Gregory D’s new LP, If The Boot Fits Wear It on Midwest Records, will be out next month. The album title is a stab at industry people who have a problem with Southern rap. Now that Southern rappers like DJ Jimi and the Geto Boys are breaking nationally, Gregory hopes that radio stations and record companies will be more open-minded. “If the boot fits wear it,” says Gregory (“boot” refers to boot-shaped Louisiana). In other words, “If the music works in your market, play it and accept it the same way we accept East Coast and West Coast rap,” he adds. The album features Manny Fresh (deejay and producer), Krazee White Boy and artists from Cash Money Records. Gregory wouldn’t give the name of the first single, but for you hardcore rap fans wondering if his sound is still raw and explicit—stay tuned for “Please That Coochie, Part II.”
The funky divas En Vogue will join Luther Vandross on his “Never Let Me Go” tour, which comes to the Superdome on Saturday, September 11. Vandross’ latest LP, Never Let Me Go, is the first release on the singer’s LV Records. Vandross is president of the new label that he developed with Epic Records and Sony Music. One of the highlights of the album is a medley of remakes, including the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” an instrumental of the Spinners’ “Love Don’t Love Nobody” and “Never Let Me Go,” originally done by the late Johnny Ace.
Seventeen-year-old rapper Daddy Yo (Joseph Howard III) is finishing the follow-up to his 12″ “I’m Not Your Trick Daddy.” The EP 187 Soldiers on Sound Express Records is due out this month. He’s also working with rap group First Degree on their new project.
Move over East Bank and West Bank rappers, Master Smoke (Ricky McCloud) is ready to put Slidell on the local rap map. This 26-year-old is a physical therapist assistant by day and a rapper/songwriter by night. His first cassette, Master Smoke Makes Astonishing Debut, featured cuts “Nothin Nice” and “Your Bitch Been Cheatin’ on You.” Master Smoke credits Bustdown and Tim Smooth for introducing him to rap music, and DJ Precise, who produced beats for Master Smokes’ cassette.
Lade Vee has her first release on Baton Rouge-based CitiTrax Records. Vee does a remake of the Isley Brothers’ “Between the Sheets,” which she debuted in July at the Young Black Programmers Convention in Baton Rouge. Prior to releasing her own material, Vee recorded with rap group Total Kaos on their “Operation Devotion” 12″.
Priority Records releases the first single from Dallas-based rap group Mad Flava called “Feel the Flava.” Special remixes were done by Eric “Vietnam” Sadler. Danny Boy and Lethal from House of Pain make guest appearances in the video. The group’s promotional tour of the West Coast kicks off in September.
WQUE and WNOL Fox 38 are sponsoring Teen Summit ’93 on Saturday, September 11 at the State Palace Theater (1108 Canal St.), from noon to 3 p.m. Lords of the Underground, Mia X and Lil Slim will perform along with other local and national rap groups. Guest panelists will discuss teen violence and violence in the schools. The event is free and open to all teens. Fox 38 will videotape the summit to be aired at a late date.
VIP New Orleans (9200 I-10 Service Road) is the place to be on Sunday nights if you can sing, rap or tell a joke. The Bobby Marchan Gong Show showcases New Orleans’ up-and-coming talent in the areas of rap, R&B, hip-hop and comedy. The show starts at 9 p.m. with free admission for ladies before 11 p.m.
