Ab-Liva and No Malice (Re-Up Gang) - Smoke And Mirrors

No Malice drops another conscience type record. If your unfamiliar with his work, he is known for being a member of the popular Rap group The Clipse. 

Gemstones Writing For John Legend

Gemstones, formerly known as Gemini, is a Chicago emcee that began his career in 2001 when he connected with then unknown rapper Lupe Fiasco. Not long after meeting Lupe, Gemstones got signed to his record label 1st and 15th Entertainment. His career could be defined as a success; he has appeared on major networks like MTV regularly, released hit songs, toured the world and collaborated with some of the elite in Hip-Hop like Drake, Lupe Fiasco and Jay-Z. After releasing his sophomore album ‘The Testimony of Gemstones’, he decided to part ways with his 1st and 15th family.  Gemstones took a short break from music and focused his attention on his relationship with Jesus Christ.

In 2010 Gemstones returned to the game with a brand new perspective on life and released an album called ‘Road to Glory’ that expressed the changes he was experiencing. Since then his fan base has consistently grown and he is touring in various cities. His resume continues to get more impressive as he writes and produces for different types of artist. Recently Gemstones announced that John Legend is waiting for a song from him and that he is writing it. If you’re unfamiliar with John Legend, he is a 9 time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter that has sold millions of records. Gemstones could be responsible for a future platinum selling single by John Legend. That’s good news for those cheering on urban believers.

Check out his latest mix tape ‘Elephant In The Room’. His retail album ‘Blind Elephant’ is coming out in February 2013. 

Source: Gemstones Facebook status (November)

Propaganda Rocks With Legendary Group The Pharcyde

(Pic Credit: Flashpoint Grafix)

Recently Propaganda rocked the stage alongside Hip-Hop heavyweights The Pharcyde. The event was called “Backyard Boogie” and was hosted by a Los Angeles based clothing company called Acrylick. Why is this significant? Well, it displays another example of a faith based artist seizing the opportunity to share their worldview through art. The Pharcyde is an iconic Hip-Hop collective. Their album ‘Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde’ shipped over a million units and legendary producer J Dilla helped create some of their classic records. They have toured with world renowned groups like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest. Propaganda is a creative poet that has captivated listeners with his musical projects. He was once a member of the pioneering group “The Tunnel Rats” and is now an artist on Humble Beast Records. His free album ‘Excellent’ killed the iTune charts peaking at #4 in the Hip-Hop category. It made it to the Billboard Top 200 placing at #184 and charted at #19 on the Billboard Rap album category as well.  27,000 units were moved in week one.