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Exclusive: Cas One - The RAPstation Interview
If you haven't heard of Cas One, you will (and technically, you just have). The Evansville, Indiana-based artist has been a phantom of sorts, appearing on a track with Sadistik, Kristoff Krane and the late Eyedea called "Savior Self," rapping alongside vets like Brother Ali and sharing the stage with heavy-hitters such as producer Figure. Born Jacob Snider, his debut album, 2005's Liberation, introduced the world to an introspective, lyrically gifted 19-year-old who has since had two children, gotten married and taken the time to hone his craft. 2013 finds Cas One preparing to release his highly anticipated sophomore effort, The Monster and The Wishing Well, a 16-track opus that defies the traditional definition of hip-hop and gives it a fresh meaning. His lyrics are painfully hon
Read moreMaurice Brown preps his Maurice vs Mobetta album
Fresh off of winning his very first Grammy with Tedeschi Trucks Band for Best Blues Album of the year in 2012 (Maurice was the horn arranger for the 11-piece ensemble), Maurice "Mobetta" Brown has also appeared on LP's from Santigold, Ski Beatz, Prodigy, Talib Kweli, Cee-Lo, Diddy, Musiq Soulchild and countless others. Maurice is prepping his latest release, Maurice vs Mobetta, or, rather, Maurice's Jazz side versus his Hip-Hop persona. Maurice vs Mobetta features appearances from Talib Kweli, Consequence, Prodigy, Jean Grae and production from Fyre Dept, DJ Scratch and Maurice himself and its a mere sampling of what's in-store on Maurice vs Mobetta; as Brown has more in store, not only on this new effort, but coming down the pike. Know that Maurice vs Mobetta is a gumbo sound l
Read moreExclusive: Brother Ali - The RAPstation Interview
Rhymesayers Entertainment artist Brother Ali has been spitting out albums since emerging out of Minneapolis with 2000's Rites of Passage. It was a brave introduction to the life of an albino rapper and a little insight into his heavily politically minded views. 2003's Shadows on the Sun, 2007's The Undisputed Truth, 2009's Us, and 2012's Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color continued Brother Ali's path of delivering content-driven, independent hip-hop. Currently on The War and Peace Tour with longtime friend Immortal Technique, Brother Ali is crisscrossing the country in hopes of spreading a message about mainstream music. There's a new business model in the rap game and Brother Ali is vocal about his stance on where things are going. He
Read moreRAPstation Local Love Corner: An Hobbes
Welcome to another installment of RAPstation's Local Love Corner. Our spotlight is on Denver, Colorado's An Hobbes. While originally from Colorado, An Hobbes (real name Tyler Kreigler) spent most of his life in the small college town of Lincoln, Nebraska. Here he was immersed in the local music scene as part of The Awkwords. During this time, he explored the cast musical landscape of hip-hop and his place in it. Clearly comfortable in front of an audience, he carried his energetic stage presence with him when he returned to Colorado in 2009 where he continues to write, perform and record music. Get to know your Denver hip-hop and take some time to read a little bit about the man behind the music. Please visit http://anhobbes.bandcamp.com/album/diaries-of-a-space-cadet-2 to check out An
Read moreExclusive: Luckyiam - The RAPstation Interview
As one of eight Living Legends, Luckyiam shares the title as one of the most successful indie hip-hop acts ever, having sold over 500,000 units all on their own. Since forming in California in the early '90s, Living Legends have been on a steady grind to get their music to the masses. Five studio albums, endless tours and several solo projects later, Living Legends are, well, legends in the underground hip-hop world, but unfortunately they no longer perform as a group. Nonetheless, Luckyiam forged ahead with a reputable career of his own and is now performing with artist Lana Shea as "Luck & Lana." He took some time to talk to RAPstation about why The Legends parted ways, going "solo" and Public Enemy's contribution to hip-hop culture. First thing first--- why aren't The Living
Read moreWake Self debuts new video for the title track off The Healing Process
New Mexico native Andy "Wake Self" Martinez is nearing the end of a pivotal year. With the April 2013 release of his debut album, The Healing Process, a video premiere for "Brand New" and endless shows in support of the release, he's been going nonstop. Martinez enlisted Zoology band mate and good friend Phillip "Flux" Torres for help in making the video. Torres runs the Albuquerque-based company, Concept Flux Media, and jumped at the opportunity to construct the video for "The Healing Process." Shot in June 2013, the video tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in an abusive relationship and the transition she makes to a happier one. "This song is my depiction of reinventing yourself to find a way to be happy through life's struggles," Martinez explains. "It's dedica
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