SXSW 2010
March 17, 2010 by rap
Filed under Front Page, News
While we were in Austin for the interactive portion of SXSW, we are unfortunately going to spend the music portion in NYC and LA. BUT! Several of or affiliates will be having official and unofficial showcases, as well as artist we stand behind 100%.Hhere is a mini aggregate list or flyers we’ve received this far. Read more
RIP Raptastic. A Twitter Memoir
March 8, 2010 by rap
Filed under Front Page, News
On February 6, 2010 I did the unthinkable. Approximately 8500 updates and 1050 well appreciated new and old friends later, I deleted my twitter account. Upon deletion, as if the creators of twitter knew remorse was an all too common aftereffect of the action I was about to perform, I was warned: THIS IS FINAL. At that time I was sure. Just like that it was done. @Raptastic no longer existed and that night I felt a sigh of relief. I no longer would be tempted to share my inner and outer struggles with my 1,050 followers. I admit I was an “Emo” twitterer. At that time I failed to realize how attached to Raptastic I was. Raptastic had developed a relationship with just about all of her 1,000 followers and in choosing deletion I took Raptastic away from my followers and ironically, myself.
At the time I was sure Raptastic would cease to exist and proud of it as I nonchalantly told colleagues that I deleted my twitter account and didn’t have a second thought about it. The twit itch started about 12 hours later. After updating my blog, I realized I had no twitterers to update. The New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl and I was elated, but had no one to twit to about the seemingly inglorious Saints victory. The girl who was reprimanded weekly in grade school at least once a week for talking too much in class had no one to talk to. I began to realize exactly what twitter had become for me.
Twitter served as a therapist through means of interaction and personification. Not only was it a means to promote my works and the site I toiled over so arduously for the past year. The slept on social media giant had become my rolodex, my counselor, and sounding board and I had just disconnected myself from it.
Upon notifying colleagues that my twitter account has changed I often receive the question “Why did you delete it?” The truth is it’s not so much of a long story, but a personal story. After entering a personal revelation that I did not want to be tempted to chronicle, I choose to eradicate the possible outlets rather than use self control. So I thought. My actions were not just limited to Twitter, but Facebook also.
The absence of Twitter in my life has led me to realize the actual importance and relevance of this oversimplified tool. If Twitter remains as it is, that is without advertisements and the spam that clogs Facebook and eventually damned Myspace, twitter will be greater than the both of them. Twitter has permeated the mainstream and is no longer a tech geek tool or pastime. Virtually every celebrity and the majority of companies have a presence on Twitter. News is communicated via twitter before most major networks have the time to pull together crews and other tools needed to broadcast “Breaking News”. How could I walk away from that? I couldn’t for long. And I am back more active and alive than ever as VivaLaRap.
P.S I have yet to reinstate my Facebook account
XXL Mag’s Freshman Class of 2010
Once again it’s time for a very popular annual happening in the rap world. XXL, the premiere publication for all things Hip-Hop in the game today is unveiling their picks for the top 10 artists on the brink of stardom in 2010. Just as there was in ‘09 there is much debate among the fans and blog sites as to who exactly is worthy of making such a list.
Last year’s picks have experienced a range of outcomes following being selected for the honor. Drake, the most successful product of ‘09 was not on the last list due to the fact that his buzz became widespread just after the collective of wordsmiths was assembled. That being said, Kid Cudi, Wale and Ace Hood have solidified themselves as the most commercially accepted of the group. B.O.B has remained strong artistically and continues to amass a following in anticipation of his debut album which has been moved up to an April 27th drop (originally May 25th). The group’s white knight Asher Roth remains a respected player even though his debut album Asleep In The Bread Aisle failed to attain desirable sales figures (65,000 units in its 1st week). Charles Hamilton is on a sort of hiatus after making some poor choices on when to check himself (i.e. dissing the wrong people and getting smacked by a chick during a freestyle). Curren$y, Cory Gunz and Mickey Factz seem to be in the same boat as they were last year (although the latter has obtained endorsements from Honda and Supra). As for Blu, he’s nowhere to be found at the moment.
The mystery surrounding this year’s list has only been multiplied by the fact that it has supposedly leaked and is now all over the web. While the list does include some of the actual picks, (the magazine has released 8 videos to date in a series which hides their faces as they freestyle) some choices are most likely not in the real class of 2010. One possible clue to this fact is that although Young Money’s female MC Nicki Minaj is on this questionable list, rumor has it that both her and label mate Drake declined to be featured in the issue which hits newsstands March 16th.
Here is the list that’s circulating online:
A statement was released by XXL in response to the matter which reads as follows:
“I’m writing from XXL to let you know the email about XXL’s 2010 Freshman Class is a fake list that did not come from our magazine. While we are flattered about the enthusiasm and heat The Freshman Class generates, this list did not come from XXL and was most likely created and leaked by someone in hopes of boosting their career. We are always on the lookout for the most promising artists who do, in fact, make it into XXL. The current issue of XXL (our double Dec/Jan 2010 issue with 50 Cent on the cover) is on stands now.”
Freestyle videos already released building hype for the release of the list include Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa, Pill, Fashawn, J. Cole, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, and Oj Da Juiceman. Lyrically the standouts are J. Cole, Fashawn, Freddie Gibbs and Nipsey Hussle who gives viewers twice as many bars as the rest of the artists. While you may not expect much from Oj Da Juiceman, his 15 seconds of rhymes seems like a complete waste, making many question his presence in this year’s class.
My predictions for the artists that will find the most critical acclaim in the months to come are without a doubt J. Cole, Fashawn and Nipsey Hussle. Big Sean may be a contender as well especially since he’s backed by Kanye under the G.O.O.D Music umbrella. I’d definitely keep an eye out for Freddie Gibbs. He’s bound to show his talent through a new lane, being that we’ve yet to really see an artist from the state of Indiana at this level.
On a final note there’s a lot of talk about who should have made the list but probably won’t. The names being thrown out there include Donnis, The Cool Kids, Kidz In The Hall, Jay Rock and Pac Div. I’d say we might be seeing Jay Electronica, The Knux, El Prez and Rich Hil getting handpicked in 2011. Look out for the official 2010 list and the new issue of XXL on March 16th.
-N. Middz
Pac Div – “Shut Up” Music Video Coming Soon Teaser from MCM on Vimeo.
I’m patiently waiting for this video to drop. Most of you already know how I feel about the Pac Div boys 
Its May 25th…..The Mixtape
The apparent heir to Andre 3000’s ATLien throne, rapper and hook man B.O.B has dropped a dose of sounds to come from the most versatile of the south’s less seasoned artists. Named as a member of XXL mag’s freshman class of 2009, Bobby Ray indeed has much in store for fans in this new year. The mixtape serves as a kind of prelude to his anticipated album B.O.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray which will hit shelves on (you guessed it) May 25th. The album is being released under a deal inked with Atlantic Records via T.I.’s Grand Hustle label.
May 25th, the mixtape contains a handful of cuts produced by B.O.B. himself. The Alchemist and Kanye West also produced a cut respectively. Features are kept to a minimum on the tape. J. Cole, Asher Roth and Charles Hamilton are the extent of the guest spots. However, the short list of lyrical assists is nothing to sneeze at since its best to see a new star shine in his own light. The current single “Nothin’ On You” featuring Bruno Mars on the chorus, concludes the mixtape which is hosted by DJ’s Drama and Sense. Hopefully May 25th can hold fans down until that day rolls around on the calendar and they can get their hands on the debut album.
Download DJ Drama and DJ Sense present B.o.B – May 25th (Mixtape) here:
http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/ykcvmc
-N. Middz
New HBO Series About Making it Big in Entertainment
Finding someone who doesn’t enjoy HBO’s hit show Entourage is a pretty tough task. You’ve got a group of New York raised characters riding the wave of their movie star friends career in L.A., living it up with gorgeous girls and all types of A-Listers. So how could a show like that be any better? Well take the guy who executive produces the show (Mark Wahlberg), and add in a cast of known faces that play starving artists and entrepreneurs in an NYC setting. The main characters of ”How To Make It In America” are played by Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Lake Bell, and Shannyn Sossamon to name a few. Aside from Mescudi they all have extensive acting experience and have been in projects ranging from “ER” and “One Tree Hill” to “American Dad” and the old Nickleodeon classic “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” Luis Guzman and Martha Plimpton are the veterans with resumes that span 20+ years a piece.
This exciting new show can almost be considered an NYC prequel to the fame experienced by “Vincent Chase” and his boys in Entourage. The show is said to be shot mainly in the city’s lower east side and nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods, but there are scenes in all 5 boroughs. Although categorized as a comedy, the episodes will chronicle the characters struggles trying to break through and make it into the various industries of their callings. Bryan Greenberg’s character “Ben” holds down a sales job at high end department store Barney’s, but meanwhile is striving to get his clothing line off the ground. In short the show is about hustling and achieving your dreams by any means possible. Now who can’t relate to that, especially in New York, NY.
The series premiere airs at 10PM EST on HBO tomorrow night (2.14.2010). Yeah I know its Valentines Day. Fellas if she loves you she’ll watch it with you, trust. Look forward to this show being a huge hit and thoroughly entertaining.
The HTMIA theme song is “I Need A Dollar” by Aloe Blacc. You can find the track and others by Jadakiss, Styles P, Lupe Fiasco and of course Kid Cudi on the “How To Make It” Mixtape hosted by Cudi and DJ Green Lantern.
-N. Middz
Black Scale – Valentines Day Limited Edition Tee
February 12, 2010 by Chrys Love Svperb
Filed under Blog, News
Mega from Blvck Scvle just hit me with their newest drop for the V-Day holiday. I must say its pretty sick! It just dropped today in limited quantities, so if I were you I’d cop it right now!!!
The XX- “VCR”
I think this its about time for me to cop their album. I love their sound.
Starsky’s Pre Super Bowl Birthday Party!!!
February 5, 2010 by Starsky
Filed under Blog, Front Page, News
That’s right! February 5th is my birthday! Me and Tonya aka “RAP” have decided to allow all of our Eargasm readers to come and join in my celebration.
At 12:30 AM EST, 9:30 PM PST we will stream my birthday party LIVE! for all of you to see. You can even hit me up tonight via Twitter @TheEargasm, just make sure you that you tweet #TheEargasm Happy Birthday.
Let the count down begin!
Party starts at 12:30 AM EST, 9:30 PM PST
Chat with me live at the Party!!!
Ustream.tv
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-eargasm
The Eargasm Facebook ‘Fan Page’
http://www.facebook.com/eargasm.music
Aziz Ansari Starts 2010 Off Hilariously
Aziz Ansari’s star has been rising in comedy since he began acting in and executive producing the MTV sketch comedy show “Human Giant” in 2007. In the last year he’s had roles in films like “Funny People”, “Observe and Report” as well as “I Love You, Man.” He’s also appeared on all the major networks late night talk shows (Letterman, O’Brien and Kimmel.) Ansari has been featured in several prominent lifestyle/pop-culture magazines including Paper, Giant and Paste in which he was named one of the top 10 comedians of 2000-2009. He is currently one of the stars of the NBC comedy “Parks and Recreation” (although some might say he steals the spotlight from the shows main character played by Amy Phoeler of SNL fame.) Aziz is not a fan of stereotypical roles being that he is of Indian descent. He is however into poking fun at his cousin Randy who he admits, can be easily bribed with video games in order to allow Aziz to use him in stand-up routines. The twenty-something comedian has also been an active blogger for some time but is now more obsessed with twitter than any other form of social media.
Released this week, his DVD special entitled “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” covers hilarious scenarios from his real life. Some of the segments in the stand-up routine include Ansari retelling the events of a night out with Kanye West, the ridiculousness of using your Blackberry when driving and bullying his overweight cousin Harris via facebook. The DVD is available now in stores everywhere and is a must have for any fans of Aziz or for those who enjoy the antics of Judd Apatow’s new rat pack comedians. In 2010 the “Funny People” funnyman will be working on a short mockumentary based on his character in the aforementioned film, “Randy,” as well as promoting “Get Him to the Greek” in which he has a supporting role. The film also stars Jonah Hill and is set for a summer release.
Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening runs 55 min long and retails for $15
