The Industry Social Junky

Rich Kidd - Take It Slow (Official Music Video)

2010-09-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

2009-09-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Toronto, ON - With the release of From The Bottom Of The Can the third installment of his We On Some Rich Kidd Shit trilogy. MC/Producer Rich Kidd is riding high on a wave of good will and accolades. Both his skills on the mic and his wizardry on the boards have contributed to making him one of the most sought after artists to break out of Canada in the last little while. A who's who of the Toronto hip-hop community came out on a hot July evening to lend him their support and take in a night chock full of Rich Kidd's beats and always present humor. Tona, Saukrates and Ayah just to name a few, all came out to celebrate their peer and friend into the night. But Rich Kidd is a man with a lot more than beats and rhymes on his mind. He has plans to take over the world as well as an eye towards spreading a few blessings along the way. I had the opportunity to sit down with the one they call Rich Kidd to pick his brain on a variety of subjects.

HipHopCanada: I wanted to start by talking about your newest mixtape. It's titled We On Some Rich Kidd shit: From the Bottom of the Can! Where did that come from? When did this project start taking shape in your mind?

Rich Kidd: From the Bottom Of the Can comes from . . . My manager Courtney has a saying where he likes to say we're coming from the bottom, to the top of the Can . . . as in from the bottom of Canada. So I hit the Internet for some inspiration going through some shit and I came across some old Coca Cola ads and I went ahead and tied these two loose concepts together. Just to see if people would get it. I just like to do creative things. Shit people won't get right away. I want people to call me back 20 minutes later saying: "What the fuck?!" I don't want to do regular covers and artwork. I don't want to sit in front of a green-screen holding an AK-47 with money flowing out of my pockets. I don't do all that.

HipHopCanada: After you finished your previous mixtape when did you start bouncing ideas and start thinking of the next one?

Rich Kidd: The mixtapes themselves are pretty easy to put together because most of the joints on there are joints that were already done, that I had already put out or joints that the artists had put out themselves. We also have some exclusives on there, as well as some tracks that are unheard. It's an easy process I don't really have to get in a zone to make it. Usually when it comes down to all the other creative stuff that comes with it putting a mixtape together, it usually ends up being a last minute thing. I usually work on it like a week before Caribana. I give myself that deadline so I know I'll get it done. I'll give myself a month and still do it all in a week. I've been that way since school doing homework the day it was do. Honestly, I rush it but at the same time I'm a perfectionist.

HipHopCanada: I was going through your production credits and for someone who's relatively new to the game you've got a long list of collaborations. You're definitely putting in a lot of work. Anyone out there you haven't yet worked with, whom you'd like to get on a track with or have rhyme on one of your beats?

Rich Kidd: Artists in the Canadian industry, they're within reach. I don't know . . . I want to do a track with some of the older artists like Dream Warriors or Maestro. I've actually seen Maestro one or two times and we've talked. If we look at American artists obviously a man would want to mess with a Jay . . . uhhh Kool G Rap. I got him on some stuff I did with Bishop where he was featured but I'd like to actually spit on track with that nigga. Just go head to head with him. I know his flows are intricate. So I know I could have fun with that type of flow and a guy could go off on it.

HipHopCanada: There are long line of MC/Producers out there who are known as much for their rapping as they are for their productions, and we can go down the list, Pete Rock, Diamond D, Saukrates, Kanye, K-Os. Where are you more comfortable behind the boards producing or as an MC behind the mic?

Rich Kidd: I don't know. I feel equally comfortable doing both. MCing is something I've been doing for a while . . . before the beats were even on my plate. I started MCing and freestyling and then I needed something to spit on instead of industry beats. So I started making beats and got good at it but . . . I feel so much more comfortable on stage than I do in the booth. It's so much easier on the stage, you can miss a word or two catch your breath but you're interacting with the audience instead of simply interacting with a mic. You know what I mean? You`ve got to make 'em feel a certain way, you`ve got to make 'em move and that's always a challenge for me. To get on stage and make people move with me, make them feel what I'm doing on stage. I've always taken that as a challenge.

With the beats it's the same thing. At first it wasn't a competition thing or trying to find out how far I could get with the beats. I just did it to do it. Now you`ve keep up with the times if you want to make money with it. Really . . . I don't mess with that style. I'm still doing the beats I like to do, but sometimes I`ve got to cater to whoever's going to be spitting on the beats or singing on them. But I feel equally comfortable with both.

HipHopCanada: As you were answering that question you talked a bit about your early days of MCing and how you almost started making beats out of necessity, and I hear that a lot. So let's take it back a little further. What exactly got you into rhyming? Was it a certain song you heard, a certain artist that made you say: "I want to be an MC."

Rich Kidd: Well I've always been listening to rap. My dad was a DJ and he DJ'd African parties but he still had vinyl copies of hip-hop, R&B records and just about everything else. Because they play everything at those parties. Just through listening to those records and having the instrumentals at my disposal. I started making joke tracks back in the day, just stupid kid shit. Really what got me into the actual rhyming part of it and recording . . . I was leaving school one day and they used to have battles in front of the mall. People would stand in group cyphering old school style and I used to walk by there feeling like I could eat the niggas in the cypher. One day I decided to start cyphering, writing rhymes at home i would come into the cypher and try to remember them but I couldn't remember shit. But I would freestyle and a say some shit to make the crowd laugh a few times. The main one I was battling with was my dude JuniaT and my next dude Josh Cherry, who landed in a coma a couple of years after. Those guys really got me to start freestyling all over the place and rapping just became a thing I did. That was like grade 9 or grade 10.

HipHopCanada: Have you always been a solo artist?

Rich Kidd: I was in a couple of groups. I was in a group called Rotten Ones when I first sarted MC'in. Just me and a couple of dudes from the neighborhood . . . my man Hoodini and my next man Dre Gotti, Tony Danza and Novi we just ended up forming a click cause we were always rolling together and getting in trouble. So we got together and started doing the rapping thing under Rotten Ones. Actually, we first started as Y.O. . . . Young Offenders, but we switched it to Rotten Ones because our Block is called Rotten Ridge . . . Ridgeway, so we took than Rotten moniker and ran with it.

Then I had a group in High School with my man Emad. We did a talent show together. For the audition we did "H to the Izzo" and I just came out and freestyled cause I couldn't remember anything I had written and they loved it cause I kept it sweet with no swearing. They didn't even know what I was talking about cause I was just flowing. When we actually did the show, we did it on Mobb Deep's "Burn", so I freestyled to it again because I didn't know what the fuck I was saying again . . . I had a verse prepared but I forgot it again and just did whatever, but everyone still went crazy. So from then me and Emad formed HTM, Hard To Market, that kind of fell apart because we ended up going our separate ways. He got off the rhyming tip moved away and had a kid and me, I still kept making music. So I haven't always been a solo artist but in every crew I was in, I was the producer, the one providing beats. So in the back of my mind I always wanted to lead my own movement.

HipHopCanada: What's your creative process like? When it comes down to you sitting down and doing work; what are the kinds of things that get you going? Do you usually end up working on the beats first?

Rich Kidd: When it come to beats there's no real timeline for me, I work on beats maybe two three times a day. So there's no need for preparation I do it when I wake up, stepping out of the shower. I just get into the mood. Generally I have the beat in my head, if anything that's my preparation . . . I already have the beat in my head. And if I'm not home I try to hum it to myself so I don't forget it. When I get home I just get on the computer and start working away.

Sometimes I'll feel like working on a beat and have no ideas. So I'll start with the drums and work my way up to a melody that will fit the drum pattern I got going. If I already have a melody, then I'll start with building the beat from there that and complete that part before finding the drums with it after. I'm pretty much making beats all the time.

HipHopCanada: What about in terms of writing, what's your ritual like?

Rich Kidd: It's kind of the same thing. If I have some studio time booked and I'm going in to lay something out. It usually just comes to me I write tracks when I feel like i have something to write. I don't want to just write bullshit. I want to write something that's meaningful. Even if it's an up-tempo party joint or a feel good joint . . . that means I have to feel good doing it. Same thing with the beats too . . . I work a lot off of emotion . . . any emotion I'm feeling at the time. So if I'm feeling pissed off then that's going to be felt in the track that comes out.

HipHopCanada: What are some of your influences, Canadian or international? Earlier on you talked a bit about your father who was a DJ so you were around a lot of music, African music. Do you think that played a role in influencing your sound?

Rich Kidd: Music period inspires me to do what I do. Nowadays I'm working on new styles and new concepts and that just comes from listening to everything. I ain't afraid to listen to rock tunes, rock tunes are cool they're musical and melodic, there are some rock tunes I can't listen to though. The ones that make your ears want to bleed. Some have great melodies even pop tunes. When writing songs you have to open to different approaches to song writing and making hits in order to later be able to get into the mind-state of making something truly original.

I don't really draw too much from Ghanaian culture and music. There are definitely tracks I've sampled. Just going to Ghana kind of influenced me on a broader level. I want to bring some creative programs over there. Me and some people established a youth program we want to bring over there. We're trying to get a grant for it right now actually. We want to bring some sort of creative relief over there. A lot of people loved the type of music I was doing and felt like they wanted to do the same thing too. I just draw from that spirit when I sit down to make more music.

HipHopCanada: This project you're talking about is in Ghana?

Rich Kidd: Yes. Ghana, West Africa.

HipHopCanada: Would you mind elaborating a little bit more on that? So what are the goals of this project? What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

Rich Kidd: Right now brother's over there. He's a DJ and he's ready to have the program established down there. He found a location for it so we're just in the process of receiving the money. We're still in waiting to get the grant money from Trillium. If we can't get that we'll keep pushing ahead with fundraisers. We're in the process of putting a team together to make it work. My brothers down there and I'm always linking up with him. Next time I go down there we're actually going to start getting the place built, I'll be bringing some equipment down there. We call the project the "Third Eye View Project". Ultimately we want to bring free creative programs to third world countries. We decided to start with Ghana. We want people to start reporting on what's really going on over there. Everything from the water crisis, to the school crisis, governmental issues, the influence of oil. I just saw a lot of talent over there from poor people in the villages, they have singing ability. It made me want to bring something out there for them to be able to release their creative energies.

What inspired me to do that was being part of the Remix project in Toronto. It's a youth project very similar to what I want to bring to Ghana. It's a project for youth who live in certain neighborhoods or who don't have access certain resources. They take these youth in and give them resources and mentorship.

HipHopCanada: The Remix Project; is that something you're still involved with?

Rich Kidd: Yeah. I'm involved with it right now. I help the kids with production showing them one or two things and serve as a mentor for some of the youth. It's kind of weird because when I first got in there they told me it was a pilot program and now it's in its sixth round. It's crazy how it's just expanded . . . when I started nobody knew what it was and many people were skeptical. "How can that be for free?" There's a studio in there and a creative room where you can learn Photoshop and Illustrator. There's a video editing suite. There a business resource room where you can get books and information on applying for business loans. Everything you think you would have to pay for. It's about helping the kids who are serious about making it as an entrepreneur or as an artist.

HipHopCanada: How are the kids taking to the program. Have you seen a change in some of the kids since they first started coming in?

Rich Kidd: There's plenty of kids who are taking the program seriously. Others might come in at first and seem like they aren't taking it seriously but many just got some things going on in their lives because some of these kids are going through the worst but they will still come through and try to do their music thing or their creative thing. But mostly they are on point! Like this one dude named Cola who was with me in the first semester he got a grant through Remix. They give Bursaries and grants to schools like Humber, to the most serious and accomplished students. He came through and he's now moved on and he's got his own rock band. Chantal Beeso, she's a magazine editor with Urbanology, she also writes for HHC, she also came out of the program. She came in young and hungry and she's now accomplishing what she wants to do. I can go on and on, but this shows that the program actually works and it's not just a hangout spot or a drop-in spot. It's really a life changing project.

I don't see why the government wouldn't want to support a program like this which at the end keeps kids busy! This kind of stuff inspires kids to go back into their neighborhoods to show their brethrens one or two things about what they learned. Something that at the end of the day expands the mind of the youth and gets them on a different level of thinking. Going to school and their day to day keeps them disciplined; but what keeps them creative? What makes them want to explore past their horizons and go further in life? Trust me, the Remix project is really where it's at!

HipHopCanada: Going through you're production credits I see one name that seems to keep coming back. You've done a lot of work with Saukrates. How did that collaboration come about? Tying back into what we've been talking about. Is this a situation where this is someone who's kind of acted as a mentor to you?

Rich Kidd: He's pretty much mentored me. We first met maybe 2 or 3 years ago. He was hearing my beats all over the place but didn't know who I was. So we brought it to his management and they were hyped about getting Sauks on some of my beats. It was really a situation where we met through mutual people and ever since then we've been digging each other's style. He's been mentoring me on stuff like mixing beats and knowing how to bring added flavor to some of my beats. Ultimately though, he knows I got my style and when I give him beat he never tries to change it, he just knows how to write the perfect tune to it and just murder's it.

He's a dude that never stops working. We're actually going into the studio tonight. He always has ideas and always has stuff to add. Which is why he's been dropping stuff for so long. He's a dude you can trust he knows how to put it down. he knows how to bring out that funk combined with the soulful signing and then murders the raps on some next shit. You don't have to worry about nothing when it's in his hand, he's perfected the art of song making.

HipHopCanada: Another veteran MC/Producer I see you've worked with recently is k-os. More specifically on I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman which features Nelly Furtado and Saukrates again. What's the story behind that one?

Rich Kidd: I was already working with Sauks for a little at this point and while he was on tour with Nelly Furtado he heard the beat, fell in love with it and recorded a track with Nelly Furtado called On the Run. So two years later around winter last year k-os hears the beat and he's digging it. So I slid him the track and he wrote a verse to it and Sauks ended up adding an extra female part to it. So basically there are two songs with the same beat. Sauks has a version he might use at a later time and k-os threw the version you've heard on his record.

I hadn't actually met k-os initially, I just heard that he was interested in getting his hands on the track. We finally met face-to-face for the first time at his album release party. We were both drunk! He's a dude that stays to himself but he's a real cool dude still, when you can sit down and talk to him.

HipHopCanada: There are lots of mixtapes out. Even at your release party I left with a few mixtapes that were being passed around. What do you think separates yours from the pack?

Rich Kidd: One is that it's all on me I don't have a DJ . . . all original shit, no dubs or freestyles. You know, I never really wanted to call it a mixtape. I called the first one a mixtape and then the second one was a compilation album and this one is just . . . We On Some Rich Kidd Shit Volume 3. I never really wanted to put the mixtape label on it to be really honest. It kind of is like a mix album but given that those tunes were released on different albums and at different times throughout the year I kind of classified it as a mixtape . . . but . . . really, people can call it whatever they want. They were calling it a street album the other night on OTA live. Some dudes call it a mixtape, other dudes are calling it an EP. I was like: " EP!? I thought EP's had less than 10 songs . . . so?" It's whatever people want to call it. There are three of them out there and maybe later in the Fall I might put them all together in a set, Collector's Edition with DVD and some behind the scenes footage.

HipHopCanada: Do you have plans to put together a full-length? Maybe and LP?

Rich Kidd: Yeah I'd love to do that. Whatever will come, will come. Right now I'm just working on other people's shit, making sure everybody else is comfortable with their raps being laid out on my beats. I'm not really concerned with myself at this point. Even though I keep what I think are the best beats for myself.

HipHopCanada: You're buzz is growing in Toronto. Do you have plans to take it national now? This is a big country.

Rich Kidd: Well of course! We try to do shows in all over in London, Barrie, Kingston to bring the movement out there and put the CD in people's hands. In the grand scheme of things the internet runs all, it's the real medium that connects people. Any true hip-hop fan out there, is probably going to go on HHC, try to go on the hip-hop blog sites to see what's popping. So if there are places we can't reach we can still reach them through the internet.

It's also vital that you travel and try to go everywhere. I'm trying to go to Hali (Halifax), Van City. I'm trying to go to Montreal which is just four or five hours from us here and set up shop and work with some artists out there. I want to go out to Halifax especially to work with Classified. That dude is saying he wants some beats, so I want to go to that man's turf and bring him that heat.

HipHopCanada: For every artist out there the goal is to have longevity. Where do you see yourself, Rich Kidd in five years?

Rich Kidd: In five years, I want to have a label an roster of established artists. Get some equity and get a nice house and go on to expand what I do in to different projects . . . movies. Actually if anything I'd like to get into directing movies and scoring them too. Being more creative and expand into different stuff. My way of moving, my mantra is "Do it as it comes". Anything that comes my way I'll do it.

HipHopCanada: There are lots of talented Canadian artists out there doing big things. But most people would be hard pressed to name their top ten classic Canadian albums. Why do you think that is?

Rich Kidd: Anybody can make an album and put it out there. I think the mentality of artists here is to have a good label situation when the album drops in order to make it the best it can be. Classic albums we've heard coming from the States had money behind them. Ready to Die had money behind it, Illmatic had money behind it. If we hadn't seen those videos and heard those beats from Easy Moe Bee and Premier you wouldn't have heard no classic Biggie album. Everything that came with it, the videos the artwork, the production made it a classic.

Here in Toronto we're always lacking something. It might be the lyrics, the artwork is not popping, [or] there's no money behind it so the mixing sounds horrible but the songs are good and that might prevent it from being seen as a classic. I can sit here and say the labels need to put more money behind it but the labels won't put any money up until they see money being generated. People just have to want to buy it. When that happens we'll be able to make our own classics.

All these rappers Jay-Z, Nas, Biggie even Rakim. Anybody after Afrika Bambata and Kool Herc . . . Were inspired by the people who did it before them. So if you have heavyweights inspiring you in your country in your neighborhood in your city . . . everywhere around you. Then you can look to them and say: "This is how he did? Let me do it this way!" That's why the flows change every few years from Cold Crush, Rakim came with a better flow and then Kane changed the game, and then Jay. We have talent here but until these talented people start controlling the game nothing will change.

HipHopCanada: Just to go back to the whole Busta Rhymes incident with "Undescribable" and I know you've been asked to adresss this a few times in the last few months. But that incident do you see it more as a curse or a blessing?

Rich Kidd: Everything can be a blessing if you take it that way. I see it as a blessing, I try to always look at things as an optimist. Busta didn't actually steal it, he was actually just featured on the track. Billy Danze recorded the track and Busta leaked it. The track was never supposed to be released. Looking at it now, I never really had a beat stolen. It was put out at the wrong time. Leaks happen all the time because labels feel like they can give an artist a little buzz before the project drops. Which was exactly the case with Busta. It was a blessing really because of that a lot of different people were able to hear my stuff. When I was at Rock The Bells I was talking to people who were asking about my resume and when I mentioned that track they would say: "Oh you did that? You did that!?"

Really and truly I can't depend on these guys to bust me. That's why I I included these tracks on the mixtape but I put my own joints to work as well, to let people know that the production's heavy and the rapping is heavy. I'm not trying to jump on coattails.

HipHopCanada: How did the beat get out there?

Rich Kidd: Billy Danze got the beat CD through G-Unit, really liked one beat in particular and recorded "Undescrible". He had a verse open and called Busta. He and Busta recorded the verse back to back and then Busta took the joint with him. So they didn't even know who the producer was. I ended up getting a hold of Billy Danze through MySpace later on.

My man Big Pops, who's a next producer from Northern Profit when he first heard the joint called me and said: "This beat sounds like you! You have to hear this beat it sounds like something you'd make". He had never heard the beat before. I heard the beat and was like yeah it's mine, cause it has no samples. So I hit up Billy Danze on MySpace and he said :"Call me". We talked for a bit, he explained to me what happened with the joint and we just came to an understanding where like we'll make some more joints together and build an EP and get some shit popping.

HipHopCanada: Thanks for spending the time with us. I wish you all the best.

DOWNLOAD WE ON SOME RICH KIDD SHIT VOLUME 3

DOWNLOAD WE ON SOME RICH KIDD SHIT VOLUME 3

VIDEOS

EXCLAIM.CA

2009-09-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

Rich Kidd ft. Junia T.
"Hypnotic"
9/30/2009 By Del F. Cowie

If you've been paying any attention to Toronto hip-hop over the past few months, you'll know that Rich Kidd has seemed like an inescapable force. He's flooded the market with his talent, supplying beats for artists like Drake, Saukrates and King Reign with K-OS' "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman" arguably his most prominent production credit.

But his rep is beginning to extend beyond the GTA. Notoriously, Busta Rhymes' "Undescribable" with M.O.P.'s Billy Danze used one of Rich Kidd's beats without permission and noted producer 9th Wonder recently urged people on his Twitter feed to get into Rich Kidd's music in between proclaiming Toronto the "hip-hop capital of the world."

While it's hard to pigeon-hole the sound of this versatile producer, "Hypnotic," from his latest free mixtape We On Some Rich Kidd Sh*t Vol. 3, showcases the fact that Rich Kidd is not lacking any swagger on the mic either before he passes it to Smash Brovaz' Junia T. While it possesses plenty of club-ready bounce and style, the track's cavernous bass, violin strains and off-kilter beat steer it well clear of formulaic mediocrity. You are now getting sleepy.

Download "Hypnotic" by Rich Kidd featuring Junia T here.

Download Rich Kidd's We On Some Rich Kidd Sh*t Vol. 3here.

Back 2 Da Basics

2009-09-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

JUNIA-T, SINOTRA & RICH KIDD - BACK 2 THE BASICS - DIRECTED BY MOBB MEDIA & RICH KIDD - PRODUCED BY JUNIA-T

FREESTYLE SESSION.

DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO HERE:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/zymakk

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_8Hfuqy5eg

King Reign

2009-09-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

"After releasing the "Audacity of Hope" EP and arguably the hottest joint out of the TORONTO this year ("Soaring To Heaven" featuring Saukrates, Tona, & Rich Kidd), King Reign is back to give you a full-course meal with his new project, "Reign Music". Majority of the production is handled by Rich Kidd, with help from Boi 1da, Saukrates, & Pharoahe Monch, in addition to guest appearances fromDrake, Pharoahe Monch, Saukrates, Tona, Slakah The Beatchild, & Richie Hennessey!

We'll be hitting you with 2 more projects just like this from King Reign this in the upcoming months, so stay chuned!"

Link:
http://sharebee.com/1810aee5

http://www.myspace.com/kingreignmusic
http://www.twitter.com/purplereign999

Peace,

Keezy
alexvatkov@therealfrequency.com
http://www.twitter.com/realfrequency
http://therealfrequency.podbus.com/blog/

YOUNITED

2009-09-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

SOOOO WE WENT OUT TO THE EAST END ON SAT AND TOTALLY FUCK THE PLACE RIGHT UP
WE WAS THE ONLY WEST END PPL IN THE BUILDING
BUT THE SCARTOWN SHOWS US MAD LOVE
BIG UP THE WHOLE YOUNITED FAM !
RICH KIDD AND JUNIA KILLED THE STAGE ALONGSIDE PLENTY OFF OTHERS

MAXAMUS MAXWELL

2009-09-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

T.I.F.F

2009-09-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=252096380598

IMPORTFEST 2009From 12 noon-12 midnight
Tricked out Cars, Hot Rides and Expensive Whips Exhibit
HipHopCanada.com Stage-Live performances start at 7pm
Hosted by: Bozack Morris with Music by: DJ Dred-e Maximum
This SATURDAY Sept. 12th, 2009
@ The Metro Convention Centre

TOstateofmind

2009-09-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

On the Road to Riches.... Rapper/Producer Rich Kidd's Journey from the Bottom of the Can

The other day I was listening to my favourite radio show, Flow 93.5's OTA Live, and co-host Ty Harper said that one cannot claim to be following what's going on in Toronto hip-hop if they don't have Rich Kidd's new We On Some Rich Kidd Sh*t 3 mixtape. Considering that a staggering eight tracks from Rich's tape have managed airplay on the city's radio waves, it's safe to say that Ty ain't lyin'.

What's amazing about Rich Kidd is how much he's accomplished in just a couple of years. My brother Slay, a drummer and producer for rap-rock band Track Dirtyaz, remembers "Richie" as the cool high school kid interning at the Mississauga studio where the Dirtyaz' SonHouse album was mixed back in 2006.

"He was just an intern at the studio, running to get cables and trying to get a little weed," Slay remembers. "I remember him playing his first couple of beats for us. That was four years ago, so he's done a lot of work in four years."

He's now one of the two go-to guys--the other being Scarborough's Boi1da--that Toronto's best artists call when they need a beat. Of Rich's most recent productions, Cali Snipes' "Money To Burn" video is in rotation on MuchVibe, K-os' neck-breaker "I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman" is all over the radio and also just cracked OTA Live's Megacity Countdown and his own song "Hypnotic," featuring Ridgeway Entertainment labelmate Junia-T has been as high as number six on the same countdown.

He knows there is still work to do, and he's busy expanding his brand as both a producer and an artist. This Saturday, September 12 he'll be performing twice in one day, first joining Boi1da for a beat showcase at the Scarborough FreshFest at the Scarborough Civic Centre at 4 p.m. and then hitting the stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for Importfest's HipHopCanada.com Showcase at 8 p.m. On the 15th he'll be a celebrity judge at a contest for youth who'll be pitching business ideas to win prizes and on the 20th he opens for DJ/producer Hi-Tek and DJ Scratch Bastid at the ManifesTO Afterparty. Somehow he found time to answer a few questions for TOstateofmin.com readers about his grind and Toronto hip-hop.
d
TOstateofmind.com: You worked at a studio before you became a producer, so you were obviously looking for a career in music. What part of the biz were you trying to break into then?

Rich Kidd: At the time I was already spittin' and I had started making some beats, but I never showed anybody that. I was rapping, but I wanted to learn mixing and engineering and all of that technical stuff because I knew nothing about that side of things. I just wanted to know everything. I used to fetch coffee for them while they mixed down albums, but I learned how to use all of the equipment and the computer programs like Cool Edit Pro. The purpose was to learn how to make my beats better and make them sound crisper.

TO: You only started making beats about four or five years ago. It must have taken a lot of hard work to go from doing high school co-op in a studio to being one of T.O.'s two or three "it" producers and having the opportunity to work with artists like K-os, Drake and Billy Danze of M.O.P. What did you do in that short time to get where you are now?

RK: Basically I upped my game. It wasn't as much about hard work as making the right connections. It doesn't have to be hard work because I enjoy creating beats. I make a lot of beats that I just sit and wait for the right time. I'm versatile... I can do a happy beat or whatever other beat an artist wants. Plus after working with artists, they know I'm about Canadian hip-hop and artists and they see that I'm putting in work consistently and that makes them want to f*** with me.

TO: You seem to be doing a good job using your production work to set the stage for a career as an artist. Which one did you want to do first, and which side of the game is more important to you now?

RK: I always did both. Some people might see me MCing more than producing, but I make beats more than I MC. I won't choose one to try to bust with, I want to do them both equally. I'll release a couple of singles and when I come up with a really cold concept for an album that I don't think anyone can touch, then I'll make an album as an artist. But the beats are what is gaining me the popularity that's allowing me to MC.

TO: What is Ridgeway Entertainment and how did it come to be?

RK: Ridgeway Entertainment is a record label that was started by my manager Courtney Allen. Ridgeway is the block we're from at the very edge of 'Sauga, about as far as you can go in Mississauga. Courtney started the label from long time with a few artists from the block, but it didn't turn out the way he planned. I got hooked up with Courtney through a friend of mine named Whiskey who had been a part of the label and when Whiskey linked us Courtney and I became a two-man team. Courtney has a talent for talking to people and making connections with people.

TO: So he's the business guy and the idea guy? The marketing expert?

RK: Yeah, he deals with that side of everything. He books the shows and makes the connections. I mean, I call him my manager, but really I manage myself too. I come up with all of the concepts that have to do with the music. But he's good at talking to people. I don't really talk to the big artists when they come to us. When they come in I'm usually in the corner rollin' a blunt.

TO: Toronto producers might possibly have had more success than Toronto rappers so far. What role do you think our producers will play in finally blowing up the city?

RK: It depends. Some say it'll be creating that sound that we'll have. Everyone says that we have to have a sound. Maybe it'll just be the way we talk, but everyone's different. I mean, the Jamaicans here have their yardie talk, but not everyone does that. Up here there are too many cultures for one to dominate and have one sound for everybody. I think our job will be breaking the artists, and that's what I want to do. I mean, a producer could just put out a CD with all the hottest rappers on his beats--and I did that--but I want to push the artists. The Drake song on my CD ["The Search" featuring Saukrates] was the one that made all the bloggers show it on their sites, but I wanted the other artists to be seen too. The artists can push themselves on their own, but Drake couldn't have done what he's done without Boi1da.

MANIFESTO

2009-09-08T09:39:00.001-07:00

THECYBERKRIB.COM presents...
THE WEEKLY UPDATE
[September - Week 1 - 2009]

Werthy & The Academy present...
TELL IT TO MY HEART
All 80's R&B, freestyle and dance all night.
feat. DJ HUGGS (Toronto / Los Angeles) & DJ L'OQENZ (Turn Me Up Some)

TORONTO, ON
Saturday, September 5
AUGUSTA HOUSE
152 Augusta Ave.
(just North of Dundas St. West)
Cost: $5 cover | FREE on RSVP guestlist before midnight
RSVP: email info@thecyberkrib.com
Doors @ 9pm
19+ event

The Academy and Shaman present...
THE MAIN INGREDIENT
with special guest J. PERIOD (MTV Top 5 DJ’s /The Mixtape King, NYC)
the soul you love
with DJ MENSA . DJ AGILE . SEAN SAX
also GO DEEP in the STONE LOUNGE with...
FOOTPRINTS CREW (General Eclectic & DJ Stu)
Hosted by: WAN LUV

TORONTO, ON
Friday, September 11
REVIVAL
783 College St. (at Shaw St.)
Cost: $10 advance tickets + TMI button | $10 at door before 11:30pm
Tickets: www.ticketpicket.com
B-day or large groups: email info@thecyberkrib.com and shamanparty@gmail.com
Doors @ 10pm
19+ event

WEEKLY EVENT LISTING
[September 4 onward]

NEVER FORGIVE ACTION
feat. special guests DJ MENSA
with NUMERIC and DJ DALIA

TORONTO, ON
Friday, September 4
THE DRAKE
1150 Queen St. West
(1 block East of Dufferin)
Cost: $5 cover
Doors open @ 10pm
19+ event

BRINK presents...
FLIGHT NETWORK
hip hop, r&b, soul, funk, house, and all that good stuff!
feat. BOZACK MORRIS . KAEWONDER . BIG JACKS

TORONTO, ON
Tuesday, September 8 (and every Tuesday night)
TOTA BAR
592 Queen Street West (@ Bathurst - formerly Q-Bar)
Cost: FREE
19+ event
Drink Specials: $4 domestics | $4 rails before midnight

PRIZEFIGHTER presents...
SOCIAL EXPERIMENT
feat. DJ MENSA

TORONTO, ON
Thursday, September 10 (and every Thursday)
OCTOPUS
293 Palmerston Ave. (at College St.)
(2 blocks West of Bathurst)
Cost: FREE - NO COVER
19+ event

HIP HOP KARAOKE
with special guest: JERU THE DAMAJA
ROUND 32 hosted by ABDOMINAL . MORE OR LES . DALIA . TED DANCIN' . NUMERIC

TORONTO, ON
Friday, September 18
REVIVAL
783 College St. (at Shaw)
Cost: $10 b4 11:30pm | $15 after
Doors at 9pm
Info: www.hhktoronto.com
19+ event

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTING SEEN BY 18,000+ PEOPLE?
CONTACT US AT info@thecyberkrib.com FOR DETAILS

REMOVAL/ADDITION TO E-MAIL LIST:

Anyone who'd like to be taken off this list can do so easily by simply sending a BLANK email to mailinglist@thecyberkrib.com with REMOVE in caps in the subject line.

More importantly, if anyone has received this email as a forward or just through the grapevine, we encourage you to subscribe to TheCyberKrib email list to receive our weekly newsletter, special contest offers, ticket giveaways, live event discounts and much more by simply sending a BLANK email to mailinglist@thecyberkrib.com with ADD in caps...no more...no less.

Yours sincerely,

Jesse Ohtake
President
TheCyberKrib Entertainment Group Inc.
http://TheCyberKrib.com
info@thecyberkrib.com
< < <> > >

SCAM

2009-09-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

MY DUDE SCAM PUT THS TOGETHER
HES A GREAT PRODUCER
LOOK OUT FOR MORE CALABOS FROM
HIM AND RICH KIDD

If you like Jay-Z & his music....

Please check out the Jay-Z remixes I've put together for all you Jay fans.
Some of my favourite Jay-Z verses over some of my favourite beats.

Enjoy!!

Direct Download:

http://www.timebanditsmusic.com/bestofjayz.zip (106MB)

OR

Just listen:

http://www.timebanditsmusic.com

and click on the tab "TIME BANDITS JAY-Z REMIXES"

MANIFESTO

2009-09-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

The MANIFESTO Festival is just around the corner and is looking bigger than ever! We just wanted to give all of our MANIFESTO peeps a heads up on where to get advanced tickets for some of the festivities.

Avoid the last minute rush and prepare yourself by copping your tickets here:

Sept. 16 - Film Festival @ Golden Harvest Theatre
http://www.ticketpicket.com/manifestofilmfestival

Sept. 17 - Canada Cup B-Boy Battle @ Sound Academy
http://www.ticketpicket.com/manifestocanadapro2009

Sept. 19 - 9th Wonder @ Premimum Rhythm Bar
http://www.ticketpicket.com/hiphoplove9thwonder

Sept. 20 - MANIFESTO Closing Night Party @ Revival & MOD Club
http://www.ticketpicket.com/manifestoclosingnight

For more info on all things MANIFESTO, check the site: http://themanifesto.ca

HYPNOTIC

2009-09-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.sendspace.com/file/sp9qvg

RECENTLY RELEASED !!
SOMETHING FOR THE SMOKERS AND DRINKERS UP IN DA CLUB
I KNOW YALL GONNA LOVE THIS ONE IT REALLY BANGS
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE FOR IT ON THE OTA LIVE ! COUNTDOWN

WWW.HIPHOPCANADA.COM

WWW.CITYONMYBACK.COM

RICH KIDD & JUNIA T SB#2

HYPNOTIC (PROD.RICH KIDD)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/sp9qvg

Beasy

2009-09-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

HERE SOME SH*T FROM MY FAM DJ BEASY .. H.G'Z STAND UP

JUNGLE CITY
PROMOTERS DON'T SLEEP ON THIS DUDE HE CAN REALLY ROCK A CROWD
HE'S ON THE COME UP SO BE ON THE LOOK OUT
DON'T BE MAD WHEN HES OVER BOOKED !

http://www.zshare.net/audio/648955699f542b79/

☆B-EASY ONLINE☆

☆TWITTER☆
http://twitter.com/dj_b_easy

☆BLOG☆
http://djb-easy.blogspot.com/

Saukrates

2009-09-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

HERE WE GO!!!! AS PROMISED, HERE IS MORE MATERIAL LEADING UP TO THE RELEASE OF MY NEW ALBUM: SAUKRATES...SEASON ONE...

AGAIN, I'VE INCLUDED A DJ PACKAGE FOR THOSE WHO PREFER A HIGHER QUALITY COPY OF ALL VERSIONS (FULL MIX, INSTRUMENTAL, ACCAPELLA, ETC.)

FOR THOSE WHO NEED THE QUICK FIX... MP3'S!!!

STEPPING IT UP AS ALWAYS, WE ALSO SHOT THE VIDEO!!!

CHECK IT ALL OUT, SHARE WITH EVERYBODY, ANYBODY, AND ENJOY!!!

LINKS:

"MS. YESTERDAY"
SAUKRATES FT MARKUS DOMITRIK(BASS), JOEL JOSEPH(KEYBOARDS) & KING REIGN(PERCUSSION) PRODUCED BY SAUKRATES

DJ PACKAGE http://www.sendspace.com/file/5dnzy5

CLEAN MP3 http://www.sendspace.com/file/zmuc31

DIRTY MP3 http://www.sendspace.com/file/zczkob

VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtTkAH-OcKs

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!!
SORRY TO KEEP Y'ALL WAITIN!!!

YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND ME ON:

MYSPACE.COM/SAUKRATES
TWITTER...@BIGGSOXX
FACEBOOK...BIGGSOXX
BESTFAN.COM...search "SAUKRATES"

LONG-AWAITED ALBUM ON IT'S WAY...

CHEERS,

SAUKRATES AKA BIGG SOXX

2009-08-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

We On Some Rich Kidd Shit 3
From The Bottom Of The Can

IF YOU AINT GOT THIS YET YOUR LIVING UNDER A ROCK !

Enjoy !

http://www.myspace.com/richkiddbeats

http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/
http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/
http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/
http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/

2009-08-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

www.myspace.com/richkiddbeats

Its Been a min since i blogged like this, but a very important friend call me today and every time she calls i swear its like a lesson

she teaches me so much and keeps me on my toes

and its always good to have ppl like this around you especially when we do what we do

muthauckers are always tryin to take a niggaz spot feel me

so watch what you do when you do it and who you do it with

now hear chune !

Bishop Brigante – Lost My Money (prod. by Rich Kidd) http://bit.ly/szWsk

P.S - Is RIdgeway All Day Bitches !

OTA LIVE !

2009-08-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

CITYONMYBACK.COM
- VIDEO: Saukrates - Ms. Yesterday
- VIDEO: OTA Talk (Michael Jackson Tribute Show)
- VIDEO: Luu Breeze & Mista Bourne - The 1st Fourty 8
- AUDIO: Burna - The City (Prod. by Rich Kidd)
- follow Cityonmyback on Twitter and YouTube.

OTA LIVE
- UBX: Busta Rhymes Tuesday night on OTA Live!
- OTA Talk w/Andreena Mill, Slakah the Beatchild & Rich Kidd Thursday night on OTA Live!
- new OTA Talk video clips (feat. Melanie Fiona, Mayhem Morearty, Skimpy Boy, Starting From Scratch, Cali Snipes, P-Plus & Ian Andre Espinet posted now at http://www.muchmusic.com/otalive!
- VOTE for The Megacity Countdown.
- Megacity Countdown results.

COVERT OPS

2009-08-10T15:36:00.001-07:00

I’m sure we all know the definition to COVERT OPS but my peoples Arcee and Marvel have teamed up musically to personify it!

Production on the project will include heavyhitters like Jake One, MoSS, Rich Kidd, Mr. Attic (of Da Grassroots), and T.R.A.C.K.S. (of IRS)! You can expect the first single “Never Change” (produced by Rich Kidd) real soon. Until then, get a sneak preview of a couple of joints from the project that the fellas performed at this year’s NXNE festival that took place @ Revival recently.

http://therealfrequency.podbus.com/blog/2009/08/10/introduction-covert-ops-arcee-and-marvel/

twitter.com/chrana
twitter.com/marveltdot
twitter.com/realfrequency

COVERT OPS

2009-08-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

The good folks over at REMG and Five & Dime sure have impeccable timing for bringing down Raekwon The Chef right before his highly-anticipated new album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2″ drops next month. If Raekwon for $15 wasn’t enough, you also will be treated to an opening performance from COVERT OPS (ARCEE AND MARVEL).

http://therealfrequency.podbus.com/blog/2009/08/10/raekwon-covert-ops-sound-academy-10152009/

Introduction to COVERT OPS (ARCEE & MARVEL):
http://therealfrequency.podbus.com/blog/2009/08/10/introduction-covert-ops-arcee-and-marvel/

HONET JAM

2009-08-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Much Music’s Sarah Taylor to Host Honey Jam 2009
Canada’s All-Female Talent Show Takes over Mod Club August 16

For Immediate Release
August 4, 2009

(Toronto) One of the most anticipated summer events, The Honey Jam artist showcase takes place at the Mod Club Theatre (722 College Street) on Sunday August 16, 2009. Hosted by MuchMusic's Sarah Taylor, the 2009 edition promises to deliver one of the best showcases in the history of the event - a night of exciting entertainment with a diverse group of artists as PhemPhat also celebrates its 14th anniversary.

Ebonnie Rowe, Honey Jam Founder, Producer and President of PhemPhat Entertainment Group, says "The years have gone by so quickly! And even in this age of instant TV fame, this showcase still means a lot to the artists and continues to be relevant.

There was some speculation as to whether the show would happen but Rowe was determined not to become Recession Roadkill. "We're thrilled to be going forward with the show despite the economic downturn. It’s been difficult yes, but we’re determined and committed to putting on the show against all odds,” said Rowe.

What is the fuel behind that determination? The artists write to Rowe about what it means to them. She shared one of their letters: "The experience was definitely a rewarding one. I was able to make many great contacts and friends among the artists themselves. Honey Jam is a godsend in more ways than one for the women in the industry, in this city and the country at large.” That's why we do what we do and why we will continue to provide this platform for Canadian female artists."

“There is no recession in terms of talent and this year’s show will not disappoint. We’re excited for everyone to see the lineup of artists.”

Please see www.honeyjam.com and click on "Artists" for the lineup which includes performers representing genres of Latin Fusion, Country, Hip Hop, Jazz, House/Lounge, Gospel, Pop, R&B. 12 year old Jaclyn Kenyon will be the youngest artist to perform at the showcase and DJs for the night include MelBoogie and Tasha Rozez.

Over $10,000 in artist prizes are up for grabs, including the FLOW production prize of a track produced by Solitair and the Honey Jam Hookup Prize Pack which includes sound equipment from Yamaha, consultation with a Universal Music A&R Rep, a photo shoot with Vincent Lions, a hair makeover by Adrian Carew of Hair2Inc., and a fitness package from Think Fitness.

Sponsors for this year's show include MuchMusic, Slaight Communications Inc., entertainment and media law firm Taylor Mitsopulos Klein Oballa Canadian Musician, the Socan Foundation, Factor, Canadian Independent Recording Artists Association, VerveGirl Magazine, the New Flow 93.5FM, Yamaha Canada, Toronto Arts Council, MySpace Canada and Exclaim.ca.

Proceeds will support YWCA Toronto's programs for women and girls - www.ywcatoronto.org

The Honey Jam Showcase
Sunday August 16, The Mod Club Theatre, 722 College Street, Toronto
Showtime 8PM sharp, Doors open at 7PM
Advance Tickets $20, available at Toronto Women's Bookstore, 73 Harbord Street
$25 at door
19+ - Photo ID required.

2009-08-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

We On Some Rich Kidd Shit 3
From The Bottom Of The Can

Its Finally Here !
Enjoy !

http://www.myspace.com/richkiddbeats

http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/
http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/
http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/
http://www.zshare.net/download/635385557203abc3/

THE SEARCH

2009-08-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.zshare.net/download/63514011445b9555/

THE SECOND COMMERCIAL RELEASE OFF OF THE THIRD CLASSIC COMPILATION STREET ALBUM FROM TORONTO SUPER PRODUCER RICH KIDD
WE ON SOME RICH KIDD SHIT 3 - FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAN HAS HIT THE BLOG WAVE WITH INCREDIBLE STRENGTH AND IS GETTING GENUINE LOVE FROM THE MASSES WITH 21 BACK TO BACK HITS THIS AUDIO CRACK COLLECTION IS LOOKING LIKE ONE OF THIS YEARS TOP RELEASES ENJOY !

RICH KIDD

2009-07-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

IT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF !

http://www.myspace.com/richkiddbeats

http://www.hiphopcanada.com

http://www.theremixproject.ca

http://www.hustleandflip.com

SMASH BROVAZ

2009-07-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.hiphopcanada.com/_site/media/radio/otalive/

CROOK AKA SB #1 & JUNIA T AKA SB #2
ARE THE SMASH BROVAZ !

http://www.smashbrovaz.com

J.Robb

2009-07-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.zshare.net/download/62817775415fc63d/
J.Robb - Still A Nobody Produced By Rich Kidd & Beat Juggernaut
remember where you heard it first !

RICH KIDD

2009-07-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.zshare.net/download/62817438d1db3ef4/

03' RICH KIDD THEOWBACK !
THE ANTHEM PRODUCED BY BALL PARK FIGURES !

UMAC

2009-07-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release:

July 2, 2009 - Toronto, Ontario

UMAC's Urban X-Posure Changes Venues Because of Worker’s Strike!

In light of the CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Strike in Toronto, the original destination of UMAC’s 2009 Urban X-Posure: Triple Threat!!!, Metro Hall in downtown Toronto, has been changed.

The 2009 Urban X-Posure: Triple Threat!!! will now occur this Saturday, July 4, 2009 at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio (http://glenngouldstudio.cbc.ca/), 250 Front Street West, Toronto at 4pm

UMAC’s selection of The Top 10 finalists this past Saturday, June 27 has yielded such an incredible response that instead of only 3 of the finalists performing for the audience, now ALL 10 will have a chance to showcase their wares on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at Urban X-Posure: Triple Threat!!! .

On the line for at least 3 of the Top 10 is a digital singles deal with Nettwerk Music Group, a cross country Canadian tour in the fall, as well as 500 - $5 units of product per artist to sell offstage after tour performances, with all of the profits going directly to the artists.

UX 2009 will go down at Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto. Doors open at 1pm for networking opportunities & the event begins at 2pm, ending at 6pm. Admission is $5 for all non-UMAC members; UMAC members will be admitted for free. ALL entry is on a first come-first served basis due to the limited capacity of the theatre.

Along with a hot demo listening session & the incredible talent showcase, two informative panels with industry delegates & heavyweights will set the afternoon off! Stay tuned as promoters, radio personalities, high profile producers, record label execs & maybe even a special surprise guest or two will be there to lend an ear to Canada’s best young urban music practitioners, discussing what it takes to make it in today's ever - changing global music marketplace!

Hosted by fast rising Canadian comedian Frankie “Trixx” Agyemang, UX 2009 is a sure shot, can’t-miss affair for all those who support Canadian talent, regardless of genre!

ALSO FEATURING SUPER PRODUCER RICH KIDD ALONGSIDE OTHERS ON A COMPOSERS PANEL !

Come Celebrate Canada's urban music independence & growth with UMAC & The Nettwerk Music Group Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the 2009 Urban X-Posure: Triple Threat!!!, CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West, Toronto from 4-9pm.

Supported by UMAC Strategic Partners: Hip Hop Canada, Fusicology, OTA Live, The Real Frequency & Droppin’ Dimez.

Remember, You Can't Complain If You're Not In The Game!

For More Info, Contact:

Sarah Hawkins Will Strickland

Publicist President

604.722.1012 / sarahhawkins.pr@gmail.com UMAC

416.916.2874 / will@umacunited.com

HYPNOTIC

2009-06-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.sendspace.com/file/sp9qvg

RECETLY RELEASED !!
SOMETHING FOR THE SMOKERS AND DRINKERS UP IN DA CLUB
I KNOW YALL GONNA LOVE THIS ONE IT REALLY BANGS !

RICH KIDD & JUNIA T SB#2

HYPNOTIC (PROD.RICH KIDD)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/sp9qvg

DIRECT DEPOSIT RELEASE !

2009-06-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Tona In Concert
Tuesday JULY 14th,2009
@ The Revival
with music by:
DJ Channel 9,P-plus
and Agile

THE COME UP SHOW

2009-06-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

RICH KIDD ON THE COME UP SHOW THIS SAT JUNE 27th TUNE IN !!!!!

Internet- http://www.thecomeupshow.com

Radio- 94.9FM in London, Ontario and Surrounding areas.

TV- Rogers Digital Cable 943

Time- Every Saturday 6pm-8pm

Join the Facebook group right here

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2261480488

RICH KIDD

2009-06-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

NORTH BY NORTH EAST BEAT BATTLE BRINGS OUT CANADA'S HIP-HOP TALENT; RICH KIDD TAKES HOME GRAND PRIZE

For Immediate Release

(Toronto) – Toronto's own superproducer Rich Kidd took home the winning title for the official North By North East Beat Battle at Revival, on Sunday June 22^nd. Among 24 competing producers and an intense panel of judges, a $500 grand prize was at stake and some of Canada's most notorious industry shakers were in the audience to watch how it played out. Going through his collection of instrumentals in four rounds, Rich Kidd placed top spot for his ability to architect samples and melodies.

Rich Kidd is a young producer/emcee inspiring a generation. His resume includes production for artists such as Busta Rhymes, Drake, Andreena Mills and K-Os; he will be releasing a full length album in Fall 2009.

http://www.myspace.com/richkiddbeats

For all production inquiries:

Courtney Uno
647-895-7113
http://www.ridgewaysfinest.blogspot.com

For all press inquiries:

Tara Muldoon
tara@hiphopcanada.com

HENNEY

2009-06-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

NEW RICHIE HENNESSEY !!!
CHECK IT OUT SOMETHING DIFFERENT FOR YALL
I LOVE IT ARTIST COMING OUT OF THERE SHELL, COLLABORATING DOING DIFFERENT THINGS IN MUSIC BEING INNOVATORS INSTEAD OF IMITATORS
TAKE IT IN !!

http://www.myspace.com/richiehennessey

DL it right here

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MIN08P6F

ALSO CHECK MY FAM AGILE MAKING ENOUGH MOVES FOR EVERYBODY !

http://djagile.com

DONT MISS THE MAIN INGREDIENT ... THAT SHIT THAT MOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER !

"we are the cure"

e:wanzilla@gmail.com

2009-06-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

One Love DD Fam!!

It's almost officially summer but we already started heating things up last month by kicking off the JamVam Tour! Throughout the tour, DD Radio and DJ X-Rated played at highschools across southern Ontario -- we got to meet some of our listeners face-to-face, and picked up some new ones along the way! Big ups to JJ Rock who smashed Suba Lounge this past Saturday night for the All White Gemini Jam!! With MelBoogie on the mic and JJ on the decks, all the Geminis in the place are still recovering -- happy b-day Polly Millionaire!! Shouts out to all the ladies who auditioned for the Honey Jam 2009 yesterday. The talent was fierce, and there are still a few available slots for the show - click HERE for more info. The Honey Jam Showcase takes place at the Mod Club on August 16th, and you know we'll keep you posted on all the updates!

With artists from around the world descending on Toronto for North by NorthEast (NXNE), you know the Dimez will be in your area heavy this weekend!! On Friday June 19th JJ Rock and MelBoogie will be hosting UMAC's Urban Music Showcase and BBQ at Tryst on Friday June 19th (6-9PM). Later that night, the Dimez will also be on the decks for Cyberkrib's urban showcase at Harlem (67 Richmond St. E.), featuring performances by Chromatics, Kae Sun, Crew 54, Bad News Brown and more! Other dates include performances by Ian Kamau, Frankie Payne, Yoshi, Edreys a.k.a. Billy Drease Williams, and more. Check out www.theCyberkrib.com for a full listing of all performance dates and times.

On Saturday June 20th, MelBoogie will be moderating Please Listen to My Demo, the panel for up and coming artists. Presented by UMAC, the panel will feature Famous (Juno and MMVA-nominated Artist/FLOW 93.5FM), Farley Flex (Canadian Idol Judge), Empire Isis (International Recording Artist/TV Host), Jeni (The Midday Break, FLOW 93.5FM), and Will Strickland (UMAC President). The panelists will listen & critique a sampling of urban artist music submissions -- enhancing the experience, random members of the audience will either be asked to or will volunteer their opinions on the tracks played during this session. Want more info?? Hit up UMAC at umacgoturb@gmail.com -- respect to legends Fab 5 Freddy and GZA who will be in the building!!

And finally, it's been a long wait, but it's here - we are AMPED for the return of Girls Love Hip Hop Too featuring the fellas from The Real Frequency alongside Droppin' Dimez. Always a good time, for this edition we're celebrating the birthdays of Musiklee Inzane, DJ MelBoogie and all Gemenis everywhere (Happy Birthday to Jessica @ Spectre and one of our all-time favorite dimez - Lindsay Bess!!!!). It all goes down Saturday June 20th @ Toika Lounge (471 Richmond St. W.)

Lastly, thanks for continuing to support CKLN 88.1FM during its absence from the airwaves. We're working diligently to get back on-air - we'll continute to keep you posted!!!!

Droppin' Dimez Radio, Canada's ONLY All-Female Hip Hop show

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North by North East

TheCyberkrib.com / The Academy Present.....

Thanks a million for your support!

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Mel Boogie, JJ Rock & Big G are...
DROPPIN’ DIMEZ
Canada's ONLY all-female hip hop show!
SUPPORT COLLEGE RADIO

INFO/PARTY BOOKINGS: 416-439-5959 OR 647-299-7625

www.fusicology.com for the latest in Toronto, Montreal, DC, Boston, ATL, Detroit & L.A. nightlife

2009-06-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Steve JLin has gained the respect of the merciless Apollo audiences, by placing first 3 TIMES CONSECUTIVE. Steve JLin is a crossfire between gospel, ol school, current urban rNb, and hip hop. Steve JLin's vocals are soulfully toned, melodically rich, passionately smooth and sexy. Throughout Steve JLins Cd of "Club bangers, Love Ballads and Inspirational songs" you're sure to hear ripe resins of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfeild and Stevie Wonder. Now in vision that with the the rhythmic presentation of today's tongue twisting lyricist, meaningful poetic expressions and the capability to rep "live" and you have longevity "Steve JLin" the "surreal deal". It only takes a moment to listen in order to understand the magnitude of this gifted expressionist.

MINDBENDER

2009-06-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

A NEW DAY IS COMING IN CANADIAN HIP HOP HISTORY!

Mark it on your calendar: leave your house at 8 PM, so you can reach
The Mindbender Loves You Show
on Friday, June 26th at 9 PM!
at the Beaver Hall Gallery: 29 McCaul St., right near MuchMusic

It's Heaventime, my people!
Let's celebrate another wonderful summer together, as well as all the wonderful Canadian music being made lately... Toronto is the best place in the world!

Also, get ready to hear and see a show like nothing else in the world!

I'm letting the lion out the cage for this one, ha ha! It's gonna be divine :)

sincerely yours truly,
Adhimusic Mindbender Supreme

--
Adhimu "Mindbender" Stewart
Business & Music: www.reverbnation.com/mindbender
Cell: 416 904.0049
Home: 416 205.9685
"Create your dreams. Start today."

BE EEEEEEAAAAAAASSSSSSYYYYY FAM !

2009-06-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

G B-Easy Bishop

June / 2009

Whats good it has been a hot minute since i sent out a blast and like i promised before you definately will not be spammed from this group, each message will have some sort of musical content or important info. Welcome to all the new joiners and thanks to all the members in the group only, if you knew how much i appreciate the support. NOW!! lets get straight to Bizz...

UPDATES.....

Heres a little mix i recorded straight from the Rep Mixshow which pops every sunday from 9-11pm on www.bounce-fm.com

http://www.zshare.net/audio/61123377fa3fc03d/
HOPE YOU ENJOY!

!!LOOK OUT FOR LOVE MADE EASY COMING SOON!! A SPECIAL SLOW JAM MIX FOR THE LOVERS!

☆B-EASY ONLINE☆

☆TWITTER☆
http://twitter.com/dj_b_easy

☆FB FANPAGE☆
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DJ-B-EASY/75254670535?ref=mf

☆BLOG☆
http://djb-easy.blogspot.com/
-------------------------------------------------
And last but not Least...

LA BELLA VITA "THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE"
The Official RepClothing.ca Website release party!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=85891762991&ref=ts

An event which will highlight some of the beautiful things in our lives, such as exceptional music, good company, and having a extraordinary time. "YOU DEFINATELY DONT WANNA MISS THIS TRUST ME!

Guiding you through that musical journey we always promise will be:
✰DJ B-EASY✰ & ✰DJ SKITZ✰

Hosted by:✰J-BIZNESS✰

The Journey includes some: Top 40, RnB, Hip Hop, Reggae, House, Soca & much more.......

LOCATION: Revival Night Club 783 College Street (at Shaw)
DRESS CODE FOR THE NIGHT: Mature & Classy

GUEST LIST: $10
DOOR: $15
VIP PACKAGE: $350 (VIP package include free enterance, booth, bottle of grey goose for you and 4 friends)

Text (REP) to 23432 for your chance to win
a vip package for you and four of your friends
“Standard Carrier Rates Apply”

COME OUT AND ENJOY SOME OF THE MORE BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN LIFE!

BLASTMASTER !

2009-06-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

June 9th 2009 will mark an historic meeting at Toronto City Hall, bringing together front line youth workers, youth led organization leaders, young people, media, and a panel of expert and celebrity guests from across the GTA and abroad - to discuss the current state of violence in Toronto, and find ways of working together towards common solutions. The honourable guest speaker, KRS ONE, founder of the internationally renowned STOP THE VIOLENCE movement, attended a similar meeting to this one back in the 80s spearheaded by the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation Africa Bambaataa. Inspired by what he learned, young KRS started a movement, and this meeting has that same potential to have a ripple effect for generations to come. The meeting will look into the work that has already been done in the area of violence prevention in Toronto, examining studies such as “The Roots of Youth Violence Report” released last year, and aims to provide space for the development of an action plan fed by various community members towards a way forward.

CAN YOU SAY FRESSSSSSH !

2009-06-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

BLAKE CARRINGTON - WELCOME TO MY WORLD LIVE!

We know y'all have been waiting, and here it is...
Blake Carrington will be performing LIVE at the College Street Bar on Wednesday June 10th,2009.
He will be performing tracks off his well received mixtape "Welcome to my World".

Come out and show your support, there will will also be a surprise guest!

So here is the Rundown:

Location: 574 College St @ Manning

Date: Wednesday June 10th,2009

Spinning will be 2009 Stylus Nominated for Rated Next , Dj James Redi

Blake will be tearing up the stage.

Surprise Guest

Hosted by Ron D

$5

What more can you really ask for?!

To download the Blake Carringtons Mixtape "Welcome to my World"->
http://www.zshare.net/download/6004000378b142e6/

Be sure to check out:
http://www.blakecarringtonsworld.com
http://www.myspace.com/blakecarringtonsworld
http://www.Torontofresh.com

Presented by RME, TorontoFresh & Valid Point Productions!

RE RE REMIX !

2009-06-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

This is one party that like Bryan says we should "feel important by paying". Forget guest list's and hook ups, Thursday June 11th is about making change by keeping this excellent program around and the only way we can do that is by raising funds.

If it makes you feel better, every volunteer who has put a lot of work into this event has bought a ticket.... EVERYONE! even people like Michele, Ashley and Tika who work at the venue. People like Trexxx, Gavin, Drex and Bryan who run the program, and people like me, Lowe, Kiki and Azuka who just don't like to pay... LOL

The Give Money Make Change crew have devised many simple ways for you to get giving and the easiest of them all is to buy a ticket. 100% of the proceeds go directly to The Remix Project.

Ways to buy:

online here: http://givemoneymakechange.eventbrite.com

at our meet and greet in the park on sunday june 7th at
Dufferin Grove Park from 1-4. Come out and meet the Give Money Make Change team. Shoot some hoops, play catch, hang, learn more about Remix and buy your ticket to the event!

at these retail outlets:
All Big It Up Locations (Yorkdale, Eaton Centre, Square One)
COAL- 803 Queen St. W
The Remix Project - 110 Sudbury St (Queen St. W/Dovercourt)

Thanks to all that have supported so far!! Your efforts have helped us raise $20,000.00 before the party has even started! $80,000.00 to go, LETS GO TORONTO!!!

xoxo,

coco
http://www.cocoandlowe.com

for more info on Remix: http://www.theremixproject.ca

KICK ROXX NAGER !

2009-06-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

DEFYING THE ODDS

2009-06-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

The new D.O. album will arrive on July 7th in stores on Northstarr / Nova Music / Universal!

LOOK OUT FOR THAT NEW D.O "NO PLACE LIKE HOME" PROD. BY RICH KIDD

Upcoming Shows

D.O.

June 4th - Toronto, ON - The Courthouse

Art of Fresh

June 5th - Toronto, ON - Revival (Opening for Foreign Exchange)

Slakah the Beatchild

June 11th - Toronto, ON - Revival (Album Release Party)

Northstarr Entertainment website

For more information contact:
info@northstarrent.com
416-910-3900

GO DJ ! ... NOW THATS MY DJ !

2009-06-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU..!! 2009 CANADIAN CLUB DJ OF THE YEAR!

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Whatup world? To all those who took the time to vote for me, your support paid off. I took home “Canadian Club DJ of The Year” last night, June 1st, 2009 at The 2009 Stylus DJ Awards held here in Toronto. I feel excited and humbled at the same time. To have people whom you grew up looking up to, congratulate you and say you deserved it is an extremely humbling experience. I will continute to do my best to rep for this Country. My team goes hard and we are just beginning..! Side Note: The Bridging The Gap Mixtape Series has been nominated 3 years in a row (2007 - TO-NYC, 2008 - TO-CHICAGO, 2009 - TO-NC) for Mixtape of the Year. Although I didn’t take this category last night, V4 [Toronto to Virgina - Hosted By The Clipse] is coming sooner than later so pay attention and get familiar!

Here’s what Pusha T from The Clipse has to say:

DJ Wristpect x The Clipse - Bridging The Gap V4 Mixtape Coming Soon from DJ Wristpect

Thanks again!

www.djwristpect.com

NATALIE PORTMAN

2009-06-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Posted by: thecyberkrib | 2009

k-os “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman” feat. Saukrates & Nelly Furtado (prod by Rich Kidd)

I’ll start this post by sayin’ BIG UP to Rich Kidd on this one!

Now, I heard this track back last winter, about 14-months ago now, when Saukrates pulled out a little treat at the end of his set at The Real Frequency radio show 15-year anniversary party at Polson Pier.

Being the TV geek that I am, a sucker for some TV shows that I probably wouldn’t like to admit, the track flipped the sample used for The O.C. TV show (RIP… the series ended back around that same time). The track by the way is “California” by Phantom Planet (watch it).

This song is a recipe for huge success for k-os, even wider spread than he’s had in his successful career thus far. It doesn’t hurt having another Canadian giant Nelly Furtado joining in on the hook on this one either, and of course Saukrates in the mix (two notable BIG placements for Sauks in the past few weeks… Ayo!).

“I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman” is rumoured to be the second official single from k-os new album YES!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9gM0ckV-6

BUSTA RHYMES & BILLIE DANZE

2009-06-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

BILLIE DANZE FT. BUSTA RHYMES - UNDESCRIBABLE PROD. RICH KIDD HERES A SHOT OF THEM PREFORMING IT ON JIMMY KIMMEL

LET EM KNOW !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OILK3l0BYHo

NEW RIDGEWAY MUSIC !!!

2009-06-01T00:38:00.000-07:00

NEW T.ANA COLE FT. RICH KIDD

(PROD. RICH KIDD)

FRESH OFF THE PRESS !

http://bit.ly/TrrE

New single from T.Ana Cole feat Rich Kidd. Available for download on iTunes June2, 09 FOR MORE INFO:
www.myspace.com/tanacole
www.myspace.com/richkiddbeats
www.twitter.com/ridgewayinc

2009-05-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

the DJ stylus awards are gonna be huge !
Ridgeway & Rich Kidd will be in the building for the first time this year !

WWW.MARCECKOTIME.CA

2009-05-31T01:12:00.000-07:00

WE FINALLY UP AND RUNNIN PPL
EXPECT SOME CRAZY SHIT !