Official Lupe Fiasco "Laser" Tour Dates Announcement!

Here's the (U.S. leg) official list for Lupe Fiasco's "Steppin Laser" Tour alongside with B.o.B.

Friday 3/5 - Bridges Auditorium - Claremont, CA - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 3/20 - Bob Hope Theatre - Stockton, CA
Wednesday 4/07 - House of Blues - Boston, MA - (w/B.o.B)
Friday 4/09 - House of Blues (Atlantic City) - Atlantic City, NJ - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 4/10 - The Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza - New York, NY - (w/B.o.B)
Tuesday 4/13 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC - (w/B.o.B)
Wednesday 4/14 - Royal Oak Theatre - Detroit, MI - (w/B.o.B)
Friday 4/16 - Eagles Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 4/17 - Lund Arena (Gustavus Adolphus College) - St. Peter, MN
Sunday 4/18 - Midland Theatre - Kansas City, MO
Tuesday 4/20 - Peoria Civic Center Theatre - Peoria, IL - (w/B.o.B)
Thursday 4/22 - East Tennessee State University Center - Johnson City, TN
Friday 4/23 - UNC – Charlotte - Charlotte, NC - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 4/24 - Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Worcester, MA
Monday 4/26 - House of Blues - Houston, TX - (w/B.o.B)
Tuesday 4/27 - House of Blues - Dallas, TX - (w/B.o.B)
Thursday 4/29 - Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO - (w/B.o.B)
Saturday 5/01 - House of Blues (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas, NV - (w/B.o.B)
Sunday 5/02 - House of Blues (Sunset) - Los Angeles, CA - (w/B.o.B)
Wednesday 5/05 - Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA - (w/B.o.B)
Friday 5/07 - Showbox SoDo - Seattle, WA - (w/B.o.B)

Its The Real: Charles disCharged

Sarcasm at its finest

Jay-Z Wishes To Shoot Two Videos

MTV Shows

At his Two Kings dinner last week, MTV asked Jay about what videos he plans to shoot next.

I wanna shoot ‘Venus vs. Mars’, that may be the last one.. I wanna shoot two, I been shooting two at one time. I’ll probably shoot ‘Venus’ and maybe ‘A Star Is Born.’ But I definitely wanna shoot ‘Venus’ — I got an amazing concept in my mind.

There probably won’t be a video for “Stranded,” though.

I don’t think there will be a video. The number is ridiculous as far as the [money generated by the Hope For Haiti Now] album. I’m excited about the whole effort we put into the telethon. I don’t think it’s entertainment, I think it’s a real thing. It’s helping real people through a real tough time, and we’ll just move on from there.

He also talked about his next album.

I didn’t really start yet. I got a couple of scraps and I got a couple of ideas. I didn’t really go into the studio yet. I’ve been toying with ideas and direction and things like that. I got one crazy record. To be honest with you, it’s crazy. I got one and we’ll build from there. Whether it comes out this year or next year, it depends on the music and how it’s coming out. I don’t really have any dates.

Courtesy of NahRight

Rich Boy- Mr. Jetson

Download: Rich Boy- Mr. Jetson

Video: Wiz Khalifa: Kush X Orange Juice Trailer

Wiz Khalifa XXL Freshmen 2010 Freestyle (Video)

MarVo- Sad Song

I know he looks very young, but trust me I wouldn't have put him up here if I didn't think he had IT. Hooking up with various heavy hitters in the game from Don Cannon to DJ Drama, all of them vouch for the Chi-town spitter cuz he goes in.

Download: MarVo- Sad Song

Lupe Leaks!!

Here's a couple of leaks from Lupe Fiasco. I don't if they'll be on his Lasers album, but here you go for the meantime.

Download: Lupe Fiasco- What U Want (Unfinished)
Download: Lupe Fiasco- Proceed
Download: Lupe Fiasco- Lean

Little Brother- LeftBack (Artwork & Tracklist)

Tracklisting

1. Curtain Call (Prod. By Khrysis)
2. Table For Two Feat. Jozeemo & Yahzarah (Prod. By Khrysis)
3. Tigallo For Dolo (Prod. By Khrysis)
4. Revenge Feat. Truck North & Median (Prod. By Khrysis)
5. So Cold Feat. Chaundon (Prod. By King Karnov)
6. Second Chances Feat. Bilal & Darien Brockington (Prod. By Denaun Porter)
7. Go Off Go On (Prod. By Khrysis)
8. What We Are Feat. Quiana (Prod. By Young R.J.)
9. After The Party Feat. Carlitta Durand (S1 and Caleb’s Who Shot JR Ewing Remix) (Prod. By S1 and Caleb)
10. Two Step Blues Feat. Darien Brockington (Zo’s Purple Suit With The Matching Gators Remix) (Prod. By Zo!)
11. Get Enough Pt. 2 Feat. Khrysis (Prod. By Khrysis)
12. Before The Night Is Over (Prod. By J.Bizness)
13. 24 Feat. Torae (Prod. By Khrysis)

QuESt – How Thoughtful (Mixtape)

Intellectual Rap!

Download: QuESt – How Thoughtful (Mixtape)

CurT@!n$ – State Of Emergency

Download: Curt@!n$– State Of Emergency

Nipsey Hussle- Talk About Me

Ehhh. Nipsey could've done better... #kanyshrug

Download: Nipsey Hussle- Talk About Me

Its The Real: They Reminisce Over Ye

They Reminisce Over Ye from jeff on Vimeo.

Big K.R.I.T – King (Video)

Here's an up and comer that I'm really supporting, Big K.R.I.T. from Meridian, Mississippi. This only the second song that I've heard from K.R.I.T., he keeps me on my toes wanting to hear more. Not to draw any comparisons, as critics love to do that, he reminds me of a "dirty south" J. Cole, even though J. Cole is from Tobacco Road. Well this is the visual and the audio for his new song, also look out for his project "K.R.I.T Wuz Here” dropping April 5th. Here's my stamp of approval

Download: Big K.R.I.T.- King

Curren$y- Smokee Robinson (Mixtape)

Here it is... The HIGHLY anticipated mixtape from Da Hot Spitta

Download: Curren$y- Smokee Robinson (Mixtape)

Dame Dash's "BlakRoc" Camero

Dame Dash teams up with Chevy for the BlakRoc Camero.

Travis Porter- @IAMTRAVISPORTER (Mixtape)

Here's those all they way turn't up guys from the ATL, with their new mixtape @IAMTRAVISPORTER. This should be a slapper from the looks of the tracklisting. So here it is, enjoy and get max turn't!

Download: Travis Porter- @IAMTRAVISPORTER (Mixtape)

Young Jeezy- The Takeover (Feat. Bigga Rankin)

Young Jeezy will be dropping Trap Or Die 2 this Saturday so be on the lookout for that one...

Download: Young Jeezy- The Takeover (Feat. Bigga Rankin)

Nike “Year of the Tiger” Classic Cortez

iCop

Oddisee- Odd Winter (Mixtape)

Just a quick little mixtape from rapper/producer Oddisee reppin that DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) in case you ain't know so. This is more of an instrumental tape with a couple songs with some unknows rapping to Odd's beats. This a very great CD and I highly recommend it. FIRM Approved!

Download: Oddisee- Odd Winter

Time 4 Sum Aksion

ItsTheReal will be back in action this Monday Febuary 8th so look out for that post.

Video: Ludacris, Nas & Big Boi - Live @ The Velvet Room

Luda x Nas x Big Boi@ Velvet Room from DTP TV on Vimeo.

I definitely need to get a camera like this...

Feature DJ: DJ B Eazy

Over the years, the constant power struggle that is Hip Hop has transitioned from Coast to Coast.From New York, to the Midwest to the dirty South no one has done it quite like the West Coast. Widely respected and looked up to for their edgy sounds and aggressive in your face style- artists like NWA, ICE-T, 2 Pac, and Snoop Dogg have helped to shape and evolve the ever changing style of Hip Hop.
Now as we enter the age of the mixtape, we see new up and coming talent out of the west coast developing including Brandon Matthews better known as Dj B Eazy a native of Compton, CA and relative of the late MC Yella of the infamous N.W.A.
When asked about his first experience with music, he simply laughed and replied,” I was introduced to music very young, it’s in my blood.”
Thus making DJing a natural choice “…man, I couldn’t rap, but my love for music wouldn't let me leave hip hop alone...”
Becoming a DJ has opened a number of doors for B-Eazy and has helped him to develop a number of relationships with people around the world.
These same connections assisted B-Eazy in spinning his way from the streets of Compton to the spotlights of Las Vegas. With a number of sin city stories to tell, Eazy says “The party in Vegas doesn’t end until about 6 in the morning”
With plans to expand his reach across the globe, B-Eazy has major moves in the works! This Cali native is out to run the world, one mixtape at time.
For booking or event inquiries contact DJ B Eazy at Twitter.com/DJ_B_Eazy

Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals

Tell us a little about NYP, its origins and where it is now?
The Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals (NYP) was established in 2003 to foster personal and professional growth by connecting its members through fun and engaging activities, while simultaneously offering career enhancing opportunities. We are focused on all aspects of a young professionals’ life, and our events and gatherings offer a chance for young professionals to explore Tallahassee and meet its residents in a casual atmosphere. NYP allows you to network in different settings and opens a door to building lasting friendships.
Over the past 7 years, we’ve built a network that reaches over 1,000 local young professionals in our community. We believe 2010 will be a year in which NYP really takes off. We’ve seen a very promising and exciting increase in attendance at our events, and expect the trend to continue as more young Tallahasseans discover what NYP has to offer. Our goal for 2010 is to recruit 150 new members.
What are some current initiatives and events that NYP is working on presently?
On Friday, January 29th, NYP is hosting its 5th Annual Hometown Hoedown at the Tallahassee Museum from 7-11 P.M. The event, benefitting the museum, will feature live music by Jimmy Gillis, nighttime tours of the museum, a bonfire, southern food and cold drinks. Admission is $20, but includes unlimited food and drinks. A $5 discount will be given to those who renew or purchase a NYP membership for 2010. However, you do not have to be a member to attend the Hometown Hoedown—it is open to anyone who is looking for a new way to meet young professionals in our area.
Additionally, we’ve designated February as Membership Month for 2010. Throughout the month of February, NYP will host a series of events aimed at attracting potential new members. Membership Month kicks off with Hometown Hoedown, followed by our monthly 535 Happy Hour at the Winery at the Red Bar, a Connect YP luncheon that is co-sponsored with the United Way of the Big Bend’s For Young Leaders Only, and a How To: Make Sushi event. It’s a great way to sample what we have to offer.
What impact do you seek to make on the Tallahassee area?
We want to show the young people in our city the more vibrant side of Tallahassee—that we are not just a sleepy college town. Additionally, we want to enrich the city as a whole by providing talent and valuable resources to local businesses and cultural organizations. It’s an exciting time to be a young professional in Tallahassee, and we know we have an opportunity to help shape our city’s future.
What is the ultimate goal of NYP?
Our mission is to make Tallahassee a city where young professionals choose to live, work, play and stay. NYP is not a place to merely exchange business cards, but an organization intended to help you enjoy Tallahassee, while uniquely intersecting the benefits of enhancing your social and professional life.
What are the benefits of joining NYP?
As a paid member of NYP, you receive access to our entire network of over 1,000 local young professionals. Additionally, members enjoy discounts at many NYP events. Annual dues are $36 for a 12 month membership (February-February).
What characteristics do you look for in members?
We are not just a network—we are your peers. We are young, motivated professionals who are seeking to network, socialize and broaden our professional horizons while remembering to have a little fun along the way. However, you do not have to be a member or even a "young" professional to participate in any of our events. If you are energetic and enthusiastic about Tallahassee's young professional community, we would love to have you join us.
If someone wanted to get involved, how would they go about getting involved? Where could they receive additional information?
The best way to get involved in NYP is to attend one of our events. A great way to start is by checking out our 535 Happy Hour, which is held the first Wednesday of every month at a different local bar or restaurant (see our website for a listing of upcoming events). All you need to do is show up—there is no cover and these happy hours are open to everyone, whether or not you are a paid member. You have no excuse to say you don’t know where to meet anyone your age, because every month we provide an opportunity to do so!
Personally, this is how I was first introduced to NYP. I’d heard of NYP happy hours, but I was always reluctant to go by myself. However, one day after seeing something in the local paper about an upcoming 535 Happy Hour, I decided to go—what did I have to lose? I went by myself, but I wasn’t by myself at all that evening. I met some great people that night, and I’ve gone to almost every event since!
If you are interested in becoming a paid member to experience all of our benefits, you can purchase your membership online at our website, www.tallahasseenyp.org.
Or, if you simply want to learn more about our organization or information about upcoming events, you can visit our website (www.tallahasseenyp.org), join our Facebook page , or follow us on Twitter (@tallahasseenyp).

Roll with the Winners: Circle of Success

"You only get as far as the people you hang around." -Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

For some it may be your family, others friends or co-workers. Whoever it may be-understand this is your Circle of Success and the company you keep plays as large a part as your achievements.

A little over a year ago, two individuals decided to make their network their net worth merging two separate clothing lines together to create Circle of Success.

With just a simple glance at their website, their message is clear-creating an association with success through clothing. Circle of Success strives to reach the capacity for the champion state of mind. Now as the brand enters their second season, the Inland Empire (a combination of Riverside & San Bernardino counties) natives remain true their message continuing to be draw inspiration from who they are and what they do as entrepreneurs as opposed to outside influences.

Since its creation, Circle of Success has rapidly gained respect and notoriety amongst the heavy hitter street brands such as Crooks & Castles, 10 Deep, Clae, and so forth. The line recently obtained their sixth store in Southern California, and co-founder Courtney Campbell expresses that this is only the beginning!

Upcoming projects include collaborations with the ever-so-popular Inland Empire brand Soulful Commando as well as partnerships with Donut Clothing. Together the companies are committed to bringing the IE out of the shadow of its neighbor and fashion capital, Los Angeles.

Wearing their area code as a badge of honor, Circle of Success has much to be proud of, creating a whole new market in an seemingly elusive arena. Amid everything else the brand has to offer, if the sole purpose is to become synonymous with greatness, then this motivated clothing line has nothing to fret.

If interested in purchasing anything from the COS brand, their online website is www.cos247.com

Feature Designer: Asha Maddali for Paisley & Brass

Tallatainment: When did you start making Jewelry? Was this always your passion?




Paisley & Brass: I started fiddling around with it at Florida State's Market Wednesdays in 2006. I started selling clothes & jewelry I wasn't wearing like at the market sort of like a little pop up consignment shop then started tweaking jewelry pieces to make them more of what I liked. Then slowly, it progressed into me selling all jewelry and fashion accessories I designed. I have always had a strong love for jewelry, especially antique and vintage pieces. I just feel that jewelry pieces are special and hold meaning for the wearer so you can keep them forever. Also they withstand trends much better than clothes!





Tallatainment: What/who is your inspiration?





Paisley & Brass: I really love tribal and ethnic pieces. My grandparents live in India so there are some really amazing chunky vintage pieces I scour for when I visit them. I also find inspiration in music, traveling and entrepreneurial people who own their own business. Living in New York City and being surrounded by so many young and talented artists as well is always motivating too to keep going and grow my business.





Tallatainment: What is your design philosophy?





Paisley & Brass: I think it is important to always design pieces you believe in. I think when you focus on trying to make things that you think will sell, it doesn't work because its been forced. I try to stay true to what I like aesthetically and luckily others have been liking it too!





Tallatainment: What aspirations do you have for your line? Would you eventually like for the pieces to retail in dept stores or boutiques?





Paisley & Brass: I would love to do a collaboration with a clothing designer or expand the assortment of product. I am currently working on these fun little embellished hair clips & pins for jackets and blazers that are really great. And as for the selling to department stores, I would love to be able to expose my jewelry to a wider audience. And selling to more boutiques is something I am continually working on.





Tallatainment: Do you do special or custom orders for clients?





Paisley & Brass: Yes, I think it is one of my favorite things to do! It feels so special to work with someone and collaborate to create a piece together that is so personalized and special to them. It is very rewarding.





Tallatainment: Do current fashion trends have an impact on the look of your pieces?





Paisley & Brass: I have always been drawn to chunky, statement pieces of jewelry and since body jewelry and armor is so popular right now, I do look at those things. I also love reading blogs and magazines and looking at street style pictures for inspiration as well.





Tallatainment: What is your ultimate goal as a designer?





Paisley & Brass: To keep building technical skills that will allow me to further explore more design possibilities while growing the business growing and the product assortment ever changing and exciting. I would ultimately love to have a little accessory empire one day!







Pictures courtesy of www.spanishmossvintage.com

Paisley & Brass Jewelry

website: www.ashaloo.etsy.com

blog: www.paisleyandbrass.blogspot.com

Man in the Mirror: MJ Inspired Fashion

There isn’t one person on the planet that wasn’t touched by Michael Jackson. Whether you listened to him on the 8 tracks, practiced your moonwalk in your mother’s kitchen or made your own rhinestone glove. We all wanted a piece and now because of some of talented designers we can!


The replicas first made their appearance last fall in the runway collection of Balmain. Balmain presented two modernized versions of Jackson infamous military style jacket. The most popular is the black with silver and crystal detail, also comes in denim. Obviously for the most elite, this jacket starts at $11,000 and has been spotted on the celeb shoulders of Beyonce’ and Rihanna.

Because Jackson is such a household name, would you expect anything less from garments inspired by him? This spring, Alice and Olivia & Arden B. have introduced their own versions. Alice and Olivia has the black jacket starting at $400, still the same boxy frame but with a sprinkle of embellishment to the lapel and the shoulders-an eye-catching piece to add to any closet. Carrie Underwood was even caught sporting hers heading to Jimmy Kimmel Live.

For those of us who don’t receive the paycheck of Grammy nominated recording artist, you can grab one from Arden B. for $78. This jacket comes in navy, has a rounded shoulder and mandarin collar instead of a cross lapel and is more of a confederate twist to the King of Pop standard. Also the embellishment is done in gray instead of silver for those who love the style but not the sparkle.

Like the records, these jackets can be appreciated by just about anyone. Pair it with a tee and some distressed denim or jazz it up with pleated front shorts and gladiator sandals. However you choose to rock it, Make it your own, He sure did!

Dope Ish!

Chester French - CIROC Star (feat. Clinton Sparks, Diddy & Jadakiss) (Video)

B.o.B - May 25th (Mixtape)

Atlantic Records recording artist B.o.B. is back with another mixtape sponsered by shaaaa boy DJ Drama and the good old folks at LRG. We at Tallatainment have become huge fans of B.o.B. recently so this mixtape is FIRM approved. May 25th is also the release of Bobby Ray's debut album B.o.B Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Enjoy!

Download: B.o.B - May 25th (Mixtape)

TALLATAINMENT X HOLLIS AVE. Music Drop (1/29)

In affliation with our friends at HollisAve. a new batch of music-just for you! B

And theres more to come!

Tracklisting:

1. Snoop Dogg- 2 Minute Warning
2. Bun B- Big Dick Cheney Freestyle
3. GhostWridah- Celebrate Lyfe
4. Nine 30- Eventually
5. Curt@in$- Exodus
6. Lupe Fiasco- I'm Beaming
7. Joe Budden- Money's On Me
8. Drake- New Sh*t (Feat. Phonte, Von Pea)
9. J. Cole- Playground
10. Fly Union- Poed Up (Feat. Big Sean)
11. Pete Rock- Rappers Jail (Feat. E-Villz)
12. Royce da 5'9"- Something To Ride To (Feat. Phonte)
13. Consequence- Whatever You Want (G.O.O.D. Music Remix) (Feat. Kid Cudi, Common, Kanye West, John Legend, Big Sean)
14. Statik Selectah- So Close So Far (Feat. Colin Munroe, Wale, Bun B)
15. Pacific Division- PAC DIV
16. Kendrick Lamar- Wanna Be Heard
17. Jay Electronica- Cool Relax (Feat. Naledge)
18. HipHopSince1989- Weekend

Download: 1/29 Music Drop