ELEGANT HOODNESS 3RD PLACE WINNER DEC 2011 JAEDEN ZOE

JAEDEN ZOE

Jaeden Zoe definitely has that je ne se pas effect going on for herself. She is a native California and a resident of Brooklyn N.Y.. When I spoke to her manager "Eddie Rosa" about involving her in the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program, my monthly showcase held at club Pyramid in the L.E.S. (downtown Manhattan). I was automatically pleased with her writing ability and catch pop hooks. Her look and sound was a bit different from the average competitor in our arena. But when I listened to her single entitled "Hello" I knew that the Elegant Hoodness audience and supporters would enjoy my new diamond in a rough finding. Dec 21, 2011 four days before Christmas, Jaeden Zoe tour the house down and placed 3rd in the competition. Giving you the reader now the opportunity to know her story and fall in love with her music. I caught up with Jaeden after the competition and discussed everything from being in love, California and the art of song writing. I present to you future pop sensation "JAEDEN ZOE"

A.D. THE GENERAL: How long have you been writing and composing your own music?

JAEDEN ZOE: I've been composing my music since the age of 6 years old when I first knew I had the drive for it.

A.D. THE GENERAL: So you’re originally from California? Born & raised? Is that where you acquired your sound?

JAEDEN ZOE: Yes, I'm originally from california born and raise in Santa Monica but I wouldn't say I developed my sound from my environment because I was inspired by artist like I Blame Coco, One Republic and others.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Some of your lyrics talk about being in love. Is being in love an inspiration for your song writing?

JAEDEN ZOE: Yes I would say it's an inspiration because love is a very rare thing to find in a friendship. With a family member or in a relationship its a healthy form of life that some people aren't use to and hopefully through my music they can feel that feeling.

A.D. THE GENERAL: You have won third place at the Elegant Hoodness Musical Program. How did you enjoy the program and would you recommend the program to another artist?

JAEDEN ZOE: I'm very thankful I had the opportunity to come out and perform and winning third place is a honor to me. I believe any inspired artist with a passion for music will highly appreciate this offer and I would recommend upcoming music artist to take a chance to win.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Who are some of the artist that has influenced you to pursue a career in music?

JAEDEN ZOE: The artist that influenced my career when I was younger was Mariah Carey because she has this distinctive sound that I was interested in.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Where do you see yourself in a year?

JAEDEN ZOE: I see myself going pretty far with my music and with the new year motivating the hype. I believe I will be the artist of 2012.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Where can our readers listen and download your music?

JAEDEN ZOE: Everyone can check out www.jaedenzoe.com there you will find all my music, videos and information on my upcoming events.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Any thank you or shout outs?

JAEDEN ZOE: I just want to say thank you to my team for the hard work and effort where putting in together. Also to my supporters that keep spreading the sound.

WRITTEN BY: A.D. THE GENERAL

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011'

R&B SENSATION NEEKA J ACQUAINTS WITH E.H.M.P. & N.A.B.

NEEKA J

SPECIALGIFT: Hey love, it's a pleasure to sit down with you again.

NEEKA J: Thanks!! I appreciate the opportunity to be here!

SPECIALGIFT: It's been over a year since we've met at Elegant Hoodness Musical Program NYC Annual Park Tour 2010. Elaborate some on your transition from that time till now.

NEEKA J: I've grown alot as an artist in the past year. I've been working on more material, some outside my usual element, doing shows across NYC and just enjoying life!!

SPECIALGIFT: You recently did a Power 105.1 showcase? Tell us about that?

NEEKA J: The venue was held at Times Square Arts Center, which was exciting all by itself!!!! At the event I met Ms. Maria Davis, R&B group Allure, June Balloon and a host of others within the industry. They enjoyed my show and it was a great experience to be apart of. Shout out to Curt Flirt and DJ Whutevva.

SPECIALGIFT: "Don't Save 'em" , wow how did that title come about? Tell us about the creation of this track.

NEEKA J: Lol, Don't Save 'em is a song expressed from personal experience as well as stories I hear from females and guys all the time. We love someone who doesn't love us back!!! Instead of walking away and taking a loss, we tend to stay around and stick through the hurt, pain, and disrespect to eventually become bitter. Lots of time is wasted and some get upset with the "other person" instead of checking your own boo!! Gotta move em up and out and Keep it moving!!! Before u live life you gotta love yourself. Don't Save 'em!! Like Usher said "Let it burn!!"

SPECIALGIFT: What's next for Neeka J?

NEEKA J: I'm looking forward to an album release!!! I've been working hard and fans have been patiently waiting. I think its time!

SPECIALGIFT: Anything you would like to express at this time? Maybe something you want the readers and fans to remember when they hear Neeka J.

NEEKA J: Love is everything! Money is not!! Love yourself, work hard, play harder!

SPECIALGIFT: Where do we find more of Neeka J music?

NEEKA J: I have a couple free downloads posted on www.twitter.com/NeekaJ_MusiQ. You can also find a couple performance videos on www.youtube.com/NeekaJthetruth One video is of the 6th year anniversary of EHMP!

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011

N.A.B. CATCHES UP WITH NYC’S OWN DJ RUSS

DJ RUSS

N.A.B.: Where are you originally from? Also where were you when you first fell in love with hip hop?

DJ RUSS: I was born in Spanish Town Jamaica W.I. I came to the USA at the age of five. I fell in love with hip hop when I heardRunDMC, Peter Piper, it hit me so hard thats when I bought to turntables. That was twenty six years ago.

N.A.B.: Do u know the difference between “RAP” and “Hip Hop”?

DJ RUSS: Well any body can Rap about anything but hiphop is a movement.

N.A.B.: How long have you been a DJ? Also, what inspired you to become a DJ?

DJ RUSS: Twenty five years. The way that a dj can control a crowd its like begin a magican.

N.A.B.: Where can we hear you spin?

DJ RUSS: Every Tuesday at Club Pyraimd under Mental Supereme showcase and on Melodreamentertainment.com at 4pm every Sat. Starting in Nov my own show every Thurs starting Thanksgiving Thursday called MegaMix Thursdays

N.A.B.: Where do u stand when it comes to the digital world of DJING?

DJ RUSS: Well it’s much easer now than it was about ten to fifteen years ago. With all the records we use to carry to the clubs. Now its just a small box and your laptop.

N.A.B.: Any last word to our readers?

DJ RUSS: Just striving to be the best dj! Can be and with God’s grace I plan on it. THANK YOU

WRITTEN BY: AD THE GENERAL

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSIAL PROGRAM 2011

LIVE FROM BEDFORD STUYVESANT E.H.M.P SIT’S WITH JAX 1

JAX 1

A.D. THE GENERAL: Break down your name Jax 1?

JAX1: I mean my name Jax1 basically came about from a graff legend named “Jimmy“. I was always fascinated with the colors and names on the walls in the hood as a kid. So I linked up with Jimmy and he’s like u need a name and we came up wit “Jax” the one separates me from everyone else. I’m the One!!

A.D. THE GENERAL: Congrats on your recent win and nomination for Top Ten Artists of the Year Awards 2011. How do you feel about your nomination?

JAX1: I mean I’m Blessed I always knew that if the right person was to hear me I’d b able to showcase my talent on a broader scale. I just want to shout A.D. The General out for having these type of outlets from unsigned artist. I appreciate the nomination and I’m just gonna continue to take advantage of my situation and make the best out of it.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Tell me what separate you from the average rapper?

JAX1: What separates me from other rappers is, “My Story“. My life is real and my songs are relatable. My concepts are different. My music is refreshing. It’s Hip Hop resurrected.

A.D. THE GENERAL: How do you feel about the current state of hip hop?

JAX1: I feel Hip Hop is definetly in it’s transition stage right now. In a way it’s a perfect time for the people to hear ya boy. Bring that “Goose Bump Muzik back“.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Who inspired you to start rapping?

JAX1: I mean definetly B.I.G.. When he said “Live from Bedford Stuyvesant the Livest One” and he was talking that talk that I could relate to, that I was going through. I felt that I had to tell my story. So yeh, B.I.G inspired me.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Where can our readers get a hold of you and listen or download your music?

JAX1: The people can def follow me on twitter @jaxishome man JaxOne on Facebook contact my son Latik Short on Facebook.. “Man we working“..

A.D. THE GENERAL: Any thank you and shouts outs?

JAX1: Shouts to everyone supporting the movement.

WRITTEN BY: A.D. THE GENERAL

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011

N.A.B. CATCHES UP WITH R&B’S OWN MISURE AKA GENTLEMEN

MISURE

Misure aka Gentleman is a native of Virginia. He was first bought to my attention by a fellow media personality in NYC (Tim Hopewell). I recall our first conversation via the telephone. He was so full of energy and he definitely lived up to his name. We exchanged emails and less than hour later I was back on the phone with him. Eager and impressed with his ability to create the beat write the lyrics and his vocal ability reminded of another Virginia native (SICO of Dru Hill). I am genuinely excited about this artist and want to remind where you heard of him first. N.A.B. is always bringing you the rawest and purest talents across the country. Today we introduce to you MISURE!!!

A.D. THE GENERAL: Break down your name Misure?

MISURE: Misure (monsieur) is French for gentleman… I Americanized it lol!! I’m still a true believer that being a gentleman to the ladies will always get you further!

A.D. THE GENERAL: How long have you been singing? And what inspired you to start singing?

MISURE: Wow! My whole life, I actually started as a dancer but always sung on the low. As a matter of fact Actor Affion Crockett (Nick Cannon's wildn out) grew up in the same city and we were in the same dance group. Although I was way younger than him I saw early that not only did I want to dance but wanted to perform! Ever since then I broke my singing silence and began winning shows, contests and events all over north Carolina…

A.D. THE GENERAL: You are also a writer and producer, a triple treat. When did you start producing and do you play any instruments? And which do you prefer if any of the three?

MISURE: I started producing hard about 5 yrs ago. I always had the sounds in my head and had to find away to express them. Through a lot of trial and error I finally feel that I am there as a producer. I produce everything from R&B to Hip Hop, to pop and even rock tracks. I naturally play the piano by ear. My dream is the acoustic guitar. I prefer all three. I feel like if you write, produce and sing your own song every aspect is exactly how you envisioned it. Just like making a sandwich. You and you alone put all the right meats, cheeses and condiments to make it the best meal. That’s my analogy of my music. All beats vocals and production are all Misure, No samples baby!

A.D. THE GENERAL: What do you bring to the table that other R&B artists haven’t bought to the table?

MISURE: Well I will never show any disrespect to any artist but I feel I’m bringing back true emotion of R&B. Back in the pre auto tune day’s artist sung from the heart…their lyrics meant something. You could hear the joy or the pain in their voice. I’m bringing back that type of feel in my music. It’s going to make you laugh, cry and chant along with great hooks and meaningful lyrics.

A.D. THE GENERAL: What do you feel about the current state of R&B and has R&B lost its way?

MISURE: I feel it’s been ruined…with a few exceptions in the game of course. It’s all about looks vs voice…remember the Al Green album? Dude had a regular haircut, Kool-Aid grin, and his taco meat hanging out his shirt! today’s listeners would have seen that cover and put it back on the shelf…that album had some of the greatest hits in R&B…smh… People need to realize the voice and meaning of music vs the superficial appearance of an artist… I don’t look half bad though!! lol

A.D. THE GENERAL: If the world could remember you by one quote what would it be?

MISURE: You believe in you before you try to make others believe in you.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Any last words for our reader and where can we listen and or download your music?

MISURE: I realize that without the ear of the average everyday listener that I would be nowhere…some of our successful brothers and sisters in the industry really need to remember that! I am so very grateful to all my fans, friends and believers of MISURE and TEAM MISURE NYC and TEAM MISURE VA. Thank you… My music can be heard on www.melodreamentertainment.com ,www.youtube.com/vabeach2009, www.reverbnation.com/misure and also follow me and my moves on twitter @marcmisure as well as facebook.. Just search marcus misure george.

Written by: A.D. The General

Courtesy of The Elegant Hoodness Musical Program 2011

CHARLIE ROCK UPCOMING PRODUCER WINS @E.H.M.P BEAT BATTLE

CHARLIE ROCK

A.D. THE GENERAL: Lets start off with the name Charlie Rock what does it mean?

CHARLIE ROCK: Honestly the name was passed down to me by my father. (Not to be confused with Charlie Rock formerly of Terror Squad) The name just stuck with me since I was a kid.

A.D. THE GENERAL: You are from the Bronx NY the Mecca of Hip Hop. Do you feel any pressure to succeed and continue the legacy of some of the greats born in The Bronx?

CHARLIE ROCK: From KRS 1, Melly Mel, Big Pun, to Corey Gunz, Fred The Godson, and French Montana, the legacy is still here and in good hands. As for me, I think it’s a different expectation because I’m a producer. I think the most pressure comes from my self. I know what I’m capable of so I’m my own hardest critic. When you think of the Bronx and its contributions to Hip Hop or music in general, my name will be mentioned when it’s all said and done.

A.D. THE GENERAL: How long have you been producing and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

CHARLIE ROCK: I've been into music all my life. I started out playing in church and it’s had a hold on me ever since. I’ve only been producing for 3 years now. Its crazy to think about the stuff I’ve made in such a short period of time compared to people who have been producing 10 years plus. I have over 200 full songs done. The catalog is only getting bigger.

A.D. THE GENERAL: How would you describe your style or production and what makes you the next hottest producer in the game?

CHARLIE ROCK: I don’t want to categorize in any genre of music. I want to be known as a producer who can sell a track to Lil Wayne then turn around and sell another track to Justin Bieber. I can make anything in any lane without trying to recreate what someone else has already done. I sound like me!

A.D. THE GENERAL: Do u play any instruments? And is your production sample free?

CHARLIE ROCK: I play the piano and the drums. Spending 6 hours in Church every Sunday when I was little can do that to you. Lol. I have a lot of sample free music as well as sampled beats. I can also take a song and play the whole thing over and give it a new feeling. That’s what being a producer is about.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Who do you dream of producing for?

CHARLIE ROCK: I would want to co-produce a record for Jay with Kanye. I think it’ll be one of the best songs in music history period. J. Cole, Drake, Ceelo, Frank Ocean, Chrisette Michelle, Slaughter House just to name a few others. I also like working with the new artist that haven’t been discovered yet because the creativity with them is limitless.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Who have you been working with? And how does an artist get to work with you?

CHARLIE ROCK: I've been fortunate enough to work with a lot of artist and people who make good music. Any artist that takes this serious and wants to produce hit records can contact me. This industry is all about building relationships with people and making a good product. As long as you’re making what the people want, it’s undeniable.

A.D. THE GENERAL: Where can our readers hear some of those Fire beats?

CHARLIE ROCK: You can hear some of my music on my website www.charlierocktid.com you can also follow me on twittertwitter.com/CharlieRockTID and on Facebook Charlie Rock and on your radio station very soon!

WRITTEN BY: A.D. THE GENERAL

COURTESY OF THE ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011

JAY SPITZ aka SPITZO

JAY SPITZ AKA SPITZO

Chief operations officer and Co Owner at Hand Made Beatz. As you get familiar with Jay Spitz, you become familiar with Real. Spitz has been apart of the music scene and is taking thee likely steps to stardom. Lives in Bk and reps to the fullest. With accurate performance skills, Spitz has been previously been an Elegant Hoodness Winner. He’s performed at E.H.M.P. summer park tour 2010 reppin at Poe park in the Bx as well. Spitz performed at club Pyramid, Angels Lounge and various of other places. John Smith, Getcha Sh** Together, Nigga Land, The Future and his newest single out “Not a Star” ft. Most Amazin Rain are his latest creations. Jay Spitz where’s several hats. With his team associates, they combine there qualities a bring forth dedicated structure all around. Now it’s time to find out more from Bk’s own Jay Spitz.

SPECIALGIFT: Hey Spitzo, what’s shakin (in my SpecialGift voice)? Take a moment to narrate on who Jay Spitz is.

JAY SPITZ: Jay Spitz is Chief Operations Officer and Co-Owner of HandMade Beatz Entertainment also a hard-working street savvy individual. Born and partially raised in the East New York section of Brooklyn before relocating to become a man in Burlington,NC and returning back to the beautiful Bushwick section of Brooklyn. As far as music, Jay Spitz speaks directly to and for the streets and delivers pride to be in and from the places we represent.

SPECIALGIFT: What have you been up to musically in the last 6 months? Elaborate on your future plans.

JAY SPITZ: I've been recording more in the past 6 months preparing a mixtape and album,I plan to perform more in the near future but other than that I’m just going to see where life takes me but of course helping promote my HMB family.

SPECIALGIFT: “The Future” has been getting rotation on On Deck Thursdays with Ms. FeFe N.A.B. and Fresh Friday‘s with G3mz (Team N.A.N. member).. Tell us how this track came forth.

JAY SPITZ: That’s actually a (Detroit Artist) Guilty Simpson track. It’s so hard but I couldn’t find it like the usual beats we jack, Lol… So my business partner SL Jonez saw Guilty at an event and told him we needed the beat and he emailed it to us. We waiting on his reaction, I think I did a damn good job on it… Thanks to Guilty some artist don’t like other rappers using their tracks so that was a generous look on his part.

SPECIALGIFT: You've been doing several track features, anyone you preferably look to collaborate with soon? What’s your perception on the difference of Jay Spitz and the next up and coming hip hop artist?

JAY SPITZ: Doesn't matter. I have a full roster of elite artist and ties to several teams of artist that I will be working with. So I’m pretty much covered on the collaboration end. Jay Spitz is just a real nigga a around. I’ll let the fans and critics determine the difference. As far as Hip Hop is concerned I am not much different than a lot of artist. I have a genuine love for the art. So I’m just expressing it through my point of view. It’s beyond the music where I feel I differ from. Not from just Hip Hop artist but many people in general.

SPECIALGIFT: Elegant Hoodness Musical Program has been around since 2004 and having their 7th year anniversary this Oct 2011. How are you affiliated and elaborate on your experience with Elegant Hoodness.

JAY SPITZ: I was searching for a showcase for the artist on our label and stumbled on a post from A.D. the General. I did some research and was pleased with the opportunities she and E.H.M.P. has available for up and coming artist. We’ve submitted songs to the numerous radio stations A.D. is affiliated with and we had the joy to participate in last years NYC Annual Elegant Hoodness Musical Program park tour. It’s been a wonderful experience every since.

SPECIALGIFT: You have a track called “Conglomerate” that’s been getting a few spins as well. What’s your notion of this track?

JAY SPITZ: I believe Mottz Gigante heard that beat and was like “we should do that Spitz"!! Me, you and Palm”. So I told Napalm da Don about it and we laid it soon after. It was nothing special, we take these other artist beats and “Hand Make” them to sound like our own-nothing new. We’ve been doing that for years. I just love the chemistry and how we all attacked that beat. It was like a continuous assault over he course of three verses but like I said that nothing new. Shout Out to Munch Dawg for the great engineering job. Money well spent!!

SPECIALGIFT: Spitzo, tell us something we don’t know about you. Something interesting we should know. Any shout outs you would like to give?

JAY SPITZ: There’s really nothing because my life is a open book. I am not ashamed of my life because I understand I am human and flawed. I’m going to make mistakes, do stupid sh**, struggle, achieve. Love, hurt, laugh and cry. As we all do so, I don’t hide it. Everyone can get a good idea about Spitz through the music. My face book page definitely and if you really want to know Spitz dammit you can call me, aim, whatever. You can come to block and chill with me. Bring a small bottle and we can chop it up like long lost cousins, lol. My life is an open book and I want everyone to read it. You might come to love a stranger. Shout Outs to my family my whole HMB team, team N.A.N., Ruck Down records, UWD out in NC and all our true Supporters!!

SPECIALGIFT: If someone wanted to acquaint further with you artistry, where would they go? Facebook, Twitter, music site etc…..

JAY SPITZ: They can catch me at face book.com/jayspitz (my page is public), @Spitzo on twitter. you tube.com/burgz We have two sound clouds (don’t ask me why, lol) sound cloud.com/handmade mania and soundcloud.com/handmadebeatz myspace.com/jayspitz (yes I do still use myspace) and to make it esy for ya’ll just google Jay Spitz, it isn’t hard to find me…. Love Yall

WRITTEN BY: SPECIALGIFT N.A.B.

COURTESY OF ELEGANT HOODNESS MUSICAL PROGRAM 2011'