HB Artist Insider: Ray Montana

             

Ray Montana

Reppin Greene Co, Snow Hill to be exact, Ray Montana is a very infuriated artist; his demeanor and approach in his music sets him apart from the rest.  He has been in the rap game for 10 years.  When speaking of performing, he speaks very passionately saying, "I love it because its the best feeling ever!"
He chose his name while chilling with his cousin. A glimpse at a Tony Montana poster helped him to do so. He is influenced by T.I., who he views as a motivated person and he likes the way he spits (in other words, how he raps).  I asked him what his views were on mainstream music and Ray Montana said "music today is very different, its a new movement, and all music isn't good music.  Some people listen to music for the beat and how it makes you move and others listen for the lyrics."  On his upcoming mixtape, Money Music Motivation,  he dedicates "Letter to my Mother" to his mom.  He expressed what she has done for him and his appreciation.  He basically wants to say he loves her. Being that Ray Montana is an extremely motivated artist, his message to his fans is motivation and follow your dreams.  Look out for the upcoming mixtape Money Music Motivation dropping soon and more work from 501 Ent. His current single is "They Say," check it out on Youtube.


Facebook: Ray Montana Webb
Twitter: @RayMontana89

HB Artist Insider: Ms. Trice

 

Ms. Trice

Born Patrice Jones from Nashville, Tennessee. Ms. Trice, CEO of Big Appetite Entertainment is an underground female artist whose delivery is hardcore but her style is Southern, yet real. Her lyrics are uplifting to women and let them know to “pursue their dreams regardless of their situation. She began her music career while in junior high school. Being a big fan of Lauryn Hill, she was influenced by her as well as other big names in the game at that time; Mia X, Gangsta Boo, Eve, Lil Kim and Foxy Brown. Ms. Trice came up with her name while thinking in a boss state of mind.

said, “Just as Nicki Minaj has her Barbie’s, she has her misses’. As a boss and having things going for yourself, people should call you Ms.!” Big Appetite Entertainment, her company name, was a thought that just stuck with her without a limit and it could be used with any genre of music. As a female artist her sound is different, she relates to it as being “real”, and women can really relate to it. It’s not just entertaining and saying random things to entertain listeners. Her outlook on mainstream rap music today is that “it lacks substance but overall its entertainment. Ms. Trice has opened up for artist like Three Six Mafia, Eight Ball & MJG, Scarface and many others. She refers to them as “great artist that are still relevant.” She admits onstage she tends to get a little nervous but once she starts vibing with her fans, it all goes away. One artist that she would love to work with is Nicki Minaj, solely because “she’s a hot artist and it would be a dope track.” With her upcoming mixtape, “We All Gone Eat” due out this month, “Where Credits Due” is a very influential song. The song is about her father always being in her life. “It means a lot to express that there’s a lot of good black men out there who hold it down and stick around for their children” The message she wants her listeners to take from her music is to always stay focused on whatever it is you want to do in life regardless of what it is.

TWITTER.COM @ Ms. Trice

FACEBOOK Ms. Trice

TUMBLR.COM Ms. Trice

REVERBNATION.COM Ms. Trice

YOUTUBE: themuzik14

HB Artist Insider: Final Score Entertainment

Final Score Entertainment

Final Score, which consists of Tito Montana, who

is the CEO, D. Weathers, Promise Marie, Pro T, Craze Marci,

and J. Cease is an entertainment company located in

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. It was established in 2003 (but officially

kicked off in 2009) by Mr. Montana. He came up with the

name while taking a graphic design course. While working

on a project, he came across the name and it stood out

because final score represents “end of the game.” Being

that he came from a street background, he knew if music

was going to be his new means of hustle then final score

was going to be the end of the street life; it also set well

and there was no reason to alter it in any way. Final Score

has opened up for many mainstream artists. The feeling

they get while onstage is bittersweet; performing is good

when people know your material and you see their reaction.

Their advice for upcoming artists today is “not to follow

someone else way and the game respects those who did it

different.” While most artist are big on sounding like

whatever is hot opposed to making music that represents

them, Final Score is just the opposite. Their sound is very

unique; the music that they make doesn’t sound familiar

when you first hear it, so for that reason alone they don’t

duplicate the current sound. They want you to consume that

their music is “real.” Tito added, “Final Score is like trying

new foods, a lot of people aren’t open to trying new foods,

they’re accustomed to what they like and that’s it but many

foods out there are delicious if you give it a shot and Final

Score is that! Also, once they open themselves up to it, they

appreciate it that much more because it was different and

good at the same time.”

In their music career, they don’t categorize their

accomplishments because each one pushes them closer in

their direction. Although, opening up for Juelz Santana and

many others was a huge accomplishment, it’s no bigger than

their promotional tour was in 2010 for the County, State and

Fed Time album to N.C. During this tour they performed in

seven cities in three days.

An influential track for them is “Open Casket” from

the County, State, and Fed Time album, it’s a “real record”

and many artists are afraid to speak of death because they

feel like it will speed up the process, but they (FS) feel like

“it’s a part of like and you just make sure you take care of

what you need to.” Another track “The Altar” which features

Rell from Roc-A-Fella Records on the upcoming album Tito

Montana presents The Score (the compilation album) is

about manning up and committing to that one woman that

has really held you down.

The Score album will be dropping soon, make sure

you get your copy. D. Weathers and Young Zack executive

produced this album because Mr. Montana wanted them

to have the experience of the project from start to finish

and get an idea of what the CEO goes through to have a

successful project. Final Score shouts out all artists who

made it all happen.

Videos can be viewed on worldstarhiphop.com

Twitter: @IAM_TITOMONTANA

@DWEATHER5

@PROT845

@PROMISEMARIEE

@THEKIDJCEASE

Facebook: THEREALTITOMONTANA

YouTube: FINALSCOREENT845

HB Artist Insider: Kedrick Lewis

       

    “Kedrick” means takes care of his family….it gets no realer than that.
 Prez of HB got a interview up and coming rap artist Kedrick Lewis out
of GA recently and had a chance to get into his head.  It was a very
intriguing interview.  When asked the difference in a rapper and a
artist this was the answer he gave:  “ A rapper does music for a
certain crowd.  A artist does music for the love of the craft or for
everyone.  Anyone can rap but, not everyone can’t be a artist”

               Kedrick said when his fans hear his music they have to
take the good and the bad.  He is the type of artist that wants to
learn as well as teach.  He can do hood music, as you will see in his
upcoming album “VIP STATUS” which drops July 4th , as well as positive
music as you will see in his life story mix tape that will drop soon
after entitled “Rehab”.   As a member of the group, In Crowd, when you
see Kedrick perform you’re gonna see so much energy.  This young man
feels free when on stage.  Being a artist is a job in his eye. You are
guaranteed to be entertained when you watch him perform.



               “The music industry has a lot of talent but, there is
a lot of one hit wonders. I see the Jay-z and Kanyes takin their style
and swagger from the south and makin hits. The South is winning right
now”.  These words from a man that really looks into the music scene
and can see how rap groups such as “Field Mob” are overlooked by the
mainstream. He can see how when it comes to music now, its all about
money and not about the music.  With the challenge of getting out of
his area he can see that many artist, including him self, are
overlooked.

               Kedrick is hungry!!! You definitely want to take a
chance to listen and learn this young man. He will definitely be
coming to a city near you.

HB Insider: Star Easy

      

                                                                  
      Marshard Mcknight aka Star Easy gave up a four year scholarship to the University of Rhode Island for football in order to pursue his rap career and it is really paying off.  He is the CEO & President of S.M.I.L.E Ent, one of the biggest artists in SouthEast Ga. and has  opened up
for many mainstream artists such as Juvenile, Blood Raw, Shawty Lo,Waka Flocka Flame, Pastor Troy & more.....now thats what we call working!!!
      Stareasy was inspired by Kelly Boy (RIP) who use to always come by and do music. Kelly Boy passed in 2004while playing basketball. He went hard so hard Easy felt like he was keeping the dream alive. Easy's song Georgia was fatured on BET uncut. The song was actually out way before Ludicris and Tity Boi.  With his music fans can take that it gets hard but, you got to learn to smile. A lot of my music is struggle music. Where Marshard is  from the city is a struggle. Everyone is somebody. Because someone has something doesn’t mean you can have it. Luda didn’t mention the 912 in the Area code song but, he wants his people to know "if you want it you can get it".
      Stareasy has a industry swag. A lot of underground artist just record anything. He is very persistant and his music quality is on point. However, it has not always been the case.
His first song was  recorded in the Dubshack (small studio in my mom’s home). He let his homeboys hear it and they were like, "you really sound good." from then it was on!!!
      He is influenced by his fans. In the southeast a lot of people want autographs and recognize him now so he knows people listen. When he drop cd’s its not long before people want more. You can catch Stareasy every Thursday for $3 Thursdays at Club Chaos in his home city.  his video "Phone Sex" ft TracStar & Scrill got over 30,000 downloads on WorldStarhipHop.com which lets the future star know that he can not only get attention at home but, world wide. His biggest achievement is his "Georgia Day".  It began as a video shoot and now it is an annual event where StarEasy as well at times some sponsor's give back to the youth.  This man is a threat for anyone that ain't careful and certified by The Ladies of HB!!!  His current mixtape "President Easy" was well received in the streets and is available on tweetmymixtape.com 

Check him out: 

facebook.com/StarEasy
twitter.com/@StarEasy
youtube.com/Stareasy23
 

HB Artist Insider: Ananamuss

     

         Born and raised in "Trappa City" Clinton, NC Byron Register aka Ananamuss is definitely making noise.  With multiple mixtapes, a laid back stage presence and a huge fan base this man is doing his thing. As the  face of VMG (Villain Music Group) he is making sure everyone that listens to what he has to say knows why he is the self proclaimed Best Rapper Alive.
        At the age of 14, after returning back to his home in Trappa City he began recording heavy and has not stopped yet. Given the name Ananamuss from one of his homies after seeing that his original name "Profit" was takin he definitely not Anonymous. Rapping is the first thing that he has ever loved besides family and his seeds. VMG comes from a song that he did "I'm Mad" which features label mate "Best Kept Secret".  The artist feels there is nothing good about real life.  With it in his head that he was the bad guy in the music industry he created the Villain Music Group with his producer, manager and the man behind his sound Biggz the Butcher. Currently he is the VMG movement which also features Best Kept Secret and Biggz son SL Series.
        Ananamuss steps out of the norm with his music because it is real.  His music is what the streets call Trap Music. And although alot of artist speak of their life selling keys and making the millions Ananamuss writes from the bottom.  Most real street niggas are struggling.  He feels there is no frontin in his verses. He is also loved for his dedication and confidence.  When you ask him whats his fears for his career he replies, "I have none. As long as I keep it real they will rock with me.  The only fear I have is getting writer's block. Right now it comes easy."  Although he has had the chance to work with many major artist on his latest mixtape "Str8 From Da Horses Mouf" his greatest accomplishment has yet to be reached. Ananamuss feels that when his greatest accomplishment is reached he won't have to say that he is the Greatest Rapper Alive because anyone that hears his music will feel it. He is definitely close to living his dream to be a living legend. The artist is definitely still hungry and plans to stay this way.

Ananamuss ft. Hugg E. Bear

"I Stay On It"

        Coming soon to the streets, "St8 From The Horses Mouf" will be in album form.  With all original beats fans will see alot of growth from his last mixtape "The Rest is History".  With this mixtape you will see how he has grown from a boy to a man.  Named for the fact that he tells listeners about his struggles with life.  From being a hustla to having no where to go, this mixtape does more than any interview could ever do because you get it from the man himself. "Str8 From The Horses Mouf" features Styles P, Shawnna (from DTP), Kool G Rap, SL Series and Best Kept Secret.  Produced mostly by Biggz, NC producer Manifest, Fabe and Smoke Eazzi also lent a hand in this classic to come.
       Ananamuss, like many other artist, gets nervous before performances.  But, when the mic is in his hand he gets in his groove. Just getting to the point where he can see the crowd and not the finish line before him, he feels there is no better feeling than hearing the crowd rap along to his lyrics.  It feels good to hear artist that he looked up to and admired such as Styles P tell him that he is nice and has bars.  Hearing his props only make him work harder.  And he works to make sure that his music is what the fans can relate to because when your music is real, fans respect you more. Salute!!!

Make sure to download his mixtapes:  Deals on the Table http://www.datpiff.com/Various-Artists-Ananamuss-Deals-On-Da-Table-Governor-Muss-Mixtape-05-2k10-mixtape.148918.html

  The Rest is History      http://www.datpiff.com/Ananamuss-The-Rest-Is-History-Mixtape.200084.html

Stay in touch with him : http://twitter.com/ananamussnc
                                                  http://www.facebook.com/ananamuss.register

HB Artist of the week Shot$ the MC

      I recently had the chance to speak with a artist that is definitely not your average rapper!!! Before I tell you about him let me explain what he is about.  What's the difference between a rapper and a MC???  A MC is someone who can do it all.  Subject matter, lyricism, creativity....all the aspects that was formed in hip hop.  A rapper is someone who does the form of hip hop for a certain reason such as money or respect.  Not to knock anyone's hustle but, Shot$ the MC is far from that.  He does music because he loves it and he is such a hip hop junkie.
   Shot$ recently released him mix tape "Star Potential" and it is definitely a must have.  Around the age of twelve he wrote his first rhyme and from the beginning he knew he did not want to be the average rapper.  "Star Potential" takes the listener back to the roots of hip hop. Before dancing became the thing to make a song pop! Although the album has not done the numbers that he would like Shot$ is thankful and blessed to have a project out that a lot of people like.  Shot$ has definitely reached his goal to have people recognize who he is and say, "Yo, I've heard of you, you're dope" and being acknowledged as a dope mc.
    Shot$ team L.I.E (Loyalty is Everything) consists of Charlie Hustle, Mo Heat and himself.  And its more than music because they are all cousins. Charlie Hustle also plays the role as the producer and his beats are incredible! They are currently working on the next mix tape which is currently without name and busy in the studio like never before. Shot$ is also working on his album "Music Is Life".
    Shot$ recorder his first song at the age of 16.  The quality was terrible but, it was such a joy to finally be recording after four years of writing. He has been compared to Nas, having the ruggedness of the lox and the laid back tone of Common. His styles varies with every song depending on the feeling that he gets from the beat. His love of hip hop is the main inspiration.  Growin up he looked up to artist like Nas, Biggie, Masta Ace, A tribe Called Quest, Gangstarr and the list goes on.  he grew up off their music and were the inspiration behind him wanting to rhyme today. His lyracism is on a whole another level.  Not to say that other artist aren't lyrically incline or super lyrical but, bar for bar he feels he cannot be touched.  He grew up in the 90s and took it back on his mixtape "Star Potential".  Te artist feels this was the best era and that people nowadays have forgotten about it. He definitely reminded any listeners about that golden era!!

Prez: Anything else you want the public to know about you?
Shot$: Music is life....life is Music


Follow on Twitter: @shot$252
       Check him out on Facebook: D Dixon

To download the mixtape: http://tweetmysong.com/4su8rel