From SIRMACTV!

Download HERE!

Toronto’s next up and hip hop’s rising stock JD ERA is back with the first release off the highly anticipated “Th1rt3en” mixtape with Canada’s Mixtape King, DJ DAX. This definite club and radio banger produced by Toronto’s own Beat Merchant features a sample from one of the most recognizable voices in music today. This record is definitely gonna be on repeat on many if not all stereo systems. “Th1rt3en” mixtape is slated for an early february release and cover art and track listing should be released in the coming days. XXL’s 2010 Freshman Class is definitely missing a student.

Gotta say, Era and Beat Merchant been making some sick music together. Bottom line is, Era, if you don’t officially release that Friday 13th joint, I will find you.. Time IS ticking (lol!)

Previously: NEW MUSIC: JD Era – Champagne Nights feat. Lokz

Seen on 2DB!

Hit the streets of Atlanta with Motion Family as Drake shoots his cover story from Complex’s February/March issue.

“Why does every girl, when they scream your name, sound the same?” lol!

Pretty good read; a lot of stuff covered in this Complex Magazine interview; peep the full article HERE!

Download HERE!

New joint from Kaleb Simmonds “Been A Long Time”.

Produced by 2 Rude.

Don’t let the pretty boy pic fool you; Kaleb’s got that dirty, stanky soul.

Label under: NTBFW.

BONUS: 2 Rude feat Kaleb Simmonds “Keep It Movin” (prod 2 Rude).

More proof after the jump!

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Part II of writer Chris Shaban’s piece on brand development is after the jump. If you’re not already, definitely check blog.farbeyond.ca; not only cuz they’re doing good stuff over there, but you get to read his industry editorials with the full ‘pop-up’ experience.

Previously: Editorial – Famous The Building Of A Brand Pt.1 (by Chris Shaban)

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For Immediate Release

LINKAGE MOVEMENT LAUNCHES MONTHLY SHOWCASE OF EMERGING URBAN CANADIAN ARTISTS

TORONTO – January 25, 2010 – Linkage Movement is a collective of artists, driven and determined to provide a platform to a thriving niche of urban talent across Canada, starting with Toronto. Linkage Movement is launching their monthly showcase FYI (Follow Your Instinct) on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Harlem Restaurant, 67 Richmond St. E. Toronto. FYI will feature the best of Toronto’s emerging urban artists backed by the 4-piece “Movement Band”.FYI is open to urban artists, vocalists, and rappers, who have auditioned for Dwayne Dixon, newly appointed Vice President of UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada. Selected performers have the opportunity to rehearse with the Movement Band to further develop their art of performance. Performers can vary each month.

More details after the jump!

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Download HERE!

Aspektz drops his mixtape Academic Probation: DETENTION, mixed & hosted by The Ill Kidz!

Don’t forget you can vote for his latest single “In The T-dot” on THE MCC!

Full mixtape tracklist after the jump!

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Seen on HHC!

Download HERE!

A collection of the Arkeologists’ production work with D-Sisive.

Previously: NEW MUSIC: D-Sisive – Anvil

Seen on TRF!

Montreal’s Sixteen Pads Films created a promo vid for the new MPC5000 featuring producer Simahlak.

Bottom-line is this video actually had me thinking about buying one.. And I don’t even make beats.

Dope!

Seen on 2DB!

Tony Billz is an 18 year-old film maker that’s made a name for himself directing visual interpretations of hit records. In a way he’s tastefully taken the karaoke experience to a whole new visual dimension (might actually be a niche market too).  His latest interpretation is Drake’s “Killer” featuring Nipsey Hussle.

My only critique would be the actors don’t seem to be emoting the way I’d imagine Drake and Nipsey would if it were them in the actual vid.

Overall though the kid’s definitely got a future ahead (which is a glaring understatement, lol).

AND he’s from the Caribbean (J-A to be exact!)

The Toronto Urban Music Festival (TUMF) has created Urban Music Week, celebrating Urban Music, Urban Arts and Urban Music Industry Conference.

TUMF is presented by WORD Magazine. It continues to showcase the best in urban music and culture since 1997.

Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Jill Scott, Bilal, K-OS, Pharoahe Monch, Slum Village, Divine Brown, Dwele, Jully Black, Jaguar Wright, Melanie Durrant, Gary Beals, Michie Mee, Royce Da 5’9, J Live, Butta Babees, Eternia, Masia One, Citizen Kane, Saukrates, El Da Sensei, Wordsworth, Dan-e-o, Jeff Hendrick, Dwayne Morgan, Rochester, J-Diggs, Cali, Ayah are among the many talented performers who have taken the stage at TUMF over the years.

Toronto Urban Music Festival Incorporated is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the best in Canadian and international urban music and multidisciplinary talent and providing professional developmental opportunities via conference workshops, seminars and master classes.

WORD Magazine, the soul of urban culture, is the presenting sponsor of the Toronto Urban Music Festival. WORD is now in its 15th year of publication and is available free of charge in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Southern Ontario, and other select cities. Visit www.wordmag.com for more information.

Hit the jump for a list of events and live performances happening this week.

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