A certified classic collection including the much-hyped Brother Ali inspired “Senioritis (Us Freestyle)”, the redux of Atmosphere’s infamous “Crewed Up”, a plea for Atlantic Records to release Lupe Fiasco’s “Lasers” and just enough remaining to quench our thirst before Max’s upcoming full-length, “The Water”. Pun intended.

“Prince of my city, every day I make it Purple Rain”

-M. Haben

Oh, here’s a preview if for some reason you’re still not convinced:
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow us to present you with a feature about Max Haben. The high school/college athlete (basketball) turned emcee, whose name has been buzzing around large places lately.

Since we haven’t had the opportunity (until now) to announce Mr. Haben as a part of the fam., we wanted to give you a brief look at who Max is and why you’ll be hearing his name (not to mention his gift) in the very near future.

A recent graduate of UST in St. Paul, Minnesota (major in Catholic Studies), by outward appearance and demeanor, one of the last things you might expect the Twin Cities’ native to do is rap. But, that doesn’t stop him from completely slaying on the mic. With a pension for freestyles and a gift that can seem effortless, people are buzzing about the potential of this 23 year old.

Max Haben could very well be one of your favorite emcee’s favorite emcees.

A quiet, almost-humbled individual while chatting in person, Max can grab the mic and have braggadocios emcees silenced (former teachers recall the same from school years). Whom coaches have called a leader on the court, with intricate-wordplay and a flow all his own, Max is set to become one of hip-hop’s next young leaders as well…and much like the heavyweight division of boxing needs a real champ of years’ past…boy, does hip-hop need Mr. Haben.

A few years back, the winter of 2008 would find Max self-releasing his debut “The Mind is Infinite” with production by The Source-featured/longtime collaborator Teddy Roxpin (MA). Shortly thereafter, Max went on to form and lead the live band, “The Fix”. It was during this time he honed his stage presence performing to capacity-shows near Minneapolis’ U of M campus (some with major label artists). The demand was evident. Would the supply match up?

Recently taking some time to focus on finishing his academics (another rarity in hip-hop), Max’s focus has returned to his craft. Producing his follow-up album with indie record label [301STUDIOS].

“Senioritis while I’m writing this, I should be studying…I could’ve pulled a Kanye and dropped out to do my thing…”

–“Senioritis (Us Freestyle)”

Having received a favorable write-up this year from one of the world’s most popular hip-hop sites (2dopeboyz.com) for his freestyle over fellow Minneapolis emcee Brother Ali’s aforementioned track “Us”, Max went on to be nominated for a Twin Cities “Next Up” award as well.

From all the artists we’ve worked with, we’ve heard more people lay claim to “discovering” Max than any other. Now, take the time to “discover” Mr. Haben for yourself.

Check for Max Haben’s “Senioritis” (free mixtape) coming very soon followed shortly thereafter by his full-length LP “The Water”.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Listen to the entire album right now at turntheradiooff.net and the first 5 people to comment on this post can score a copy absolutely free.

Available on iTunes, Amazon and all the usual suspects.

Minnesota residents, you can pick yours up at the following locations:

Cheapo (Blaine, Mpls, St. Paul), Dusty Pixels, Eclipse Records (Closed), Electric Fetus, Fifth Element, Mindstate Distribution, Roadrunner Records, Treehouse Records & Urban Lights.

- The Staff

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Pre-order Terrell Lamont’s “Turn the Radio Off” today and receive your copy before the official release (06/01/10)!

*Fans that pre-order will receive a signed copy of the album along with a limited edition 11” x 17” Turn the Radio Off poster and button. All for only $5.99. Never a shipping charge within the US.

Be the first on your block to turn the radio off and bang this future classic…

Reserve your copy right here:

…and if you’re in the Minneapolis area, don’t forget about the listening/release party on Sat. May 29^th @ Honey (205 E. Hennepin Ave.). Special guests Tru-Serva, Mike Dreams and more! Admission is absolutely free.

*Limited pre-order package sale ends 05/31/10.

“I’m not a rapper, singer, or poet. I just put my heart to melody.”

Hailing from Southfield, MI, Thrasher comes from a large family of six. Growing up the second youngest and the only boy, he often kept to himself. His older sisters were singers in a gospel hip-hop group, his Mother sang him hymns and his Father often fiddled with the household Casio. Music was in the family.

But it wasn’t until high school that he actually developed his gifts. When a friend turned him on to computer beat-making, he couldn’t get enough. Teaching himself by ear, he admits at first he wasn’t very polished, but kept the hobby up as he graduated and headed to college. It was in college that Mister Thrasher started rapping and near the end of his college years formed the rap/rock duo TH?UNKNOWNS with schoolmate J…Smith and his Nobot Thoughts.

That experience was what really pushed Mister Thrasher musically. It was from there that he started experimenting with different styles and genres. A friend gave him a guitar before departing for The Marines. Another friend let him borrow a drum set, which he taught himself to perform live with while opening for D12. The different music outlets kept falling into his lap.

“Music is so dense and omnidirectional. Hip-hop got me started, but the freedom of music is what keeps me going.”

Mister Thrasher understands this is just the beginning and wishes to keep growing musically and spiritually.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” -John 17:17

We think you’ll agree that with his unique blend of electronica and hip-hop, Mr. Thrasher has found a perfect fit here at [301STUDIOS] and we couldn’t be more proud to help introduce you to his craft. Stay tuned for his debut EP coming soon.

Use the players below to listen to two of Mr. Thrasher’s previous works and keep an eye out for live performances. Also, become a fan on Facebook today!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

[301STUDIOS] is very pleased to announce the release date, album artwork and official tracklisting  for Terrell Lamont’s “Turn the Radio Off”!

Album is officially set to drop on Tuesday, June 1st 2010.

Tracklisting is as follows:

1. Turn the Radio Off

2. Heat feat. Fallen

3.  Lost

4. The Struggle feat. Cajuan Wright & Apreil Simpson

5. Be Strong feat. Tameya Clark

6. If I Never Sell a Record

Stay tuned (so to speak) for what very well could be one of the greatest hip-hop EP’s of all time. Single drops soon, followed by pre-order announcement! For more information on Terrell Lamont and “Turn the Radio Off” please visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/terrellmusic.

Thank you for your support,

- The Staff

“It takes two to speak truth…one to speak, and another to hear.” -Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American naturalist, poet and philosopher.

Ladies and gentlemen, [301STUDIOS] is proud to present to you, the next single from One 2wenty One’s debut “Life, Sin and God Vol. 1″.

Stark, gritty production from resident co-producer Thaddios Brooks laces the latest single offering from Minneapolis based One 2wenty One. Cajuan Wright opens up no holds barred, spitting exactly what the title states, followed by an effortless flow of sincerity by co-emcee Terrell Lamont. Another FREE offering for fans by the crew known as One 2wenty One. Please enjoy and spread the word.

Hear “The Truth”:

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

One 2wenty One-The Truth (Right click & “Save Target As…” to download.)

Read the full interview HERE at ReactionNow and while you’re there, if you’re involved in any type of business, please be sure to check out what they do, as they do it very well: http://reactionnow.com/2010/02/embracing-digital-interview-with-301studios/

Known for his unique fusion of electronica and hip-hop, JSL has jumped at the chance to showcase some of his favorite tracks and further shine a spotlight on independent artists worldwide.

With a monthly listener-base of well over 40,000 that light will indeed shine.

Please see all info below and don’t forget to tune in to the premiere broadcast Jan. 14th 28th, 2010 @ 10pm (central) on discothequeradio.com!

Antifreeze (hosted by JSL)
Thursdays 10pm-Midnight (central)
discothequeradio.com

A strong brew blending the flavors of electronica and hip-hop.

Minneapolis-based producer JSL hosts Antifreeze. A weekly program that continues to expose the links between electronica and hip-hop while taking chances on music you’re guaranteed to not hear elsewhere. Pure heat broadcast in HD.

Presentation by: JSL
From: Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.
Contact: www.facebook.com/antifreezeradio

Is this what we can expect in terms of a “sound” for the full-release? Only time will tell as JSL has been tight-lipped about the actual songs until now. Initially planning to do a step-by-step blog/video blog on the last year of the writing and recording process, that idea was quickly abandoned and until now, almost no one was aware of what exactly “Score” would contain.

Get your first listen here, as you can download the first single absolutely free of charge:

JSL aka Sixfold-Joshua (Right click & “Save Target As…” to download.)

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

What do you think? What are your theories? Please feel free to leave your feedback! Don’t forget, JSL’s “Score” will be available (12/15/09) (12/29/09) from all major digital retailers.

- The Staff