Naughty and Nice
Hey all!
We’ve been on the move over here, so please forgive the late update! Here are some important things for you to know about Tygereye right now:
Some of you have already contacted me about teen phenom B.O.B., and you want to know MORE! His single “Cloud 9” (which you can listen to and see the video for on his page) is getting a lot of love from fans and radio alike, and it’s just the beginning. B.O.B. is a producer, rapper and singer, already getting some comparisons to Andre 3000 for his imaginative songwriting skills and polished stage performance. He’s managed by B-Rich and the one and only TJ of TJ’s DJ’s, and he’ll be making some major announcements about his label situation in 2007.
Cadillac Don & J-Money rounded out 2006 with an abundance of touring and a nomination for “Song Of The Year” for “Peanut Butter & Jelly” at the Southern Entertainment Awards. They will be performing at the awards as well – you can find out more info on their site at http://www.southernentawards.com/
By now all of you know that Freekey Zekey has been home a full month, and he’s literally all over the place. He’s been in the studio working with Cam’ron, Jim, Juelz and the Dipset fam, gearing up for his mixtape, and will be making several appearances this winter. MEDIA: To be clear, Dipset South is NOT launching until 2007 (after Zeke’s solo album drops), so any people claiming to be signed are not legit. Zeke’s current deal is Diplomat Records/Asylum. Check for upcoming stories in Rap Fanatic Magazine, The Village Voice (NY), and Juice Magazine in Germany. We’ve got quite a few great online interviews on his page, so check them out!
Please join me in welcoming Tennessee duo GRITS to the Tygereye fam. You may be familiar with this veteran rap group through their work in the Christian music market. This time around they are bringing their incredible talent to fans in a little different way, still maintaining their values, of course, with their new album Redemption. At the end of the day, it’s fantastic club and radio music, and we look forward to hearing your opinions. We’ve got two tracks posted on their page, and press kits with full album promo are in the mail to our media friends!
Welcome also to another teen sensation, Jamie Jones. This gorgeous young lady sings and dances like a dream, and she’s got a sound and look that sets her apart from anyone else in R&B today. Our friend Kwame produced Jamie’s first single “Hustler’s Crush” – go to her page to take a listen!
Jeru The Damaja is still touring, and staying on his grind with the radio show and the new album.
Melloe Won is hard at work with the Zenetti Wheels Skate Team and other ventures. You can find him at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, and of course MAGIC and All-Star weekend in February.
Even if some of the reviews are incorrect in the magazines, Mr. Long is most definitely hard at work on his solo career. To clarify once again, he does not appear on the Black Sheep album. His own album, Class of ’89, is his main focus. Members of the media who still need a review copy, please let me know.
Needlz has work upcoming on projects from Rich Boy (Interscope), J. Holiday (Capitol) and Young Buck (G-Unit/Interscope) – and that’s just the people you’re hearing about now. He’s performing with R&B up and comer TL Cross at Crash Mansion on Wednesday, Dec 20 (tomorrow night!). 2007 is going to be another big year from him, so stay tuned!
We’d like to welcome The Rock Mobb to Tygereye as well. This Hip Hop foursome has a new single with Jim Jones called “Cash For The Hot Cars” that’s getting some crazy love from fans. Check their page and take a listen. We’ll have more info on them soon.
Serius Jones just landed a SUPER HOT new deal, details of which will be announced shortly. Plans are for an album early 2007, with more big things to follow. Those of you who have supported Serius throughout his career are going to be pleasantly surprised, and definitely happy to see such an amazing talent really get his just due. He’s also got a popular new column “Get Serius” over at AllHipHop.com – log on today!
For those of you doing your last minute online holiday shopping, head to Zappos.com and pick up the Floor Lords’ Saucony Courageous Sneaker. Our media friends who received the first round in 2005 couldn’t get enough of these comfy, classic sneakers, and anyone from joggers to dancers to “just wanna look good” folks will love them!
The past two months have been insane with work, but I don’t think any of us mind. You kind of have to be a little crazy to be in this business, but you also have to be ambitious beyond compare to really win. After TJ’s DJ’s conference at the end of October, I stayed in quite a bit just working on the next phase of this company’s goals. I did take some time out to hit The 40/40 Club ESPN Lounge (thanks to Sheldon, Natalie and the team) to hang out with Miskeen Originals and Bernard Hopkins, went by Frankie J’s exclusive performance at Tenjune (shouts to Christina at 5WPR), sat on a panel at the CMJ Conference with Chuck D, Derrick Parker (The Hip Hop Cop), Rampage and my pal Angela Yee from Shade 45. Mid-November I went to see my favorite band of all time, Mint Condition, at BB Kings.
Freekey Zekey came home to NYC on November 20th, we attended the Mixtape Awards at the Apollo (shouts to Sommer and Nina!) and to Kevin Powell’s Holiday Party at Tribeca Cinemas. Other than that, it’s been pretty calm. With our new Tygereye clients and a bunch of great confirmed projects coming in January and February, you’ll also see us at Demp Week in January, the North Carolina Central University Music Conference in February, and of course MAGIC and All-Star Weekend in Vegas in February as well.
On another note, I’m proud to announce that I’ve got a new position over at AllHipHop.com. You can check me out over there anytime, and I look forward to building with all of you on various levels in the coming months.
The past few months I’ve been evaluating how far loyalty goes these days – not just in the music industry, but in life. I’ve had SO many friendships and business relationships that have lasted for years, and I have good reference points on how far being good for your word can go. None of us are perfect, but unfortunately it seems like a lot of people use their imperfection as an excuse to be a bad human being.
I know many of us in this music thing find ourselves at our wits end sometimes when it comes to loyalty. We work and work for people only to have them be thankless or downright forget about our dedication when it comes time for them to “succeed.” Is it really worth it to put your heart into what you do, for fear your loyalty to another will be stepped on or forgotten?
I say yes, it’s always worth it. When everything is said and done, you only have to answer to you and whatever higher power you believe in. Allowing yourself to shut down or stifle your enthusiasm, dreams or ambition because someone else was short-sighted really only hurts you. That doesn’t mean you have to be a sucker, but you are always responsible for being the best you can possibly be.
Every day is the first day of the rest of your life, so live it as such. Let the bad stuff go, and take in the good. Be loyal, loving and giving in all areas of your life, and it will always come back – sometimes in ways you never expected.
Much love and happy holidays to you all! See you in 2007!
Your most darling, Dove
