And, yet another year in the books. While this was a relatively quiet year publicly and musically, it was certainly a noteworthy one. A number of moves were made behind the scenes, while still keeping fresh material out along with a few performances.
Get Familiar 3: The Love for Hip Hop Edition
The year was kicked off with the third installment of "Get Familiar," this one themed as "The Love for Hip Hop Edition." This was a packed show that featured local hip-hop and R&B acts ranging from relative newcomers like Pierce Love and Troy to local mainstays like Ice James and RT, and all in between, such as Knuckles and V. Loveless. Buzz-worthy groups such as Hot Bars Music Group, The New Juice Crew, and The Big League were all strongly represented, and EDE's own Rah Scrilla, N. Talekt, and Cee Jay all gave performances of their own. With excellent performances and a nice turnout, this was a great showcase for not only our team, but for RVA as well.
The showcase also spawned a free mixtape released on DatPiff, which features all of the acts from the showcase, which you can download here.
Following this showcase, the EDE team took a bit of time to regroup and refocus, while still working on music of our own and working with other artists. Rah Scrilla did a number of features and quietly, but notably, released a street single "I'm Back" via YouTube just to make sure everyone knew that the music was still coming strong. Short, sweet, and to the point, and with the reliable BC Music 1st behind the camera, Rah was able to make a statement with this single, and later followed it up with a number of other tracks and features.
Meanwhile, throughout the summer, N. Talekt slowly chipped away at his next project, spawning a warm-up single of his own, "Relax." Over the summer, this would be chased by a number of singles, such as "Ghosts," "Opportunity Knocks," and "Keep Cool."
However, things would really heat up come late fall, when N. Talekt released his final single from the project via YouTube, "The Night."
N. Talekt - "I'm Not Like You"
The positive response from this single was the perfect lead-in to the release of "I'm Not Like You." This 15-track album would be a statement for N. Talekt, a musical declaration of independence, of sorts, with a fresh sound with from-the-heart open-book lyrics. The project is available for free across the web, and features a short-list of talented artists such as Rah Scrilla, RT, Je2Rit, Chayse Maclair, and Kevin Jaxon.
Finally, to round out the year, Rah Scrilla brought a new track with his brother Jay Nice, "Convo," which may serve as a preview to what 2014 has in store. With continuous music and improvement from the EDE team, the future is certainly looking bright.
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
Here's the third single and first video from my upcoming project "In My Loving Memory," releasing in two weeks (11/15/11). Check out the video and enjoy the music. Special shout outs to BC Music 1st for doing the video direction, production, and post-production, and to everyone who helped make this a success.
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