If you haven't heard of Michael Martin, you will! Michael Martin seems to have come from out of nowhere to emerge as one of the hottest up and coming photographers in the region. Michael appears to have a particular gift for capturing the essence of music artists in their element, telling their stories with his lens, conveying the desired emotion and capturing the moment! His stylized photography clues us in to Michael's passion and artistry as well. Michael's brand M/M Productions has filmed everything from hip hop to rock and R&B. Recently Michael has had sessions with hip hop artist, Nate Buck, Rock band Discount Heroes and now breaks the new look of hot R&B singer, Melodic who has 3 million downloads on his song "So Stellar" from the soundtrack of the movie "Steppin" with Mo' Nique and Anthony Anderson. With its stunning scenery, Michael tells DHH that Melodic is one of his best shoots so far. The creme de la creme of that particular shoot was chosen as the cover and promo shot for the Melodic's single "Pretty Faces" and will be revealed when the single is released later this Spring.  In addition to photography Michael does graphic designs and videography. With affordable prices and an impressive resume building Michael Martin and his M/M Productions is sure to be a sought after commodity very soon. DHH talked to the ambitious photog;

DHH: What is the key to being a good photographer?
Michael: The key to being a good photographer is to have the feel for what you want in a photo, such as your surroundings or the person your photographing. Also having an eye for what you're shooting as well because when I take a photo, I want people to see it and say."Wow, that's really amazing!" or "How did he do that!!?!"

DHH: What are some of your highlights and favorites as a photographer and why?

Michael: My highlights as a photographer would have to be meeting amazing new people, celebrities, even traveling to new destinations that I have never been,. Experiencing new environments in the world is a great pleasure to me because as an artist I get to use it as a tool in my work, and build experiences, take things to great heights.

DHH: Who are some of the people you have worked with?

Michael: The people I have worked with are bands such as The World Ends With You, We Attack on Sunday, Malicious Intent R & B/ Rappers Melodic aka your favorite artist, Young Taz, Nate Buck, The Blackk Mozart, Tao Music Group!! Places I have visited are Barcelona, Spain Paris, France Frankfort, Germany numerous places in the United States as well

DHH: Do you tie in your pics with graphic designs?

Michael: Yes I do, I went to college for Graphic Design and minored in Photo, ever since than I loved to take my photos and use them in a skill design piece. Even working with clients I have used my photos for designs such as Bands, Artists, etc.

DHH: What else do you have to offer in the field and what separates Michael Martin from others doing the same thing?

Michael: Other than photography, I offer many other things, highly skilled in Graphic Design and also Videography. My business ranges all over the artistic board. What makes me different from other people? Im different because this is what I do for a living, I love life everyday because I get to get up in the morning and work as a designer or a photographer or a videographer, art is life to me and I love every second I get to do it. Also, I work well with my clients and know how to pursue what they're looking for, besides being reasonable in price and reliable, I'am a well rounded artist who loves to capture, design, or film someone's big day,any event, sports, you name it I'm there!!

M/M Productions
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MM-Productions/195152910586330

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Michael_MartinHot_New_Photogra.zip (23.81 MB)

Gentle Jones is, without a doubt, one the foremost authorities on the history of Delaware Hip Hop and is an aficionado of the genre and music in general. Gentle, who is a fierce lyricist himself, bore witness to milestones such as The Project X explosion, has written for Hip Hop juggernaut Allhiphop.com and has produced and promoted shows for 20 years throughout Delaware, including iconic, popular culture venues like the defunct 4W5 Cafe (also known as Wild Child Cafe) and East End Cafe (Now Mojo Main). He is intricately woven into the fabric of our urban music culture. Currently, Gentle  is playing a major role (on da low) in the highly anticipated appearance of KRS-ONE at Mojo Main. Gentle says that he plans to start a movement to bring Rap royalty of this caliber to Delaware more often. With power moves such as these, after more than 20 years in the game, one has to recognize Gentle Jones as Hip Hop O.G. and give the man his proper respect. DHH was honored get an exclusive interview with GJ.

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GENTLE_JONES-HIP_HOP_O.G._STIL.zip (146 KB)

Gentle spit these bars in one take!

"I'm Back"

DHH: Where are you from?

GJ: Delaware all day. I live in Wilmington, near Prices Corner.

DHH: Your lyrics are crazy! There is a lot of dope, tongue twistin' wordplay. What does it take and what is the importance or lack thereof of being lyrical in the game today?

GJ: Thank you for the kind words.Being lyrical and having interesting wordplay are the sharpest tools a writer can have. By lyrical I mean specifically using poetic imagery, like William Shakespere or Khalil Gibran do. To turn a phrase with subtle fancy. Few rappers these days are lyrical. Nas is one of those guys who will just make a statement with a few words that make you stop and reflect on his rhyme. Wordplay, on the other hand, is the way the lyrics interlace, the math you put on your rhymes. Some rappers have great word play and crap lyrics. Like Asher Roth. I find artists who use them both hold my attention the best.

DHH: You wear a lot of hats; a journalist, a hip hop artist and I would say you're a hip hop historian and aficianado. Which of these most defines you and why?

GJ: In order to master a craft I think the best way to learn your own path is to study the work of the masters who came before, in any discipline. So I read more than I write. I listen more than I speak. The readers and listeners are the only ones who can judge which role suits me best. I am only doing what comes natural to me, and I have always loved music.

DHH: I saw you on a documentary on PBS talking about Project X and hip hop history in Delaware. Can you share some insight as to that movement and that era of rap in DE History?

GJ: Delaware has always been at the forefront of every American musical movement. Years ago we had famous Jazz clubs right in Wilmington which drew all the legends you still hear of to this day. Rock and Roll we have George Thorogood who is a world class performer and writer. Hardcore we have bands like Stormwatch, My Body My Blood, Hard Response which are beloved in many countries around the world. Hip-Hop we have so many dope acts since the 1980's dropping hot tracks on wax and tapes. Many of these cats are my personal friends. One thing particular to Delaware Hip-Hop is that many of the artists who put out the best, earliest rap records got too deep in the coke game and were entirely side tracked, either by addiction or prison. My advice is to take care of your self and put the music first. Don't compromise your ideals because some mistakes last forever.

DHH: Do you feel like DE has a strong hip hop movement now and is there any potential for break out artist?

GJ: Delaware has always had an awesome underground music scene and scores of artists who might break through at any time. I would love to see it happen. I am doing a show next month with KRS One so obviously Delaware is still relevant and hip-hop is alive and well right here.

DHH: In either case is there anything that DE artists can do better or differently to facilitate commercial success and is that commercial success, the machine, even important?

GJ: This is what I try to do and what I would encourage any Delaware artist to do: Make timeless music. Make something that stands on its own and has your heart and soul in it. You do not know when the next person will discover what you've done, but keep working and you will be heard. If your album sounds like today's Top 40, then next year it will sound like last year. If your music sounds like you and only you then 100 years from now it should still sound fresh to a new listener.

DHH: Have I missed any of your talents and what else would you have people know about you to gain more insight into your talents and passion for hip hop and music?

GJ: Beyond music I shoot and edit film, I've created several television pilots, won awards in film festivals, won many skateboard trophies, I've preached in churches, written for national publications, shoot photos, voice acting, really I try my hand at anything I find interesting.
Check out my videos I have many many styles:

Punk Rock:

Rhythm and Blues:

GJ: Check out my cooking show Grillin and Chillin:

Poet Diva Shivice Brown is making serious waves with her debut album, "Just Wanna Be Heard." The album is a long-awaited recall to musicality and profound words. It consists of melodies and poetry, hooks and harmonies. It is one of the most creative and eclectic such mixes since Floetry's debut. Shivice evolved from a shy withdrawn adolescent into an introspective and outspoken young woman and is sharing that journey, even the most private and painful experiences, with the world. The album has a crisp live band sound and each track is anointed with inspiration. "Just Reach" borrows from the Earth Wind,& Fire classic "Keep Your Head To The Sky." "Hold On" begins with an intro that is contemporary gospel then takes you into another genre and realm. And the new single "Makes Me Smile" is about acknowledging and always remaining enamored by the little things he does. The single's video is a boldy sexy interpretation. Shivice has been tearing up the live circuit in the Tri-State area including Delaware and Philadelphia. Her creativity and passion is evident in her delivery throughout the album and live. Look for Shivice to blaze a trail for the mainstream return of the spoken word artist. Call her The Poet Diva....

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POET_DIVASHIVICE_BROWN_DEBUTS_.zip (775 KB)

Shivice B. Exclusive Interview

Makes Me Smile Video

Just Wanna Be Heard album download
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/just-wanna-be-heard/id512091674

Shiviceb.com

Veteran DJ, Deejay Megaskills has played almost every major venue in the region and had residencies at renowned clubs like Club Flow, Chrome and Rain Lounge, The Lux Lounge and has played homecomings for HBCU's such as Howard University. His celeb DJ roster is stellar and includes Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Usher, Patti Labelle, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, Floyd, Yung Jeezy, The Philadelphia Eagles and more. Megaskills was also a sponsor at the Mind Ur Business Music Conference 2011. A true visionary, he supported the first year event without knowing the outcome and ultimately contributed to its success along with The Respect The DJ movement. Samuel "Sam The Man" Vaughn said of his turntable skills that he is not called MEGAskills for nothing! In addition to being a turntablist, he is also very diverse in his club and radio music formats and. Megaskills can spin everything from Top 40 and Hip Hop to Old School, Latin and Reggae.
In 2012 Thursday nights belong to Deejay Megaskills. From 8pm to 10pm he can be found on www.Goodfellasradio.net spinnin' the mixshow. Then from 11pm to 1am he is in total control as show producer, mix dj and on air personality on www.fleetdjradio.com . With his mix show, Megaskills is gearin' up for a new chapter in his DJ career; one that sets the spotlight on unsigned hype of hip hop, R&B and other urban genres. Artists will have the coveted chance to win rotation on Megaskills internet station. The ongoing contest is called MegaMix My MP3. Artists submit 2 mp3s and if chosen they will be spun in the rotation for one month and interview live with DJ Megaskills. The beauty of Megamix MY Mp3 is that the artists know their record is going to play and can direct their fans as well as expand their fanbase. Artists can send their send 2 mp3 and a small bio to djmegaskills@gmail.com subject: Megamix My Mp3. Tune into www.fleetdjradio.com each Thur starting at 10pm to see which artists make the rotation and featured artist for the following month. For bookings and to find out where The World Famous Deejay Megaskills is playing visit http://www.djmegaskills.com/

DJ Megaskills Exclusive Interview

Contact:
djmegaskills@gmail.com
www.fleetdjradio.com
www.twitter.com/djmegaskills

Press:
http://www.revoltradio.com/2010/05/05/dj-mega-skills-the-mega-music-month-finale/
 
http://thecarolinamovement.com/dj-mega-skills/
 
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011107150307
 
Mixtapes:
 
http://www.datpiff.com/Gucci-Mane-Heat-For-The-Streets-Vol1-mixtape.214499.html
 
http://www.datpiff.com/Wutang-Wu-Tang-Vs-G-Unit-Mega-Mix-mixtape.10570.html
 
http://djnominal.com/music/dj-mega-skills-presents-club-mega-the-tri-state-edition/
 
http://www.datpiff.com/RICK-ROSS-Club-Mega-The-Tri-state-Edition-mixtape.217754.html
 

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DJ_MegaSkills_Puttin_Undergrou.zip (781 KB)

http://www.reverbnation.com/toneygunnz

http://www.datpiff.com/ToneyGunnz-The-Charlie-Sheen-winning-Mixtape-Leak-mixtape.251076.html