Sunday, November 10, 2013

It Is Now Official: Fat Trel Signs To Wale Music/MMG/Atlantic Records!



All of the rumors about Fat Trel have been answered. Rumors were going around that Fat Trel was getting signed to No Limit as he has had a working relationship with Master P but the rumors then turned towards MMG label deal and a possible RockNation management deal back during the summer. Now it has been made official and has even been stamped by Maybach Music Group's Twitter Account... Fat Trel has signed to MMG/Atlantic Record's new imprint label Wale Music which is led by another DC artist Wale!



Over the summer IndieHipHop.com / HOT 96.3-FM's Rio On The Radio Reported that: "Rap stars Rick Ross and Jay-Z have reportedly agreed to terms with D.C. rapper Fat Trel to add him to their respective Maybach Music Group and Roc Nation rosters."
http://indyhiphop.com/2286732/mmgroc-nation-adds-new-d-c-rapper-to-roster/



Over the summer XXLmag.com reported with the picture to prove it: "Fat Trel Reportedly Inks Deals With MMG, Roc Nation"
http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/07/fat-trel-inks-deal-with-mmg-roc-nation/

Reported by HipHopDX:
The DMV emcee’s manager posts a picture on his Instagram account showing off Trel’s new MMG "Exclusive Recording Agreement" dated July 9, 2013.

"After a long-lived and public friendship with fellow DMV emcee Wale, Fat Trel has reportedly inked a contract with Rick Ross’ label Maybach Music Group as well. As first reported on JukeBoxDC, Trel’s manager, Debo, posted a picture on his Instagram account revealing the artist’s new affiliation (that picture has since been removed from Debo’s account)."

The same source has also alluded to the possibility that Fat Trel will have Jay-Z’s imprint, Roc Nation, on his side as a management force but that claim is currently unsupported. While neither announcement has been verified by Rick Ross or MMG, Trel himself has quietly acknowledged congratulations from fans and industry counterparts on Twitter. Referencing Wale and the upcoming announcement, Trel Tweeted: "BIG NEWS COMING REAL SOON!!!"

Jonny Shipes, manager of artists like Joey Bada$$ and Big K.R.I.T. also extended his congratulations via the social media site.

Despite his relationship with Wale, the news of the signing comes as a surprise given Trel’s affiliation and working partnership with another label-founder in Master P. The two artists have collaborated publicly as a part of the group the Loui V Mob which also includes Atlanta emcee Alley Boy. Master P himself nonchalantly noted that the group represented the future of his own No Limit Records label in an interview with MTV: "Fat Trel is my partner so, this the next generation of No Limit Forever, the revolution." In our own exclusive interview with Master P. earlier this year, the label boss noted that 2013 would see more music from Fat Trel via No Limit: "So 2013, be looking for Alley Boy, Fat Trel, Miss Chee, T.E.C., T-Bo, Bengie B."



We here at Zobe congratulate Fat Trel and Wale for their continued success!

Monday, October 28, 2013

lNDIE ARTISTS MUST GET YOUR MUSIC PROFESSIONALLY MIXED & MASTERED

Coming from Kawan Prather, a 20+ year A&R Rep/Executive Producer/Producer/Writer who is responsible for the success of GooDie Mob, Outkast, Pink, Usher, Youngbloodz, Killer Mike, John Legend, Yelawolf, Mario, Omarion, Bow Wow, TLC, Toni Braxton, and most recently working with Trinidad James. This is his take on indie artists trying to get on without professional mixing.

"First off, the quality of the mix is going to depend on what went on before it got mixed. Obviously the audio quality of the recording for the beat and the vocals are going to be a major factor. Bad or weak sounds aren't going to "magically" be made heavy hitting and great. Sloppy performances, off time overdubs and bad delivery aren't going to end up amazing.

Needless to say, at no time should your beat or vocals have ever been a MP3 and up-sampled to 24/44.1 or whatever. Rapping over an MP3 is a sure fire way to get garbage in the end, and I see guys do it ALL THE TIME!

Also, make sure that the beat isn't clipping all over the place. Most producers, YES, including the ones on Facebook, Twitter, SoundClick, and Sound Cloud know NOTHING about mixing. So they give you beats turned up so loud, they can't be fixed by ANYONE!

Secondly, you need to provide the mixer with the individual tracks, NOT a mix-down of the beat. Individual tracks means the kick is one audio file, the snare is another, and so on--give the mixer all of the elements broken up (but in sync when lined up in a DAW).

Do not expect a great mix unless you have both quality and the individual tracks for the engineer. If you cannot provide those things, then forget about it for now--work with producers/beat writers that will give you the individual tracks in a .wav format (24 bit/44.1 or greater) or any other professional standard.

Okay, let's recap what you have to provide:
1.) Audio quality on the beat and vocal recordings
2.) Individual MONO tracked out WAV FILES
3.) No MP3's

Okay, now that you've done your job this is what you should expect from a professional mixer. First listen to some tracks they've done. Expect to pay more money for people that are actually good. Ballpark figure around $50-$100 an hour or so, although most people give discounts for buying blocks of time. The guys that are cheaper are usually not worth it. You get what you pay for.

The other thing to remember is a PERSON is going to mix this. Don't be as focused on where you're going to get the mix, in other words, the studio. If you "shop a studio" without securing WHO is going to be doing the work you could end up at a great studio that's worked with all these big names and have your track mixed by a novice engineer that had nothing to do with those big artists. This happens all the time so FOCUS ON THE ENGINEER who is going to be, talk to them... they are the one that ultimately is going to make the track sound good or not so good.

Don't get hung up on the tools either. ProTools, Cubase, Sonar... whatever... these are just tools. IT IS A COMPLETE MYTH THAT A PRO-TOOLS IS "INDUSTRY STANDARD!!" The songs you have on your playlists were not all mixed in Pro-tools, and there is no way even the most trained ear can tell which ones were and which ones weren't! It's the person behind the tools that is going to make the difference. Find the right guy and let them worry about the platform, the tools and so forth. That's what they get paid for.

Like I've been saying, it's all about the engineer's skill and taste. That's what mixes a record. As far as the time factor goes if you want to do it right you're going to tackle one song a day. Expect 4-8 hours of work PER TRACK for the mix. You want the best right? This is about the minimum time to get something really hopping. An experienced engineer working on a hip hop track should be able to easily manage a song a day. Anybody that is going to take weeks of time is definitely someone without much experience and is still "messin' around" with audio. Find a pro that eats, sleeps and breaths audio... they'll knock your project out in no time!

When everything is mixed have the whole bundle of songs mastered. Do it on a different day when everyone's ears are fresh. The reason most dudes sound local is because they got a MP3 beat off the internet, spit some stuff they made up five minutes beforehand into the mic and keep the first or second take, throw some random adlibs up behind it and give someone less than an hour to mix and master it. That's the local sound. What I'm suggesting is that you just do the opposite of the local dudes... and you'll be amazed... you'll sound a lot more like the "big boys" just by following this advice."

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Chris Brown Arrested During Howard Homecoming in DC



Chris Brown has been arrested while visiting Washington DC this weekend for Howard Homecoming events. Apparently Chris Brown was arrested for Felony Assault for beating up a guy outside of the W Hotel downtown DC early this morning after being spotted partying at DC club Park at 14th. Chris Brown is currently in custody and the other party is claiming injuries at a DC hospital. Guess Chris still has not learned his lesson yet. What are your thoughts? (Comment Below)

Monday, October 21, 2013

Indie Music Competition Online

Calling all independent music artists of all genres. This is your opportunity to submit yourself for a magazine feature, record deal, talent agency representation contract, professional photo-shoot, filmed interview for TV network, performance filmed and posted online, magazine writeup/interview, one song basic video shoot, marketing email blast, promotional text message blast, independent radio interview, and more.

Music artists must be ages 18 or older (male or female). Winning music artist must be able to travel to the Washington DC metro area to take advantage of some of the prizes offered.

There will be 4 winners:

Grand Prize Winner - Cash Prize, Magazine Feature in Print Publication & Online Blog, 360 Record Deal, Distribution Deal, Publishing Deal, Talent Agency Representation Contract (Management/Booking), Professional Photo-shoot, Filmed Interview For Online TV Network, Performance Filmed And Posted Online, Magazine Writeup/Interview, One-Song Basic Video-shoot, Marketing Email Blast, Promotional Text Message Blast, Independent Radio Interview, Twitter Followers/Promotion, Facebook Fan Page Likes/Promotion, YouTube Video Views/Promotion, Flyers, Business Cards, Merchandise, and more.

1st Place Winner - Interview & Photo On Magazine Online Blog, Twitter Followers/Promotion, Facebook Fan Page Likes/Promotion, YouTube Video Views/Promotion, 50/50 Record Deal (Development Deal), Talent Agency Representation Contract

2nd Place Winner - Interview & Photo On Magazine Online Blog, Twitter Followers/Promotion, Facebook Fan Page Likes/Promotion, 50/50 Record Deal (Development Deal), Talent Agency Representation Contract

3rd Place Winner - Interview & Photo On Magazine Online Blog, Twitter Followers/Promotion, 50/50 Record Deal (Development Deal), Talent Agency Representation Contract

There is one participation fee: $100. To make payment you must follow this link and upon making payment you will receive further information pertaining to the next step in your independent artist submission.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Magazine Submission Photo-Shoot & Swimsuit Calendar Casting

Female models get your photos taken for magazine submission and casting for 2014 swimsuit calendar. Females ages 18+.

Models will come to the photo-shoot/casting camera ready (hair/make-up done and in the outfit of choice that you plan on shooting in for the magazine submission). Models will bring as a second outfit a swimsuit to shoot in for the magazine submission/calendar casting.

There is one participation fee: $50. To make payment you must follow this link and upon making payment you will be contacted to setup an appointment to shoot.

(Make sure that you check your email after you make your payment so that you can be provided with more information and to arrange your appointment for your shoot.)

Thursday, September 26, 2013

2013 Washington DC & NY "Rock The Bells" Concerts Cancelled



As Reported Via Complex.com:

After having just announced the act lineup for Rock The Bells in Washington, D.C. this weekend, it looks like festival organizers are cancelling the shows due to poor ticket sales.

According to the Washingon City Paper, representatives at RFK Stadium where Rock The Bells was scheduled at have confirmed that the shows have been cancelled for September 28 and September 29. Ticketmaster has also removed ticket sale options from Rock The Bells in New York, which was scheduled for October 4 and October 5 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

As of press time, Rock The Bells have not released a statement regarding the cancelled shows.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Gucci Mane Dropped By Atlantic Records

Apparently there is a reason that Gucci Mane has been going crazy the last couple of days... either that or this is the result of the crazy mess that Gucci Mane has subjected the media to.



Reported by XXL:

"Gucci Mane has been going for three days straight on Twitter rants that encompasses his beef with Waka Flocka Flame, Frenchie and just about everyone who has relations with him. Today, Gucci has been going in at the music industry, calling out label reps, his manager Kevin “Coach K” Lee and more. “Warner. Mizay. Atlantic. Shapiro firm Emanon management asylum records bsm. Get ready 4 audit no deal 4 waka sell ya ghost bitch 1m,” says Gucci via Twitter. It’s one of many outlandish remarks.

Through Gucci’s lively timeline, he made it clear that he was no longer associated with Atlantic Records and their distribution deal. According to an anonymous former representative as told to the Fader, the person states, “he’s not with Atlantic anymore.”

There is no new information on why Gucci and Atlantic split. The source continues to say that he/she is unsure how the deal ended, but it may have “been a time thing.” Another piece of information to add to the Gucci development is his longtime manager Coach K is no longer representing him. As pointed out by Complex, the Atlanta-based veteran hasn’t been with him for about three months.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

VOTE FOR "AVI STREETZ" TO PERFORM WITH MANY OF THE BEST IN HIP-HOP @ THE WASHINGTON DC ROCK THE BELLS CONCERT!



VOTE DAILY FOR "AVI STREETZ" TO PERFORM WITH MANY OF THE BEST IN HIP-HOP @ THE WASHINGTON DC ROCK THE BELLS CONCERT!

TO VOTE CLICK HERE AND ALSO TAKE A LISTEN TO "AVI STREETZ" NEW SINGLE "BRING ME OUT"

http://kysdc.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=102172&s=42028320

Like Avi Streetz's FaceBook page:
http://www.facebook.com/AviStreetzZobe

Follow Avi Streetz on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/AstroInkAvi

Avi Streetz Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7nZX3bho0

Avi Streetz Live Performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQGvirSJfB0

Download Avi Streetz "The Still Theories" Mix-tape For FREE:
http://t.co/7PzXWiCi1C

====================

If you would like to book Avi Streetz for features on your songs, performances at events/concerts please contact Zobe Models & Talents Agency at: ZobeModelsAndTalents@gmail.com.

To reach Avi Streetz for interviews on radio/TV or any other business please contact Zobe Records at: AviStreetz@ZobeRecords.com.

---------

Zobe Records / Alonzo Black Publishing (ASCAP)
(Independent Record Label & Publishing Company)
http://www.ZobeRecords.com/

T.I. Always Keeps It Real... Respect...

This is what T.I. has to say about being on top of his game:

Gotta respect that man... doing his thing independently at the moment. Doesn't seem like he needs a major label right now at this point in his career.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Is Kanye Gonna Catch A Felony Charge For Attempted Robbery?

Rap artist Kanye West might be in big trouble as he may face a felony charge for attempted robbery at LAX airport July 19, 2013 after getting into a confrontation with the paparazzi. The entire confrontation was video recorded and Kanye is seen trying to take the camera from the photographer who is reported to have "injuries" as a result of the confrontation. Check it out for yourself:

Monday, July 15, 2013

Did Fat Trel Sign To MMG/RocNation?



The question that everyone is asking is did Fat Trel sign to a major? Rumors were going around that Fat Trel was getting signed to No Limit as he has had a working relationship with Master P but the rumors are now turning towards MMG label deal and a possible RockNation management deal. How true this is, we can't say, but the word is that an announcement is coming soon so keep your ear to the streets!

IndieHipHop.com / HOT 96.3-FM's Rio On The Radio Reports that: "Rap stars Rick Ross and Jay-Z have reportedly agreed to terms with D.C. rapper Fat Trel to add him to their respective Maybach Music Group and Roc Nation rosters."
http://indyhiphop.com/2286732/mmgroc-nation-adds-new-d-c-rapper-to-roster/



XXLmag.com reports with the picture to prove it: "Fat Trel Reportedly Inks Deals With MMG, Roc Nation"
http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/07/fat-trel-inks-deal-with-mmg-roc-nation/

Reported by HipHopDX:
The DMV emcee’s manager posts a picture on his Instagram account showing off Trel’s new MMG "Exclusive Recording Agreement" dated July 9, 2013.

"After a long-lived and public friendship with fellow DMV emcee Wale, Fat Trel has reportedly inked a contract with Rick Ross’ label Maybach Music Group as well. As first reported on JukeBoxDC, Trel’s manager, Debo, posted a picture on his Instagram account revealing the artist’s new affiliation (that picture has since been removed from Debo’s account)."

The same source has also alluded to the possibility that Fat Trel will have Jay-Z’s imprint, Roc Nation, on his side as a management force but that claim is currently unsupported. While neither announcement has been verified by Rick Ross or MMG, Trel himself has quietly acknowledged congratulations from fans and industry counterparts on Twitter. Referencing Wale and the upcoming announcement, Trel Tweeted: "BIG NEWS COMING REAL SOON!!!"

Jonny Shipes, manager of artists like Joey Bada$$ and Big K.R.I.T. also extended his congratulations via the social media site.

Despite his relationship with Wale, the news of the signing comes as a surprise given Trel’s affiliation and working partnership with another label-founder in Master P. The two artists have collaborated publicly as a part of the group the Loui V Mob which also includes Atlanta emcee Alley Boy. Master P himself nonchalantly noted that the group represented the future of his own No Limit Records label in an interview with MTV: "Fat Trel is my partner so, this the next generation of No Limit Forever, the revolution." In our own exclusive interview with Master P. earlier this year, the label boss noted that 2013 would see more music from Fat Trel via No Limit: "So 2013, be looking for Alley Boy, Fat Trel, Miss Chee, T.E.C., T-Bo, Bengie B."



We here at Zobe congratulate Fat Trel and await the official news!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Zobe Records artist releases new mix-tape (Hip-Hop/Rap/Dub-Step/EDM/Alternative)

The new dub-step/EDM mix-tape is set to release on May 6, 2013! Bursting through with the crossover into the dub-step/EDM universe! This will be rotated by select radio stations soon and made available online for FREE to download. So keep your eyes and ears open for this new project!

Be sure to go to http://www.ZobeRecords.com/ and signup for updates on the email opt-in found in the top right corner of the website to follow the movement!

LIKE Zobe Record's Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/ZobeRecords

Follow Zobe Records on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/ZobeRecords (@ZobeRecords)

If you would like to book any Zobe Records artist(s) for features on your songs, performances at events/concerts please contact Zobe Models & Talents Agency at: ZobeModelsAndTalents@gmail.com.

To book any Zobe Records artist(s) for interviews on radio/TV or any other business please contact Zobe Records at: info@ZobeRecords.com.

Monday, April 15, 2013

DMV Rap Artist Signs To Def Jam

As stated by KYSDC.com:



The DMV gets another one as Maryland rapper Logic has signed to Def Jam. The rapper, who was recently featured as one of WKYS’ Hottest Local Music Artists in 2012 and XXL Magazine’s Freshman 10 cover, has had whirlwind of a year lately.

LOGIC STATED: “I’m excited to take this next step in my career,” said Logic in a statement. “It’s incredible for Def Jam and Visionary Music Group to work together and the opportunity to collaborate with a living legend like NO I.D. is priceless. I’m very humbled to be apart of the most iconic hip hop label of all time.”

With his videos such as “The Spotlight” and “All I Do” already getting millions of views on Youtube and a new mix-tape and national tour on the horizon this is great news for the area’s rap scene.

Logic will release his new and highly anticipated (fourth) mix-tape, Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever in May and below is the tour dates for his upcoming “VMG Welcome To Forever Tour”.

“VMG WELCOME TO FOREVER TOUR”
Starring LOGIC, C DOT CASTRO, and SKIZZY MARS

Date: City: Venue:
_______________________________________________________
May 14 Atlanta, GA Terminal West
16 Dallas, TX House of Blues
17 San Antonio, TX White Rabbit
18 Austin, TX Stubb’s Jr.
19 Houston, TX House of Blues
21 New York, NY Best Buy Theater
23 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
24 Fort Collins, CO Aggie Theatre
25 Colorado Spgs., CO The Black Sheep
26 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine
28 Tucson, AZ Rock
29 Scottsdale, AZ Martini Ranch
30 San Diego, CA House of Blues
31 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues

June 1 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
3 Santa Barbara, CA Velvet Jones
4 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades
6 Portland, OR Peter’s Room
7 Vancouver, B.C. Fortune Sound Club
8 Seattle, WA The Crocodile
10 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex
11 Denver, CO The Summit Music Hall
12 Lawrence, KS Granada Theater
14 Minneapolis, MN Varsity
15 Milwaukee, WI The Rave II (Downstairs)
16 Detroit, MI Shelter
18 Cleveland, OH HOB Cambridge Room
19 Chicago, IL House of Blues
21 Boston, MA Paradise
22 New York, NY Irving Plaza
23 Silver Spring, MD Fillmore
24 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)
26 Toronto, Ont. Mod Club


Monday, February 25, 2013

Gunplay Is A Free Man Regardless Of The Video Proof Of Armed Robbery

That's right! "Gunplay" used a gun and played the system!

TMZ States:
Rapper Gunplay is officially off the hook for robbing his accountant at gunpoint despite damning surveillance video that captured the whole incident … all because the victim refuses to cooperate with authorities."



"The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office tells TMZ, “Video alone is not enough to convict an individual of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” The office continues, “Although the armed robbery is captured on the victim’s surveillance system, the victim, Turron Woodside, is uncooperative of the prosecution of this defendant Richard Morales [Gunplay].”

Officials say they need Woodside to authenticate the footage so they can use it as evidence against Gunplay, who was accused of pulling a gun on Woodside and stealing a cell phone and gold chain during the incident last fall.

The State Attorney’s Office says the judge subpoenaed Woodside but prosecutors were unable to find him in order to serve him. Officials say Woodside’s family and co-workers have told the court “he’s out of town and/or coping with a family death” along with other excuses.

The judge made it clear … without Woodside’s testimony, prosecutors couldn’t make their case, and they were forced to drop the charges.

Gunplay was charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Gunplay tells TMZ, the first thing he’s going to do now that the case is dismissed … is roll a fat joint … oh yeah, then spend time with his “loved ones.”

He tells us, “Today I am grateful and blessed that the case was dismissed … I plan on picking up where I left off with my music and making hits with my upcoming debut album … The first thing I am going to do today is smoke a joint, relax, play video games, and just be with my loved ones.”

So then Gunplay wants to go on Twitter and brag about it... lol... "I jus gave da State of Florida back a life sentence!! Case dismissed!! S/o to da Bath Salt Boss @rickyrozay #medellin". As if that does not explain it all. What would you do if you were a money and power hungry record label? Let your investment of money, time, potential profits, and more go out of the window and get locked up for life or pay someone to sit tight until this court thing blows over, case gets dismissed, and go back to making money as the artist is about to drop his debut album...? Sounds like a no-brainer... gotta love the system right!?!?

Friday, January 18, 2013

T.I. (As A New Free Agent) Sparks Bidding War! He wants $75 Million To Sign To Label (Offers Have Already Been Made)

As reported by TMZ:
"Got $75 million handy? If so, you can sign T.I. to your label … the hip hop star just became the number-one free agent in rap — and despite the steep price tag he’s putting out … some deep pockets are already lining up. Sources close to T.I. tell TMZ … T.I.’s 10-year contract with Atlantic ran up only a month ago … but he’s already put together his own idea of a $75 million deal: - 3 albums - 10-20 percent of publishing, touring, merchandise, film and TV rights - Corporate endorsement deals - Exclusive signing of all Grand Hustle artists Sources close to T.I. tell TMZ … he’s already met with some of the industry’s biggest names … including Dr. Dre, who asked him to join Interscope over dinner at Katana recently … and Jay-Z, who wants T.I. in the RocNation family. We’re told Sony’s put a $50 million deal on the table so far … and Universal’s meeting with him later this week to make an offer too. All in all, not a bad group to have knocking at your door …" Now if you take a look at the history behind T.I. and how he made it to where he is today you will know why he will most likely get everything he is asking for and maybe more. T.I. has come up in the industry by doing a lot himself independently. What he raps about is his life story and what he has gone through and experienced. The trials and troubles of his life were written into hit songs! T.I. not only creates great music that will keep your head nodding but he is marketable and can appeal to a mass audience while having a humble personality. All independent artists should take those things into consideration and make note when trying to pursue a career in the music industry.