BJ The Chicago sits with Leslie Mac

Congratulations @bjthechicagokid for the 3 #Grammy nominations!
Best R&B Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, & Best R&B Album #InMyMind | #Salute #BJTheChicagoKid

ReCap of Texas Rap Fest

‘It’s always BIGGER in Texas!’ is a phrase Texans know all too well. However, ‘It’s always BIGGER AND BETTER in Texas!’ seems more appropriate. History was made October 26, 2014. Forty-three artists, 7 DJs, and guest appearances all in 11 hours and on ONE stage…”Yes, we did."     Let me introduce you to the 'mastermind’s behind the mayhem.' Texas Rap Fest was presented by Mr. Tony Draper of Suave House and Mr. William Green Jr. of Kountry Boy Records. What started out as a birthday party with some live entertainment, turned into the most elaborate concert Texas has ever experienced. These gentlemen brought in artists from the DFW and Houston areas ranging from independent to mainstream. Everyone was a superstar!   The Texas Rap Fest was a HUGE success! Not just from an artist’s perspective, THE FANS LOVED IT. Didn't hear one negative comment from them. Only artists that hail from the great state of Texas were asked to perform for this elite event. It was surreal!   J-Kruz from 97.9 The Beat and DJ Papa Ron set the Texas Rap Fest off with a bang while DJ Michael ‘5000’ Watts and the Geto Boys sealed the deal. Legends lined the stage. All involved really put forth great effort and passion to create such a memorable experience!     We heard from artists such as:  Jay the Prince, Red Carpet Boyz, XO, Big Hud, Dat Boi T, Dro Fe, Polo da Prince, Aggtown Ambassador, Doughski G, Dustin Cavazos, Yung Nation, Bentley Green, Papa Reu, Lil O, Big Poky, Slim Polk, Chingo Bling, Quint Black, Kottonmouth, Treal Lee & Prince Rick, Lil Will, ESG, Big Chief, Fat Pimp, Big Tuck, Big Mike, Lil KeKe, Dorrough, Lil Flip, Mike Jones, Z-Ro, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, Bun B, and the Geto Boys.   On the 1's & 2's: DJ Papa Ron, DJ Kayotik, DJ Do Right, DJ Steve Nice, Michael '5000' Watts, DJ Quick Mixx Rick, DJ Reeve, and don't forget the DJs that tour with the artists!!   Don't just take our word for it… "Had an amazing time we appreciate it! ...We got some new music coming for the state."  -Dustin Cavazos   "Hey just wanted to thank you for all the love yesterday, def appreciate it." -Hollywood Zey   “Shout Out to Texas Rap Fest for putting on a good show and doing an awesome job. Special S/O to Leslie Mac…thanks for your courtesy & superb professionalism. You freakin’ rock!” -C.Scott   “Texas Rap Fest was too live!!! Appreciate the opportunity to be a part of such a great event.” -DJ Papa Ron   “I would like to commend ALL of ‘the people behind the scenes’ for all their hard work, time, energy, patience, impatience, commitment and everything you had to take to make this day a success!… “Job Well Done!” - Ms. Janet   “Texas Rap Fest was a great event, looking forward to much more from you all!” -Terrence Dawson   “Proud to be a part of and experience Texas music history. Salute!” -Yung Feddi   “We appreciate all the love we received from Texas Rap Fest and the Fans!” -George Lopez, Big Tuck, Dirty South Rydaz, Addiction, & Bastard   “Thanks for having us, it was great!” -97.9 The Beat DFW   “Had fun at Texas Rap Fest, made some new amazing connections with the right people. Thank You!” -I.Q.   “Texas Rap Fest was great! So many Texas legends on the same stage will be something to remember.” -Chuck   “Texas Rap Fest, the BIGGEST TEXAS concert of the year!” -DJ Black Jesus   “Shout out to all of the artists that performed this past Sunday. You were a part of History! Texas Rap Fest!” -DJ Steve Nice   “Amazing time! Hope you all do it again next year!” -Kate Tabor   “Texas Rap Fest..Great show!... Thanks for a great show!” -Troy Blank   “Maaan hold up! Texas Rap Fest was the ‘throwdest’ concert hands down!” -Felipe Contreras   “Texas Rap Fest was soooo freshhh!... Looking forward to next year!” -Aubree Reno   “The Texas Rap Fest concert was dope!” -Craig Avery “I had a good time, the most fun I have had in years!” -Bigg Bubb The energy felt at the Texas Rap Fest was electrifying!  Great music, great support... It can only get better from here. It will take events like this help put Texas music on the map. However, it's up to the artist to keep that momentum going.   In the words of William Green Jr. “I said let’s do something that’s never been done before. Let’s put all the Texas guys together in one place, on one stage. Let’s make history.” And that my friends, it how it all began! ~LeslieMac @alme214

What is a DJ if he can’t scratch?...What is an MC if he can’t rap?Divided we fail!!

What is a DJ if he can’t scratch?...What is an MC if he can’t rap? -The Egyptian Lover The answers to these questions are a no brainer. As music has evolved into this digital era access and tools to create projects ie: songs, EPs, mix tapes, and albums have become more accessible. With that being said…divided we fail. It’s time for a fuckin lesson in Music101! This coins the old phrase, which came first the chicken or the egg? In the case of music, the song before the DJ. But where would the DJ be without the tracks? "Paying to play" is defined as bands paying to play live at a bar or club. The payments are typically made to the owners of the club; sometimes this happens through a middleman or proxy, otherwise known as promoters. However, the Club DJs are taking this to heart. If you are a follower of social media networks, you have seen the ‘mudslinging’ between the DJs and the artists.   fan base it’s no need to put out a record cause nobody knows you. As we know, or some of us may know...Hip Hop started as a DJ based phenomenon on the streets of the 70's run down New York. It spread nationwide, and later into a worldwide culture that put the MC, the Rapper, on stage. By the end of the 20th century, Hip Hop was and still is the most influential music genre, changing the face of Pop culture forever, and spawning subsequent changes to R&B, dance music & Jazz. Let’s cut past all the history and facts and look at what the new deal is. If you’re not signed to a major, then this is what you need to think about: Recording advance: $15,000 Tour support: $2,100 Mastering costs: $934.96 Marketing: $13,433.23 *Advertising: $2,067.50 Publicity: $5,153.34 Manufacturing: $16,581.04 Artwork / photos: $200 Misc: $587.71 Total: $56,057.78 *Advertising – Advertising expenses can include any print, radio and online advertising the record label incurs to promote a new release So clearly, an artist has great out of pocket expenses that a DJ does not incur. So why some of our DJ counterparts pull the power card and feel they are entitled to be paid to play a record? Especially a local artist? Both parties need each other to survive, put your fucking ego away and play some music! As a club DJ you might: • play and mix records in clubs or bars, to create atmosphere or keep people dancing • choose music to suit your audience’s taste and the venue’s music policy • create your own sounds by manipulating beats, using samples, adding extra music and sound effects Now we are for the DJ, but damn...Let’s look at the real picture here. You (DJ) are paid to play at multiple events (weddings, afterhours, receptions, parties, hell, you will even play other artists music at a showcase)..But you don’t pay the indie artist any attention, well maybe ;). But seriously when has Jeezy stopped by and broke you off? Drake makes it rain in the club but not a drop of that falls to your booth. There are rules and guidelines in the strip club, so you might get a drop or two. Your local artist and I’m talking about the ones who have talent not the ones who have money, have to wait in line. Do we listen to music anymore or is our time bought? DJs, this is just a little heads up to what we hear over here at the mag. Artists don’t get it twisted. You play a major role in the playing of your music. If you don’t want anyone crowding your creative space, what makes you think the DJ wants you all in his face pushing a CD to him during his set? Today’s work is “tact”. You know the method in which you approach someone and the tone you use. And by all means...PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION, PRESENTATION! If you haven’t figured by now, writing on a CD with a marker is played the fuck out. I know there’s someone, somewhere that will label and duplicate CDs for a nominal fee. If you know your material it hot, why treat it like it’s not? "Payola, in one form or another, is as old as the music business” The music industry is nothing more than networking game! Don’t get caught being the Pawn, think like a King. Your choices: Checkmate or Stalemate….choose wisely! Pluggers war on old curse". Billboard magazine (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.) 61 (44): 3, 13, 47. October 29, 1949. ISSN 0006-2510 -Leslie Mac #aRoseFromDaConcrete #alme214 ">">">