MUSIC MONDAY

So Brother Ali, BK-One, and Fashawn are on tour now, and they just released the "theme song" of their tour, "Breakin' Dawn." The track was produced by Ali and BK. To me, the beat has a similar feel to the songs on BK's album, Radio Do Canibal, which features a fresh, hip-hop blend of traditional Brazilian music. Download the song here.

Straying away from the use of videos on this post, my good friend MC Prototype's new EP, The Ones Overlooked is now available in limited quantities at Radio Futura in Downtown Pomona, or from Proto himself. The EP's official release will be at Paid Dues this Saturday, April 3, and will also be available at other independent record stores. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this album. You can preview 3 tracks from the EP on his Myspace.

FASHAWN: HIP-HOP'S ANTIDOTE

At the ripe age of 21, Fresno native Fashawn is already making a name for himself in the underground hip-hop movement. With 7 mixtapes under his belt, the latest produced by none other than The Alchemist, and his 2009 debut album, "Boy Meets World," produced entirely by Exile, Fashawn embodies the true essence of a great emcee. Not only can he spit, but his lyrics contain substance and a deeper message than the punch line-driven Hip-Hop overglamorized these days. Fash' is a great example of someone with a rocky upbringing, finding success through hard work and determination. So if you're one of the many who think Hip-Hop is dead, or have lost faith in it, think again! Fashawn is going to be making BIG moves real soon!

For the past week I didn't know what to blog about for the new year, but I think this is perfect. New year, new music...fresh start. Open your ears and listen. Stay up.

Fashawn on Myspace