Archive for September, 2010

Congrats Far East Movement: #1 on iTunes!

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

This week, Far East Movement has made history as the first Asian-American group to ever land on the mainstream pop charts. Not only did the group break the Billboard Top 10, but their hit single “Like A G6” has officially become the most downloaded song on iTunes!

Far East Movement, also known as FM, is comprised of Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman—four young men who began as interns in the publicity department of Interscope Records. Today, the group holds a record deal with the label and is setting records as their single “Like a G6” gains popularity across the nation.

FM is currently on the Up in the Air tour with Mike Posner and the group just made their television debut on Lopez Tonight this week. Check out the music video for their chart-topping hit “Like a G6” below which features familiar faces including Lil’ Jon, Ryan Tedder of One Republic and the big Snoop Dogg himself. Their forthcoming album Free Wired drops October 12th!

“IGNITE 2010: From the Blogs to the Blocks”

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

The League of Young Voters Education Fund, VIBE Magazine (the official media partner) and Cashmere Agency presents IGNITE 2010: From the Blogs to The Blocks during BET’s Hip-Hop Awards Weekend in Atlanta! It’s a first of its kind gathering of the leading minds in entertainment, new media and social organizing that will spark new ideas and initiate action.

There will also be a LIVE STREAM of the VIP Panel & Performances on The League of Young Voters Ustream

IGNITE 2010 will consist of:

Two Workshop discussions: The Role of New Media in Our Lives; and Violence, Sex, and Gender in Music.
One V.I.P. panel discussion (open to the public): Civic Responsibility as it Relates to Your Community.

Participants include: (Moderator) Erica Williams (Deputy Director of Progress 2050 at Center for American Progress), P.Frank Williams (TV/Film producer), Steve Raze (AllHipHop.com), Greg Watkins (AllHipHop.com), Chuck Creekmur (AllHipHop.com), Janee Bolden (Bossip.com), Chloe Hilliard (VIBE), Michael Harris (HipHopWired.com), Lauren Jarvis (Examiner.com), Jycorri Robinson (Def Jam Records), Brian Miller (RapRadar.com), Devi Dev (97.9 The Box Houston), Amir Boyd (Grand Hustle), Reggie Hawkins (Shade 45/Sirius XM), Kari Fulton (EJC/EAC), Erica Williams (Progress 2050), Khari Mosley (G-Tech/Green For All), Brenton Mock (Blogger/Journalist), Tarik Ross (Amer-I-Can/Stampede Management), Jabari Paul (FACE Florida), Davey D (Political/Hip-Hop Journalist), Bernard Dory (Organizer/Social Entrepreneur), Amaila Deloney (Grassroots Policy Director/Media Justice Center), Shamako Noble (Organizer and Activist Hip-Hop Congress), Bakari Kitwana (Scholar/Activist/Intellectual), Karlo Mercelo (Future Majority), Jasiri X (One Hood/Rapper/Minister), Claude Gray (DJ Paradise -One Hood), Ilana Weaver (MC/Detroit Summer), Theodore (TJ) Crawford (Hip Hop Generation Advocate), Andreas Hale (Journalist), Elizabeth Mendez Berry (Journalist), Abigail Kiesa (CIRCLE), Akiba Solomon (Freelance Writer/ Editor), Cathy Cohen (University of Chicago), Ryan Ford (Cashmere Agency), Tufara Waller Muhammad (Organizer/Activist), Maegan Carberry (Rock The Vote), Jayme Montgomery Baker (The League of Young Voters Education Fund), Roni Moore (Decon), DJ Willie Shakes (No Condom, No Way), Anasa Troutman (ACT), Christina Hollenback (Generational Alliance) and CJ Jenkins (The League of Young Voters Education Fund).

Confirmed talent includes producer Bangladesh, Dorrough (NGENIUS/E1 – Koch Records), Diamond (Battery Records/JIVE), GLC (G.O.O.D. Music), music video director Dr. Teeth, Dondria (So So Def Recordings), Grammy winning producer Chris Henderson (“Blame It On The Alcohol”), Gangsta Boo (Prophet, Hypnotize Minds Records), Lil’ Fate (DTP Records), Grafh (EMI/Virgin Records), Fonzworth Bently (MTV’s From G’s to Gents), Alex Thomas (actor/comedian)  Twista (Get Money Gang Records) and more.

Providing sounds throughout IGNITE 2010 will be DJ JAMAD of Frolab.com, DJ Baby Yu “The Remix Kid” of V-103FM, as well as DJ Geronimo and DJ Incredible from the Arsonist DJ crew.

If you want to attend the invite-only workshops, ENTER TO WIN HERE!!!

RSVP to rsvp@cashmereagency.com by September 30th, and join the Facebook and Twitter events to interact with other attendees.

VoiceSkins Brings Looney Tunes GPS Voices TomTom!

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

Make your next roadtrip an adventure with VoiceSkins. The company has just launched their latest line of custom Celebrity GPS VoiceSkins for TomTom navigation system and, this time, they’re turning to the wacky characters of Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoons!

Now, you can let Bugs Bunny lead the way and hear crazy sound effects from Yosemite Sam. This newest additions to their line of voices for your TomTom officially launched today and is the perfect way to upgrade your vehicle. All of the Looney Tunes Celebrity GPS VoiceSkins are available for $12.95.

VoiceSkins is the premiere developer of real celebrity voice content for in-car GPS. Working with previous  brands like Fox’s The Simpsons, Snoop Dogg, Lucas Film’s Star Wars, and now with Warner Bros. Looney Tunes brand, Locutio’s VoiceSkins make every journey a truly fun event, delivering real in-car infotainment.

Check out the Official Looney Tunes Bugs Bunny Celebrity GPS VoiceSkins in action in the video below. And for  information and to buy your own VoiceSkins, head over to VoiceSkins Official website.

Landy Cognac x Fat Beats Event

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Last night at FatBeats on Melrose, Cashmere and Landy Cognac sponsored an in-store performance featuring some of L.A.’s strongest up and coming talent.

Among the artist to perform was Tiron, Ayomari and the 16 year old sensation, Casey Veggies. Among the artists who came to enjoy the show was Terrace Martin and Kurupt (pictured above). The store was packed with artists, fans and artists who were fans of other artists. For those of you who don’t know, the new breed of LA music makers are really making noise and representing the West, sans all that gang bangin’ and dope slangin’ talk.

Like we said before, Fat Beats is shutting down their retail stores in Los Angeles and New York and is going out with a bang. They’ve being hosting performances all week and will continue throughout the weekend, marking an end of an era and signifying an historic change in the way music is being distributed.

Thanks to Landy Cognac and FatBeats LA for supporting the arts and recognizing the surge of independent talent coming out of Los Angeles.

Marques Houston Drops Mattress Music

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Marques Houston is back and has just released his 5th solo album, Mattress Music. As you can tell by the title, the album is dedicated to passionate tracks that set out to compliment those romantic nights in and bring the bedroom straight to your speakers.

The album showcases Marques Houston’s producing skills as well as a more mature sound from the former Immature member. With the smooth, melodic voice of Mr. Houston accompanying tracks featuring heavy hitters such as Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, this album is sure to stand out in the music industry and truly embodies R&B.

Sound enticing? Take a listen for yourself and purchase the album which is now available on iTunes. In the meantime, check out Marques Houston in action and feast your eyes on some sensual music videos from his album Mattress Music below.

Fat Beats Los Angeles Farewell Event

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

It’s a sad day for hip-hop, as after 16 years, the world famous Fat Beats, is closing its last remaining retail store in Los Angeles.

Fat Beats is an internationally renowned music retail store, revered for its support of vinyl & CD releases by the most talented hip-hop artists. Fat Beats will continue to sell CDs, vinyl, and digital albums through its online store, but this remains a huge blow to the indie retail store market.

To celebrate the legacy of the music store, Fat Beats is holding a series of in-store performances and music industry panels  including this Friday’s Landy Cognac sponsored Happy Hour event. These in-store events will provide an opportunity for fans to celebrate the legacy of one of the strongest music brands in the company of their favorite artists, while learning about the history of Fat Beats and what the future holds for the music industry.

All events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.  Head over to the Fat Beats’ web site for more information and check out the video below giving the chronicling the history of Fat Beats.

Super Mario Bros. Turns 25 Today!!!

Monday, September 13th, 2010

That’s right, 25 years ago today, the video gaming landscape irrevocably changed with the release of the most enduring, most popular, and most profitable gaming franchise EVER, Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. debuted in Japan 25 years ago today on the Famicom, the Japanese version of what we Americans came to know as the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES for short. Since then, Mario has become one of the most iconic characters and entertainment brands in the world.

Hardcore gaming fans all know  that Mario actually made his first appearance in the arcade games Donkey Kong and Mario Bros., but it was the release of  Super Mario Bros. that not only reversed the video game crash of the early 80s, but contributed significantly to making video games commonplace in homes around the world where they remain today.

Super Mario Bros. has sold more than 40 million copies over the past 25 years. The game was bundled with the NES, and it’s tough to say whether it was successful because of the NES or vice versa.

Check out the video below that Nintendo put together to celebrate 25 years of Super Mario Bros. And head over to The Guardian to check out their list of 25 fun Mario facts.

The Style Network Brings Attitude and Drama to Sunday Nights!

Friday, September 10th, 2010

Style Network continues to spice up your Sundays with two highly anticipated shows: Jerseylicious back in its second season followed by their new series,  Mel B: It’s A Scary World, every Sunday starting at 8/7c.

With these hot shows airing back-to-back, viewers have something to look forward to on Sunday nights. Unpredictable – Yes! Sexy – Yes! Hair-raising – Oh Yes! Jerseylicious is Style Network’s most-watched new series and is bringing back your favorite hair stylists and make-up artists. Catch the Queen-of-Mean Tracy, her arch enemy Olivia and “The Glam Fairy” Alexa as they cut-up with more in-your-face drama that will have you screaming “OMGawd!”

Mel B: It’s A Scary World is generating strong buzz in its first season. The former Scary Spice now super-mom and wife, Mel B, is faced with the challenges of juggling career and family. From the red carpet to international business enterprises, live performances, romantic dinners and maintaining a household, Style’s cameras capture Mel as she gets it all done!

These are two shows you do not want to miss! Meet us on the couch Sunday nights starting at 8/7c. on the Style Network And if you want a Jerseylicious makeover, click here and take part in the Daily Makeover Tool to look just like your favorite character.

Jerseylicious: Power Play:

Mel B: Daddy Issues:

Devi Dev, Terrace Martin Team Up for “Here, My Dear”

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Terrace Martin and Devi Dev have teamed up to put together a mix-tape entitled “Here, My Dear” which is set to release September 28th.

As the first track leaked from the project, Terrace Martin enlisted the help of up and coming young artists Wiz Khalifa and OverDoz to bring you “Roll Up.” Download the new song by clicking on the link below!

TERRACE MARTIN x WIZ KHALIFA x OVERDOZ. – ROLL UP

Sunday Funday

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Every summer, for the past 5 years, LA is treated to the best party in Hollywood, (though some say it’s the best party period) The Do-Over. Not your typical “Hollywood” party though…this weekly backyard barbeque-style party with mystery DJ’s and homemade Sangria bring a diverse and good, vibrant group of people! Folks can check the pretense at the door–the Do-Over is laid back and all about having a good time, hanging with the cool kids, and vibing to the sounds.

We hit the Do-Over about 2 weeks ago and it never fails…always great: nothing but good-energy-folks (for the most part, besides the occasional first-timers who can’t always handle their liquor) with a variety of quality music from the secret DJ lineup. Guests blessing the decks are always kept top secret, which adds a great mystique to the weekly event—you never know who might show up! On this particular Sunday, the line up Antiq, Danny Halloway, Prince Language, King Most, DJ Moma, Dam-Funk, Spinderella, Steve Arrington (yes, of the funk group SLAVE!) who surprised us and got on the mic to do “Just A Touch” and of course the host and MC of the day, Azul 213.

On any given Sunday, you can find The Do-Over roster including some of the most legendary DJ’s from all over the world and is never ever disappointing. DJ’s like Jazzy Jeff, Rich Medina, King Britt, Diplo, J Rocc, Mary Anne Hobbs and many more have popped up behind the turntables. They also keep the DJ lineup a secret from all the other DJ’s, which makes for a great mix of music. Each DJ plays a grand mix that takes you on a journey through all genres, which always keeps the lively crowd singing along and dancing from day ‘til night. Props to music heads Stonesthrow’s Jamie Strong, and (DJ) Chris Haycock as well as hosts Aloe Blacc and Azul 213. The Do-Over recently made a stop at WMC, Puerto Rico, and Portland. We’re putting a request in for a San Diego stop! If you’re lucky, they’ll drop in at a spot near you… In the meantime, check out what you’ve been missing:

Photos (by Roro):
Danny Holloway with a special reggae set

Carafes & Cups Crew

Even the security gets down. Meet Clarence.

Dam Funk Getting Funky

Steve Arrington and PB Wolf

DJ Numark enjoying the evening

Spinderella closed out the night

And so did the rest of the Do-Over Goers

The legendary Spinderella & Host Azul 213

Videos (by Azul 213*):

(Click for more videos)

To see what else you’ve missing, check out archived music, more videos and photos on The Do-Over Blog