Eminem, Mos Def, Black Thought (yes!):

(The best cypher session of the night hands down. Black Thought straight crushed it. Good showcase of 3 different styles.)

KRS One, Wale, Nipsey Hussle and Gsan:

(Did Wale just wake up or somethin?! Wow! KRS One schoolin' em.)

Joe Budden,Nicki Minaj,Buckshot and Crown Royyal:

(Either its waaay too easy for Nicki Minaj or she's just goofy as all hell. When Budden came up it was a done deal.)

I just thought I'd throw this one in here (lol):

(buurrrr...this guy is pure entertainment!)

*Side note*
Time to retire the following words from a cypher:
Swagger
No homo

done...

©LeeStarnes Photography 2009

For the uninitiated, Goodie Mob is one of the South’s most influential hip-hop groups. Born and bred in the ATL, the group consists of members Khujo (Willie Knighton, Jr.), T-Mo Goodie (Robert Barnett), Big Gipp (Cameron Gipp) and Cee-Lo (Thomas Callaway)....Although they did a few surprise, one-off shows here and there over the years — so the show in Atlanta this past weekend is a rare treat. (excerpt via. creativeloafing.com) Peep the video (credited to KidduNot.com aka kodak83boi on YouTube) and photos (credited to gudrunstone.com) below.

(Warning! Turn your speakers down, audio is extremely loud and will blow your speakers)

"In The Wind" w/ Big Boi

"They Don't Dance No Mo"

"Cell Therapy"

More photos to come soon, so please check back.

This looks like it was amazing. More after the jump.

“They Don’t Dance No Mo’”

“Cell Therapy”

Props to Kodak Boi for the footage.

via Nah Right » Video: Goodie Mob Reunion Show in Atlanta.

Download Now (via 2dope boyz)

Download Now (via 2dope boyz)

The Big Apple seems to be the mecca for go-getters. Upon stepping foot in New York, I almost instanteously felt this sudden urge to sell somebody something. Between the piss and pizza aroma, there's this aire [pun intended] about New York that brings out the inner hustler in all those who venture out on its streets. Look at what NY has given birth to. Hiphop. That in itself should allude to the fact that nothing but greatness can come from a place that created something as great as this culture. True to his hometown and himself, rapper/emcee Jumz (pronounced Juh ms)  has been paying homage through his music. He's been shinning since his the inception of his first project Sign Jumz-The Mixtape  and on "Shine All Day"  a collaboration w/ both ATCQ's frontsmen Q-Tip and the legendary Grandmaster Flash .He makes claims that he is, not the average indie artist. Indeed. Here's Jumz stats: Countless interviews and features for both hardcopy and in-print publications.Close to 2 millions plays on his Myspace page. A blogspot that attracts more traffic than SoHo. Good looks. Clever cadence. So in a time where "wack" seems to be the new black, him being undeniably good is making a bigger statement. Arize was fortunate enough to chop it up with Jumz and get the word from the Dominican dapper rapper himself. 

[arize] Introduce yourself homie!

JUMZ::What it do this is your boy Jumz from Washington Heights, born and raised.I am on my way to put Dominicans on the map.

[arize]I have no idea where the hell Washington Heights is...I only know about the borroughs.

JUMZ:Washington Heights in the borrough Manhattan and it sits right above Harlem, where all the Dominicans live...we just own that whole little area there.

[arize] Aiight, I got it. Okay...so I'mma jump around alot. Got some stuff I need to ask you...

JUMZ:: Cool, go 'head.

[arize] I read where you were basically giving your retirement speech, you  seemed uncertain about the industry, had some bad happenins happening.Has anything changed as far as your sentiments towards the game now that you have a bigger buzz?

JUMZ:: I mean, I am definitely not retiring now. Just when you think shit aint going right, something very good happens.I was excited about hiphop itself again.But, as far as the business is concerned, the stuff you see go down, the record deal is going to the highest bidder.When you are in, you see it and it leaves you dumb founded...you dont even wanna be in it...especially out here in NY it's like a whole different other chest match.

[arize] I see you were a bit of a party boy a minute ago.You got alot of popularity from your club promotions, throwin' some pretty big events...like how Diddy did it before he got on the music business side.

JUMZ::I used to throw parties in the city for awhile, my business savvy, me being an indie artist, I really understood the streets. The fliers, the posters, if people see you constantly they are eventually gonna wanna know what you are about...everything you see comes from me...it's me grinding it out...me perfecting my craft, drawing attention to myself

[arize] It's dope to see you get 2 million plays as a newcomer, an indie artist...

[arize]I happen to like "I am a problem" I like the west-indian feel...like how you represented...what's your favorite tracks?

JUMZ:: I am a big fan of the "Pressure" at a time where everything is so bubblegum and cheesy for me to even do a song and a video like that (it didnt get the feedback that Id like it get ) but for me to put myself out there like 100 percent, I mean...the beats all cinematic...its staccato...its poetic in a way. For the people who want to know me, "Pressure" is your best bet.

"Lookin' at myself, I feel like there's something there that is supposed to put me at the next level but I just can't find what it is right now" 

[arize] But what track represents you best at this point in your career? You know,cause you definitely made it over the I-wanna-retire hump, so what song defines JUMZ now?

JUMZ:: The track "What I do for a living" this is what I came from and this is what I do..I just wanted to drop it like boom! I'm here, I do this. This is all or nothin'

"WHAT I DO FOR A LIVING"

[arize]:: Was rapping your first choice as a career move?

JUMZ::I was auditioning for a highschool talent show or something like that...the first time I did it live in front of people, when they heard it they wanted to hear me over and over again,but back then It was like I chose it as a career. I went to college for awhile, I couldnt even focus on class...I was in class writing raps and that was alllll I used to do. When I finally left school , i just I just cannot do like a job. I gotta be happy going to work. I cant be miserable. I wanted to pursue my dream to the fullest like if I ever look back I can say yo, I did a song with Q-tip, got friends in different states across  the country,  like...I can honestly say I can't be mad, I tried. 

"I respect the craft, very respectful of the craft, I went back and listened to all the old stuff, went back and studied it...what made those that were hot, hot and those that werent hot, what they were...feel me? " -Jumz

[arize] Is it really important to you to push the fact that you are Dominican though? You mentioned it at the top of our conversation, but in another interview you say you didn't want to be known for that...

JUMZ:: I want people to know rapper/emcee first. Then Dominican,cause it comes along with it. When you think Dominican rapper you thinkin' on some other shit...you thinkin' flag all over...colorful...real stickin' out. That's not the view I want to give people. I want people to respect me for what I do in this craft.  I don't want people to think I am hiding that.Cause I could easily show no flag and tell people Im black...and infiltrate through there. But if this game aint gonna accept me as I am then ya'll just gonna have to take it like this.

[arize] Whatchu workin' on now? What's cracckin with the STONEWATER EP? I seen the finished cover for it but...where is it?

JUMZ:: What happened with Stonewater is that it's done. I just keep changing the material...changing the songs because I feel like what's on there isn't timeless enough. I have a few tracks that im still deciding on...shit that I am working on...real picky and choosy. Like I don't even really release singles, you just caught me at a good time. But, I definitely wanna put out the StoneWater Ep out by the end of the summer or beginning of the fall.

[arize] Who makes up the bulk of your fanbase? Who's your main demographic?

JUMZ::I think right now...alot chicks hit me up [laughs] But I don't even have those types of songs yet! You know when the ladies like something, the guys usually follow. But I am surprised sometime, cause my shit is so gritty so street sometime...and they be feelin' that shit. 

"The times are a little bit better...so all the stories have already been told...the new generation can't relate to that older shit...that crack selling shit. Realistically, the kids just wanna jerk, and crank dat...that's where hiphop is at right now."

 

[arize] How many projects in all have you put out?

JUMZ:: I have actually only put out one mixtape. One ep. I am not too big on the mixtape thing. Like, if niggas don't know me they aint gonna wanna hear a 12,000 songs on one tape. Niggas aint tryin' to hear that shit. Like...why I gotta hit you with a song a day!? I aint a slave! l [laughs]

[arize] :: Damn...lol...for real.

"WHAT ABOUT YOU"

JUMZ:: Like, don't just rap over some shit cause it's hot. Doing so much music...and for free? Spending 10g's in studio time to put it out online for free download? That's hustlin' backwards.

[arize] What's next? Shows? Tours? Deals?

JUMZ:: As far as deals go I don't wanna talk about it cause I feel like it's gonna jinx the hell outta me...haha.But I am doing alot of traveling around going to different states. I am very big on people. Like, I just want people to meet me. Its like one big research study.I go to there states, to their parties, see what they like. See what it is that they are relating to...what a massive market relates to. Right now I have a dilemna within myself because I feel like my music is a little too Eastcoast at times. I have a couple of new songs I wanna test out right here in New York city. I should be doing shows in New York, Jersey, and Boston...you know, the northeast.

[arize] Whatchu want to say to our Arize audience? Last words/shoutouts?

JUMZ:: I am not hard to reach. I am real with it.Yo if you are in a town and think your town would appreciate me.Secondary markets, third world markets, whatever...you feel like you aren't gettin' enough hiphop real shit in your town? I'm there! Calamazoo, Michigan. Omaha Nebraska...all that. Hit me up on the Myspace & Twitter. I'm real...no Hollywood shit. Cause at the end of the day it comes down to ya'll...what ya'll like. If people can't connect with you, it's like, what's the point? I just want people to know come at me! I got time for you!

[arize] Well thanks sir, you kept it 100 as always. Preciate you getting with me.

JUMZ:: It's cool. Thank ya'll. Thank you Millie. -peace

www.twitter.com/JUMZ

www.myspace.com/JUMZ

www.JUMZ.com

Download Here (New zSHARE link)

Tracklist

ArizeMag.com 'Fresh Picks' Mixtape vol 1. (Mixed by Kid Hum):
1. Add 2 – This Aint Funny (prod. By Vanysh)
2. Lyriciss – Faders
3. Freebass 808 feat. Janelle Monae - Many Moons
4. S.Ruger feat. Veteran Eye - Been Chillin’
5. Rainah - Be Alone
6. Joulz II - My Microphone (prod. by Kid Hum)
7. U-N-I - Stylin’
8. Theo feat. Christian Rich – Cloud 9 (prod. By Christian Rich)
9. The Black Sunn feat. 810 - Done Wit It
10. Donny Goines – Closer
11. Rob Jay - Directors Chair
12. Kooley High - There You Go
13. Chip Tha Ripper - No I Said I Liked You (prod. by 88 Keys)
14. Brown Bag All-Stars - Disappointment (prod. by Kid Hum)
15. Quite Nyce & Radar Ellis - The Spirit
16. Shawn Chrystopher - iRock Polo
17. Andreena Mill feat. Saukrates - You And Tomorrow
18. DJ K.O. feat. Skyzoo, Emilio Rojas & Median - Start It All Over (14kt Remix)
19. Whatzisface - Okey Dokey

This mixtape was mixed by Kid Hum:
www.myspace.com/kidhum
www.myspace.com/the6thgrade

TWEET THIS BY CLICKING THE TWITTER ICON BELOW!

--Sonny Cheeba - Camp Lo

With a career spanning over a decade, Camp Lo isn't showing any signs of stopping anytime soon. In fact, they're just getting started. With a well-received and recently dropped mixtape entitled Stone & Rob: Caught On Tape Camp Lo is already thinking about the future and how to push themselves even further. With the "Camp" constantly expanding, in addition to an already stellar production team in long-time producer Ski Beats, they introduce us to newcomer The Apple Juice Kid, who pushes their style even further with a collaborative release with Suede entitled Freebass 808. In addition to The Apple Juice Kid they introduce us to Charles Herron who was featured on "89 of Crime" on the Stone & Rob mixtape. For these guys the future seems even more creative than the already formidable past.

After a awesome show opened by Charles Herron (who ripped the stage btw) Arize had the pleasure to sit down with Sonny Cheeba & Geechi Suede as the guys discuss everything from who they make their music for, to what's in store for the future and much much more! And don't worry, we made sure we filmed the guys tearing the stage up as only "The Lo" knows how to. So just sit back and enjoy classic Lo.

(Footage by: Derrick @ DA BUZ DVD)

(Pictured: Sonny Cheeba, Geechi Suede, Charles Herron)

[Show as slideshow]

◄12

Don't forget to check the guys out on Twitter:
Suede on Twitter: twitter.com/OfficialCampLo
Cheeba on Twitter: twitter.com/CampLo

Non-stop interviews, touring and countless collaborations are enough to make even the most seasoned artist tired, yet at the age of twenty-four, Wale is managing it all quite nicely. Before a studio album has even dropped, Wale has positioned himself amongst the best in the biz, being named one of XXL magazines 10 “Freshman” of hip-hop and earning the respect of some of the genre’s greatest. This summer, Wale’s debut album, Attention: Deficit, will be released for the worlds listening pleasure. With his tour of the same name, featuring UCB and Colin Munroe, blazing across the country, a weary Wale managed to take a little time out to talk to Arize about inspirations, obsessions and musical discrimination.

Wale was born in Washington D.C., where he was bred to be a football player. Thank goodness he changed his mind. “Sports…sports video games, sports television. I actually play sports,” Wale says, revealing one of the other passions he has. From the days of tossing the pigskin to today where he finds himself living the nomadic existence that is touring, a bridge has been built to allow Wale to stay true to his early love of sports while reveling in his skyrocketing fame.

BET won’t play certain artists, MTV won’t play certain artists at certain times ya know, so I think the artist is a reflection of that

It doesn’t take much to notice that Wale has another passion: sneakers. One listen of a single mixtape and you can hear multiple references to kicks, sneaker culture and simply being fresh. Are there favorites? “Foam Posit Max’s. I got ‘em in Japan and I lost them when I moved and I can’t find them anymore.” Although he may have lost those, Wale has managed to mend his broken heart with all of the free swag that is tossed his way. “The best part of my job? Getting stuff for free,” Wale says, “There’s a lot of companies. There are certain things that people care about my opinion about. Like someone will ask if I like these shoes or not.”

While Wale is becoming a bigger name in hip-hop by the minute, pressure mounts as the release of Attention: Deficit inches closer. Although the first single, “Chillin,” features radio-ready newcomer Lady Gaga, Wale is aware of the impact that certain media outlets have on a given audience. “BET won’t play certain artists, MTV won’t play certain artists at certain times ya know, so I think the artist is a reflection of that,” he says. Despite the potential setbacks of this nature, Wale is optimistic that, ultimately, the Internet will have the final say. “The Internet doesn’t know demographic. The Internet doesn’t cater to anyone. With Google, you can put in anything and see what you wanna see,” Wale says triumphantly.

And with Wale already making waves in the hip-hop world, there’s no doubt that he’ll make a full-blown tsunami in the coming months. Though hectic and often times tiring, Wale swears that this is what he wants. “I’m pretty much happy with everything I’ve got going,” he says, “I’m excited about everything right now. There’s nothing that I regret.” Unfortunately, regret is something that comes with time. Let’s all cross our fingers that it’s not something that Wale feels the weight of just yet.

This special edition package will include a pair of Stubb's Skytops, a 2009 SXSW apron, a bottle of Stubb's sauce, all inside a handmade wooden numbered box that is branded with the 2009 SXSW seal. There will be ONLY 50 boxes for sale this Friday from 10am-11am. Peep these tasty kicks below.

Arize: Since we last spoke with you guys you had a lot going on (view past feature). What has been going on since then?

Christian Rich: We have been doing a lot more since then. The record with Armand Van Helden "Ski Hard" is doing well overseas and the video is getting a lot of hits on youtube. We also have been recording for other artist including Mickey Factz, some upcoming stuff for Juelz Santana, Fabolous, and others. We also dropped the Jeezy mixtape "Jeezy Eats At Lola's" with Lemar and Dauley, plus the other mixtape "The Decay" also with L&D. We have 2 videos coming up, one for "Stacks" and another for "Famous Girl". We are also featured on the clothing brand Maharishi's mixtape with "Monday, Tuesday Girl". Lemar and Dauley will also be releasing another mixtape by us called "Short Attention Span". We also are working with Fools Gold Records to hopefully do Kid Sister's single..... So there is a lot going on and that's really just 15% of it!

ARMAND VAN HELDEN - SKI HARD FEAT. CHRISTIAN RICH

Arize: You guys have a few recent mixtapes to surface, One entitled Jeezy Eats At Lola's: The Club Sway Remixes with Lemar and Dauley as well as The Decay Mixtape. What has been the response from those releases?

The response has been great! Those tapes truly branded us on the internet and have increased the fan base. Actually, every artist wants a mixtape with Lemar and Dauley. Its cool though, just know we birth that shit! Lol. But truly its been great just connecting with other artist and fans. I heard one time that some folks in France heard "The Decay" mixtape and went nuts... This must be true because I heard this DJ from France at Sway (night club) one night and he was playing one of our records.

I'm Amazing

A Dollar Dream

Arize: You guys previously released Famous Girl and you recently released a video teaser for that single. What’s the strategy behind the big gaps between the audio and video release? (see video below “Famous Girl” Teaser)

Well when we first released Famous Girl, we were really just testing the market. We never promoted the record. So once we saw the response, we put a marketing plan together and the video teaser is phase one of that. Truly this could have been executed last year but we waited for the right video directors.

But we are open to trying new sounds... we might go back to Nigeria and do a whole drum heavy album with some afro-beat artist. You never know with us!

Arize: With Lemar & Dauley backing you guys up as well as URB Mag and the collabs, who in the indie circle do you want to work with?

Well, we would love for the Kid Sister situation to go well. She's from the crib (Chicago) so its only right. I think Kid Cudi would be a good look too. But we like Hey Champ, Chester French (not really indie though), MGMT, UNI, Matt and Kim, and others. As far as brands, we might work with DC shoes, 10 deep is cool, some collabs with designers Perk and Mini (PAM) would be dope! But there are so many people to work with. As time goes you will just have to wait and see who we rock with.

Arize: With the recent news of Lupe retiring due to his ills with the music industry, how much does the music industry fuck up the sound and flow of real hip hop artists such as yourselves?

The industry doesn't bother us. We really don't pay attention to it. Honestly the indie scene is more cut-throat then the majors, but the good part is you control your next move. With fans still loving to see shows and itunes still providing a place to sell a little bit of records, we are happy with the industry. How can we complain about a lifestyle we chose? As long as you have a long term plan and stick to it the industry can't do much to effect you.

I heard one time that some folks in France heard "The Decay" mixtape and went nuts... This must be true because I heard this DJ from France at Sway (night club) one night and he was playing one of our records.

Arize: With the whole hipster thing fading out, what kind of scar, if any, do you think it has left on the hip hop scene?

Well, the term hipster means anyone who brings brand awareness to a particular entity, so really this so called hipster thing saved hiphop. This shit was dead until these indie rappers stepped up. And they are all doing well now, so if anything this movement reshaped the majors and how they should approach marketing. Hip Hop needs change and groups like us bring that.

The Same

Arize: Besides having such a unique sound, the sky’s the limit with what you guys can do. Are there any other types of sound you can see yourselves experimenting or gravitating towards? Please don’t say rock.

Lol Rock? No way. But our minds are beyond that type of thinking. You will see us do more electronic remixes and maybe a bossa nova album. But we are open to trying new sounds... we might go back to Nigeria and do a whole drum heavy album with some afro-beat artist. You never know with us!

Arize: Give us 8 reasons why Christian Rich is the Shit.

Our hustle, our beats, our songs, our mind set, our mixtape concepts, our love for all kinds of music, our humbleness (is that a word...ha)and our faith in God!

Arize: 5 artists that you think suck.

No one really sucks, just some are better than others and some are still developing. We can't really knock anyone's hustle...

Stacks

Arize: What else should we look forward to for 09’? Album release? More mixtapes?

The Decadence album is finally coming out this Spring, late March. Then we have a shit load of collabs. A few mixtapes with L&D and maybe some music with Terry Urban. But we have a lot planned, just check us on Twitter (christianrich), Myspace @ www.myspace.com/crichmusic and www.therichboys.blogspot.com. Also if you will be in New York Feburary 27th come by Webster Hall. We will be performing with Future Cop and Theopilius London