushing artists, pushing Tigo B and Cream Team; those two artists I’m really heavily behind. The reason I’m down in Atlanta, I just got a job with Porter House Music working with Travis Porter. So, I’m down here working with them now on some radio promotions, learning the ropes, studying the roles and making these records. MP: So right now are you just set to work with (Travis Porter) or do work with other artists? E Sudd: Nawh, I don’t even want to say that, like I work with whomever, but it’s gotta make sense. I’ll work with anybody as long as it makes sense. I don’t have any problems with nobody but if anything this is a business. Cream Team and Tigo, like I built with them; they didn’t come to me for no music. They knew I did music, they do music too and I like what they did. And that build my confidence, like I got confidence in them. I can’t be out here just recording everybody… You can focus on one thing, I can’t focus on this man, this female artist, this guy, that guy cause it won’t be possible, I’ll be giving everybody 5%, but if I can give somebody 100%, that will make the job a lot easier and have a larger impact.

As far as that, that’s why I stand with Cream Team, Tigo and Travis Porter…I mean we working to get show money and the radio span, and everything else, the merchandising, and all that but if a guy wanna come do a mixtape and they holla at me…alright let’s do it. I’ll see what their budget is and see how we can work the project, and that’s that, but I’m open to work with anybody though. MP: What would an artist have to do to work with you? E Sudd: It just has to make sense. If I don’t already know the artist or if I haven’t already heard him and it’s just a random person that calls my phone and say they want to do a mixtape, I got my partners, Street Executives, it’s a company out of Atlanta. Pretty much what I do, I give them my partner’s number and let them talk to them. I got a partner that pretty much handles all that for me. So, if somebody is serious and really talking about something to where it’s gonna make sense then yes, but other than that its all about the way somebody approaches me. Of course the music has to be good; the music has to be there. And it has to be something I can feel comfortable co-signing. Like I can’t co-sign something whack, cause I’ll be a whack DJ, but if it’s something hot and they putting it out correctly then its more credit for me, more love for me. This the price, I’ll give you a mixtape for that, but I may do a mixtape for this man and the mixtape sound bad and the cover design is whack, then they put it online and get like 90 downloads and put low quantity on the street. Then I do this mans mixtape for the same price and they end up pressing 20,000 copies and get crazy downloads on the internet and great cover design and all that. So now with the response for this mixtape with the guy that put it out right, now we doing shows together, and its a long term thing instead of just a quick check, you know what I mean. That’s why I’m tryna work with the serious artist, if you’re not serious about it, there’s no point in you and I working together. I

don’t need to work harder than you on your own project. That just don’t make no sense. MP: I know you have worked with a lot of artists; people have approached you off the street wanting you to host mixtapes. What are 3 things artists should or should not do when they approach you? E Sudd: The presentation is the first thing. I know you don’t suppose to judge a book by its cover but, hey, you got to in some situations. It’s just like a beautiful girl, the new girl in town, she’s beautiful and all the guys are tryna holla at her, you know what I’m saying. But the one guy that’s gonna get that play is the one that will come with the best game, dressed the best, the one that’s fresh. So when they present the CD to me, present it the right way. Put print on the case; don’t just give me a white plastic case with your name written on it in a marker or something. You gotta make it nice, spend some money on your craft. On top of that, the worst time is really when I’m DJ-ing. Like don’t approach me when I’m working. It’s not the time or place to handle business, I’m up there working. Respect that, so don’t come up there sloppy drunk, this that and the third, (saying) “yo play my record,” “yo, fuck with me I got the hottest album in NC,” like that’s not going to get you anywhere. The third worst thing to do is name dropping. Saying you know this person, that person. (Saying) “Waleed playing my joint,” Yeah, that’s cool but like if you coming to me tryna work with me, all that really don’t matter. If we gonna do business, then let’s do business, holla at me. So, presentation, timing, and name dropping and following up with somebody, handle your business, like let’s treat it like a business cause that’s what it is. A lot of guys do this as a hobby but this is not my hobby. I’ve never had a job in my life. So, I mean this is all I got… But you got folks

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that do this as a second time thing but this is my first thing, this is what’s supporting me. That’s why I expect to work with people that take it the same way as I take it. So, that’s pretty much what it is, people coming at me the right way. The main thing though, if they come to me at the club and I’m working. Say here is my card with my info on it, my manager’s info is on there, you got every way in the world on there how you can reach me. Holla at me and follow-up with me and that’s the best thing you can do. MP: Have you DJ’d for any artists at performances or shows? E Sudd: I’ve done quite a few shows like that. I did some at the Coliseum. The list can go on forever cause like the first gigs I had at the venue, they was bringing people through left and right. I think the first person I had to DJ for at a show was Young Dro, and I did like Juelz and of course when Wayne was here for the concert in Winston I had to do that show. The list can go on. But right now the largest show I got coming up in November I’ll be over in Germany for two weeks DJ-ing for Travis Porter. That’s going to be one of the largest gigs I have done. MP: What separates you from the competition? E Sudd: I got my own lane. I don’t try to go to a radio station DJ or I don’t try to go to a DJ and say I can scratch better than you. I don’t try to say I can rock better than you. I just do what I do, but I market myself. I don’t market myself as the king. I don’t try to claim nothing. I just play my role, play my position and stay in my own lane. That’s what separates me, we’re not riding in the same lane. I’m riding in my own lane. I respect all the DJ’s; I got to. As long as I stay in my own lane, nobody sees me as competition. You do the club thing, you do the radio thing, you do the mixtape thing, and I’ll do my thing.

MP: Are Dj’s that just do mixtapes fake DJ’s or do they get and deserve the same title as a live club DJ? E Sudd: It saturates. I guess by me being one of the younger DJ’s in the game. I can understand why folks say hip hop is dead or this person ain’t on his game. I can understand why people say that but at the end of the day it’s a hustle. Your family gotta eat, so if that’s what you choose to do, that’s what you choose to do. Just like somebody selling knock off shoes… That’s the hustle, that’s the competition, it’s an easy craft so they gonna do it, but as far as calling yourself a DJ… nawh, he’s not a DJ, he’s a mixtape DJ, he’s a club DJ, I’m a radio DJ, whatever kind of DJ you are, that’s what category you’ll be in. But if that’s what you want to call yourself, hey, more power to you, do what you do. That’s how I feel.

mixtapes out the right way, that will result in more fans which will result in more shows. It’s just a better way of advertising music I feel. The mixtape game, It’s in a good place right now. MP: What is Street Execs and how did you become affiliated with them?

E Sudd: Street Execs, we are the go to guys. It’s a group of DJ’s. DJ Teknikz is the main DJ and its run by my partner Al. It’s a team, that’s all it is and we do whatever services people need. If you need some protection, management, hosting; we can handle that. If you need an artist, we’re just the go to guys. I guess you could say in a nutshell we’re a marketing company. I was introduced to Teknikz at the SEA Awards in Mississippi in 2008. He was hosting Gorilla Zoe and we exchanged numbers and what not but I just never kept in touch with him like that. Teknikz MP: In your opinion how has the mixtape game was coming through NC, they had a show in changed over the past few years? Good or bad? Raleigh and I had to DJ that joint so I saw him there. Then we started keeping in touch a little E Sudd: When DJ Drama got busted a few bit more. It’s was about a year that I was going years ago. I think it scared a whole lot of back and forth to Atlanta and every time I came people. It’s not a lot of money in the mixtape down I kept in touch with Teknikz. game because a lot of stores are scared to carry mixtapes now. You just gotta know the So just building with him and him recognizing knowledge behind it and know what went my grind, Al was like you two should do a wrong. Right now the mixtape is slowly mixtape. But it didn’t make no sense for him coming back up because mixptapes are what’s to do a mixtape with me because he would keeping a lot of artist relevant right now. You just straight up be helping me out, putting me got some of the top artists doing mixtapes. on, giving me credit without me putting in the You got Lil Wayne, Gucci, Jay-Z dropped a work. That was a small piece of motivation for mixtape like last month, TI dropped a mixtape, me right there. I was like ok, I gotta earn this, and Plies. These are all top selling artists and I gotta gain this respect. That’s when I started they are all dropping mixtapes. And then you dropping more mixtapes and everything else. got your Travis Porter’s dropping mixtapes; Then I was coming down to Atlanta week after their whole show is based off the mixtape. The week. So, that’s when Al was saying yo, Sudds mixtape game went down for a second but its you might as well go ahead and start rocking coming right back up now. with Street Execs. I was like shit, let’s do it. I think that’s better for the artist business wise he not making as much money off of mixtapes like he used to but you’re giving the fans what they want to hear. And if you’re putting the

The next mixtape I did had the Street Execs stamp on it and we started building more and more. I played my role and Street Execs it was just chill, I just gotta carry on with what I do

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with it. It’s definitely got its advantages and…I definitely feel it was a good move. MP: How did the bridging the gap mixtape project come about and who are you working with on that project? E Sudd: It mainly focuses on independent artists. My passion is helping people out; that’s one of my things in life. Everything I do I wanna make sure somebody is helped out. Music is my thing its more than just the radio, and everything else, mixtapes, clubs and all that, but breaking artist is my main thing and I feel like that’s what I’ll be interested in. I work with folks so much and everything, I was like cool I’m going to give everyone a chance to be apart of something and let’s do it not just for Carolina but lets do it for the Mid East movement as far as VA, NC and SC. I was talking to Lil B on the phone one day and we was like yeah we need to do something. I was like yeah let’s go ahead and do this mixtape for the independent artist… out the Middle East and that was that, and that’s the name we came up with. It wasn’t like a long drawn out process or anything like that. We gonna do this and see how serious people are about it. Giving folks a resume for the Middle East that’s what I like to call the Bridging the Gap mixtape… These are the serious artists of the Carolinas. This is what’s hot, like here you go. MP: What was the process artists had to go through to be featured on the mixtape? E Sudd: We told artists to submit their tracks. We had a board and we went through the tracks. If we felt like the track was hot we sent it back with a price… We had to charge folks, if you want to be a part of this project, chip in; I mean I can’t come out of pocket to help somebody, I’m still tying to get to a certain position myself… You know what I’m saying, like help me help you. We told folks it would cost to be on this mixtape and some folks responded and some didn’t respond. But at the same time you gotta have some type of budget to do this music thing,

I mean you can make hot music all day but unless you got a few dollars to put your music out there then your music won’t be heard. People post their songs on Facebook, My Space, and everything all day, and if you only got 300 friends, then that’s it... (This mixtape) is gonna go up on lvemixtapes.com, that’s the most powerful mixtape website there is right now. That’s where everybody goes for free downloads… Like my last mixtape, I don’t even know how many downloads it got. One of my best mixtapes was over in the 100,000’s, as far as downloads and you got mixtapes that have 20,000 downloads, so it’s all about how it’s marketed. At the same time we are putting this out for you, I’m not putting this out here for me, we’re putting this out for the artists. For the folks that don’t get a chance to be on host mixtapes everyday, you know what I’m saying. So, anybody can be a part of it, as long as your music is good. All that cost, it cost to get that cover design, I mean all that cost. It’s another outlet for them. Folks will pay for anything, folks will pay to get their name on a flyer, folks will pay to perform, but when it comes to doing stuff for the DJ they feel they got access to, (they say) “Awh nawh, you tryna hit me in the head dog.” But they don’t understand the power this will have behind it. You’re getting co-signed by two powerful mixtape DJ’s in the Carolinas. Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that? If you only knew how this whole business was ran and how money makes everything move and everything happen. Folks would understand a whole lot more, but a lot of these artists haven’t gotten a taste of reality yet. Either some DJ’s don’t care about you or they out to sucker you. But it’s a few DJ’s out here that’s for the betterment of the artist, or out to give artist more exposure and everybody don’t respect that. The game is a gamble and if you feel like your product is that winning poker hand then go all in with it. My music is all I got and I put my all in it, so I expect the artist to do the same. Put your all into the mixtape, your music, into the production, into the studio time, and promotions so everything goes out right. When they step out in the club, they have on

fresh shoes, fresh paper, fresh shirts, fresh everything, why not do the same thing with your music. People don’t see it like that. MP: Will there be another project like this in the near future? E Sudd: I plan to do it back to back. We got another one coming real soon, DJ Paradime and I. I don’t know if we gonna call it Bridging the Gap, if we gonna stick with that name or how we gonna do it. Yea, it’s another on coming up. DJ E Sudd and DJ Paradime we’re bringing another one right back to you, with a compilation. I don’ know if it’s gonna be NC, SC, or VA. It’s definitely gonna be one coming out in a matter of weeks. MP: Do you think it will turn into a series of mixtapes? E Sudd: Yeah…with different DJ’s and artists, yeah…it will be a series, no doubt about it. MP: Any upcoming events? E Sudd: Mic check Mondays once a month in Greensboro at Club Plush, Monday, Ninth Wonder, Tigo B, Cream Team, DJ Eastside, and plenty of artists from all over have attended this event. MP: What is your promotional/contact info, ie. Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Follow ESudd at: www.djesudd.com Facebook/djesudd Twitter @djesudd336 Djesudd@gmail.com

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the nba stars are ready to shine

13 The Music Plug

Finally after what seemed like an extra long off season the NBA season is back and it looks to be an exciting year. With the major move of Lebron James and Chris Bosh to South Beach Miami, Carlos Boozer to the windy city and Amare Stoudamire to the big apple it looks to be a memorable season. But out west Kobe Bryant is looking to further his own legacy by capturing his 6th ring which would tie him with Michael Jordan for championships won and three peats. While young teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Portland Trailblazers look to climb the ranks of a tough western conference. So we took a look at some favorites from both conferences and put together our outlook for the season.

NBA Champs- Miami Heat

Key Off Season Moves/Additions- Lebron James, Chris Bosh There is no denying that the Miami Heat are stacked and have the talent capable of putting together a 65+ win season. With their big 3 averaging a combined 26.7 ppg last season which if combined gives them 80.3+ ppg potential, with a decent supporting cast and Lebron’s ability to make other players around him better their potential is unlimited. Although Dwayne Wade suffered a hamstring pull in the first minutes of preseason don’t look for the Miami Heat to stumble out of the gate. Last Seasons Key Stats for Miami’s Big 3 Dwayne Wade 26.6 PPG 6.5 APG

Lebron James 50.3 FG% 29.7 PPG 8.6 APG 7.3 RPG

Chris Bosh 24.0 PPG 1.0 BPG 10.8 RPG

Runner Up-Dallas Mavericks

Key Off Season Moves/Additions- Keeping Dirk Nowitzki Even though the Lakers are great, winning a 3rd straight title in the NBA isn’t easy even though the LA Lakers have done so twice in their historic history with Kobe present for one of those runs. But with a not healthy Andrew Bynum and an aging but durable Kobe Bryant I don’t see them matching up with the Dallas Mavericks come the Western Conference Finals. Last year the Dallas Mavericks strengthen their lineup with Caron Butler on the wing and Brendan Haywood in the middle from the Washington Wizards. They were unable to make an impact the playoffs but with a whole offseason to get healthy and mesh I see the combo of Dirk Nowitzki and Caron Butler carrying this team deep into the playoffs and past the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals into a high scoring NBA Finals rematch with the Miami Heat.

Maverick’s Key Last Season Offensive Statistics Team Scoring 102.0 PPG (Rank 11th) 0.464 FG% (Rank 13th) 0.816 FT% (Rank 1st)

14 The Music Plug www.themusicplug.com

15 Music Memphis Plug Grizzlies RightThe Track-

Key Additions- Tony Allen

I liked what the Memphis Grizzlies had to offer last season with Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo and Marc Gasol. This year you can expect the team to be lead in scoring by O.J Mayo and Rudy Gay, where Gay is coming off a decent performance in the FIBA world championships in the offseason which can either raise the level of play for a player or exhaust a player during the grueling 82 game NBA season.

2009-2010 Highest Scoring Duos Kobe Bryant/Pau Gasol 27.0/18.3 Carmelo Anthony/Chauncy Billups 28.2/19.5 Montae Ellis/ Corey Maggette 25.5/19.8 Brandon Roy/ Lamarcus Aldridge 21.5/17.9 Zach Randolph/Rudy Gay 20.8/19.6

The Music Plug

NBA Season Preview MVP Kevin Durant Last years scoring champ now has the spotlight on him and I don’t expect him to disappoint. With a great supporting cast and excellent team chemistry Kevin Durant will surely lock up the MVP award and scoring title

NBA Playoff Predictions Wrong Track Toronto Raptors

Eastern Conference

They lost Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu in the offseason and didn’t improve their roster much. Last season they finished with a record 40-42 with them averaging 104.1 PPG but they allowed their opponent to score 105.9 PPG on their defense. So with no Chris Bosh and Hedo look for them to sink to 20 wins this season in a much tougher Atlantic division.

1. Miami Heat 2. Orlando Magic 3. Boston Celtics 4. Chicago Bulls 5. Milwaukee Bucks 6. Charlotte Bobcats 7. New York Knicks 8. Cleveland Cavaliers

Rookie Of The Year John Wall

Possibly the most exciting player coming out of the draft, John Wall will definitely have an impact on the Washington Wizards and their success this season. Yes they are in a tough Eastern Conference surrounded by giants like the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic, but don’t count them out. They still have a very capable scorer in Gilbert Arenas who may have to make that transition back to being a 2 guard.

Western Conference 1. Dallas Mavericks 2. LA Lakers 3. Utah Jazz 4. Oklahoma City Thunder 5. San Antonio Spurs 6. Phoenix Suns 7. Denver Nuggets 8. Memphis Grizzlies

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Who’s Next

B. Stacks

B-Stacks; are the odds stacked for or against him? Blaring through the streets of Durham, N.C., there’s a Code Red alert on blast. It started on the south side, and it’s making its way through the city, block by block, school to school, ear to ear. It’s here, and B-Stacks is the one who is setting it off. If you are wondering who the hell is B-Stacks, then consider this your introductory code; and if you are already a fan then become reacquainted with this up and coming artist taking the city by storm. But the best way to get in on B-Stacks hype is to listen to his latest mixtape. “CODE Red 114, that mixtape is real big out here that’s with DJ Scream,” said Stacks. “The definition… came from the neighborhood I come from, 114 [on my block], so that’s where the name comes from and as far as the music that’s pretty much self explanatory.” Born Sandy Leadbetter, B-Stacks stumbled into rap at the age of 16 when he wrote some songs for a mixtape basically for fun. “I realized [I wanted to be a rapper] around 16 when I was making my first mixtape, Product of the South,” said Stacks. “The response from the mixtape was pretty big; it was something that I wasn’t expecting. I was really just looking at it as, oh yeah, Ima make these songs into a mixtape, you know what I’m saying… I was having fun with it and I was fortunate enough to link up with DJ Folk, who is a big DJ in Atlanta, that’s actually CTE’s (Corporate Thug Entertainment) DJ and the response from that was pretty big.”

Stacks met DJ Folk when he hosted a mixtape for MOS, another artist from Durham, and Stacks was featured on one of the tracks. Needless to say the rapper has a style that commands attention from people knee-deep in the game. “I was featured on a track on that mixtape and he liked it…,” said Stacks. “He liked the song that I was on. My manager got up with him and we did some negotiating over the phone and it went from there.” There are many artists on the grind in this area; some who think there should be a NC movement to bring about well deserved attention to the talent in this state. B-Stacks sees a different type of movement in N.C. . “I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s a N.C. movement because N.C. has close to zero exposure so I think everybody is just grinding,” said Stacks. “Like all the local artists are just making moves amongst themselves, you know what I’m saying, there might be a collab here, a collab there but everybody is like focused on themselves, everybody tryna get theres and then come back.” “If you hear about B-Stacks here Young Swift there, Chuck Breeze here MOS there, you know what I’m saying, all at the same time that will automatically grasp attention to N.C.,” he continued. “I think that’s more of the movement. As far as everybody being up under the same umbrella I wouldn’t say that’s going on.”

Whether everyone is under the same umbrella or not the movement needed in N.C. is one of respect for each others craft. Respectful enough to have successful collaborations and for artists to be able to work together; which basically was the atmosphere at Carmen’s lounge in Morrisville, N.C., during a Source magazine showcase of local talent. B-Stacks performed and the crowd loved him. “When I perform…I literally blank out,” said Stacks. “I feel like no ones there but me. It’s just like I just go into my own zone. It feels great to have a crowd that’s actually involved you know you can go somewhere but the crowd feeds off your energy you know what I’m saying… and when its a good response from a crowd its like a dream come true. When you hear people chanting and cheering you on, that feeling is really indescribable.” Things seem to be going smooth for Stacks; his career is on track. He has a street team pushing his mixtape all over the Triad. He has been booked for shows, worked with DJ’s in major markets, and he had cameos in music videos. He was signed with Faculty Entertainment at the age of 17. So now at the age of 19, what are the odds he will have longevity in the business? Are the odds stacked for or against him? “From production to the fans, this Southern native gives 100% in whatever he does. Dedication and hard work is what the rap game needs; this MC has all the ingredients to be successful in this industry.” – Faculty Entertainment. Before “Code Red 114”, Stacks had a single hit from “All in or Cash Out”, hosted by DJ Chuck; that was played

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in 15 markets around the country. His first mixtape “Product of the South” was created in 72 hours, and he made his debut featured on 14 out of 17 tracks on the “Death B4 Dishonor Vol. 2” If Stacks continues to put in this type of work, the Plug is stacking odds in his favor. If he follows the same advice he gave to new rappers in the game, he should develop into the respected artist he aspires to be. “My advice for struggling artists is you got to just stay on your job,” said Stacks. “As an artist you gotta make music, you gotta put it out there and you gotta do that at all times. You can’t slack up, and you really can’t get no sleep, you just gotta grind.” “All my new mixtapes, old mixtapes, all the show dates, everything about me is on bstacks.com,” said Stacks. When asked what did he wants his fans to know about him, he just laughed and said, “Follow me on twitter.”

themusicplug919@gmail.com

18 The Music Plug

NewMusicPlug.Net Top 10 Leaks Nicki Minaj ft Eminem Romans Revenge (Pink Friday)

Kanye West ft Jay-Z, Charlie Wilson, Kid Cudi, Pete Rock- The Joy (My Dark Twisted Fantasy) d J. Cole I’m On It

Power Trip (Freestyle) w Don Trip (Unknown)

Gucci Mane ft Rick Ross Gucci Time Remix (The Appeal) Jada Kiss ft 50 Cent Dump (Unknown)

Keyshia Cole ft Nicki Minaj I Ain’t Through (Unknown) Lloyd Banks Good Bye (HFM2)

Kanye West ft Cyhi Da Prince, Pusha T and Keri Hilson Take One For The Team (G.O.O.D Music Friday Leaks)

Nicki Minaj Blow Your Mind (Pink Friday)

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Fresh Look Good Wood NYC Accessories Good Wood NYC is a wooden fashion accessories designer out of Brooklyn, NY. Their creations are hand sanded, hand painted and lasered by designer and founder Kerri Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Connell. They design a range of wooden fashion accessories everything from necklaces and bracelets to rings and pins. You can find more designs from Good Wood NYC at GoodWoodNYC.com

Hot New Kicks

Nike Air Max CB4

Nike rereleased the CB34 sneaker recently in a new Black, Glass Blue and Metallic Silver colorway for sneakerheads across the country with the original to be released this holiday season. A perfect stocking stuffer for the sneakerhead in your life.

Jordan Winterized Spizike

Jordan brought back the spizike with a lil twist, for this winter they dropped the Spizike winterized boot in 3 colorways including the one shown above. You can find these Jordan Spizike boots already in stores priced at $185.

Air Jordan Retro 2 QF

Originally released in 1986, the Air Jordan II was designed by Bruce Kilgore and manufactured in Italy. They were available in both high- and low-top versions and considered the most refined basketball sneaker ever created. Above is the never originally produced black version priced at $129

Coogi Cavier

Coogi Caviar high top sneaker in red patent leather. Expensive taste at the inexpensive price of $89.

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Fresh Look

T.I.T.S

Two In The Shirt

T.I.T.S; Watch and Wear’em T.I.T.S have been popping out globally; now N.C. gets a special peep show. “Two In the Shirt” condensed to T.I.T.S. Brand markets provocative T-shirts designed to focus on the female body; encompassing various testosterone based fantasies of women. Finally a brand that gives men permission to get what’s on their minds displayed in perfect form on their chest. “Girls on shirts no more, no less,” said Mark Grubel, T.I.T.S founder. “Originally the main idea was to put girls on a shirt for guys to wear to clubs as a conversation starter.” Grubel, a graffiti artist from Seattle, WA, launched the line in August 2006. The idea for the brand was originally conceived while drinking 40’s of Mickey’s Malt Liquor. He wanted to bridge the gap between skater and hip-hop fashion and appeal to all consumers, and not be exclusive to those who wear street or urban fashions. It took two years to develop the brand after Grubel came up with the concept, starting out at the Magic tradeshow for retailers. Now

the brand has come into its own; offering graphic tops (Tee’s, Crew Necks, Hooded Sweatshirts), and accessories to include fitted caps, beanies, beach towels, skins (Laptops, I-Phone, and I-Pod) and neck ties. The brand coupled-up with adult film stars Gianna Michaels, Tera Patrick, and upcoming collaborations with Sunny Leone and Courtney Cummz for an ingenious marketing strategy; giving them provocative models to feature on the shirts and a solid presence at Adult Trade shows such as AVN in Las Vegas. “Porn stars on shirts came because a tax right off was needed one year so we got a booth at a porn convention and sold some gear,” said Grubel. “From there we started getting a lot of attention and support from the porn industry.” Put some beautiful half-naked women on a shirt and watch how many celebrities wear them, which is one of the reasons why the brand has become a household name. “Numerous artist and celebrities have been spotted wearing and loving TITS,” said

Grubel. “Gucci is wearing the trendsetter tee on his album cover and is spotted all the time wearing the brand, slash, Robert Kardashian, Lamar Odom, Tank Johnson (Bengals), Trey Songz, Mack Maine, Rick Ross, Jay Sean, 50 Cent, G-Unit, Don Cannon, Tech Nine, and this is just to name a few.” Aside from the brands celebrity status, consumers were involved in one marketing strategy; after 1000 votes the “Wifey” series won hands down as the favorite. This series is a creative play on every mans portrayal of the “perfect” wife. This series has launched over 15 designs; stemming a coffee table book featuring different types of wifey’s. “Music, shit I do everyday,” said Grubel when asked about developing marketing concepts. “There is never a specific hunt for one concept or idea, it just happens.” Street teams were developed to help spread the word on the brand and a lot of people, nawh straight up everybody, wanted to jump on board. “People looking to join our street team

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must fill out an application that is reviewed,” said Gubel. “Right now we are currently revamping the entire street team because of the enormous amount of people that were applying we needed to have more structure. We had no idea that we would get so many applicants. We have street team members all over the world, once the new street team is announced it will be world wide.” The TITS for TATAS campaign was launched Oct. 1 with four limited edition shirts, sticker sheets, bracelets, and buttons. The net profits from each item purchased will be donated to Breast Cancer research. Visit www. twointheshirt.com/tatas for more information on how to help TITS write a huge check for the cause. Future brand collaborations and TITS series to watch out for are: “Good Karma, Bad Karma” featuring. Karmaloop.com model Kelly Karloff. T.I.T.S used Karloff to model its shirts on karmaloop which led to her being a model on the shirt. Check for the Karma’s a Bitch series.

and maybe even some real knockers. Whether real or fake, this brand is definitely turning heads; adding an intense look that is sure to entice a glance and some hard stares. TITS is definitely making it harder for men to take their eyes off the two on the shirt, but the line also includes women’s fashions giving men double eye candy as women wear enticing female silhouettes over their own tatas. You would think some women might have a problem with the Tees but the only controversy to date is from one women’s group in Australia. As for Americans, they are in sweet tata heaven. So, in the words of Grubel, “Go buy the shit. Our tees bring on great conversations.” Visit www.shoptits.com Tata!

Also “True Blood” featuring Kelly Karloff and Gia Bueno is inspired by the HBO series True Blood. “Luxury Model” featuring Terra Patrick; she is the first in a series posing in front of a luxury car. The “King T.I.T.S” series with shirts stating, I’m King. “Estevan Oriol Wifey”; this is Estevan’s depiction of his perfect wifey. Dyme Def- Mix tape (Sex Tape); which will have graphic tops that are inspired by the title of songs that are released. “If all goes well we will continue until we reach a peak sort of like skull and cross bones,” said Gubel. “After the peak hopefully we will have a large enough following that will continue to purchase from shoptits.com.” So it is obvious that ready to wear has received a facelift; to include implants, botox,

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919 Events Aggie-Eagle Classic Weekend Jumpoff w/Travis Porter @Luna Night Club

Clint Easthood and The Music Plug hit up Luna Night Club last Thursday (waay last Thursday) in Durham for the Travis Porter Aggie/Eagle Weekend Jumpoff. And boy did it JUMP OFF! North Carolina Central was thick in the building while Lex and K. Gee opened the show for Travis Porter. By 12am the club was packed wall to wall and DJ Kutta got the party poppin with Nemon Marcus on the mic. If you missed it don’t worry I heard they’ll be at NCCU November 17th. The event was put together by Main Event Marketing & Management. DJ E Sudd, DJ Teknikz, and Street Execs were also in the building.

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24 The Music Plug

Outro

Travis Porter

Last week a song from NC native J.Cole “BunB For President” leaked to the internet with J. Cole endorsing Bun B for president over a Kanye like instrumental. Come to find out that track was sent to Bun B to be included on his album, but when Bun B received the song he says he didn’t know how to “approach” the song so he put it aside. Fast forward to a few days ago after the leak the track sparked heavy buzz on the internet due to its crafty lyricism and fierce instrumental (which J.Cole produced not Kanye) Bun B says he will revisit the studio and lay something down in the next few days. The track is on our website but I wanted to include the crafty lyrics for this issue’s outro. Enjoy

Below that Mason Dixon my residence, dirty south Confederate/hey we should hold elections I say Bun B for president/ He represent them real niggas, tx-to atl-to nc yea them ville niggas/them trill niggas/ chill nigga this that rider shit, my bottom bitch say im not a bitch/boy I gotta bitch/I keep her ass in prada shit, these rappers counterfeit/I potty train niggas yea this that teach you how to shit/im bout this shit/my minds a glock my mouths a clip, my words is bullets im about to spit, I leave you leakin’ you lay in pieces like the streets a couch and shit/you see me on my bouncer shit-watch how I put you out this shit, man im makin so much money gotta pay somebody to count this shit/probably gonna make my accountant sick, boy im higher than the mountains get/these new niggas aint talkin bout nothing cause its obvious they aint been around this shit/they bound to split/when it go down, profound wit these pronouns/ladies lovin j.cole now, so you betta not bring yo hoe round/

919 Events The Source Magazine Presents

The Hype Hustle & Flow Artist Showcase & Afterparty

Brolic

Wade Banner & Nikki Nicole

The Source Magazine came to the 919 on September 25th and hosted The Hype Hustle & Flow Showcase and afterparty at Carmen’s Cuban Café in Morrisville. Saturday was a beautiful night and the place was packed with artists, their entourages, industry exec’s, DJ’s and most importantly fans. North Carolina talent like Brolic (Raleigh), Team Tokyo, Young Swift and more took the stage to show The Source Magazine what the NC movement is really about. DJ Highrise was on the 1’s and 2’s while K97.5’s very own Wade Banner and Nikki Nicole held down the mc duties. The artists featured in the showcase will be included in The Source Magazine’s Power 30 Issue that hit stands October 19th.

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TROOP 41

DOING THE JOHN WALL DANCE

TROOP 41

Brolic

27 The Music Plug PERFORMING HIS HIT SINGLE “MOVE THEM THANGS”

YOUNG SWIFT

YOUNG SWIFT ROCKIN THE CROWD

POOH BEAR

CARDYE

MARC LAW

CARDYE

28 The Music Plug www.themusicplug.com

How To Make Yourself Hot part 1 Every upcoming artist wants to be in the lime light, successful and on top of the game but it’s a long and arduous road and many independent artists don’t know where to start. One of our purpose’s with the Music Plug is to provide you the artist with information and resources that will help start or even further your career. So every issue we’ll provide you with information about the necessary steps you need to take to further your musical career. Realistically speaking every artist who jumps into this game won’t make it “big time” but if you take these necessary steps then you will definitely put yourself into position to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, and most importantly make money. After speaking to a few DJ’s and industry professionals and some artists themselves, we’ve come to the conclusion that a lot of artists don’t have a press kit or even know what a press kit or EPK(Electronic Press Kit) is. To get almost anybody in the industry to listen to your music you will need a press kit. A press kit is basically your resume for record labels, booking agents, managers, DJ’s and anybody else that you want to do business with in regards to your talent. A press kit contains the following elements

Bio

This is your brief personal story, you can write it yourself or hire a publicist to write it. Publicists are another key element of getting publicity but we’ll get into that another segment. Your bio should include some personal life information pre-music, information about your music career, outling performances, album/mixtape releases, collaborations and more, the more work shown the better.

Media

Since this is the age of the internet you would most likely submit your press kit or EPK via email but it’s always good to keep a physical copy handy. The purpose of your press kit is to display your talent and the media element is the most important. For EPK you should include your best video taped performances, music videos, music, photos and any press clippings from newspapers, magazines articles done on you etc. This is your hard copy proof that you’re on your grind and that you’re as hot as you say you are. No point in telling someone you’re on top of your sh*t if you can’t show em. Don’t worry about if you don’t have a music video shot or a taped performance, have something. If your press kit is just a bio, music and photos then you are still one step closer.

Promo List

I call this a promo list because this where you will list what websites people can find your music including (Twiturm, ReverbNation, Myspace, Your own website) and websites you were featured on if any to include your music, music reviews and interviews. This promo list plays apart in your internet presence as an artist. The more websites your name is on and the more links to your music the better.

Key websites all Indie artists should check out Song Cast- Digital Distribution through Itunes, Amazon and other major digital music distributors. MP3Waxx- Digital Distribution. MP3 Waxx will blast your single, mixtape, or video to over 849,000 confirmed industry contacts. DigiWaxx- Disital Distribution. DigiWaxx will distribute your song to their community of DJs, A&Rs, Record Execs, and more. DigiWaxx also provides feedback to the client on the reception of the record. SonicBids- Gig Finder. Sonic Bids has a database of club owners, promoters and managers looking to book talent not only for live gigs like club performances and concerts, but movie soundtrack placements, TV & Commercial placements and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes- They are the largest Mixtape DJ Coalition on the planet and if you want to do a mixtape that will end up on all the major mixtape websites, and in the inboxs of industry execs then use their mixtape promotional services.

Photos

The key to your success in this industry is the ability to invest in yourself. And I say ability because it takes a dedicated individual to spend their hard earned money on their craft. Those that aren’t serious are the one’s looking for a hand out. With that said you should at some point invest in a photoshoot for your press kit and to have on hand for anything else media related (i.e flyer, mixtape cover etc) Investing in yourself can take you much further than waiting for a hand out and that’s another topic that we’ll talk about soon.

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Videos

With the internet going viral with the rise of YouTube and up and coming urban tube sites like World Star Hip Hop, videos of some sort are key. They begin to lay the seeds for your internet presence and help establish you as an artist. You Tube has millions of viewers a day from all over the world why not take advantage of that median.(and it’s free) But also for your press kit, videos give the visual proof of the work your putting in as an artist. But only put quality videos in your press kit of you actually performing at a booked show or a music video.

Music

You also need to retain a digital copy of your press kit also known as an EPK, nowadays everybody interested in your music will contact you electronically and even if they’ve viewed your myspace page or reverb nation page they will still request a press kit to view your work before booking you. Don’t wait until the opportunity arises to make one in an hour and it’s unprofessional. Start getting your material together now. Next issue we’ll going to talk about taking that press kit and marketing it the right way to get noticed by booking agents, managers, and A&R’s. Until then stay on your grind and keep working, this sh*t aint over night but you’ll get there.

Your ultimate selling point is your music. You can have the best written bio, the most professional pictures and your music video could’ve been directed by Jordan Tower but if that music isn’t together right your kit will be trashed physically and virtually. Do not sleep on the importance of great sound quality. If you record in a home studio and you can’t mix down or master your work professionally then pay somebody to. There are studios that will take your music and give it the same quality as major artists and it won’t break your pockets. Even if you are talented but you submit a horrible sounding mix with your press kit you may not hear back from whomever. Always update your press kit music, photos and videos with your most recent work. It’s 2010 do not submit music with your press kit with references to 2008, that immediately tells the listener you haven’t made any music in 2 years. Constantly create new music, videos, and projects not only to grow as an artist but to build a catalog. Do not count out those songs from 2008 just don’t let that be your most recent music. That song from 2008 may be a hit in 2010. These are just the basic necessities to get your foot in the door with any industry professional whether it’d be a DJ , A&R or even a magazine at some point they will request a press kit.

songcastmusic.com/promo1

Enter Promo Code 2593 French Montana made himself hot by creat� ing a DVD series titled Cocaine City which he used to showcase his music and sold over 1,000,000 copies world wide. h