LifeIsTremendez Presents: 7 Artists To Watch For In 2015

LifeIsTremendez 7 Artists to Watch in 2015

People send me their music links all day long on social media and in my email, but with a schedule like mine, it’s damn near impossible to ever sit there and listen to it…not to mention the fact that I really don’t care to. Being that I have no interest in being a manager or a publicist, I’m not really scouting for new talent like, ever.

However, there are times when I stumble across new things that I love. Working in music, I meet tons of artists all of the time – some already established, some working their way up. Of the latter, it’s more than just the music that tends to pique my interest, as I pay attention to their social media interaction, their personality, their style, the team they’ve put in place (because NO one can do this on their own,) and their overall brand. There are tons of songs I come across from upcoming artists that I do enjoy, but if the only thing they have going on for themselves is a good song or two, I’m not ready to commit as a “fan” just yet.

That being said, there are a handful of young, hungry artists I’ve met this year, and 7 in particular truly stood out to me. I love putting people on to new music, especially stuff that I am passionate about. Though I’m not an A&R, I do recognize the fact that I’m in a position to shed light on things, and I definitely need people to be checking for these guys! In NO order (though I do go from west to east,) check out our list below of who to watch for in 2015. Remember who told you!
Continue Reading

Marisa Mendez On Juan Epstein’s 2014 Finale

Marisa Mendez x Peter Rosenberg

I accidentally walked in on Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg while they were recording the 2014 finale of their Juan Epstein podcast, so of course I had to add a few gems. In between talks of Iggy Azalea vs. Q-Tip/the world, police brutality and fan questions, I discussed my recent adventures in the bedroom and other lovely things of that nature.

Stream the episode below, and for all Juan Ep episodes, subscribe here on iTunes.
Continue Reading

Mixtape: Dave East – Straight Outta Harlem

East

Orchestrated by Scram Jones, Harlem rapper Dave East comes through with a gift for fans just before the holiday, Straight Outta Harlem. The 20-track mixtape is a mixture of new songs and new freestyles, and serves as the follow-up to his recently released EP, Black Rose. The kid is working!

Stream and download Straight Outta Harlem below, then head to MTV to check out his latest video, “Around Here.”
Continue Reading

(Video) That NJ Ish: Dougie F. Talks Jersey Movement, Mad Decent, White Girls & More On Hot 97

Dougie F x Hot 97_LifeIsTremendez

Right now is such a huge time for Jersey. Over the years, we’ve had an artist blow up here and there, but our state is finally buzzing with SO many talented individuals getting recognition on a large scale at the same time. We’ve got Fetty Wap blowing up with “Trap Queen,” Karen Civil building a freakin’ empire,  Mike Zombie signed to OVO and producing for some of the biggest names in the game (plus rapping crazy too,) Drewski, DJ Naim and DJ Wallah spinning on Hot 97, myself doing what I do (ya diiig,) Joe Budden still being relevant to hip-hop and pop culture, and now Dougie F. blowing up as well with his DJ Fire-produced single, “Back Up On It (Jasmine.)”

Dougie‘s track garnered the attention of Diplo earlier this year, who signed the Orange, New Jersey native to his Mad Decent imprint, and has since brought him on tour to stadiums around the country. As his name grows, Dougie stopped by Hot 97‘s Ebro In The Morning last week to discuss his rise to fame, as well as New Jersey‘s movement, his strong white girl game (LOL!) and more. Check out the interview below, plus the video to “Back Up On It.”
Continue Reading

(Video) That NJ Ish: Karen Civil Discusses Her Career On Ebro In The Morning

Karen Civil x hot 97

Karen Civil has come a long way from Elizabeth, New Jersey. The digital trap star is currently moving all around the country on a motivational speaking tour, while simultaneously writing a book, running a huge website, her Live Civil brand, the career of Nipsey Hussle and more. Oh, and there’s that whole Beats By Dre thing, the WeezyThanxYou thing, the digital campaigns for Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Mary J. Blige…the list goes on. My girl is out here killin’!

Stopping by Ebro In The Morning at Hot 97 on Friday, KC discussed her humble beginning as a Hot 97 intern, and how she moved up the ranks from Dip Set, to Lil Wayne, to Beats to now being THE one and only Karen Civil. Check out the inspirational interview below. JERSEY, son!

P.S. Rosenberg, everyone “knows who the f*ck Marisa Mendez is.” The streets love the kid. Ha!
Continue Reading

A Track-By-Track Breakdown Of ‘The Pinkprint’ We Gathered From Nicki Minaj’s Q&A

The Pinkprint cover_LifeIsTremendez

Nicki Minaj took to Twitter earlier today for a brief Q&A with her Barbz, in anticipation of her forthcoming album The Pinkprint, in stores December 15. During the chat, Nicki answered questions about almost every song on the album she’s dubbed “by far [her] best,” so we’ve gathered them all to give you a track-by-track breakdown!

She also revealed that she’ll be embarking on a tour tentatively titled The Pinkprint Tour in 2015, with tickets going on sale at the end of the month.

As for this weekend’s Saturday Night Live performance? We’ll be getting a live rendition of “Bed Of Lies,” “Only“…and something new! Wonder what it will be! Get the 411 on The Pinkprint‘s tracks below.
Continue Reading

(Photos) 7 Rappers & Their Non-Famous Baby Mamas! (Meek Mill, Juelz Santana, 2 Chainz & More!)

rappers baby mamas - 2 Chainz x Heaven

Rappers baby mamas are often hidden from their social media, as that part of their lives usually happened before the fame, and there’s a variety of factors that leads to the need for privacy. Often times it unfortunately is because the caliber of woman is way below the type they’ve become known for dating, and the boogawolf being discovered may be a little damaging to the rep they’ve attempted to build, but it also can be because of the woman’s desire to be out of the limelight, not only for personal reasons but for safety reasons as well.

This doesn’t fly for everyone, as there are plenty of baby mamas who came after the fame, and though they may not necessarily be celebrities as well, they’re probably at least Instagram famous. You know how these chicks do these days! However…this post isn’t about them.

I’m sure a lot of you are curious as to the caliber of women these guys had before the money and the fame, so I’ve put together a few of the rappers baby mamas list below. Check out who Meek Mill, Juelz Santana, 2 Chainz and more were with way back when!
Continue Reading