The Top 25 Emcees in Hip Hop Today
June 10, 2008 by Kasmo · 5 Comments
This is a composed list of Def Pen Radio Host Kasmo Huxtable’s Top 25 Emcee’s as of right now. Read more
ORONDE: Bringing Words to Life by: B.A.
February 2, 2008 by Haizy · Leave a Comment
“I’m from a place called Pop Off City.” These are the standout words from a lyricist named Oronde. Born on April 22, 1978 on the Westside of NYC’s notorious Bronx borough. He doesn’t have the “typical” rappers story. With both his parents and the rest of his family behind him a 110%, he has the best support system possible.Growing up in the Bronx was difficult in certain aspects, but it has made Oronde the person and lyricist he is today. Knowing he wanted to be a rapper by age 13, he was heavily influenced by Big Pun, Nas, Raekwon, EPMD, Ghostface, Tupac, Jay-z, Biggie and especially NWA – he actually first learned to write rhymes by rewriting NWA Songs. “Don’t quote me boy cause I ain’t say shit”, by NWA was the first song he rewrote and made into his own. Even though he would rewrite these rhymes, he transformed them into something wonderful and extremely creative. This got him to own his words and thoughts. He even remembers the first moment he fell in love with hip-hop – it was when his mother bought him his first radio and two cassettes: “We want Eazy”, by Eazy E and Tone Loc’s, “Wild Thing”. Oronde knew this music world was how he was supposed to make his mark on the world.Oronde belonged to multiple groups growing up, and his first was a trio called Lost Generation he formed at the age of 16 with friends Sha-Legacy and Maine. They recorded their first song together, “Reality”. His first ever performance was at a college in Potsdam, NY at age 18. Though the turnout for the show was not a superstar crowd, when he hit the stage, all eyes were on him. The small crowd roared with cheers when he finished his set. That amazing feel of that first performance chills him to this day. Even though the crowd was small, the rush of being on stage felt as though hundreds and thousands of rabid fans were spurring him on – and this adrenaline surge made him perform with way more emphasis. Breaking off from the groups, he went through numerous solo pseudonyms from Ron Lover to Mad Dog, to Lil Don Ron to Father Ron to finally settling with his birth name, Oronde.His larger than life persona and energy onstage and in person along with his charismatic demeanor draws you into his words and he makes you feel them. Staying true to his artistry, he is original in the sense that no one can bring to the game what he can which is, Oronde. Not trying to be or imitate anyone else is refreshing for a music fan to hear. It makes you want to delve deeper into his music and hear everything he has to say.Rap is not the only outlet for hearing Oronde’s words. He’s a well-known and respected poet. He’s won contests, awards and people’s hearts from performing at his college, Monroe College in Bronx, NY, to stages in and around NYC. Being known for bringing females in the audience to tears from his powerful words, it is hard to believe that the industry has yet to come across him. But when he does get signed and his album does drop, even if it flops he would still be proud because it would have been a life long dream and he’d still continue to rap. Knowing that God gave him his gift of words we are sure his album will not flop, it would soar high on the charts and far into hip-hop history.As stated before, Oronde does not have you typical rapper’s story. Yes, he has had the young boy troubles such as fighting with other youngsters, detention and partying, but he has remained focused and received a college education from Monroe College. Even though rap is the biggest dream he has it is not the only one. Wanting to own and build hotels around the world, take care of his family and create one of his own one day, he is a well-rounded and put together person.The legacy he wants to leave behind is to be known for greatness, as a great man and lyricist. Furthermore, he wants New York rappers to take back pride in their music and make people want to listen and watch hip-hop coming from where it originated. Because Oronde comes from a place called Pop Off City, where music lives.CHECK OUT HIS MUSIC ON: myspace.com/crushcityentertainment
“My Notebook and Who?”
January 17, 2008 by Haizy · 2 Comments
Jesse Boykins III, aka JBIII, is a 22 year old, up and coming R&B singer, who’s music has a jazzy and soulful sound. Jesse’s passion for creating feel good music has always inspired me. Read on to hear my (Haizy of Def Pen Radio’s) interview with the soulful R&B artist himself, JBIII.
Myspace Celebs Gone Wrong Pt. 1
January 16, 2008 by Ducketz · Leave a Comment
“You’ll be just like that image above,they’ll simply forget you”
So its alot going on,alot of it will in fact be addressed on the next DEF PEN RADIO mixtape.A topic that will be discuss is “Myspace Celebs” gone wrong.Its actually ALOT of those going around.Being on myspace and pursuing your music career or modeling career for 3-4 years and not have any HUGE projects coming up is a serious problem.That simply tells you one thing,your craft is something the public doesn’t want and its time to look in the mirror and repeat this to yourself “IM NOT WHO THEY WANT,this isn’t my field” Now this is mainly for females on myspace with hmmmm lets say 250K+ friends network.Now you should have a few major things going for yourself,major music websites & blogspots should be caught on to you by now,you should have some form of magazine press.But remind you it should click in your head one way or another,you WILL REMAIN just that,a online celebrity if that.Don’t get yourself caught up in the hype of myspace,build something outside of that (www.defpenradio718.com launching soon) shameless plug I know(laughs) but back to the topic at hand,if you can’t create nothing for yourself outside of myspace or just the net alone its a problem.But it gets worse,and this is for the so called female myspace celebs,ALL THAT ASS YOU SHOWING AND YOU NOT MAKING NO MONEY!
T.B.A
