Dre warned us on “Aquemini.” Bobby Ray was one of the first sustained sightings.  Now SMKA affiliated Aleon Craft, ATLien by the way of Decatur, is back with another close encounter for your headphones.  Read the rest of this entry »

Photo by Lee Starnes

As a culture, we’ve come a long way since Kool Herc was spinnin’ records in the park. And, oh those kookie Atlantans keep pushing the envelope. First Big links with the Atlanta Dance Company and manages to work Hip-Hop into the dance circuit. Now, CNN features SMKA & A.Leon’s work with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

“This is a very special and unique collaboration between Hip-Hop and Classic that is truly the first of its kind. SMKA was commissioned by The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to remix a piece for their “Concerts for Young People” series. The song 808 Blake created is called “Music is My Life” produced by SMKA, and it is written and performed by Aleon Craft. Additionally, Parker Smith played the guitar and Brand Dorfman scored the peice. It has been performed 20 times since October 2009. CNN covered the collaboration last week and aired the special today.”

Three x dope. Imagine telling your mom or lady,”Nah I gotta go play with the orchestra tonight. CNN’s filming the performance and I got an interview with them after.”

[CNN]

Along with the previous footage of the show’s recap and Grip’s performance of “Jockin’,” here’s a additional footage shot @ last Friday’s 808…Vol. 2 release party. Shot by the eagle-eyed visionaries @ The SP Agency. Read the rest of this entry »

“Wanted to live the life of Cadillacs, Impalas and Regals…”

Before Vol. 2 is released, the SMKA camp got Gold Coast producer Blac Waldo to revisit and remix several tracks off The 808 Experiment: Vol. 1 for the Vol.1: The BlacWaldo Remix version dropping on 12.28. To provide the incentive to check the project, they linked with Motion Family to put the moving picture effects on “Caddys,” Gripp, Young Trimm & A.leon’s ode to what else but the song’s namesake. The end result is a funkdafied, brassy banger.

Download — Grip Plyaz, Young Trimm & A.leon Craft – “Caddys” Video (BlacWaldo Remix)

Apologies to other areas, but Atlanta wears the crown right now. Mike Bigga told the truth when he said there was two sides to the Southern metropolis. But I’m beginning to think he shortchanging his city because there’s probably more than that as the area continues to bring forth a buffet of styles and sounds. Read the rest of this entry »

While driving over to The Five Spot, Contra™ commented on the full moon that was on the horizon. It was at that point that we suspected the night had the potential to be magical or disastrous. And it was actually a little bit of both. The Crew disassembled from Voltron form for the last night and actually covered two events. It was at point that I learned I was to be the red cat… literally as I was thrown into video camera duties. Much respect to BK and The SP Agency, because I felt like I would need an arm transplant by the end of the night. But enough about me, on to the next one… Read the rest of this entry »

Cover Art – Esperanza ATL

SMKA & the lovely Fadia Kader™ proudly present the official mixtape for “A3C Perfect Attendance” to give everyone a proper taste of what to look forward to come Thursday. Hit the link to listen/download the mixtape and get more info on the event. Read the rest of this entry »