From Web 'n Retail:

For Immediate Release

SIN at SXSW

 The New SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN)
Debuts Exciting International Line-up at SXSW Music 2010

NEW YORK - SIN (SonyMusic Independent Network) is a new division of Sony Music Entertainment focused on releasing foreign repertoire in the United States.  A marketing services arm of Sony International, SIN functions as an extension of Sony Music territories across the globe. 

An entirely new model within the existing music business structure, SIN utilizes a network of trusted independent press, promotion and marketing companies to create customized marketing plans specific to each project.  Staffed by a core group of music industry veterans including Jeb Hart, Vinny Rich, Adam Pollock and John Porter, the group is focused on artist development and long term campaigns with the goal of bringing exciting new music to the U.S. market. 

SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN), the new independent services arm of Sony Music International, is excited to present SIN at SXSW on Thursday, March 18 from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm at Antone's.  The line-up features both emerging and established Platinum-selling international talent.  Beverages and tasty Mexican food will be served.  The event is open to all SXSW Music and Platinum badge holders, but is subject to capacity limits, so arrive early.

Bands showcasing at the event include:
Cassette Kids (SIN/Sony Australia)
Eva & the Heartmaker (SIN/Sony Norway)
Kate Miller-Heidke (SIN/Sony Australia)
Nneka (Decon/Epic)
Becca (SIN/Sony Japan)
Kasmir (SIN/Sony Denmark)
Karnivool (SIN/Sony Australia)

Hear some tracks on the jukebox here

In addition to the daytime event at Antone's, all bands are playing official SXSW showcases and other events, details of which can be found here.  There will also be a complimentary calendar in the SXSW big bag that will include all the dates and times of SIN's showcasing acts.  

Ludacris :: Battle of the Sexes
Def Jam
Author: Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania

"Ludacris to me was always the new Busta Rhymes. Aside from making energetic club banger classics, and occasionally dropping stunning guest verses (his "Made You Look" verse is still worth checking for), there was also the flip side - I would never buy a Ludacris album. Seriously, never. Or a Busta one. They were always "Greatest Hits" dudes. But hey, Busta proved me wrong last year - I ended up making "Back On My B.S." my second favourite album of 2009, so it makes sense for me to give Ludacris an unbiased, fair crack at crafting a long play worth spinning on repeat. So how does "Battle of the Sexes" - which has almost infinite potential as a concept - manage to end up?"

http://rapreviews.com/feature.html

Classified :: Self Explanatory :: Halflife/Sony Records
as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon

"At RapReviews.com we're always open to special requests. Last week I got one asking that we cover Classified's "Self Explanatory," which I was more than happy to answer. In truth I thought we already HAD covered it since he seems to drop at least one album a year and they generally get high marks. One music industry veteran recently told me "no internet artist has even gotten large without major label support" and Classified seems to simultaneously prove and disprove that notion. His albums routinely chart in Canada and he's up for three Juno awards this year (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy). He's the rap artist who put Enfield, Nova Scotia on the map AND he's highly regarded by the RR staff, yet I'm willing to bet 95 out of 100 hip-hop heads in the U.S. who don't read this website have never heard of this rapper/producer.  "

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_selfexp.html

Count Bass D & DJ Pocket :: In the Loop :: Domination Recordings
as reviewed by Patrick Taylor

"This album is a collab between the Count and his friend DJ Pocket, a DJ who is expanding into MCing. I'm basing my review on a download, so I'm not sure if the Count or DJ Pocket are handling production, or if they trade off, Jaylib style. They trade off on the mic, or at least I think they do: they sound so similar that it's hard to tell them apart. Count Bass D's voice is a little deeper, and his rhymes are more out there, but it's easy to get them mixed up. As unpromising as the "producer-turnt-rapper" tag can be, both hold their own on the mic. Count Bass D has already proven himself as a rapper during his decade-plus career, and DJ Pocket shows that turning the knobs is not his only talent. "

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_cbdintheloop.html

Do or Die :: Headz or Tailz :: Rap-A-Lot/Virgin
** RapReviews "Back to the Lab" series **
as reviewed by Pete T.

"In 1996, the label scored a surprise hit when Chicago trio Do or Die's debut "Picture This" scaled the Billboard charts, anchored by the irresistible singles "Po Pimp" and "Playa Like Me and You" as well as the Midwest anthems "Paper Chase" and "Money Flow." Sporting rapid, melodic flows, Belo Zero, N.A.R.D., and AK-47 painted grim pictures of the Chi-Town streets with bleak crime narratives, harmonized choruses, and more than your daily dose of common pimpery over rich production. Do or Die's debut was also noteworthy for introducing the world to the dark, mechanical Midwest funk of producer The Legendary Traxster, as well as two frequent collaborators: the haunting R&B vocalist Johnny P, and a certain like-minded quick-lipped MC from Chicago named Twista."

http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_headzortailz.html

Dot Silly :: Silly City, Vol. 2 :: Clout Media
as reviewed by Pete T.

"Brooklyn rapper Dot Silly opens 2010 with a download mixtape, "Silly City, Vol. 2," an impressive fourteen-track listen from an artist who definitely appears to be on the come-up. "Silly City, Vol. 2" serves as a showcase for the 22-year-old MC featuring all new tracks and production. Dot Silly is not a conceptual rapper, but his charisma, swagger, and energy make "Silly City, Vol. 2" a memorable listen. A telltale mark of a successful New York rapper is an insatiable hunger at a young age, and Silly is dead-set on establishing his name and his music well beyond the five boroughs. With an aggressive, versatile flow, Silly comes armed with boasts and punchlines for days that the DJ Khaled set should find extremely appealing."

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_sillycityvol2.html

various artists :: Jovonn the Last Don & DJ Suss.One Present The New N.Y. :: {self-released}
as reviewed by Pete T.

"Most of the mix features gritty street rappers rhyming over simple, minimalist mixtape beats, although a few more established names roll through with appearances. Jadakiss aids Mysonne on the grimy opener "Try Your Luck," RedCafe abets Bravo on "I'm On," and Sha Stimuli has his own track, the rugged "Follow the Leader." Early highlights include "Go Hard," where Sweet Peezy smoothly rhymes over a mean horn-laced beat, and Sikai's mellow "Like a Star." After a series of banal autotune-heavy tracks, Shinobi brings some energy on "Do It Like." Karnell and A.P. come strong on their respective late songs "Calm Before the Storm" and "Sometimes I (Wonder).""

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_jovonnpresentny.html

Masta Killa :: Live :: Gold Dust Media
as reviewed by Justin 'Tha Shiznut' Chandler

"Masta Killa has remained true to the raw image created by Wu-Tang's debut "Enter 36 Chambers." He surprised the core fans when he stepped up as one of the artists to hold down the Clan when they started to slip from the top of the rap game. While Ghostface drops an album full of ghetto love songs and Method Man teams up with Red for some bouncy, dope smoking, antics (not that this is necessarily a bad thing); Masta Killa released two rock solid albums in "No Said Date" and "Made in Brooklyn." Coming March 30th, 2010, we get an album of Live recordings from the Masta."

http://rapreviews.com/archive/2010_03_mastakillalive.html

Rascalz :: Global Warning :: Figure IV/ViK Recordings/BMG Music Canada
** RapReviews "Back to the Lab" series **
as reviewed by Matt Jost

"Even if you weren't intimately familiar with Canadian hip-hop, in 1997/98 it wasn't hard to tell that "Cash Crop," the second album by Vancouver crew Rascalz, was a landmark release for the scene. The production was on a consistently high level and songs like "Solitaire," "Dreaded Fist," "Clockwork," "Soul Obligation," "FitnRedi" and especially the post-album, guest-heavy single that would be included in the album's '98 edition, "Northern Touch," determinedly pointed towards a brighter future for Canadian hip-hop, a fact that remains acknowledged to this day. The release also provoked the greater public to take notice when the group refused to accept the 1998 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording because it was presented to them during the untelevised part of the ceremony. A year later they won again for "Northern Touch," sealing their acceptance of the award with a live performance of the song. "

http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_globalwarning.html

This week on Hip-Hop Shop we're featuring new music from Little Brother, Truth Universal, 40th Dimension and more! If you like what you hear be sure to e-mail dj.flash@rapreviews.com with feedback or to get more information about sponsoring the show. Hip-Hop Shop features podsafe music, so give a copy to your friends and tell them to check us out every week at RapReviews.com! PS: Be sure to check out our good friends mrob & The Cancer at K4D too!

Download Here (right click to save)

Tracks featured this week:

* Truth Universal f/ Evelyn Champagne - The More Things Change
* BurntMD f/ Copywrite, Phil Da Agony, Reks - Let's Get ILL
* Little Brother - Curtain Call
* Jake Lefco - Take it Up a Notch
* 40th Dimension - Spitsbergen 2
* Maze f/ Copywrite, Nutso - Trapped in a Maze

From Sport'n Life Records:

D.Black Rocks SXSW Friday, March 19th: Friends of Music SXSW Instore Performance 1704 South Congress Avenue Brought to you by: MYX Music Label / Quality Control / iM Culture SHOWCASE starts @ 5pm Featuring: D.Black Kam Moye Jern Eye One Be Lo Crown Royal Tanya Morgan And more.. Hosted by Nightclubber Lang from Boom Bap Project Saturday, March 20th: Klub Krucial 614 E 6th St (21+) SHOWCASE starts @ 8pm 4ize    8:00pm Trek Life  8:45pm Moe Green   9:25 D.Black   10:05 Charles Hamilton   10:45 YelaWolf    11:30 Rhymefest   12:15 A Few D.Black Treats For You!    Click HERE to download "Wake Up" (taken from the album Ali'Yah) Click HERE to view footage of D.Black @ KEXP 90.3FM Studios

** If you're in Austin come check us out!!!

Devin the Dude “What I Be On” Video

http://videos.onsmash.com/v/K7aYcvnGrB3HDPKE

“Do Not DistHerb (Suite # 420)” EP AVAILABLE TOMORROW!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/do-not-distherb-suite-420-ep/id359556889

ALBUM COMING: 4.20

http://www.twitter.com/therealdevin420

Real hip-hop has an ace in the hole and his name is Ace Ha. I was introduced to the producer extraordinaire (pictured above w/ girlfriend Brooke Allison) over half a decade ago through a mutual friend, Black Jesus, who many of you might remember from the BET Uncut classic “What That Thang Smell Like,” and ever since we’ve exchanged our views on hip-hop and working out (he's actually the reason I have my abs. Thanks again, man!). Ace Ha is always busy, which is why this Artist Of The Week feature has been so long in the making, but the good news is it was totally worth the wait. An incredibly engaging and intelligent individual, Ace Ha pulled no punches regarding his controversial view on what ruined mainstream hip-hop, which artists he feels could eat some of the old school greats, and why he feels ditching the bulk of his production equipment has actually made him a better producer. He's living proof that the people behind the boards can have just as much to say as those on the mic.

Read the full interview at:  http://adambernard.blogspot.com/2010/03/artist-of-week-ace-ha.html

From Mega Ran:

The SXSW Report, New Interview & More

if you're not going to Austin for SXSW, don't worry, I got you covered... stay tuned to my twitter, i'm sure I'll have all kinds of stuff to share.

Let's get on with it..

First up is a really dope interview done by the folks at Spinner, check that out! in it i reveal my secret celeb crush, and my musical guilty pleasure, among other things..

Next, I found myself in this week's issue of the Phoenix New Times, both online and print, so AZ peeps, grab one of those!

Also, not sure if you saw the Mega Ran "Here We Go Again" video, but it's on Kotaku this week, arguably the biggest gaming blog...in the universe.

check that out and LOL at the comments, accusing the video of being...racist of all things... wow.

OKAY...If you're not even sure what the heck a SXSW is.. its okay, i'm a teacher, so I teach...

SXSW is one of the largest music festivals in the United States, with more than 1,400 performers playing in more than 80 venues around Austin over four days, in March. Though it is an industry-based event, SXSW Music links locally with events such as the annual Austin Music Awards show. SXSW is the highest revenue-producing special event for the Austin economy, with an estimated economic impact of at least $110 million in 2008. ^[1][2][3]

In 1994, SXSW added film and interactive conferences. SXSW Film has become one of the world's premiere film festivals, focusing on new directing talent. Similarly, SXSW Interactive has attracted a strong following among web creators and entrepreneurs. SXSW Interactive's focus on emerging technology has earned the festival a reputation as a breeding ground for new ideas and creative technologies. Twitter launched at SXSW Interactive in 2007.

The music event has grown from 700 registrants in 1987 to nearly 12,000 registrants. SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events attract approximately 11,000 registrants to Austin every March.^[4]

Anyway, I'll be quite busy this week in Texas, as I'm doing half of interactive week, and half of music, so if you're anywhere near Austin, you need to be there! This is what my schedule looks like right now....

March 15, 2010 (Live Performance) @ Flamingo Cantina, Austin, TX, 12AM (no SXSW wristbands needed!)

March 16, 2010 – South By Southwest Festival Comedy Show (Random is the Featured Guest) @ The New Movement Theater, Austin, TX, 730 PM (no wristbands!)

March 17, 2010 – South By Southwest Festival (Panel Discussion) 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Room 11B, Austin Convention Center- Austin, TX (you'll need credentials)

March 17, 2010 –

South By Southwest Festival

(Official SXSW Showcase – Live set with K-Murdock) @ Karma Lounge, Austin, TX (you better have a wristband) - also on the bill, ytcracker, MC Frontalot, Jesse Dangerously and more!

as you can see by my schedule, It's gonna be a loooooooooooong week!

 I'm packing now, so I'll catch you guys on the flip side.. hope to see you in Texas or at a venue near you!

and speaking of venues, I'm looking to fill out some dates for a Spring and Summer tour, so let me know if your local college or club would be willing to have a little Random out there when the weather gets warm!

hit me here or at contact@megaran.com

Peace!

From Joe Left Hand:

Video - Truth Universal - The "GRASSROOTS!" Campaign