OF THE DOG

April Lynne Cakes | DJ Will | Hip Hop Generals | Kinfolk Kia Shine | Lyrikill |
Maknolia Boyz | Mates Mogul | Sheena Grier | Supacell | Team Infamous | Willo Tha Wiz



















April Lynne Cakes

Creative and Delicious cakes for any occastion... from Bridal Showers, Weddings, Baby Showers, to Birthdays. April Cakes are baked fresh and designed per order. Delivering to your event in Northern NY.

April did the cake for my daughter's birth (which is the one on her home page with the name "Caylee" on it & looks like the baby dove into the cake) and it was wonderful. I, personally, will co-sign for any and all of April's work. She does a wonderful job.

So, anyone who is having an event or function of any type, please do yourself a favor and visit www.myaprilcakes.com now for more information. You will surely thank yourself later.



DJ Will

Will Stokes, a.k.a. DJ Will, has been DJ'ing since 1982. Like many of us DJ's, DJ Will had to start with the cheap equipment. In fact, it wasn't until 3 years later, in 1985, when when he bought his first set of Technics 1200s, which are the standard by which us DJ's live. DJ Will was a scratch DJ up until 1989, when he started learning how to blend. Although he considers himself a retired DJ now, something keeps drawling him back in the game. Until 2002, Will was a hardcore turntablist, but he now uses many of the new DJ Technologies available. He has some great mixes at his website, so be sure to check him out!!



The web is a HUGE place with many links to find information on what you may be searching for. Well, when it comes to hip hop, there's no need to look any further than hiphopgenerals.com. This is a great, one-stop informational source for anything and everything that relates to hip hop. At hiphopgenerals.com, you can find a great selection of detailed album reviews of both newer albums as well as older albums (such as the classic...Bone Thugs-N-Harmony "E.1999 Eternal" and NWA Straight Outta Compton). This is also a great source for the latest hip hop news. You can find breaking news before it even hits the big sources like BET. Probably one of the best resources of hiphopgenerals.com is the new music. All the latest hip hop releases as well as leaks can be found here. So...to all you hip hop junkies (such as myself).... stop by, register, join in on the discussion board and get all your hip hop news and reviews here.



Kia Shine Is The K.U.S.H. (K.rispy U.nderestimated S.outhern H.ustler) Kia Shine aka Kinfolk the CEO/Producer turned rapper, has been in the studio putting the finishing touches on his independent release, The K.U.S.H. This album picks up where his debut album, Due Season (2007) left off, but takes everything to a whole new level. Three songs/ounces have been leaked from the forthcoming indie release.. “The K.U.S.H.” (Tennessee’s Finest) and “Co-Pilot,” & "NEW STYLE (1ST48). Each reaching a diffErent demographic and audience and have been well recieved at radio, xm & sirrius, mixshow, & mixtapes in the US, CANADA AND OVERSEAS. A native of Memphis, TN, Shine’s song “The K.U.S.H.” (Tennessee’s Finest) features fellow Tennesseans 8 Ball and Young Buck. Its complex arrangement contains a live 7-piece band, vocal harmonies and expertly captures the soulful sound of the South. “Co-Pilot” is about the good, supportive good woman that every man needs by his side. Both singles and many more songs on the album were executive produced by Shine. The "NEW STYLE(1ST48) is more of the "swag music" kinfolk is so well known for and highlights him as true fashion assasin. “The last album was great and this indie street album is even better because its more raw, I have total creative control so im taking more risk and showing true range I’ve grown as a person, a producer and an artist. People were introduced to my story on the first album and now they have an opportunity to continue to grow with me,” says Shine. “This one showcases my production style more and is a better example of what I have to offer. I am multi-talented, and I know my music,” "this is just my in between music and dvd to make people more familiar with my story and sound, before I release the true sophmore follow "RESPECT DUE" slated to be released in sping of 2009" adds the newly wed and father of 6 week old child prodigy Jackson Dean Coleman Displeased with the promotion of his first album, Shine has returned to his roots as an independent artist and is doing things his way. He’s confident audiences will enjoy his southern vibe and his love of life and the finer things that is displayed in his album. The K.U.S.H. I had to shoot my own videos for Due Season, and break the singles myself with my own budget, Universal Motown was just a logo but it gave me what I needed to get through certain doors, but I had to do 80% of what you saw with Due Season MYSELF!!! “Most people refer to the kush as being the best weed but this go round it has a more positive spin and focuses on me and those like me, the Krispy Underestimated Southern Hustler. I’m letting the world know I’m still here and those who have been sleeping on me, will wake up to find themselves working for me,” laughs Shine. In between writing and producing his album, Shine has made appearances on B.E.T.’s Black Carpet, the runway with men’s fashion designer Karl Kani during L.A. Fashion Week, and have been highlighted on BET's RAP CITY'S CLASSIC BEST OF THE BOOTH" as well as spots dates in clubs across the U.S. and has even been spotted performing in GERMANY late spring. No novice to the rap game, Shine has released numerous underground albums and used his independent label, Rap Hustlaz, to move over 200,000 units before inking a deal with Universal in 2006. That union led to the release of his debut album, Due Season. Although the album wasn’t a commercial success, due to poor promotions, shine managed to sell a Gold ringtone with "krispy" and moved over 100,000 tracks online iHe received critical acclaim and allowed hip hop connoisseurs to become acquainted with the artist whose flare for fashion and love for his hometown is noted in several of his songs. The album featured the singles “Respect My Fresh,” “Stunna Shades” and “Wow.” The first single, “Krispy,” even landed among the Top 40 list on the hip hop charts. Shine prides himself in being a stellar producer who can also rap and handcrafted 12 of the 16 songs on the album. A leader rather than a follower, from the very beginning Kia Shine set out on a path to distinguish him from the rest. “When I came on the scene I was different from what was being presented at the time. I didn’t come out with a clique. It was just me without any umbrella, bringing something new. I also wasn’t selling dope, killing people or being gangsta in my lyrics. I just made feel good music that was true to who I am. I had no guest features and my first single, “Krispy” made the charts. I was the breath of fresh air people were looking for,” says Shine.



When one defines "grind" then south Florida artist Lyrikill should be the definition. One of the fastest growing artists I've ever seen, Lyrikill (reppin Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) has the combination of rapper, singer, and producer. His music defines a new era with upbeat tracks, catchy hooks, and subjects that anyone and everyone can relate to. As a DJ, I have quickly become a huge fan of Lyrikill and I strongly co-sign all of his music. In an era where hip hop has become so slow that it's almost impossible to dance to, Lyrikill has broken out of the gates with the old school upbeat music that was ever so present in the booty bass music in Miami during the late 80's. Don't get it twisted, though...Lyrikill brings a whole new and fresh style to the table!!



Representin Tupelo Misissippi (or Mizzizzippi as they would say), the Maknolia Boyz expand the dirty south sound with solid lyrical flows, catchy hooks, and "bass-pounding" beats. In a market consisting of many artists sounding very similar to one another, the Maknolia Boyz stand out, and one can hear the difference in their music. Recently, the Maknolia Boyz teamed up with Memphis sensation Kinfolk Kia Shine for the track Stay Fresh which displays the raw talent of the Maknolia Boyz. This is the page that you'll wanna check if you love the dirty south swag music of recent years!!



Although he was born in Staunton, VA. Jerome Wells (Birth name for the Governments satisfaction) formally known as Matrix or Mates Mogul, spent most of his youth on the streets of Baltimore, Md. Living in the cycle of poverty, his family was transient and he spent many years moving back and forth between Maryland and Virginia. Growing up quickly in the harsh realities that poverty inflicts, he began writing rhymes and dreaming of grandeur at a young age. As is typical, hip hop was an escape and a ticket out of the projects. He has had many influences on his life and opinions that have shaped him as an African-American male struggling to grasp the American dream. He was raised by a single mother with an absent father. His mother worked long hours as she strived to raise three children without a positive male role model. Unfortunately, this left the children to raise themselves in the often mean streets. As the world can be harsh, he sought ways to make money and connections that would lead him out of this poverty stricken life that he was born into. As a teen he spent his time hustling on the streets to feed the images that the media often portrays as ideal. Hustling, writing, rapping, and hanging on the streets further developed his want and need to be heard. The scraps of paper and tattered composition books began to fill one Timberland shoebox after another. As his mother’s health declined during her last years of life, she often reminded him that he was going to make it. He was a son that she was proud of. He was her gift. After her passing, he kept the grind alive by being even more dedicated to his music. She was his true inspiration, and he was hungry for success. Through the triumphs and tribulations that life brings, his message continues to be strong. From the purchase of his first microphone, to the birth of his record label ORKA, he continues to be an advocate for change for both himself and his family, but also for society. This music is representative of the masses raised in poverty. It is undoubtedly edgy and mildly controversial. The stories told are real. Your pain is his pain. Your struggle is his struggle. Every hood has a story and everybody in the hood has a story to tell. He feels like the story of his personal struggle is already being told by billions around the world. Matrix represents those that are not heard, those that are trapped in the cipher, and those that want music that they can truly relate to. He does not profess to be a role model, but simply a speaker of truth and lessons. He hopes to bring a refreshing voice to hip hop. This conscious approach is for thinkers and those that have been with hip hop from the beginning. This will be an eye opening experience for those that are ready. He wants his listeners to remember, we’re all just “1 Block from Paradise.”


“If you want something done, you got to do it yourself. Don’t depend on the next man to direct the construction of your wealth.”
- Mates Mogul



“Wow” is the reaction when one encounters the R&B artist Sheena Grier. This young lady confidence and skills flow so naturally like running water. As you proceed to read this bio you will get a brief understanding on who Sheena is and what ingredients that she brings into this industry. Sheena knew that she had raw talent so, she decided to sharpen up her skills by getting involved in every local talent show in her Philadelphia neighborhood. In a matter of months Sheena began smashing her opponents. The wins helped her build up her skills and staying power which are well needed to survive in this game. Sheena felt that boundaries only exist when you allow them to be. While showcasing her talent one night at Club Flow, she landed the opportunity to work with Freeway's group Ice City out of Philadelphia. Her networking and street savvy skills also landed her in the hands one of Philadelphia’s up and coming hot producer Moshe. Her skills never came to question when she featured on Ice City Single “Welcome to the Hood” and "Want you back" with Freeway. As a solo artist Sheena successfully blends R & B and Hip Hop. With a youthful approach to her music Sheena generates a new wave of listeners, as well as capitalizing on die hard fans of good music. Sheena lives and breaths her craft, this enables her to give her all at 110%. Sheena believes that the game is ready for her arrival. “Watch out now!” Sheena Grier has cornered her market and it’s fair to say that there maybe similar patterns, in the game at this moment. But, just like DNA, Sheena's genetic and vocal make up is one of a kind.



All black attire, his hands are balled into fists, his face is as serious as Iron Mike in his hay day, looks like skill driven MC SupaCell is anticipating a title bout more so than a rap concert. As he grabs the microphone you can sense that you are about to witness something amazing. His voice is as distinctive as a shotgun on a golf range. The raspy, gruffled voice alone from the Chicago Southside native is enough in itself to demand your attention. If super potent lyrical metaphors were punches, get ready for a flurry of uppercuts. Instantaneously, once the drums in the beat drop - the audience jaws drop. This is just another night for SupaCell, overwhelming crowds with extraordinary lyrics mixed with a heavyweight champion’s swagger. It’s more than what he does, it’s how he lives! Hailing from a city that has seen a couple of natives distinctively assert themselves in the Hip-Hop industry - namely Kanye West (the overly confident hip-hop socialite), Twista (the rapid fire-lyric spitter), and Common (the hip social voice for African-Americans) one would ask, how could an MC uniquely assert himself in the midst of these Chicago legends? The answer is simple … combine all three elements. Add the relevancy of Kanye, the rapid fire delivery of Twista (whom many think SupaCell can spit faster than), and sprinkle the social commentary of Common and you get a new Chi-town legend on a super level … thus, SupaCell. Growing up he was always a fan of hip-hop and the culture tending to favor the more lyrically inclined MCs. 90s lyrical rhyme slayer, Canibus, was a personal favorite of his. “I try to bring an element of that Canibus lyrical over-kill in my music. It seems that the game is neglecting the lyrical potency these days”, says SupaCell. Though his power punch bars may rival Canibus’, SupaCell’s business acumen can be more reminiscent of Shawn Carter’s. While attending FAMU in Tallahassee, FL and pursuing his MBA, SupaCell started his own recording/marketing company MPerfect Entertainment with longtime friend and fellow MC Dave Ro. SupaCell can boast that he is one of the few rappers that has “inked” endorsement deals. By showcasing significant prominence within the battle circuit and local radio SupaCell soon found his name being called on by car dealerships, restaurants, and fashion stores to endorse their brands. Sounds hard to believe? Well MPerfect Entertainment has the receipts to prove it and radio stations have the ads to back it. “Those things come by delivering quality every time and being consistent with what you do”, says a humble SupaCell. There is also a “Supa” special drive he appears to apply in synergizing these skill-driven talents to empower and emancipate the minds, hearts, and souls of Black America and beyond. When SupaCell looks into the crowd, there’s a certain connection there. His lyrics are profound, yet clever. His delivery can speed up at the drop of a dime and yet keep cadence. His passion can be mistaken for aggression but comes across as soul. In some sort of weird unexplainable way…it touches you. You’ve never heard rap in this form before and you’ve never heard a voice like this before. Sure the lyrical intensity can be compared to Canibus, the swag can be attributed to the Windy City, his MBA-credited business execution can be compared to Jay’s, but the reality is the whole package is all SupaCell - the rapper with the heart of a heavyweight champ. By the time you realize it, the drums drop, the microphone is in his hand… and ding, you’re in the ring with him.




Playboi

Coming from the birth place of hip hop, known as the Boogie Down Bronx, Plaboi on the beatz has had a love for music since the age of 6. He started out with a desire to be a famous rapper/writer and eventually developed a passion for creating hot beatz and wants to be a big time producer.



Rio

Rio, who acts like a comical genius, has his sites set on becoming a big time producer. He began to pursue writing and rapping at the age of 13. His love of music, especially hip hop, grew into an obsession after being influenced by successful artists like T.I. and Lil Wayne.



Bamz

Growing up in Bronx, NY you had to know a little something about music. He found his love for music at the age of 8 when he began to sing. At the age of 12, his older brother introduced him to hip hop music where he discovered his ability to rap. After graduating from the 5th grade he and his family moved to his mother's birth, state of Georgia. While in high school, he attended an off campus trade school where I met Plaboi in a broadcasting program. Knowing that Benito has the skills to rap, he was invited to become a member of the group.




Businessman and friend, Willo Tha Wiz is about makin money. Doing music is his career...and he does it well. Reppin Houston Texas (home of the legendary DJ Screw), Tha Wiz consistently puts out great music...and his talent improves even more with each and every release. Willo Tha Wiz also writes R&B lyrics. This man is a force to be reckoned with and I appreciate his support of DJ Diamond Dog for many years. Be sure to check his MySpace profile.