The Justos "Mixshow 360" DJ Feature - DeeJay Ran

DeeJay Ran also known as "Jersey's Fastest Hands" has been into the art of Deejaying since the age of 10. The multi talented Ran who was raised in Irvington, NJ has displayed his talents all across the country while building unprecedented media strategies to promote his services. As the former Marketing Director for clothing store franchise Against All Odds, DeeJay Ran toured the states and increased his impact and knowledge of rocking diverse crowds while they shopped in stores. Those appearances were featured on the Comcast/Mike Sisti produced 'Where Ya At?' video show where Ran was also a Co-Host. Ran keeps it true to the culture and represents an area where the DJ is a champion for the music. In addition to working major celebrity events and parties, DeeJay Ran also promotes the singing vocal talent of his brother Shane, who recently won the Steve Harvey Foundation/Choice Hotels 'Rising Star Challenge'. He developed both his own and Shane's websites, DJRansWorld.com & ShanesGoldenVoice.com and has developed a craft for unique promotional ideas that enhances his profession. Mixshow 360 Host D.Bail had a chance to speak with Ran in detail about the impact of winning a Justo award, the differences in music in between regions, push-button DJ's and more.

D.BAIL: Talk about the significance of The Mixtape Awards and the impact of winning a coveted Justo could have on a DJ?

DEEJAY RAN: Winning a Justo mixtape award would have a very big impact on a DJ. Justo was the very first person who gave that proper respect to the DJ and came up with the awards show. I think that any DJ that wins a Justo award would definitely get more exposure, more notoriety and the DJ would probably get more paying gigs because he won that Justos award.

D.BAIL: How do you feel about the new era of push button DJ's? Should the original artform be stuck to and learned or is it a just a matter of palying good music on set?

DEEJAY RAN: At first I didn't have any respect for a push button DJ. But now that technology is evolving so much, it makes it a lot easier. I'm not a push button DJ, however I still use that technology to bring 20 to 30,000 songs rather than carrying a 100 crates of records. The push button DJ and technology as a whole I would say is a gift and a curse. Because it makes it easier, but it also makes it easier for someone who didn't put the work in. For example, somebody like me, I been deejaying since I was 10 years old. I'm 34 now so I've learned. Like before I had my first set of turntables, I used to listen to the radio and I had one Belt-Drive turntable without the pitch control and I had a cassette deck. I used to record the radio and then try to mix from my record to the radio. That's what I used in order to help me learn how to DJ before I was able to get enough money to get a full DJ setup. Back in the day, I used to listen to Red Alert and Chuck Chillout when they were on 98.7 (Kiss Fm) which used to be like Hot 97. Hot 97 used to play Freestyle music and stuff like that back in the day. It was no Hip Hop, no R&B it was just straight Freestyle back then.

D.BAIL: Aww man, yup. I remember that vaguely man.

DEEJAY RAN: With the push button DJ's I would say it would depend on the DJ and how much creativity that he uses with it. I seen a lot of push button DJ's where they was able to sample or bring a song back and still keep it on point.

D.BAIL: How do you as a DJ cater to so many different crowds? How do you stay up on the music in all genres?

DEEJAY RAN: The way I cater to different crowds is I love all types of music. I learned to love all types of music. Rather than just Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae and Club. Now I been getting into Pop & Mainstream. I'm American and Puerto Rican but sometimes I would have to deejay a Haitian party where I would have to bring Suk music or Zouk or Komba. So I had to learn their culture or what they liked to listen to. Then as far as Hispanics, I had to learn the Reggatone, Salsa & Merengue and Bochata. The reason I try to broaden myself out is because where I'm from in Essex County, the average DJ is just doing the clubs in Essex County. They're playing the same songs, the same set, the same order with the same people coming to the same party every single week. Me, I always try to do something to be remembered. I just started thinking out of the box. If I know they're going to be playing Hip Hop, R&B, Club and classic Club all night long, let me try to go out of the box and play a little Pop. Like sometimes, in a club like that you can't even play different genres so you can't even go out of the box because they're so accustomed to the same format or the same type of DJ. So when I use my versatility it's usually when I'm out of state or when I am doing a party with some White folks or some Spanish folks. They like a variety of everything. I have to do a wedding for a Korean couple coming up, so I had to learn how to play their music and the American music at the same time. I have a lot of experience being versatile just from deejaying for Against All Odds for so long. They were sending me to different states, so before I went to that state I had to look at what was the hottest radio station, see what was the hottest songs so I know what type of music they like. So I had to do my homework on every state. That helped me broaden my horizons and be more versatile because when I go out of state and they will book me for a gig, I had what they wanted. Right here in Jersey, you can get away with playing classic Club and House music. You mess around in Miami with that or Atlanta they gonna look at you like you crazy.

D.BAIL: (laughs) Word. That's interesting how different regions view whats hot and what's not. How important is it for a DJ to be involved with all aspects of business?

DEEJAY RAN: Every DJ can't handle business. Not even just DJ's just a business man or woman has to separate corporate from street. It's alot of people that think that "All right, I'm from the hood and I can just get it poppin' by freestylin' it," instead of having a plan and having a proposal to bring to different corporations if thats the angle or way they want to move. My way of networking myself is through flyers, business cards and promo Cd's. I'm always making a CD that's promoting my website or I'm making a CD promoting a promoters party or birthday party. I do a side service where I make customized Cd's for people. I found out when I was with Against All Odds, every week I would make 2 Cd's that's promoting their sales or an upcoming event, things like that. So once I left the company I said, let me utilize that in the night clubs. So what I would do is, if a promoter pays me to that promo CD, I keep promoting that promoters name and company, I let the audience know about the club, whatever drink specials or whatever specials they have, whether you can get in the club a certain time for free, or ladies free, stuff like that. I also been into video mixing while I'm deejaying. I'll play a regular video but then get my own video promoting myself or promoting that I have Cd's on sale, or for the next 5 minutes shots of Hennesy is 3 dollars at the bar, you know different marketing schemes. People gonna look at the screen all night anyway, so why not promote yourself?

D.BAIL: True. That's whats up.

DEEJAY RAN: They will watch me deejay, but while they're dancing they're looking at the video. Then as I'm playing a song where I don't have a video, it will have words saying 'DeeJayRan - Jersey's Fastest hands', or ' Log on to Deejayransworld.com' or 'If you liking the music come come see me at the booth, I got Cd's, 1 for 5 dollars, 5 for 20 dollars.' So then when they see it, I don't even have to say it on the mic, cause they done read it already. So they will come up to me and say "You got this type of CD?" That's how I get my side grustle on.

D.BAIL: I hear that. What are some of the other differences in clubs around the states and the people you've noticed during your travels?

DEEJAY RAN: Well, let me start with Jersey. I've been here all my life. I've seen the clubs and the music change. I feel the 90's was the best era. Now a days, a lot of music is watered down and they talk about nonsense. Back in the day people was doing music with a meaning. You really had to have skills in order to get a deal. If you wasn't really good you wasn't getting a deal no matter who you knew. Now a days with all the politics and money, money talks now. It's not a matter of if your good or not, it matters who you know and how much money you got. As far as out of state, I like to go to other places rather than this Tri-State area. Don't get me wrong, you got good people in it, but you also have people that feel threatened if they see you moving faster than they're moving. It's more hate than love up here now a days. There's no more unity. As far as the music, music is starting to be almost everywhere. Like a lot of Pop and Mainstream, you hear the same songs everywhere now.
Back in the day if you went to the South, all you would hear on the radio was Dirty South. But I went to Atlanta 2 weeks ago and they was playing R&B, they was doing blends, they had old school. They still did the Dirty South, but it was more of a variety now, because more of a variety of people are moving down there.

D.BAIL: Definitely, there is a big East Coast migration headed to the South. Especially Jersey cats a lot of people from around my way in Plainfield moved down there.

DEEJAY RAN: Yea man, Monica's DJ (DJ Siza) is from Plainfield. And he came down and got it poppin' in a matter of 2 years. My man Face, he's from Jersey he moved down there and he got a film and video production crew and a magazine down there. So when I was there the last time, he introduced me to all types of folks, DJ Drama, DJ Don Cannon, Issac Hayes son (Ike Dirty) and this was just a matter of 3 to 4 days. Like I made more connections down there in 3 to 4 days then I did in about a year or 2 here. It's more of a love and respect for the craft. Like up here in Jersey, no one's respecting the craft anymore. Now a days, the promoter wants me to be the DJ and the promoter, but they want to pay me to be a DJ. And then if it's a slow night, they will look at me like, "What happened?" My job is to make them dance, my job ain't to get them here.

D.BAIL: That's crazy!

DEEJAY RAN: That's messing up the game over here a lot. The promoters here will throw a party, but there's no decorations, no thank you for coming to my party, no giving back to the community. It's no love, it's just "Alright, I am having a party they have to pay to get in and that's it." I just hope that the unity changes. If not, I will make moves.

DeeJay Ran showcasing his skills live:

Check out DeeJay Ran on facebook.com

Follow DeeJay Ran on twitter.com

The Justos "Mixshow 360" Event Recap - Takeover/Rosa Acosta

Author: J.B.


About a month back, a new sneaker/clothing boutique opened up around my way; the name of the store is called Takeover. It’s owner, Suraj, aka, The Sneaker Ambassador, has the store set up in a way that once you walk in, you already feel the energy of the staff that’s on deck taking care of customers, as well as an ambiance that has been created by the whoever designed the architecture of the boutique. So I step in the spot looking for a shirt that’s fresh and splashy to complement the kicks I was gonna’ be rockin’ that day. I see a shirt, but when I ask for my size, I’m told they sold out but they would be receiving a new shipment soon. Right when I’m walking out, Suraj is like, “Yo, you coming back at 3 o’clock”? I wasn’t ready for the reason he had asked me if I was coming back, but I would soon find out.

Come to find out, Supermodel Celebrity, Rosa Acosta was going to be in the building that day from 3-6 p.m., promoting a calendar of her gracing every page, that would make any man not even pay attention to the months and days on the calendar, but the pictures only. From her humble beginning at the age of four at the Centro de la Cultura in Santiago, Dominican Republic to one of the most sought after models in the entertainment industry, Rosa Acosta was definitely going to be in the building that day. So I return to the store, camcorder in hand, ready to do my photography thing. I must acknowledge Suraj and his entire staff for showing nothing but love up in the spot, allowing me the privilege to move about freely, snapping pics, capturing footage, and being in the building as press for Mixshow 360, a extension of The Justo’s Mixtape Awards. Big shout out to the homie D.Bail, who is in charge of Mixshow 360. I also must acknowledge the new owner of The Justos, DJ Slayer, as well as the CEO, A.R., who have also taken a part in making this whole thing possible.

The anticipation was building and the crowd started getting bigger by the minute. although people were waiting for the gorgeous supermodel, people weren’t twiddling their thumbs just sitting around. Business was thriving that day as exclusive sneakers, shirts, and other accessories were flying off the racks at a pace that kept the staff on their feet.

From Drake’s breakout smash single, 'Best I Ever Had', to another Drake song featuring Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West, 'Forever', Mario and Gucci Mane’s 'Break Up', 50 Cent’s 'Okay You’re Right', Jamie Foxx 'Blame It on the Alcohol', to Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Swizz Beatz 'Transformer', and a countless other number of music videos and commercials. Rosa Acosta has graced the cover of several major publications and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Her presence alone demanded the attention of the entire store one she stepped foot in the building. Rosa’s 5’5”, 34-24-38 frame is astonishing to look at on television or in a magazine, but in real-life, there aren’t any words that can describe the natural beauty that Ms. Acosta was blessed with when she was brought into this world. It wasn’t only her physical features that were stunning; I personally had a chance to briefly chop it up with the Dominican beauty while taking a few pics, and let me tell you, she is one of the most humble super-model/ celebrities that I’ve ever met (That’s just my opinion). For the record, I’ve worked on the set of several major music videos, and most of the models, let alone the main video girls, and damn near unapproachable. I had to thank her for her humbleness and of course, I complemented her on her obviously gorgeous looks. People were lined up out the door patient, but anxiously awaiting to take a picture with Rosa Acosta, and the looks on their faces said that the wait was worth every second. She presented herself very ladylike, and came off as a sweetheart by nature, as she was signing a countless number of autographs of her calendar.

At the end, I just want to say thank you to the entire staff of the Takeover
and stay tuned into “Kickin It” every Saturday from 12-2 p.m, with Suraj and Co-Host Hayson. Live music provided by DJ Chaotic who is spinning live on the 1’s and 2’s. When Suraj and his team came up with the name Takeover, they must’ve had a vision and scope far beyond what anyone imagined, because to sum it up in two words, the boutique is literally “Taking Over” other stores in the area, by drawing in consumers and creating customer loyalty through excellent customer service, exclusive sneakers, shirts, and accessories, and of course, surprise celebrity guest appearances.

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE BEHIND THE SCENES HERE:

Mixtape DJ Roundup - May 2011

Author: D.Bail



R.I.P. Raekwon Elliot aka Stack Bundles October 21, 1982 - June 11, 2007

"Dear critics, I'm comfy I'm doin' well/Comes to the grooves for the ladies/Sh*t I'm feelin' as smooth as LL/And you can tell by my R&B features/Theo negotiating Squad Up sneakers/I'm as lyrical as Nas/As charismatic as Jay/Got his borough on lock like Big still to this day/As deep as Beans/As slick talkin' as Kiss/One phrase to describe me I'm on my sh*t!/" - Stack Bundles 'For The Critics'

For the month of May, the Mixtape DJ Roundup feature is DJ Back Blocks - Stack Bundles Farrock Posters Child. June 11th marks the unfortunate date of the mixtape legend's death, and we here at The Justos Mixtape Awards, salute and pay homage. Stacks versatile bars, witty punchlines, unmistakable flow and trademark ad-libs is something the game still recognizes and treasures to this day. His team Tha Riot Squad, is still making great music representing Far Rock America, and I know Stack his smiling down seeing his comrades and family make good. This mixtape highlights some of the illest Stack songs like 'For My Respect', 'Ashes to Ashes' and 'Please Forgive Me'. It also includes memorable freestyles such as 'We Came Up' and 'The Recap'. Bundles presence is definitely missed, as he was poised to be one of the next stars in Hip Hop. Although he never had the chance to release an album, the mixtape was his homebase. He excelled with it, and constantly fed the streets with so many classics. Stacks potential was limitless, and this mix has some older joints as well as newer ones so the listener can hear the growth over the years and the raw talent. Stack had a dream to put his hood of Far Rockaway, Queens on the map, and that he did rocking with Lupe Fiasco in his earlier years to then linking with DJ Clue and the Desert Storm crew and eventually signing to Jim Jones of the Diplomats as a essential part of the Byrdgang group. His contributions to Hip Hop live on through his music and this mixtape is a great testament to that. "Squad Up!" one time for Stack Bundles, his legacy continues on.

May 2011 notable releases include the following: (in no particular order)

DJ Moe Sticky - R&B State of Mind 22

DJ Superstar J - I am Mixtapes Pt. 85

DJ Grady, DJ Flatline & DJ Ricochet - Hustler's Chronicle Pt 1

DJ J-Boogie - Unsigned Hype Vol 3

Mr Hype - Fat Joe vs. Big Lou The Official Mixtape

DJ Anguish , DJ Datdatdat , DJ Dee Ruggz - Sumthing For Your Ipod 181

DJ Soulless & DJ IQ - Straight Out Ya Hood Box Vol.2

DJ 837 - Everyday Hustle Vol 6 (Chopped & Screwed)

DJ Whiteowl - Whiteowl Drop That 167


Alternative Pick: Omarion - The Awakening Hosted By DJ DRAMA

Mixtape Artist Roundup - May 2011

Author: D.Bail



The year is 1994, the artist is Nas, the album is Illmatic, and a star and a classic LP is born straight outta Queensbridge Houses, the biggest projects in the United States. Fast forward to 2011, and Detroit native Elzhi, formally of the group Slum Village has added his own rendition and tribute of Illmatic aptly titled - 'Elmatic' , this months Mixtape Artist Roundup feature. Although a similar tribute by Fresno, California native Fashwan - Ode to Illmatic was released in 2010, Elzhi puts his own twist to the Illmatic album recreation by adding talented Detroit band Will Sessions, who with live instruments, does over the sounds and songs that made Nas an instant champion once his debut was released.

"I got so many rhymes, I don't think I'm too sane/Life is parallel to hell but we must maintain" - Nas 'New York State of Mind'

The Nas song 'New York State of Mind' brought to light the ills of living in the big city - the traps, the police brutality, drug traffic and usage, the everyday downfalls the hood has to offer. Even though Nas was speaking on his area, millions of disfranchised youth from around the world could relate due to similar activity and behavior in their own communities. It stays true to the statement "There's a hood everywhere". The Motor City Detroit has had it's share of the depression even before the recession hit this country with its high dropout rate, demolished buildings, high rates of unemployment, crime and homelessness. The biggest three American owned auto companies, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler struggles have been well documented, leading to many blue collar workers without careers. It is out of these conditions rhymesmiths like Notorious B.I.G. crafted his greatest descriptive tales. Although Detroit and Brooklyn are two different cities, the problems are the same and still remain. Through Elzhi's eyes some of the ills of the Detroit's inner city is displayed:

"It's just the same story/They cutting more keys when someone OD's in the same building on the same story/It's that ruthless/Drug addicts is toothless turned doofus/Responsible for how the ways youth is/Who run up in your shop and steal/Popping pills at the house party with a hoodrat copping feels/f*ck her raw mentality's like f*ck the law/Nowadays n*ggas buck when they woulda snuck your jaw/In the city of schemes where money is power/And shots go off at the funniest hours" - Elzhi 'Detroit State of Mind'

Will Sessions does an elaborate job of adding new life to the production of Illmatic without sacrificing too much from the original soundtrack. I'm really enjoying these one emcee, one producer collaborations and it's a plus when you can tell both have put a lot of time and energy into a project. With strong tracks such as 'One Love', Elzhi switches the original content about staying true to incarcerated friends, to rapping about a woman he's seeing who has seen a life a trauma but is loyal and has him falling in love. At the end of the track the beat switches but stays in the same realm musically and the listener is taken on a jazzy journey courtesy of Will Sessions. Overall, the talented band added some rich composition and a few different tweaks making Elmatic a perfect combination of introspective lyrics and creative instrumentation.

Detroit has a rich musical history that dates back to its Motown roots and that legacy in music in the following decades has produced such hip hop iconic greats like Eminem and J Dilla. The Hip Hop sound in the Midwest has increasingly been more noticeable of late with lyricists such as Freddie Gibbs, Jon Connor, Black Milk and Danny Brown. There are still listeners of rap music who crave for strong lyrical content, and for them this offering is a satisfying dish. Elzhi, who once thrived in a group, has put together a project as a solo emcee that will demand him to step in the spotlight alone. His mic presence is prominent and concise and although he was always good with bars, Elmatic takes Elzhi to another level lyrically. With a rejuvanted career, Elzhi edmits a new glow of hungriness which is always a good look for veteran emcees. The co-signs from O.G. Illmatic producer Pete Rock and Hip Hop Magazine XXL make it truly official. With this new mixtape, fans will assuredly be awaiting a full length project hopefully dropping soon.

Other notable releases include: (No Particular Order)

Young Jeezy - The Real Is Back
After a brief hiatus, the classic mixtape tandem of Young Jeezy and DJ Drama return delivering another summertime banger for the streets. The Snowman is back in the kitchen cooking up cinematic street tales and hard hitting, trunk knocking music. Jeezy lets it be known - he wants his spot back. As fans patiently and eagerly await Jeezys new album this should definitely hold them over. With production from Shawty Redd and new CTE member Freddie Gibbs, look for this one in whips countrywide in constant rotation.
Reppin': ATL, Georgia Standout Song: How U Want It
HOSTED BY DJ DRAMA

JR Writer - Still Standing 2
JR Writer wants the world to know he's still standing and has bars remincent of his strong run in the mid 2000's. It sounds as if JR has come into his own with his sound and flow, and Harlem's Dominican prince is in top form. With a variety of beats that sound like they come from all regions, Writer shows his rapping versititality on a variety of songs. With features from A-Mafia, Lloyd Banks, Cassidy & Hell Rell this joint is a must listen and a throwback from when punchlines and ill guest collabs were in effect. With the Duke the God co-sign, I'm sure JR will be on the newly reunited Diplomats upcoming album.
Reppin:' Harlem, NY Standout Song: Kill Em Dead
HOSTED BY DUKE DA GOD

Trae Tha Truth - Undisputed
Banned from the radio but never the streets, Tha Truth will be told. The gravel voiced Texas emcee has been putting it down for years in the South. In addition to a few exclusive joints, Trae also adds verses to big hits such as 'Racks' & 'All Of The Lights.' Trae is respected by his peers in the rap game and gets features with everyone from Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Young Buck, Wiz Khalifa & Young Jeezy. Don Cannon holds down the hosting duties. Make no mistake, this mixtape goes hard no matter where you from. With a story to tell and an audience ready to hear it, Trae has just announced the upcoming release of his long awaited album Street King. For now get familiar with 'Undisputed'.
Reppin': Houston, Texas Standout Song: Inkredible (RMX)
HOSTED BY DON CANNON

Jadakiss - I Love You
Named "Artist Of The Year" and winner of a Justo Award in 2005, Jadakiss is a legend of the mixtape arena and has had one of the strongest runs in mixtape history. His presence in Hip Hop along with his group The Lox holds a certified legacy in lyrics that is always appreciated by Hip Hop fans here and abroad. This time out though, Kiss shows the love back with his new release which he calls "A dedication to my fans." Jada goes for a lighter approach musically on this one with songs like 'Hold You Down', but still keeps the street fed with jewels on cuts like the Neptunes produced 'Lil Bruh'. This mixtape is perfect for the cookouts and the ladies will certainly be feeling this one too.
Reppin:' Yonkers, NY Standout Song: How 2 Feel

Juicy J & Lex Luger - Rubba Band Business 2
Juicy J, Academy Award Winner and co-founder of Three 6 Mafia has linked up with young, in demand producer Lex Luger and the results are fantastic. Trap Music never died and never will with these types of releases. Perfect for the streets, clubs, house parties and just about anything else you can think of, Juicy sounds as good as he ever has over some ill Lex production. Juicy J hasn't lost a step and the tracks will put a dent in your speakers riding out to this one. Curren$y, Travis Porter, Machine Gun Kelly and Wiz Khalifa join Juicy and Lex on a strong project hosted by Trap-A-Holics. Don't miss out on this one.
Reppin:' Memphis, Tennessee Standout Song: Who Da Neighbors
HOSTED BY TRAP-A-HOLICS

OJ Da Juiceman - Cook Musik
OJ Da Juiceman is back, reppin’ the "A", doing what he does best, supplying the game with a dose of that trap music. The intro, ‘Little Story’ grabs you right away with a catchy hook and a hypnotizing beat. ‘Grills Are Gold’, featuring Project Pat, Trae, and 8 Ball is also another banger. The Justice League produced 'Voices' is another one that the Juiceman has on deck. 'Speed of Light' featuring B.O.B., is dope too, and the hook is something that's motivational and inspirational.
Reppin: ATL, Georgia Standout Song: Speed of Light
HOSTED BY DJ 5150

Freck Billionare - Terrorizing The Streets
West Philly Freck is back and fresh to death with more punches on deck than your favorite boxer. Hosted by one of the games hardest working DJ's, Blazita, "The hottest chick in the game", adds her stamp to this mixture with features such as Fabolous, Rick Ross & Red Cafe. The beats are banging and the hooks are infectious on this mixtape. Freck always delivers hard hitting lines, with a flow that's impeccable on this one. 'General', featuring Red Cafe, Maino, and Masspike Miles is a stand out track in my opinion due to it's melodic beat and variety of artists that make this collabo a joint you can't hate on. The Fabolous assisted 'Pop Bottles Remix' is a club banger for sure that uses the already popular beat from the original joint. Freck got bars for days on his '100 Bars' freestyle, and the features on this mixtape make it another banger that Freck Billionaire can add to his catalogue.
Reppin: Philly, PA Standout Song: General
HOSTED BY DJ BLAZITA

GLC - Fellowship Of Ism
From the start to the conclusion, there are a lot of quality joints on this project. 'Top of the World' featuring Fly Union is the intro to the mixtape and it's melodic beat combined with the skills of those I mentioned make it a dope introduction. 'Weed Nap' featuring the prolific left coast artist Fashawn as well as Boaz is a must listen resulting in a classic song to add to the GLC collection. The Three 6 Mafia assisted 'Breakin' Down Some Woody' makes this Memphis, Chicago collaboration worthy of a listen. The song is an ode to greenery and they deliver their message well with a dope beat and catchy hook. These are just a few of the many noteworthy songs on this mixtape as GLC continues to build his stature on the G.O.O.D. Music label.
Reppin: Chicago, IL Standout Song: Top Of The World
HOSTED BY TATOR CHIP

Ray Cash - Champagne Talk
The Cleveland emcee Ray Cash is back at with his new mixtape that is so smooth, a melodic listen from the jump. Cash is underrated as a song maker and he has some flava on here for everyone. He has crafty punchlines and a real laid flow which blends well with the standout producers on this project - Clockwork. Ray also links up with a nice collab with a legend in his hometown and Hip Hop as well, Krayzie Bone. Paul Wall and Chip Tha Ripper bring some dope verses to the show as well. The theme of "Champagne Life" is consistent and hopefully Cash gets a chance to celebrate his much deserved and hard earned success soon.
Reppin': Cleveland, Ohio Standout Song: Where Do I Go
HOSTED BY DJ E-V

Ace Hood – Body Bag Vol. 1
Fresh off the buzz of his 'Hustle Hard' single still heating the streets, Ace Hood strikes while the iron is hot with a brand new mixtape release. With producers Lex Luger, The Renegades, DJ Montay and Cardiak Beatz adding the soundtrack to continue the hustle, Hood delivers with a relentless flow and a thirst like he was still unsigned. DJ Infamous is on deck as well keeping the flow of the tape energetic as always. Ace Hood has been putting in work for a minute with DJ Khalid and it's starting to pay off. Look for the young veteran Ace to pick up a few new fans with this new one.
Reppin': Deerfield Beach, Florida Standout Song: Same Dream
HOSTED BY DJ INFAMOUS

Additional reporting by JB

Mobile Phone App for Street Album Radio

Street Album Radio can now be heard on your mobile phones (Apple iOS, Androids, Blackberrys, Palms, Windows and more). Go to your Market or App Store and download the FREE Phone App: TuneIN. Once TuneIN is installed hit the "Search Icon" and type in "Street Album Radio".

Street Album Radio is presented by The Justos Mixtape Awards to support our category for "Street Album of the Year". The station is dedicated primarily to the music of our Street Album Contestants and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Feedback from our listeners helps determine who will be the Top 10 Nominees invited to attend The Justos in NYC.

To become a contestant for the coveted Justo Award for Street Album of the Year, Sign up for your FREE Membership at: THEJUSTOS.COM and click on the ENTER STREET ALBUM image.

The Justos "Mixshow 360" Performance Recap - Mobb Deep

Author: J.B.

Let me start from the beginning at the top of the list/Na mean have, situation like this/Another war story from a thirsty young hustler/ - Prodigy 'Eye For An Eye'

As time goes by and has gone by, things have most certainly changed. The climate and music of Hip-Hop in general, as of lately hasn’t been exactly conducive to what most Hip Hop heads would even consider to be real Hip-Hop anymore. In my personal opinion, there’s been a new genre of music that has slowly infiltrated the roots and origin that embody the “culture”, not the music itself. It’s a beautiful thing that Hip Hop has grown to new heights and levels never before seen, and corporations have been embracing some artists to market their products as well. It’s more like Hip-Pop, rather than Hip-Hop, which is perfect segue for this amazing concert that I had the honor to be in attendance at. Some things change and some things stay the same. Evolution is a beautiful thing, but y’all know how the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it”.

It’s obvious that the 3 year bid that Prodigy just came home from doing didn’t break his spirit and passion, as was evident on the Best Buy Theater stage on Thursday, May 11th. But before we even get into the Mobb Deep set, I gotta pay homage and MUCH respect to another set of legendary pioneers that haven’t compromised their integrity throughout all the years and changes that have occurred during their tenure in the game. Shouts to the Wu-Tang Clan. I found out last minute that this concert was even going down, so I hopped off the B train and basically ran to the Best Buy Theater at mach speed to catch whatever acts were going to be performing before it all ended. The show started at 8, however I didn’t arrive til’ 9. As soon as I walked in, I was magnetically pulled toward the energy that filled the arena and walked in to none other than the performance of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Although the full Wu was not in attendance, the members that were there did more than enough justice to that stage and left the audience more than satisfied. Raekwon, Ghostface, Cappadonna graced the stage in rare form as they performed a few of the many classic joints off the endless catalogue that they have collectively put together over a span of 18 years (Enter the Wu-Tang dropped in 1993). The energy was crazy and the fans were on their feet, rapping along the lyrics in almost perfect synchronized harmony. I can’t front, I respect the game for what it’s worth nowadays, but I can truly say I’m a fan of the Wu and most of the music today just don’t have that same effect that has the ability to move me and get my spirit uplifted (that’s just my opinion). They performed too many joints for me to go through, however, I will say that they even paid homage to the late great Ol’ Dirty Bastard, with DJ Stretch Armstrong spinning 'I Like It Raw' (the crowd went bananas). To say the least, they couldn’t have done it better.

The lyrics from the Infamous Album have truly manifested themselves, ('Survival of The Fittest' comes to mind) as Prodigy braced the stage with a presence that is noteworthy of a newly resurrected “P”. Looking healthy after serving a 3 year bid, Prodigy captivated the audience with an iron fist while gripping that iron mic. Matter fact, I would say that he was like “Iron Mike” (Tyson) in his prime. Joined on stage by his loyal partner from the beginning, Havoc, the two donned the classic number 11 Hennessy jersey’s, circa 1996. Ladies and gentlemen, the Mobb was definitely Deep and Prodigy’s performance came off as if he never did a day in the pen. They performed severalc lassics from their lengthy catalogue of classic Hip-Hop music and for not one minute did the crowd focus their attention elsewhere, but the stage.

To sum it all up, all I have to say is if you missed this one, please try to search the web to find out when this concert collaboration will be in a city or town near you. It was a memorable night that I will never forget, but before I leave, I must acknowledge that there was also a performance by Black Thought, someone who I truly have a deep respect for in the Hip Hop arena. Unfortunately, I arrived a hour after the show began, so to summarize it all, y’all might just catch me at the next show that goes down...That’s just how good it was.

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE PICTURES FROM THE CONCERT BELOW:

The Justos "Mixshow 360" Artist Feature - Triboro

Hip Hop's new supergroup, Triboro has arrived via 3 NYC boroughs in the form of emcees (l-r) Frsh Aire (Harlem), Sean Conn (Queens) & Elus (Bronx). Their relentless grind has been on notice for a while now by critics and fans alike and these brothers are PURE when it comes to beats and rhymes. Co-signed by Video Music Box icon Ralph McDaniels and featured on his new show Emcee 2 Emcee, Triboro performed with the legendary Cold Crush Brothers on Season 1 and are also the Hip Hop news correspondents doing news in a groundbreaking way. Their performance game is also very notable with performances at many major spots in NYC as well as regular features with the annual Rapathon competitions presented by the Hip Hop Culture Center. Keeping a strong connection with their supporters through social networking and an exceptional viral presence, Triboro has independently created a following of both younger and older listeners. Deeply rooted in the spirit of the culture, Triboro sets a high mark for themselves as tribute for those who have paved the way. Mixshow 360 Host D.Bail had a chance to sit down with the members of Triboro and chop it up with them on the eve of releasing their new mixtape 'Fate....Timing...& Destiny' available on DatPiff.com - right now. For more info on the group check out their website, TRIBORONYC.COM

*EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE* 'Video Games' Directed by Kristian Kruz

D.BAIL: Thanks for your time today fellas, first question is, what is your knowledge of the Justo's Mixtape Awards and what is the relevance of the mixtape today?

SEAN CONN: The relevancy of a mixtape basically is a platform for the underground artists to present themselves to the people. Justo's Mixtape Awards is like the Grammy's of Mixtapes. It something for the people by the people. Justo was from the hood. He understood what it was to come up and how hard it is, so by him making that platform it was great. I actually know a DJ that was nominated and won a Justo Mixtape Award and it was a great feeling coming out from hood to get that. The DJ was Superstar Jay, thats my man, he won a Justo a few years back it was a great feeling and a good look for Queens. It stands out, and the Justo's is something that will be here from now until.

ELUS: As far as the mixtapes, I grew up on them. I used to cop about 5 to 6 mixtapes a week. The bootleg man used to give me deals hardbody. They gave me specials, that's how much I used to actually buy mixtapes, before they were CD's or MP3's they were on tapes. So I came up in the 90's when the mixtape game was at its peak. It was the outlet for new music, exclusive music stuff that you might not ever hear on the radio. I did college radio attending Baruch College, and I met Justo probably a year before his passing, rest in peace. He was a very good brother, down to earth. I vibed with his spirit on Hip Hop, I already knew who he was due to my knowledge on mixtapes and Justo's Mixtape Awards was the only platform that actually showcased the mixtape scene. You get the underground, the new music stuff that the radio don't play. Radio might play the same 4 or 5 joints missing a whole bunch of good music.

FRSH AIRE: First I want to give a shout out to the Faison family. I was doing my research, and I just found out that Justo passed away a day after my birthday, so it's kinda extra personally for others and I can pick that up just by understanding that fact. Justo and the Mixtape Awards is big for Hip Hop, like period. It's a big deal. Like what Conn said, it's our Grammys. It's our MTV, it's our street award for the DJ's and for the artists also. One big thing that Justo did do is that he didn't keep it in a box. He made those awards for everybody. Dudes overseas are getting awards for new joints or even in Cali. It's not just New York and that right there was a step, because New York likes to keep it New York. So for him to open that door, he makes every DJ feel official not just New York DJ's. So for him doing that and opening up his heart and the door like that was big for him and big for Hip Hop. The relevancy of the mixtape still stands. It's been relevant since then and it's still relevant now. From the Ron G's, to Clue to now. Even the instrumental mixtapes, they're mixtapes with just beats on them. Everything evolves, it's most definitely relevant. It's Hip Hop's grail. Mixtape's are like a surprise, that Christmas gift. Every mixtape was a Christmas gift because you really didn't know what you was going to get at some point in time. There was alot of freestyles on there and improv joints. It's a beautiful thing, and to celebrate it and award it is a plus man.

D.BAIL: Most definitely. One of the best new video directors/producers out Kristian Kruz has directed your new video, 'Video Games', which has a cool different look for yall. Stylistically, has Triboro changed a lot since your original inception? If so how? What elements have remained the same?

SEAN CONN: Shout out to Kristian Cruz for directing the new Triboro video, 'Video Games' which is epic, it’s incredible. He is one of the greatest up and coming directors, and they have a movement going on right now that is powerful. Their talent is incredible. I feel as far as Triboro and our growth, it seems like every year we develop and become more. We grow individually and as a whole, we also teach each other things, we learn from each other, like where one person's strong point is and another person's strong point is in another area. Then, it becomes where we all are strong in those divisions. We've grown and visually we went from our first video, which wasn't in HD but was done very nicely, 'Listen Up' and then our second video 'Do It Over Here' was in HD and was put together very well. Our growth came in and now Elus, has directed two videos that we've done which is 'Game Called Life' and 'To Be Nice'. One of his videos was featured in a blog and they did a review on it. 'To Be Nice', has a golden age feel to it. Our music has grown so visually yeah---when you see the new video, it’s ridiculous. Special effects and everything is crazy. Visually we have enhanced, year by year. It's a continuous growth and it started from greatness so it’s like, even greater greatness if that makes sense.

D.BAIL: I got you.

FRESH AIRE: We got a banger called 'Video Games', Kristian Kruz is behind that pistol. That boy is a pioneer, his vision and work ethnic is crazy. Y'all will remember the name. Triboro has been together for a minute...We've changed, we changed a lot. We've changed in the direction that we needed to be changing into. We're evolving. It's just like anything else, you put a team together yall do a bunch of try outs, ya'll lose yall win, then ya'll start winning, get to the series and take the championship home and that's where we're at right now. We been in a bunch a games and it’s almost series time and we about ready to take that championship home. Musically we haven't changed, but we did because the times have. But still trying to be golden age and keep that hip hop feel, no we haven't changed. Our lyrics and topics have changed somewhat because things change. We're not in a box and we're not old school retro rappers at all. We are vintage dudes. We are not that novelty rap but we are that official hip hop that you need to come home to when you tired of playing around.

D.BAIL: (Laughs) Word up! That was real.

ELUS: I definitely think we changed for the better. We've always been evolving from the formation of the group to where we are now. Individually we've grown and as a group we've grown. Visually we've had some classics like 'Listen Up'. Big shout out to Alan Alfaro (director) who was also a co-worker at Music Choice where I met D.Bail. That was a classic Triboro video. Right before the HD videos became popular, that wasn't HD but it was definitely a classic "This is Hip Hop" joint. Graffiti in it, all the elements of Hip Hop, its official. Where we at now, shout out to Kristian Kruz who I feel is one of the top NYC, East Coast video directors coming out. Him and Mills Miller, Mills Miller Media, they are a conglomerate. They call each other the A-Team. They are killing it. Just to be amongst that is an honor because I see them, and where they're headed. They just did the Jadakiss joint 'Red Light, Green Light', Kristian Kruz and Mills Miller directed it. It's just real. When you see the new Triboro 'Video Games', Kristian Kruz directed and filmed it, he's a genius. It's incredible. It's definitely a level higher, I will say two words - We ready.

D.BAIL: You guys seem to have an affinity and respect for the veterans and that respect is mutual, in the 'Game Called Life' video you had cameos by Treach (of Naughty By Nature), Mr. Cheeks (of Lost Boyz), Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) and Do It All (Lords of the Underground). What do you get from that and what are young artists missing by not making that connection or paying homage?

SEAN CONN: It's like you having two kids, one goes to school and learns ABC's and mathematics, and the other one stays home playing a video game. So only one gets the knowledge and understanding of what Hip Hop really is. Today's generation is lost to Hip Hop. They don't really know what Hip Hop is. Luckily for us, and shout to Ralph McDaniels we're apart of a TV series we filmed a whole season of called 'Emcee to Emcee'. By doing that, we were honored and able to meet such veterans like Chubb Rock, Naughty by Nature, Kwame, Lords of the Underground, Roxanne Shante, the list goes on and on. We actually performed the pilot episode with the Cold Crush Brothers which was an honor because they were the first Hip Hop supergroup and we're today's Hip Hop supergroup. It bridged the gap. The way I look at it, the new generation is missing out and they need to go to the school of hard knocks because they really don't know what's going on. They got guys running around with girl pants on looking crazy. Back in the day you would get snuffed for something stupid like that. Its rules to this thing, they not following them, but its rules to this. Triboro follows the rules, we're the bridge of the golden age to today which keeps us golden within it. We're students of Hip Hop, we're fans of Hip Hop, we grew up on original Hip Hop, thanks to Ralph McDaniels for putting us on that platform, growing up our afterschool special was Video Music Box. We would run home to watch that. Just being a part of that and growing up with that, I wish the new generation was able to witness that. Because now they got dudes that’s just looking crazy out there and they are following the trends. We are trend setters. Everyone else out there is being followers and foogazi. That's how my take is on it. I just feel like today's generation needs to get schooled by us, because Triboro to me is the leaders of the new school for improvement.

D.BAIL: No doubt. Elus?

ELUS: What Conn said.

D.BAIL: (laughs) Ok.

ELUS: That was an official answer!

FRSH AIRE: Personally, I am not mad at Hip Hop, we love the forefathers because we have morals. We are men of respect, so we know where we going cause we know where we came from. That's probably what’s wrong with the game now, but in the same fashion regarding the tight jean dudes, I don't really rock with none of that. Ever. But if you look at it they offset, they different. Back in the days when everybody was wilding out, around Onyx or Kool G Rap time everybody was thugged out. Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul came out wearing dashikis and baggy pants with polka dots on em. They would’ve gotten killed, but for a certain reason their music was bigger than what they were wearing. So it made it like, acceptable. Because their music was talking bigger than their clothes even though the clothes were crazy or what have you. So now a days, dudes want to wear these tight shirts and tighter jeans and big sneakers and look all wild and crazy but they ain't saying nothing. So that's why the first thing you notice are his tight ass shoes he got on, or these big *ss shoes he got on with an aqua marine belt with 200 fake diamonds in it looking stupid, know what I'm saying?

D.BAIL: Right.

FRSH AIRE: Because it ain't about what it used to be about and that's only because they don't look up to their forefathers. We here for that, we're near their age level. We can school the kids on what it is. If they don't want to go to the so called "old *ss rappers", we can teach them. That's how I feel about it.

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Check out a recent Triboro release:

Triboro - From Triboro With Love