IGotNext

IGotNext features hip-hop artists with that spark, potential, swag or whatever you wanna call it, to take it to the next level. We at the Planet are sports junkies, so it's our opportunity to scout out potential blue-chip All-American in the hip hop game and give a platform to shine before MTV/BET/Fuse networks and the labels catch on.

Note to Unsigned/Independent Artists: If the labels are watching the shows we put out and providing us with the content to do what we do, then why haven't you sent us your material?!





Chick In Coupe Exclusive: The Public's Eye

The time has come for the industryto take notice of a independent artist that is making some serious waves, Da Public's Eye. Da Public's Eye is a fresh innovative artist hailing from Maxton, NC. His style and charisma have help to propel him to new height, all while establishing himself as one to watch. Da Public's Eye is offering real stories mixed with the lyrical content to change the way independent artist are viewed. Da Public's Eye sat down with Coupe to discusses his past, present and future in the industry, check out his 15 minutes with the Chick In Coupe!

CIC: The music industry is always changing and looking for the next big thing. How will you maintain longevity?
DPE: I have a unique style that can't be categorized, so when the game changes, I just go with the flow and remain in character!

CIC: A frequent question that is asked of independent artist is who inspired you growing up or influenced you as an artist. However, I think a more relevant question is who do you want to inspire though your music?
DPE: I want to inspire those to come and those that was! I also want to inspire those with talent that are afraid to take that leap of faith and chase their dreams!

CIC: At what point while growing up, did you realize you had a love for music that surpasses just listening to it?
DPE: When I started adding my name in the songs!

CIC: When you originally started out doing music, was it a conscious decision to create music that was different than what you were listening to on the radio?
DPE: No, I never took it serious until I heard myself on the radio! I started doing music (seriously) to help build my brother's record label NorthStar Production. And once his label got off the ground my goal was to fall back and play the behind the scenes! But I guess GOD had a different plan for me!

CIC: Growing up in the small town of Maxton, North Carolina, what obsticles did you face that has helped to enhance you not only as an artist, but a man?
DPE: THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE SAID TO ME OR ABOUT ME THAT CAN SHATTER MY CONFIDENCE, AND I SAW THE BEST FAIL CLOSE UP, AND THE KNOWLEDGE FROM THEM ALONE ENHANCED ME AS A MAN! PLUS WHEN THERE IS NO LOVE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY, I CAN ALWAYS FIND IT IN THE HEART OF MY TOWN!

CIC: There are so many artists that come into the music industry, that are from small towns that are near big cities. However, they always say they are from the city that is closest to their hometown. Why is it so important for you to represent your hometown and where exactly is Maxton, North Carolina?
DPE: Maxton is located at the bottom of NC, between Laurinburg and Pembroke! And I gotta represent for my home, because they need to know that they are somebody too. The city you in or grew up in don't make you a better man, It’s the you in you that makes you!

CIC: Do you think coming from a small town hinders the opportunity for success?
DPE: Its all in the mind set a person has, Some grow up in the city where opportunity is always there and they never think twice about it. But for someone who never had it and want it, they settle for nothing close to what was given!

CIC: You have recently relocated to the Atlanta area, how is the music scene different from that of North Carolina?
DPE: The music lovers really love music, Not just music from tv or radio! They show love and support, whether they heard of you or not. When you really have to prove a point in NC. They're a tough crowd, but once love they you, the world loves you!

CIC: Where did you come up with the idea for your song Justify?
DPE: It was true story, that happened at the 2nd annual Myspace party we had in Greensboro, NC, sponsored by Grownfolks Entertainment! Im looking for the perfect girl to play the in the video!

CIC: You have an ability to draw people towards you, why do you think you have that sort of effect on people?
DPE: All of us have GOD inside of us, I truly know that I have found him inside of me, so where ever I go. The presence of GOD is there and those who know him are automatically drawn!

CIC: As an independent artist, what challenges have you faced and how have those challenges affected your outlook on the music industry?
DPE: When you are independent, every step you make was a step you had to create, and once you achieve one goal, its starts the beginning of a new! Where as those in the Industry, you have people in place to help make things run a lot smoother!
CIC: What is Da Public's Eye bringing to the table, that will not only separate you from the other inspiring artist, but make the masses relate to you?
DPE: Because I am the masses, all bottled up into one human being. I have no shape nor form, I do what inspires my attention at the moment! I am what you can say....... REAL!

CIC: Your musical style is so versatile, where do you think you fit amongst artist currently in the industry?

DPE: Outside the box, with the ability to jump in and out at my will!
CIC: There are so many mainstream artist that get money, and become so caught up in the celebrity, that they forget about the love of the craft. Do you think that the hunger and actual love for the craft is lost in the music industry?
DPE: Yes, I do... You have some artists that go on to do bigger and better things to make money, but will still do a free concert. And I respect that! But when you get to a certain level and you have to start paying people, its hard not to treat it like a business, because they're not helping you for the love of the craft. So with money and fame, you lose a great deal of passion for the music!

CIC: If you could work with two artist that are currently in the industry(mainstream) who would it be & why?
DPE: David Banner, and Kanye West... ANd its because they go by their real names! lol Just kidding, I respect them for the people they are not the fame they have! they are not afraid to let people know that they been thru something and personally I feel connected to the same energy that powers them!

CIC: You have several projects going on right now. Give us some insight about a few of them.
DPE: Well I already have a solid foundation, and now Im building a strong team of leaders with their own special talents! Im working with a production team name 2NBeats out of the Atlanta area on reconstructing the sound of the industry! I also have a project that Im putting together for couples that will surely make or break their relationship! I can't go into details about that just yet but I will assure you that it will be a major success, and when you hear me and couples in the same sentence, you better give it your undivided attention, because you do not want to miss this!

CIC: Your next album is anticipated to drop by the end of this year, what can we expect from this album that may be different from your previous releases?
DPE: More of me, I recognized that I’ve been teasing my listeners by features on different songs with different artists, and I owe them as much of me as they can handle. Plus, they deserve it, I have some loyal fans!

CIC: Who are some of the artists and producers that you are working with on your current project?
DPE: 2Nbeats, Lil Mel, Young GOD, NorthSatr Production, KingTimez Music, Blaque Bird, and I might pull a surprise out the bag with a industry figure!

CIC: Where can your fans and people that may want to get to know who Da Public's Eye is buy your music?
DPE: Online on my myspace page, coming soon to ITunes or get in touch with my publicist and she will direct you how to purchase my music!

CIC: Is there anything that we have not covered that you would like to speak on?
DPE: No. I think you pretty much covered a good amount!

Southern MC Crumb starts video blog to prove that Southern lyricism exist. Crumb spits a verse to let you know that the South can get just as lyrical as some of the greats up North.

Mr. I'm So KY (Kentucky) is back with something for everybody!!! The follow up to the highly succesful mixtape 65 South Vol 1 is here.
In a unique marketing strategy that shows hard work and obviously knowing his target markets - Kentucky rapper Bricks da Franchise is dropping a 2-disc CD set that is split between the streets and the ladies. 60 songs of music is on the CD, which is a great value and a good opportunity to discover if you fux with his style and movement.
65 South vol. 2 is split up into 2 disc, one catered towards dudes with more street, lyrical, hood type tracks. Disc 2 is focused on the ladies entitled Girls Side, with more club bangers, R&B, and emotional tracks. Bricks is bringing something to the table for all consumers Both discs feature over 60 tracks of free music between the two discs.

Features include Twanney Baby, Kid White, Hurraseason, Goodfella, Boone, and J-burnz. Original music and mixtape Available for free download for ya whip. Bricks Da Franchise links www.myspace.com/bricks82 Click on sendspace links to download Dudes Disc- www.sendspace.com/file/lw70kr Stand out tracks are Out In My City, I'm Suppose to Put it Down (ft. Fiend), I'm Blind, and I Would Have Never.

Big Bank Music Group Introduces "EADY" The New Face of Miami Big Bank Music Group is pleased to present "EADY" the new face of Miami. Rap newcomer EADY is currently one of the most requested independent artist on the radio in the entire south market. The Miami native is known for hits like "God will be my guide", and his street single "Dope Pusher". Both singles have generated an overwhelming buzz in the south Florida area. Local radio stations and venues are supplying the public with the growing demand for EADY's sound. Right now, he's in production of his album, SKNOB LIFE (Solemnly Kneeling near Our Beloved Lord Innocently for Eternity) has got music venues holding their breaths, waiting on its release so its listeners can breathe. In 2007, Big Bank Music Productions, a Miami-based record label with an appeal that precedes its name, picked up Eady. "The decision to bring EADY on board was not a difficult one at all," said Giraldo "Latte" Nelson, C0- CEO of Big Bank along with brother "Kane". "I mean, I've heard a lot of 'good music' and I've seen a lot of talent, but all I heard from this cat was that one track that one day and I was ready to put some money behind him".

This month's Next to Blow features a young duo that have a big following in Italy of all places. Indie Planet faithful: we present to you Young Italy: Young Italy's Bilingual Brothers Offer Groundbreaking Music Young Italy is a rap duo unlike any other. Young Italy's two members, Anthony Daniele aka Lil' A, age 11, and Francesco Daniele aka Lil' Frank, age 14, are hip-hop siblings. The fresh faced Memphis-based rappers may look cute, but when they begin rap, their skills take over and cuteness isn't the focus anymore. Lil' A and Lil' Frank are serious, flow-laced rappers/lyricists. Bi-lingual in Italian and English, Young Italy already has a loud buzz going over in Italy; they're ready now to show America what they're about. Young Italy's energetic music comes laced with thumping swag, heart and a rhythmic vibe. Their first single, “Beat N My Trunk,” featuring Jay Mullinz, is a catchy crunk tune. Their debut CD, “Young, Fly & Flashy,” will be released later in 2008 by Trendsetters Entertainment. The brothers rap about young, contemporary subjects without cursing; their music is enjoyed by both parents and kids alike. Their subject matter ranges from dance moves, as in “Snap Once,” to a tribute to their late uncle, with the thoughtful tune, “Uncle Frank.” With the full support of their parents, Lil' A and Lil' Frank are home schooled so that they can have a schedule that allows for their music career. They are, nevertheless, well-rounded young fellas who also enjoy various sports, including soccer, basketball and football. Lil' A is also a professional actor with numerous credits under his belt, while Lil' Frank is a skilled musician, who works on the music for Young Italy's songs. The two hard-working, focused hip-hop bambinos are poised to make a very distinctive name for themselves in the music game. Music at: www.myspace.com/youngitalymusic

SOUTHISIDE JAMAICA QUEENS RECORDING ARTIST LEXX 9ELEVEN IS TAKING THE GAME BY STORM 2007 UMA (Underground Music Awards) #1 Contender nominee, LEXX9ELEVEN seems to be popping up in the media everywhere.... here is what the media frenzy is about. Being co-signed by some of the game's most respected artists in the game such as Keyshia Cole, The Game, Chrisette Michelle,Sticky Fingaz, Lloyd Banks and Treach of Naughty By Nature, Southside Jamaica,Queens recording artist LEXX9ELEVEN has quickly made a name for himself. His single "80'S Baby" produced by Miykal Snoddy & Chi-town's Super Producer NO I.D (who have credited work with artists such as Camron, Trey Songz ,50 Cent, Jay-Z & Beanie Siegel), has caused a huge buzz for his career. With spins on major radio stations in NYC, such as Hot 97.1 FM & Power 105.1 FM, its only a matter of time before he's picked up by a major. You can currently hear his new singles "Stays On My Lean"(Attached), "Heavy Rounds" and "Queenz Get Da Money" which he is featured on along with fellow Queens natives Vic Damone, Landlord and Ox. LEXX9ELEVEN has recently been interviewed by Drahma Magazine as one of the Top 20 New York Artists, Hate Money Radio, Mic Magazine (Volumes 1 & 2), Streets Masters Magazine (w/ Young Buck on the cover), Video City, Lyfe Sux TV, Drahma Reality Radio, Drop Magazine,We Got Nexx dvd(volumes 1,2 &3) and Kush DVD Vol.3 (See Links Below) He is featured on several mixtapes by DJs such as... Bedtyme357 (NY), DJ Ophax (France), DJ OnPoint (NY), DJ Don Demarco, (NY), Dj Love Dinero (NY) etc; as well as having his own mixtapes on the streets... "Playing Dirty 2 Get Filthy Rich Volumes 1 & 2 and King Of Queenz: The Mixtape, hosted by DJ Superstar Jay. You can check for Lexx9eleven on several iTUNES internet/mixshow radio programs like Hate Money Radio, GIP Radio and Next Up Radio. The past couple of months, he has be in the studio with producers Mel Man (Aftermath), Amadeus, Buckwild, D.R Period,Versatile, Drawzilla, NO I.D, Miykal Snoddy, Jimi Kendrix, Shatek The Producer and J3, gearing up for the release of his next indie project. Lexx9eleven has music and profiles posted on over 20 sites such as myspace.com , bestcoreentertainment.com , whosnextonline.com, hiphopdx.com and many more including Indie Planet TV

Next to Blow? IPTV Presents The 1st 48 The 1st 48 is a Miami-based hip hop group made up of Ray Benzino, Cognito, One Monzta and Lil Dev. The 1st 48 are definitely here to “murder” the game, drawing the inspiration for their name from the A&E TV show of the same title, which depicts street reality and homicide. After relocating to Miami in 2005, Ray Benzino met each of the other 3 members of the 1st 48 while recording his solo album. Cognito, Monzta and Lil Dev each had their own unique style, so Benzino saw the opportunity to bring them all together to form the 1st 48. He went on to feature some of their music on several songs and videos from his 2007 album release, The Antidote. The members of 1st 48 are not a bunch of new jacks, as each has been on their grind in the hip hop game for a number of years already, building a following in the local Miami community. Cognito had built his local rep as the first artist signed to Poe Boy Records, before Rick Ross and Jackie-O. Cog is also a talented producer who co-produced most of the 1st 48 album along with Benzino and Jeff 2 Timez of the Hangmen 3. One Monzta is the younger brother of Miami’s hip hop queen Trina, and has been rapping for over 10 years, originally with the group Polo Dynasty. Lil Dev hails from the Robin Hood projects section of Miami and has been tearing up the mixtape scene for the last few years. Look for the 1st 48 album to drop this summer! It’s going to be a hot one!

“Its like 75% percent of the game these days is fake, people lie about their lives just to fit in or advance their careers...I’m all authentic, an that’s why people feel me, you cant fool the public” says Analyst, a young Central Valley based rapper. Analyst was born on the 24th of January, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. With the war in the Middle East escalating, his family came to the US seeking a better way of life free from bloodshed and political turmoil. When Analyst was one, his family settled in Fresno, California, where they struggled to raise a family. There, he spent his early childhood surviving the high crime rates, violence, and economically diverse life in Fresno. To cope with the trials and struggles of life, Analyst found a connection and inspiration in Rap and Hip Hop. He found a sense of release and relief in the lyrics which many times depicted his own life. “It was an outlet for me” says Analyst, “It did me good.” He quickly became a fan of West Coast Rap and Hip-Hop. “I remember I started gettin into it when the whole west coast vs. east coast mess was poppin off...I was too young to understand it…but all I really remember is it was strictly west coast rap on our end, so that’s what I grew up on.” During his adolescence, he began writing his own lyrics and freestyling about events and people in his own life. He found that his freestyle skills were tools to express his hardships and deal with the day to day problems in his life. At the age of 14, Analyst dove right into the game by battling with locals. Winning numerous battles, Analyst earned serious lyrical credibility around his high school and neighborhood. He quickly became known as the "Arab kid that could spit” and gained an immense deal of popularity. “A lot of people who battle or battled in the past claim to be undefeated, just to come off as being ill…its ridiculous…the many who know me, know I was undefeated, and I can say that with confidence.” The word got out and Analyst gained serious attention in and out of his neighborhood as being the number one freestyler and the one to beat. But eventually, Analyst made the decision to put an end to his battling image. “I noticed battling wouldn’t get me anywhere…only a few have ever landed deals off of battling…it’s the songs that get you somewhere, so I realized I had to redirect my focus on makin’ real music and dropping freestyle tracks.” Eventually, at the young age of 16, he would drop a 60 bar freestyle that was labeled by most listeners as “phenomenal.” The freestyle was HOT and gained the attention of many underground DJs and producers. Catching a ton of hype, the track was added onto dozens of mixtapes across the nation. Two years later, the same freestyle caught the attention of an A&R executive at the international record label, Bridgeline Records, where he negotiated a recording contract. His skills and personal attention to details brought a fresh vibe to Bridgeline Records. They quickly set the wheels in motion and produced his debut single The Way I'm Livin, which landed him air time on the Central Valley’s premier hip-hop/reggaeton station LA CALLE 107.9. The attention was so strong that he decided to work on a remix of the song featuring one of Canada’s hottest Arab Hip-Hop artists, Vico. The demand from the underground has been overwhelming for Analyst, so much that he is now in the works of producing his long awaited Mixtape “Process of Elimination,” due for release in 08’. The Hip-Hop world has yet to see an Arab rapper make it to the top, Analyst is determined to change that.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA in the Hill District (Chauncy Drive) he always wanted to be a MC. Dreaming of one day to land a record deal; or label deal. Barnz put out a mix tape hosted by E. Epps the heavy weight champion in 2002 with artist Young Roe aka Franchise, June thug, Young ranks, and Pige Craven.Next year Eddie Barnz was on the 1st Scorching Hot album. Soon after that he thought he was finally a step closer to his dreams, when he signed a two year distribution and labeling deal with Michigan Label UGF (Underground Family). The result was not good as months after the deal fell through due to lack of marketing on his first album Crème De La Crème. After that disappointed Eddie Barnz and Ikey Entertainment left. Searching for a label deal Eddie Barnz had talks with Landspeed where he was promised a tour with Cormega, and U-God. He was also promised a deal for his Ikey Entertainment Imprint but it was quickly disposed of when the A&R who brought him into the fold quit and left. This once again left him with no label or record deal. As years went by he did not give up on his dream to pursue music. He bumped into Tone Fultz, who worked with Wu-affiliate Killa Army and Dad wrote songs for the Spinners and now Eddie Barnz is back to tell this story.

Mr. Ozwald continues his Grind to Stardom after Intoxicating Head-bopping Performance as Opening Act for Lil Wayne Crown Digital Records CEO and artist, Mr. Ozwald, performed LIVE in concert with Cash Money Super Star, Lil Wayne to an audience confining thousands of enthusiastic rap supporters. Continuing his husstle in the music industry, the 25-year old rapper, is bringing great music to everyone's ears on a monthly basis. In a recent performance at the Newark Symphony Hall, Mr. Ozwald showcased songs from "Road to Riches" album. . His memorable performance garnered him a favorable review on AllHipHop(dot)com. However, it's his critically-acclaimed singles "The Best" and "Anything" from "The Yearbook" album, receiving radio spins in the college level, that's generating more hype for the Indie artist. Mr. Ozwald, a native of West Hartford, Connecticut has also been reviewed by MusicRemedy(dot)com, IllRoots(dot)com and TheTicker(dot)org. Oz has compiled production credits for hit MTV shows Rob and Big, and Run's House, as well as assisted in the score of Warren Miller's Off The Grid. His March song "Life" already is buzzing from close sources of Mr. Ozwald as "that track that will surely set him apart from all other rappers". All songs are produced by Oz himself. Not one to disappoint, Oz consistently delivers that killer hook people come to associate with his music. A true breath of talent, as an artist, producer and certified "HIT" maker, the budding artist is a threat to Hip Hop with more performances to come.


Leading Social Media and Networking Site Global Grind Launches Facebook Applications, Mobile Site and More New Global Grind, (http://www.globalgrind.com/ ) a fast-growing social media site, funded by Silicon Valley venture capital firm Accel Partners and Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons, today announced new tools and features to extend its reach across multiple sites and platforms. Global Grind is the central destination for the top online content that matters to the hip-hop community. Users submit stories, videos and photos, and determine the most popular content by voting, sharing, and commenting. Members can save their favorite content and track their activity through enhanced user profiles. Global Grind recently unveiled a Facebook application, allowing users to view and submit content and share with their Facebook friends. "Global Grind wanted to be accessible across all sites and the Facebook application is our first endeavor to reach a wider audience wherever they may go," says Global Grind CEO Navarrow Wright. The site also launched a trivia game on Facebook where users can challenge each other in Global Grind content categories such as news, entertainment, music, politics, sports and more. Global Grind is also pleased to announce the beta version of its mobile site, http://m.globalgrind.com/ , where users can access content on the go. The site is optimized for various platforms including the iPhone, Sidekick and Blackberry devices. Through the mobile site and a breadth of RSS feeds, Global Grind content can truly be accessed from anywhere. To empower users to submit content with one-click from anywhere online, Global Grind now offers a bookmarklet toolbar and a variety of badges and buttons that users may add to their sites and blogs. "Global Grind has come a long way from its inception, they showed me their initial vision and it inspired me to come on board, however their growth inspires me to stay with them day after day," said Simmons. About Global Grind Global Grind is the place for you to explore multimedia that matters to you. Discover new content, collect your favorites, share them with the world, and discuss them with the community. Global Grind makes it easy to access what your friends and those who share your tastes are surfing, watching, reading, and talking about. Get all the top news, gossip, humor, entertainment and more from around the web in one place, as voted on by our users. Headquartered in New York City, Global Grind is a privately held firm funded by Silicon Valley venture capital firm Accel Partners and Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons. For more information, visit http://www.globalgrind.com/ .