Brand new music from new R&B artist Ballad that debuted on Just A Muse earlier today. The song “Love From Morocco” was produced by Jay Muse and is available for download in the audio player below. Be expecting to hear more in the future.

The polls are now up for the Top Nominees of one of the most anticipated award ceremonies in
Minneapolis/St. Paul history the 2012 Twin Cities Urban Music Awards. Voters shouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to vote for their favorites now because the polls are currently closed. However, voting for the final round will resume from February 24th-March 9th with the actual ceremony taking place on March 23rd 2012 at the EPIC Event Center in Minneapolis. The nominees for each category were posted on the website http://www.twincitiesurbanmusicawards.com/ recently and full details of the event are available on the “The 1st Annual Twin Cities URBAN Music Awards 2012″ Facebook page.

Now here are the Top 7-8 Nominees for the The 1st Annual Twin Cities URBAN Music Awards 2012:

Music Video/Videographer Of The Year:
Recess Kidd Redd “Dranks Up” Ft. Book Money & Avey Quakes – Casey Kruchten KCP
Chantel Winn “No More” – Sharpestmemory
Gaines “Mental” – 13twentythree
Straight Check$ “Drifting Away” – Neo Film Movement
2Tone ft.Crown Vick & Mikke “Tatz & Rackz Remix”‏ – Mick Swag
S. Madison “Fall” Ft The Rxmedy – 13twentythree
Rob-1 Ft. Megan Duncan “Revolution” – morningsidefilms
Trilla “It’s About To Go Down” – Go Hard Tv / Easy Money Tv

Male Rap Artist Of The Year:
Rocky Diamonds
Yung Truth
Rob-1
Gaines
A-Lo
Sick
Chevy Boy
S. Madison

Female Rap Artist Of The Year:
Miss Tress
Laidee P
Sweetz P
Recess Kidd Redd
Desdamona
Lady Vicious
Katana
Nook Chi-Girl

Male R&B Artist Of The Year:
Chrishan
Crisis Fresh
Trilla
Rxmedy
Rico Nevotion
Checkmate
Marquise KingReckless Mason
J Isaac

Female R&B Artist Of The Year:
Chantel Winn
Chantel Sings
Christina Sophia Fisher
Auburn
Margeaux Davis
Paris Benett
Tiffany Carter
Dezire

Song Of The Year:
Rob-1 Ft. Megan Duncan – “Revolution”
Midwest Selects – “Frostbite”
Raemo-P – “O’man”
O.B.F. – “Fresh Like POW”
2Tone ft. Crown Vick & Mikke – “Tatz & Rackz Remix”‏
S. Madison ft The Rxmedy – “Fall”
Trilla – “It’s About To Go Down”
Holli BMS Bangz – “Charlie Sheen”

Album Of The Year:
Verstyle Cho & Kente – From Da Country 2 The City
Book Money – Challenged
King Sandman – Jewelleo’s Story
Sick – Ridin Wit No L’s
Trilla – Soul Of A Man
Absent – Amber Alert
Mike Dreams – Just Waking Up
Chantel Sings – Beautiful Dream

Mixtape Of The Year:
Skip Grandz – Doobie Brothers w/Drew Doe & Peter Parker
Kente – New Jack Of The Twin Cities Vol.2 “The Resurface”
Youngree and JISI – Jump In Sum Ice Vol.1
Young Nuk – Up Up N Away
Ghost‏ – Mr. I don’t Tell
Taylor J – Takeover Vol.1
Crown Vick & Mr. Dee – Stuck Together
T Baby – Maserati Baby

Lyricist Of The Year:
Kashy
Selfish
Kiddricc
St. Paul Slim
Muja Messiah
Mike Dreams
Concept
Toki Wright

Best Group Of The Year:
Midwest Selects
Jaded Rzeign
Take 2
TEAM RNB
OBF- One Big Family
Verstyle Cho & Kente
Pretty Money
The Lawbreakers
Dajo Vu

Grinder Of The Year:
Lady Williams
DJ Laylow
Jay Estate
Ice Dude
Rico Nevotion
DJ Rush
T Bizzy
Book Money

MPLS MVP Of The Year:
Big Wiz
Rico Nevotion
Sick
Chevy Boy
King Sandman
Jay Estate
Ice Dude
Lil Cheiff On Da Trakk

STP MVP Of The Year:
Bishop Swagghop
Fedy
Mista Maeham
St. Paul Slim
Dubb J
HC Da Chemist
Toki Wright
Willie Jamez

Rookie Of The Year:
Swagnificent
12 Gage
Yung Jr6
Kid Stunna
Lorenzo Hampton
D.Eazy
Tay Betta

TC’s Most Slept On:
Big Moe
Jay El
Untamed Youth
Reo Galor
Free Money
BlaccOut
Yung Sippi
Drizzle

TC’s Next To Blow:
Midwest Selects
Chantel Winn
$Bags
Dreezy The Canon
Dunn Deal
Crown Vick
51fitty
Tonytone Montana

Promoter Of The Year:
Indie Artist Circle Management
Lady Erin
So Classy Ent
ATG
Black N White Ent
L.O.T.P.
T.B.M. Ent
Six twelve magazine

Record Label Of The Year:
Long Doe Records
Still Real Records
Blaze 1 Camp Ent
Money Ap Ent
Pledge Empire Records
Guaranteed Ent
Rhymesayers
Velvo Records

Producer Of The Year:
Midwest Melt Down Productionz
T-Mic Beats
CeeSaw
Checkmate
T-Lace
Holli BMS Bangz
Hakeem The Poet
Young Mennace

DJ Of The Year:
DJ Laylow
DJ Clubbanga
DJ Rawskillz
DJ D.Mil
DJ Enferno
DJ Bro Jules
DJ Drumma Boy
DJ Advance

Best Radio Station Of The Year:
Hello Squad Music Group Da Goon Hour
107.5WDEPRadio
Rob G Radio
Kmoj Tite At Nite
IndieHop w/ Sunshine on Hittin Lick Radio
The Session (KFAI)
Kmoj “WEEKEND GROOVE” W/Marciano & Jayestate

Best Graphic Artist Of The Year:
Midwest Melt Down Productionz
Get Bizzie designz
Still Real Records
Gemini Grafix
Phillip Garcia
Hi-Def
13TwentyThree
Pulido GFX

Livest Local Artist Show Of The Year:
Sippizone Supaunit Cbosent Events
T.B.M. Ent Events
Mixtape Monday’s @ T’s Place
1st Round Open Mic Shows
Vibin Open Mic Shows
Tight on Ya Ass IAC
DJ Rush Open Mic Tuesdays
The Knockout Freestyle Emcee Battle

Host Of The Year:
Lady Williams
Young Marciano
Jemika Hayes
Chris Styles
B-Luv
Jay Estate
B Wright
Lisa Moy

Photographer Of The Year:
Go Hard Photography
Harlan Dorman
Hi-Def Photos
13TwentyThree Photography
In House Media
BabiBoo#1 Photo’s
Fella Fellz
KCP612

Model Of The Year:
Casarah Baker
Rocki-B
Nitra
Ashley Tremblay
Diamond MsBabee – TBM Model
Kitty – InUrFace Model
Tru Chase
Nema Dean – ATG Diva

Here’s brand new music from MaLLy who is currently performing in this month’s “Welcome To Minnesota” tour. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.

HipHopClub is proud to announce that the Nu Music Group will be hosting its 1st Annual Twin Cities Urban Music Awards on March 23rd, 2012 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the EPIC Event Center. The event has 25 categories which recognizes the movers and shakers of the Twin Cities entertainment scene. Open voting for the qualifying contestants is happening now through the end of January. On February 1, 2012 the 2nd round will feature the top 8 nominees of each category for the TCUMA’s. Simply go to http://www.TwinCitiesUrbanMusicAwards.com to cast your vote. Voters are allowed to vote only once per day for their favorite contestant.

Here is the current list of categories and qualifying participants:

Music Video/Videographer Of The Year:
Black Ice ft Impirio & Cru “Take You High” – Dave Wilson
Tae Guapo “I Just Wanna Make It” – 13twentythree
Recess Kidd Redd “Dranks Up” Ft. Book Money & Avey Quakes – Casey Kruchten KCP
Big Wiz “Pure Class” – Abhinav
Lil Cheiff On Da Trakk “Haterz On Dekk” – Lil Cheiff On Da Trakk
Rocky Diamonds “Drivin Wit Our Eyes Closed” – Urban Class Films
TVick ft. Young Thon “Get Money, Make Music” – Fella Fellz
2Tone ft.Crown Vick & Mikke “Tatz & Rackz Remix”‏ – Mick Swag
Gaines “Mental” – 13twentythree
Da Street Kid “I’mma Problem” Easy Money Tv
Mental Mid ft. FA Beezy – Neo Film Movement
Chantel Winn “No More” – Sharpestmemory
S. Madison “Fall” Ft The Rxmedy – 13twentythree
Dookie Feat. Rocky Diamonds “Dust” – 13twentythree
Bishop Swagghop “Fred Flinstone” – Ben Hughes Studios
Left Right Boyz ft. J. Isaac , Buddah Bless “Time” – Hi-Def
Rob-1 Ft. Megan Duncan “Revolution” – morningsidefilms
Trilla “It’s About To Go Down” – Go Hard Tv / Easy Money Tv
Straight Check$ “Drifting Away” – Neo Film Movement
Fedy ft. Gucci Mane, Griselda Blanco “All Dis Money” – Hi-Def
Kash Da Kid Ft Bizzie Official “Tunnel Vision” – Fella Fellz

Male Rap Artist Of The Year:
Smart Guy Chevelle
Chevy Boy
Yung Truth
Dookie
Buddah Bless
Meta
Mista Maeham
Unknown
Fedy
Rob-1
Meech
T Vick
Rocky Diamonds
Prof
Toki Wright
Sick
Mac Irv
Young Tyson
A-Lo
YD
Eddie Gwopo
Tony Bones
King Sandman
K-Bone
T-Storm
Gaines
S. Madison
G-Beck
FIC
Money Mouse
Chillah Rose

Female Rap Artist Of The Year:
Laidee P
Recess Kidd Redd
Miss Tress
Nook Chi-Girl
Sweetz P
Desdamona
Lady Vicious
Katana

Male R&B Artist Of The Year:
Black
Checkmate
Rico Nevotion
DaJo Vu
Deon The Phenom
Chrishan
J Isaac
Rxmedy
Kovan
Troy Bell
Trilla
Marquise KingReckless Mason
Crisis Fresh

Female R&B Artist Of The Year:
Salimah Bryant
Chantel Sings
Margeaux Davis
Chantel Winn
Auburn
Christina Sophia Fisher
Tiffany Carter
Dezire
Paris Benett

Song Of The Year:
Crisis Fresh – “Real R&B”
Money Ap Ent – “Throw My M’z Up”
KO – “I Got Money”
Kid Stunna – “Life Aint Easy”
Rob-1 Ft. Megan Duncan – “Revolution”
Trilla – “It’s About To Go Down”
Mental Mid – “Work”
Sick – “Uugh”
S. Madison ft The Rxmedy – “Fall”
TEAMRNB – “GO BACK”
2Tone ft. Crown Vick & Mikke – “Tatz & Rackz Remix”‏
Raemo-P – “O’man”
O.B.F. – “Fresh Like POW”
Midwest Selects – “Frostbite”
Holli BMS Bangz – “Charlie Sheen”

Album Of The Year:
Verstyle Cho & Kente – From Da Country 2 The City
Chantel Sings – Beautiful Dream
Absent – Amber Alert
Mike Dreams – Just Waking Up
Sick – Ridin Wit No L’s
King Sandman – Jewelleo’s Story
Book Money – Challenged
Carnage – Worth The Wait
M.anifest – Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America
The Anchormen – South Side Action News
Tony Bones – The Legacy
Sti-Lo Reel – All of Me
Trilla – Soul Of A Man

Mixtape Of The Year:
P-Nut The Artist – The Chronicles Of Burnsville Pt.1
Crown Vick & Mr. Dee – Stuck Together
Taylor J – Takeover Vol.1
Mista Maeham- Bread or Lead
Kente – New Jack Of The Twin Cities Vol.2 “The Resurface”
Skip Grandz – Doobie Brothers w/Drew Doe & Peter Parker
Ghost‏ – Mr. I don’t Tell
G.Beck & Poncho – Pick Your Poison
T-Storm – This Is Just Practice Vol. 5.5
Young Nuk – Up Up N Away
T Baby – Maserati Baby
Selfish – Rise To Power
Gizzyboyy – Lust My Success
Chrishan – Man of the Year 2 w/ DJ Ill Will & HotNewHipHop
Youngree and JISI – Jump In Sum Ice Vol.1
Smart Guy Chevelle -Train Of Thought

Lyricist Of The Year:
Muja Messiah
Kiddricc
St. Paul Slim
Selfish
Mally
Veez Riddlez
Kashy
Mike Dreams
Toki Wright
Concept

Best Group Of The Year:
Midwest Selects
The Lawbreakers
Paper Roll$
OBF- One Big Family
The Round Table Ent
TEAM RNB
Impirio & Cru
PLK N Pakman
Pretty Money
The Anchormen
Team T.O.E.
Atmosphere
Cherry Sky Studios
Jaded Rzeign
Youngree and JISI
St. Paul Kings
Take 2
Mobb Music Affiliates
Tycoon City
Tha Villianz
Doomtree
501 Gang
Money Ap Ent
Straight Check$
U.G.S.
Long Doe Records
Get Money Crazy
Verstyle Cho & Kente
VIP
M.O.E. (Money Ova Everything)
Soundsick
G.L.U.E.

Grinder Of The Year:
Book Money
Ak Atm Muzik
Prince Carlton
DJ Rush
T Bizzy
Ice Dude
Jay Estate
Sippizone Supaunit Cbosent
Lady Williams
Rico Nevotion
Young Marciano
Lorenzo Hampton
StudioThe Kid
DJ Laylow

Minneapolis MVP Of The Year:
Ace B Hitchcock
Jay Estate
Sick
King Sandman
Ice Dude
Selfish
D-sota
Rico Nevotion
Big Wiz
Chevy Boy
Lil Cheiff On Da Trakk

St. Paul MVP Of The Year:
Willie Jamez
Fedy
Apple Jacc
HC Da Chemist
Dubb J
St. Paul Slim
Bishop Swagghop
Toki Wright
Dat Boy Brown
Mista Maeham

Rookie Of The Year:
Tay Betta
12 Gage
Lorenzo Hampton
D.Eazy
Swagnificent
Yung Jr6
Kid Stunna

TC’s Most Slept On:
Yung Jr6
12 Gage
Drizzle
Hella-Cik a.k.a Dacatti
Davinci Code
Swagnificent
Hostile 6
Capizzil
E-Monsta
BlaccOut
Sweetz P
Untamed Youth
Mobb Music Affiliates
Skip Grandz
Big Moe
Absent
Ron-G
KO
Fly Boy Beezy
Epidemic
Kristyle
P-Nut The Artist
Jay El
Yung Sippi
Verb
Keyvo
Tycoon-Da-C.e.o.
Free Money
Averahle Quakez
Fly Henderson
Poncho
King Ausar
Yella Boii
King Moee Beatz
Cashinova
Maniac P Glass
Gizzyboyy
N.I.G.
Mn_Flame
Luminati Walton
Reo Galor

TC’s Next To Blow:
Straight Check$
Young Nuk
Youngree and JISI
Tae Guapo
U- Sity
Mental Mid
Jrichol
51fitty
Crown Vick
Uneasy
Mo/Vell
Kash Da Kid
Midwest Selects
Beasly
Tonytone Montana
Dreezy The Canon
Gunna Mane
Maserati Baby
Chantel Winn
Da Street Kid
P-Nut The Artist
Apple Jack
Sti-Lo Reel
Bobby James
Dunn Deal
D. Eazy
Mr. 83
$Bags

Promoter Of The Year:
ATG
Black N White Ent
Mr. Biggs Entertainment
L.O.T.P.
Tagg Magazine
Indie Artist Circle Management
4seen Magazine
5 Star Entertainment
SBG Ent
JMR Inc.
Six twelve magazine
The Franchise
So Classy Ent
Lady Erin
Prince Carlton
T.B.M. Ent

Record Label Of The Year:
Blaze 1 Camp Ent
Guaranteed Ent
Velvo Records
Pledge Empire Records
Long Doe Records
Rhymesayers
Still Real Records
Money Ap Ent

Producer Of The Year:
T-Lace
Megha Mann
Zone Beats
Mike The Martyr
T-Mic Beats
Process Tha PulzeRazr
Chrishan
Vegas
Sinister Grinch
Tek
Nicademus
Midwest Melt Down Productionz
D Mennace
CeeSaw
Young Mennace
The Commission
Holli BMS Bangz
Hakeem The Poet
Checkmate
Greg Romero
VI
ChukOneManBand

DJ Of The Year:
DJ Papadoc
DJ Intenze
DJ Rawskillz
DJ Gemini
DJ Advance
DJ XL
DJ Drumma Boy
DJ Laylow
Dj Donte
DJ D.Mil
DJ Bro Jules
DJ Mike Mack
DJ One
DJ Hollywood Hotrod
DJ KG
DJ Clubbanga
DJ Enferno

Best Radio Station Of The Year:
Kmoj “WEEKEND GROOVE” W/Marciano & Jayestate
The Session (KFAI)
Rob G Radio
Kmoj Tite At Nite
107.5WDEPRadio
Hello Squad Music Group Da Goon Hour
IndieHop w/ Sunshine on Hittin Lick Radio

Best Graphic Artist Of The Year:
Hi-Def
Gemini Grafix
Pulido GFX
Still Real Records
Get Bizzie designz
Creative Standard
Midwest Melt Down Productionz
13TwentyThree
Phillip Garcia

Livest Local Artist Show Of The Year:
Pledge Empire Records Events
The Knockout Freestyle Emcee Battle
Tight on Ya Ass IAC
Vibin Open Mic Shows
DJ Rush Open Mic Tuesdays
1st Round Open Mic Shows
Sippizone Supaunit Cbosent Events
T.B.M. Ent Events
Where It’s At Wednesdays
Mixtape Monday’s @ T’s Place

Host Of The Year:
Tee Moore
B Wright
Chris Styles
Jemika Hayes
Young Marciano
Lisa Moy
Jay Estate
The One And Only Black
B-Luv
Lady Williams

Photographer Of The Year:
Nored Photos
Hi-Def Photos
13TwentyThree Photography
InUrFace Photography
KCP612
Fella Fellz
In House Media
Go Hard Photography
BabiBoo#1 Photo’s
Harlan Dorman

Model Of The Year:
Diamond MsBabee – TBM Model
Ashley Tremblay
Darliza Howse – InUrFace Model
Bailar Queen – InUrFace Model
Rocki-B
Brianna Jackson
Ciara Jiana – ATG Diva
Kitty – InUrFace Model
Gabby Roberts – ATG Diva
Casarah Baker
Tru Chase
Nitra
Takheisha Doss
Nema Dean – ATG Diva
Jazz Milaya
Allegra Sapphire
Netti Detwiler
Kemah Duopu

There is a bill currently going through Congress that will censor the internet in the name of fighting “online piracy”. “Protect IP Act” (PIPA) and “Stop Online Piracy Act” (SOPA) Website such as Wikipedia and Google are already raising awareness by blacking out their site or posting additional information telling the public to oppose the two bills. There are several websites available where you can take action or you may contact your member of Congress.

fightforthefuture.org/pipa
https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/
http://sopa.boldprogressives.org/survey/survey_sopa_reddit/

Guccio of Quit Playing Entertainment announced yesterday that the highly anticipated “Moscato Music” project with Laudie On Da Track will be available Thursday, February 9th via LiveMixtapes.com and unveiled the cover artwork. The mixtape will be hosted by DJ Scream with production from Laudie and Drumma Boy and is sponsored by the St. Lunatics Freaky Muscato wine brand. Music featured on the project will be from Shorty Da Prince, Hakeem Tha Dream, Aloha Mi’Sho, Bradd Young, Ebony Eyez, J-Kwon, Murphy Lee, Bun B, Rockwell Knuckles, Brittney J and Fame & Fortune.

Below is BTS footage of Guccio, Laudie, Kyjuan, Ebony Eyez and Rico Wade (producer for Outkast) of Organized Noize in the studio working on the project. I personally got to watch the experience which was pretty cool.

Common done started something. Is this dude really challenging people to a sweet potato pie cook-off? LMAO I’m sorry Minneapolis but St. Louis will win this LOL.

It’s well known that I’m top 5 dead or alive in the kitchen. Squash the beef and get you a piece. Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color coming soon. – Ali

Brother Ali-Sweet (Potato Pie) by Justamuse1

Since the turn of the year a lot of radio listeners in the Twin Cities have been adapting to the format changes that took place at Northern Lights Broadcasting. 96.3 officially changed their call letters to K-Twin and the station decided to yield from playing Pop and R&B music in the rotation. The station made the shift at midnight on New Years Day without stunting to an alternative adult contemporary format that includes more news, sports, traffic and weather. The new morning show is hosted by KARE-11 news anchor Eric Perkins and radio personalities Danni Star and Tony Fly.

The Operating Vice President of Northern Lights, Sam Elliot stated that an extensive research study was conducted back in September indicating that this is what listeners wanted. He also claims that 70% of the songs played will be music that isn’t currently being played in the market.

Northern Lights Broadcasting is owned by the Pohlad family who also owns the Minnesota Twins baseball team. Since purchasing B 96 from Radio One back in 2007 the company has managed to eradicate hip hop music from the stations format altogether. It seems kind of strange how radio stations that play all urban music are slowly depleting with these multiple format changes and transmitter antennas being moved around. The Twin Cities doesn’t have one station on the FM dial that plays hip hop music all day.

With the Twin Cities having such a strong underground hip hop scene it’s odd not to have a radio station that fully ministers urban music. The underground was heavy before B96 FM ever came along and Minnesota will continue to have a strong movement long after they’re gone.

Here is a list of stations in the area that cater more towards urban music:

KMOJ 89.8 FM
KFAI 90.3/106.7 FM – Produces the weekly show RSE Radio (Rhymesayers Entertainment Radio)
KCMP 89.3 The Current – Plays Twin Cities hip hop in regular rotation as well as the weekly show Redefinition Radio
KUOM 770 AM Radio K – University of Minnesota College Radio and home of the Beatbox Show
KCLD 104.7 – Plays hip hop along with other music genres including R&B, country and pop
WMCN 91.7 FM – Macalester College Radio – Weekly hip hop shows featuring local artists
KVSC 88.1 FM – plays many local artists on The Area show on Mondays and an hour block of local hip hop at 10pm on Urban Invasion on Thursdays.

“Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color” album coming soon.

Atmosphere will be going on a week long Welcome To Minnesota tour in February featuring Kill the Vultures, Big Quarters, MaLLy, and BK-One. Tickets are available now for purchase through Ticketmaster. Tickets for the Minneapolis, Duluth, and St. Cloud shows can be purchased at Fifth Element.

2012 Welcome To Minnesota Tour dates:

2.20.12 – Mankato, MN @ Verizon Wireless Center Ballroom

2.21.12 – Bemidji, MN @ Sanford Center Ballroom

2.22.12 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue: SOLD OUT

2.23.12 – Duluth, MN @ Clyde Iron Works

2.25.12 – Rochester, MN @ Mayo Civic Center Auditorium

2.26.12 – St. Cloud, MN @ SCSU Atwood Center Ballroom

Somebody, MN feat. Atmosphere, Kill The Vultures, Big Quarters & MaLLy by rhymesayers