Dr. Dre Plugs Into Dallas' Sounds

Dallas, Texas hails as one of the top five markets in radio, but all to often I hear, “Can’t NOBODY break into the (music) industry outta Dallas!” Sounds cliché right?!?!  Well,

contrary to popular belief, Dallas has had some notable acts make quite an impact in music history.  Not to long ago, Garland native, Justin Mohrle, PKA Justus made the headlines as Dr. Dre’s newest protege. Now, we can add Dallas native and producer, Da Dreak to that list.

  

I came across an article that I just have to share with my audience.  There are times where accolades are given, however, they are not directed to the mass hip-hop audience.  This is where I excel…I have the ability to reach the masses: black, white, brown, or yellow….urban, hip-hop, music industry, males or females.  Being able to cross promote the “race” barriers, is an art.  One I am most proud of!  

Dallas Observer’s (D.O.) own Jeremy Hallock “snuck” this great news in, which I think should have been front page news on all media outlets including TMZ, The Breakfast Club, and Entertainment Tonight! Especially when “Straight Outta Compton” officially opens tomorrow!

@DaDreak (Twitter & IG) story begins A few months ago, when Da Dreak found himself in Dre’s studio, during a visit to California for his birthday. During this trip he found himself face to face with Dr. Dre inside Aftermath Studios. 

Born and raised in Dallas, Dreak, started rapping in high school. The beat making didn’t start until the late 1990s. Last March, Dreak met Denaun Porter at South by Southwest. Porter is well known for his work with D12. Porter’s no stranger to working with Dr. Dre and has produced songs for 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg. He also produced songs for Eminem and tours with the Shady/Aftermath artist as his hype man. 

According to the D.O., Dreak and Porter quickly started working together, meeting up in different cities to work on a beat kit and Royce Da 5’9’s next album, among other projects. In May, Dreak went to Los Angeles to celebrate his birthday and work with Porter. Porter took Dreak to Aftermath Studios, where he works as a producer for Aftermath Entertainment, Dre’s label.

When asked about his production style, Da Dreak says, “Either you were the hip-hop purist backpacker or you were the street.” From what I’ve heard of his tracks on Soundcloud, Da Dreak can touch all styles. Porter was immediately struck with Dreak’s production sound. “He has a little swing to his music,” Porter says. “He uses different chord progressions. With most people, you can tell what the next step is going to be. With him...I couldn’t tell what his next step was going to be. It’s not a traditional way of thinking.” Porter immediately wanted Dre to hear Dreak. He liked Dreak’s sound and noticed an attention to precision and detail that he thought Dre might appreciate. Porter isn’t in the habit of bringing people over to Aftermath. “But Dre’s like a brother to me and Dreak seemed really cool,” Porter says. Looking back, he was simply happy to bring new talent to Dre.

“I wasn’t expecting Dre to be there,” says Dreak. But Porter led him into the first control room and Dre was standing at the board. Da Dreak goes on to say of working with Dre, “You don’t want to say too much.” Even tho he doesn’t make it to the ‘Compton ‘ album, Dreak thinks of the possibilities, that the beats he worked on at Aftermath may be used on another project in the next couple years.” 

Read The Complete article on Dallasobserver.com

#LeslieMac

Some Of Y'all Ain't Gonna Smile After This One

What can I say about my 420 celebration? It was a true learning experience. I had to write this immediately before I forgot...wink face ;) . My Hip Hop heads are gonna feel nostalgic, and my new school Hip Hop artists are going to feel some type of way. Whatever you choose, I just hope this doesn't fall on deaf ears. You are getting a snippet of the full article "What Happened To The Movement," that will be in the upcoming of n’Rotation's "Mixtape DJ" issue. I'm not going to call any names in this blog, nor in the full article. I will just reflect and report on our conversation. At the end of this piece, I will leave you with something to seriously think about.

We can all agree that the recent police violence against African Americans is making the news at an alarming rate. The marchers, protesters, and the rally leaders are in full swing. The internet is keeping us all united to the cause through hashtags and Twitter posts. Back in the day when there was injustice in the black community, there was a song to bring people together. 

In 1971 Marvin Gaye's masterpiece, "What's Going On" album took on poverty and the injustice facing the black community. This album produced the hits; "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," and the "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)." It's considered the most

important and passionate record to come out of soul music. Marvin Gaye's connection to his fans allowed his music be the catalyst to ignite the needed unity in the black community. 

1989 brought us Spike Lee's movie, "Do the Right Thing" and with it Hip Hops minister of information Public Enemy's "Fight the Power." “Fear of a Black Planet" was released in1990, but the albums most notably hit single opened Lee’s acclaimed movie. This movie focuses on the realities that the black community is being faced with now...the senseless death of blacks at the hands of cop. The Radio Raheem choking scene was played out in real life when Eric Garner, 43, died after being confronted by police on Staten Island for allegedly selling cigarettes illegally. What was illegal was the choke hold that lead to Garner’s death. Julie Bolcer, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office, “the death was ruled a homicide.”

As P.E. (Public Enemy) pointed out the injustice on the east coast, NWA introduced their west coast accounts of the outrage that was enacted by the LAPD. NWA’s version of fighting the power did not miss a beat. Their lyrics and videos showed the group had no problem going against the grain of rules that segregates people. The 1992 Los Angeles riots was the reaction to a jury's verdict that acquitted four Los Angeles Police Department officers of assault and use of excessive force. This use of excessive force was caught on video. Thousands of people throughout the metropolitan area of Los Angeles rioted over six days beginning on April 29. Ice Cube’s "Wicked," calls this day of the riot "Power to the people."

Hip Hop’s voice against violence and wrongdoing was felt the strongest on the tracks, "Self-Destruction," which featured an All Star East Coast roster. We find KRS-One and D-Nice of Boogie Down Productions leading the charge. The features included; production by Bomb Squad  member Hank Shocklee, MC Lyte, Boogie Down Productions (KRS-One, D-Nice & Ms. Melodie), Stetsasonic (Delite, Daddy-O, Wise, and Frukwan), Heavy D, Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, Just-Ice and Public Enemy (Chuck D & Flavor Flav). 

On the West Side of the Hip Hop map, we have the ‘stop the violence’ driven track, "We All In The Same Gang." Doctor Dre provided his production talents to this project. The West Coast All-Star’s roster included; King Tee, Body & Soul (including Dee Barnes), Def Jef, Dr. Dre, MC Ren and Eazy-E of N.W.A, Above The Law, Ice-T, Michel'le

Tone-Loc, J.J. Fad, Young MC, Digital Underground (Money-B and Shock G/Humpty Hump), MC Hammer, and Oaktown's 3.5.7. 

What are we promoting in Hip Hop today? Sex, drugs, and violence? Rich Gang’s "Lifestyle," was a hit, even if we didn't understand what was being said. But after learning the lyrics to this song, are we still interested in that "Lifestyle"? Are we all in love with the CoCo? 

From my own experiences and what I gathered from my comrades is, the culture went from songs speaking on fighting injustice to songs abusing the rights that were fought for during the civil rights movement.  You can rap, but are you enriching

the next person’s life? Is there going to be more than just tweets addressing the recent displays of inequalities or are we waiting on Birdman to stop tripping about the money he owes Lil Wayne? The reality is, that hip-hops voice has been Minimized. I’m listening to Kendrick Lamar's #TPAB and Common and John Legend’s "Glory" to fill the whole for what needs to the focus of the day. Will you promote this for now and be the “Trap Queen” at later date? We can party, but if we don't encourage one another through our loudest megaphone...music, I believe the maltreatments are going to increase. 

Like I said before, "this is just a snippet." You can read the full article in the upcoming n'Rotation The DJ Magazine issue. This is our Mixtape DJ issue, which will feature award winning and some of the Top 100 Mixtape DJs In The World as of 2014.  

I ask you this question… where are you going with Hip Hop?

#LeslieMac

This Type Of Change Is Bullshit!

Ok… I'm all about creativity and being inspired by something, but the "Give It Up" vs "Blurred Lines" this law suit is bullshit! Yes, they sound a lot alike and if you're doing a play on words, both songs have a sexual topic. But truly they're different songs. I interview artists, DJs, and producers and the 1 question never gets old..."Who's your inspiration or favorite artist?" 

After hearing the verdict I called my buddy Terrence Dawson a/k/a Dirty who is the former manager of the Ying Yang Twins. Their breakout hit "Whistle While You Twerk" was slapped with a cease and desist order as the songs popularity grew, and prompted Mr. Collipark and the group to rewrite the hook.  In our impromptu interview, T says, "there's a huge difference in the songs. If the instrumental for Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up" was the performance track, then I would side with the Gaye estate." The original is played by live instruments and has the musicians emotion embedded into to each note. That could never be reproduced, only the musician himself or herself could reproduce that sound in that moment. It's so many other distinctive characteristics that point out the differences between the two songs. Apparently Howard King, the attorney for Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, decided not to call the Shazam app to the stand as one of his witnesses! 

When I first heard Gucci Manes "Freaky Girl," I was excited to hear what he did to Joi's “Lick.” To those who are not familiar with this hit, it was featured in the Vin Diesel movie "xXx". Gucci's version, of course, was a huge hit for him, later reproduced and the sample was replayed giving it it's own creative voice. "Freaky Girl"...would not have been the huge strip club anthem it is if it hadn't been inspired by the Organized Noise production team and Joi. 

This lawsuit opens the door for many more of these song comparisons. If it's about the money… look out karaoke night! The song that sounds like the song you're singing could put you in line for a lawsuit. Ok that's a stretch, but "Blurred Lines" is an interpretation of a classic that has its own unique sound and lyrics, not to mention T.I. (I love me some "Trap Muzic" & "Urban Legend.”) 

Who can’t forget the club banger, "Throw It Up" by Lil Jon and The Eastside Boys. Yes, itwas inspired by the music from the theatrical trailer for "The Lord of the Rings, The TwoTowers.” Go ahead and listen from minute mark 1:36 http://youtu.be/Y4neBR0h39c of the trailer. And must we not forget the G-Funk Era!  I'll say it again..this lawsuit is bullshit! Music of today is an inspiration and the music of tomorrow will look back at our era and mention the producer, songwriters and DJs of today. This ain't that change!

Shout Out to Inspiration!

#LeslieMac

Uninspired AND Unexcited...That's some BS!!

Your music journey may have many highs and lows but one thing you must do is surround yourself with the "Real." Throughout my journey I've hit roadblocks and obstacles that only made me work harder. 

Over the weekend I was invited to the "I Am Dope Tour" where I heard a new sound Hip Hop, Punk Rap. The band "No Solutions" is going to be a game changer. Saturday I was in Denton Texas attending the Thin Line Music Festival. I saw AV The Great perform with a live band and I was like, "Damn! He killed it!" Headlining that night was the incomparable Devin The Dude who brought with him The Odd Squad and the artist RUMe of Coughee Brothaz performed the hit "Garden Tool" this is definitely one you need to have on repeat! At the end of Devin's performance, AV took to the mic and expressed his appreciation for Devin coming to rock the stage for the Thin Line Festival. I have to say that was a true moment of inspiration. 

Music should never lose its intent. I've traveled and have had the honor of meeting some of the most influential people in this business. All have given me the push and support needed in this industry. You can't do this if you're Uninspired and hanging around the Unexcited!

We all know how great music makes us feel. Plenty of life's quotes have come from Hip Hop and the DJs have been the physicians providing us the medicine to get us through each moment of our day. Most of these quotes are about girls, money and success, but there’s still great quotes about happiness in life and they inspire which turns into excitement! 

In 1995 Russell Simmons presented the world with the movie "The Show." To those of you

who don't know about this true Hip Hop classic, it's a documentary about the Hip Hop culture at that time. This opened my mind up to the stories behind the music. Before I was just enjoying the music and not giving a thought to the things that motivated them to write those lyrics. From Slick Rick to Snoop Dogg and from Dr. Dre to Andre Harrell... I fell in love with Hip Hop all over again!

Through every handshake and interview, I have been inspired to help others see their vision and grow this industry. Over at Fluence (https://fluence.io/alme214) I have the opportunity to expand your brand even more, now that is exciting to my soul!

As artist or a DJ, the only way that you can achieve the goals of your career is to surround yourself with an excited team. Not the ones who are excited to be getting in the club with the artist, but the ones who will pick you up when it's time to go to the studio, the ones who will tweet, retweet, share and repost. And

notice I didn't mention those who just hit the "Like" button. Likes don't put your music in front of new fans. So watch for those excited people. They will support your movement, they will believe in you and not just the perks. 

Hanging with the Uninspired and Unexcited is some BS! I have music submitted to me day in and day out and try not to miss a single beat. Don't hesitate to email me directly with your music or submit it to me over at Fluence. I can share to my vast network of industry colleagues. Stay inspired and excited!

#LeslieMac

The D.O.C., Justin Night (JT Mohrle) & Dr. Dre

It's a fact! Dallas has a Hip-Hop scene! AND it's a fact that Dallas Hip-Hop is under rated. Well… as I sat down to listen to more music in my inbox, I got a text from T, "check this link out. It's classified G-14 lol". After digging and researching, I found out about, "The D.O.C., Justin Night (JT Mohrle), and Dr. Dre.” 

Thanks to the staff at Dallas-based D Magazine, I have what some will scratch their head to. I went to JT's Instagram and let me tell you he's not missing a photo op. His studio sessions include the likes of the Aftermath team, Xzibit, BJ The Chicago Kid, Gwen Stefani, and more.

 

Read this now and believe me later… Network with like minded souls! Dallas native D.O.C. put JT in the hands of Dr. Dre. Straight Outta Garland to California, this 23-year old white rapper seems to be the industry’s next biggest mystery. Yep, now everyone knows his name and will see his Instagram, but music...you'll have to wait on it. The boys have erased him from the net except for a few tracks that still won't give you a definitive answer to why Dre is making JT his goto guy. 

Mohrle has been in the lab mirroring the studio ethic of Tupac when he first landed on Death Row Records. JT has moved to the west coast and is grinding out 13-hour sessions at Record One. The Sherman Oaks, California studio has been Dre’s second home for the past decade and JT considers it to be his second home as well.

What is Dre currently working on? One can only speculate. In his interview all JT can admit to is that he's spent nearly every minute since touching down in L.A. writing lyrics in the studio. But he can’t revel where these lyrics will end up. One thing is for sure...The Triple D has another claim in Hip-Hop history, and it's by the way of a 23-year old white rapper. This could open up the door for the hidden heat that pounds through the speakers of the DFW metroplex.

A message to all artist...Open-Mics means that a stage is open AND you're never too big for a new fan. JT has been touching stages around the metroplex and beyond amassing a following that grew into a snowball that caught the attention of the people who propelled him into the right direction. Some of my Dallas readers will scratch their heads and say, "I ain't heard of this cat". Well, pride didn't stop him from going where some won't go. #IJS

The running theme in the Triple D is, 0 to none "real connections", which leads to, a lack of exposure. “I think that from top to bottom, Dallas as a city has been lacking in the unity that it takes to push one another forward,” The D.O.C. says, in the D Magazine interview. He goes on to say, “When I drive around California, I hear my shit every day. When I’m in Dallas, I very rarely hear any of my stuff. [The mindset in Dallas] is like, you don’t love yours. You’d rather hear theirs. And that’s not to say that theirs is no good. But there’s a lot of people in Dallas that deserve airtime.”

All I can say is hmmm! Currently my spotlight is on a few DJs and you know who you are because we talk socially on social media ;) and the artist you see me with and a couple who I'm proud to be a part of their movement. We Love music around the office and my office is everywhere. So keep on sending material to alesliemacevent@gmail.com and let's put every music market on the map!

#LeslieMac

Photo by Anthony Blue Jr.