Hip-Hop Hair Chronicles

Ok so I don’t know about you but for the past few months of I’ve been seeing a lot of peculiar hairstyles out and about. It seems that a lot of black women in particular are changing their hairstyles frequently and spending more money than ever before on them. On average a regular relaxer and style can start anywhere from $50 on the latter end to $100. While times have definitely changed I do think it’s important for all women to care about their upkeep and hair is one of the most important factors. A well groomed coif can make the difference in a woman’s entire day; the phrase “bad hair day” sometime can get all too literal. Women have been going the extra mile to keep up with what styles are considered to be hot and trendy. Celebrities tend to have an influence on this type of behavior, because the average woman sees images of this admired celebrity and want to be more like them. Just a SN: Three out of five women reading this right now might be guilty of one of the hairstyles mentioned in this blog. One thing for sure the hip-hop culture has a big influence in the hairstyles women choose to wear.



Leather Back:

The epidemic of lace fronts can be attributed to celebrities like Beyonce, Lil Kim, Trina, and Ciara. Although I love all these ladies they should have known that this one little piece of glue would cause such a commotion. Lace fronts are everywhere you turn now. Or is it just me? I mean first they were on the red carpet and now they are on the street corner.When you don't have it, buy it. That's the philosophy of many of today's celebrities who want impossibly thick/straight/wavy/curly hair and have the money to spend top dollar on a lace front wig.There is a catch 22 with buying a lace front; it is only a hairpiece not a miracle worker. The lace front should come with a disclaimer: Not guaranteed to improve your looks. Some people need to take a closer look in the mirror because what works for some doesn’t work for all. Not trying to be harsh, however it’s not proven but I think there could be permanent stretching of the forehead after use. Even the celebrities have taken the lace front epidemic to another level having a race to see whose baby hair can grow to their eyebrows that fastest is just ridiculous. R&B and newly found reality star diva, Brandy has a cool lead in the race after her lace front became one of the top trending topics on Twitter the evening her show Ray J and Brandy: A Family Business premiered on VH1.

Bang Attack:

Another style that has my forehead itching has been the Big Bang. The bang is back better than ever and taking over foreheads across America. Most women are now buying some type of Indian Remy or Virgin Remy hair and can usually range in price from $49- 189 a pack. This hair may seem overly expensive but like most say you get what you pay for and the hair does have a better texture and quality. The hair can be sew-in or glued in but most people I see are rocking the sharp Chinese bang style. This style has been a big part of Nicki Minaj’s image and she has marketed it very well because more and more bangs keep appearing. Nicki usually sports a jet black bang but has recently been seen wearing pink and green wigs that also have bangs. Another person known for their bangs is Kat Stacks, the retarded version of Superhead. She has released multiple videos on WSHH discussing her sexual affairs with many rappers in the industry. Her bangs were a big distraction when watching the video because they just seemed like they have a mind of their own and you kinda wonder what they do next. lol. Her bangs have gotten so popular that they even have their own twitter page @katstacksbangs.

Bald Chronicles:

When I think about this style I am at a loss for words because parting is such sweet sorrow. I just don’t understand why a woman would want to cut her hair bald. Just recently I hit the streets of Houston and saw the phrase “with your bald-headed ass” come to life. A lot of women are rockin the bald look and I don’t blame them less maintenance. R&Bsinger,Cassie was recently in the headlines for shaving half of her head. However, head shape should be a deciding factor in considering whether or not to chop it off. Britney Spears hair still hasn’t recovered from her bald mayhem now Solange has also gone bald. There should be a contest for who wants to be the next Amber Rose because no hair is becoming one of the fastest trends in hair history. Ironically.

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TRINA's Amazin Listening Party

New Age had the honor of attending Trina’s private album listening party at MIA Lounge, in Miami, FL last night and was surprised to find out upon arrival that taping for Trina’s new reality show to be aired on the VH1 network would also be taking place. Guest mingled hours before the baddest’s arrival listening to an array of hits and features from the artist. Guest included a few Miami socialites, DJs, Miami recording artist, Iceberg, Brian McKinney, Pretty Money, and Trina’s bestie LaLa Vazquez and a host of others. The energy in the room was very high as guest listened to Trina’s new hit single “Million Dollar Girl” and more tracks from the highly anticipated album Amazin scheduled for release May 4. Among my favorites was the track"Always" ft. the angelic songstress Monica and another track featuring newcomer Nicki Minaj.

SxSw: Behind 6ixth

SxSw is a music, art, and film festival that brings all music lovers, independent artist of all genres, and visionaries to Austin, Texas for a week of low budget showcases, all day concerts and exhibits, and conferences. Some of the featured artists include Dorrough,Basia Bulat, The Young Republic, J Cole, and Nas.The music aspect of SxSw takes place March 17-21 and thousands are expected to make their way to Austin over the weekend to finish out their spring break.For more information regarding the schedule or lineup for SxSw click here : SxSw Scehdule and Lineup  New Age was in Austin to get some footage of the hottest shows, people, and new bands that is SxSw. Check out some of the pics below and stayed tuned for the video edition SxSw:Behind 6th. 

The Ice Cream Man giving away free ice cream from Blue Bell and organic ice cream to cool down patrons.

The line at Emo's was crazy all day, shows were all day including a show Wednesday night from rapper Nas.

The  funky trio The Bamaz performed at Coyete Ugly, after the fire marshall shut it down.

Just one of the many sponsors for SxSw Monster Energy promoting a new coffee infused drink.

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At the Millenium Center, Chalie Boy Mr. I Look Good Performs for the community of Austin

Video Leak

Here's a few links to videos i've been checking out recently from different independent and some mainstream  artist such as Alexis Nicole,French Montana, Jae Millz to name a few.

Alexis Nicole Making the Video "Infatuation"

Jae Millz "Lemonade" freestyle

Diggy Simmons "Made you Look" Freestyle

Kidd Russell "E North Ave" BackYard Heroes

French Montana ft. Bun B "Bad Habits"

Artist Spotlight: I.V.

Wes “I.V.” Scott pays homage to his roots through his raspy tracks and dialect on his latest release “Album Practice” a mixtape hosted by DJ Young Breezye and DJ Prez that has been gaining a buzz in the South. Taking on dual duties as both rapper and producer I.V. is poised that it’s his turn in the industry. He started working with music when he was about 14. Started rapping first, then took a break from it for a long time to engineer studio sessions and produce tracks for others. He never gave up writing because it fueled his passion and was a release from the everyday struggles of the world. When asked what are the advantages of being both the rapper and producer, I.V. stated, “it gives me total artistic control doing both, and it puts me on my own timeline for music creation. I can produce a track, save it, and come back to it whenever I want. Lately, I’ve just been producing the tracks as I write the song.”

New Age asked I.V. what his outlook on mixtapes were he claimed, “It’s a love/hate thing, I love the avenue because of the exposure. It has helped me and a few other artists I work with closely to get the brand of music we produce out there. It has also hipped me to artists I wouldn't have heard otherwise, that put out quality music consistently. I hate it in the fact that some people just put out stuff without even considering the quality of music on the tapes versus the number of tapes they drop.” I.V. stays hungry by recording and producing tracks every day in his home studio. The ability for artist to record and produce their own music has changed the way we listen and discover new music. The industry is so accustomed to the standard that when artist like I.V. come along creating a new avenue the executives at labels don’t have the solution which can mangle the A&R formula. When asked what type of success he was looking for in the industry he claimed, both the indie and mainstream scene has pros and cons. “I believe the indie scene would provide the freedom of creativity I enjoy, but the mainstream would allow wider exposure. I wish I could combine the two and get the mainstream budgets with indie creative freedom.”

Some of IV biggest music influences can be attributed to his environment, growing up in Memphis, TN. I.V. was exposed to everything from blues to UGK and 8 ball and MJG. “They really showed me that I can keep my southern identity and do music that’s true to myself.” He credits Nas, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Black Thought for their lyrical ability and simply describes his style of music as what “feels right”. “I like creating music that people will sit down and listen to, or just drive and vibe to. I'm all about track selection and lyrical content. I just like making great quality songs.” The future is looking bright for I.V. who is partners with fellow rapper MT the Great, “We have some things in the works on the indie front that really will be DOPE in every sense of the word.”

You can hear more music from I.V. >>>> http://omg.ly/8LGk

Download the “Album Practice” mixtape for free today!
Follow I.V. @ www.twitter.com/ivonthetrack

Introducing Kidd Russell

Kidd Russell's music and name is sure to be in every household like a flat screen TV before the year is out. Perseverance, pure talent, and faith are sure to get this small town rapper with a sharp tongue to the top. Kidd Russell grew up in the sleepy town of Riverwoods, Illinois But growing up; his favorite music was harsh, urban hip-hop. Call it a small miracle but Kidd got his start writing after an unlucky break when he suffered an injury in high school. After junior college in Philly, Kidd left for California where his first hip-hop endeavors began in a radio production class. He wrote a theme song for a Powder Puff Girls Football team and after seeing how the girls and the students reacted to it, he was hooked. Kidd knew from then on, he wanted to become a song writer and performer. He then made a risky move by leaving school with only seven classes left to pursue a career in music. Kidd Russell never gave up and returned to Chicago where he enlisted help from a team of industry insiders and released his first solo album in 2006 called "Untied" and gained local and regional success opening up for acts like Common, The Roots, The Flobots and many more. Personal and creative differences with his team couldn’t hold him back he channeled his frustration and wrote his biggest single to date, “Dear Shooter”. His follow up single, "Rush" was picked up by 3 TV shows. In the midst of his success Kidd was faced with personal issues and misfortunes that could have very easily prevented him from continuing his craft. Fortunately his two new singles kept finding their own successes, carrying him through the dark ages in which he had little, if no resources, to continue making music. After a few struggles faith would have it that Kidd would be introduced to a producer, Matt Jenkins and Junkyard productions was born. The newly duo began to write and produce songs and finally the music and Kidd was getting the recognition that he dreamt of. In 2009, six songs were placed on TV including MTV, WB, HD.net, Fox Sports and more. They have created several wildly successful theme songs for professional wrestlers that are heard around the world. Their single "Rush: Rock Remix" was chosen for the TV theme song for Ring of Honor Wrestling on HDnet. This year Kidd Russell is set to release a new mixtape called RUDY RUTIGER MUSIC and his First full length album on JunkYard Productions title "BACKYARD HERO's is set for a March release. New Age was honored to get a one-on-one interview with Kidd Russell as he self-promotes his upcoming album:

New Age: What are some things that you have had to sacrifice to get into the industry?

Kidd: think it would be easier or it would be a shorter list to know what I haven't sacrificed. The life of an indie musician is hard and complicated. Every day you sacrifice time in your relationships, sleep, money and more. At this stage in my career I am the only person who is willing to invest this much in my dream. Its been worth it and the 14hour days marketing and promoting have paid off. I guess it’s like starting any business from scratch you have to put in the work and Time because without that effort you might as well not make music.

New Age: What are the advantages of making moves in the industry as an independent artist?

Kidd:The advantages are freedom to make your own decisions. The majors try to control buzz, release dates and everything which sometimes slows down what is organically happening in the streets. They only do that for monetary reasons. So the advantage to being indie is freedom to do what’s right for the fans and not what’s right for your label making money. Music is a service to people it gives them escape, happiness and brings people together.


New Age:What is your opinion on the industry's current state?

Kidd: I think I've figured out the new business model of the music industry. I can't explain it fully because it wouldn't be wise to give away my secrets. But I will say the mistake major labels make is that they try to make one big wave and ride it out. My philosophy is to find all the boats in the ocean making waves and ride with them because their waves are constant! I know stupid metaphor but it makes sense to me. I think the industry is a great place and it’s exciting because how fast and easy you can get music to listeners. You just have to be smarter about how to make money.



New Age:What is the best way to describe your music?

Kidd: I like to say it sounds like the Midwest, fall leaves, flannels, hoodies, love, football, friends and hard times rapped or sang over original reggae, rock, hip hop and occasional rockabilly beats. Or to put it simple my producer Matt Jenkins and I say we are the Ween of hip hop.


New Age: If you could collab with any mainstream artist whom would it be and why?

Kidd: Common he's been my idol for years. After that the rest would just be icing on the cake. If I could collab in another way it would be Zoe Salanda ;)!


New Age:What is the most important element in the TEAM you speak about in your bio? i.e. manager, producer

Kidd: My producer Matt Jenkins is the most important member of my team without him the rest of the people on my team wouldn't exist . Music comes first the rest is just getting it out there.

*Kidd has opened for: The Roots (twice), The Flobots (twice), Mr. lif (twice), Common, Uncle Cracker, Mickey Avalon, G Love and the Special Sauce, N.A.S.A., Glacier Hiking etc...

Hear and Purchase Kidd Russell music on Itunes today!
http://www.kiddrussellmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/rickyrage
Dear shooter official video link


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTBStWcv5r0

Rush ROck Remix (hd.net theme song for Ring of Honor Wrestling)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmT5ylpk_LA

All-Star Music Edition

New Age will be bringing you some inside exclusives from All-Star weekend.Stay tuned for interviews, pics,and video from some of the rising names in the music industry.

Q&A with WanderingStar Management

Name, Age, Birthplace:


Traci Crews, 29, Cincinnati, OH

Modestly dubbed the “Queen of Nashville” Traci Crews is an entrepreneur and educated music junkie who has started her own music development/artist management company in Nashville, TN. New Age caught up with Traci to ask her a few questions about her roots, goals and views on the music industry state of mind.



New Age: What is your music background experience?

Traci: “Of course everybody has that same story where their parents played all the records growing up and all that. Well, mine is the same but I liked to tape the radio with My First Sony tape recorder. I always bought blank tapes to tape the songs off the radio to make my own mixtape of songs I liked to listen to. Music got me through a lot growing up, took me away from what was going on in my house. I could just pop in a tape and sing all the songs and rap all the lyrics. That's how I knew music was aesthetic just by helping me. My music background experience comes from being in the 5th grade starting out playing trumpet for band and ending high school playing marching baritone. After high school I came to Tennessee State as a mechanical engineering major and left after a year to pursue Audio Engineering at Middle Tennessee State. During that transition I was under Def Jam Records street team, interning in promotions at 92Q and volunteering at various music conferences that came to Nashville. After graduating from MTSU I engineered for about 5 years with signed and unsigned artists.



New Age: When and why did you start Wandering Star Management?

Traci: “I started WanderingStar Management in 2007 mainly because I knew a lot of talented people that didn't have a clue as to what direction they wanted to take their music in. Basically, they held the talent but didn't have the business end to make their talent profitable. Hence the meaning of the name WanderingStar, a talented person who is wandering about.”

NewAge: What is the most single most important advice that you would give to an artist on your roster?

Traci: “The single most important advice I'd give an artist on my roster is if you think you are worth it you need to find out how to exploit yourself to the fullest first before someone tries to come with a contract some money telling you they can do it for you because all they see is a cash cow in you and if you don't see the cash cow in yourself then you will get used until you cannot get used anymore and therefore you will be tossed to the side. KNOW YOUR WORTH.”

New Age: What type of artist would you like to work with?

Traci: “I’d like to first work with artists that have much talent. Talent to me comes first because no one wants to work with a talentless individual. That's not what drives my passion for music. Secondly they have to have a drive, a grind and a hustle to get to whatever goal they're trying to obtain. You have to want to work for yourself before any one manager is going to want to work for you.”



New Age: Current artist roster and things to look forward to at Wandering Star?

Traci: “WanderingStar Management current roster is FinessDaBoss and Diablo. I was under contract with Diablo from 2008-2010 as we are currently renegotiating contracts. FinessDaBoss is my new artist just acquired her in late 2009.This year I plan to brand WanderingStar, I will be more visible as I am continuing to build my company.”

“The world of music is constantly changing and we have to be able to help change it for the better or just be the one running behind those trendsetting and innovating.”- Traci Crews

You can find out more about what WanderingStar Management and what it’s artist have in store for 2010 at www.myspace.com/WanderingStarManagement and http://www.finessdaboss.com/Home.html

Follow @iamTRIZZ on Twitter!

NEW AGE: MEMO

New Age has got a lot of things in the works for 2010 we want to expose the most talented artist, exceptional business owners and communities. Please if you know someone who is worthy of notoriety  please send an email to mmoniquej@gmail.com for consideration on New Age.

K'Jon: Next to Blow

 The Detroit native got his start in 2003 when he recorded a demo and distributed it locally.  The demo found its way to New York, and after writing for a number of under-the-radar artists in the Big Apple, K'Jon got his first major placement in 2004-on the "2 Fast 2 Furious" soundtrack. He hoped that would open some doors. "But it wasn't happening," he says. "I wasn't moving as an artist or as a songwriter." Before K’Jon got his big break in the industry he was making strides in the corporate world after being fired he dedicated his full attention to his craft. Four years later-after self-releasing an album-K'Jon found himself frustrated with his singing career. It seems like many artist face the up and down spiral of the music industry before they really get the break they need and that’s when “On the Ocean” came to him. After writing the heartfelt lyrics over the warm, piano-based beat created by his production team, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, K'Jon began working the record independently and started receiving a positive response from Michigan radio stations. Labels always come running when they get word of a new talent that can achieve spins and sales independently. After getting the call from Universal Republic, he signed a deal months later. In 2009 “On the Ocean” peaked at #12 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Since signing with Universal Republic K’Jon has released his debut album “I Get Around” which has sold 135,000 copies in the United States. 2010 is looking very promising for K’Jon who will continue to work on his craft of songwriting while promoting his album across the country.

Click here to find out more about K'Jon

City of the Week: Chicago

Chicago is known for having some of the best food, shopping, and music. If you happen to be visiting the city this weekend you can look forward to hearing sweet sounds from Robin Thicke, who recently released his latest album "Sex Therapy" which has been getting heavy rotation on radio. He will be performing at Vic Theatre/Brew & View - 3145 N. Sheffield Ave on January 23,7 p.m. If R&B is not quite your style then you can catch rapper Timbaland January 24, 11p.m. at House of Blues - 329 N. Dearborn St. Timbaland's latest single "Say Something" ft. newcomer Drake is HOT! Not quite into hip-hop or R&B you can catch a host of indie rock and alternative bands at House of Blues Jan 21, 7p.m. that include the Roots Down Below, Pacifier, and Pour Habit.

Brittani: Not so "Dangerous"

Brittani hails from Houston, TX and has been signing all of her life. She is also musically inclined and plays the keys, guitar, bass, and drums. She is not your average songstress looking for superstardom in this industry. She got her start at the tender age of 7 as a musician for her church choir, by 12 she was playing in a local Houston band the Rick Marcel and the Radiance band. She also taught herself how to play the keyboard by simply listening to the radio. May seem odd to most but her talents will not go unrecognized. Balancing school and her music career she attended college at Prairie View A&M majoring in Broadcast Communications, however only completed one semester before she got a call from one of her biggest inspirations, Beyonce. She is currently 1/6 of Beyonce’s all girl band which has been accompanying her on her latest tours. Brittani’s musical influences include Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Maybelline Washington and Tamia. Her debut album “Pink Polish” is a mix of heavy synthesized beats and sultry tunes. You can find Brittani’s music at http://www.myspace.com/brittanipinkpolish

MINX CRAZE

If you have been living under a rock for the past year let me introduce you to the hottest nail technician to grace the New Age with Minx Houston. Athena Elliot, is a certified Medical Nail Technician offering services with sterilized implements that exute a new fashionable you. With over 25 years of experience and extensive training, ATHENA safely restores beauty to the hands and feet of her clients and enhances their self-image and confidence. Prices range from 75-150 depending on the services. She has a list of celebrity clients

that include Letoya Luckett, The cast of Real Housewives, Candi Redd, and a host of others. Find her designs and pricing info at http://www.minxhouston.com/


Letoya Luckett on the set of her video talks about MINX

Olivia Resurrected!!

Former G-Unit songstress ressurects her singing career with new song "Can't Walk Away" for Universal Republic audition. Thought 50 could hold her back for long guess not, real talent always prevails!!






Olivia Audtioning for Univeral Republic

New Music from Alexis Nicole "I'll be Gone"

Alexis Nicole: Song Leak
Catch her in DC Feb 12th @ Station 9 as the opening act for R&B crooners Day 26!






http://www.limelinx.com/files/bcb1096c71846c513c645cc7f9544742

Welcome to New Age Ent.

New Age Ent. is focused on bringing you the latest in music news, music events, new technology, and the new age entreprenuer. A host of features, post, and interviews will be dedicated to expoliting the New Age. Look forward to the Music Spotlight that focuses on highlighting the underrepresented work of up and coming artist and producers. MusicTown will keep you updated on music events hitting your town. Edgy Entreprenuers will keep you motivated as they plant their seed in the business world for pure growth! Also don't miss MySpace Mondays, Twitter Tuesdays, and Facebook Friday where a friend, fan, or follower is featured for their hardwork and efforts in the New Age!