Pusha T Set for Nov. 25th Release

Hip-Hop sources have discovered that Pusha-T has announced he will be dropping his first LP on Kanye's G.O.O.D Music label on November 25th, 2011, Black Friday. Of course, his Fear of God mixtape was a huge success and he is releasing it as a retail E.P on June 21st. Even better, new songs will be added including collaborations with Odd future and Kanye West. In addition, rumors of a new mixtape with his crew, The Reup Gang, appropriately titled "Long Live the Cain" should be out soon too.

Dougie Rapper Killed in Inglewood

M-Bone, rapper from the Cali Swag District, was killed in what was called  a drive by style shooting. In his hometown of Inglewood, California, a car pulled up next to his and fired two rounds at his head on May 14. M-Bone, whose real name is Montae Talbert, died soon after. The groups representative is calling this a "random act of violence." However, XXL mag via TMZ World relinquished some more details: 

Initially reported as a random act of violence, reports later surfaced that the rapper may have been shot over a woman, according to TMZ. Word is M-Bone’s friends have been in contact with authorities and are telling investigators the rapper met a girl when he returned to LA from touring recently. Per M’s friends,
officials are still investigating, but as of now, it appears the shooting was a male tenant who lives in the young woman’s apartment building didn’t approve of the relationship and started threatening the rapper on Twitter. A Twitter feud ensued.  -XXL Mag.com

Unlike the murderers of Pac and Biggie, We'd like to think they will find the thug who abbreviated M-Bone's life to a short 22 years.  ABL will keep you posted on any news that develops concerning the investigation. In the words of Boogie Down Production, "stop the violence!"

Master P Orchestrates his Comeback: The New No Limit Records

After selling 75 million records, Master P has put together a new label; he elevated his son, Romeo, to CEO, his younger son Valentino to VP, kept Silk the Shocker and added a slew of new artists. Indeed this time around, it is "Family Business." Will P have the business swagger to put The New No Limit at the top of the charts?

Here at ABL, we are not sure. First, it's important to realize that No Limit pioneered a certain brand of New Orleans hip-hop which eventually affected the entire South. Perhaps the younger generation missed their rise to fame, but the old school heads know whats up. And, that might be the significant factor in whether P can become a top record executive again. Does P have the business swagger to tap into today's new generation of hip-hop consumers? Let me rephrase the question: In today's saturated market of Dirty South Rappers, will No-Limit be able to "shine" or will they camouflage into the existing scene?

Major obstacles stand in their way but all in all, we think it's to early to call.  No Limit still carries a brand from their last run in hip-hop where deep drum kicks, speedy high hats, funky synths and a host of other relatively simple rhythms mixed with anthem type hooks made everybody said "Uhhhh, NaNaNa, Naaaa."

But hip-hop has transformed and to compete in the south, individuality is key- that is, if you want to have longevity. Indeed, P will have to prove himself a Master to rise to fame again. Perhaps a good intro to the new generation of hip-hop is P's "Get Money" film starring himself and Gucci Mane set for an August  release.  Either way it goes, it will be interesting to see P navigate in today's increasingly competitive market of hip-hop artists.

Mixtape Fridays: Gilbere Forte

Hailing from Philly, Gilbere Forte definitely is worthy of mixtape fridays. First, there is some very creative production on this project, and his style adapts to production changes as he spits over dirty south and east coast tracks. But more importantly, Forte has the swag of a heavy weighter and he has the potential to put Philly on his back (excluding The Roots). Ace McClowd did a great job hosting and overall, this is a grade A Mixtapte. You know the drill- click here to listen

Big Sean is "Finally Famous"

At the young age of 23, Big Sean is one of hip-hop's brightest new stars. He signed to Kanye's West's G.O.O.D Music label in 2007, dropped  several "Finally Famous" mixtapes that flooded the streets, and now has his first mainstream single with his hit single "My Last featuring Chris Brown." If all thats not enough, the main producer on his upcoming album is NO I.D who mentored Kanye West's brilliant production style. Indeed, it seems Big Sean is Finally Famous.

But more importantly, Big Sean is a classic model of how significant it is for artists to promote themselves, regardless of whether they are signed or not.  Think about it- he was signed since 2007.  Sean admits in a Hip-Hop DX interview that he sat watching other artists like Rick Ross, and Rihanna shine while he stayed on the back burner. In contrast, fifteen years ago, once you were signed to a major, you could finally focus on your music because the label would take care of your promotion. Those were the days.  As Big Sean, found out, the ability to network and create your own buzz is invaluable in the music industry.

Now, with a June 21st release date on his album, Big Sean aims to rise in the ranks on the charts and permanently brand his name in hip-hop. Time will tell if he matches his aim.



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The Problem With Free Downloads

In my experience as an independent record label owner, I have come across many independent artists that give away free music.  I have mixed thoughts about today's era that encourages upcoming talent to give their music away.  However, giving your music away can be a useful tool, but it's a slippery slope and with that comes some "slippery" problems.

Here's my take on it: If you can't send me a link where I can directly download your album, don't send it at all. This, as most musicians know, is difficult to accomplish.  The problem is artists are using software on the net that manages the download.  These programs often install tool bars and other tidbits on your PC or Mac. Couple that with the many different download managers that exist on the web and you could find your self piling these programs in your computer. With competition like Kazaa and other shareware sites, it makes one wonder: why should I have to jump through loops to get a free disc?

One solution, especially if you have a website, is to ask your host can you add a download category to your site. Many host already have this feature built in your site. For instance, my host's template has a download link which is setup for direct downloads for fans of your music. In this format, you will not need a download manager.

Here is the main point: Don't create stumbling blocks that will prohibit your music from being heard.  Try to find download managers that won't hassle your potential customers or fans to sign up for this or that or unexpectedly put a new tool bar on your computer. It's quite annoying and you can lose a fan that you might not be able to gain back again.

But enough with all the talking. Check out how simple it is to download Orie's album from DJ Booth.net. You will notice that it only takes three clicks for the download to start including the link on  this blog. Anything else is uncivilized.