In the world of music radio, the words “radio personality” are mostly an oxymoron. The soundscape is loaded with generic sounding DJs who rarely provide an original perspective on anything. The medium consists of individuals with great announcers’ voices who don’t offer much more than a bit of banter before the main attraction- popular music. Few broadcasters who shine on radio are rarely able to parlay their success onto other mediums. Troi Torrain is a shining example of the rare exception.

The former magazine publisher, television host, and radio star known to millions as Star (mastermind …

Although Mobb Deep’s front man, Prodigy, is doing a 3 and 1/2 year bid, he didn’t have a problem riding comfortably on the Billboard charts. Hard core lyrics and dope beats are quintessential trademarks of the two-man crew known as Mobb Deep. In “H.N.I.C. 2,” Prodigy does not disappoint with this new solo album.

Even though he is under the 24/7 supervision of the judicial system, he was still able to reach out to me. Prodigy talks about recent success on the Billboard charts, blogging behind bars and the need for rappers to protect themselves against racial profiling. …

In the age of MTV/BET/VH1 and the radio filling the air waves with re-hashed crap, especially where Hip Hop is concerned, the underground deserves our attention more then ever. The phrase “Underground” doesn’t hold the weight like it used to. I remember in the early to mid 90’s everyone wanted to be a rapper or a DJ but nowadays, everyone is “Underground” and it’s become the new money making scheme for major labels. So, for that I bring you a true “Underground” artist; Orlando’s own Madd Illz with his enigmatic debut “United Slaves of America”. In an …

Regardless of your taste, if you’re a fan of the game of selling music, you then must appreciate the trade of skilled rap promoters. This savvy bunch has set the precedent in current urban music for how to build awareness from the ground up. When this is done properly, the foundation is set to hold fans in place for decades.

A tested example is Cash Money Records. It’s been a decade since their legendary $30 million dollar deal with Universal Records. In that time, this outfit has proven their mastery of promotion through extensive exploitation of their brand of brash …

“The next time someone’s teaching why don’t you get taught?” RUN DMC (It’s Like That)
New artists of any genre can learn some serious marketing lessons from RUN DMC. Here are 10 lessons from the Hollis, Queens trio:

10. Broke the rules: They dressed in street attire instead of flashy costumes or sweatshirts with their names ironed on like other rappers at the time.
9. Differentiation: Musically, they used Rock to differentiate themselves from the other groups. However, they didn’t try to dress or look like rockers. They didn’t try to be something they weren’t.
8. Unique: Their delivery was …

Rakim’s new album has been made available for free stream on Myspace Music.

http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=13386940&albumid=14201538

Some thought “This Is It” was strictly an opportunity for AEG to capture revenue that would never be realized from Michael Jackson’s lost 50 dates. There’s no question that the company will reap a financial reward here, the movie has already grossed nearly $105 million worldwide in just 6 days. However, they are doing so because the product is good.
Director Kenny Ortega seized the moment and put forth a significantly impressive visual and audio documentation of a concert that will never be. This could have been …

The deadline for the 6th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) is fast approaching. IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards) promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry. Acoustic artists in various genres can gain exciting radio and web exposure through this competition. Participating sponsors include D’Addario Strings, New Music Weekly, Loggins Promotion, AirplayAccess.com, Tanager Audioworks, Superdups, Broadjam.com, Acoustic Cafe Radio Show and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

Unlike American Idol, IAMA is open to all independent artists and labels, there is no age limit and people from all countries can enter. Also, entrants do not have to stand in line for hours …