Figga Face, creator of “The Mad Records Showcase” invited me to host his most recent event at the Prospect Billiard’s Café, located at 671 Prospect Avenue in the Bronx. It took place on January 24, 2017, my birthday weekend, so I just could not miss it. DJ Guttah and DJ Kid Phenomenal were on the turntables for the evening. As the host, I changed the things that I dread most about showcases; overbooked and mundane talent, late starts and early exits. Artists were encouraged to come early to chop it up with me prior to the show. The first thirty guests to arrive were given the option of a T-Shirt sponsored by Jamal Turner of Phetish Magazine or a gift card. Jamal also bought feature model Catorichai, of Mally’s Angels, out for the mixer. Luke and K5 opened the show, which is no small feat. “Regular Nigga Shit” was received well and I look forward to interviewing them soon; I am curious as to where they are from and what their motivation is. Sef Money, was slated to perform but rescheduled to the showcase on February 28, 2017; he was booked for a gig last minute. Bad Girl Cris, hailing from South Jersey, was soft-spoken, until she hit the stage that is. She was the first female artist to perform that night and set the mood for the evening. I had the privilege of chatting with MT Dollaz, someone I have been following since seeing him perform at Vic’s Music Hut. He hails from Harlem and is a family man who started writing while he was incarcerated; it proved to be the perfect outlet for self expression. His stage prescience is no different; confident, concise and creative, his bars leave a visual impression with his audience. Filthy Rich, is a rapper, writer and actor who frequents the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan. He and his DJ, The Official Mr. Rove are always on the go; I have been tracking their progress for the last three years, and I am always impressed. “Snap Chat”, “Fly Girl” and “Nights Like This” are just some of the songs part of his repertoire. On top of bringing his “A” game performance wise, he also treated the ladies to some “Spank Me” hats; just one of the ways he cross-promotes himself and the brands who sponsor him. Burnaz Brigante, another diamond in the rough I encountered at Vic’s Music Hut, is becoming a household name, at lightning speed. Burnaz, a blue-collar family man from the Bronx, has always had a passion for music but has taken it more seriously the last three years. His current project, “Son of Carlito” features “Brothers”, a personal fave of mine; it’s a play on the theme song from “The Wayan’s Brothers”. He has an EP Release Party scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Prospect Billiard’s Café from 6-9pm. I look forward to seeing him perform and apologize once again for the disruption in his set at the showcase; his two songs were not played as scheduled. He will lso be on deck for February 28, 2017. TVR, also known as Blake Piffin, an alias I love for obvious reasons, had me hooked from the word go. TVR, an artist I have become familiar with due to his association with Burnaz Brigante, is a lyrical beast. Hailing from the Bronx, his cousins sparked his passion for music. His motivation, like most, stems from his urge to escape the perils of the hood. When asked, “Who would he like to work with?”, TVR responded by saying he “Would like to be high enough to work with BIG". That is one the most profound responses I have ever received in an interview; he made me a fan that night without question. There were a few individuals who I was unable to interview, but left stalking their social media handles in search of more. Marvelous, aka Mr. Marvel, was one such artist. Despite being a solo performer, his vibe filled the room; his lyrics and message were clean cut. During the brief conversation we had following his performance, we agreed on several points with respect to the lack of authenticity in Hip-Hop. The two of us would like to see more truth opposed to tales in the future. He promises to bring the heat, and I am looking forward to our next encounter. He was determined to be the winner of the showcase, due to his level of intrigue. I did not have a moment to sit with Goo Goo Da Rambler prior to the show, but must admit that his name already made me raise an eyebrow. As if we don’t have enough mumble rap in the game; as if we aren’t trying to get rid of what is currently here. So, when he grabbed the mic, I was shocked to hear a legible freestyle. When the music came on, his production spoke to me immediately; turns out he and his brother are responsible. I was extremely impressed with his aura; he was embraced by the audience. He will be back at the next showcase and I will be sure to get an interview; stay tuned for more details on this humble star on the rise. IProfit, from Queens, ventured into music at the age of three. He was one of five children, raised in a two-bedroom apartment. He was inspired by the struggle and has worked independently as an artist until now. He was extremely humble, yet his message kept true to the interview. His style of dress and persona spoke to me before he uttered a word. Choppo Troublez hails from the Northside of Queens and was inspired by his uncle at a young age. He performed later in the set and held his own; he was received well by the crowd and made good use of the stage. His flow was unique and his vibe was laid back. I missed the opportunity to chat with him following his set, but hear he will be at the next showcase and will be sure to chop it up then. Mark Will, was initially a DJ, so his understanding of the game is quite unique. Then, he found himself writing lyrics for various members of a group he was in. He realized his passion had found him as used his life experiences to inspire great work. He looks forward to working with Nas, 50 Cent and Future for starters. His passion and drive were apparent. I had a hard time finding him by himself to chat; the mark of a true networking guru. Some notable guests were Mr. Swag of “What’s Poppin” radio at www.iaxis.com as well as Kal Dawson, agent and brand ambassador to several household names. That night, Kal brought out Jai Jin, a nice break from the testosterone in the room. Rambo, who hosts X-Tremitiez Ent. on Niteline Radio, was also in the building. The evening’s headliner, however put the icing on the cake. Miss Meme, also from South Jersey, is someone I have been following for almost a year now. I came across her on IG through a hashtag; she was an artist after my own heart due to her marketing strategy and work ethic. She contacted me to let me know she was in town, and I could not think one anyone else better to headline the event. After all, I was looking forward to hearing my favorite song, “Nigga Wit Money”; Spliff Star, did a cameo in that video. She recently recorded “5 Days”, which boasts bars from Jadakiss. Young, eager and motivated, she was the first artist on set; she had her glam-team with make-up artist Tamela Jasmine on deck. Manager, Kera Anderson, was key in making the magic happen. Not only did she have the nerve to come with new music, she also brought out a special guest; Phresher Dgygz. DJ Cautious was on the turntables and as soon as “Wait A Minute” came on, the crowd went crazy. Miss Meme and Phresher stayed for some pictures and a quick interview. It was the perfect way to end a safe and eventful night full of talent. Be sure to check out the next Mad Records Showcase which will take place at the Prospect Billiard’s Café on February 28, 2017; tickets and artist slots are available on Eventbrite.
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Jenna A. HercheA native New Yorker, Jenna has been in various facets of the entertainment industry for over twenty years. Her newest venture is media. Be sure to stay tuned for her perspective on the industry and the politics that come with the territory. CategoriesArchives
March 2020
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