READ: Next In Show Presents an Interview with Just Pro @IamJustPro + Rollerskates Live Performance produced by THC

It's summertime and you know Next In Show knows how to start it off right? It's a rhetorical question. Of course we do. To prove it we have a brand new interview with a Los Angeles local and untapped artist, Just Pro. Neither a rapper nor a phony. Before Hip Hop was spoken word for Pro and he has always lead a following and never the other way around. I caught up with Just Pro at Expo Studios in Los Angeles, where we got to talk about his life before music, his influences and an upcoming project that will have his name buzzing called The Pursuit. Read below.

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INTERVIEW WITH JUST PRO

Your upcoming project is called The Pursuit releasing July 1st. When did your 'pursuit' in music start?

I would say my 'pursuit' in music started when I began doing spoken word right after high school. At that time I was going out to New York and doing a bunch of performances out there, like highlighting at the Apollo, opening for Brave New Voices. Also performed other places like San Francisco and Texas. But actual music, maybe 3 or 4 years ago. I went through a transformation phase where I found myself and everything and then found Expo and that's what has turned it into a real Pursuit.

What Is Expo Music?

Expo Music is the studio where the movement originated at, located off of Exposition in Los Angeles. Great West Coast producers, such as Fisticuffs, THC and Rallo got their start at Expo Studios.

Growing up what music was played in your household?

All Oldies. I wasn't even allowed to listen to Tupac and all of that back then. Like I would listen to it on the low, but I had to be careful. Anything from The Beatles or Led Zeppelin to Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin.

Fast forward to today and what can we find you listening to on your iPod?

I'm mainly on the new shit like TDE (Kendrick Ab Soul SchoolBoy Q Jay Rock), we were just talking about Danny Brown, he's dope, ASAP Rocky, Drake and Big Sean. A lot of commercial rappers at this time, other than myself.

What are your thoughts on the current state of Hip Hop?

I think it is in the right direction and evolving. A lot of people seem to be stuck to the past like "90s this and 90s that". The 90s were dope during that time and its situation because that was defined at that time at that moment and now this is our generations time to define ourselves. I'm excited. The sounds are evolving.

You said earlier that you were a spoken word artist before the music. Explain that period in your life?

When I was 16, I went to this Slam Poetry competition and I had never seen one before. It was people my age battling back and forth. When your battling you have to find the best possible poem that will affect that particular crowd of that night and then you have a panel judging it. I told the director I wanted to be apart of this. He had me try out at preliminaries and it just so happens that I wrote a song called if I ruled the world. By the end of the first poem I ever wrote and performed live to get on this team, everyone was dead silent. I had no idea, but they were actually doing that audition for a competition called If I Ruled The World. I went on to performing in many more Slam Poet Comps and was named one of the best Young Adult Spoken Word artists in LA.

When did you make the transition to Hip Hop?

One difficulty I started finding was I was actually good at rapping. Not great yet, but good. I was good at rapping and great at poetry. I ended up not getting the respect for the rapping that I would have liked, so I decided to back off the poetry for the time being. I needed to establish myself in this rap game because that was more true to my heart. Spoken word will always be a part of me.

Lets talk about your project that you are about to release on 7.1.13 called The Pursuit. Are you calling this a mixtape or an album?

An album. It's easy to call a project a mixtape and to buy in the hype of record sales or plays, but it took years to produce, all the tracks on it are original and a work of art.

What kind of sounds were you looking for and what producers fit that description?

I was really into energy while recording The Pursuit.I got to this point where I evolved to where I know exactly how to convey my energy in life onto a record. I love hi hats and 808's, but being able to mix it with strings and synths is meaningful to me. I needed producers who could bring a certain kind of energy to a record. MiC WEST is my bro and we have emaculate chemistry with the music. JQ a good bro of mine makes special beats so I had to put him on here. Zaire Koalo who works with artists like T.I. and B.O.B has records on there. There is also a record called Roller Skates produced by THC that I put on there. Those guys are progressive in the music game right now. A few other producers are on there, but in all the universe brought all of them together for me and this project.

What are you doing to make sure the world hears The Pursuit?

That's a real hard question with a lot of shit involved in that, but to keep it simple just a lot of promo, a lot of putting in work and putting my money where my mouth is. Don't talk about it, Do It. A lot of shows so people can recognize the artist I am. I have a street team and possibly a mini tour. The internet will be one of my best friends.

Are you concerned with getting a deal right now?

I'm not worried about getting a deal right now. Maybe a writing deal and more worried about networking at this time.

To leave on a positive note, what keeps you motivated?

Simple. It's life. As long as I got breath to go forward and have important people around me I will stay motivated.

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Rihanna - Unapologetic [REVIEW]

It seems like since Rihanna first began her career in 2005, she has released a multi-platinum project and each time she surprises the world with her radio hits and infectious classics. Now Rihanna releases her seventh studio album via Roc Nation, Unapologetic, and at such a young age of 24, life looks extra bright for her career. To promote the album, herself has conceived the idea of a 777 tour. This includes a 7 date tour across 7 different countries. A most intimate experience, with shows in smaller venues and she is only traveling with journalists and friends.

This album Unapologetic has much depth and versatility from her previous albums. By now she is comfortable with herself as an artist to indulge in new styles and step outside her comfort zone. It works in her favor, with tracks like a Mike Will Made It produced track Power It Up, Rihanna spits a blazing flow with a chorus like,  "all I see is signs, all i see is dollar signs...throw it up throw it up, watch it all fall out". No doubt there will be an official remix for this record. Another record that was different in a good way was Numb which featured Eminem. The feeling when I first heard the record is indescribable  Oak and Pop Wansel, who are known as the team who produced Big Sean's Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay record, produce the Kanye and Connie Mitchell sampled hit. I didn't understand it until I heard several times. Her wordplay is impeccable on this one. A Kanye West sample from the Graduation album, Can't Tell Me Nothin' haunts the chorus. Eminem, of course rips apart the end of the track with a hypnotic story line. 

The albums first single Diamonds is not only a fresh sound, but an easy multi-platinum single. Lets forget the fact that Rihanna is singing, but when you involve Benny Blanco with 13 number 1 singles at only 24 and So Sick producer Stargate, it becomes revolutionary. Sia lends her beautiful poetry to Rihanna and makes this an easy stand out record. Kanye West showed up on the official remix too. An interesting combination of producers involved on Unapologetic, but found David Guetta and Terius Nash (The-Dream) on two records together subliminally. 

Both artists show up under the writing and production credits for the opening track Phresh Out The Runway and Right Now. The-Dream also co produces two separate records with Los Da Mystro, Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary and the media spectacle record featuring ex boyfriend Chris Brown. Both take on the portrayal and style of the late Michael Jackson throughout the song. "Ain't nobodies business, ain't nobodies business..." Jump explores the dubstep lifestyle, while borrowing the classic Ginuwine hook, written by Timbaland and Static Major, "Come on and lets do it, ride it, my pony, my saddle is waiting, come and jump on it." After comes a explosion of dirty dubstep and bass. Produced by Chase & Status, an English electronic production team and a surprise few bars from KY. What happens to be my favorite record from the album at the moment, is the Future featured Loveeeee Song. Future sings the thug out of him and autotunes just right. Powerful song produced by new producer to my knowledge Blue June. Unapologetic offers an emotional insight into Rihanna's, but shows more vulnerability on records like What Now and Lost In Paradise. 

I think Rihanna is a very talented entertainer and artist and will always have support from her 26 million twitter fans and real life fans in the world. Go buy Unapologetic November 19, 2012.

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Next In Show Presents Mr. Little Jeans Interview [READ]

I became familiar with this up and coming artist over the summer, where I saw her perform a special DJ set at the legendary Amoeba Records in Los Angeles. Mr. Little Jeans comes all the way from Norway, full of life experience and fresh creativity. While Little Jeans spins a madd DJ set, she also has the vocals of an angel. Catch Mr. Little Jeans at pop up shows and festivals. Get familiar with her sound by listening to her SoundCloud page. Understand her movement by reading our exclusive interview with Mr. Little Jeans below.

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Mr. Little Jeans

How did you get into music and dj'ing?

I got into music by constantly letting anyone I met know that that's what I wanted to do & grabbing every opportunity that came along. I met musicians, producers & managers that way, but it took a long time to find the right people. Along with the live shows I've been getting requests to DJ & think it's a great way to share some of my favorite music with the rest of the world.

Where did you grow up?

In Grimstad, a small seaside town in the south of Norway.

What was the music scene like there? 

I think music is a very natural thing to most scandinavians. It's very present in our culture & throughout the school system. Most people have the opportunity to join a choir or a band or do some form of musical activity growing up and I think it's resulted in a high level of musicianship. There's even lot's of talented musicians just in the small town that I'm from.

What hobbies do you have when your not performing?

I like to make cake-pops, do yoga, play Yahtzee & tie knots.

Who or what influenced you to pursue a career as an artist?


I just always had that desire to make music & perform in me. I didn't know anyone growing up doing exactly what I do, so I had no idea how to go about. It took me long time to figure it out, but I did it eventually.

Can you explain your journey and how you ended up in California?

Well it's a long one, but I'll try to take the quick version. I grew up in Norway, moved to London as soon as I was done with school, went to drama & dance college there, then worked as a waitress while hustling to the best of my ability. Tried different things, joined some bands, wrote with different people & I eventually got myself a manager who knew what he was doing. He was able to put me touch with the right kinda producers and it grew quickly from there. We went by stockholm to LA, and that's where I've ended up, which I'm very happy about!

Who or what is ONTD? 

Ha ha, it's a silly gossip site keeping me up to date with Britney's latest escapades and the likes!

What music were you listening to earlier today?

TLC's greatest hits. It's classic!

I notice you have been performing heavily this summer. What is that like?

It's been daunting & and I still don't feel used to it, but I've also been able to meet the people out there listening to my music which is a whole new experience. 

You recently performed at the Pacific Festival. We're you able to handle the ridiculously hot weather when you went on that afternoon?

Yes! The weather was perfect. I was worried I might end up in a pool of my own sweat on stage, but it's by the water so there was this nice breeze. I even went swimming before the show, which is a rare treat.

One of the hottest tracks came from you called Runaway. Does that record have any special meaning to you?

All my songs have their own special meaning to me. I just hope that people are able to relate in their own way.

How does it feel to have your song remixed by the likes of Fools Gold and WAVVES?

 It's great, I love both of those bands & it's always refreshing to hear a different take on one of my songs.

Your very beautiful. Have you ever modeled or acted(not a pick up line)?

Ha ha, sure that's not a pick up line? Thank you & no I have never modeled. I'll tell my mum you asked that, she'll be pleased. I went to drama school though & quite enjoy acting, but have never pursued it. 

What projects are you working on at the moment?

Right now I'm working on doing a music video for the next single 'Oh Sailor' & doing a shoot for the album cover in between live shows.

Do you currently have a deal with any labels?

I do in Australia! But I'd like some more around the World, seems like it's in the works of happening.

I know it's early but what are some of your New Years goals?

Like new years resolutions? I've never done that really. I try to keep em' coming throughout the year, improving on things here and there. A long term goal would be to finally dare to drive in LA. Even though I have my drivers license, it's extremely daunting to me coming from a small town in Norway.

Do you believe hard work pays off?

I think sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. Life doesn't seem to be fair like that. All you can do is try, and I try to give it my best shot every time. You're definitely much more likely to succeed if you work hard at it, so to me it's the only option.

Mr. Little Jeans your Next In Show!

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Democratic Convention VS. MTV Video Music Awards [READ]

This week the Democratic Party brought their convention to the Time Warner Cable Arena in North Carolina. This will be their final push at promoting themselves to the nation. Bill Clinton served as the 'hype man' for the Democratics and gave a powerful speech last night. Clinton co-signs Obama and said this, *"If you want a winner-take- all, you're-on-your-own society, you should support the Republican ticket," Mr. Clinton said. "If you want a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibility, a we're-all-in-this-together society, you should vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden." Let's not forget First Lady Michelle Obama's tear jerker of a speech too.

Tonight September 6th, 2012 is not only the night of President Obama's Nomination Acceptance, but it is also the big night worldwide for the image struggling MTV Video Music Awards. Laugh out loud comedian Kevin Hart will be hosting the show so expect the unexpected. This event attracts millions of potential young voters more than anything. *Last year’s show was seen by 12.4 million people, more than anything on the broadcast networks that week and likely MTV’s largest audience ever.The conflict comes in because both programs were scheduled at the same damn time. Well almost immediately that changed, muscles were flexed and MTV decided to push the VMA start time earlier to avoid "pressure". VMAs will run 2 hours from 8PM-10PM EST. Obama is schedules to give his Nomination sometime just after 10PM. For all you 18 and older humans be sure to tune into the end of the Democratic Convention to learn what Obama has to say about this nation's future through his eyes.

Sidenote - Lil Wayne released his mixtape Dedication 4 this week. Wayne and Nicki Minaj both are featured on a freestyle of the popular Mercy instrumental. Minaj dropped her 2 cents about where she stands in the election with very direct and blunt lyrics. "I'm a republican votin' for Mitt Romney, you lazy bitches is fuckin' up the economy." Immediately following this release it was announced by MTV that Nicki Minaj and Lil' Wayne will be performing at the VMA's. Interesting what you learn when you read between the lines. Conspiracy?

*freep.com
*online.wsj.com

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Next In Show x Nate Jetson [INTERVIEW]

The day is Thursday and we have a special edition presentation featuring Nate Jetson. A part of the Illustrious Few crew, Nate Jetson is performing in Arizona tonight so if your in town don't miss out. Nate has a project out now called No Feelings, which takes r&b and experiemental to a new level. Check out an exclusive interview below.

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Next In Show x Nate Jetson

You grew up in Los Angeles. Where have you been in the world and where do you reside now?

The farthest I've been away from home would be Canada. I played football in Calgary and British Columbia. Playing ball in college, I've been pretty much everywhere in the United States. Right now, I reside in Arizona, the state I graduated from.

How did you connect with Illustrious Few?

I connected with my Illustrious family around late 2009. I've always had a love for music, but always put it aside for my football career. I was pretty good in football, but God has chosen a different route for me that I can't turn back from. I met (our manager) Tyler Johnson during my college days at Arizona State. I later introduced Tyler to Illustrious Few artist D'Aaron Anthony (one of my biggest inspirations), and Tyler introduced me to his business partner and iF recording artist Frisko. The rest is history. Kyle DaShawn helped organize the whole movement, and I will never forget our first group ever. [Laughs] Galaxxy! It was Dame Luke, NueDay, Truly Rees, Ms. Cherry and myself. We rocked every show we did.

How was music brought into your life?

I was introduced to music when I was born. My father's side of the family all sing and play an instrument, and I've been playing the drums in the church ever since I could walk. I picked up the trombone in grade school, and my uncle Brian taught me my first song on the piano at an early age. I've been playing since then.

Would you rather get a record deal with a major label with celebrity status or go platinum on your debut record, but not making a dollar off of it? Explain.

I honestly just want the world to hear what I have to say. I'm not about fame or money, I just want you all to feel how I feel everyday. And that's cool, you feel me? My music speaks for me...

Today you are headlining a show in Scottsdale, AZ. How do you prepare for a show?

I practice, practice, then practice some more. As my godfather would tell me, "Stay focused, son."

What does it feel like when performing for people who know your music?

It feels awesome. It makes me feel like I've touched my fans deeply, because were all human and go through the same issues and struggles. I talk about them. Whatever goes on in my life, I write about it.

Your latest project 'No Feelings' is available for free now on Bandcamp. A great album. Talk about the process you went through all the way up to the release.

Thanks, I really appreciate it. I made the 'No Feelings' album based on my past relationships. I called it 'No Feelings' but if you listen real close to each track, you'll see every song is a love song. As a man with pride like we all have, I have to put certain feelings aside, especially when I'm hurt. At the time, it seemed like no relationship would work for me. So I wrote about different experiences I had with those women. Shout out to them, too. Thank you, ladies. [Laughs]

I notice you have a hefty amount of Twitter followers. How does that make you feel?

I really don't pay attention to things like that. I guess its cool.

Do you have any last words or plugs you would like to speak on?

 I just want to thank all the people that's in my corner for riding with me. It's only gonna get better! The world needs to be prepared... Jetson. 

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Lights On Shlohmo

In the midst of a whole electronic dance era taking place in this generation, spawns arise from the woodworks with new sounds and mixes everyday. Shlohmo is much more than a DJ or producer. I like to say he is more of a visionary with a mindset of taking over the world. Coming from California, Shlohmo is interested in becoming a leader rather than a follower. His mixes have been requested and featured all over the world. From a mainstream perspective, Shlohmo was put on blast by none other than Mr. Mainstream Drake for his screwed up shlohmix of Crew Love. This put his music out there on a bigger scale for the world to see. I admit this is the initial way I discovered Shlohmo, but recently attended a house party in Los Angeles, where young one was performing alongside Groundislava and I knew from that night, he would forever be in my top 10. 

You may not have heard Shlohmo's remixes or EP's yet, but his exstensive catelogue puts him in a category of his own. At the age of 18, while still in high school, Shlohmo started a record label known today as WEDIDIT. That was a couple years ago and now he has up and coming acts like Salva and Groundislava coming on board and taking their movement to the next level. Next In Show will be attending events in the near future including a Shlohmo show live at The Echoplex in Los Angeles August 24, Low End Theory with Groundislava and Zack Sekoff on August 22nd, and a possible in store Amoeba Records performance on August 26.

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Next In Show Presents Dave Raps [INTERVIEW]

Young, fresh, and fly, currently residing in New York is Dave Raps. Last year I discovered his most official project Aka Dave Ruffin, which included original classics like Ruffin, Campfire of 88' and G.R.I.N.D. The whole album was produced by young creative Vee. Next In Show got the opportunity to interview Dave Raps and he had a lot to say about everything. Read below.

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Dave Raps x Next In Show

You grew up in Yonkers, New York, home to some of the original ryhmers in the game. What types of things did you do to express yourself growing up?

All I every did was play ball all day and chill with my homies...music was always something that I loved but never thought to try and rap...one day it clicked and it all happened...i been makin progress every since

Was music always a key factor in your life?

Music has always been huge in my life...before I made it myself I was a huge fan...I use to memorize hov lines and recite them all day..even if I fucked up some lines...haha

What music currently fills your iPod?

I listen to a little of everything...I got some Ye, Jay, Sade, Aerosmith.all of that...I take music as an art....never paid attention to the particular genre

Your debut album AKA DAVE RUFFIN is out now and overall is an amazing body of work. What does the cover art signify?

The Cover art symbolizes my drive...the chick is holdin up the highlife sign to my head...that just shows I'm ready to die for this....I put so much into the project and niggas still need to hear it

What were studio sessions like creating this project?

I started recording the project in the Chi and that set up everything for the rest of the way....the energy in the city was heavy!....i had 2 other sessions  in Miami..and Atlanta and I just had the spirit of a young Sidney Portier...I handled business...I wrapped up everything here in ny...in soho....and ny always has positive vibes cuz it knows when it's prince is home..haha

When searching for producers and instrumentals, What is the discovery process like?

  

We got a great thing going over here...Vee is the in house producer and he produced every track on aka Dave Ruffin

  

You have sort of a classic 90's vibe to you. Who if anyone dead or alive in the game, do you identify with the most?

ive always been a fan of slick rick....any nigga that could tell a story and keep it so cool has got to be brought up

  

Where does your fashion sense come from?

I mean I see things that i like here and there, but overall I dont get my fashion sense from anywhere...whatever I want to put on and however Im feeling that day dictates my gear. sometimes im in a tee and some chucks...other times u might catch me in full Dave Ruffin attire in a suit and loafers.

  

What is coming up next that we can look forward to?

Im going to be releases a lot of new music via twitter...im also working on a video that is dropping in a couple weeks..be on the look out for that

  

How do you stay original and true to yourself, when everyone seems to be doing the trend or the most popular thing?

I do whatever feels right to me...thats all you have to do to stay original...there is only one u..so the minute u try to be like someone else when you start to fight a losing battle.

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