Potential Prospects: Prob

25below's first potential prospect is a young cat by the name of Angel Parrilla, who hails from Miami, Florida. Picking up the stage name "Prob" along the way, he's had his hands immersed in music since the young age of 9. To give you a better perspective, "That was 12 years ago...I wouldn't say I was consistently working on music since then but I've never stopped writing. Sometimes I'd go into a music making period for years a a time, stop, and repeat it again."
Prob, the multi-talented man, not only writes his own raps, he records and mixes his own songs as well as record and edit his own videos. Although at the time of our first interview he was only hoping to get into producing, he has since then acquired a professional music production tool and has already taken to sampling quite nicely. Now if I need to give you anymore reason to respect this emerging artist, besides the love for what he does, he tries to do what he can on his own as to decrease distractions and being slowed down by the less ambitious.
It's hard to respect a lot of artists these days because, as we all know, it's about the money, fame and groupies. Where's the true passion at these days? Who's doing this because it's simply what they love to do? Even though there are many, they are few and far between. When asking Prob why he makes music, I couldn't have found a better answer: "Actually...I ask myself this question all the time. Sometimes I can't even come up with a logical answer. I believe I make music and will continue to make music for the love of it. It's my way of expressing myself. Some people express themselves through drawing, painting, fashion design, tattooing, just endless ways of expressing yourself through art. My art form just happened to be music. I can't front, it's difficult to dedicate yourself to music these days because hip-hop is sooo "over-saturated", for lack of a better word. When it comes to things like planning on making it "big", I try not to focus on those type of things. It will drive you crazy."
When it comes down to what influences he has when it comes to writing his music, it is a simple yet complex answer: "everything in life". From personal situations to the situations of close ones around him, good or bad, Prob stays aware enough to properly re-tell it. Here's what he had to say, "While I'm out in the world I'm never on autopilot, I try to stay as conscious as I can and take in everything around me. I think there's stories and events going on around us all day, everyday, so I try to soak everything up. That way I could tell those stories & the feelings that I witnessed with them." Like any true artist, especially one who takes his influences from the world, Prob has a wide variety of musical influences too. Ranging from Q-Tip and 3 Stacks to Curtis Mayfield and Otis Redding to John Lennon and Led Zepplin, his list of influences goes on and on.
Although he is a solo artist, Prob has a bigger vision in mind..a Hippie vision to be exact. With plans to work with certain artists in the future, Prob has already dubbed his music and video editing group Hippie Vision. Why the hippie theme? Prob is about what hippies were about: free-spirited, loving and peaceful. "I feel like it sums up everything I do. I share the same vision, therefore, it's Hippie Vision."
After hearing his interesting lyrics and flow, one has to know where these lyrics come from. Prob says, "My lyrics come from my thoughts..sometimes I like to throw a couple fun flows and lyrics just to show creativity. Other times my verses are just a long play on words. For the most part my lyrics are just my everyday thoughts expressed poetically." With that being said, he tries to send a message of all-around positivity, good vibes and faith. "I prefer to make refreshing music that gives the feeling of hope. I want people to hear my music and for that moment feel some type of happiness no matter what they're going through at that time."

Here are two videos off of Prob's first mixtape, Indigo. With the exception of some help recording, "Dont Stop Believin" and "Bubblegum" were recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by Prob himself. If you like what you hear, check out the latest from Prob on Soundcloud, subscribe to him on YouTube or download his first mixtape, Indigo. Enjoy these visuals to some of his work.

Dont Stop Believin (sample from John Lennon's Don't Stop Believing)

Bubblegum

FKi

If you go back into the 25below archives you will see exactly who FKi is. Although the "FKi" meaning may have changed since then. Now meaning F*$@in Kickin It, Raye Rich and 1st Down are the duo from Atlanta that makes up this group. Like I've always thought, they are bringing a different aspect to Rap and I think it's something that needs to be heard. Although they've been coming up really strong as producers for your favorite rappers lately, they've dropped TNTH II (Transformers N The Hood 2) this year and it has been quite a surprising yet definitely great project. All about drugs, partying and having a good time, add their tapes to your summer playlist. Now follow me to AMDAM...

If you like what you've seen I most definitely recommend downloading the rest of their mixtapes, watching their other music videos and catching them on tour! If you're in Michigan like myself, FKi will be performing at the Crofoot in Pontiac on July 18th via the Keep Calm & Twerk Tour. Or go to their website (click on FKi above for the link) to see if they're coming to a city near you.

Johnny Rain, ft. LaShaun Ellis - Superstition

A little while back a friend told me to check out Johnny Rain. I just recently did so and I am liking what I'm hearing. With a comparison to the likes of The Weeknd and Frank Ocean, which I don't totally agree with (beside the point), he does have a different sound than the less than average R&B you hear nowadays. Rain has 1 album that you can stream and download on DJBooth.net, with quite a few good tracks. This interesting track with a surprisingly good feature from unknown Lashaun Ellis, titled "Superstition", is featured on L.O.M. (Lullaby of Machine).

Retro Su$h! - Stayin True

Just a random song from a group called Retro Su$h!, consisting of Retro and Jace Ceej. This song, "Stayin True", features Key!. This is a track off of their debut mixtape Kung Fu In Japan, which you can listen to and download here if you like what you hear. Enjoy.

Potential Prospects

I guess it's safe to say that I gravitate towards "underground" music. I don't know if people just don't want to do the work it takes to really do their homework on an artist they've come across or if they really just don't hear the talent that one possesses just because they're not popular or "mainstream". Well for me it used to be about staying up on the newest and latest, like an addiction. Until I realized why I actually wanted to do my homework for once...I saw just how many "hidden gems" I had been stumbling upon.
So from then on I realized as much as I love music, I love to show support of the greatness I hear just as much. It's one thing to hear great music, and it is another to hear the potential for reaching that level of greatness. With that being said I'm going to start a series of posts on "potential prospects" that I have personally heard, done research on and gained an understanding of their music. Stay tuned.

Grasshopper Mondays

Even though I've only had the ability to indulge in the experience for a short while, I'm not too much into bars anymore. There's usully weird people, pricey drinks and an even weirder selection of music. But there are a couple I like because it's a fun atmosphere...good music, mixed group of chill people, good drink specials, and it should go without saying but adults actually acting their age. That's a good time out to the bar for me.
Well the latest bar I've been to that has drawn me back 3 Mondays in a row is The Grasshopper in Ferndale, MI. Each time that I've been it's been very relaxed. Everyone dresses pretty nicely, but not "nightclub fresh". Dressy casual with a bit more casual (You will find this helpful if you're like me..who dressed totally wrong my first time). It's not a huge crowd, so far at least. And each time there's been great music to vibe to, which is a huge factor into if I can stand a bar or not.
On my first night there I was told there would be Hip-Hop music and Top 40s alternating Mondays. But the past 2 times I've went its been this crazy DJ, who I hope to see every week I go from now on. With enough dancing room, the DJ gets people in the mood to hustle to some classic oldies (usually how he ends the night) to those fast-paced beats that has allowed me to witness some jittin' battles.
All under black lights, a decent amount of sitting room and well-priced drinks (that actually have alcohol in them =D), I say this is the place to be on Monday nights if chilling hard to great music in your room is just not enough.

Calvin Harris

For all my true music lovers out there, the ones that don't listen to just one genre of music, the ones that will give an open ear to new releases even if you don't think you will like it, I bring to you the awesomeness that is Calvin Harris. My good friend introduced Calvin Harris to me about a month back through his Pandora station....and I've been hooked since. If you have a Pandora account, I strongly suggest you add his station. He is a Scottish artist and producer who has the ability to make magic...the type of magic that makes you want to blast it, dance to it, tap your fingers, and nod your head to his amazing electronic music.  As you may know, Pandora doesn't just play songs by him, but he also does remixes and if you like what you hear from him, I guarantee you'll like just about all of the other music that is played on the station. With two albums under his belt and two hits on the radio, this guy is making moves and deserves the recognition.


...And for my fellow Jets out there, thank me later.

Attention: Whores

Rock band New Kingdom (who have been featured here before) is getting ready to drop their new project: "Attention Whore". To get everybody ready and pumped up they've decided to release two songs early! Even if you're not a big rock fan I encourage you to give em a listen! You'll be happy you did.

808

Jack Of Spades

FKi

FKi is a two man group composed of First Down and Raye Rich, coming out of Atlanta. With three mixtapes under their belt and much respect as producers, they have been making a good name for themselves since their first release in 2010. Doing shows around Atlanta, they have shared the stage with the likes of Curren$y and J. Cole. These are two artist trying to bridge the gap between common hip hop that we know today and the possibilities of so much more; "alternative" hip hop, if you will. If you can wrap your head around that; 808s; completely original beats; uncommon samples; "party" lyrics; and good features, you will enjoy FKi. Because of the depth of their creativity, if there is one song you don't like, there will be another one for you.
Many people may not know, or even pay attention to who produces the music they like, but FKi has been behind some big joints. While producing much of their own music, they have also produced hit songs Bring It Back & Make It Rain (and more) by Travis Porter; Rich & Flexin by Ludacris; and Heisman, Pt. 2 & Dancin 4 Dollas by Tyga. Follow their music to learn many more of the hits they have been behind.
Across their mixtapes they have made songs with XV; Slim Thug; Juicy J; Mickey Factz; Travis Porter; Differenter Gang (composed of FKi, Machine Gun Kelly, & Travis Porter); and many more.
Check out some of their music and videos in the post below and if you like what you hear you can download their projects "Blue Steel"; "Blue Steel 2.0"; and "Zoolandish EP" at the FKi website.

FKi Music

FKi: Red Cup (drinkers and party-ers alike should be able to appreciate this joint)



FKi: Weed & Arizonas (smoker? give this a listen...)



FKi: Smash Mouth (one of the first hip hop artists I heard infuse dubstep with their music, here's to you kids that enjoy it)



FKi: Toxic (interestingly good spin on Toxic by Brittney Spears, with vocals from Yael Naim. from upcoming project Transformers In The Hood. give this at least 3 listens with a very open mind)



FKi: Tung Martial Arts (because there is a freak in all of us)

OK Go: Here It Goes Again

This is not only a catchy song, but it also has a very creative video with a cool use of treadmills. Check it out and enjoy.

New Kingdom

Discovered by Chase Alexander just last summer, New Kingdom is a four member band from Los Angeles. Their incredible sound comes from singer Noah King; Oren Yoel on keys; bass player Joe Rausch; and drummer Evan Turner.
Their music has a feel that most can dig, with lyrics that almost everyone could completely relate to. Infusing rock; pop; funk; and soul into their songs, it's hard to just lump this band into one genre of music. They have been making their way in their career since 2008 playing live shows in California. In making a name for themselves, they have shared a stage with top performers such as B.o.B.; Janelle Monae; and Asher Roth. Earlier this year, they were also featured on MTV's show, The Seven's, highlighting upcoming bands and their music.
In June of 2010 New Kingdom released their first project, entitled "Naked Time". It's a seven track EP, with all seven songs being nothing less than great. They also released their debut video for the first song off of the EP, titled Stepped On The Scene. This video not only portrays their talent, but also the crazy amount of energy they have to help showcase it. In a world where music is not just enough, New Kingdom has the energy that makes you want to hear and see more.

Stepped On The Scene


Stream "Naked Time" to hear all seven tracks if you need to be further convinced.

If I've done my job well enough, go ahead and download "Naked Time" and rock out with your...well, just rock out.

Jared Evan

Chase Alexander put me on Jared Evan, singer/rapper from New York, years ago with his first mixtape "Radio In My Head". Since then he's come out with two more, entitled "Back and Forth" and "unCOVERED". I'm sure most of our viewers haven't heard of him yet, but he's been stirring up a lot of noise since 2008; including opening for Lupe Fiasco, touring with OneRepublic, performing at SXSW music festival, and having his debut single In Love With You featured on HBO's hit show Entourage just a year ago.
A song off of his second mixtape, "Back and Forth", that I immediately liked is Weight of The World, featuring Stat Quo and Roscoe Dash. It has a cool beat, is pretty catchy, and actually quite motivational. But if anyone's like me, I turned you off just by mentioning Roscoe Dash. Although he's still doing that ratchet shouting, I can admit that it's still a pretty decent verse. Enjoy.



If you liked what you've heard, check out his mixtapes at jaredevan.com

Dom Kennedy- Locals Only

"Locals Only" can be found on Dom's From the "West Side With Love". The song has one of the chillest beats ever and a set of visuals that has an arsty flair to it. Enjoy!

Chip Tha Ripper- The Entrance

"The Entrance" can be found on Chip's "Gift Raps" mixtape. If you're unfamiliar with Mr. Ripper then please, get acquainted below!

A Change In Music

Over recent years, there has been a prominent rise in White rappers. Now in 2011, it has become less of a joke or uncommon to see one. These artists are also gaining their respect based solely off of their skill, rather than the fact that they are White. As a lover of different sounds and genres of music, it's very pleasing to see artists getting the respect they deserve because they make great music and less because of the color of their skin.
As many of you may have heard of these artists, you should actually take the time out to listen to their music. Yelawolf, who just dropped his first album "Radioactive" under Shady Records; Rittz, who has a dope mixtape out by the name of "White Jesus"; Mac Miller, who so far has the number one album in the country "Blue Slide Park"; Asher Roth, who has a number of mixtapes under his belt as well as an album "Asleep In The Bread Aisle"; and Action Bronson, who's most recent work is his collaborated album with Statik Selektah "Well Done".
I'd like to especially take the time out to tell you about Action Bronson. I'll keep it short and simple for you, though: Dope Rapper. He has a very nice flow, from Queens, New York. He doesn't fall into the common styles of rapping you often hear today, and even has a line in his song Miss Fordham Road (86 87 88) joking about just that. The production on his latest album Well Done was perfect. I got an old school hip hop feel from it, that just puts you in a feel good place. I definitely recommend giving him a few listens and grabbing up his music, you won't be disappointed.
I decided to do this post and highlight some of these artists for the simple fact that some people ignore great music just because of the appearance of these artists. If you've checked out the site before or know me and the team, you know we won't steer you wrong with good music. So open your minds and give these artists a few good listens before passing judgement. Enjoy.

What's Real?

REAL: Being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verifiable existence.
Synonyms: actual - true - genuine - veritable - virtual - factual

Nowadays, many people hate on music and artists for being too soft. A question to ask if you find yourself saying this is, "Is this real music?" Of course, we all have our own opinions and often times, very different. But before saying an artist or their music sucks, make sure you're not shooting down real music. Just because it may be "soft"--or most of the time something you can't connect to--does not make it any less real to those who do connect to it. Just because you may not connect with the music because it's not your cup of tea doesn't mean that the artist sucks and doesn't make real music. No matter who denies it, any given emotion is something every person in this world will go through on some level at some point in their lives. So how is it right to call certain music that you may not connect with yet soft, yet music that you may never in your life connect with (gangs, murdering, having sex with tons and tons of girls) is a completely acceptable choice of music?
As a lover of music, I like and listen to music that I can connect with to a certain extent. In these times, if a man raps about drugs and sex, he is widely accepted; even if you're a nerdy white kid from the suburbs that clearly does neither. Yet, if a man raps about how he has been heartbroken or played by so many women, it is still seen as soft by that same kid who always gets shut down and knows first hand what that artist is talking about.
When and why did it become so wrong for a male rap artist to honestly share how he feels? Would you rather said artist rap about a fictional life that he's only heard others live? As an adult, does it really make sense to say a man is any less of one because he is honest about how he feels, in a not-so-unmanly way? And most of all, how is it not soft or unmanly for a male artist to sing about these same "soft" topics? I would think, if anything, it would be less manly for a man to 1) sing and 2) sing about how he feels. Now don't get me wrong, I love R&B, male and female, but if sharing how you truly feel and what's true to you is an unmanly thing to do, why is it solely seen as wrong by male rappers?
Hating on an artist for showing their real self is quite an unreal thing to do; and in this day and age when everyone is quick to call someone else fake, the next time you hear a male artist rap talk about a woman he wanted but couldn't have, think about how real it is to their life and how much it honestly may connect to yours.

Album Review: House Of Balloons

Let me start by saying that this album is fucking great. It's unlike anything I've ever heard. How would I describe it? Sex(The man put a fuckin titty on the cover!). Drugs. Love. Lust. Passion. Regret. Despair. Those words perfectly describe the album that The Weeknd has created. Where should we start dissecting the album? How about the production.

It's superb. It actually sounds like it all could have been produced by Drake's right hand man Noah "40" Shebib. Remember that Drake/Trey Songz track "Succesful"? Most of the music is very similar to that. Lots of synths, drums, and ambient noises. The production was also handled by the same two guys over the whole album, so it sounds like it all belongs together. There won't be any tracks that sound out of place here. Although this makes for a solid listen, the songs do tend to run together and after a while you tend to forget exactly what song you're listening to. But if you're just looking for music to vibe to, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Now lets talk about the lyrics. I don't even know where to start. The album is filled with lines that just ooze sex, drugs, and braggadocio. Lines like "I think I'm fuckin gone Trollin on this floor Messin up your carpet I'll get on it after 4 More sessions of this drug on the floor Shoulda fucked you raw" let you know exactly where this guy's head is. On another song he tells one of his females that she'll "Wanna be high for this". Really? I've never told a chick that she should get high before we fuck. And it's not just weed this man is interested in. Lean, ecstasy, cocaine, and god knows what else come up over the course of the album. It's clear that this guy likes to party. What's also clear is that he has some serious relationship issues. Whether it's his or someone else's. On "What You Need" he sings "He's what you want, I'm what you need" so watch out fellas because this guy WILL smang your girl. Failed relationships are a big part of this album, and on track 7 (Coming Down) we find out why. It's his love of drugs of course! The entire track is him letting his lonely lady know that he only loves her when he's "coming down". The drugs, drank, and skeezers make him prone to cheating on the girl he's promised to remain faithful to. The album is definitely worth listening to for the picture this guy is painting. Its a look into a world myself and countless others will never be apart of.

How's the entire album as a whole? Phenomenal. Aside from a weird rap/sing verse he does on one track and a bit of repetitiveness this album is a great listen. And you'd think because he's singing about drugs, sex with random skeezers, and failed relationships this album wouldn't be one you'd play for your lady friends. Wrong. It's home to some of the sexiest music I've ever heard. The production mixed with the man's voice is guaranteed to drop a few panties. So if you're looking to sex up a couple people this weeknd (see what I did there?), looking for new music, or perhaps just bored, make sure you check this out. You won't be disappointed.

Download- The Weeknd- House Of Balloons

Sample Music Below!

Johnny Polygon: What Sadness

Great track, really simple, but really great. Video fits it perfectly. No big or cheap frills. Just a man, an umbrella, and some fake rain. Enjoy

Cold Men Young

Like to stay up on new music? Well, I'll start bringing you new, "slept on" artists who I think are definitely worth a listen. I find these artists through word-of-mouth, research or just by simply stumbling upon them one way or another.

The first group I will bring to you is composed of four great artists who goes by Cold Men Young hailing from Detroit, MI. And yes, it does sound similar to the former mayor, Coleman Young. There's Kopelli; Mic (pronounced Mike) Write; Blaksmith; & Young Phenom. They definitely show great talent for something different than what you're hearing nowadays. They are speaking a different message; more than just guns & killing or sex & girls. They are sending a message of what needs to be said and heard in lyrical ways that captivate you. "This bad economy got me willing to pop off. The murder rate is rising, unemployment rate is climbing. But I see the silver-lining...", the beginning of Blaksmith's verse to their hot Det-Riot! song. The beats and their flows put you in a "hip-hop" state of mind, if you follow.

They already have many pieces for you to check out. In 2009 they released a free EP called #Leaked, an 8-track mixtape with popular beats. In 2010 they released Champagne Nights/Red Stripe Budget. This is an album full of 16, well put together tracks with dope beats and great lyrics. More recently, Kopelli dropped a song by the name of Caught My Eye early this year. Through the feature of an Akira Shelton lending his vocal abilities for the hook, this turned out to be a nice song a young man could dance to with his lady friend. Most recently, as of this month, Mic Write and Blaksmith dropped H.A.W.K., standing for Heal Apathy With Knowledge; with the hook given by a Pierre Anthony. This informative track makes you not only want to think but you will be vibing to the jazz-type feel of the beat.

Cold Men Young is a very dope group that you should check out in your spare time. They definitely will not disappoint and you can add great, new artists to your music library. Below is a link to listen to the whole album of Champagne Nights/Red Stripe Budget. If you don't have time to listen all the way through, a couple go-to tracks are Det-Riot! and Spit It. You can also check out all of their other music through the link. Enjoy.


Cold Men Young