New Music Tuesday Presents….
Another GLC classic from the 2008 Vaults!
PoLeast
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Ice Cube – You Know How We Do It – Lethal Injection – 1993
Still on my Cali-shit this week. Hope you’re all enjoying the nice weather in Ohio.
This is a classic that my brother introduced me to back in the day.
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sorry we are a day behind!
Article on Toledo’s underground hip-hop and R&B scene. Highlights a select few, there must be a typo though because I don’t see Great Lakes Crew! Obviously Chevonne hasn’t yet experienced the Lakewater Movement.
Great to see Toledo artists getting recognition though! Keep it movin.
For those looking in from the outside, Toledo’s urban music scene may seem like an underground world, closed off to those unfamiliar with it. But for those on the inside, nothing about the music is underground; in fact, for many, it’s a way of life.
Beneath the hard rock exterior of the Glass City sits a burgeoning community of music that captivates Toledoans. While Toledo may not be ATL or Chi-Town, when it comes to hip-hop and R&B, local artists have proven they can definitely hold their own. From rappers to R&B crooners, to some of the city’s hottest producers, Toledo’s R&B and hip-hop artists refuse to sit down.
In an industry where Chris Browns and Ushers come a dime a dozen, there’s certainly no shortage of male R&B singers out there; but Tracy (yes, just Tracy) is a self-described “rare breed.” The 24-year-old R&B singer (think Ne-Yo mixed with a mature Chris Brown) has been working the Toledo music scene for more than five years and has become one of the city’s most recognizable voices. His music blends hip-hop and R&B and according to Tracy, is custom-made to please the ladies, which he says is his largest fan base.
While Tracy may be a “rare breed,” he is in good company when it comes to other local artists. Singer/songwriter Leigh Ashley, with light, airy vocals and smartly coifed, the songstress is another artist to watch.
But not everybody wants a love song; Toledo’s hip-hop artists also provide a hard-edged alternative. With his animated voice and fun lyrics, Taylorman has established himself as one of the city’s standout MCs. The artist was recently the first rapper to be featured on Toledo Idol. There’s also Prophet, dubbed the “Heart of Toledo”, whose music offers a grim, yet honest look at life in the Glass City (checkout “Blocklife”). Other artists include longtime rapper Joe Fury, Country, Billy Blade — and the list goes on.
The production award goes to Hustle Hand Entertainment with honorable mention to Parallax Studios. So what’s stopping these talented artists from going to the next level? Answers vary. Some insiders blame it on a lack of venues.
“Some people are trying to get things up and going but there’s not really a venue that stays open long enough and a lot clubs don’t care for the artists,” said Andrew Appold of Parallax Studios. “There has to be some venue that’s consistent and in for the long term. There’s a lot of talent, but there’s no point if you can’t show it.”
Others argue that several of Toledo’s best artists simply don’t know the ins and outs of the music industry.
“We will get to the next level once we get direction,” said Charlie Mack from The Juice 107.3 FM morning crew. “We play music for artists but it doesn’t help if their management doesn’t know what to do with it. People have to know how to move units. Toledo has a lot of untapped talent and a lot of producers. It’s just a matter of time before somebody goes big.”
Find out more about T-Town’s not-so-underground hip-hop and R&B scene on myspace.com:
Tracy myspace.com/419Tracy
Leigh Ashley myspace.com/lovleighmusic
Taylorman myspace.com/taylormanspace
Prophet myspace.com/prophettheheartoftoledo
This is Why I Watch the News…
