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VIDEO-Machine Gun Kelly Drum Cover

  • by Adrian
  • on June 10, 2011
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Check out Dan George playing the drums to Machine Gun Kelly’s song “Cleveland.”

@KarminMusic Covers Nicki Minaj’s ‘SuperBass’

This video needs no introduction. Just watch and enjoy. Shoutout to QuestLove from the Roots on drums.

This video courtesy of StuffFlyPeopleLike

OMG in CLE

  • by Adrian
  • on May 14, 2011
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Usher’s OMG Tour came to Cleveland last Thursday and caused pandemonium in the city.  The crowd in the QuickenLoans Arena was live and to be honest, quite random. I think every demographic in Cleveland was represented which really shows the versatility of an artist like Usher.  His music crosses multiple genres and his longevity in the music industry has maintained a loyal fan base.

Keep reading.

Artist Spotlight-Jesty Beatz

Cleveland born.  Ohio University educated.  Lyrically gifted. Jesty Beatz.

Jesty Beatz has taken music by the throat and filled the silence with his unique rap style.  Born in Cleveland as Darrel Greene, Jesty Beatz emerged into the music scene as a college student when he attended Ohio University.  His underground popularity and countless shows around campus helped prepare him for the big stage.  Not only has he been a part of multiple international tours, he has shared the stage with The Game, E 40, Sean Paul and many others.  After graduating college, Jesty Beatz relocated to Los Angeles, California where he continues to make his mark on the music industry.  I was happy to pick his brain with a few questions. Here’s what he had to say….

Keep reading.

Artist Spotlight-Britni Elise

Britni Elise is a star on the rise.  If you live in Cleveland, you have heard her name, her voice, or have seen her perform on stage.  She is making a name for herself in the music industry with her singles “Hello” and “Satisfied.” She has also released a new club hit called “Rock This.” Not only is she extraordinarily talented, but she is equally as beautiful.  I was thrilled to get the opportunity to ask her a few questions regarding her musical career and some of her favorite things.  Here’s what the talented singer had to say…

Keep reading.

Private Listening Session with Antoine L. Dunn

Last week ruleofnext.com featured an interview with a musician by the name of Antoine L. Dunn. Antoine and his band are scheduled to open for Avant at the Ohio Theater this Saturday, April 30.  In preparation for the show, Antoine invited me to listen to them rehearse.  I was excited to get a private listening session of the set he plans on playing this weekend.  I was given the location which was a rehearsal space on the West side of Cleveland.

The building looked like a giant warehouse.  Antoine met me at the door and we proceeded down what seemed like a never-ending hallway lined with nearly 100 doors.  As we walked past the multiple doors, I could hear a different genre of music coming from each room. I felt like I was in a musical zoo with the melodies just screaming to be unleashed.  Antoine finally opened a door to the left to reveal a room that was no larger than twelve by twelve feet.  Waiting inside was a keyboard player, a drummer, a bass player, a lead guitarist, three back-up vocalists, a violinist, and the empty keyboard that Antoine soon stood behind.  After a simple introduction, the band started to pick up where their rehearsal had left off.

As soon as the music started, the room was filled with notes and sound.  The strings resonated, the bass reverberated and the drums pounded.  You not only heard the music in your ears, but you felt it through your entire body. The vibrations were inescapable.  The set was fluid with the transitions from one song to the next seeming seamless.  I loved how the music never stopped.   I couldn’t help but groove to Antoine’s song “You’re Real,” which features a saxophone solo by his back-up vocalist Reuben Marcel.  The live version of this song has a Reggae style which differs from the version featured on Antoine’s website.  The band includes a violinist whose strings are featured on “It’s Over.” The minute I heard the song performed, it spoke to me. There was a sincere soulfulness that anybody who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.  Antoine brings not only up-tempo songs that make you wanna move but also has honest ballads that move you.

The few hours that I spent with Antoine and his band transported me to another place.  It was like time stopped outside of that room.  I was so grateful to have the experience.  It’s not every day that I attend a private listening session with an international musician.  The experience is something I will never forget and will hopefully experience again soon.  Fortunately for you, I brought my camera with me.  Antoine was generous enough to let me capture the moment, even though the live performance is incomparable.  If you don’t have your ticket yet for Saturday’s show, you  need to buy one today.  If the videos below are the rehearsal, I can’t wait to hear the live show.


“She Pleases Me” by Antoine L. Dunn


“I Just Wanna Say” by Antoine L. Dunn

I would like to thank Antoine L. Dunn and his band once again for allowing me to sit in on their rehearsal.

You can get tickets for the April 30 show by clicking here.

For more on Antoine L. Dunn, visit http://antoineldunn.com/

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT- Antoine L. Dunn

Antoine L. Dunn can be characterized as many things: a talented man, a former Cleveland Heights Tiger, a singer, and a musician.  His music, however, is not as easily categorized. Although derived mostly from Soul, Dunn’s voice has transcended genre to create a sound all his own. I was excited to sit down with the International musician to learn more about his music and the man behind it.

1.) How would you best describe your musical style?

Antoine L. Dunn:  I would say the best way to describe my music style would be to say my music is “Smooth.”  It’s easy and comforting on the ears.

2.) When did you discover your musical talent?

Dunn:  I discovered my musical talent when I was about 11 years old.  I challenged myself to write a bedtime song for my girlfriend at the time and that’s how songwriting started for me.

3) Who is your musical inspiration?

Dunn:  I have many musical inspirations.  From an artist point-of-view, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and John Legend are all great sources of inspiration.  From a production aspect, I’m truly inspired by a few good friends of mine:  Tony Nicholas, Randy Bowland, and Marc “MDoc” Williams.

4.) Who inspires you in life?

Dunn:  My mother is by far the biggest inspiration for my life.  Fighting a 15-year breast cancer battle has proven her to be the most influential life fighter I know.  Her legend makes me fight for my legend as a singer, songwriter, and music producer every day of my life.

5.) What is your favorite article of clothing?
 

Dunn:  I’d have to say the collared shirt is my favorite article of clothing.  It can be classy, stylish, but yet relaxed at the same time.

6.) What makes you different from other artists?

Dunn:  True Stories. I’d say 90+% of the art I create is from a true life experience. When a fan hears my music, they are really seeing directly into my life. I’m not hiding. I’m putting all my emotions on the table for the listener to hear.  I’m looking to mend broken hearts.


7.) What is your favorite cocktail?

Dunn:  Don’t know, but I’ll take suggestions.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

Dunn:  There is opportunity for advancement in music, and the entertainment business.  Many people say that Cleveland has no opportunity for people striving to be successful in music and entertainment, but I know different.  The main ingredient to finding hidden opportunity in a market like Cleveland is professionalism.

9.) Who would you love to record a track with?

Dunn:  I would absolutely love to record a track with Choklate, an amazing female singer and songwriter that I really look forward to meeting one day.

10.) What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?

Dunn:  The most fulfilling moment of my life is right now.  Just to wake up and to know I am living my life’s purpose is fulfillment enough for me.  I’ve been able to accomplish so much by living for right now, so I’ll keep it that way.

11.) What was the worst job you ever had?

Dunn:  I sold newspaper subscriptions from grocery stores for three weeks.

12.) Who are the Top 5 artists in your ears right now?

Dunn:  Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, James Morrison, John Mayer, Antoine L. Dunn

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to?

Dunn:  Thailand is my favorite place to travel to!

14.) What is one thing you want to achieve before you leave this earth?

Dunn:  I would like to receive a Grammy Award for all my years of dedication to my art in songwriting and producing music.

15.) What’s next for Antoine Dunn?

Dunn:  Well, Cleveland’s own Avant and I will be in live concert at Playhouse Square April 30th for Avant’s Kiss Goodbye Tour!  On May 31, my solo EP “Miss My Love” will be released worldwide.  We will announce the release party details within the next few weeks on my website www.antoineldunn.com. The record is currently available online for pre-order!

I appreciate Antoine Dunn sitting down with me. He is a one talented man. You can learn more about him not only by visiting his website www.antoineldunn.com but you can also follow him on twitter @AntoineLDunn.

You can  purchase tickets to see him open for Avant on April 30 by clicking here.  It’s going to be an amazing show.

Antoine L Dunn’s official music video for his song “Choose Or Get Chossz”

Lyrical Rhythms at bside

  • by Adrian
  • on April 21, 2011
  • Comments Off

Every Tuesday night, people gather in the underground, dimly-lit booths of the bside on Coventry in Cleveland Heights.  They are there to experience something incredible.  They have been experiencing Tuesday nights like this for the last 15 years.  It’s a place where people from the Cleveland area can go to showcase their talents. They may not pursue these talents professionally, but they save them for Tuesday nights to share with the bside crowd.  They are poets, singers, emcees and musicians.  There’s a fantastic house band that picks up on the rhythms of the speakers and creates a soundtrack behind them.  It’s an impromptu jam session mixed with a poetry slam in an environment that reminds me of an underground jazz club.

Every time I go, I am inspired. I am not only inspired by the words that are spoken or the songs that are performed, but I am inspired at the fact that people who you would never guess have these talents get on the stage and give a piece of themselves to the crowd. The performances are so raw and real.  It’s truly something I wish everyone could experience.  Some of these poets deliver words that can be quite profound. Some of their messages will remain in my thoughts for days after I hear them. If you haven’t been to the bside to see it for yourself, here’s a preview of what you’re missing.

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT-DJ $crilla

  • by Adrian
  • on April 19, 2011
  • Comments Off

Cleveland is the Rock ‘n’ Roll capital of the world so it’s no surprise when it comes to local musical talent.  I sat down recently with Cleveland rapper DJ $crilla.  Not only is he an Ohio Hip Hop Award winner, but his attitude on music, style, and life make him an extraordinary emcee and person. His sophomore album titled $eamless dropped April 5 and is available on iTunes.  I got a chance to speak with him about his music, his career, and the man himself.

So $crilla…

1.) Your new album is titled $eamless, is there any significance to the title?

$crilla: $eamless is a musical experience from beginning to end. It represents both my love for rapping and dj’ing. I decided to put a lot of elements of DJ’ing into this album, and you’ll be able to hear that in the music. I called the album $eamless because the album has no gaps/deadspace. Each song is transitioned and mixed into the next.

2.) Your debut album “Me, Myself & I” won Album of the Year at the Ohio Hip Hop Awards. With such a successful debut, how did you approach your sophomore follow-up?

$crilla: It took about a year and a half to complete $eamless. It was really important for me to take my time and try to come with a strong follow-up to Me, Myself and I. However, I wanted to make sure I didn’t try and recreate another Me, Myself, and I. I’m at a different place in my life, different challenges and obstacles. I wanted this album to reflect on the ups and downs I went through, yet express them in a new creative way.

3) Who is your musical inspiration?

$crilla: Musically, I’m inspired by passionate and talented people. I have a wide variety of people I listen to for inspiration. 2pac, Lupe Fiasco, Coldplay, Linkin Park, and Stevie Wonder are a few. B.oB. is another artist I think is super talented, I want to see him be as big as Jay-Z.

4.) Who inspires you in life?

$crilla: I’m inspired by my family of course. They have overcome some challenges, and that makes me work harder. I’m also inspired by Cris Carter (former Minnesota Vikings WR). He turned his life around when it was in turmoil, to become a truly great person. I had the chance to meet him and he was even cooler than I had imagined.

5.) What is your favorite cocktail?

$crilla: I don’t really have a favorite cocktail. But my favorite drink right now is an Arnold Palmer.

6.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

$crilla: Best Kept Secret about Cleveland? New Heights Music Group!

7.) Who would you love to record a track with?

$crilla: I’d love to record B.o.B, Bun B, Ludacris, or John Legend.


8.) What is the best lesson you’ve learned about the rap game?

$crilla: The best lesson I have learned is you can’t please everyone. A lot of people will try and change you, and you just need to remain true to who YOU are. So what if some people don’t like you, don’t let that stop you.

9.) What advice would you give to aspiring emcees?

$crilla: Invest in yourself. Don’t be afraid to lose money, because most artists do. I’d also advise people to not half-ass things. I understand everyone has a different financial situation, but really invest in your music and presentation. If you hand someone a CD that looks like you just burned the CD and wrote your name with a sharpie….Someone will be less likely to listen to it.

10.) Who are the Top 5 artists in your ears right now?

$crilla: 5 artists I’m listening to currently  (in no particular order) B.o.B., Big K.R.I.T.T., Lupe Fiasco, AZ, and of course Michael Jackson. A mix of old and new!

11.) What is your favorite place to travel to?

$crilla: My favorite place to travel to is Tampa, FL. I just seem to always have a great time everytime I visit, so that is my #1. San Diego is a close second.

12.) What is one thing you want to achieve before you leave this earth?

$crilla: I’d like to have a family, raise some children and put them through college. Simple, yet fulfilling.

13.) What can we expect from DJ $crilla in the future?

$crilla: You can expect more creativity, and just all-around good music. I’m going to stay focused, and try to be the best person I can along the journey.

Thanks again to DJ $crilla for a great interview. Make sure you follow him on twitter @DJScrilla and @NewHeightsMusic.

Here’s a track from $eamless called “Erotic.” Take a listen!

Stalley | Coming 4.24.11 To Grog Shop

  • by David
  • on April 14, 2011
  • Comments Off

Stalley is touring in support of his new mixtape “LINCOLN WAY NIGHTS” which I have not stopped listening to since it dropped. I cannot stress how great this mix it; it’s more of an album than most other MC’s ever put out. Click the picture above to download the mixtape for free.

Skull Candy Event: 03-29-11

Skull Candy Event

Skull Candy Brand Ambassadors Josh Berg and YoungBigMike will be at Next Tower City to live demo their latest audiophile gear. The event kicks of at 4PM and  DJ Steph Floss will also be on hand to take part in the event.  Drop by, test drive Skull Candy gear and checkout all the latest at Next Tower City!

Divine Minds + SoulKlap “Give Up the Sticks” Listening Party @ Next Coventry

  • by Adam
  • on September 20, 2010
  • Comments Off

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