Model Feature: Shanno~Shanell

This week I am proud to present Shanno~Shanell, a certified dime and hustler reppin the Windy City aka Chicago. Don't be surprised if you see her on the cover of a few magazines soon. She took some time out of her schedule for little interview check it out below.




DJ Grain: What’s your name?
Shanell: Shanno~Shanell.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Shanell: I was born in Louisiana, but i was raised on the west side of Chicago.

DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Shanell: This is my first year modeling, so I'm still green, lol. Hopefully my career can take off, like a lot of models I look up to.



DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Shanell: The biggest misconception that people have about me is that I'm mean and conceited because I'm a model. But in all actuality, I'm a people person. I love sports, hanging with friends, playing pool, among other things.

DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Shanell: In January, I was in a Ed Hardy fashion show here in Chicago. I was just recently in a House of Bidalle fashion show which was a huge success! I've posed for Kharizma Magazine, & I have something in the works to be in 2Tight Magazine as well.



DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Shanell: I've worked with The Most Gorgeous Photography (photog: Larry). Kharizma Magazine (photog: Trey & Poney Boy). Next Level Photography (photog: Sean).

DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Shanell: I would love to work with TTP of Nu Age Photography, Shaun Hines Photography, & Patrick Adams of 2 Star Studios.



DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Shanell: The grind is a hard one because, its hard to get certain people to take you & what your trying to do serious. I myself like to keep everything on a business relationship. You've got some A-holes, perverts, & sicko's in this industry, so having a supportive team of people to help you cut down the grass so view the snakes is always a plus.

DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Shanell: Never settle, ALWAYS stay professional, get your image out there as much as possible, & stay on your hustle!



DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking?
Shanell: I can be contacted by email, MySpace, & Model Mayhem.

Email
Myspace
Model Mayhem

Kanye West - Paranoid

Oh yeah. Dope video. Rihanna like what. Illest booty on the planet. I'm sayin'.

And our apologies for the lack of posts recently. I still don't have the net at the new crib, killing me. We're on it, though!

Nobody Famous - Don't Act Like I Never Told You

Yes yes!! We official! The first release from our new label, HiPNOTT Records (helmed by esteemed blogger Kevin Nottingham) is here! The homie Nobody Famous (producer/MC) just dropped this single, 'Don't Act Like I Never Told You', from his upcoming LP Order Up! Volume 3: Chicken & Waffles, dropping in July. Check out the video below, and go cop the single on iTunes now!!

Just when you thought I was done... MORE Vids! Kanye & Clipse!

Behind The Scenes @ Clipse ft. Kanye West 'Kinda like a Big Deal' Video Shoot!

More Videos! Rapper Big Pooh!

Im going video crazy, but its for good reasons... such as this one.

A new video from Big Pooh off of his The Delightful Bars album. This track can be found on the North American Pie and Candy Apple iTunes versions.

Click here (read review) to visit our man Kevin Nottingham's blog to read the full review. Dope ish.

Busta Rhymes MySpace Release Show New York

I caught this on HipHopGame.com yall. Bussa- BUSS!!!

Model Feature: Jillian Grandison - Ms. Jamaica UK

I am proud to present Ms. Jillian Grandison, Ms. Jamaica UK. That's right folks, Ms. Jamaica UK. Representing the beautiful island of Jamaica, Jillian has taken her skills way beyond the modeling world. She clearly rises above the mold of what people think the typical model is like, which is all beauty no brains. I was able to catch up with Miss Jamaica when she had a little bit of a break from her busy schedule of school, photo shoots, and various promotional events. Check the interview below.



DJ Grain: What’s your name?
Jillian: My name is Jillian Grandison.

DJ Grain: Where are you from?
Jillian: I'm originally from Jamaica, but I'm currently living in London.



DJ Grain: How many years have you been modeling?
Jillian: I've been modeling for five years now.

DJ Grain: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Jillian: There are quite a few, but the main one is that models are just 'pretty faces' and are all academically challenged with no inner beauty or intelligence. I can say this isn't necessarily true at all as I've met quite a few models who are very smart and ambitious, most of whom have degrees or whom are currently studying like myself who is currently studying for a degree in Management Accounting and Public Finance.



DJ Grain: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Jillian: Miss Jamaica UK Beauty Pageant 2008 (winner & reigning queen), KD Darlington Fashion show - London Fashion Week, Cover Girl for Flavour Magazine, Featured in 3 issues of Black Beauty & Hair Magazine Miss October on Flavour's 2008 Calendar.

DJ Grain: What photographers have you worked with?
Jillian: I've worked with quite a few photographers, but my favourites at the moment are Kosher (Femelle Studios), Matthew Hinchcliffe and Alexio Ferraro. They are absolutely great to work with, very professional with an overflow of creativity.



DJ Grain: What photographers would you like to work with?
Jillian: I would like to work with Regan Cameron, Solve Sundsbo and Steven Meisel, just to name a few.

DJ Grain: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Jillian: Modeling is very much an exciting career path, however it can be very difficult at times to get jobs or to even get noticed as it's such a competitive industry. Networking is the key and you also have to be very dedicated.



DJ Grain: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Jillian: First of all i would say, you have to be able to deal with rejection and taking constructive criticisms on board. Believe in yourself and stay focused on your goals. Never loose your self respect and above all make sure you have something else to fall back on, just in case your modeling career doesn't go as well as you hope.

DJ Grain: Where can we see you next/ what's next in the pipeline for you?
Jillian: My latest project has been my 2009/2010 Calendar which is out NOW! Working in conjunction with KOSHMO ENTERTAINMENT the creators of FEMELLE and FEMELLE DREAM TEAM of which I'm one of the dream girls. The calendar is filled with sexy, playful, seductive, and classy images.
Contact me on any of the sites below for more details of where/how to purchase your copy.



DJ Grain: How can people contact you for booking?
Jillian: I can be contacted through any of these sites:
Model Mayhem
Myspace #1
Myspace #2
Email w/full details

Dedication To The Soldiers

Shouts to all the brave soldiers around the world. Happy Memorial Day-US



One word about this picture...Gangsta

When news, realness, technology and booze combine

OK, so I woke up this morning and my house mate shouts out "Dude, check this out!" So I watch the clip and I was kinda weirded out, the news channel decided to get an eye witness account of a shooting that had just apparently happened in Sydney's Kings Cross area.

OK so this place has thousands of tourists flocking to it every day, it has a night life that's notorious and yet in an effort to shock the general public, and most likely get the most yardage out of this news clip, they ask for the account of the events from shitfaced people in the area. The story is news worthy but I think the station will most likely receive a negative response from a few local ethnic communities for a few things, mostly I think it would've been from the message it conveys.

Young little Aussie girls do bad impressions of the ethnics. Is she describing Islander types for her use of the word 'bro' and 'hey?' Or does she refer to the ethnicities who claim the word 'wog'? I'm sure if this was America, the word may have begun with a 'N' and depending on who you hang out with, could have an A or R sound at the end. Despite all of that noise she keeps its real, and so do the others for that matter, with another dude recognising the gun as a 'Glock-9'.

I'm sure he would 'cause peeps in Kings Cross is gully like that, gnomsaying... I love it when realness, booze, guns, news, and ethnicities combines.. for me it's chaos in synergy.

Two clips here, peeps. I think Channel 9 should've used the second one.

Eminem - Interview & 3am Live!

Eminem at Radio 1 with Zane Lowe
by ublvdmel

Check for Alchemist on the decks!!

Pez - The Making of 'These Days 2009'

Texts From Last Night

My mans Theory just hit me with this. Only had a quick look but it was fucking hilarious. Peep.

Jessica Mas

So me and the homie Theory went to check out the new Diego and Gael flick 'Rudo & Cursi' at the Spanish Film Festival on the weekend. Film was brilliant, as expected; whenever these two blokes get on celluloid together, it's always hilarious, moving, crude and real.

Anyway, fuck them. So the hottest broad on the planet is now officially Jessica Mas. Check the flicks. These aren't the most amazing ones, I couldn't find much, but you do see boob in the flick. She's amazing. *sigh*

Tanya Morgan LIVE @ Fat Beats!

More Drake...

'Say You Will' freestlye live in Toronto...

DRAKE-Say U Will Freestyle Toronto Show from Aaron A on Vimeo.

...and the infamous 'phone' freestyle on Funk Flex.

Reflection Eternal: Eternalists [Live @ Audiotistic]

Model Feature: Cielo Miranda

Cielo has it all; the look, the voice, the attitude. Some of y'all may know her from Ken Hell's underground classic 'My Subs' (a piss take of 'My Humps'), but Cielo is much more than gimmick rap. Peep game.

Cee: Where are you from?
Cielo: Melbourne City - YEAH REPRESENT!



Cee: How many years have you been modeling?
Cielo: I sing more than model, but a few years.

Cee: What are the misconceptions people commonly have about models that are untrue?
Cielo: They are dumb & bulimic. Well, they kinda are, lol but I'm not. There is all types of modelling (I'm just fooling).



Cee: What shows, videos, magazines, etc. have you been featured in?
Cielo: Ken Hell Truck Video Clip on Channel [V], TV presenting for online TV (Horspwr & Show Ponies), hosted two radio shows (on SYN FM), and you might just see me in Australian Idol this year ;). Oh and vote for me in the Zoo Real Girls Comp 09!! There is way too much I've done to say on here!



Cee: What photographers have you worked with?
Cielo: Srdjan Nikolic (FOTENSITY) & I highly recommend him as he never disappoints and always keeps professionalism while providing a fun experience with every shoot :) Tony Anastasi, Richard Ausmodels, etc.

Cee: What photographers would you like to work with?
Cielo: I like Andrew K in Australia, but most of the photographers would be in America, there is some amazing stuff, I like ONNYX.



Cee: Can you describe the grind of a model trying to break into the industry?
Cielo: Like anything, it's a bit of everything, you got to have the goods, so talent. A bit of luck, lots of determination, and hard work and effort. Some get lucky fast and some work their ass off. As long as you never give up if it's what you really want to do, then I promise if you got it, it will happen eventually :)

Cee: Any words for the ladies out there that have aspirations of entering the modeling industry?
Cielo: TFP LADIES (time for print shoots)! Build a portfolio, enter comps, get yourself out there! And don't expect paid work straight away, build contacts, network well and be persistent.



Cee: What's your plans from here?
Cielo: Take over the world, naturally! Win that 10 grand from the Zoo Real Girls Comp and conquer Australian Idol...

Cee: Hit us with your contact/booking details.
Cielo: Email
MySpace
I'm also on Facebook & Twitter now.

Nobody Famous...or is he?

Aight, you know we gots to post on this one. Big ups to our label mate Nobody Famous for yet another banger. Peep the info after the jump.

*HiPNOTT Records* is proud to announce the first album we will be releasing on the new label -- *Order Up! Vol 3: Chicken & Waffles* from *Nobody Famous*. Tentatively scheduled for a July release, the album is the third from Nobody Famous' *Order Up!* series. The new album prominently displays Fam's diversity as both a producer and emcee and will surely grab everyone's attention.

Look out for the first single, "Don't Act Like I Never Told You", dropping
at the end of the month, accompanied by an amazing video. For now, take a
listen to a bonus cut off the album, the remix to *"Mocha Soul"*, featuring
*Convinced*, *H.O.P.E*, *Lite*, and *El Prez*. You can catch the original
version of the song on last year's *Order Up! Vol 2: Biscuits & Gravy*.

"MOCHA SOUL (REMIX)" DOWNLOAD LINK

Joell Ortiz Covers The Classics

Apparently, this is the shit. A few homies told me about this, haven't peeped as yet but it's gotta be good. Joell comes correct (pause) e'ry time. Peep.

Download Joell Ortiz Covers The Classics

01. Intro
02. Rappers Delight (feat. DJ Enuff)
03. Know The BK Ledge
04. Somethin for Hot 97 (feat. DJ Camilo)
05. Strictly the Bizness
06. Treat Me Right
07. Industry Enemy #1
08. Brooklyn Children’s Story
09. I Can’t Go Broke
10. Live At Cooper Day BBQ
11. Uptown Anthem
12. U.N.I.T.Y.
13. T.R.O.Y.
14. Primo Tribute
15. Just To Get A Check
16. Mass Appeal
17. Act Like They Don’t Know
18. The Whut (Animal Shit)
19. BK Get Money
20. Got My Mind Made Up
21. Drop A Gem On ‘Em
22. Intercourse
23. Cell Therapies
24. High Roller
25. Brooklyn Ghetto Child
26. What They Do (Root’s Tribute)
27. Renee’s Revenge
28. Goin To Miami (feat. DJ Khaled)
29. What Happened To Hip Hop
30. 4,3,2,1
31. Recognize
32. 24HRS
33. Rican Ebonics 09

We should all be tourists once in a while...

So, I went to Nimbin and Byron Bay for a week…something we should all do once in our lives!



It’s the place to visit. Full of backpackers from every corner of the globe, the area fills you with an energy that lifts your spirit up and makes you smile. It's not often that you get a real feeling for what its like to be a foreigner/tourist in your own country, but this is the place to do it.



Apart from what you've already heard from mates and the interweb, this place has an abundance of artists of all types, from eclectic mini-gallerias to street coroboree's that inebriated as you are, it's possibly the best concert that you’ve seen at that point in the night. Then the sobering reality of a half eaten kebab, your undies on the outside of your jeans, and a whole bunch of people around the hostel know your name and smile the next day. You've already paid for a weeks accomodation and you say 'What the hell, it’s a holiday', and the next two days are a blur of hotel rooms, smiling cocktail waitresses, street performers and beer, cheesy nightclub tunes and over-zealous bouncers who like nothing more than dishing out their justice to unsuspecting tourists.



Then you sober up just long enough to wash down a double espresso, some bacon and egg concoction served to you by some out of town hottie, then jump in the car for a 7km trip to Nimbin. Now in your head you have the visions of Amsterdam in Oz, while in reality it's more like the remnants of the well meaning community hispter types, and misrepresented Indigenous folks who embody the essence of a free society where there is no 'mine and yours', it's just ours.



After drinking a special hangover drink, looking at local art, indulging in the local fare, 'kies from the local ladies in the alley, a visit to the museum showing a video of the local constabulary 'raiding' the place, various posters, pics and vids showing you the ills of modern conformity and ways in which to live outside it, it is a place where you can get lost, caught up and eaten up in food, art, culture, craft and community being.



Sitting at a café on Main St watching people walk by, I can see that this is a place that people gravitate to; it has a certain 'je ne se quois' that talks to your soul and makes it comfortable.

Tanya Morgan - Brooklynati OUT TODAY!

New Theo 3 video - 50 bars, same pattern. Goddamn.

THEO3 - 50 BARS SAME PATTERN from THEO3 on Vimeo.

Broad Watch: Rihanna vs Cassie

So, boys... Listen up!!

Two of the hottest broads on the planet have been gettin' their kit off as of late... and someone's leaked the joints.. You may of already seen the Cassie flicks... but if not, GOOGLE IT!!!

But today's treat yall, is Rihanna's mobile phone pics!!! Im ALL up on this yo! And so will you!



It's not 100% confirmed if it's indeed Rihanna who leaked the pics, but one day after Cassie's nude pics surfaced, it looks like it's Riri's turn.
Not safe for work but hey, it's a new week! ;)

Check out and download the Rihanna nude pics and let us know what you think.

Styles P - Renegade - DOWNLOAD!

Here’s a Dj-free version of Styles’ take on Jay & em’s cut, courtesy of X.



Click the pick to download yall!

Comments PLEASE!! :)

Cypher @ Deadstock Sneaker Convention NYC!

Join lyricists Lyriciss, NandoMcflyy, Cayan, Pro'verb, and Emperess from the DMV perform in a cypher at the Deadstock Sneaker Convention '09 in NYC.

Sound is a big shotty... but listen.. its dope!

Drake LIVE in Atlanta!

Studio43 Films Presents: DRAKE from KENNY BURNS on Vimeo.

Gno brand is back!

The homies at Gno brand are back. Y'all might remember these cats from January this year when the brand was launched; their unique designs got a fair bit of attention. Well, I just got work of a fresh batch of new designs, so of course we gots to spread the word! Peep:



Animal Farm: "Animal Farm" is a novel by George Orwell about the Bolshevik revolutionaries that addresses not only the corruption of the revolution by its leaders but also how wickedness, ignorance, and greed can destroy any possibility of a Utopia. Throughout the novel the idea is stated that no matter how equal a society begins, the smarter, richer, or more powerful will eventually rise to the top. The rules of Animal Farm are changed many times throughout the story, each time better benefiting the leaders, until finally one rule replaces all: All Animals Are Equal. But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others.



Spit Out: This design was inspired by Danger Doom's "Sofa King" off The Mouse and the Mask which was in turn inspired by Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. The design speaks for itself! This shirt is dope and if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them to repeat after me, "I am...Sofa King...We Todd Ed".



Grey Matter (Ladies): Due to popular demand, our successful "Grey Matter" design is now on baby doll tees! This design was influenced by Deltron 3030's "A Brymar College Course". Deltron 3030 is a favorite here at Gno and a tribute had to be paid to such a classic. The message is to "get creative" by means of upgrading the most powerful computer known to man - the brain. On the back, the text reads "Cause One Day It May Matter".

Gno brand MySpace
Gno Twitter
Gno Facebook
Gno website

HiP-NOTT Records Official Announcement

Finally...we can talk about this! Peep the official announcement, people.

A lot of you may have heard rumors of a new record label starting… the rumors are true. Today I am officially announcing the launch of HiPNOTT Records! Working on this site has given me the opportunity to work with a lot of great artists and I’ve decided I want to do something more to help get their music heard. The HiPNOTT Records website is currently under development, but once launched, it will include all of our artists’ information and music. Hit the jump for the official press release and the label’s full artist roster.


Kevin Nottingham Partners with Diamond Music Group to Launch HiPNOTT Records

Kevin Nottingham, owner of the SOHH.com award winning KevinNottingham.com hip hop website, has announced the formation of a new digital record label, HiPNOTT Records, which will distribute music exclusively through the Diamond Music Group (parent company to Coalmine Records who also brought you The Foundation by Shuko & DJ Dutchmaster). This announcement marks the first time a hip hop blogger has branched out to form an independent label. HipNOTT Records’ goal is to continuously build their artists’ resumes and consistently develop an image that hip hop will have no choice but to admire. With Kevin Nottingham at the helm, a man who certainly respects the past, present, and future of the genre, it is hard to deny the capability of reaching these goals amongst others.

“HiPNOTT Records is an artist’s label. I’m not in it for the money, but to try and get good music to be heard,” said Kevin Nottingham, owner of HiPNOTT Records. “All of my artists are artists that I personally believe in and I will do whatever I can to promote and market their music.”

Though rumors of Nottingham forming his own label may have surfaced months ago, this is the official announcement of HiPNOTT Records. “The timing was just right,” said Nottingham, “I have been working hard on building a roster and solidifying contracts to make sure we go about doing things right. I didn’t want anything done half-assed. I’ve put off officially announcing the label, because I just wasn’t ready yet. A few of my artists have projects that we are about to release, so now’s the time.”

The official HiPNOTT Records website [http://www.hipnottrecords.com] is still under construction, but the label’s current artist roster can be found below:

Cee & Bekah / The Soul Movement Volume 3 (Mixed by Mick Boogie & Terry Urban) coming 4th quarter ‘09 / The Precedent coming 1st quarter 2010
Dasha / debut album coming 4th quarter ‘09
G.C. / compilation album coming 4th quarter ‘09
Has-Lo / In Case I Don’t Make It coming 4th quarter ‘09
Nobody Famous / Order Up Vol 3: Chicken & Waffles coming in July
NoTiOn / Corner of Notion & 9th coming 4th quarter ‘09
Speek Greene / The Long Look coming 4th quarter ‘09
Tommy Gunnz / Garden State Warrior coming 4th quarter ‘09
Trav Williams / illTravis out now! New project coming 4th quarter ‘09

The label still wants to keep things relatively small. “I hadn’t really expected the roster to be as big as it is now starting out,” said Nottingham. “I want to be able to be personally involved with each and every project we put out. So, until I can clone myself, these artists will be the face of HiPNOTT Records.” With that said, truly, HiPNOTT Records seems to be a label for the artist, a rarity in 2009 hip hop.

Top Gun - The Church

Jesus up in this bitch.

Busta Rhymes: NEW Mixtape & Album!

WhoooooHAAAAaaaaaa!!!

Busta keeps us in check with another update, this time announcing his new mixtape, "I Bullshit You Not" from his hotel room in Rome... nice. This one drops TODAY! In the vid below he shouts out some top blog's, and also announces that his album "Back On My Bullshit" will be out on May 19th! DOPE. Can't wait for that!



Check the artwork too! Niiiiiccceeeee.....

Remi Gaillard - Mario Kart

This is retardedly awesome.

Hezekiah - Cure For The Common Soul

The big homie Hezekiah don't play. Aside from directing music videos, dude has been working on third album, and to promote it, he's dropped a fresh mixtape entitled 'Cure For The Common Soul'. I ain't peeped it yet, still haven't got the goddamn internet back, so I'm on it asap. Check it!

Download Hezekiah - Cure For The Common Soul, Mixxed By Mr. Sonny James

K-Rudd Money! **Exclusive by NoTiOn**

What's good yall?

Who hasn't got their K. Rudd money??

Well when you do, you'll be bumpin' this joint flatout! Due to our recent recession, the boss of the country, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, decided to fix up the majority of Australians with a little boost to the bank account. $900 to be exact. I basically wanted to rap sing about it, so here is a timely flip of "A-rab Money" by Busta Rhymes, "K-Rudd Money!" by Notion.



Click the picture to go to my Myspace to Download :)

"Who got some K-RUDD MONEEEYYY??!!!"

Beatboxing with the flute!

Murs - Doing Me f. Terrace Martin and J. Black

Murs fans… I’ve got some good news. The Living Legend has finished yet another project! This time, an album called The Melrose, with Terrace Martin. No release date yet, but we’ve got a leak I spotted around the blogs, and it’s definitely a Summertime jam. Featuring J. Black on the hook.



Click the pic to download!