Well, another year in the books. After an exciting 2011, Established Dons Entertainment had quite the corner-turning 2012, with a bright future heading into 2013. With stronger music and product, additional shows, and starting our own "Get Familiar" showcases, we accomplished quite a bit this year, including, for the watchful eye, a name change.
N. Talekt - "Be Loved"
As far as music, this year started off the way it ended. With N. Talekt riding the wave of momentum from 2011's "In My Loving Memory," the first release of the year for EDE was "Be Loved," an eleven-track opus to love, lyrics, and happiness, a stark contrast to the previous title. A surprise release on Valentine's Day, the EP-turned-album showcased releases like "Time Is Slipping Away," "You," and "Fall." The tagline explains it all -- "written and performed for anyone with someone special in their lives to Be Loved; dedicated to that special someone in mine." Simply put, a timely release with timeless content.
Rah Scrilla - "Most Underrated"
Chasing that release, Rah Scrilla dropped "Most Underrated" on March 26, 2012, on the heels of his own heralded release months before, "Smoking in the Bathroom." With EDE starting to come together in late-January, Scrilla used this mixtape to give audiences a brief introduction to himself and his crew, hoping to both live up to and shed the moniker of underrated and trade it for something better. The release spawned singles such as "Where I'm From," "I Puts It Down," and the city anthem "We RVA," which were performed in various venues throughout the spring.
Musically, it was a quiet spring, but it was highlighted locally with performances and shows with all the new music that had come out over the past six months. EDE held it down from events like Purple Day at The Camel to Face Melt Friday at Strange Matter. But that silence was merely the calm before the storm...
N. Talekt - "Featuring... Me, Act 3"
Kicking off the summer was N. Talekt with his second 2012 release, and his fifth in a 55-week period, the much-anticipated "Featuring... Me, Act 3." Following the successful formula of the previous two releases, the mixtape, dropped on June 26, 2012, featured SoundClick artists at their finest of all walks and styles. Singles such as "Tear This Down," "Better Days," and "Hip Hop America" highlighted the diversity of the mixtape while showcasing good music. N. Talekt has since promised that this would not be the last of the series.
Cee Jay - "Rejuvenated"
A little under a month later, EDE's Cee Jay kept the summer heat going with his solo mixtape debut, "Rejuvenated," on July 24, 2012 A newcomer to EDE that year, Cee Jay's effort showed just why he was a welcome addition to the team. His distinctive flow, character and sound, highlighted on singles like "Racing," "Nu Day," and "Unstoppable," showed his musical range while painting a picture of his personal growth from "young and wild" to "older and wiser" over the fifteen-track recollection. Days before the project dropped, a short street video, "Racing," was released as well.
Watch Cee Jay's video for "Racing"
Throughout the remainder of the summer, G-Lotto, next in line, was in training, quite literally, preparing for his release.
Watch G-Lotto training for "Session 3"
G-Lotto, "Session Three: In the Clutch"
Following the singles "Around The Clock," "Party All Night," and "Put It All on the Line," G-Lotto released his third mixtape, "Session Three: In The Clutch," the final installment in the series on October 9, 2012. With experience and confidence on his side, this fourteen-track release showcased the potential G-Lotto has to pull out a winning performance "in the clutch." A fresh new sound and more complete lyrics showed his growth as an artist, while still bringing the series around full-circle with the Cee Jay and Rah Scrilla assisted remix to the wildly popular 2011 single, "Cha Ching." G-Lotto was able to appease old fans and bring in new ones with this release that is still going strong today, with a video coming very soon.
Rah Scrilla, "Still Smoking"
Finally, in what is seemingly becoming a team tradition, EDE ended another year with another highly-anticipated and highly-touted winter release, this time from Rah Scrilla. On December 18, 2012, days before the second installment of EDE's "Get Familiar" showcase, Scrilla released "Still Smoking," the follow up to 2011's "Smoking in the Bathroom." Singles like "Gauntlet" and "Bomb First" highlighted the strong performances from both Scrilla and his features, but it was the smash single "Getcha Money Right" that really opened eyes. Spawning two videos, "Still Smoking" showcased Rah Scrilla at his finest, with music spanning all of hip hop's sub-genres, as evidenced by tracks like "My Wife," "Project X," and "Stressed," in addition to the aforementioned cuts.
Watch Rah Scrilla's video for "Getcha Money Right"
Conspicuous by his absence is Jay Nice, the latest addition to the team. He's showcased his talents throughout the year on features on tracks like "Where I'm From," "One Thing," "Put It All on the Line," and "Young Minds," and brought energy to the stage for all of the team's performances. The talent is clear, and the time is coming. Watch out for a big year for him in 2013.
More music, more shows, more videos, and overall better product, that kind of growth was planned, expected, and executed by the team. Continued hard work will continue to pay off, and that will be made evident come 2013. Thanks for tuning in so far, and stay tuned for more.
Check out the latest interview with G-Lotto as he gears up to deliver a clutch performance on his upcoming mixtape "Session Three: In the Clutch." New single "Party All Night" will be available September 18th.
"Session Three: In the Clutch" Cover
NT: How’d you come up with your stage name? Was it something someone referred to you, and have you gone by any other names before that one?
G: My stage name was given to me a while back in high school; one day, my boys came up with G-Lotto and it kind of just stuck with me after that.
NT: How long have you been rapping? Why did you start? And who would you say is the biggest influence you have when it comes to your flow, and your choice of beats?
G: I started freestyling when I was, like, 17 or 18, then got into rapping after that. I have a lot of influences, but the main ones for me are Fabolous, Jay-Z, Game, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross & Wayne.
NT: What are your thought on the current state of the game?
G: It is what it is. For me, it's anybody's taking.
NT: In 5 years… where do you see yourself?
G: Hopefully rich, sitting on a lot of money; in a position to take care of my friends and family.
NT: Tell me about your upcoming release and what it means to you at this stage in your career.
G: “Session Three” will be my upcoming release, and, for me, it's all about stepping my game up. Being creative, I want to be better than I was a year ago. That's what it's all about.
NT: EDE is not short of talent. Who's your favorite artist in the group besides yourself and why?
G: I am a big fan of everyone. N. Talekt, Rah Scrilla, Jay Nice, Cee Jay. I love all the guys in my crew. I think we make a great team!
NT: Which of your songs has meant the most to you so far in your career? Why?
G: I love all the songs I have recorded. I feel with every track I have done, I have gotten better. So many great songs to choose from so it's tough. I see a lot of progression in myself.
NT: What single event in your life has had the most influence in your rap style?
G: I don't know to be honest. If I didn't think I had the skills to rap then I wouldn't be rapping.
NT: Kobe or LeBron?
G: [laughs] Tough question. I love LeBron, he's a beast, but for anybody that knows me, you know I love Kobe. Just listen to "Swap It Out."
NT: What legacy or memory do you want to leave behind in hip-hop?
G: I want a legacy of greatness. I truly believe I have the skills to be great. I wanna be remembered for my hard work and dedication to hip-hop.
NT: What was your favorite EDE release of 2011? Which one are you looking forward to most in 2012?
G: Favorite release from 2011? I loved them all. So that means I am looking forward to all the EDE releases in 2012.
NT: How do you felt you grew as an artist between "Session One" and "Session Two?"
G: "Session One" was my coming-out party, trying to figure out my style and things of that nature. "Session One" had more freestyle tracks, and "Session Two" was more thought out, everything was written before I came to the studio, all of the songs came together very well. I took huge steps in becoming an artist and really pushed myself to give my best effort. I knew when it was time to record and lay down my verse, I had to go in.
NT: You had a memorable performance in N. Talekt's "So Gone" video last November. Are you looking to do a video for any of your work? Which song or songs?
G: Yes! Absolutely. We are hoping to work on the "Cha Ching" video soon, it's the remix and that should be tight.
NT: With the end of the "Session" mixtape trilogy coming, what's next from G-Lotto? The debut album? What do you have in store?
G: "Session Three" will be some of my best work ever. I'm going in on every track, got some crazy beats I plan on using, and I'm more focused than ever to give EDE and all the fans some classic music that will last a lifetime and be worth remembering.
NT: Any upcoming performances?
G: None as of right now, but coming soon.
NT: How can people find you? Facebook? Twitter? List 'em all.
New music from the EDE camp! Cee Jay's much-anticipated debut mixtape "Rejuvenated" finally hits the internet shelves! Featuring singles "Nu Day," "Unstoppable" and "Racing" (video below), Cee Jay's first solo effort is a solid 15-track hip hop tour of his life, past, present, and future. He's back from hiatus to rejuvenate the game. Enjoy!
The third installment of the Featuring... Me series is here. Showcasing some of Soundclick.com's top talent in rappers and producers, this mixtape offers a bit of everything for all hip hop fans and ensures an enjoyable listen from start to finsh.
Cee Jay is, up until now, EDE's quick-tongued, fire-spitting secret weapon. Now, that secret is being let out. Come May, his debut release, "Rejuvenated" will hit the market. Until then, you can catch him on stage supporting Rah Scrilla at The Camel and Strange Matter, among other places, and you can learn more about the man behind the mic below.
NT: How’d you come up with your stage name? Was it something someone referred to you, and have you gone by any other names before that one?
CJ: It was a nickname given to me in elementary school. C.J. is my initials so that’s how that came about. During my young & dumb years, I've used the names GQ Money and C-Dub.
NT: How long have you been rapping? Why did you start? And who would you say is the biggest influence you have when it comes to your flow, and your choice of beats?
CJ: I started experimenting with the rap thing when I was 12. But I've been recording tracks since 2003. Malc and I went thru the whole summer of 2003 recording at my cuzzo's crib. It was a good experience, I learned how to work Cool Edit and I learned how the song process should be done.
My flow is influenced by every emcee I ever heard that was versatile. 2Pac, Biggie, Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, too many to list, ya dig. I gotta admit, I’m a big fan of beats with the right sample. Something that I can feel in my heart. But I love original beats with no samples, too. Some of my favorites include Arab muzik, Kanye, Premo, Blaze, Dilla, anybody that got that fire!
NT: What are your thoughts on the current state of the game?
CJ: It has its bright sides, and it has its "why are you here" sides! [laughs]
NT: In 5 years… where do you see yourself?
CJ: On stage, rocking the crowd. making sure my daughter never needs anything and my girl is happy. Hopefully making my mother proud and my pops smiles from above.
NT: Tell me about your upcoming release and what it means to you at this stage in your career.
CJ: Well, I got the new mixtape called “Rejuvenated” coming out in May. That’s a statement project for me. It’s basically me warming up for an album that’s gonna be beautiful. I’m bringing every aspect to Rejuvenated. I’ve got that mood music you can vibe to, I’ve got some showcase songs so you know I got skills, I got party cuts, a couple for the ladies, some dark side tracks, some conceptual stuff and some personal stuff. It’s an introduction to me, my mind, my life, my soul. It’s my well needed therapy! [laughs]
NT: Which of your songs has meant the most to you so far in your career? Why?
CJ: Well, since I’m still in the recording process, it’s hard to say because at this point, all my songs mean so much. Every song is an opportunity for me to showcase myself to the world. For right now, the self-titled track “Rejuvenation” means a lot because I’m reflecting on my life in this song; where I've been and where I’m going.
NT: What single event in your life has had the most influence in your rap style?
CJ: Honestly, seeing Beanie Sigel perform made me say "my flow has to be def." Meaning, I should be able to spit on a track or be able to perform a verse in spoken word and everyone can feel what I’m saying. It’s gotta be powerful. The realest emcees put their hearts on the track, and thats how I’mma be.
NT: EDE is not short of talent. Who's your favorite artist in the group besides yourself and why?
CJ: Everybody in the group is my favorite because they all give me different types of music. They all bump in my whip. There's so much talent, it’s hard to narrow a pick to one. EDE for life!
NT: Kobe or LeBron?
CJ: King James.
NT: What legacy or memory do you want to leave behind in hip-hop?
CJ: I want people to remember me as a stand up, honest, authentic, dude. Someone who came into the game, was able to keep it real with the fans and myself, and still had material to give to everyone. white, black, low class, middle class, east, west, midwest, south, whoever.
NT: What was your favorite EDE release of 2011? Which one are you looking forward to most in 2012?
CJ: “Smoking in the Bathroom” was my favorite. I finally got back to the game from that project and it got me hyped every time i played it. Now you know, I’m looking forward to everyone's releases man! But I gotta say, the compilation mixtape is what I’m waiting for. All of us on one CD? Magnificent, baby!
NT: Any upcoming performances?
CJ: We're working on that right now. Me personally, I’mma make sure I got the right track to perform at certain venues. Make sure the songs are appealing to the certain crowd I’m entertaining. It’s coming soon though. I believe Scrilla’s got a performance around his release this month, so u know we in there. Watch out for all of us. Just keep showing support and check our pages for updates.
NT: How can people find you? Facebook? Twitter? List 'em all.
Jay Nice, the youngest member of the EDE, is gearing up for his Love, Pain, and Hustle debut street album. You've seen him pop up at Rah Scrilla's shows, you've heard him on features. Now, get to know him a little better.
NT: How’d you come up with your stage name? Was it something someone referred to you, and have you gone by any other names before that one?
Jay: Because my nickname is Jay and I’m nice with my words. The name started off as “Jay Nice da Bully.” I took “da bully” off of my name, but I have since brought it back.
NT: How long have you been rapping? Why did you start? And who would you say is the biggest influence you have when it comes to your flow, and your choice of beats?
Jay: I've been rapping with my friends since the 9th grade but only since January have I started to record my music. I started rapping because it's fun for me and my homies would be spitting while we was chilling so I picked up the craft too. I would say that Joe Budden and the Diplomats have had a big influence on my flow and beat selection.
NT: What are your thoughts on the current state of the game?
Jay: There are a couple of dope rappers left in the game but for the most part ,the game has never been as bad as it is now.
NT: In 5 years… where do you see yourself?
Jay: Signed to a major label while I’m chillin in the cut somewhere.
NT: Tell me about your upcoming release and what it means to you at this stage in your career.
Jay: L.P.H. is me expressing my life and my feelings about some the relationships that I've had in my life. I feel that this is an introduction of myself as a person and an artist to the general public.
NT: EDE is not short of talent. Who's your favorite artist in the group besides yourself and why?
Jay: Rah Scrilla because he brings a grimy, gritty flow while still being versatile enough to give his fans some smooth stuff too.
NT: Which of your songs has meant the most to you so far in your career? Why?
Jay: I would have to say “Running Back” is that song for me because it is a situation that I'm still dealing with.
NT: What single event in your life has had the most influence in your rap style?
Jay: My relationships with women has the biggest influence on my music hence the name of my solo mixtape, "Love, Pain, Hustle."
NT: What legacy or memory do you want to leave behind in hip-hop?
Jay: As the best MC to ever touch the mic. I feel like that should be the goal of anyone that raps.
NT: What was your favorite EDE release of 2011? Which one are you looking forward to most in 2012?
Jay: “Pushed Back: Reloaded.” It was a great project and I'm really looking forward to how my own project L.P.H. comes out.
NT: Kobe or LeBron?
Jay: Kevin Durant. [laughs]
NT: Any recent or upcoming performances?
Jay: I'll be performing at club Aurora on 3/16/12 for Jay 30's BDay Bash, and I'll be Rah Scrilla's hype man for Purple Day on 3/24/12 which will be at The Camel.
NT: How can people find you? Facebook? Twitter? List 'em all.
Established Dons' own Rah Scrilla is back with a new mixtape, "Most Underrated," which showcases the talents of himself and the EDE team. Sharp lyrics over a diverse mixture of beats makes this a pick-up you'll definitely want to have. Download it now from any of the sites below:
Song Review: "Eazy" by Jo-Kane
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11508881
If you're looking for that easy-going smooth East Coast rap, look no further.
Produced by Mista Perez (yes, the very same Mista Perez from "Be There" and "Time Is Slippin' Away"), Jo-Kane lights up an old-school feeling beat with ease. While the substance behind the song is lacking, the flow here is really what keeps you interested all the way through. The song, in that sense, seems to be of perfect length, allowing the listener to enjoy the ride while not tiring out before it's over. Instead, it gives you incentive to hit the replay button a couple times.
In a nutshell, this is a switch from Jo-Kane's "new" style, a throwback if you will, to his roots. The purpose, to let you know that Jo can still go in. Punchline heavy with some clever lines throughout behind a flawless flow and delivery, Jo-Kane is pretty convincing that he hasn't gone anywhere and in fact is here to stay.
One thing I think detracts a bit from the track is the overdubs. It does give a bit of an "amateur" feel to the track. Many artists use this tactic to help add presence to their vocals and make their voices feel "alive." This is all well and good, but there are better ways to accomplish this that add that presence while keeping the sound crisp and clean.
Still, this is certainly some "eazy" listening that you'll find yourself jamming to for a while if you decide to give it a few spins. But, as always, don't take my word for it. Listen below:
To celebrate, I want to present to you a soulful hip-hop take on what it really means to Be Loved. This 11-track effort features some classic, soulful remakes with romantic overtones and fresh hip-hop flavor. Enjoy!
2011 was an exciting year for Killa Fam artists N. Talekt, Rah Scrilla, G-Lotto, and Cee Jay. After a quiet 2010, the group made a strong push in 2011 with tons of new material as well as doing a number of shows and videos.
Rah Scrilla, "Pushed Back: Reloaded"
The year kicked off March 9 with the highly-anticipated release of Rah Scrilla's "Pushed Back: Reloaded" mixtape, the follow-up to the 2009 hit "Pushed Back." With singles like "Can't Miss This Show (On In Five)," "Pay Me," and "Microphone," the mixtape quickly caught fire and had the fans asking for more. This huge release was also accompanied by a re-release of N. Talekt's "So Cold," stirring up a preview of things to come.
G-Lotto, "Session One"
About this time, new Killa Fam artist G-Lotto stepped on the scene, and only a month later, released his debut effort "Session One," on April 5. G-Lotto has a sound distinct from his Killa Fam group-mates, but pulls it off well, and showed his potential in catchy singles like "Cha Ching," "Crank It Up," and "Swap It Out," among others. Receiving tons of online-attention as well as in the streets, G-Lotto quickly began to establish himself and catch fire.
Watch G-Lotto's interview for "Session One" on DUBS TV
N. Talekt, "Featuring... Me"
Not to be outdone, N. Talekt released a various artists mixtape entitled "Featuring Me" on June 7, which showcased tracks from underground artists with fire features from N. Talekt. Songs like "I'm Back," "Mind on my Money," and "Doin My Thang," among others got the internet talking, and re-introduced the artist to the public. This would be the first mixtape of what would become a series, and the first release of any kind since 2009's "So Cold."
Watch the preview trailer for N. Talekt's "Featuring... Me"
G-Lotto, "Session Two: Back to School"
Also on "Featuring Me" was a killer collab by G-Lotto featuring the Established Dons that would play lead-off single to G-Lotto's next release, "Session Two: Back to School," just two months later, on August 2. Boasting hits like "I Will," "Draped Up," and "Legendary," G-Lotto showed great improvements in his game, earning play in local clubs, and continuing to gather buzz. It was the start of a very busy end-of-year blitz by the Killa Fam team.
Check out G-Lotto's single from "Session Two: Back to School" - "Killing Spree"
Rah Scrilla, "Smoking in the Bathroom"
One month later, Rah Scrilla would debut his first video and lead single "Who Betta (Murda Murda)," off his album "Smoking in the Bathroom." The video was a quick hit and after a few behind-the-scenes shots, the album was released on October 11. Highlighted by tracks like "Audio Dope," "Sexy," and "Necessary Evils," with production from a number of talented Virginia producers, Scrilla showcased his abilities and hunger to reach the top. A number of successful shows would follow, including features in "Facemelt Friday," a showcase of local talent hosted by Black Liquid -- a name you should know if you know Virginia-based hip-hop. Cee-Jay would also be (re-)debuted here, and in the coming week, it was made known that he was, indeed, the newest member of Killa Fam.
Watch Rah Scrilla's video for "Who Betta (Murda Murda)"
N. Talekt - "Featuring... Me, Act 2"
However, the Established Dons were not done yet, and the relentless musical assault continued. Mere weeks after "Smoking in the Bathroom" dropped, N. Talekt would release the second mixtape in his various artists series on October 25: "Featuring... Me, Act 2." The mixtape would revive a few artists from the first installment, as well as introduce new talent into the mix, while promoting singles from his upcoming street album, "In My Loving Memory." Tracks like "Super Bad," "We Some," and "No More Nightmares" received high reviews, and the anticipation quickly built for the album to release.
N. Talekt - "In My Loving Memory"
Adding to that anticipation was N. Talekt's debut video and third single from the album, entitled "So Gone." on November 1. A huge success, the song and video received rave reviews from the online community and the streets, citing its story and emotional ride, and set the mood for what was to come just a few short weeks later. And on November 15, N. Talekt released "In My Loving Memory," an album a year in the making. A storied album comprised of stand-outs like "Feelin' Good," "Never See It Comin'," and "She Know," the CD was well-received and continued the Killa Fam buzz to finish off the year.
Watch N. Talekt's video for "So Gone"
With two videos, two albums, five mixtapes, and plenty of features, interviews, and shows, Killa Fam certainly made their fair share of moves in 2011. Hard work went into each effort and it not only showed, but it paid off. With that, 2012 looks to be bright and with already-confirmed releases forthcoming from Rah Scrilla, G-Lotto, and Killa Fam, look to expect a barrage of hits from the talented Virginia group.
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