Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Video: @MidaZ The Beast and IMAKEMADBEATS "Flyers"






A word of advice – spell the man's name right on your flyers, b. MidaZ the Beast lets loose verbal assault on faulty show promoters in the new DIY-clip for "Flyers," off IMAKEMADBEATS' Daylight/Nightlight.The BlakOut duo have had their fair share of problems with lazy promoters across the country butchering their names (Midas and IMAKEDABEATS, anyone?), but after this video it's unlikely that it will continue to be an issue. 


You're still sleeping on Daylight/Nightlight? Stop fucking around. Listen and download it HERE.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Interesting Things: Akai MPC Renaissance

For a while now, I've been blogging mainly about promotional things like videos, songs, etc. This is mainly because now with Twitter, the thing I'm interested about I can just post there. Its fast and simple.
Well this post is a bit more than 140 characters, and I just felt like blogging about it rather than posting several updates on twitter.

Anyone who has talked to me in the 2 months knows I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the MPC Renaissance. In fact, most of you who I have discussed this with probably want it to come out just so I stop bothering you about when it'll finally come out. This is pretty much the beat machine I've had in my head for years, minus the ability to be a standalone device. I'll admit, when I first saw the promo video for it (I didn't like the promo video for it), and I read it was not standalone and needed a computer, I was turned off from it and pretty much ignored the hype of it for a couple of months. There's a quote I often recite that changed my mind, "The future if owned by not the smartest or the strongest, but by those most willing and able to adapt..." I believe this quote, and it's truth is proven throughout history. I thought to myself, "damn son, you really don't want all the power and efficiency this device would bring because you have to plug it into your laptop? When's the last time u made a beat and wasn't sitting right beside your laptop?" I mentally slapped some sense into myself, and began doing more research on the Renaissance to make sure this was the right step. I've been glued to my MPC 2000xl for the past 6-7 years, and before that, my ASR-10. The majority of my MPC 2000xl years, I was using a ZIP Drive to load sounds, and didn't get a card reader until sometime last year.

I think one of the main things that grabbed my attention about this new MPC was that it still used the I/O of the MPC, but used the power of the software capabilities on a computer. And if you choose, you can also do everything without even looking at the computer. All of the abilities of the software can be manipulated via on the screen on the MPC, as if its not hooked up to a computer at all. It having the MPC Audio hardware (and then its the mpc3000's hardware, which is greeatt) really got my attention. Then of course, similar to Native Instruments Maschine, incorporating the power first exhibited in RECYCLE into an MPC style work flow, I don't think anyone can deny being able to appreciate that.

In my journeys throughout the internet searching for information on the Ren, I keep finding this never ending battle of Maschine vs. Renaissance, which leads to some pretty amusing back and forth's between passionate Native Instrument supporters and MPC heads. I saw the homey Paten Locke make a beat on Maschine, and that alone had me giving props to Maschine. No matter which you prefer, the competition between the two will only mean better support, updates, etc for consumers....and to keep it real, if you really wanna do a Biggie/2pac'esque comparison war, the Maschine should be compared to the new MPC Studio coming out soon alongside the Ren.

No one should expect this or any machine to make you a better producer, but with the speed of its workflow and new tricks (coming from a 2000xl), I should be able to make MAD more Madbeats, and with a faster/easier workflow, knowing myself I'd probably think in a different way, which would lead to new creative ways of doing things. I've already purchased one, and honestly don't mind being one of the first in a fleet of users that will probably report bugs and such, similar to 100% of software that comes out in this generation.

Anyway, check out this video, and let me know what you think on Twitter: @IMAKEMADBEATS or Facebook.com/IMAKEMADBEATS.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

"Word Of Mouth" Behind the Scenes and Video Premier



You don't need to rely on "word of mouth" for this one – Doxside Music Group is proud to present its latest video event on June 29th, as the long-awaited clip for "Word of Mouth" off IMAKEMADBEATS' recently released, critically acclaimed Daylight/Nightlight will officially see the light of day. 
Directed by Varras Tower and featuring Doxside's own MidaZ the Beast, TzariZM, and MURDOC, "Word of Mouth" is a cinematic thriller, packed with action sequences, suspenseful stunts, and of course the now-infamous IMAKEMADBEATS logo stickers. 
Residents of the Ozone (Orlando, FL) get a sneak peek at "Word of Mouth" with an exclusive screening and performances from MidaZ, TzariZM, and MURDOC at Sleeping Moon Cafe on Friday, June 29th at 7pm. Peep the flyer for more details. 

For now, you can catch a glimpse of the video with this short 'behind-the-scenes' trailer. And if you haven't done so already, cop Daylight/Nightlight in both physical and digital formats. 

Monday, June 25, 2012

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

@MidaZ The Beast promotes The Daylight Nightlight EP's


Bloggerhouse Intro A capella
 
Several seasons ago, Doxside Music Group released it's first official mixtape, Dare Iz A Doxside, in collaboration with the good people at Bloggerhouse.net. A slew of fans and listeners made it obvious that the first song, "Bloggerhouse Intro" is a favorite and standout song from the compilation. MidaZ the Beast decided to give those people a slower and a capella performance of his verse.You just might catch some cleverness you didn't the first time around.



Need new music from MidaZ the Beast? Check out The Daylight/Nightlight EP's by IMAKEMADBEATS f. Butta Verses and MidaZ the Beast. It's available NOW on iTunesAmazonGoogle Play, and at DoxsideShop.com

Friday, June 1, 2012

@Preauxx "Puttin' Work"


If you're from the Memphis area, you've probably heard of the homey Preauxx. If not, get to know the guy as he gets ready to drop the incredible When Caged Birds Sing album. Produced by my talented comrade Alexander O'dell, this joint knocks. Learn about these two before someone is telling you you're late for not knowing about them. Seriously.


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

IMAKEMADBEATS & MidaZ The Beast "Figaro Chain Mystery"




Figaro Chain Mystery
 
Doxside's own dynamic duo BlakOut (IMAKEMADBEATS + MidaZ the Beast) hit listeners off with "Figaro Chain Mystery," an apt reminder of the damage these two create when they link up on for a track. With an air of intrigue established by IMAKEMADBEATS' pensive soundtrack, MidaZ demonstrates why he's one of the most vivid storytellers in hip hop today.


This is a bonus cut from the last week released Daylight/Nightlight EP's. To listen to it in its entirety, check it out HERE. Did you see the amazing artwork for CD yet? If you haven't, view it HERE and get your the physical copies at DoxsideShop.com

Digitally now available on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012



The Daylight/Nightlight EP's
 
The timeless battle between good and evil is a story that has been told countless times and evoked through song since the beginning of recorded music. But the story rarely takes place within the realm of one man's mind, and when it is, the line is drawn in an exaggerated way, resulting in unrealistic and unrelated characters.
Doxside Music Group producer IMAKEMADBEATS has broken the mold with his conceptual dual-EP project, Daylight/Nightlight. Featuring emcees Butta Verses and MidaZ the Beast respectively, the two pieces wholly represent the goodness of humanity and the darkest corners of man's soul. 
Daylight finds Butta Verses (best known for his collaborative work with hip hop legends De La Soul) introspectively addressing the positive changes he knows he must make in his life, all while backed by IMAKEMADBEATS' emotionally charged and soulful production. 
Nightlight flips the direction of its companion piece, and allows Doxside Music Group rapper MidaZ the Beast to do what he does best – slay hard-hitting tracks with a ferocity that has earned him a reputation amongst hip hop's lyrical elite. From  alcoholism to themes of betrayal to hurling threats towards faulty show promoters, Nightlight is a visceral assault on listeners' eardrums that still maintains a thump sure to maintain head nods and neck snaps. 
Previously released in an edited form to rave reviews amongst bloggers and online publications, Doxside Music Group is proud to release the complete version of Daylight/Nightlight, with previously unreleased tracks and inspiring album artwork by Florida visual artist Jon Didier. For listeners seeking substance in the soundtrack of their lives, IMAKEMADBEATS' Daylight/Nightlight is a breath of fresh air that demands to be heard.  

 Digital:
Listen to the entire album and purchase it

CD:
Check out a video showcasing CD's incredible visuals by artist Jon Didier!




Monday, May 21, 2012

Behind the Music: @MidaZ on "The Response"

The Daylight/Nightlight EP's drop tomorrow! MidaZ wanted to tell you all the story of how "The Response" from the Nightlight EP came together. Read below.

MidaZ:
So im with my lady one night trying to find a movie to watch in blockbuster. Its a date night so im looking for something kinda calm and (gasp) sweet. Ended up renting a flick called “The thing about my folks”, which is a movie about a guy whose parents separate after like 45 years of marriage. In in there's a part where the guys finds a letter written to his dad from his mom from waay back before they were married. Listening to the letter being read is where i got the idea for the response. I thought it would be dope to write a song from the dads perspective, responding to that letter. I held on the idea for while, which is something i do often, until i found the perfect backdrop for it. Fast forward a year or so. Im in NY getting ready to start working on NightLight with IMAKEMADBEATS. He hadnt played me any beats for months leading up to me getting up there just so that he could play them all for me for the first time in person. It was crazy. Beat after beat after beat was top notch. The beat for ‘The Response’ was one of the beats played that night (as well as some joints you’ll hear on some upcoming projects). IMAKEMADBEATS was in college at the time and he would leave me in his dorm to go to class. Thats where a lot of these joints were written. The response was knocked out one afternoon and when IMAKEMADBEATS heard it he was dumb hyped. I dont quite remember where we layed the vocals at but QUAD is the most likely spot. I do remember him making me lay it like 4 times because he wanted me to convey more emotion. After recording it, IMAKEMADBEATS went crazy on the mix. Got a dude to come into QUAD and lay the horns, tried all types of new mixing techniques, and if i remember correctly, it was the first song we actually sent out and PAID someone to get mastered. Its still one of the more beautiful mixes ive ever heard to this day. Listen to it on May 22nd when we re-release Daylight/Nightlight.

Friday, May 18, 2012

New Video: @KapKallous + Vikto Beats

One of Ozone's finest over a Vikto Beats production. #Salute

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Behind The Music: IMAKEMADBEATS - 7 Years




May 22nd, The Daylight/Nightlight Eps drop via Doxside Music Group. 2 days ago, MidaZ The Beast told you how we made the song "7 Years." Here's what I remember:

The record I chopped for that song was a Chick Corea one. I got the record in Florida somewhere (secret digging spot), and I remember listening to the song over and over again, honestly not really wanting to sample it just out of respect for how good it was. I also was wondering if I had heard it before somewhere... possibly sampled in another song? Ah. Anyway... So I actually came up with the idea for the song before I made the backdrop. When working with an artist, I often come up with ideas first, then search my brain database of samples/chord progressions/thoughts and see if there's anything there that fits the concept of the song and I can build on it. "7 years" fit this sample perfectly, but because I loved the original so much, I chose not to go crazy with the chops, and mainly add around it with organs, 2 different basses, and several other things.

When we started to record it, I remember MidaZ rapping it in classic MidaZ fashion. Like he was going to murder a rapper. I stopped the recording mid-verse and told him to be the character. It was different for him...so he did what he had to to do to become the character. Now while the song ended up being longer than most, it captures the idea perfectly. I think the listeners will respect that.

P.S. After creating the song, I realized where I'd heard the sample before. DJ Krush used it on an instrumental album.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Behind The Music: @MidaZ - 7 Years

So on May 22nd, I'm dropping my next project with MidaZ the Beast and Butta Verses, which is a rerelease of The Daylight/Nightlight Ep's with Bonus cuts and extras, depending on where you get it. MidaZ came up with the idea of telling the story of how each cut came together. Here's what he's saying about the song "7 Years." In the next couple of days, I'll follow up with my perspective of making the joint. Check it out.



In 3 weeks we release to unedited version of Daylight/Nightlight. In the time until we hit u guys over the head with that, ill take the time to break down the science behind the songs on the Nightlight side of the album. First up 7 Years. Brooklyn. Imakemad Beats and myself are working on 3 albums simultaneously (The Transcontinental, Nightlight, and MidaZ Vs Pete Rock). If im not mistaken we had just taken a break from working on "Flyers" (another song on Nightlight) and imakemadbeats was going through some samples while we were scheming on them chinese wings with the fries for the $3.25 downstairs at the chinese spot. He pulled up the sample for 7 years. I pretty much instantly got inspired to write. Busted out the opening bars and froze. I usually dont come up with the idea for songs until im a few bars deep and this song was no different. I remember writing maybe half of the first verse and imakemadbeats asking me to make it darker, and and more drunk, which was tough being that it was like 2:30pm on a beautiful day and i was dumb sober. but i digress. Wrote the song was maad hyped about it and went to quad that so we could lay it down. We was in quad for maad long doing a number of songs that night, drinking and bsing...I think IDE (Creative Juices) was in the lab with us that night but im not sure. Regardless..even tho i wasnt drunk when i wrote it, i was pretty drunk by the time i layed it. So the way it came out on the record is pretty authentic. Why I wrote it? Where the inspiration came from? Not sure. Honestly the inspiration prolly mostly just came from the airiness and darkness of the backdrop. I write some wild stories and im not always sure where inside me they come from. Word. I listen back to it sometimes and feel like i didnt write it all. But its def a classic. Sidenote: Imakemadbeats also completely reworked the bassline from the one i layed that night at quad. If you know me personally ask me about it. Ill play it for you. PEACE"

Monday, April 23, 2012

Stage Vintage 1 Tester from Last Year

So around this time last year, I bought a new Korg Stage Vintage 1 keyboard. It's amazing. To give it a good test, I decided to compose something and use nothing but this keyboard. This means no Pro Tools plugins and no external processing. Just using the eq and effects on the keyboard. I'm in love with how natural it sounds. I used a tremolo on the piano ( when I play that alone, i can hear the hammer strike the string...) two different Organs, synth bass, and strings. I just found this going thru some folders on the laptop. I'm listening back, and wanna sample it like I don't have a pro tools session for it.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Thursday, April 19, 2012

New Wordsworth!


Check out the new joint "Knock On My Door" from emcee Wordsworth(@wordsworthEMC). The homey is dropping The Photo Album June 12th.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

@BlameOne f. @TzariZM & @MidaZ "Put You On" prd by IMMB



Big Shout out to the homey Blame One. Check it out, listen, download, then download the mixtape.

From Doxside Music Group

We get it – it's 2012, we're in the Age of Disposable Blog Music, and there's probably a good chance that the vast majority of new hip hop you've heard in the past few years has…well, fallen flat, to put it nicely. 
Doxside Music Group has been on a mission from the jump to capture that feeling from when rap was actually exciting, and fuse it with a sound that continues to push forward. With that in mind, the crew dropped their second mixtape, Dare Iz A Doxside Vol. 2 in March, and there's no better representation of the caliber of the project's beats and rhymes than in "Put You On." 
Featuring Doxside emcees TzariZM and MidaZ The Beast along with guest vocals from Blame One and production by in-house producer IMAKEMADBEATS, the song harkens back to a time when rappers actually had dope voices, beats actually knocked, and listeners actually hit repeat. We hope you enjoy…and if you haven't already, peep Dare Iz A Doxside Vol. 2 today. 




Monday, March 26, 2012

Wordsworth (@WordsworthEMC) "Joy & Pain" produced by Apollo Brown

Wordsworth is back. His first single "Joy & Pain" produced by Apollo Brown is a banger, so much a banger, that XXLMag.com has it up on XXL Bangers. I had the pleasure of mixing most of Wordsworth's upcoming album, including this song, and I'll tell you now... Don't be the last person to hear this. Help your life out a bit, and not only listen to and download this song, but get The Photo Album as well on June 12th.
LISTEN:
   

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

M-Phazes Explains Some Things

M-Phazes gives a good and simple explanation for all those intimidated by the term "sidechain compression." Shouts to the homey.

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Nord

I truly didn't plan the walls to be the same color as Keyboard. Shouts to the Nord. That was/is still a great keyboard.


Friday, February 17, 2012

Producer S1 recreates "Excellence"(Murder to Excellence) from Watch the Throne

I used to live in NYC. Years and years ago at a Beat Society at the no longer there Manhattan Knitting Factory, I met S1, a really dope and humble producer for a group called The Strange Fruit Project. He was on stage with what I think was a Motif. Craazzy beats. Anyway, it's always great to see people progress in their careers. Here's a video explaining his production for Kanye and Jay-Z's "Watch the Throne." Check it out.



Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Chardonnay and OE by @iSynopse



Doxside artist Synopse drops Chardonnay & OE for Valentines day, and whenever the hell you feel like vibin' out. Me personally, I'm not a believer in vaginal day, so to me, this is a project for you guys to play when you're with your girl and vice versa. I produced the title track, track 9. Outside of the fact that its a really dope project from my team, I got love for that song because that was in the first 40 beats I made on the ASR-10 back in like 2003 or 2004. You can hear the ASR all over the texture of the beat. And who the hell puts Chardonnay and Ol English in the same phrase? Shout out to Synopse. You gotta check it out.

DOWNLOAD IT NOW