It’s been years since I’ve felt inspired to really go out and be a part of Charlotte scene since the days of the original now-defunct Fat City. Since those days, there have been alot of hip hop nights that have came and went. I’ve always felt more compelled to support music events that are spearheaded by actual artists, producers, and DJ’s rather than the random person who shows up on the scene and sees it as a quick hustle…yet they expect you to support them because they consider themselves the only person who is actually trying to help the scene. Although I’ve cut back on performing in Charlotte (ironically the lowest offers I receive to perform come from where I live), my support has always come through going to people’s shows (who I actually listen to) and buying their music when I see it available.

Well I am proud to announce that there is a new hip hop night coming to Charlotte on Thursday nights starting on Sept 10, 2009 at Situations Lounge (7801 University City Blvd) that has been organized by people on the scene (shout out to Big Treal for hooking it up!) who want to provide an outlet for thriving hip hop heads. Named after one of the greatest weekly hip hop events in Charlotte, Fatt City Resurrection will serve as an alternative outlet for artists and like-minded people who need a place to hear indie hip hop as well as old school classics. The only way to keep this weekly event going is if true support comes from fellow musicians and Queen City hip hop supporters. The event will feature a different DJ each week including Charlotte’s own DJ D.R. as well as a few out of town guest DJ’s. The first few weeks will have a party atmosphere with select performances to follow in the following months.

I’m supporting this weekly event and I encourage you to do the same if you are in the Charlotte area. This could be a platform for regional artists to be heard. The details are located on the flyer above.

photo by Tobias Rose

Here’s a new joint, Step By Step, for your listening pleasure. Its basically speaking on how success is a step by step process and everyone’s success doesn’t come overnight. Its produced by one of my favorite producers to work, D.R., and we’ve got much more music on the way. Unfortunately, I decided to scrap this song from the Splitting Image album not because of quality but more b/c it didn’t fit the album theme. We shot a video for it last year but there was some ongoing b.s. with the director so I’m not sure what’s going to become of that video.

Someone asked me if I was taking a shot at Little Brother in the song…. *sigh* I just shook my head. The line is about how alot of NC rappers get unfairly compared to Little Brother regardless of whether they sound anything like them or not. It just helps to divide the scene even more. We are all part of the same fight at the end of the day. That’s what the verse is about.

Keelay, Jern Eye, Kam Moye - Artists of The Week

“MYX Music holds down the Artist of The Week slot this week with not one, but three artists this week. Keelay & Zaire drop their Ridin’ High project (out now) featuring Jern Eye and Kam Moye. You can also check for new projects from Jern Eye (The Vision) and Kam Moye (Splitting Image) later this year.”

This was shot a few months ago during my last trip to Cali. We had a great time in the studio filming this. Jern Eye’s Five Heartbeats-like intro set it off…haha! You can also catch a quick snippet of my upcoming single Let’s Be Honest. Enjoy!