It's A Rap/SwAzeLife Pic Of The Week

Kenleigh Evans

Underground Spotlight: HeartBreak Mellz

Name: HeartBreak Mellz
Age: 24
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Affiliation: TheInCrowd
Released Projects:
"Mile High Club" Ft. Da Youngfellaz-Single
"Break-Up Sex" Ft. Nyemiah Supreme-Single
Upcoming Projects:
Caught In The Life-EP
(7-17-2012)


New York hip-hop has been a permanent fixture on It's A Rap.  The rich culture, diversity, and talent that comes from the burrows is undeniable.  The talent that comes from HeartBreak Mellz is no different.  With only two released singles, the Brooklyn native has an intoxicating sound and the radio appealing formula that is the recipe for super-stardom.  The feel good beguile doesn't detract from his pen game, which with such a limited resume, is emphatically refined.  His hooks, content, and flow evoke and energizing feel that speaks to a widespread variety of hip-hop fans.    The on record ego and personality is strictly synonymous with New York living.  Mellz may be young to the game, but what he lacks in industry experience, he abundantly makes up with raw, unmitigated talent.  He has the exact sound, lyrical quality, and intrigue that make for an exacting artist with boundless potential.  As we near the release of his debut EP "Caught In The Life," HeartBreak Mellz has already demonstrated his range, and as his catalogue grows, so will his momentum and buzz, making him yet another force emanating from the Big Apple.


Follow on Twitter @
www.twitter.com/HEARTBREAKMELLZ
www.twitter.com/incrowdnyc      

Nacho Picasso-Exalted

Exalted: Adjective; raised or elevated, as in rank or character; of high station.  Nacho Picasso's newest album Exalted accurately depicts the above mentioned definition.  On his third album, Nacho accelerates his already indomitable style, furthering his concrete reign over the hip-hop underground.  Running the risk of sounding hyperbolic, no one in rap music has the instinctive ability to create an entire full length album congruent with one theme like Nacho Picasso.  The production from Blue Sky Black Death and Raised By Wolves (on the tracks Haile Selassie, Tom Hanks, and 4th Of July Ft. Jeremy Cross) doesn't just set the melodic and hypnotic tone for the album, but creates an experience that delves into a eerie and winding journey.  The base lines, drums, and even the occasional samples are perfectly implemented to fit Nacho's style and intricate wordplay.  Like the previous albums, (For The Glory & Lord Of The Fly) the production provides a definitive platform allowing him to distribute the laid back delivery without drowning out his sound.  BSBD and Raised By Wolves apply the exact formula in their music that is the precise fit for Nacho.  Both styles are a concise match and illustrate each others strengths exceptionally.  While Nacho's lyricism and punch lines still provide the same hard-hitting impact, his growth as a complete artist is readily identifiable.  What's monumentally impressive is the fact that his lyrical content is so vastly ranging and at sometimes, comedic, yet he maintains a musical motif that has been a prevailing formula through his short, but already profound career in hip-hop.  Songs like "Mob Ties," "Swap Em Out," and "Scooby Snacks" exemplify his opulent knack for creating catchy hooks, which is a element of his career that is so dynamic that soon, a deluge of artists will enlist his services for that exact purpose.  "Villains In My Circle," "Bloody Murder," "Tom Hanks," and "The Gods Don't Favor You" are simply lyrical barrages that contain the dark and ominous feel consistent throughout.  The most energy centric track on the album is "Kickin Out Windows" that has a slightly lighter feel because of the female charged hook.  Collectively, his newest project, once again, demonstrates classic Nacho Picasso and shows just how dynamic of a artist/producer combination they are, and how he's able to thrive in his lane. While he's emphatically growing as an artist who has no boundaries or constraints within hip-hop, he never strays too far from what makes him unique, eccentric, and giving the true fans what they want.  With a menacing and foreboding template, along with Nacho's incredible and methodized word play, Exalted is the preeminent album in his catalogue.  "Salute the General, Moor Gang Confederate."


Download Exalted at nachopicasso.bandcamp.com


Follow on Twitter @
www.twitter.com/NachoPicasso
www.twitter.com/BSBDmusic
www.twitter.com/RaisedbyyWolves                        

"IAR" Interview: Hones-T

Canadian born Hones-T is somewhat of an anomaly.  He's been composing music since his early teens, played in the CFL, and acted on Blue Mountain State. Among all facets, he's first and foremost, a rapper.  As a multi-dimensional person, the evidence of his diversity radiates through his music.  Hones-T combines raw flow, with surprising lyricism, and a gruff voice that resonates from the streets to the clubs.  The most impressive aspect of his repertoire is his flow and delivery.  His styles range from club hits, radio friendly singles, to street anthems.  His delivery is a mix between a melodic artist like Rick Ross and the rapid fire delivery of a T.I.  Hones-T stands out!  His music is more than just a sound, it radiates feeling and evokes emotion, which in and of itself, is a difficult task for an artist.  The influx of new hip-hop artists leaves little room for complacency and he fully understands the hard work and dedication it takes to stay ahead of the pack.  Working with refined artists like Gudda Gudda, Ace Hood, Pries, and others, has tested his abilities and furthered his ambitious approach to writing, and it's paying off.  The transitions from "Be Myself," "No Sleep," "Still No Sleep," to his most current tape "Another Day Another Hustle" have been so progressive and refined, which is an exemplification to his craft.  Hones-T is executing the proper credo for sustainability in hip-hop.  Staying humble, always evolving, and chief among them, releasing dope records.  It's A Rap had a chance to catch up with the Miami spitter and with the recent release of "Another Day Another Hustle" and an uncompromising work ethic, Hones-T is trailblazing a lane for himself and aggrandizing his brand as a formidable entity in the hip-hop world.  As redundant as it sounds, Hones-T is the truth.


IAR: When did you get your start in Hip-Hop?
HT: "I've been doing this music thing since I was 12 years old, doing lil' mixtapes on cassette tapes passing it around to people in my neighborhood, along with performing at a lot of local and school talent shows.  It wasn't till I got released from the Montreal Alouettes (CFL) going into my last contract with the Hamilton Ti-Cats that I started to work on my first project "Be Myself"  in 2010 (Hosted by DJ Whiteowl) which was released on May 27, 2010. But it all really kicked off for me when I got cut from the Hamilton Ti-Cats that summer after the first game and I hooked up with DJ iLL WiLL.  That's when things started to get real concerning my music career.  I was fortunate enough to link up with YMCMB's Gudda Gudda on my first tape with iLL WiLL titled "I'm Just Being Honest" and it's been on since then pretty much."


IAR: What was the concept behind "Another Day Another Hustle?"
HT: "The concept was to capture the feeling of being behind the eight ball and still being able to over come life and some of its unfortunate circumstances.  I wanted to use "Another Day Another Hustle" to motivate people including myself.  After "No Sleep" (Hosted by DJ iLL WiLL & DJ Rockstar) I felt that people needed a more in depth view on how I see what I'm going through to make it and some of the issues that we face as humans that can make things that much harder."


IAR: You played ball in the CFL.  How have you translated that intense work ethic into Hip-Hop?
HT: "It's crazy because of the physical hours and work you have to put in, not to mention all that school work, plus the hours and work you need to put in once you are a pro, so it is pretty intense. To be honest though, I'm happy I was lucky enough to get those opportunities, I think they play to my advantage on the business side in having a understanding of being a product.  As for my work ethic, I've always been a hard worker on and off the field, so my being my own support, promotion and managerial team proves evidence to that with going out and getting all my features, bookings and dropping five mixtapes in the last year and eleven months."


IAR: What's the best project you've been a part of so far?
HT: "I've been featured on a few big Coast 2 Coast mixtapes and I'm suppose to be featured on a few big name projects in the up and coming future.  But as of now my biggest project I've been apart of is my own with "Another Day Another Hustle."


IAR: What was the experience like on the Wake N Bake Tour?
HT: "It was a good experience.  My first real gig.  I was able to fly Gudda Gudda out as a special guest and we performed as well as shot our first video "Can U See Me." It was cool to go on right before Yelawolf and Wiz Khalifa  as well as getting a chance to meet DJ Rockstar who's also from my birth place Montreal, Canada."


IAR: Describe your style and sound.
HT: "Some say I have a southern influence mixed with a lil' East coast flavor and I've been told thousands of times that I give off that Pac feeling.  My music is a bunch of thoughts, feelings and emotions so it's really not a sound I'm going for, it's the feeling."


IAR: After working on Blue Mountain State, are you planning on further pursuing your acting career?
HT: "Getting more involved with the film and TV industry is something that interests me.  Hopefully I can meet some people that can point me in the right direction  in the near future."


IAR: You've worked with Ace Hood, Gudda Gudda, and others, are there any artists you want to work with that you haven't already?
HT: "I've been blessed to meet and work with some of the artist I've collaborated with, especially the homie Gudda Gudda.  He's one of the realest people I've met in the industry and proud to be affiliated with him.  There's a few artist that I really would love to have the opportunity to create music with not in this specific order but Kanye West, both as a musician and a artist impresses me. Chris Brown has crazy talent and I would love to work with some real lyricists like Jadakiss, Big K.R.I.T, MJG, Trick Daddy, Don Trip and Wayne.  But if I had to choose one feature that I can get right now as we speak hands down would be a song with T.I.  I definitely wouldn't waste that opportunity."


IAR: What do you look for when finding producers for a project?
HT: "I spend multiple hours a day just going through beats.  In that sense, I'm like an A&R searching for a sound to bring my artist to life and that just happens to be me at the same time.  I let the music talk to me.  All my songs are done off of impulse, there is no one thing or sound I'm looking for I just have to feel it."


IAR: Who has been influential to you both professionally and personally?
HT: "God!  My mom and my sister honesty played a big roll in helping get me where I needed to be.  I had few good coaches I looked up to that taught me a lot about the game and life."


IAR: Future plans/projects?
HT: "Right now I'm just gonna be shooting a lot of videos for "Another Day Another Hustle" and try to get the music out there. Pretty much in campaign mode.  Gonna' shoot the video with Gudda Gudda for "I Am Ham".  Also got "Sunglasses At Night" & "She Got Me" on the way as well.  Have a few shows and just keep letting it grow from there."


Follow on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/Honest2theT 

The SwAze Playlist XVIII

It's A Rap brings you The Swayze Playlist XVIII.  No particular order, just equally dope..Certified.

1. T.Mills-"Vans On"

2. Justina-"Hip Hop Joan Jett"

3. Fred The Godson-"Monique's Room"

4. Lil Chuckee-"Cake"

5. Waka Flocka Flame-"Rooster In My Rari"

6. Lil Wayne-"Wasted"

7. Heartbreak Mellz ft. Da Youngfellaz-"Mile High Club"

8. Rickie Jacobs-"Beard Gang"

9. Ca$h Out-"Cashin' Out"

10. 50 Cent ft. Eminem-"Murder One"

It's A Rap/SwAzeLife Pic Of The Week

Model/Actress
Brittany Rodgers

Underground Spotlight: Scotty

Name: Scotty
Age: 22
Hometown: Houston, TX
Affiliation: Star Studded ENT
Released Projects: 
"12 Gauge Scotty"
Upcoming Projects:
"Laughin' At Yo Pain"-TBD


There's no mistaking the obvious certitude that Houston possesses a culture all in it's own.  From the musical style, cars, slang, and even a specific drink well-recognized within the confines of the rap game, it's mere attitude that sets southern hip-hop apart from the rest.  22 year old Scotty possesses the aforementioned attitude.  With only one release, (12 Gauge Scotty) the Houston native proves that he is indeed a lyrical rapper, which the South has often times been criticized for not being.  He can really spit, and in doing so, he implements a new standard for artists emerging from the Lone Star state.  The streets are heavily influential in his rhymes which equips his music with a ruggedness synonymous with the South, but doesn't detract from his flow and word play that is evidently growing with each track.  Scotty is new to the game, but like all new artists, he is hungry and eager to stand out, which is precisely what he's doing.  The anticipatory release of "Laughin' At Yo Pain" and keeping his movement independent (Star Studded ENT) is only going to further his foresight into the complexities of the game and meliorate his already impressive verbal skill.  Scotty is a name that is going to veritably ring bells throughout hip-hop.  Don't mess with Texas.                               

"IAR" Interview: J-Hood

J-Hood IS the streets.  While complacency seems to set in among select hip-hop artists after a certain level of notoriety is attained, J-Hood has yet to lose his drive and ambition for perfection.  As a true, respected, and often times outspoken rap vet, Joshua Hood has been persevering for years.  The Yonkers spitter is a lyricist of the highest order.  In regards to punch-lines, very few have the ability and stamina to step in the proverbial "ring" with him, much less match him bar for bar, and that's where the intrigue sets in.  After leaving D-Block and with no major label backing, J-Hood's music continuously evolves, his punch-lines get stronger, and with such an array of mixtapes and features, originality is reinvigorated through his rhymes.  The authentic essence of hip-hop is the competitive nature in the words and J-Hood competes with every line.  He's fearless, raw, thought-provoking, inquisitive, and most importantly, credible.  The NC native speaks truth of street- life experience, aspiration, and the grind it takes to become a formidable fixture in the rap game.  While he's been in hip-hop for a while, he continues to approach his hustle like a new artist on the rise.  He keeps his ear to the streets, refines his talents, and makes dope music for true RAP fans.  Above all else, his journey and music is what the entire hip-hop culture was based on.  He came in the business when it took more than a gimmick or a catchy hook to make it and he intends on raising the standard of rhyming, making other rappers refine their individual crafts and prepare for battle.  It's A Rap had the privilege of catching up with the ODG ENT. repper and with an unparalleled work ethic, his new mixtape "One Love," and an assortment of new projects dropping, J-Hood is taking rap back to the streets and making competition an integral aspect of the art form.  Artists beware.  


IAR: When did you get your start in Hip-Hop?
JH: "When I was 16."


IAR: How have you been able to transition and stay relevant as the rap game has evolved?
JH: "By the grace of God and workin' hard."


IAR: Being a lyrical rapper, where do you think Hip-Hop is now?
JH: "Confused and mislead."


IAR: What was the concept behind "One Love?"
JH: "Just to attempt to open the eyes of some consumers to the deception and illusions that these artist they praise are feeding them."


IAR: How has being independent benefitted you as an artist?
JH: "You get to handle things first hand, no middle men, and you actually witness the hard work that goes into pushing an artist without a machine behind them, so you have to act as your own machine."


IAR: What's the best project you've been a part of?
JH: "Book Of Joshua 2."


IAR: Any artists you want to work with?
JH: "Jay-Z and Kanye.  Nipsey Hussle is pretty dope as well."


IAR: Any producers you want to work with?
JH: "Hi-Tek, Kanye, and Dre."


IAR: Do you have any artists coming out on ODG?
JH: "Yes sir, stay tuned."


IAR: You've been in the game for a minute, what knowledge and wisdom have you picked up that you would give to a new-comer?
JH: "Be thick skinned, except constructive criticism, and work hard no matter what the situation you may be placed in appears to be."


IAR: Future plans/projects?
JH: "Me and Yukmouth have a EP on the way, and I also Co-Directed my first short film which we begin shooting top of June called "Perseverance."


IAR: Being such a dope lyricist, how do you approach your writing?
JH: "I just listen to the beat and try my best to be original and creative as possible."


Follow on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/ODG_DON

The SwAze Playlist XVII

The SwAze Playlist XVII.  You know the routine, no particular order, just equally dope..Certified.

1. Ab-Soul ft. Punch & Ashtrobot-"Beautiful Death"

2. Flatbush Zombies-"Laker Paper"

3. Jim Jones ft. Mel Matrix-"Don Jaun"

4. Hones-T ft. Ace Hood-"Thru Me"

5. Sunday Down-"Escalators"

6. Kidd Flash-"Big Money, Big Business"

7. Dopehead-"Airbags"

8. O'Grime-"Fur Coats & Uzis"

9. Mod Sun-"Time To Celebrate"

10. Dough Dough Da Don-"I'm Raider"