November 2014 – 1587 Grassroots Marketing Agency

Have You Met Quincy?

November 26, 2014December 1, 2014 15871 Comment

We can only imagine how many heads shook up and down saying “yes” as they read the title above. How could you not know Quincy? Although many reference him when speaking of his music, fashion and media mogul parents and previous “My Stunna 16” MTV special, Quincy should never be mistaken for ‘living in their shadows’.

At just 23-years young, Quincy Brown is a mini-mogul himself. With titles such as producer, photographer, director, singer, model, actor, philanthropist and co-founder of his own production company, FourXample Productions, Quincy continues to evolve into an unstoppable force by pursuing each and every passion and aiming for nothing less than success at the finish line. In the years leading up to his prime, Quincy is already acting in feature films produced by praised music superstar producer, Pharrell and Oscar award winning actor Forrest Whitaker, worked along side world-renowned actors such as Lawrence Fishbourne and new generation “It” girls like Keke Palmer all while still managing to be the face of global brands as a model.

Being that Quincy stems from one of music’s smartest businessmen, Sean “Diddy” Combs and is one of the main reasons the world grew to know, love and respect the legendary Notorious B.I.G, it’s only fitting that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to musical talent. One of his favorite memories begins with being a young kid in the studio with Biggie, not knowing at the time he was witnessing history.

In 2012 Quincy released his debut single, “Stay Awhile” which featured singer, Kendre, and had a visual that starred model, Jasmine Sanders as his lead girl. The song was not only smooth enough to gain major blog and magazine site recognition from sites such as VIBE, ThisIsRnB, RyanSeacrest.com, and Rap-Up, but it also climbed the Top 10 Countdown on BET’s 106 and Park and remained on the show’s countdown for a number of weeks. Quincy followed up his 2012 hit with his 2013 single, “The First Thing” which was produced by Daniel Ware and written by both Daniel and Quincy. Collectively, both videos ranked in over a million streams on YouTube adding up to Quincy’s rabid large social following reaching over 2million+ followers and dozens of dedicated fan pages.

Moving into 2014, Quincy has kicked into gear his philanthropist role by coordinating the First Annual Celebrity Kickball Charity Event and the First Annual Celebrity Flag Football Charity Event with singer Chris Brown which brought together talents such as Floyd Mayweather, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Ne-Yo, DJ Khaled, Trey Songz, Paris Hilton, Bow Wow, Tyga, Omarion, Amber Rose, Terrell Owens, Nelly, The Game, and many more to raise money for Chris’ Symphonic Love, which supports and creates art programs for the youth, and Quincy’s charity of choice, Best Buddies, which is dedicated to creating opportunities of employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Quincy has done a magnificent job at highlighting what’s important when reaching the plateau that someone of his nature has by giving back to those who may not have the luxury.

Today Quincy is both behind and in front of the camera with his FourXample Production crew, recently wrapping up his directorial debut of pop-singer and MRok Music Group signee, Elle Winter’s latest video, “No Words” which features his brother Christian Combs and song produced by GRAMMY award winning duo, the Midi Mafia. Quincy is also signed to MRok Music Group and is preparing to unveil both the audio and official video for his new single, “Friends First” which features Bad Boy recording artist/rapper and international star, French Montana. His new album is slated for a 2015 release which also features G-Eazy and more.

Follow Quincy on his various social media accounts (@Quincy) as he plots, plans and executes each and every project.

His new single, lyric and music video for “Friends First” featuring French Montana will be premiering next year and could be found on www.youtube.com/thisisquincy – subscribe to be one of the first to know when it releases.

Quotes From The Funk Volume Virtual Hip Hop Conference 11.22.14

November 23, 2014November 23, 2014 1587Leave a comment

Yesterday was filled with advice, funny stories and learning lessons from panelists ranging from artists like Hopsin, Wax, Propoganda, Chris Webby, Jarren Benton, Crooked I to booking agents like Matt Adler to music video directors like Jakob Ownes and venue talent buyers like Adam Stroul. Those that attended from across the world including Canada, Colorado and Georgia also got to chat with moderator and Funk Volume CEO Dame Ritter as soon as the conference was over. Here are some of our favorite quotes, for more info follow #FVHHC on Twitter and join the Facebook group: www.facebook.com/funkvolumeconference

Panel 1: Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork, Putting Together A Successful Team

Work on yourself before working with other people. #FVHHC

“Relationships are crucial. It’s a small circle talking that are REALLY making moves. Keep a positive reputation” @MrFunkVolume #FVHHC

Communicating in person is a lost art form. Respect the levels of the hustle. #FVHHC

“Management is the NEW indie label. You have to be well versed in every facet to best use your resources and tools.” @willisactive #FVHHC

“Every artist has a different projectory and rhythm. With Run The Jewels their merch & live show is a larger priority.” @willisactive #FVHHC

“Figure out who you are as an artist before having a manager. Be humble enough to move on your own.” #FVHHC

Panel 2: Getting On The Road & The Importance Of A Live Show

Start selling out your shows without an agent, film it, tie it together. Sell out your local shows & they’ll come to you. #BasicMath #FVHHC

“Go to other shows whether it’s lighting, backdrops, etc. “#investinyourself Give reasons for talent buyers to pay you.” @prophiphop #FVHHC

“Booking agents aren’t the finish lines. They are there to help you grow the fire of what you’ve already built yourself.” @mdotadler #FVHHC

“Those first few shows before you get paid, is how U learn to perform. Good stage presence is key these days for fans.” @ChrisWebby #FVHHC

“If the music is good enough it is going to spread organically.” –Adam Stroul #fvhhc

“Focus on creating good content, music/videos, rehearsing, watching other shows, etc. before looking to book tons of shows.” @STROUL #FVHHC

U might have to start W/ #SoftTicket sales = festivals/events built in audience. before #HardTicket sales where your the headliner. #FVHHC

Panel 3: I Need More Views! Building A You Tube Audience

“In the beginning I wasn’t spending anything,my most popular video I shot was $800. It’s not the money it’s the creativity.” @bigwax #FVHHC

“The timing, tags, relatability & entertainment value is super important in creating shareable video content for fans.” @princeea #FVHHC

“Everytime I made a video, I would title the video w/ the name of the camera I was using & built a technical following.” @jakobowens #FVHHC

“You gotta just think of ways to be creative, money isn’t important. You can take us back to 0 & we’ll still rock shit.” @hopsin #FVHHC

Panel 4: Why Make Your Own, Learn From Their Mistakes

“How many people come to see U perform live, how many people buy product, this is how U can measure your success.” #FVHHC @CrookedIntriago

“Online and free. Build a demand for your ish. Just gradually test visuals out there & have them engage w/your music.” @JarrenBenton #FVHHC

Thanks again to all those that tuned in! Keep @funkvolume posted with your progression! and when all else fails, remember you’re always #stillmovin

ON REPEAT: MARK RONSON FT. BRUNO MARS “Uptown Funk”

November 21, 2014November 21, 2014 1587Leave a comment

Mark Ronson + Bruno Mars = Instant Classic.
Enjoy this new song? Flashback to our Bruno Mars interview pre-first album here. He’s been a buzzing star since birth!

(AUDIO) Have You Met Nick Huff? (Founder & CEO Of Hardknock TV)

November 21, 2014November 23, 2014 1587Leave a comment

Back when I launched the Myspace as “A Place For Hip Hop” community many moons ago, I remembered wanting to do more than capture our live events such as the Secret Shows, interviews, sponsored events and artist features via photos. The personal goal was to also have archived video of our very first strictly Hip-Hop & R&B franchise, the “Myspace Release Show.” The only problem was? We lacked the knowledge of operating video equipment of course. What was the solution? Meeting Nick Huff, Founder & CEO of HardknockTV who currently partners with companies like the GRAMMYS, SXSW or Beats Music to provide quality, in depth interviews/keynotes with the biggest superstars of the day ranging from Eminem to Andre3000 to Coldplay and 50 Cent.

Pictured below, is the very first Myspace Release show with rapper Chamillionaire in one of his first performances as a Houston rapper in NYC in partnership with AllHipHop.com week where Nick was the producer, editor and videographer on location. Within our first few years we also traveled to Atlanta for the HBCU Battle of the Bands with The Dream, Miami for a Pitbull ft. Lil Jon release show and back to NYC where Nick interviewed Diddy on the red carpet for his fragrance launch. While I would have loved to provide funding and distribution for Hardknock TV at that time, it wasn’t possible but happy to hear that it was during those beginning stages that he used our events to support his sidelong project which later became the Hardknock TV that we know today.

Prior to that, Nick began his early career as an intern to Hip Hop journalist and activist, Davey D from the bay area. While under the tutorial of the great radio hosts Davey, Weyland and Anita at “Hardknock Radio,” he hustled to create his own cable access show, “The Road Less Taken.” This is where Nick developed his own voice, bona fide conversationalist interview skills and the idea for Hardknock.TV. Listen to the interview below to hear more and be inspired by the man who was once in “ESL: English As A Second Language” classes as a young immigrant from Argentina.

Over the course of the years Nick has interviewed every hip hop artist you could think of, he has a unique A&R ear that stems from his early record label days working in the offices of Sony, to see budding talent before the talent even sees it themselves. J.Cole, Logic and Wiz Khalifa found some of their first memorable interviews sitting across Huff and his camera. What’s next? We imagine a Hardknock Multi-Channel Network that carries the brand message of quality versus quantity. Rather than create original content for anyone and everyone, Huff curates content with a watchful eye and looks to partner with similar hosts and producers in other genres who will care as much as he does to every detail. Listen to the interview below where Nick also touches on the subject of continued education such as at the upcoming Funk Volume Virtual Hip Hop Conference that they are a media sponsor of. He values his early work and looks for the “young Nick Huff” in the interns he hires which receive hands on, direct experience while working with him. What he respects most are those that come to the table with ideas themselves and helps the company grow.

Continue to visit Hardknock.TV for exclusive interviews, features and overall great content. Follow Nick Huff and remember where you read about him when you see him as a nightly music journalist hosting his own show or name in the credits watching your favorite Netflix music documentary. Full Dash Radio interview below which also features a special mix by DJ Beatcrazed, featuring all artists who have been previously featured on Hardknock that Nick is a fan of below as well as info on the upcoming Funk Volume Music Conference that he is sponsoring, a personal advocate for continued education, no matter which stage of your career.

hardknock.tv
youtube.com/hardknocktv
facebook.com/hardknocktv
twitter.com/hardknocktv
twitter.com/nickhuff

Have You Met The Audibles? (GRAMMY Nominated Production Duo Who Worked With Justin Bieber, Lupe Fiasco, Young Money & Many More)

November 21, 2014November 21, 2014 15872 Comments

By Marina A. Moreno

“Have you met The Audibles?” That’s a question that should quickly be answered with a ‘yes.’ If you beg to differ and still believe you haven’t, think about this; Have you heard Justin Bieber’s “Hold Tight”, Young Money’s “Girl I Got You” or GRAMMY nominated Lupe Fiasco’s “Bitch Bad” – you’ve heard the work of The Audibles.

Made up of Dominic “DJ Mecca” Jordan and Jimmy “Jimmy G” Giannos, The Audibles first came together in 2007 on the set of Polow Da Don’s R&B group, I-15’s ‘Lost In Love’ video shoot in their hometown of Las Vegas, NV. Jimmy G expressed great interest in working with one of the group’s singer’s, Castro, whom DJ had grown up with. Their humble beginning started when they would perform together during lunch time or at talent shows at their local Mohave High School, DJ acting as beatbox to the dancing singers. After Jimmy met up with DJ to create, the two quickly established an understanding and appreciation for each other’s style and talents and wasted no time in creating the power production duo that we know today as, The Audibles.

The duo’s first major production hit was their work behind Interscope artist, Mishon’s 2009 Billboard hit, “Turn It Up” which featured rapper Roscoe Dash. The song went on to climb the charts and led The Audibles to produce additional hits for Young Money including “We Are Young Money” and the previously mentioned “Girl I Got You.” The Audibles also gained partnership with Grammy award winning songwriter, Poo Bear, which led them to produce hits for Red Man and Method Man, and even gain much deserved respect for production on Lupe Fiasco’s L.A.S.E.R.S album. With an ecstatic combination of drums, keyboard, soft synths and live percussions, it only makes sense that The Audibles be granted with all they deserve.

Moving forward to 2011, The Audibles also became responsible for birthing the production behind four songs off rapper, Yelawolf’s debut album, “Radioactive” which included tracks co-produced by hip hop legend, Eminem. In 2012 the pair re-connected with Lupe Fiasco for his controversial, “Bitch Bad” and assisted on Poo Bear’s “BEATS 2 BREAK UP 2.”

Most recently added to their list of credentials working with artists’ such as Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, Tyga, Chris Brown, Lloyd, Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Kendrick Lamar, R. Kelly and even Snoop Dogg. The pair is currently gearing up for the release of former I-15 member, Castro’s debut solo album, “You Fetish” in which they produced the entire album along side Castro and Poo Bear’s lyrical creativity.

Be sure to follow The Audibles on Twitter, Instagram, Soundcloud and even Facebook to stay updated on all they have coming to your ears including Castro’s “You Fetish” which drops early 2015. Trust me when I say, that’s one album you don’t want to miss out on, one of the best we’ve heard in awhile from start to finish. #noexaggeration

Twitter: @TheAudibles
Instagram: @TheAudibles
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/TheAudibles
Facebook: facebook.com/The-Audibles

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD with CHARLI XCX and RUDIMENTAL FREE Show At Pandora Discovery Den NYC 12.06.14

November 19, 2014 1587Leave a comment

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Location: The Grand in The Manhattan Center

RSVP HERE.

Pandora Discovery Den Holiday Concert is coming back to The Grand in New York with exclusive and FREE performances by The Neighbourhood with Charli XCX and Rudimental! Join Pandora to kick off the holiday season with great music, giveaways, and festive cheer.

Join the concert conversation with #PandoraHolidayNYC and follow @pandora_radio on Twitter!

RSVP will be on a first come, first served basis and capped at venue capacity.
RSVP does not guarantee admission if capacity is reached.

Charli’s new album will be available December 16 in the US and January 16 in the UK & Europe, check out her latest single “Boom Clap” that has already received over 86 Million plays on YouTube:

(VIDEO) Music Retox Takeover LA Ft. JUST JOSH MUSIC GROUP & DEEZY JONEZ

November 19, 2014November 21, 2014 1587Leave a comment

by Marina A. Moreno

Music Retox’s Deezy Jonez and Just Josh Music Group touched down in Cali a few weeks back. If you’ve followed CEO Eldon Peterson, Deezy Jonez, Just Josh Music Group or the #musicretox hashtag on their social media accounts, you too followed the journey these talented musicians embarked on.

Adrian and Frankie of Superb Photography captured an insight into the team’s productive press week; From the offices of Myspace, Russel Simmons’ All Def Digital, Hip Hop DX, DASH Radio, Homegrown Radio and even LA based clothing brand, Popular Demand before their photoshoot at YouTubeSpaceLA, the team was determined to touch down at every relevant stop that an artist should make before recording their LIVE EP entitled “Midnight Lusso.”

For more visit: www.musicretoxent.com and watch the video below, (make sure to adjust your settings to watch in 1080 HD. 😉

Have You Met The League Of Starz? (LOS Production Group)

November 19, 2014November 21, 2014 1587Leave a comment

By Marina A. Moreno

A lot of times when we’re enjoying the good vibes of proper looking women and gentlemen we find ourselves dancing and singing along to the hits the DJ spins. These can include Eric Bellinger’s “I Don’t Want Her,” Rich Homie Quan’s “Walk Thru” or even E-40’s “Function.” Now, what do all these tracks have in common besides being some of the biggest club bangers? They are all produced by a collection of music’s most talented producers. They are, the League Of Starz, brought together by mastermind and manager Pun. In a similar way that Nick Fury brought together all of The Avengers, it is Pun who recognized the individual talents molded together would make an unstoppable force.

Every producer seems to have their drop in the beginning of a song they helped make a hit and League of Starz is no different. Before the bass hits you can clearly hear a sexy voice baptize the track with their name, letting listeners know they are the trackmasters underlying the beat you’re grabbing your girls to dance to or boys to scope out a fine dime. Comprised of five producers – Dnyc3, Dupri, Jaynari, Macado, and Trend – League of Starz not only skilled, but knowledgeable enough to be able to continuously deliver content that not only appeals to each and every artist they work with, but to the listener as well.

Producers Dnyc3, Dupri, Macado, and Trend all originate from the sunny Los Angeles, California and Jaynari is a Milwaukee native who blends in so effortlessly with his surrounding four. Collectively, the five are responsible for previously mentioned hits and additional like Problem ft. Bad Lucc’s “Like What”, Ab-Souls “Twact”, Tyga’s “40 Mill” w/ Kanye West, DJ Carisma’s “Anyways” which features Sage The Gemini, Tory Lanez, and Eric Bellinger, New Boyz “Tie Me Down”, “Good Day” by Tyga, Lil’ Wayne and Meek Mill, “Faded” by Tyga, and most recently, Game’s “T.H.O.T” featuring Problem, Bad Lucc and Huddy.

With a resume full of recognizable hits, and over one hundred songs composed, I think it’s safe to say you’ve met the music of League of Starz. Notorious for providing emerging artists’ with their first real hit, League of Starz has literally changed the lives of the new artists’ they work with by providing each with a hit radio song that manifests into the artist gaining radio play, night club play and millions of streams on You Tube which eventually graduates into listeners purchasing their music and rapidly demanding to see them perform.

League of Starz is currently in the studio piecing together their latest project, “Respect The League” which is set to make its debut sometime next year.

Twitter: @leagueofstarz
Instagram: @leagueofstarz
Website: www.leagueofstarz.com

(PHOTOS) KAREN CIVIL 4th Annual “Live Civil” Brunch 11.15.14

November 16, 2014November 16, 2014 15871 Comment

WHO:
Karen Civil & 50+ selected women in entertainment including but not limited to video producers, artists, actresses, marketing directors, radio personalities, TV talent bookers and more.

WHAT:
4th Annual “Live Civil” Networking Brunch

WHEN:
November 15, 2014

Have You Met Elle Winter?

November 13, 2014November 21, 2014 1587Leave a comment

by Marina A. Moreno

Think back to when you were 8-years old. What were you doing? As a girl you were probably brushing the hair of your Barbie dolls and as a boy you were probably playing catch with some of your neighbors. Well, not Elle Winter. At 8-years old, this singer-song writer was in and out of recording studios with a number of multi-platinum GRAMMY nominated producers and musical directors. And now, at a mere 15-years old, Elle is taking over the pop-scene one record at a time.

Growing up in New York City, Elle has always been surrounded by the culture that is art. Predominantly known for their street performers and broad-way shows, New York City is home to many of those pursing and/or destined for the spot light; And Elle is no different. At the tender age of three, it was beyond evident to Elle’s parents that she was made to be a star when they recognized her not only impersonating a rock-star, but also having the vocals to match. Growing up listening to artists’ such as Avril Lavigne, pop princess Britney Spears and even Shirley Temple, Elle was intrigued with all that music was composed of and would perform for family and friends. Little did they know, it was an insight into the future that is Elle Winter.

Like any young girl her age, Elle did realize the rise to her destiny wasn’t going to be easy. She had to work hard, believe and stay motivated. Though struggling to discover her sound and making sure she didn’t lose herself in the process, Elle learned to trust herself as an artist and realized no one knew her better than she knew herself. Though she knew it was easy to be influenced by her superstar surroundings, Elle followed her heart and poured it all out in her music. Paving a way that allowed her to manifest, gain recognition and gain an opportunity to deliver her story to those who believed in her and those who were growing to love her.

In 2012, Elle took her confident and upbeat personality, wrapped it with her talent and took on the offering from Disney’s “Next Big Thing 5” which led her to conquer a 10-city co-headlining tour; a prelude to what was to come for the singer. It wasn’t too long after in October of 2012 that Elle released “Day Away” via Walt Disney Records, which not only dominated Radio Disney’s Top 30 countdown for three consecutive months, but is also still in heavy rotation today. Joining Elle’s debut hit is her second single, “Want It All” which was released in 2013 via Radio Disney.

Now in 2014 Elle is keeping the momentum going as an artist under Mrok Music Group. Hard at work on her new album and visuals to pair, Elle continues to collaborate with some of music’s most respected producers, song-writers and video production groups. Elle’s latest video for her upcoming single, “No Words” was directed by Quincy and his FourXample Production team, and feature’s Christian Combs, son to music and media mogul, Diddy. Through her music, Elle hopes to continue to encourage fans to believe in themselves, embrace life and be happy.

Elle Winter’s new video “No Words” will be dropping soon! The song pays homage to the old adage that “actions speak louder than words” whether it be adoration for your partner, family friend or life itself that can’t be explained in words but better felt through the genuine emotions themselves. The song personifies Elle’s positive personality. See more exclusive photos from the shoot here.