NYC Show Highlights Artists Biggest Goal: Making It

“Mamma Imma Make It” is no longer just a phrase for struggling artists & dreamers trying to make a name for themselves–its now being branded and packaged as a showcase series featuring underground artists in NYC.

Started by Samantha Alexandra this is the second showcase titled ‘Mamma Imma Make It’.

“The idea came from being bored in my summer classes and thinking of ways to make some money since I didn’t have time to work,” said Samantha.

“I thought a showcase would be something quick and easy, but everyday that I put together the ideas, I fell more in love with it. I know and have heard extremely talented artists and I just want to make sure they are seen and heard.”

Kendrick Lamar Rocks Sneaker Pimps

Sneaker pimps, the annual event where sneaker enthusiasts come to sell trade and simply bask in the ambience of a venue full of sneakers. It’s obvious that I’m far from a sneaker enthusiast but acts like Kendrick Lamar, Waka Flocka, Jim Jones, Stalley and newcomers Nyemiah Supreme and Kris Kasanova brought out music enthusiasts as well.

As I walked into the high line ballroom, my expectations weren’t too high, but I was immediately hit by the electricity of the crowd as headliner Kendrick Lamar took to the stage. This marked the fourth show in New York headlined by Lamar, and many in the audience proclaimed to have been at them all. Lamar also brought out ASAP Rocky and the rest the ASAP crew to perform ADHD.

Headphones For Multi-Tasking Music Lovers

If you take a look around, the train station, the city streets, and even on TV, almost everyone is rocking a pair of “on ear” headphones. But everyone wears the same brands. Dominating the market include brands like Beats By Dre, Sony, Bose, and Skull Candy. So, because I hate following trends and getting “what everyone else has” I decided to try out the new kid on the block– SOL headphones.

These headphones made such a drastic change in the sound they made me want to do the electric slide to “Otis” (Kanye/Jay-Z). SOL headphones minimize outside noise and create an intense and intimate sound experience.  I heard sounds, and instruments in songs I’d never heard before bringing the impact of the song to the next level.  The full sound almost made me forget I was walking down the streets of New York City. But at the same time, they proved to be the perfect tool to deliver the soundtrack sounds of my life, hand selected by my playlist, and put on blast only in my ears.

And, ironically SOL headphones stand for Soundtrack Of Life. Another cool feature of these headphones are their flexibility. You literally can detach the headphone buds, and the wires and interchange them for a different color, a different look, or a different sound. And the cherry on top?– they’re equipped with a music control piece and a microphone built into the wire.  Perhaps the whip-cream on top is the price– these amazingly functional and high quality headphones are only $99.   These clever headphones provide flexibility, fun functionality and affordability– a rarity when it comes to electronics.

SOL headphones are multi-functional and perfect for the multi-tasking type always on the go.  They are available at Best Buy and Apple locations nation wide. Visit SolRepublic.com for more information.

Read more for more photos.

WATCH: Rye Rye on Music, Fashion and Album

NESHA chats with Rye Rye about music, fashion and a bit about her upcoming album. Rye Rye is a new artist signed to M.I.A.’s label N.E.E.T. Recordings. The 20 year old rapper is also unofficially known as M.I.A.’s protege, evoking a similar out the box sound and style. What seperates this artist is her passion and integration of dance in her performances. Check out the video above as NESHA chats with the up and coming artist about everything she’s been up to, and what inspired her to be more confident in the unique way that she likes to dress.

ASAP Rocky Performs At Santos Party House [video]

After the buzz of Fashion’s Night Out started dying down ASAP Rocky and crew turned it up at Santos Party House with a super jam packed performance.  Even Drake was in attendance openly showing his support for the rising new rapper.  Earlier, Drake made an appearance at the Versace store and introduced ASAP Rocky to the crowd there.  He seems to have taken a great intrest in ASAP who is an up and coming artist out of Harlem NYC.  Last week, Drake attempted to tweet Rocky but tweeted a false twitter account, so it was later deleted–but we have a screenshot (see below).

Check out the video below to see the madness that took place when ASAP Rocky and crew took over Santos. Warning: its a tad bit raunchy. Many who have experienced his music say that ASAP has a strong Cali vibe but he delivers it with a New York attitude.  

Watch below and read more to see the photos.

Jade Performs Beautiful Problems At The Knitting Factory [bonus]

Check out this bonus clip from the night Blind Benny performed at The Knitting Factory.  Their lead singer JADE performed one of her throwback songs from her first EP It’s My Heart, Cookie.  Watch as she performs “Beautiful Problems.”

I also had a quick chat with Shawn Lawrence James.  He’s the man with the plan that put the whole show together.  He’s known for putting on intimate shows with up and coming talent on the brink to breaking into the mainstream.  Watch to see what he had to say about how he discovers new music.

The next show is in a couple of weeks.  Details and link to buy tickets below.