Local rap fans are mourning the loss of 21-year-old Everlasting Hitman (Floyd Blount). Blount died February 3rd after being shot in the Fischer Housing Development. Blount will best be remembered for his 1991 hit “Bounce Baby Bounce” and for his “ability to relate well with other artists,” says Kenneth Taylor, vice-president and co-owner of Mobo Records. “He was real inspirational when it came down to music. He was a leader, and he helped other young aspiring artists.
Due to popular demand, Mobo Click now available on cassette. The cassette features Mobo artists Ricky B., the late Everlasting Hitman, Final Approach, and former Mobo artists Cheeky Blakk and MC Spud. It was produced by Kevin Carter, DJ HC (Howard Collins), Merrill “Real Roc” Robinson, Tres-8, and Ice Mike.
Ricky B. is gearing up for the video shoot of “Buck ‘Em Up” this spring. “Buck ‘Em Up” is one of 16 cuts from Ricky’s debut album Dedicated To New Orleans on Mobo Records. The album features rapper Mannie Boo and was produced by the producer who goes by the handle Death. It’s the follow-up to Ricky’s Shake For Ya Hood single and EP, which were big hits at local radio last year.
New Orleans reggae groups T-Roy & The Vibe, Ben Hunter and the Shepherd Band will be part of this year’s Bob Marley Festival Tour, which kicks off March 2-3 in Houston. Also appearing on the bill will be Errol Blackwood, Christafari, and others. The tour visits more than nine cities, including tentative New Orleans dates Sept. 28-29. Between tour dates T-Roy & The Vibe will be at Cafe Brasil on Wednesdays and Rhythmics International on Thursdays. The group’s new record, First Son, is due out this month.
Tired of commercial music that’s repetitious and boring, Yours Truly Chaddy 1 P.U.S. wanted to record an EP that was musically diverse. His Big Easy on Scimitar Records, due out next month, is a unique blend of R&B, rap, jazz and funk. It reflects Chaddy’s versatile skills and broad musical tastes—his influences range horn Al Jarreau to The Cure. The EP includes six cuts written by Chaddy and produced by Kamaal Al-Amin, president of Scimitar Records. “Dishear” is a song that Chaddy refers to as “sophisticated bounce.” “It’s the same chant flavor of bounce,” says Chaddy. “I just spiced it up with different music and more lyrical content.” The lyrics express his frustration with record industry politics. “You don’t have to know how to sing today to have a hit record,” he adds. On “‘I’m The Man” Chaddy talks about relationships in the ’90s and promotes safe sex. “It’s straight rhythm and blues with a heavy emphasis on the blues and a twist on the lyrics,” says Chaddy. “It’s a gumbo that mixes different styles and flavors.”
Based on his musical upbringing, it’s no wonder Chaddy’s sound is so original and hard to define. He began singing in a church choir when he was four. He grew up listening to his brother’s heavy metal music and was introduced to jazz when his brother broke the stereo on WYLD-FM. In junior high and high school he sang with local groups and danced with The New Orleans Boppers. After college he formed the group Frankly Speaking and did some studio work. Last year he and Mr. Izm (collectively known as Keepers Of The Flavor) released an EP called Party You Say That You Like To. Chaddy’s full-length solo album Understanding Chaddy’s Gospel is due out late ’96.
On the national scene…Heavy D. was appointed President of Uptown Records and will be responsible for guiding the direction of the label. In his previous role as vice-president of A&R, Heavy D. signed platinum selling artists Soul For Real and newcomer Monifah.
Former N.W.A. member Yella releases his debut solo album One Mo Nigga Ta Go on Street life/Scotti Bros Records this month. The album is dedicated to the memory of Eazy-E.
And finally, State Palace Theater is the site of Roc-a-Fella Fest ’96 featuring Notorious B.I.G., Junior Mafia featuring Lil Kim, Jay Z, AZ, Smooth DA Hustler and a local act (TBA) on March 2nd.
