Hip-Hop | King Mez – The Allure ft. Drey Skonie (Prod. By J. Cole)
Posted by Grubeats on April 11, 2012
Sifting through today’s submissions, I caught eye of this track from King Mez, “The Allure”, highlighted by the fact it was produced by J. Cole. Sure the name associated drew my initial attention, but the beat alone won’t sell itself, even if it is from a Grammy nominated Rapper/Producer. With that being said, I was thoroughly impressed by King Mez’s delivery. A breath of Fresh air Heir (cue the hashtag to support the movement #FreshHeir). Evidently an intelligent artist, Mez provides thought provoking rhymes leaving me wanting more. An alluring introductory.
Mez’s association with Cole is still uncertain at this point, but looking ahead to see additional production off his upcoming album, My Everlasting Zeal, will feature that of Commissioner Gordon, Soundtrakk (Lupe Fiasco’s “Kick Push” and “Superstar”), Omen (Dreamville), 1120, and Prolyfic, it appears Mez has aced the art of networking. In addition, he appears to be from Raleigh, NC, a mere hour and five minute drive from Jermaine’s hometown of Fayetteville (yes, I Googled it).
*BONUS* Hit the break to see J. Cole’s newest video for “The Sideline Story” off his Grammy nominated, gold debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. The video is a chronological look into Cole’s worldwide ‘Cole World’ tour. READ ON >>
Hip-Hop, Mixtapes | Elite – Awaken [Mixtape]
Posted by Grubeats on November 18, 2011
A couple months back when I introduced Elite to the FNT family, I explained his journey as producer and rapper along with his relationship with other artists such as J. Cole and Voli. Since then, Elite has released a few more singles in preparation for his first project as a solo hip-hop artist, Awaken, which he dropped just a week ago. It’s not fair to say his progression is overly evident because quite honestly the first time I heard him I was blown away. Everything from his voice, to the lyrics, to the hooks, to the production, to the delivery has always been on point. Awaken is a mixtape you ABSOLUTELY DON’T WANT TO SLEEP ON. Although it’s rooted with hip-hop, it almost has an alternative sound to it, similar to something OnCue may put together. Speaking of which, I’d love to hear a collab from these two.
I’ve highlighted a few cuts below if you’re looking for appetizers, but I highly suggest just skipping to the main entré and downloading the tape in full. #DreamVille
DOWNLOAD: Elite – Gone
DOWNLOAD: Elite ft. J. Cole – World Premier DOPE
DOWNLOAD: Elite – Last Round (Same beat as Sam Adams’ “Just Love Here” off Boston’s Boy EP)
DOWNLOAD: Elite – One Night
DOWNLOAD: Elite – Awaken [Mixtape]
Hip-Hop | Elite – Gone + Voli – In The Meanwhile (Mixtape)
Posted by Grubeats on October 6, 2011
J. Cole. Elite. Voli. Most probably don’t know their relationship, but the three have all worked together in the past. Cole has produced for Voli, Elite is signed to Cole’s label “Dreamville Records” and has produced for Cole, Voli has produced for Cole, Cole has been featured on Voli’s tracks. You get the picture right?
AOL Music put together a short video of ‘A Day In The Life of J. Cole”, in which they followed him around on the day Cole World: The Sideline Story was released. With 217,000+ copies sold in the first week, the album reached the #1 spot. The world is indeed Cole. Here’s what Cole had to say on the day his project hit the shelves.
“Today, I feel like it’s a collection of all the work I’ve been doing over the years mixed with the past two weeks of promo,” Cole tells The BoomBox. “Like, now that it’s finally here, I’m physically exhausted.”- J. Cole
DOWNLOAD: J. Cole – Playground (Prod. by Elite) (Older track)
Although Elite has made a career so far producing, here’s the first promising single off his mixtape, Awaken, due out November 11th. By the sound of this track, he may have more than one lane to gain fame.
DOWNLOAD: Elite – Gone (Prod. by Voli)
Voli released his debut mixtape, In The Meanwhile, a couple weeks back but I continually forgot to share it with you guys. Hip-Hop heads take note, Voli is the truth. Here are of my few favorite cuts off the project…
DOWNLOAD: Voli – In The Meanwhile [Mixtape]
DOWNLOAD: Voli ft. J. Cole & Omen – Pity
DOWNLOAD: Voli – Stress
DOWNLOAD: Voli – StartYourOwnRebellion – New Religion
DOWNLOAD: Voli – Anytime He Goes Away