Thursday, February 23, 2012

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Kendrick Lamar x Danny Brown Cover Fader

Interesting to see Danny Brown & Kendrick Lamar the choices of Fader’s spring style selection, but you never know. Issue hits newsstands March 6th, but you can read K-Dot’s story here and Danny’s here.



VIA LOFTXMUSIC 

FIRST LADY SUNDAYS INTRODUCES "JUNE BUG"


Last Wednesday, I had the immense musical pleasure of attending the Raw Talent Showcase, put on by the up and coming rap group, Yo Competition, with the purpose of exposing equally new and aspiring Detroit talent. Upon walking into the venue which is appropriately titled “Jams”, I was immediately thrust into a feeling of nostalgia. Tucked between two high rises near Capitol
Park (Griswold/Grand River), Jams is a small night club with just enough character to make one feel like they are an extra in a freestyle scene of the movie, 8 mile but also with just enough class to demand the respect of its performers and patrons.

In the midst of the buzz of various musical acts and entertainers, one brave soul stood out. Hosting the event, June Bug, dubbed the First Lady of Yo Competition, was fashionable in a curve-hugging, piano-print mini dress and 6-inch red pumps. Confident and coy, we all looked on as June charismatically announced each act from the hilarious comedian, G. Paige to the high-powered dance quartet, Audacity to the soft spoken but yet hard-hitting poetess, Bree, and finally when June Bug took the stage to perform, the audience was completely silent, waiting to see what this unique young lady had to offer.

Dressed in black metallic leggings and a midriff-baring Varsity jacket embroidered with the “Planet Rego” logo, June Bug danced into the limelight effortlessly capturing the crowd with every move. Before she had even opened her mouth, the audience had already begun to cheer as June wowed us all, seductively twirling across the stage in to-die-for stiletto ankle boots with the skill of a trained hip hop dancer and throwing her hair in rhythm to the beat. She was definitely
in the moment and had brought us all along for the ride. June Bug performed “What You Want, What You Need,” a sexy upbeat single that had all of the men in the room on their feet,and also “Goin In,” an aggressive soon-to-be hit that truly showed off June’s lyrical prowess. Sweating and glowing, June thanked her audience for their participation before finally sitting down with me for just a few moments while the crowd was
thinning.

“I’m ready for you,” she smiled in between “good jobs” and pats on the back from excited showcase patrons. Even her male group members, who had also just performed phenomenally, couldn’t resist coming up to June Bug and complimenting her on her on job well done. She laughed humbly and graciously thanked everyone and then with the skill of an artist who has done this before, turned to me and professionally asked me to go ahead with my questions. I began, anxious to ask the lady of the hour the questions that had been burning through my notepad.

Check out the interview after the jump


What is your full name and age?

My full name is June Pettiford, and I’m 25 years old. (She smiles as I gasp, surprised at her maturity despite her young age.)

What part of Detroit are you from?

Westside…..I grew up in the 8 Mile/Southfield area
on Fenmore.

How long have you been with Yo Competition, and how did you meet them?

I’ve been with them for about 2 months now. I met everyone through B. Dot (Yo Competition). I went to Detroit School of the Arts, Southfield High and finally, Oak Park High which is where I know B from. He hooked me up with Miguel (Miguel, or Rico as he is referred to in the industry, is a two-time Grammy nominated songwriter and producer who does most of the vocals for Yo Competition).

How would you describe yourself?

Um…myself!!! (She laughs confidently.) I’m not a mold. I’m gonna always be me!

Who are some of your role models and people you look up to in the industry?

(Silence while she thinks.)

Anyone who is rapping with a purpose or who tells a story. My favorites are Nas and J. Cole. That’s also why I like B. Dot because he’s a lyricist.

Judging by your performance, I can tell that rapping isn’t your only area of expertise. Do you dance?

I’ve studied African dance, Jazz and Ballet.

Wow! Any other talents we should know about?

I’m also an aspiring playwright and author. I’m currently working on a play titled “Devil’s Playground” and writing a book titled “Somebody’s Somebody.” I also have a blog, http://www.talkofdetroit.com/. Obviously, you know I rap. I have a mix tape coming out soon called “Writer’s Block.”

Switching gears, being that you’re the only female in “Yo Competition” and also working in such a male-dominated industry, do you ever face difficulty proving yourself or standing out amongst other female rappers or even amongst the members of your group?

Not at all. I grew up in a house full of boys. I have 3 brothers. I consider B. Dot and D. Truth (Yo Competition) like my brothers. They are very supportive, and as
far as other female rappers, I’m not even thinking about the ladies. I’m too busy trying to spit harder than the dudes.

Do you have any advice for young girls and boys who are considering rapping?

Study your craft! Pay attention to how it’s done,and do it over and over until you get it!

One last thing, and I’m doing this for the guys out there who may be wondering. Are you single? And if so, what do you look for in a significant other?

Unfortunately, I am single. My last relationship was with Robert (of Day
26 fame). That’s what a lot of people know me for. Um…what do I look for in a guy?? HE CAN’T WEAR SKINNY JEANS! (She laughs.) No,really, I just want a real man. There is a difference between a real man and a real n*gga. I want honesty and respect. I want a man that knows how to talk to a woman. No physical or verbal abuse. I expect a man to dibble and dabble at times, but right now, I’m just not even in a relationship mindset until I find someone who is willing to put a ring on my finger. I just want a man who understands my craft.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT....JUNE BUG EVERYBODY!!!

I sincerely thank June for taking the time to sit down with me, and I am beyond honored that she is officially the first lady of “First Lady Sundays.” She is definitely someone to look out for here in the city and truly a woman who is not only dedicated to her own success but the success of others. Beauty, brains and fearless ambition is sure to get her quite far in this industry.

To learn more about June Bug, you can follow her on Twitter @JuneBug143 or find her on Facebook using her full name. You can also keep up with her blog at http://www.talkofdetroit.com/ and subscribe to her videos on YouTube. She is currently featured in Motown Tay’s “Money on My Mind” which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW5FEhi6fcY,and her single, “What You Want, What You Need” can be heard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNLOLQY1EJs. She will also be featured in my personal blog entitled "Single and Still Alive"...details coming soon! #YoCompetition

As always, keep Detroit in your prayers, and continue to be a part of our city’s rise to excellence by supporting local businesses and artists!!!!





Next week’s First Lady…..Shay Lewis!!!


VIA LOFTXMUSIC 

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF.......

Heyyyyyyyy!,
Seriously though, a special good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to all those who have blessed Alius Magazine with your presence. We are definitely a group of individuals dedicated to exposing all talent in the Detroit area, and each of us has endless passion in doing so! Thank you for keeping up with us!!!
Getting down to the get down, my name is Nikki Marie, and I am a humble blogger for this wonderful site. My purpose here is to highlight the female Detroit artists who have been making big moves in the city. My actual section of the blog will be titled "First Lady Sundays" so please keep an eye out for it each and every Sunday as it is so important that we get these ladies names out here. READ, COMMENT, SUPPORT!!! Let these ladies know you are behind them 100%, and if you're not, let them know where there should be improvement. I have seen such great talent in the city from talent showcases to mixtapes to YouTube videos, and I just want to ensure that each of our ladies is getting the exposure and support they deserve!
So with that said, LET'S GET IT!!!! If anyone would like to be featured in "First Lady Sundays" or knows someone who should be featured, I can be reached by phone at (313)-974-4535 or by e-mail at n3roland@gmail.com!!! Oh, I can also be followed on Twitter @Nikaaa_Please (#teamfollowback) and friended on Facebook using my full name, Nicole Marie Roland!!
As always, let's continue to lift Detroit up in prayer! The talent is here! Let's make it happen!
 
Shout out to my dude Win doing big things!!!!


 
VIA ShareLOFTXMUSIC 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Moco Loco Skit

Shout out to my niggas Snoop and @Patstraightdrop follow the movement @leanteam313...niggas sip more lean then your favorite rapper ya dig

Aye them niggas say we dont sip heavy....awww fuck them niggas

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Shorty Da Prince x Drey Skonie - Lotus Flower Bomb Remix

Yoooooo @Shortydaprince finally drops his long awaited 'Lotus Flower Bomb RMX' ft. @Dreyskonie Shit is #DopeAF And ya boi @Supparay with the directing. Enjoy!
 

Jon Connor x The Blue Album Mixtape

My nigga finally fell through Jon Connors mixtape The Blue Album is for download. #JonConnorTakeover Tracklist and download link after the jump.

Download >>>HERE<<<


VIA LOFTXMUSIC 

Monday, February 13, 2012

#DillaDayDetroit Guilty Simpson

Here's Some more footage from the 'Dilla Day Tribute Concert'.....I Present Guilty. Enjoy!
 

#DillaDayDetroit Phat Kat

Here's some more footage from the 'Dilla Day Tribute concert'.....I Present Phat Kat. Enjoy!
 

#DillaDayDetroit SlumVillage

Here's some more footage from the 'Dilla Day Tribute Concert'.....I Present SlumVillage. Enjoy!
 
 

Jon Connor On Shady 45

Jon Connor grabs the worlds ear with a live performance of “Epic” on the DJ Kay Slay’s Streetsweeper Radio on Shade 45.
 

Dilla Day Detroit





On a snowy Michigan night at 8pm standing outside The Fillmore Detroit I was waiting to get into the tribute concert for none other than Detroit's own J.Dilla. While standing outside I met some people that came from all over to see the concert Florida, Texas, Ann Arbor, Howell, and even New York. They Were thoroughly excited about seeing the performers Busta Rhymes, Jay Electronica, Danny Brown, Chuck Inglish, Guilty Simpson, Fat Ray, Phat Catz, Nick Speed Orchestra, Phife Dawg and many more. Well Come to find out when walking into the venue that Busta Rhymes and Jay Electronica will not be performing, Booooo, but that wasn't a selling point for me to be honest.
Still walking into the venue I came across a good ol double dose of Jagger Bombs and Hennessy and Coke. Walked around talked amongst the people and then headed to the stage. The DJ's had that Dilla music on blast and as always walked into a Kush cloud, hahaha. So after about an hour of dickin around drinking and smoking the concert starts with Mr. Niceguy and Jazzy T hosting and telling us about the acts. First act up was Nick Speed Orchestra which was dope they had dancers and a live band aspect. Then came Fat Ray came out with the Darth Vader helmet and R2-Dilla, Yes R2-Dilla hahaha. His performance got the crowd hype as hell. Then after that we were blessed with the appearance of Martin Luther Kings lawyer Clarence Jones. He told us a powerful message about how words can impact not just a nation but the world.
Next we had the coolest kid on the block Chuck Inglish come out with one of my favorite artist accompanying him Asher Roth. Roth Came on stage and started flowin crazy got the crowd goin hype hell. Then jumped on the banister and started rockin with people in the crowd. He then came to the left side of the stage and said "I think this side of the crowd is craziest." Then came off stage came right up to me and started flowin, rockin wit me and dapped me, blasted it on Twitter too. After that Guilty came out and completely murdered his set and also given props to the big homie J.Dilla. Then my favorite artist in Detroit Danny Brown came out with Dopehead and they literally looked like they was ready to do some damage and got the crowd Hype As F***. He played 'Monopoly', 'Lie4' and 'Blunt After Blunt'. His set was so dope that he actually sparked a L and handed it to me off stage, #GreatestNightEver!. Finally Slum Village ends the show with their J.Dilla beats, songs and completely murdered it!!!
I can for sure say that this night will go down in Detroit history as one of the best concerts EVER!!!

Check out the videos after the jump


















VIA LOFTXMUSIC

Big Sean x Two Can Win (Prod. J.Dilla)

"In honor of J Dilla being one of the most influential producers of all time, I decided to lay a verse to one of my favorite tracks off of J Dilla’s Donuts. Being from Detroit I feel I have a responsibility to honor his legacy n continue it in my own way. His soul will live forever… RIP J Dilla" – Big Sean



DOWNLOAD: Big Sean – Only Two Can Win (Prod. J Dilla)


VIA LOFTXMUSIC

Thursday, February 2, 2012

DILLA DAY DETROIT 2/10/12

To help promote Dilla Day (details shown above), Danny Brown rocks over some production from the late great J Dilla. And before everyone gets in arms with the whole “ohhh Dilla didn’t produce this for Danny Brown” bullsh*t, it’s all for the sake of remembering Jay Dee! Unfortunately we only have a snippet for now, but vinyl is being manufactured and their will be copies at the event.