Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2011 Year In-Review: Killa Fam

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.