Denver Post Article Infuriates Denver’s Hip-Hop Community

On Wednesday May 13, 2015, the Denver Post published an article on their website claiming that the death of a Denver rapper by the name of KL Tha General is the reason for all the recent gang violence the city has experienced since the beginning of the new year.

Written by veteran blogger Kirk Mitchell, the article attempts to tie Kevie Durham’s battle-rap lyrics to real life scenarios in what many are calling The Denver Post’s last ditched effort to tarnish the defenseless rapper’s name in order to gain viewership.

The headline, “Rapper whose murder triggered Denver gang war should’ve been in prison” incited anger among Denver’s hip-hop community as those who knew him allege his juvenile past is irrelevant and that the article falls short in regards to proving a viable connection between Durham’s death and the numerous shootings that have been occurring around the city. Only capable of citing Police Chief Robert White’s acknowledgments

“Denver Police Chief Robert White recently acknowledged that a gang war in which up to a dozen members from four street gangs have been murdered has its origin in Durham’s death.”

…Mitchel continues on to make the case that if Durham were extradited to North Carolina instead of being released to a halfway-house back in 2012, he would have been found guilty and locked away in prison, thus would have not been attending the venue the night he was killed in 2014 and thus Denver would not be experiencing a gang-war at the moment.

Many well-known figures in Denver’s music community are denouncing the Denver Post article and calling it a bias unfounded judgement of Durham’s character and a dismal attempt at placing the weight of Denver’s gang problems on one person.

Kirk Mitchell did not return phone calls to answer questions regarding his article. However, sources close to KL Tha General confirm that Mitchell will be writing a follow-up piece to this article which will contain the specifics on the connection between Durham and a few of the more recent shooting victims.

 

 

You can read the entire Denver Post article here:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28104235/rapper-whose-murder-triggered-denver-gang-war-shouldve

Photo credit: David Shankbone

6 Colorado Hip-Hop Producers You Need To Know

Colorado is proving itself to be a diamond in the rough when it comes to discovering hot new artists and the same can be said for hip-hop producers as well. Here are just 6 of the likely hundreds out here that we know can bring the heat when it comes to producing a fire-ass beat.

In no particular order, these are 6 Colorado hip-hop producers you need to know.

 

 

Davey Boy

Connect: @DaveyRemix

Buy Beats: DaveyBoyRemix.com

Q: You’ve produced a lot of beats for artists out here in Colorado, which of those songs has been your favorite?

A: I’ve produced a lot of music for Adonis Fox. Any of those could be an instant classic, but my favorite is “Good Morning.” It’s reminiscent of 90s R&B combined with some millennium flavor. It has that Jodeci Bounce. There’s a track I produced with Trev Rich called “Don’t Stop.” There was a lot of controversy with that song; the rumor was that a famous rap artist had ripped off the concept and weeks later a very similar song had hit the airwaves. It could have been just a coincidence, haha.

There’s also a new single I produced called “Something Real” with a new female group ATLA (ay, tee, el, ay) ft Eric Bellinger. That’s dropping pretty soon. It’s fire… more like hot magma, keep a fire extinguisher next to your headphones-Hot!

 

 

Mikel Saint

Connect: @mikelsaint

Buy Beats: masterzgd@hotmail.com

Q: Not only do you make some dope beats, but you can also design your ass off. If you had to choose between one hustle to pursue full-time, would it be producing or graphic design?

A: My passion definitely begins and ends with designing. Whether it be drawing, painting, sculpting. Music is something I developed a strong interest for in my late teens and decided to incorporate into my business, known today as Masterz Multimedia. Currently I pursue freelance graphic design full time and have worked with many great companies, entrepreneurs and Musicians extending from LA to the UK. My daily Life is very inconsistent and that is something I find most appealing as a creative type. One day I could be working on someone’s Album cover, the Next day I could be designing the UI for an innovative mobile app. I consider Music to be more of a vessel to channel my creativity elsewhere. Through the 8 years of producing music I have laid down nearly 60 Solid tracks and Sold a handful with 1 Major Placement being Chamillionaire’s “ Some Things Never Change “. Oddly enough I have never perused Music Full Time or Taken it seriously until that day, All credit to perfect timing.

I think today’s artist plays it safe, some of us are obsessed by mastering one thing and One thing only. I feel that waking up every day doing the same thing over and over again becomes too much of a Job which defeats the whole point of being an artist. If you’re a Painter learn to play piano, If you’re a Singer learn to shoot photography. Your creativity will broaden and explode.

Expressing yourself through various Mediums is in my opinion very important as an artist. If you’re not growing daily or pushing yourself you will become stagnant and your Creative juices will seize up. I’ve always had a Bit of a sporadic mind, Sometimes I will be Mid Cover art design and Hear a melody in my head and I immediately Open FL studio to lay down the chords, Vice versa. If I were given the ultimatum between Music or Designing I would have to stick with Designing 100%. I am Extremely passionate for what I do and wake up every day excited to tackle something Brand new. I encourage others to do the same, Expand your mind, Don’t wait for inspiration to come Knocking. Be veracious with your appetite.

 

 

 

Cheff Premier

Connect: @realcheffbeats

Buy Beats: n/a

Q: What mainstream or underground producers have inspired (or do inspire) you and to what effect?

A: Throughout my life I’ve been influenced by many musicians and genres of music.

As a producer now I have a few producers that stick out and look to for inspiration

From a musical standpoint I think Pharrell and Jazze Pha have made the most impact in me.. their musicality is just outstanding. From their voicing / their instrumentation and overall orchestration is by far superior and has stood the test of time… Records like Excuse me Miss (Jay Z. Prod. Pharrell) Area codes (Ludacris Prod.Jazze Pha) are recognized to this day…

From a hit making standpoint I think Max Martin is by far the best and most influential producer in the last 20 years… Any Backstreet boys, Britney spears, n’sync, all the way to Taio Cruz and Katy Perry to Taylor swift…. The man is a hit machine… He incorporates tons of genres together into one and makes hits… Pure hits…

I think currently with the internet and social outlets and the tremendous amount of new content constantly being pushed out it’s been hard to find a sound and producer that really is making a impact..In the last 6 years we’ve gone from Lex Luger to jahlil to T minus to Mustard to Mike will to now Metro Booming… Constantly changing…. Great producers… But not quite as influential to the genre just yet…

 

 

 

TreezyMadeIt!

Connect: @kushedouttreezy

Buy Beats: MyFlashStore.net

Q: What made you want to pursue producing to begin with, and how long did it take for you to get good enough for people to start noticing?

A: My family has always had a love for music I been around it all my Life.My older brother used to mess around wit DJ Programs & FL Studio.
I always was the most creative kid out of all my peers. I always seen things different even till this day. From writing to art I aways used creativity as a way to express myself. It wasn’t until I seen DJ Paul & Juicy J on MTV making beats that i tried to give it a shot. It took forever. My first beats were terrible. This was in 2006. it took months before I could even get the basics down. It was when I seen people’s reaction to the music I was creating what made me pursue it more. Even though I thought what I was making was trash. People loved it! Fast forward after a few years of practice my aunt pointed out that I spent so much time on FL Studio. This was when I realized I had a gift & that I can really make an living off this. That turned me into a monster I spent years on years trying to make my own sound and perfecting it. Examining and studying all the greats in all music genres and art in general. It’s all just expression. It’s much bigger than just bass and sounds to me. It’s about the energy and vibe your giving off. I began releasing music on the Internet and pushing my beats around 2009. It was hard I thought about quitting a thousand times but I’ve always believed in myself through the adversity. The word spread fast locally. It was crazy to just see how much people loved my music. It was the supporters & music lovers that convinced me I’m the best at what I do. I seen how they react to other producers stuff and then how they reacted when I would play my beats. It wasn’t until 2011-2012 that I started to gain nationwide/ worldwide attention & placements with notable artist. It’s just a blessing man. I always kept my faith and I always put 100 percent into everything I do. It’s crazy now. but at the same time I always knew that this is what it’s supposed to be. I’m still humble and learning more everyday and growing as an artist.

 

 

 

Kajmir Royale

Connect: @kajmirbeats

Buy Beats: SoundClick

Q: Do you feel like moving out of Colorado allowed your career to progress much more substantially than it would have had you stayed living here?

A: Yes, my career has substantially advanced by leaving Colorado. I have mad love for Colorado, however I hit a ceiling there. I toured and performed at nearly every major venue in the state, including halftime at the Lakers / Nuggets game. I released and sold numerous singles, albums, and mixtapes in Colorado. I also collaborated with many Colorado artists over the years. The issue became, there was no one in film, TV, or at record labels to meet with. I also couldn’t find any investors to fund my bigger vision, who would take entertainment seriously in Colorado. In Hollywood, I run into major artists all the time, some of the top music studios in the world are just a short walk away, and the resources are plentiful in terms of collaborations. I also get more placements in film and TV as a result of being in California. In addition, investors love our mission and what I’m doing in regards to education and putting out wholesome, inspirational music. Overall, I’ll always appreciate the time I spent in Colorado, as well as the people there. I’m glad I made the leap of faith and moved myself and my team to Hollywood. I’m not saying Colorado can’t or shouldn’t be the place for an hip hop artist to take off on an international level and hit big mainstream success. There are major artists that come through the Rocky Mountains. I also looked at moving to NYC and Miami. I felt Hollywood was the best overall for me personally. Shout out to the CO!

 

 

 

Mahxie

Connect: @Mahxiemusic

Buy Beats: TrakTrain.com

Q: You make some of the coldest beats not just in Colorado but PERIOD! How much effort do you put into getting them into the hands of mainstream artists?

A: Most of the time I just get lucky when they hit me back via email. I just shout-out and email my work and hope for the best. I’ve invested a lot of time and equipment into my music, always trying to figure out new ways to be creative and weird, but not too much because I have to balance out my weird noises with the sounds today that people are used to hearing.

I put my everything into my craft because its the only thing that I can escape too, there’s so many different ideas that you can mix together and form one. I try my hardest not to get distracted and waste my time, music is a way to waste time but expect time back you know?

 

 

Who are we missing? Post links to their beats in the comments below.

 

Resources for producers:

SoundClick.net

MyFlashStore.net

– pmpworldwide.com

 

107.1 FM Changes Format Again and People are Pissed

Max Media’s latest incarnation Project 107X was just gaining momentum after launching almost a year ago when listeners woke up to a rude awakening on Christmas Eve. No more Rock, now it’s all hip-hop. Flo 107.1 (old school hip-hop and R&B ) is Max Media’s new attempt at establishing a profitable foothold in Denver’s commercial radio market. According to the Project 107X Facebook page, the change “came from the top”. The last post on the page read,

 

“X’ers thank you for being the best damn group of listeners any station could ask for. This move was tough for everyone. The new Fly 107.1 is gonna be a good station. From the bottom of my heart I wanna thank each and every one of you. Stay in touch Xers. Love you guys. Take care of each other.”
Seddy G

 

Loyal listeners who were not aware of the coming change took the liberty of voicing their displeasure on the post. One reply that pretty much sums up everyone’s sentiment was,

 

“I was completely devastated this morning on my drive to work. This really was the best station in Denver featuring the best blend of old and new (including punk) without the top 40 that everybody else overplays. Very very disappointed. Is there anything the fans can do to get this station back?”
Josh Meneses

 

Project 107X’s media kit boasted that they had 200,000 listeners a week, but that might have not been enough to entice advertisers. We reached out to Max Media to find out the specifics behind the change, although we have yet to hear back from them. We did, however, get a clue of what could have caused not only the most recent format change, but also the numerous format changes 107.1FM has seen in just the past few years.

 

“If you’re curious, 107X changed formats. Please no pity for me, it’s the good ones that are still left there working for a sub par radio group with incompetent leadership who needs your pity. 7 different formats, I believe, in six years. I’m sorry if you feel let down. Good luck to those who need it! Happy New Year, I’ll let you know where I land.”
Uncle Nasty

 

Is bad leadership the cause of all this?

 

You can read the comments left by listeners HERE.

 

32 Bars: Colorado’s Emcees Stir Up The Controversy

 

Over the past few months, there have been multiple challenges to participate in. The ice bucket challenge, the pretty face challenge, and the fitness challenge just to name a few. But in the state of Colorado a unique challenge is taking place – The 32 bar challenge, where emcees spit their best 32 bars over the beat of their choice. This is a challenge every emcee in Colorado needs to be a part of.

Who do you think murdered the challenge? Comment below.

 

 

20 Colorado Bands You Need To Know

Denver, Colorado is no doubt the largest music hub along the Front Range, but now with tons of music pouring out of every corner of the state, Colorado as a whole is on the radar of talent buyers and record label executives across the country. With the multitude of bands popping up around town, we wanted to give you a little direction when it comes to finding new music from the box state. Below (in no specific order), are a few Colorado bands we think you should know AND Support.

 

A Band In Pictures

Latest Project: Who Killed The Dinosaurs

Twitter: @ABandinPictures

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/abandinpictures

Notable Song: “Recess”

Why you need to know him: Chances are that if you dont know who these guys are yet than you aren’t into the Denver music scene. They have been building a reputation around town as a noise-filled concoction of heavy delays, cathedral style reverb, groovy guitar harmonies, and soaring vocals. Think Radiohead mating with Deerhunter while having an affair with Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective. Hands down my favorite Denver band right now..

 

 

Dirty Few

Latest Project: Get Loose Have Fun

Twitter: n/a

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Few/141686952614269

Notable song: “You Want Me”

Why you need to know them: These guys party hard and rock even harder. Their shows generally involve lots of drinking, illegal fireworks, mosh pits, and more drinking. What more needs to be said?

 

 

In The Whale

Latest Project: Nate

Twitter: @InTheWhale

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/inthewhale

Notable song: “Heels”

Why you need to know them: These dudes are a no frills, in your face, two-piece rock and roll band. If Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby it would be In the Whale. Heavy, distorted, loud, and occasionally on the brink of metal, old school rock and roll.

 

 

Inner Oceans

Latest Project: n/a

Twitter: @InnerOceans

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/Inneroceans

Notable song: “Ready Your Ghost”
Why you need to know them: A band that all of Denver seems to be talking about lately, Inner Oceans only have three released songs but have already played SXSW and Red Rocks. Their sound is full of ambient synthesizers, dream pop vocals and guitar licks that put this band in a league of their own.

 

 

South Of France

Latest Project: Another Boring Sunrise

Twitter: @s_o_f_music

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/southoffrance

Notable song: “Tribeca”

Why you need to know them: Colorado’s indie-pop scene has been transformed by the happy-go-lucky music of South of France. The way Jeff Cormack and Kelly Lueke battle for lead vocalist keeps every song interesting and new. If you like sad music this band isn’t for you, but if you enjoy life and whimsical tunes than you need to check this band out.

 

 

Sunboy

Latest Project: n/a

Twitter: @sunboy_tw

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/snby.net

Notable song: “Highway Screamin'”

Why you need to know them: Only one year in the making, Sunboy burst onto the Denver scene sprinting, having already played some of the best venues in town with plans to keep that streak going. The music is full of psychedelic synthesizers, soaring vocals, enchanting sound effects, and glistening electric guitars. In my opinion, they are Denver’s own Tame Impala so expect big things from these guys.

 

 

Wild High

Latest Project: SDREAMS

Twitter: n/a

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/WildHighBand

Notable song: “Tidal”

Why you need to know them: A four-piece rock & roll band, Wild High holds nothing back as they smack you in the face with crunchy guitars riffs, trippy vocals, and incredible bass lines. It’s astounding to see how well composed and together these guys are on stage when you factor in that they have only had their current lineup for one year.

 

 

Codec

Latest Project: Horizontime

Twitter: @CodecBand

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/codecband

Notable song: “Sunlight”

Why you need to know them: Something about Codec brings back childhood memories and visions of the future all in one riff. Road trips through the mountains and images of a post-armageddon Earth are what come to mind. They guys are what “music evoking thought” is all about.

 

 

Ark Life

Latest Project: The Dream of You & Me

Twitter: @ArkLifeMusic

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/ArkLifeMusic

Notable song: “What You Want To”

Why you need to know them: Ark Life has been blowing up in the CO music scene as of late, and for good reason. They bring a new refreshing sound, full of catchy tunes and soulful vocals.

 

 

Rachel And The Kings

Latest Project: Tonic

Twitter: @rat_kings

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/RachelandTheKings

Notable song: “Not Giving Up”

Why you need to know them: Progression is the key to success, and Rachel & the Kings have managed to maintain their momentum throughout the past few years. Back in 2012 they won Ford’s Gimme The Gig contest which afforded them the opportunity to record with Grammy winning producer Don Was.

 

 

The Epilouges

Latest Project: Cinematics

Twitter: @theepilogues

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/theepiloguesband

Notable song: “Hunting Season”

Why you need to know them: It doesn’t matter whether the Epilogues are on stage or on vinyl, their sound is practically flawless. When you see their name on the marquee, you know it’s going to be a show you won’t forget. These dudes rock!

 

 

You Me & Apollo

Latest Project: Sweet Honey

Twitter: @youmeandapollo

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/YouMeandApollo

Notable song: “Before I Die”

Why you need to know them: Hitting play on one of You Me & Apollo’s songs for the first time will have you scouring through their music catalog looking for more hits.

 

 

Chemistry Club

Latest Project: Danger (EP)

Twitter: @chemclubmusic

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/chemistryclubmusic

Notable song: “Navigator”

Why you need to know them: When these guys are playing on your campus, you don’t just pass them by. You stop, your body starts moving to the rhythm, and you forget you’re running  late to class. Just one more song!

 

 

Navy

Latest Project: Spirit Groove

Twitter: @navytheband

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/navytheband

Notable song: “Dangerous Love”

Why you need to know them: You might know Navy’s drummer from his former collective, Churchill. Regardless of whether you do or don’t, this new contingent, made up of  Dan Craig, Joe Richmond, and Nathan Meese know how to rock a damn crowd. Their stage presence demands every patrons full and undivided attention from every ounce of their consciousness. Seeing them live is a must.

 

 

Mosey West

Latest Project: Bermuda

Twitter: @moseywest

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/moseywest

Notable song: “Old Stone”

Why you need to know them: Putting a fresh face on the folk rock movement that surged a couple years back, this three-piece band from Fort Collins can hang with the best of ‘em. You have to be crazy not to enjoy a slide guitar, gravely vocals, and walking bass lines. For best results, listen to this band while drinking whiskey and smoking cigarettes on a porch.

 

 

Speedwolf

Latest Project: Ride With Death

Twitter: n/a

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/speedwolf303

Notable song: “Denver666”

Why you need to know them: Everybody needs a little metal music in their life, regardless of if they know it or not and there is no better metal band in all of Colorado than Speedwolf. They have one of the most energy-packed live shows I have ever witnessed and never fail to deliver anything short of a spectacular live performance. With only one album out, they have already toured across America and Europe and show no signs of slowing down. Their sound is a true modern day resurgence of 70s and early 80s metal music.

 

 

Rubedo

Latest Project: Love Is The Answer

Twitter: @rubedomusic

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/rubedomusic

Notable song: “My Oh My”

Why you need to know them: An experimental rock-pop group based in Denver, guided by the cosmos, mentored by the Mars Volta’s very own Isaiah Owens; these guys are far from normal but their left-field approach to making music is nothing short of spectacular.

 

 

Shady Elders

Latest Project: No Favors (EP)

Twitter: @shadyelders

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/shadyelders

Notable song: “Summer Song”

Why you need to know them: Bringing a refreshing feeling back to the Mile High City with their swelling guitar melodies and airy vocals, Shady Elders are making sure shoegaze is alive and well in Denver. Fox Rodemich’s singing paralyzes you and puts you in a dream like state while vibrato soaked guitars swirl around your brain. Think Beach House but less psychedelic and happier.

 

 

Rumours Follow

Latest Project: Rumours Follow

Twitter: @RumoursFollow

Fan Page: www.facebook.com/RumoursFollow

Notable song: “Tonight”

Why you need to know them: Rumours Follow just might be that next breakaway band out of Colorado. When you listen to their music, it’s impossible to conjure thoughts of how any single song could have be better than what it is. These guys are either perfectionists or magicians.

 

 

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Latest Project: ?????????

Twitter: ????????????

Fan Page: ?????????????

Notable song: ?????????????

Why you need to know them: ?????????????????

 

 

We’ll be adding the last band to this list at the end of the month. Who do you think it should be? Who do people need to know?