It’s been a long time coming, but Median’s Relief, the highly anticipated debut album from Justus League member Median, is only eight short weeks away from landing on store shelves worldwide. The album, which hits stores September 25th on Halftooth Records, features outstanding production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nicolay, Ant B, and more, as well as guest appearances from the likes of Joe Scudda, Chaundon, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Spectac.
To hold fans over until the September 25th street date, Halftooth Records is offering a FREE mixtape download of Median’s Relief In The Making (mixed by DJ Low Key & hosted by 9th Wonder). The mixtape features production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nicolay, Von Pea, M-Phazes and more, as well as tracks featuring Little Brother, Foreign Exchange, Kenn Starr, Tanya Morgan, Big Pooh and more. Median’s Relief In The Making features more than 60 minutes of head-nodding music from Median, blended seamlessly by Colorado’s own DJ Low Key and hosted by fellow Justus League member and long time collaborator 9th Wonder. The 29 track mixtape features some of Median’s most memorable guest spots and collaborations (”Shorty on the Lookout,” “Back At It Again,” “All That You Are,” “Scars,” “Be Alright,” “Get Ready”), several “best of” Median tracks (”Comfortable,” “Visionary,” “Doing Dances,” “M.A.D. (Median Alleviates The Drama)”), rare and unreleased tracks (”Yeah Right,” “Maglite” ), previews of tracks from his forthcoming album Median’s Relief (”Rize,” “How Big Is Your World?,” “Powershift,” “What Would You Do?”), as well as new and exclusive tracks recorded just for the mixtape (”Straight N Narrow,” “If Then Statement”).
With the recent release of his new chart-topping single “Rize” (produced by Khrysis) b/w “Love Again” (produced by Koen) & “How Big Is Your World?” (produced by 9th Wonder), as well as the release of Median’s Relief In The Making and the forthcoming release of his debut full-length album Median’s Relief, Median is well on his way to proving himself as one of Hip-Hop’s brightest talents and one of Hip-Hop’s future stars.
Oakland, CA, August 8, 2007 – Nearly two years since the release of their critically acclaimed sophomore album The Minstrel Show, North Carolina’s Little Brother returns with Getback, a slim and trim 11 track album slated for release this fall on ABB Records.
The new album features production from Illmind, Hi-Tek, Nottz, Denaun Porter and 9th Wonder, as well as guest shots from Lil’ Wayne (the playful “Breakin My Heart”) and fellow Hall of Justus family members Jozeemo and Darien Brockington, (the bittersweet thump of ‘That Ain’t Love’ and the vibrant ‘Two Step Blues’ respectively).
The inspiration for Getback came out of a desire to “get back” to the original reason Little Brother wanted to make music in the first place; simply for the love and fun of it. Frustrated with “the industry”, they wanted to return to that place in their hearts that made them want to create music. “When I sat down to write my first rhyme I didn’t say, ‘Maybe if I write this, the people at Clear Channel will love me…I never gave a sh*t about that…so when I saw myself caring about that, I knew it was a problem and I had gotten away from the original reasons why I started making music.”
The album is a return to basics for the group and hope this time around the real focus is on the music itself and not what label they’re on, how many records they’re going to sell or who’s in the group. “I think this is the closest we could get to the feeling and energy we had when we made our first record” says Rapper Pooh “Back in 2001 no one knew who we were or that we were even making music. Fast forward to 2007, fresh off Atlantic, the three man group now a duo, people either counted us out or don’t know what to expect anymore. That gave us the freedom to be just that, free.”
Formed in 2001 at North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, Little Brother has become one of the premier names in soulful hip-hop. With influences that range from the expressive boom bap of A Tribe Called Quest to the rugged back and forth chemistry of EPMD, the group’s members, Phonte and Big Pooh, have become essential names in hip-hop circles worldwide.
Little Brother released their debut album, “The Listening,” on ABB Records in 2003 to widespread critical acclaim. After receiving props from hip-hop luminaries such as Pete Rock and DJ Premier, and touring nationally and internationally with the likes of Hieroglyphics and The Roots, the group signed a deal with Atlantic Records in 2004. Their sophomore effort, “The Minstrel Show,” was released on Atlantic in 2005 to a mass of critical praise and media controversy. The video for ‘Lovin It,’ “Minstrel Show’s” lead single, was deemed ‘too intelligent’ by the BET network and was subsequently banned. Similarly, the group’s 4.5 mic rating in Source Magazine was challenged for political reasons, forcing the magazine’s editor-in-chief Fahiym Ratcliffe to resign from his position.
After the release of “Minstrel Show,” the group released a pair of stellar mixtapes; “Separate but Equal” with DJ Drama (2006) and “And Justus for All” with DJ Mick Boogie (2007). Boasting collaborations with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kardinal Offishall and Ray Cash, “And Justus for All” continued Little Brother’s long running streak of critical admiration, receiving an XL rating in XXL Magazine, and made free to the public via internet download. Shortly after the release of “Justus,” Little Brother left the Atlantic label.
The debut album from Justus League’s Median is coming September 25th on Halftooth Records.
Every so often a musician comes along who uniquely captures the attention of the listener in a personal, heart-felt manner. Median, born James Livingston, has done just that. Median is part of the North Carolina based Hip-Hop crew The Justus League, which also consists of members Little Brother, The Away Team, Cesar Comanche, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Edgar Allen Flow, Chaundon and more.
Median first received a tremendous amount of attention and critical acclaim in 2003 when he emerged on the Hip-Hop scene with his memorable guest appearance on Little Brother’s certified-classic debut album, The Listening. Median made an even stronger impression on the Hip-Hop community with his classic 2005 single “Comfortable” (produced by 9th Wonder) b/w “2 Sided Coin (Remix)” (produced by Khrysis), as well as his outstanding songs such as “Visionary” and “Median Alleviates the Drama (M.A.D.)” from his critically acclaimed independently-released debut EP entitled The Path to Relief EP (2005). Median has since received even more recognition from his stand-out performances and quotable verses on albums including The Foreign Exchange’s Connected, Rapper Big Pooh’s Sleepers, Kenn Starr’s Starr Status and Cesar Comanche’s Squirrel And The Aces, leaving fans yearning for more material from the gifted lyricist. Now, with the recent release of his new chart-topping single “Rize” (produced by Khrysis) b/w “Love Again” (produced by Koen) & “How Big Is Your World?” (produced by 9th Wonder), as well as the forthcoming release of his debut full-length album Median’s Relief, Median is well on his way to proving himself as one of Hip-Hop’s brightest talents and one of Hip-Hop’s future stars.
Median’s Relief features outstanding production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Nicolay, Ant B, and more, as well as guest appearances from the likes of Joe Scudda, Chaundon, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and Spectac. From thought-provoking tracks like “Powershift,” “How Big Is Your World?” and “What Would You Do?” to uplifting songs like “Rize” and “Strides,” to captivating storytelling songs like “Brenda’s Baby” and “Personified,” Median’s Relief covers a wide-range of emotions and subject-matter that is sure to engage and connect with the listener in a distinctive and electrifying way.
According to Median, “Median’s Relief is a journey through some of my life’s experiences thus far. Some of the songs are like excerpts from my personal journal. Other songs are just feel good records; sometimes I even touch on political and philosophical concepts, but always with the goal of making dope music.” Median’s Relief is a genuinely special and unique work of art that is sure to secure a place as one of the most notable, original and influential Hip-Hop albums of its time.
www.halftooth.com
www.myspace.com/halftooth
www.myspace.com/mediansrelief
www.movementmarketing.net
NEW THIS WEEK…
ETERNIA - Where I’m At - The Setup - www.urbnet.com/eternia
The Street Tape is Coming! “Where I’m At - The Setup”, presented by URBNET and DJ Law, is about to hit the shelves Summer 2007! Part 2 to the ever-popular, still selling MixCD from ‘05: “Where I Been - The Collection”, the new release boasts completely fresh material from Canada’s finest femme fatale. New Collabs with: 9th Wonder, M-Phazes, Frequency, Wordsworth, Polyrhythmaddicts (Shabaam Sahdeeq, Mr. Complex, Tiye Phoenix), BET’s Freestyle Friday Champ Nick Fury, Torae, Jessica Kaya, Ms. Davis & many many more. Two Lead Singles, “Do This Like Me” produced by Cincinnati, and “Putcha Hands Up” produced by DJ 3D, boast 2 very different sides to E’s rhyme persona. If you don’t love one, your bound to love the other. Grab Both!
eternia@hotmail.com / raynashine@gmail.com for more info or for interview/drop requests
1. Do This Like Me - Original (Dirty) - Eternia ft. Ness Lee & Poodie the Byz (Produced by Cincinnati)
2. Do This Like Me - Original (Clean)
3. Do This Like Me - Original (Instrumental)
4. Do This Like Me - REMIX (Dirty) - Eternia ft. Ness Lee & Poodie the Byz (Produced by Cincinnati)
5. Do This Like Me - REMIX (Clean)
6. Do This Like Me - REMIX (Instrumental)
7. Putcha Hands Up - (Clean) - Eternia ft. Wordsworth (Produced by DJ 3D)
8. Putcha Hands Up - (Instrumental)
For More Information:
Label Contact Information:
Darryl Rodway, URBNET
sales@urbnet.com
URBNET Communications Inc.
Recordings | Media | Marketing | Retail
Mail: #10617, 998 Bloor Street W. Toronto, ON M6H 1L8 Canada
Voice: 647.271.7736
Fax: 647.439.1411
Online: www.urbnet.com | www.urbnetrecords.com | www.myspace.com/urbnet
Yesterday was a beautiful day in Ottawa. I basked in the sun, as I changed the tires on my 92 Corolla, so you know I got that dirt under my fingernails.
I’ve been doing some spring cleaning, so I’ve got a treasure trove of goodies to give away! See the contest at bottom.
1. The Pimp Juice connection…
2. The CBC Interview…
3. DJ Ducats Mixtape…
4. !!! Contest !!!
1. The Pimp Juice connection…
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If you haven’t checked out my ‘Shake Ya Caboose (Nevski remix)’, then cruise on over to Nelly’s Pimp Juice site to download it.
Here’s the direct link for the lazy folk:
www.letitloose.com/clientuploads/Songs/Shake_Ya_Caboose.mp3
Here’s what some folks are saying about it:
* Gary Cannavo - Masspool DJ Association - Boston, MA - “Shit’s bangin!!”
* Kevin Oliver - Westbeat DJ Pool - Calgary, AB - “The flow is tight - I’m feeling the train samples and production.”
* Nasty Naz - Fredericton, NB - “Dude, this remix is SICK. I love it. Congrats and keep it up!”
2. The CBC Interview…
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Last week, Brockway Biggs talked to Paul Castle of CBC NB’s “Shift” about his Pimp Juice link up, name change & more.
The interview turned out real nice, with lots of insight into the mind of Brockway Biggs… Take a listen to the interview in one of two ways:
(a) Stream real audio here.
(b) Download the mp3 here.
3. DJ Ducats - Bunker Mix
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I linked up with Ottawa’s Addaboe to record a nice little track called ‘D-U-C-A-T-S Power’ for DJ Ducats’ latest mix. I got the idea for the chorus after listening to an old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cassette of mine. Ducats’ full ‘Bunker Mix’ can be downloaded here or…
* Download just my mp3:
Brockway Biggs - ‘D-U-C-A-T-S Power’ ft Addaboe
4. !!! Contest !!!
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For the chance to win one of the prizes listed below, reply to this email with your mailing address. Deadline: May 15, 2007. Limit one entry per valid email address.
CDs:
* Brockway Entertainment (Ottawa) - Canadian Rap Mix 2006
* DJ IV (Halifax) - Maple Syrup: A Blend of True Canadian Hip-Hop
* Heads Connect (Toronto) - Compilation Vol 1
* ECMA (Atlantic Canada) - ‘On The Grind’ Urban Compilation
* Mic Lordz (Windsor) - Family Tree
* Healey TMS (Ottawa) - Indie Enabled w/ cd opener
* Wordburglar (Toronto) - Burglaritis
Magazines:
* Peace Magazine (Toronto)
* Under Pressure Magazine (Montreal)
* Urbanology Magazine (Toronto)
Other tidbits
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I’ve decided to postpone my Atlantic Canada tour until spring 2008 so I can lower my stress levels and up the album vibes! Business is business, but at the end of the day you still gotta be having fun with your music.
I also had a blast at Kelp Records 13th anniversary weekend! It was such a great fun, fresh, family vibe! I made some new fans, friends and fell in love with a new band - The Flaps!
Wishing you all inflated spring time tires,
Troy aka Brockway Biggs
Brockway Entertainment - www.BrockwayEnt.com
Brockway Biggs - www.BrockwayBiggs.com
MySpace - www.myspace.com/brockwaybiggs
Apparently, there’s a climate situation and a bunch of artists want to raise awareness.
We’re talking 150 artists performing over 24 hours. Live streaming starts at 9pm. Check out all of the action on MSN.com.
Yes, Al Gore will be doing a webcast. Should he hint at his Presidential run?
Is this going to be a one-day silence or is this a gloomy precursor of what’s to come for Internet radio franchises?
If you depend on the sounds of Internet radio to get you through your workday, don’t be surprised if your headphones pipe out little more than dead air next Tuesday.
In protest of the elevated royalty fees Webcasters are poised to begin owing to the record industry next month, Internet radio operators are planning to stage a “day of silence.”
So far, Live365 and AccuRadio.com have agreed to cease their music programming on June 26, save for brief audio public service announcements sprinkled throughout the day, according to a Wednesday report by Kurt Hanson of the Radio and Internet Newsletter,. So has the online presence of KCRW, the Southern California-based public radio station. Other public radio broadcasters and larger operators, such as Yahoo, RealNetworks’ Rhapsody service and Pandora, may also sign on, Hanson said.
A number of small commercial Webcasters are also on board with the idea, and all told, thousands are expected to participate. Smaller Webcasters staged a similar protest five years ago in response to a similar rules change by the U.S. copyright officials.
At issue are fee hikes that the Internet radio community says could bankrupt its services, particularly those run by smaller operators. SoundExchange, the non-profit collection entity that lobbied for the changes, has repeatedly argued the changes are fair and necessary to ensure artists are compensated adequately.
Read more.
PLAY
