Malaysia’s sweet singing Nadhira Nishaa has been under the radar of the rest of the world .. but MRC has taken notice of this multi talented 88 key playing songstress, enough to do some digging and flip a remix or two on a sultry up tempo sleeper of hers entitled “Breaking Up”. While breaking out new releases for the dub milli one six.. we caught up with her to let you in on the roots, culture and the vibes of this talented young artist ..

MRC INTERVIEWS NADHIRA

Q. MRCPOMO: Hello Nadhira thank you for taking this time out with us how are you and where are you from?
A. NADHIRA: Hello peeps! Thank you for the Interview I’m doing really great here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Q. MRCPOMO: How long have you been singing?
A. NADHIRA: I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. Humming and singing tunes has been something I’ve been doing since the beginning of time.

Q. MRCPOMO: Do you play a musical instrument as well? If so how did that come about and when?
A. NADHIRA: My piano is my instrument. When I was a kid schooling in London, taking music classes was compulsory so you can say I started from school. I wanted to try out other instruments too but my dad said he could only afford to pay for lessons for 1 instrument, so I picked the piano.

Q. MRCPOMO: Are you currently signed to a label? 
A. NADHIRA: No I’m not, I wish I was signed to a label that can help me and my music grow. Do you know anyone interested? Haha

Q. MRCPOMO: How do you come up with your material, do you collab with other producers? What’s your songwriting process like?
A. NADHIRA: For the longest time I’ve been working with producers, and writing to the beats they produce but I think right now I’m focusing more on composing my own beats and coming out with ideas from scratch. Some days I am really inspired but some days it’s just dry. I like working with producers and I do miss it. There’s something about the synergy that goes on in the studio during the writing process.

Q. MRCPOMO: How do you choose the people you work with? Do you have team or are you more hands on with your creative process? If you could pick one artist to work with in the industry who would it be?
A. NADHIRA: I am pretty hands on with the creative process but if there was someone who specializes in one thing, for eg. Fashion …I’d let her do her designs to make the outfit I want come to live for my show, I wouldn’t exactly tell her how to do it. Delegating tasks is always easier. If there was one current artist I’d like to work with it would be Jhene Aiko. I love her music and the simplicity of it all inspires me.

Q. MRCPOMO: What events in your life have had the largest impact on your writing and music? What are some of the challenges you have faced in your singing career?
A. NADHIRA: I would have to say painful break ups and relationships, that’s the biggest thing in my life that helps stir my creativity into a certain direction. I also feel like people can relate to it. My biggest challenge right now is sustaining my music career and going back to making a living out of it. There’s so many ways to go, the question is, which way and how long am I going to have the strength to fight for it.

Q. MRCPOMO: Any upcoming projects or collabs coming out? Tours or shows? Where can fans find more of your music?
A. NADHIRA: I should be having a single dropping this year featuring a local Malaysian rapper which I’m really excited about. No tours or shows at the moment, just spending time in the studio writing for my 3rd album and yeah!
Fans can always check me out at www.NadhiraWorld.com where you can find my music video’s and random personal life updates. There’s music available on Itunes & Spotify too for both my albums “From Malaysia With Love” and “12 Shades”

Q. MRCPOMO: Any other hidden talents we should know about? 
A. NADHIRA: Hidden talent? Haha can you consider cooking a talent?

Q. MRCPOMO: Last words or shouts?
A. NADHIRA: Wanna give shoutouts to all the aspiring artists out there and you guys for the Interview. Anyone whose reading this, thank you for taking your time and USA! I’d love to visit soon.

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Twitter | Facebook | Website

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INTERVIEW: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Nadhira

Samiyam returns with a new album, Animals Have Feelings. Fans of his unorthodox swing and animal rights advocates alike will surely rejoice.

After releasing his first album with Brainfeeder, a follow-up tape with Leaving Records, it seems Sam has found a more sensible placement with Stones Throw Records.

Not entirely instrumental, the album features Earl Sweatshirt, Jeremiah Jae, Oliver The 2nd and Action Bronson on select tracks.

by Sweeny Kovar

Artist Contact Info:
Stones Throw Records – Website
Samiyam - Twitter

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ARTICLE: IndieShuffle.com
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Samiyam

Above paintings by Itsthael

Introducing….Vancity Committee…Under above ground…
In kahoots wit her roots, repping the flyish…concious artist…real to the realish… respect due.
Welcome to the view… MRC the might rebels, pimp slappin devils.. on every and all levels…bringing you quality over matter that doesn’t matter… No need for chit chatter… like funky homemade.. banana pancake batter… and all dat… because this sister is all that… like Sly on the synth… now enter the Labrynth ..

MRC INTERVIEWS ITSTHAEL

Q. MRCPROMO: What’s good EL, how are you and what city are your from?
A. EL: Im well thank you, thanks for having me. I’m from Vancouver, Canada aka Vancity, and shes taking me to places unknown.

Q. MRCPROMO: How did you get involved with art and what’s your favorite medium?
A. EL: Truthfully, Art was something I just did when the class was in session. I always enjoyed colors and being crafty but my inspiration or shall I say, motivation was lacking. When I paint, design or draw, I use a variety of mixed media; Acrylics, Oil, Aerosols and Ink. Usually, it all starts off with the basics pencils, pencil crayon, chalk, conte’ or charcol and my favorite, sharpie! Art in general is a practice, and so I enjoy a diverse collage of artful mediums. Self expression is badass!

Q. MRCPROMO: Where do you derive your inspiration from?
A. EL: That is a very heavy question. Lol. Where is there not to become inspired? My whole life has been Art from the get-go! Look around you! Yours too! Ive been blessed to have such incredible senseis who never seize to stop igniting my flame. Aside from school, my parents were heavy into music. My mom loved to dance and my dad liked listening to Beatles. ‘Nuff said? Ha, well, its usually at that moment when I’m listening to a tune and I catch a drift where Ill pick up a pen or pencil and start sketchin out.. and not in that sorta way. Something I was feeling or related to must have triggered me to want to express and just go nuts! Aside from that, if you got the time, its real good therapy, fun thing to do with children or it can help motivate you to see life in different angles.

Q. MRCPROMO: What projects are you currently working on?
A. EL: Whoa, currently my computer is need of some RAM butta,…Lots! Tons and tons of work to be done! Im actually in the midst of hunting down an art and print space. I plan to have an art show that will showcase most things I’ve been working on the past few years but its been a bit hectic having to move from one city to city all while juggling real life sitcheeations. I can never settle I’m thinking the Saturday before Christmas Ill launch a few design concepts that Ive left on the backburner for years. I got a poetry book and a pet line called Cheeba Treats Im releasing in the new year as well! Excited for that!

Q. MRCPROMO: What materials do you often use and why?
A. EL: Pickax, samurai swords and a whole lotta paper with numbers on them. Lol my main form at the moment would be canvas, painting materials; brushes, spray cans aka Aerosols ink and Acrylic. ha ha, My main form of weaponry has gots to be the music tho- its all in the Music. Time flies by when ur lost in your art! Often, I find myself crafting outta nowhere with whatever I have around me.. string paperclips, beads..Its all about being a Mcgyver.

Q. MRCPROMO: What was the last exhibition you went to?
A. EL: Humm, I just went to the doctors office and asked myself, “where the hell I was?” I swear I caught myself walking the perimeter reading artists name and looking at their pictures. It was nice. Seriously though, Vancouver has constant art shows and battles in Vancouver. I recently went to a show at Vancity’s Fortune Sound Club, Calabash Bistro and another at EastVans Rong Shop- Shop Wrong.

Q. MRCPROMO: How do you come up with the pricing for your pieces?
A. EL: I usually like to factor in my materials used, size, and then time I’ve invested. A lot of my work has been mostly about getting out there and finding out what people value. Im still just starting out so all prices are negotiable however, some pieces go for no less than a $500. When I tried my hand at photography, it seemed a lot easier but I couldn’t get my contrast and lighting right. So, because it takes a lot longer I feel those who value the art will be willing to pay.

Q. MRCPROMO: Where can we purchase your work?
A. EL: I have a a FB Artist page and a few things on ArtPal. Im not really pushing too much on Social media as there’s lots to be updated. I also have a tumblr page under #itsthael which I use for photos, Most time its in person and at shows. My website is being created as we speak.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any shows or exhibits coming up? Where can we see more of your work?
A. EL: I am having an art collab with a few other friends at Shop Wrong in Vancouver. I had to fight them to get their attention but they eventually welcomed me well with open arms! They are good peoples and always about helping the community and getting to know the people. Thats going to happen a week before Christmas. After that there’s not looking back!

Q. MRCPROMO: What’s been your greatest artistic success?
A. EL: Its actually been quiet difficult to find success as I feel I can be pretty hard on myself. Especially doin it all on my lonely. Realizing that, I understand that for the most part its because Im talented. Painting is only one of the many ways we as humans can chose to express ourselves, communicate and showcase whats going on inside and round us but we all got other tricks up our sleeves, all in due timing.

Q. MRCPROMO: Last words or shouts?
A. EL: Huge Shouts to Vancity for prednisone allowing my family to lay its roots in the city. My bredren and sistahs in the hood that came before me. Eastvan Smokes aka Urban City apparel, FWUH aka Dipt, the best radio show back in the day, 102.7 co-op radio with Maximus Clean and Angel, Rascalz, Swollen, Moka O, Vancity Nightclubs, Fortune, EastVan Moving, Archivest, Everybody in them Private school crew, St Pattys, ND, VC and More, my City Planners, whether good or bad, I loved them all. Respect!

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Stay connected to MRC Promotions for the latest information & news.

INTERVIEW: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Itsthael

Home brewed from the depths of Phila-illa-delphia and keeping it all in the famly.. Brothers Shampz and Azzan emerge from the lab bunker to bring you tales from the life with their brand of rugged thuggish hard edged lyrically lyrical lick shots in rapid fire verse…MRC invites you to come follow we..

MRC INTERVIEWS AZZAN

Q. MRCPROMO: Peace Azzan.. whats good and where’s home?
A. AZZAN: Everything is cool man and yea and we come from West Philly.

Q. MRCPROMO: You’re brothetrs right? When did you form the group? How did yall start?
A. AZZAN: Yea we are brothers and we have been recording for about 4 years now. We’re not a group or a duo but we work together on the regular. I am the producer of almost every piece of music dropped from me and Shampz imprint is Dead Wrong Records. Shampz of course, is the lead MC on our label.

Q. MRCPROMO: So Shampz is an emcee and you makes the beats right?
A. Azzan: Yea that’s how it goes. We try to focus in and bring that raw Hip Hop energy that’s been missing for years.

Q. MRCPROMO: Who comes up with most of your concepts is it a collab effort? Do the beats come first then the lyrics?
A. AZZAN: I usually lace the track first and I might have an Idea but usually we build the songs together as a unit.

Q. MRCPROMO: What projects are you working on currently?
A. AZZAN: Well, Shampz is working on a new tape titled “Long Live The King” probably droppin in the Spring. Also Im workin on our artists Frio, Blak, and Caution’s projects that will be droppin next year. Also look out for our group LVM droppin soon too.

Q. MRCPROMO: Where can fans find your releases?
A. AZZAN: Well Shampz last full length project “All Hail The King” we dropped a year and a half ago that’s currently bronze on DatPiff is one that you can find, also check our Soundcloud page titled “Dead Wrong Records” we’re usually droppin music from the label on there almost every week.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any show or tours coming up?
A. AZZAN: Yea no doubt we will be touring soon. More than likely in the Spring to promote the anticipated releases from the label.

Q. MRCPROMO: Where do you see yourselves in the next few years?
A. AZZAN: Within the next five years the game is ours. Quote me. Take my word for granted.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any advice for someone new to the game?
A. AZZAN: Be original and stay true to yourself. Don’t let nobody tell you how to do your music. If you got a vision musically, stay true to it and don’t let haters and naysayers influence your decisions. That’s pretty much what I would tell them.

Q. MRCPROMO: Last words or shouts?
A. AZZAN: Shout out to Dead Wrong Records and of course the homie DJ Lord Ron for the love. Also to all our supporters who been rockin wit us, we won’t let yall down. Peace.

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
King Shampz - Twitter | Azzan – twitter

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ARTICLE: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: King Shampz & Azzan

Rare & Sought after track from INI’s Rob O, produced & featuring Pete Rock (Prod & Recorded during his Soul Survivor era) 45 jacket and label artwork designed by Joseph Buckingham (De La Soul, Staple, etc).

Its been 2 decades since INI debuted under the guidance of producer Pete Rock. During the mid to late 90’s INI member Rob O and several other Mount Vernon, NY affiliates recorded a string of PR produced tracks that were released in various incarnations (including many promo only, white label & bootleg 12”s) until the early 2000’s when underground hip hop vinyl sales were starting todecline. Today, with the resurgence of vinyl and it’s high demand, Redefinition Records and ST. Nick Ent. have collaborated to reissue for the first time officially Rob O’s “So many Rappers” (produced & recorded during PR’s Soul Survivor era), and Meccalicious’ Meccalicious (recorded during the Center tadalafil of Attention era). Both Rob O and Meccalicious would gain a lifelong fanbase from their performances on wax. If you’re fan a of Pete Rock and the whole MT. Vernon movement, these 2 selections are essential. Previous versions of these recordings have been long out of print and sought after, so whether you’re a long time fan or if this is your first time hearing these gems, this 45 is a must have. Release date 2/12/2016.

Tracklisting:
A. So Many Rappers (Rob O & Pete Rock, Produced by Pete Rock)
B. Meccalicious (Meccalicious & Pete Red, Produced by Pete Rock)

Rob-O – So Many Rappers ft. Pete Rock (Prod. By Pete Rock)

Meccalicious (Mekolicious) feat. Pete Rock & Pete Red

Label Contact Info:
Fat Beats Records - Website | Facebook | Twitter
Redefinition Records – Website | Facebook | Twitter

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ARTICLE: Fat Beats Records
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Rob O & Pete Rock

About Truth and ‘From Ashes To Kingdom Come’

The emergence of hip-hop out of Queens, NY has proven to be timeless. From Run DMC, LL Cool J, and Kool G Rap to A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Organized Konfusion, and Mobb Deep there’s never been a shortage of dynamic music from the borough. Longtime observer and emcee of the culture Truth is set to release his debut album “From Ashes To Kingdome Come” on Ill Adrenaline Records. A few years back Truth formed an alliance with PF Cuttin (Blahzay Blahzay) and together the Queens emcee and the Brooklyn producer/DJ/engineer are ready to release a typical 90′s throwback sounding full-length that carries PF’s thumbprint throughout. On the 18-track strong heater Truth picks up various topics, ranging from life experiences to repping hip-hop culture – always showcasing his passionate and sharp lyrical rhyme skills. Entirely recorded and mixed by PF Cuttin, the album’s raw and dusty sound stays true to the streets, including features from heavyweights such as the late Sean Price, O.C., and AG (D.I.T.C.). Newcomer JK1 The Supernova handles the majority of production along with veteran producers PF Cuttin, Psycho Les (The Beatnuts), Da Beatminerz, and DJ Doom. Containing plenty of dope scratches mainly executed by PF Cuttin and Rock Steady’s own DJ JS-1, the album’s uniqueness remains on one accord with the boom bap sound and origin which is a rarity in today’s music.

TRACK LISTING:

01. Intro – PF Cuttin
02. Holding Down The Fort – JK1 The Supernova
03. New Type Of Something – feat. Sean Price (Heltah Skeltah) JK1 The Supernova
04. Take A Stand – JK1 The Supernova
05. Haymaker! (Interlude) – JK1 The Supernova
06. The Greatest Force – JK1 The Supernova
07. Genuine Article feat. O.C., (D.I.T.C.) PF Cuttin
08. How It’s Supposed 2 Be – Psycho Les (The Beatnuts)
09. Gruesome – JK1 The Supernova
10. Super Hero Scratch Skit – PF Cuttin
11. Hip-Hop Heroics – DJ Doom
12. Stages Of War featuring The Barbarian – JK1 The Supernova
13. I’m Bringing It – JK1 The Supernova
14. Right What I Write featuring O.C. , A.G. (D.I.T.C.) Da Beatminerz
15. Death Becomes Him (Interlude) – JK1 The Supernova
16. I See featuring Red E – JK1 The Supernova
17. Time For Love & Tears – JK1 The Supernova

First leak off Truth’s debut album “From Ashes To Kingdom Come”, featuring the late Sean Price. Album entirely recorded and mixed by PF Cuttin. Features and production by Sean Price, O.C., AG, Da Beatminerz, PF Cuttin, DJ JS-1, JK1 The Supernova, DJ Doom, Psycho Les, The Barbarian, and Red E. Available worldwide February 26th (CD/2LP/cassette/digital) on Ill Adrenaline Records. Distribution by Fat Beats and Foundation Media.

Label Contact Info:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

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ARTICLE: Ill Adrenaline Records
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: Truth

Take a walk into MRCS kitchen. Today we give you.. Louisville’s own.. home grown, gristle to ya bone, spots gettin blown.. C4 to the core, rhymes beats galore and more.. ya bout ta know him now if ya didn’t before…
you know how we do.. A litte bit of this and that.. and some of that and this …with an added Lil twist to bring you what you need. Even if you dont know it….as LKY’S multi talent artist “N.A.T.I.V.E.” let’s you.. Step into his world….so.. without futher ADO… hailing from diverse university, check out the roots of a musical master chef.. who’s keeping the oven on fire with recipes by the score…

MRC INTERVIEWS N.A.T.I.V.E.

Q. MRCPROMO: Peace Native, thanks for the interview.. what’s good?
A. NATIVE: No problem bruh your welcome. Living life to the fullest as a single father.. stayin focused and priority driven.

Q. MRCPROMO: Where are you from and where is home now?
A. NATIVE: I was born and raised in Louisville KY. and currently reside in Atlanta GA.

Q. MRCPROMO: Your first experience with hip hop culture?
A. NATIVE: Breakdancing!!! (B-Boying) The battles where insane!! Gettin arrested because you dressed as a B-Boy.

Q. MRCPROMO: You rap and produce beats which skill came first or did you develop both at the same time?
A. NATIVE: I would say musically, production because I’ve been a drummer since five years old playing in churches and traveling with my mother as she played piano for various gospel groups. I really didn’t start rapping until the early 90′s in Germany with my mayne man Bo Stone. We formed a political rap duo called Point Blakk.

Q. MRCPROMO: Who or what inspires you to create music?
A. NATIVE: The Creator.

Q. MRCPROMO: Your all time favorite hip hop artist? Can you tell us why?
A. NATIVE: Tupac Skaur. His music made him like the Marvin Gaye of our time. Timeless and still resonates to this day. He showed his vunerablity and transparency as an artist which is as real as it gets and the music was nothing short of soul!

Q. MRCPROMO: How you do feel about commercial radio?
A. NATIVE: Love hate relationship. Nice to have but can live without.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any projects you working we should know about?
A. NATIVE: 40 Plus with an artist by the name of Jozee welz out of Detroit MI. Returning to the essence of good music, lyrics, subject matter and morals….for the most part lol..

Q. MRCPROMO: How can promoters and artists contact you for shows or collabs?
A. NATIVE: trxlamic@hotmail or THE BAT PHONE (404)-652-0229.

Q. MRCPROMO: Any last words?
A. NATIVE: Allah Ahkbar!!!!

ARTIST CONTACT INFORMATION:
N.A.T.I.V.E. – Twitter | Jozee Welz – Twitter | 40 Plus – Twitter

Stay connected to MRC Promotions for the latest information / news on urban music and track production.

INTERVIEW: MRC Promotions
EDITOR: La Mont Reed
IMAGE: 40 Plus