STR8NYC.COM » Spotlight

STR8 SPOTLIGHT: CHARM SO!

skool — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:35:38 +0000

Joshua James Caughman aka Charm So! the local Brooklyn artist/producer/visual artist/fashionista and homie of mine has been loading ammo to take this game hostage and give Brooklyn back its voice! That sounds a bit violent, but believe me he is one of the kindest people who aims to shoot the gun of love. POW! In his music you can hear talent, struggle, passion, pain, and a true love for what he does. He has certainly come a long way into his artistry and perfecting his flow, image, and delivery. True artistry encompasses consistency of quality and an impeccable work ethic, and he posses them both aiming to make you feel in the depths of your soul, “like a sample”, as he says.

He was featured in The Source Magazine Unsigned Hype, which is certainly commendable as most of the legends in Hip-Hop were given recognition in there. Where is he now? Well, Charm So! is currently working on his upcoming EP Strawberry Fields which sounds deviously sweet.

Download one of my fav tracks below:

Charm So! – What We Talking ‘Bout?

Check the homie out at:
www.CharmSoMusic.com
www.Twitter.com/CharmSo
www.Facebook.com/Charmso

ON DECK or OFF DECK?!

Follow @vivalaskool

STR8 STYLIN’: 3 REASONS TO LOVE SUE TSAI DESIGNS…

LexAve — Tue, 17 May 2011 05:26:07 +0000

I’m not a huge fashionista but when an accessory grabs my attention I do nothing but boast about it extra hard. And Sue Tsai designs definitely fits the bill. I met NYC native, Sue Tsai, a year ago in Miami, Fl during Super Bowl weekend. Not only is she a cool down to earth chick but I came to find out she’s super talented jewelry designer/model. You might recognize her work worn by everyone from NBA stars to rappers and even the Simmons sisters. Celebrity co-sign aside, here are my top 3 reasons to love Sue Tsai Designs…

1. Sue Tsai Designs makes jewelry for both men and women…and believe it or not the men love these bracelets!

She also designs rosaries…rappers love these!

2. Sue Tsai women’s collection is just too sexy and cute for words…here’s a glimpse.

3. Sue Tsai Designs is celebrating its 1 year anniversary in NYC this week and Str8NYC is invited! Not only is it a celebration but the hottest designs will be up for sale. This is a go!…

Be sure to check back for our interview with Sue Tsai as part of our new fashion vlog segment on Str8NYC.com…stay tuned!
Connect with Sue Tsai via Twitter and SueTsai Online Store.

NEXT UP: ONE WOMAN SHOW…NITTY SCOTT!

LexAve — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:45:32 +0000

Every now and then you’ll here me bitch and whine about “Where are all the female rappers at?”…”Why aren’t they reppin’ for us ladies?”…”Who are they?” Well something tells me I can ease up on the whining just a tad bit after being introduced to Nitty Scott by the homie TheParrish. He said and I quote “Lex! You need to hear this chick!” So I did and let’s just say I was impressed. So much so, I’m trying to lock down an interview with the 20 year-old “Born in Michigan, made in Florida, paid in New York” femcee. According to her Facebook page:
There’s a real element of surprise when Nitty Scott, MC, picks up a microphone and reveals the abstract and outspoken artist living inside the pocket-sized beauty. The art school grad writes and spits her own messages of positivity, knowledge and empowerment without sacrificing femininity and slick delivery. One of the few females creating a lane in organic, conscious rap, Nitty Scott, MC is the fly girl who ain’t afraid to get down with the cipher. She learned to appreciate the universal, political and spiritual elements of good music from her father, raising her on the sounds of Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, 2Pac and the like from as early as she can remember. A current NYC socialite and blog personality as well, Nitty Scott, MC is soon to take the urban underground by storytelling storm.
If that doesn’t describe her style and her skills…maybe this freestyle video captured by The Source will win you in.

P.S. Don’t let this Spanish Lauren London look-a-like fool you…the girl can spit!
ON DECK or OFF DECK?!
Follow me: @lexave & @str8nyc

NEXT UP: IT’S PANAMA BABY!…

LexAve — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:03:11 +0000

Check out our boy Panama’s first official single off his EP The Panamanian Summer, “Addicted” featuring Justin Lay. You might recognize this BK native as Bubbles’ oppressor on HBO’s hit show, “The Wire”. Panama is now showcasing his undeniable lyrical abilities. Panama, the lyricist has been featured on major media outlets including MTV, Music Choice, BET, The Source, Yahoo! and Pepsi Music to name a few. Check out his new video below set to make rotations on MTV this week, so keep it locked!

ON DECK or OFF DECK?!
Get to know Panama here:
@itspanamababy
www.panamalovesu.com
www.facebook.com/itspanamababy

NEXT UP: LOLA MAXWELL DROPS “BASIK EDUKATION”

J'More — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:05:27 +0000

Straight outta DC is femcee Lola Maxwell not to be confused with video vixen Lola Monroe. Lola Maxwell brings a breath of fresh air to a genre where REAL music is almost non-existent with her mixtape Basik Edukation. While, the world is in a Barbie frenzy, Lola is what the game’s been missing. Don’t expect Miss Lola Maxwell to “sex” it up to sell records ‘cause that’s not her style. “Hip-hop has lost its touch”, she says. And once you hear her spit, you’ll agree she’s bringing it back with her intellectual rhymes. Next Up is…Lola Maxwell!

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN–>>LOLA MAXWELL- “BASIK EDUKATION: THE MIXTAPE”

“Basik Edukation” Tracklisting:

1. Intro

2. The Freshman

3. Assembly

4. Homecoming ft. G5 Clive

5. DC Shyt

6. The Perfect Stranger

7. I’m Lovin It

8. The Realest ft Brittany Street

9. Mighty Mouse

10. Popular Demand

11. Distorted Outcast

12. Sing For Absolution

13. Whisper to Me Baby ft Demi Lee

14. World Tour

15. Outro

16. BONUS Track: “Over” Freestyle

17. BONUS Track: Black Madonna Part One

For more information about Lola Maxwell check her out on MySpace or follow her on Twitter!

STR8 TRACKS: OUTASIGHT ft. ASHER ROTH- “CATCH ME IF YOU CAN” (REMIX)

LexAve — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:26:29 +0000

Here’s the remix to Outasight’s “Catch Me If You Can” featuring Asher Roth. For those sleeping on our boy Outasight, hopefully this remix enlightens you. Be sure to cop Outasight’s EP which is being re-released on iTunes with a bonus track. Also expect a new video to drop next week.

DOWNLOAD->> OUTASIGHT ft. ASHER ROTH- “CATCH ME IF YOU CAN” (REMIX)
ON DECK or OFF DECK?!
Check out an Outasight fan, doing his own rendition of “Catch Me If You Can” at an Apple Store in NYC…this boy got too much swag, too cute!

NEXT UP: COCOA SARAI BRINGS THAT HEAT…

LexAve — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:59:12 +0000

Check out this brand new artist from Brooklyn bringing real music back!

“Cocoa Sarai reinvents music with her soulful heartfelt delivery over today’s club driven style of production thus given her a unique sound classified as “Pop-Soul.” Her undeniable vocal talent, amazing songwriting abilities and lyrical prowess, makes Cocoa Sarai a force to be reckon with. With her refreshing sound, raw talent and energetic & magnetic stage presence, Cocoa Sarai is paving her own way to success.”

Her first single “Ring” off her debut LP 1/2 Past 7 is getting major praise…check it out below.

ON DECK or OFF DECK?!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COCOA SARAI’S “1/2 PAST 7″ DEBUT LP
Also if you’re in the NYC area, be sure to catch her performing live at TAJ lounge.

Learn more about CoCoa Sarai on her Twitter, Official Site, Myspace Page.

SPOTLIGHT: SHO

J'More — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:53:47 +0000

Meet the future of R&B Global Icon/Universal Music Group recording artist SHO who currently has the streets buzzing with his hot track “Leavin’ Me, Can’t Be”. Make no mistake, SHO is no stranger to the music industry as his first independent album “SHO: Strickly Streets” became an instant hit on the streets selling 20,000 copies. The R&B singer’s track list includes some of today’s biggest names such as Ray J, Mario and Brandy to name a few.

Check out SHO’s tracks…

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN–>>SHO-”LEAVIN’ ME, CAN’T BE”

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN–>>SHO- “OH GIRL”

Find out more about SHO here!

SPOTLIGHT: JARED EVAN- “FROZEN” (TRAILER) x POLOW DA DON SIT DOWN

LexAve — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:57:32 +0000

A few weeks STR8NYC spotlighted new up and coming artist Jared Evan. Check out the trailer to his new song + video “Frozen” directed by Rik Cordero. Evan’s mixtape, Radio In My Head (presented by Rik Cordero and hosted by Polow Da Don), debuts October 15th. This some compelling visual…

Follow him on twitter at @JaredEvan or request him as a friend on MySpace at MySpace.com/JaredEvanMusic
Peep Jared chopping it up w/Polow Da Don after the jump…
POP THE HOOD FOR MORE ON JARED EVAN

SPOTLIGHT + NEW MUSIC: JARED EVAN- “HEADPHONES”

LexAve — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:28:46 +0000

Check out this new joint from Jared Evan of his mixtape debut Radio In My Head presented by Rik Cordero and hosted by Polow Da Don. Look out for it dropping in October!!
Keep up with Jared Evan, follow him on Twitter at @JaredEvan or request him as a friend on MySpace at MySpace.com/JaredEvanMusic.

DOWNLOAD->> JARED EVAN- “HEADPHONES”
Feelin’ the emotion and new song in this joint. Be sure to learn more about Jared Evan with this “Inside The Craft” video courtesy of Three21Media.

Also check out his joint “Frozen” off King James’ documentary More Than A Game…

Frozen – Jared Evan