Gallery Music Celebrating Andre Young: Dre Day Chicago 2012

February 21, 2012 - 12:00 pm

Not everyone is satisfied just sitting around waiting for Dr. Dre to drop his long-awaited Detox album. A growing number of fans of this respected hip-hop multi-talent have gathered across the country every year to celebrate Andre Young’s decades-spanning arsenal of music and influence on his birthday. Yup, it’s Dre Day. And on its fourth year in Chicago (second held at the Double Door), fans put on their Compton skullies and lumberjack flannels, grab a Colt 45, and enjoy the everlasting potency of smoked-out West Coast G-funk.

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Music YG: Def Jam’s West Coast Rapping Prodigy

March 21, 2011 - 11:27 am

YG at Red Bull Studios 2011

It had been 15 years since the infamous Def Jam Records had approached a West Coast rapper with a recording contract. That was the case until they stumbled upon YG. At just 19 years of age, YG signed with the prestigious label and began feverishly writing and recording. With the help of hit single “Toot it and Boot it,” YG found himself on a surreal track to stardom. He is currently working on a new album and is set to drop a mixtape in a few weeks.

The recent 21-year old is having the time of his life: a growing fan base, countless birthday celebrations, radio airplay, and a blossoming career. While in the studio to put the finishing touches on his mixtape, YG sat down with ChinaShop to explain how he landed his deal with Def Jam and how he’s celebrating his newly found success.

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Gallery Music Who is Sozay?

February 21, 2011 - 1:12 pm

Sozay is a rising Los Angeles rapper who aspires to step away from today’s overdone rap lyrics that cater to egos and empty messages. Striving to provide fans with meaningful rhymes packed with emotion and heart, Sozay prides himself on his ability to comfortably expose his insecurities and give people a true insight into who he really is. Considered a lyrical mastermind, Sozay isn’t afraid to push boundaries and challenge today’s hip-hop standards. He looks to rappers of the past as sources of inspiration and constantly pulls elements of these iconic performers into his music today.

With a persistent work ethic and exploding fan base, Sozay is making his mark on the rap scene. He recently released a teaser EP titled, “Who is Sozay” and his track “High Hopes” is rotating through West Coast stations. Sozay is currently putting the finishing touches on his upcoming debut “Black September” and is about to hit the road in March to share the stage with hip-hop legends, House of Pain.

On February 10th, LA guests were treated to a pre-Grammy party, featuring a special performance by Sozay. Before the guests arrived and rushed the open bars, the rapper, who is soon to be on everyone’s radar, gave ChinaShop a behind-the-scenes look at his booming career.

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