Next Friday we are in for a treat. Following Valentines Day, while we are all still wrapped in the arms and sheets of that special someone, James Doe is dropping his new, MizzHitz Beatz-produced single, “Set It Off”. This record is the quintessential, February smash. Seductive hihats prance across an amorous bash of chords and melodies. Likewise, a gliding 808 bass and smoldering, trap percussion forwards a groove only the most sensual, R&B jams can ferment. As a vocalist, James Doe only elevates the track’s potential. With a Chicago spirit, flavored by Dallas living, the crooner slings melodious, sing-song bars throughout the track. Each drop of a snare; each heartfelt pound of a kick, is chaperoned by hot-blooded harmonies and lustful lyrics. Certainly, “Set It Off” has earned a spot in next week’s bedside playlist; and through its release, James Doe will solidify himself as a R&B talent we must keep our ears on.

“Set It Off” on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/track/380zS85xzR9rciHF1TsGc1

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The Milwaukee marauder, Taiyamo Denku, continues powering forward campaigning his recently released LP, "No Industry Standard". Side by side with fellow producer cohort Dcypha, the pair continue delivering nothing but high quality Hip Hop. Enter the third single from said album, "Still Waiting", featuring highly compelling jewels shared by Griselda Records own, Benny The Butcher. 

The song begins with a sick piano melody that gets split by soulful horn and vocal samples. Denku sets up the record's concept with a short introduction that rides into the chorus that states, "no matter how things get, they still waiting for change / stages of life, sleep half of the days". After the intital hook, Taiyamo and Benny begin assaulting the mic with brolic bars of knowledge, hoping to wake up the unknowing. "Still Waiting" is a stand out cut from "No Industry Standard" and is the second feature from the Griselda camp. The album's lead single, "Be Who You Are", was another super soulful clapper and featured Conway The Machine.

"No Industry Standard" has quite a few hits on it's hands. The two aforementioned singles, "Fabulous Life" with Lil Kim, it's title track and much more. Benny is still pumping his "A Friend Of Ours" project. A fan favorite of 2018, the project carries guest appearances by 38 Spesh, El Camino, Dark Lo, Skyzoo and others. Both albums are available to preview / purchase on Bandcamp, nice additions to add to your Hip Hop collection.

Taiyamo Denku - No Industry Standard @TaiyamoDenku @dcypha

The seasoned Milwaukee beat bruiser, Taiyamo Denku, makes his triumphant return to your headphones with the full length album, "No Industry Standard". Consisting of 16 tracks in total, Denku and Dcypha once again combine their musical powers to put forth an all around quality Hip Hop extravaganza. The pair continue to go against the grain of so called industry standards, funding the project out of their own pockets and completely independent. Keeping the entire album process in house allowed the duo to orchestrate some heavy features.

Fans of the Cypha Den Music imprint know very well that you can expect some impressive guests on their releases. We can find the lyricist bashing mics alongside the likes of Conway The Machine, Saukrates, Lil Kim, Chino XL, Royal Flush, J Hood, KRS One, and Benny the Butcher.

The names alone are enough reasoning for checking the album out. Don't think for a minute that Denku is the type of artist that bases his career off of features. The Wisco wordsmith has proven his skills time and time again, whether it be inside of a cypher or performing on a vast amount of stages. He sets up all his own tours and has taken his act all across the Midwest and East Coast. As with his skills, Taiyamo has an extensive back catalog both as a solo artist and holding his own among Hip Hop's most predominant acts.

"No Industry Standard" has seen 2 singles and 1 video released so far. The lead single, "Be Who You Are", finds Conway and Taiyamo candidly speaking about faking the funk from two different points of view. "Fabulous Life" features the R&B styling of The Genius with the Midwesterner and Lil Kim speaking about what a "Fabulous Life" consists off. "Stand Back" was produced by Psycho Les of The Beatnuts, this release received a salt and peppered visual from Wes Tank. More singles will be released from the album in the coming months along with a video for "Mr. Sunshine", featuring Saukrates.

Make sure to stay tuned for that but in the meantime, preview and purchase "No Industry Standard" on Bandcamp.

When it comes to speaking about life, we all have our own personal views of what success truly means. Some would say it's all about vast amounts of money while others would describe health, happiness and family. Whatever the case may be one thing is for sure, we all strive to lead a "Fabulous Life". Milwaukee based emcee Taiyamo Denku digs deep into this topic alongside Boston R&B vocalist The Genius and the notorious Queen Bee herself, Lil Kim.


Produced by Australian beatsmith, Dcypha, the Miami Vice sounding keys and crisp drums perfectly match the trio's verbal approach. Kim Jones delivers a verse that would make a young Lil Kim extremely proud. She even makes a reference to the revealing outfit she wore back in 1999 at the MTV VMAs. The Brooklyn femcee is still living fabulously with high end designer threads and her promiscuous word play.

Taiyamo approaches the track in two different ways. In his first verse, he rhymes about how money doesn't truly determine your social status. Denku is a hard working artist with hundreds of songs in the vault, some of which carry features from some of Hip Hop's biggest legends. He tours relentlessly and handles alot of his own promo. He lightly mentions these things in the song but it's his responsibilities as a father and as a true emcee of the culture that he values the most. His next verse finds Taiyamo in a reminiscent state of mind as he looks back at his accolades and finds true happiness in knowing he's had a long lived music career, albeit the vast amount of dollars.

"Fabulous Life" is the last single to be released from Denku's forthcoming album, "No Industry Standard". Previous singles included the lead off single featuring Conway The Machine titled "Be Who You Are" and the Psycho Lez produced "Stand Back". The album will also feature Chino XL, KRS One, Benny The Butcher and more. The album is currently available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

 

Taiyamo Denku - "Stand Back" (@TaiyamoDenku)

Taiyamo Denku continues setting fire to the microphone in preparation of his forthcoming album, "No Industry Standard". This time, he blazes a Psycho Les produced record, instructing bystanders to "Stand Back" while burning down everything in his pathway. The Milwaukee wordsmith transforms into the Hip Hop version of Fantastic 4's Johnny Blaze. He wastes no time whatsoever Compacting a blitzkrieg of rhymes into each bar, sometimes surpassing the margin lines. A seasoned emcee, Taiyamo spits lines like "been rhyming since before Tim Allen was Santa Clause".

To match the rhyming and production caliber of Denku and Psycho Les, video director Wes Tank takes the single to all new heights. Wes vividly captures the Cypha Den Music henchman's mindset, spinning cyphers and sparring sessions into a captivating silhouetted style presentation. Repping his hometown fully, Taiyamo rocks a Milwaukee shirt while shooting the video in undisclosed locations on the northside of the city. 0 to 100 MMA Gym and others add the finishing touches on this classically served Hip Hop release.

"Stand Back" as well as the Conway The Machine featured "Be Who You Are" will be found on the "No Industry Standard" album. Along with that, expect to hear amazing guest features from Lil Kim, Chino XL, KRS One and more. The album is set to release this upcoming June.

Taiyamo Denku Ft L Majestic - Prove Your Worth @TaiyamoDenku @majestic_l

In an era where lyricism and substance are becoming an endangered species, Milwaukee native Taiyamo Denku and Australian beatsmith Dcypha take a blunt stance on the matter. Alongside east coast emcee L Majestic, the trio call out unfit artists on "Prove Your Worth", forcing them to validate their position on the mic.

Denku, who is extremely proactive when it comes to voicing his views on the genre, kicks the song off by explaining the outcome of fraudulent rappers in the streets of Milwaukee. On the hook he spits, "prove this / prove that / prove that you're worth something, no money attached". This is a play on the notion that emceeing should be based on skills and credibility, not plays and finances.

L Majestic takes this notion one step further and beyond by taking us into the matrix of the music business. He keeps it all the way one hundred with lines like, "I stay doing this music because I'm dedicated / I refuse to be a washed up rapper who never made it / cause deep in my heart, I know I truly flow / but it's not about how nice you are, it's who you know".

All egos aside, Denku, Majestic and Dcypha simple want to see the art form they hold so near and dear to their hearts alive and well for many generations to come. With that said, it's your turn to step up to the Hip Hop counsel and "Prove Your Worth".

 

Wisconsin native Paperstacks recently hit the stage in Springfield, IL as part of "The New Class 4". Before taking the stage the Midwest Connectz caught up with Stacks for an interview. Check it out!

 


Fresco is spilling his heart over new single "Wishing On A Star". Bruce24kk supplies a dope remake of the classic 1977 hit by Rose Royce. The result is a certified banger! What you hear when you listen to "Wishing On A Star" is the essence of a young talented hiphop artist who is giving you 100% of him. The way he rides the beat and effortlessly switches from rapping to harmonizing, Fresco is sounding like the truth! 

This is a standout single from his anticipated project "ZONEXI". Read his bio and follow Fresco's movement below! Follow @GLokhem

Based in Los Angeles, Fresco is ready to take on the entertainment industry as a multitalented R&B artist, rapper, songwriter, model, and actor. With musical stylings in the vein of Drake and Bryson Tiller and vocals reminiscent of Fabolous, the 24 year old artist has collaborated with many industry personas, including DJ Mustard, Eric Bellinger, and DJ Pro Styles of Power 106. Using the momentum of his Hot New Hip Hop release and DJ Mustard collaboration, “Popular,” Fresco is set to unveil his artistic debut in early spring 2017. The debut will consist of two visual EP’s that portray par- adoxical and relatable themes and showcase Fresco’s numerous artistic strengths.

Fresco was born and raised in Sacramento, where he performed in choir and began songwriting by the age of 11. Fresco was heavily inspired by Lil Wayne to pursue en- tertainment as a young teenager, citing that he “memorized every word of his songs.” 

After rising in the local music scene, Fresco decided to move to Los Angeles at age 17 to fully immerse himself in the entertainment industry. Within a few years, he was involved in many music videos and projects for major artists, including Chris Brown, Calvin Harris, Kid Ink, and his first artistic influence, Lil Wayne. Some of Fres- co’s greatest creative and entrepreneurial influences include Kanye West, Drake, and Floyd Mayweather. With his talents and experiences, Fresco is excited to present his upcoming debut. The two visual EP’s will consist of music videos that serve as chapters to a greater story. The chapters will journey through themes from angst and contradiction to rela- tionships and individuality. 

With the project’s bold visuals and controversial concepts, Fresco looks to “spark conversations about real life issues and situations that we face every day.” In addition, the music videos will explore “more personal, relatable mo- ments in an individual’s life” with intimate and feel-good music. Several of the music videos will be released leading into the project’s debut in early spring 2017.