BKS1 Radio Network

Special Guest: Kazzie Pop

When New Jersey MC Kazzie Pop is ripping mics, you can hear the indisputable hunger in his voice and see the uncanny cockiness in his swagger. It’s undeniable. “One thing about music, you can feel it. If you don’t then it’s not real,” says the 19-year-old wordsmith whose buzz worthy new single, “Roll Out” has his ever-growing fan base eager for his forthcoming mixtape, LMAO. “I want people that are listening to my music to feel exactly where I’m coming from.”

Kassan “Kazzie Pop” Sherman was born and raised in Newark, NJ, on 19^th Street and South Orange Avenue, just a block from where Garden State rap dignitary Redman is originally from. Fortunately, Kaz avoided the ill street blues that plagued his rough and tumble neighborhood and found rapping as an outlet at an early age. By the time he was 11, the aspiring spitter was traveling up the block to Red’s old stomping ground and turning heads during the regular ciphers that would take place there. “It was always guys out there rapping, going back and forth,” recalls Kazzie. “They would get us out there battling against the older guys. I went out there and I was beating adults.”

In 2009, the 6-foot-6-inch rapper linked up with New Jersey indie imprint Nu World Era Music Group and formed a movement with emerging star Driicky Graham called, Popular Kids. The group was short lived but birthed the exorbitant radio single, “We Robbed Gucci” featuring Gucci Mane in 2010. Since going solo, KP has taken center stage touring with legendary producer and industry luminary, No ID as a part of his No ID Tour, as well as building a buzz for himself on the national circuit hitting the road with The Party Boyz and Dorrough. He has also torn down stages as the opening act for the likes of Jadakiss, Juelz, Sheek and Jim Jones in his home state of New Jersey, and worked the crowd into a frenzy at various “Summer Jams” around the country. Further showcasing his lyricism, Kazzie stepped up his viral visibility by dropping searing freestyles over Lil Wayne’s “Mega Man” and 2 Chainz’s, “No Lie,” on YouTube.

Currently crafting his debut mixtape, LMAO, the towering wunderkind is striving to make more than just a jovial statement. “The concept is, no disrespect to the artist but, [some of their music] makes me laugh,” states Kazzie. “You got to bring your A game.” The upstart MC plans on using his aggressive mic skills to do just that. Spearheaded by the sizzling club single, “Roll Out” which is currently gaining momentum in clubs around the Tri-State area. The mixtape offering will feature Billboard charting lablemate Driicky Graham (“Snapbacks and Tattoos”) and recognized songwriter and producer, Yung Berg. Contrary to the title, it’s no laughing matter.

“I’m not an artist that’s going to play with people’s time or money,” says Kazzie. “I’m serious with what I do. People are going to be like, ‘I see why he’s going so hard and why you can hear it in his voice.’ I’m not playing.”

Pop off.

Ski Beatz is a record producer, musician and MC originally from NC and was discovered in NYC by DJ Clark Kent. Ski was originally known as “MC Will-Ski” and in the 1980s, he was a member of the group Original Flavor, the first group managed by future recording industry executive DAMON DASH . In the mid-90′s, Ski was working on duo CAMP LO’S debut album UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT when Dame called him in to work on the debut album of his own artist, JAY-Z. Jay’s album, REASONABLE DOUBT, was released in 1996, marking Ski’s first major production placement. Ski produced four tracks off the album, including the singles “DEAD PRESIDENTS” and “FEELIN’ IT”.

After the critical success of Reasonable Doubt, Ski formed Roc-A-Blok Productions in affiliation with Jay and Dame’s label, ROC-A-FELLA RECORDS, working with CAMP LO and Sporty Thievz. Skibeatz crafted most of Camp Lo’s debut, which dropped in 1997, and produced the FAT JOE single “JOHN BLAZE”; Ski continued to work with Jay-Z, on his sophomore album IN MY LIFETIME, VOL. 1 as well as non-solo albums and compilation projects, until 1998. He continued producing for artists such as Nature, members of the New Jersey crew, The Outsidaz, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Ras Kass and Proof. He has continued to produce for Camp Lo, providing most of the production for their second album Let’s Do it Again, as well as their third album, Black Hollywood.

Read more about Ski Beatz : http://24hrkarateschool.com/blog/music/

Live In The Cipher brings you another up and coming MC for your listening pleasure. Tonight we introduce you to Jersey's own MC Aitch. We will be reviewing his The Umbrella Tape 3 project live along with you the listener.  We want to hear from you call in 646-233-1302, if your an MC call in and spit your hot 16, or just call in and let us know how you feel about hip hop in general.

Tonight's Guest: MC Aitch

The son of two Caribbean parents, 22-year-old Aitch has started his own company, The Umbrella Media Group, and is embarking on his journey to creatively bring a fresh breath to hip-hop. Rapping and recording since the 9th grade Aitch has took his time and energy not only start a company but a network filled with everyone from artist, business grads, clothing designers, and graphic artist. The network is better known as "The Umbrella".

Fresh out of high school, Aitch didn't make it to college and felt that it was a sign to pursue his music career and created his first official solo mixtape titled "The Umbrella Tape". Soon after he got himself back in school to major in marketing in order to better understand how to market himself and his soon to be established company. Due to the success of "The Umbrella Tape", Aitch began to write "The Umbrella Tape: Prequel", which was a collection that was meant to give his listeners a background of who he is to give them a better understanding of his material.

Coming from South Orange, a multicultural city in New Jersey, is what Aitch feels gave him such passion to stand out from the norm. Aitch's passion for creativity is what influences him to push the limits of hip-hop through lyrical content and production. Though he is not a "gangster rapper" you can still find him giving his listeners that hard edgy feel that the genre is known for.

After sharing stages with the likes of some of hip-hops most popular veterans and starting his own company with close friend and UMG artist J-Rok Aitch is still producing plenty of music for all us hip-hop heads can enjoy, expect to hear big things from him and the UMG family.

Lets get Live In The Cipher!!! Hip Hop heads!!

Follow us on twitter: @Liveinthecipher and like our facebook fan page: Live In The Cipher Show

Artist Review: DJ Khaled

Miami-based DJ/producer DJ Khaled -- a Palestinian-American born Khaled Khaled -- is a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad and released Listennn: The Album on Koch in June 2006. He utilized his connections to snare the likes of Beanie Sigel, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Young Jeezy, Slim Thug, Trick Daddy, and Clipse for guest appearances. Many were back for his 2007 effort We the Best and in 2008 for We Global. The thematic Victory followed in 2010, while 2011’s We the Best Forever would find him switching to Birdman’s Cash Money label. Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Nas, dancehall singer Mavado, and many others would land on his 2012 effort, Kiss the Ring.

Read More DJ Khaled Bio: www.allmusic.com/djkhaled

Special Guest: Choppa Zoe

When someone thinks Palm Beach, visions of sunshine,palm trees and good weather comes to mind. However,along with that, comes the harsh reality of crime,drugs and poverty. All of this reflected in the music of Hip-Hop Artist, Choppa Zoe. Growing up in the streets of Palm Beach. Choppa Zoe learned at an early age to adapt to a rapidly changing scenery. Thinking quick on his feet is something he always had to do.Choppa Zoe represents southern hip-hop in it purest form. His delivery, cadence and lyrics quickly caught the attention of local neighborhood dj's. and upcoming artists. Furthermore, Choppa Zoe has also earned the respect and loyalty of the haitian community by keeping haitian pride alive in his lyrics.

In 2005, his father unfortunately passed away. However in that passing, it lead to the discovery of brother he never knew he had in New York. Call it coincidence or fate, his brother Big Vegaz , actually was a producer with a professional recording studio in NY. After a few phone calls and visits, his older brother also discovered his talents and suggested he move to New York to take it to another level. Although the offer seem great, leaving palm beach meant leaving family,friends and unfinished business. After watching his peers falling victim to senseless murder and jail sentences, Choppa Zoe decided it was time for a change in environment. In 2007, He and his twin brother took the 18 hour drive in their pick-up truck to New York City. Where their older brother met them with open arms.

Wasting no time Choppa Zoe quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment of New York City. Got established with a place to live and made ends meets from hard labor. In 2009, Choppa Zoe dropped his first mixtape Swagga Thru da Roof. The mixtape was received well in both New York and Palm Beach. He followed up with a second mixtape Next on Deck in 2010. Both mixtapes solidified Choppa Zoe’s status as an artist than deliver street-club anthems and radio friendly material. Choppa Zoe is currently in the studio working on his debut album and his third mixtape Next on Deck 2.0. which is scheduled to to drop this early this summer

www.choppazoe.com

Special Guest: ReDD ReMy'D

Have you ever heard music that is undeniably different in a good way? Music that is classy and street, soft and hard, or quiet and loud. Let ReDD ReMy’D introduce you to this sound. With several accomplishments to her name, Queens bred- ReDD ReMy’D is moving full throttle towards a very successful Hip Hop music career. In February of 2011 ReDD ReMy’D independently released a 20-track CD entitled ReDD ReMy’D? The Unkept Secret. The whole project was executively produced by ReDD ReMy’D, featuring music production by Mark Wilson who produced, Will Smith’s  “Wild Wild West” and hosted by the NAACP’s official DJ-Zeke. ReDD has also received much praise as an artist from several music industry executives including Bad Boys’ A&R Senator Skid, G-Unit’s Casting Director Kevin Weekes, and others.

With performances at various venues including college campuses such as John Jay and Brooklyn College (her Alma Mata) to name a few, High Schools such as August Martin and York Early College Academy, Charity Events and out of state venues, ReDD is just getting started. She can capture an audience with her incredible stage presence and voice combined with a delivery that will fill the void and grab attention of music lovers everywhere that thirst for true hip-hop. In the summer of 2011 ReDD was nominated for the 9th Annual Underground Music Awards “Best Female Rapper of the Year”. Her nomination granted her the opportunity to share her music with a wide audience.

Fall of 2011 the first official video; “Bubble Gum” was independently released in conjunction with KOZ Productions and CBW. The single “Bubble Gum”, along with other singles off of ReDD ReMy’D? The Unkept Secret appeared on several mix-tapes that can be found on Datptiff.com. Since then, ReDD ReMy’D has begun hosting online countdowns for the Video City TV show, the #1Platform for unsigned, independent, as well as signed talent. As of 2012, ReDD ReMy’D has become one of the official faces of the show. Displaying talent and a likable personality, she continues to host, create music, and inspire people of all ages. Keep your ears and eyes open to new music and videos, you can now find her singles “Bubble Gum/ReDD Remy’D??” and “Move Ya Body” on iTunes.

Read More About ReDD ReMy'D:

www.videocitytv.com
www.gotredd.com

www.reverbnation.com/rremyd
www.twitter.com/red_remedy

www.youtube.com/rremyd

Artist Review: D Strong

D Strong aka InvincibleSons All (Last Kind, Third Rail), started rhyming in 1985 during the early days of the Golden Era. At first it was just for the thrill of battle over high school lunch table drums, then it became more, writing songs coming up with hooks and eventually recording in the studio.

D Strong found an outlet for music through a local radio station KDAY and their performing arts program. He did shows at local parks and rec centers through out L.A. and it helped him become familiar with stage presents and vocal delivery.

As the years went on and the music changed he never forgot where it started and has tried to stick to the same format that has always felt comfortable...dope beats and rhyme concepts.

D Strong is one fifth of the L.A. based underground crew "the Last Kind". He is also a member of the triple threat emcee group "Third Rail" ( D Strong, Aarophat, Wildelux). With the introduction of the internet to the industry his dream of having his music heard by the world has become a reality.

D Strong has been busy putting out four albums in the last two years.

"the Burden" Nov. 2011

"Rise and Shoot" March 2012

"Unfold" July 2012

"Sacrifice" April 2013

Through out the yrs D Strong has performed with: Ole Dirty Bastard, Eric Sermon, Prince Po, Sadat X, Supernatural, the Beatnuts, the Alcoholics, Chino XL, Poor Righteous Teachers, Ice Cube, Crayz Walls, Planet Asia, DJ Qbert, the Scratch Pickles, the Beat Junkies, Apani Bfly, John Robinson, Copywrite, and Mainflow. Performed live at the CMJ Music Festival and the world famous “Wake Up Show”.