Professa (Young Maestro) - "Simple" (Instrumental)

I'd like to introduce to you the Professa, a producer coming out of NC. I got a couple beats from him a few days back and I felt'em so I decided to share my favorite of the set with you guys. His style reminds me a bit of Dre's, doesn't it? It's got that same flow to it. Well, anyways, check it out and let us know what you think!

DOWNLOAD/STREAM

Artist of the Week: 810

Meet 810, a 19-year-old, up-and-coming artist out of Baltimore. He describes himself as a "community college student who often neglects other things to do music". At first when I read this I had a bad feeling, but then I checked out his tracks. Song after song of his melodic flow, interesting delivery, and great beat choices - I knew he belonged in the feature. But then it struck me - I've heard this guy before!

A while back I was just checking on other blogs downloading anything that came out with a new name. I'd heard 810's "Supply & Demand" and had loved it. But unfortunately, in the wake of many new projects - all of which were great - I had forgotten about my dude 810. But now I listen to his tape very often, making sure not to miss a line. This kid is going to make himself something substantial in the industry very soon.

This week you'll see new tracks of his coming out from his upcoming mixtape "Glass Half Full" which is slated for late October. Can't wait for WFSL to give you 810 music? Hit up these sites to stay in tune with his upcoming releases:
Blog: http://810muzik.blogspot.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/810musik
Twitter: http://twitter.com/810musik
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/810/17752821162

Would you like to be featured as Artist of the Week? Get at me! -- beatwize@gmail.com

Nefarious!: Time to Shine [WFSL Interview]

So now you've heard of Nefarious!, heard his songs, and gotten to know him a little better. But there's still so much you don't know about the kid. He's talented, intelligent, and definitely has a bright future. Hell, he's been featured on more than 4 sites this week! Keep an eye on the name, you'll definitely hear a lot of it soon. Here's my chance to let you learn more about my boy Nef. Check it out!

Beatwize: What's good Nefarious! Let's start with a quick bio of you..
Nefarious!: My name is Nefarious! from Hayward, California. I'm 18 years old and one of many Bay Area beat makers representing the new generation of producers. I enjoy long walks on the beach and...

Beatwize: Lmao, yea good place to stop. Tell us about you're newest album "More Than Music" and what went behind it? (inspirations, people etc.)
Nefarious!: I was inspired to make More Than Music by people that dont understand that music is very serious to some of us. Especially beats to me. Someone who isn't a producer might see a beat as just a beat and wonder where the rapping is, and others appreciate it for what it is. So this album was for those people.

Beatwize: It seems that it has given you some great exposure, you've been getting features left and right. How does it feel to get this sudden rise in recognition?
Nefarious!: It feels good, like people are finally getting onto my shit. If no one hears your music it doesn't matter if it sounds good or not because you are just another tree falling in the forrest. Before I knew how much blogs make a difference I used to drop everything just on MySpace, but making connections with blogs and shit increased the download numbers drastically.

Beatwize: You run with a crew by the name of "Cosmic Souls Collective". How did you guys meet and how did this group come together?
Nefarious!: We basically met on the internet, know:juander sent me songs to post on my site The Soul Dojo and I liked it. Me and Juno Complex go way back to when I was still making beats on FL Studio, and Time Travel is just dope... Actually it probably didn't even go down like that. But somehow we just all decided to make a production collective.

Beatwize: Are you guys in constant competition or do you guys just appreciate each others music and success as a group?
Nefarious!: We all help promote each others music and respect what we make. I guess we all are in competition because no one wants to have the weakest beat on the beat tape or myspace or whatever. We all keep each other in check because with everyone trying to outdo each other, we will all improve.

Beatwize: Who do you like to work with at the moment? Who would you like to work with in the future?
Nefarious!: I like working with Amor Jones because our styles go great together. That dude be beggin me for beats callin me crying and shit *laughs*. In the future I'd like to work with more producers and maybe some already-established emcees.

Beatwize: You seem to have a very long catalogue. What beat that you've made is you're favorite?
Nefarious!: Man, I have a new favorite beat of mine every day. Right now it would probably be Take My Love which was also the single for More Than Music.

Beatwize: What new projects are you helping out with? It seems a lot of people are looking for that Nefarious! seal nowadays.
Nefarious!: Right now I will be dropping a project with Kris Kasanova hosted by MTRoots thanks to KNOWxONE from ManifestTheRhyme.com Hallway Jay at illRoots.com. I also am going to have production on Amor Jones's next 2 projects, and my album The Soul Dojo that seems like it will never be finished.

Beatwize: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Nefarious!: Hopefully making a living with music. I'd be happier just getting by with a job I love than be rich and bored and shit. Taking a big chance with music right now. Ain't no Plan-B on some Tanya Morgan shit.
Beatwize: You've mentioned in the past that you used to rap? What made you stop? Will you be coming back to it anytime soon?
Nefarious!: I stopped because I wasn't really good (laughs). I took up producing full time and got better at producing than I was rapping. I do plan on making a come back, but don't expect to hear anything too soon.

Beatwize: Who's you're favorite producer? Why?
Nefarious!: J Dilla would be my favorite producer because he has made beats that are just IMPOSSIBLE to remake. I could remake a Pete Rock or 9th Wonder beat with ease, not saying they aren't dope. But listen to the sample to A Tribe Called Quest's "Find A Way" or Black Star's "Little Brother" and see what I'm talking about. Madlib is my favorite producer alive because he also composes if you are familiar with Yesterday's New Quintet. Shit's dope.

Beatwize: Thanks for your time and looking forward to more work from you!
Nefarious!: No problem man. New music soon! Be on the look out!

Drex Inkredible - "Pilot Project" Mixtape + "Rise to the Top" Video

If you are interested in aiding a charitable foundation, please read the blurb below the download link. Thanks! Also, there is a video at the end of the blurb for an album preview.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Meet Drex Inkredible, an artist from Canada. He began creating quite the local star but recently has begun boasting some international exposure; and why not? Drex has an original, undeniable style that makes you want more. But if you think that's where it ends, you're very wrong.

"Pilot Project" is just a pre-cursor to the real album. This real album will not only be undoubtedly great, but will also be a charitable action by Drex. All proceeds will go to a Media Arts Center in Rio which will help kids get careers in areas concerning video, photography, music, radio, and the list goes on. The album, entitled "City to City", will be coming out in the late Fall of this year and is definitely something you should go and get. If the name "Drex" sounds familiar, it's because he is also the founder of TheRemixProject, a charitable foundation. Keep following WFSL if you want more Drex as there is a lot more coming in the near future!

"Rise to the Top" Video..

"Hip-Hop Ain't Dead. It Lives In The North." Mixtape

DOWNLOAD HERE

The brand that has sold numerous shirts creates a mixtape filled with Canadian artists. Unfortunately this misses some vitals like k-os, K'naan, Shad, Fundament, and numerous others but it's still really dope. Some really great artists on this list that I haven't even heard of, so this was a big eye-opener. If you're from Canada, get to meet some diamonds in the rough and check it out. Some really ill stuff in this.

Brought to you by:
HipHopCanada | ItLivesInTheNorth

A.R.M. - "Heaven Only Knows" (Feat. Brother Ali) Video

New drop from A.R.M. with that dude Bro Ali. First time I've heard of A.R.M. but I'm going to look more into him for sure - this track goes hard. Really good work by both of them, check it out and give it a few listens!

Fresh Daily - "Untucked Nunchucks" Video

New video from Fresh Daily off of his mixtape "The Gorgeous Killer in Crimes of Passion". Pretty dope, check it out!

Stoney Jackson (Strong Arm Steady & Madlib) - "Get Ya Money Right"

I woke up this morning with a pleasant surprise in my inbox. It seems that Strong Arm Steady and Madlib are joining forces as Stoney Jackson under StonesThrow Records. A 16-track LP is in the making which will include the likes of Talib Kweli, Guilty Simpson, Phonte, & Planet Asia. For now all we have is this free leak they've given us throught a podcast. Since it's not a full CDQ, the quality isn't mint, but it's still a good listen. The link jumps to iTunes. Hope you enjoy it! I sure did!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Kublakai - "Lights for the Dark Nights" EP

DOWNLOAD HERE

Here's a freEP from a dude named Kublakai. This was deemed a "masterpiece" by aboveGround magazine, and I agree completely. Full production is by Slouch and he does a great job at the back-end of the project. Short and sweet, this disc is definitely a multi-repeat listen; so check it out and let us know what you think!

Internet Promotion for the Indie Artist [Wize Thoughts]

This week I go over a few thoughts on how indie artists can use the internet to their advantage. There are numerous sites and techniques to do this, but I focus on "branding" yourself. More inside!

CLICK HERE TO READ IT!

Nefarious! on uStream with HiTekFX

My dude Nefarious! sits down with HiTekFX on his Monday Night Mixshow. I caught the beginning of the live stream yesterday but wasn't able to finish it up. But I checked out a bit more in the morning and it's a good watch. Nef is doing big things, getting featured everywhere. He's finally getting the recognition deserved. So, here it is - Nef on uStream with HiTekFX..

Jay-Z Rhapsody Commercial

This is a really cool commercial with an awesome concept. It's to promote Jay's upcoming (already leaked) album "Bluprint 3". "Jay-Z fans get it."


Props to Dmack of SoundSociety for finding this!