Ashkon Breaks Through

During my senior year of high school ('04-'05), two of my best friends accompanied me to an underground warehouse show in Oakland, California. I was there to check out Collectiv Records artists Bleez (Matt Jocelyn) and Bumbalo, but was lucky enough to witness the whole Rec League crew with Ashkon and Richie Cunning. Another awesome group that rocked the house was The Instant Messengers (including Alexander Spit). This night really made me fall in love with discovering new and often overlooked artists, and gave me a whole new perspective of what musical offerings were still out there to be found and appreciated.

It's amazing to see how the careers of these artists have changed over the years, but none more so than Ashkon. Up until 2010, he had been known on a smaller level in the Bay for his music, stage acting, and a couple funny Youtube videos.

Then this happened:

And this...

and more recently this:

Those of us Giants fans got to see him as the "Ultimate" fan before, during and after games. But I want to take this opportunity to showcase his music!

With his elementary school students singing the hook, Ashkon reminisces about home and all that it means to him.

Ashkon - "Hey Keezy"


Next, Ashkon teams up with Bumbalo for this Bay Area party track, hyphy back!

Ashkon ft. Bumbalo - "Beep Beep"


How about one more?

Ashkon - "Freedom"

Don't let the Youtube celebrity of Ashkon overshadow his other artistic output, check out the albums The Final Breakthrough and Speaks Louder Than Words for some inspirational, energetic and fun music!

- mikhel

Big K.R.I.T. - "Boobie Miles"

Big K.R.I.T. leaked the first record, "Boobie Miles" from his new album (I refuse to call it a mixtape) 4eva N a Day, and it is so smooth! With a sincere message to spread throughout the song, I'll let K.R.I.T. tell it himself:

"the 1st song i wanted 2 release from #4evaNaDay is called Boobie Miles. Its about over coming all the obstacles that block your dreams, the sacrifices that come with how hard you have to go to obtain your goal, giving your all no matter what the situation, the only difference between a winner N a loser is a winner plays until he wins - K.R.I.T."

 Big K.R.I.T. - "Boobie Miles" (4eva N a Day)


K.R.I.T. first brings up Boobie Miles on the Adele sampled, "Hometown Hero," from K.R.I.T. Wuz Here (2010).  

Big K.R.I.T. - Hometown Hero (K.R.I.T. Wuz Here)


This track brings you into his state of mind at the time: a young artist with all of the talent necessary to reach the top but wary of the obstacles along the way. On the new single, we hear from an artist literally on the brink of a life changing year; K.R.I.T. goes back and guides that 'Hometown Hero' by providing poignant advice to succeed on the big stage.

Be sure to keep an ear out for the whole project dropping February 20th, 2012. This is only the start, as Big K.R.I.T. will be following up 4eva N a Day with his major label debut, Live From The Underground later this year! If you need to catch up and check out 2011's classic, Return of 4eva, just start at The Beginning.

- mikhel