If you know me, then you’ve heard the term “Press Play Power”.  I do not use it often; but what it means is music that makes you press play on your cd player, MP3 player, or your IPOD.  It is addicitve, it is your new favorite song, it makes you hit repeat and play it over and over and over again. 

I will be the first to admit that unitl now, I had never payed attention to Tity Boi or Black Bill Gates.  I knew who they where, as a DJ and a rapper, but until now, I was not a huge fan.  But THIS MIXTAPE…is like crack to the cd player in my car.  It starts off PERFECT with Tity Boi and his Playaz Circle “potna” Dolla Boy on “Not Ya Ordinary”.  Shortly after that I get to hear my favorite Gudda Gudda track “Gettin To The Money” with Tity Boi on it!!!!  WINNER!!!!  But the best song on here, IN MY OPINION is #14 “GO & GET IT”!!!!!  And thank you so much to the wonderful person that decided to put production credits on this mixtape, I will ALWAYS be on the look out for producer MIKE WILL MADE IT!!! (He’s so dope)  

So, if you want something to ride to, that’s GOOD….no that’s GREAT, download this RIGHT NOW! There are 2 links below.  But if you are anything like me, you just had to go find the hard copy.  I GOT 3!!!!

Shout out to DJ Black Bill Gates too, from now on sir, I will pay attention to you!  

DATPIFF Link – http://tinyurl.com/2fcjavf

LIVE MIXTAPES Link – http://tinyurl.com/yggblrh

And DO NOT FORGET to check out DJ BLACK BILL GATES on his site – http://djblackbillgates.com/

Magnedo 7 ( @Magnedo7 on twitter) has been around for a few years and has produced hits for Jim Jones (Blow The Bank) and G Unit.  Although he’s from North Carolina, he spends his time between there and New York working with major label artist on numerous projects.  He recently produced this track for The Teriyaki Boyz, featuring Jay Z, and Real 4 Real on the hook ( @MrReal4Real on twitter).  Just when you think you know who’s working behind the scenes, folks start placing tracks with dudes from Japan!!!  Damn THAT’S HOT! 

Although the Jay Z verse is an old one, it’s a classic and fits right in with track!  The Teriyaki Boyz Boyz are signed to Star Trak Entertainment/Universal and one member of the group named DJ is founder of the popular streetwear brand A Bathing Ape (BAPE) ! So check out the video and hit up @Magnedo7 for some dope tracks with dope hooks written by @MrReal4Real!  You never know who you’re tweeting with on twitter eh???  And I just thought @MrReal4Real was a cool rapper form NC and this cat writes hooks for japanese rappers???  Go Figure!

As the way people buy music changes, so do those wonderful 1st week numbers that the industry looks at from week to week to decide the success of a record.  As a retailer, the success of a record is somewhat different for me.  If I like it, and it is sellable music, then I consider it a success. 

With that being said, in my opinion on many different levels 50 Cent’s new album “Before I Self Destruct” is a very successful, well put together piece of work!  Not to include the promotional tour that he went on to connect with his fan base around the world.  He has always made sure that he gives the fans and retailers every oppurtunity to meet him.  You have no idea how much a simple “Hello, thanks for your support”  makes a world of difference. 

The video above is for what I have proclaimed a HIT single “Do You Think About Me.”  It was produced by Rockwilder and features former Grand Hustle artist Governor.  My customers agree (since I tend to keep the song on repeat) that it is a HOT song.  The album is packed with other hits that have what I call “Press Play Power” such as “So Disrespectful”, “Get It Hot”, and the first single “Baby By Me.” 

As  critics continue to try and sway popular opinion with what  news reports that say 1st week numbers equal bad albums, I ask you as a music retailer to consider the music.  Listen to it and form your own opinion as a music consumer and fan of good music.  Simply because if you listen, you just might find a song, that one song, like the one on the video above.  The one song you like so much that you play it over and over again.

Congrats 50!  Dope record!  Keep ‘em coming!

I have decided to introduce other artists/producers to you that have had “press play power” in the store in the past.   The first is producer J Baker. 

*The many faces of Producer J. Baker*

Check him out at www.myspace.com/jbaker3 and let him know what you think about his production and cop some beats!!!!