Welcome To Urban Network Connection

Hosted by

Karwanna Dyson

Urban Network Connection is a Bay Area TV show that bridges the gaps by networking the music industries greatest Artists, Musicians, Bands, Producers, Labels and other industry professionals. UNC will air Saturday nights at 8:30 PM and at 10 PM on Sunday's at Pacifica TV-26 and streamed live via the internet at www.pct26.com

The show will also air on

Saratoga TV-15, West Hollywood TV-26, Vallejo VCAT 27, Berkeley BTV-28, Access SF-29, Chabot CTV-29 and various online TV forums.

Watch previously taped episodes at UNCepisodes.Blip.TV

For more information, to appear on the show or to join our production team,

please call 510-491-3703 or email us at UrbanNetworkConnection@gmail.com

UNC feat. 1st Lady of The Bay "Jimmie Reign"

About Jimmie Reign

"I have issues" JIMMIE REIGN states, "just like the rest of the world has issues. My catharsis is translating all the negative and positive energy from my life into music that people love and can feel."

Just looking at the beautiful songstress, you would think she's had it made. She's gorgeous and talented. But dig deep below the beautiful exterior and you will find that JIMMIE REIGN is not just a pretty face.

"The First Lady of the Bay" grew up all over the San Francisco Bay Area in a loving two parent home with her three sisters. The girls father, a minister, taught them all how to sing and harmonize with one another. JIMMIE, the oldest sibling, was "Daddy's Little Girl" so her world was shattered when her parents divorced. The three young girls were shuttled in between both parents for years as other familial issues ran rampant.

"Things in my life changed so drastically," divulges the siren, "I was forced to grow up quickly because of new responsibilities. Consequently, I didn't really have a childhood and a lot of my songs reflect things that have happened during that time."

JIMMIE found solace in music. Since the age of 14 she has worked with producer Brian Morgan (SWV), Terry Ellis of En Vogue, producer Paul Anthony of Full Force (Backstreet Boys), and Danni Stevenson (singer featured on Nelly's "Hott in Herre") among others. Currently her singles "Tryin' To Be Your Girl" and "Superstar" are receiving radio airplay on 106 KMEL, WILD 94.9, KBMB, KSFM, KVEG and the Sirius Radio Network. She recently opened for Keyshia Cole, Jagged Edge, Latoya London, & Bilal and is featured in the January/February issue of Right ON! Magazine.

JIMMIE's career success and life experiences left her life in a constant struggle between a grown woman with responsibilities and the eternal "Daddy's Little Girl." This chronic imbalance has shaped her music into something that appeals to the masses. Songs from her mixtape "Go Girl," sponsored by 106 KMEL, Singersroom.com and Right ON! Magazine, reflect melodies and music that adults can feel while infusing lyrics and themes that young people identify with. She effortlessly bridges the gap between Neo-Soul and Commercial R&B and accomplished the impossible task of gaining fans of both genres. With musical topics that tackle real issues such as single motherhood, broken home resentment, and poor self image, JIMMIE further places herself in the realm of platinum soul singers Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole whose die-hard fans love their realness.

For more information visit Myspace.com/JimmieReign1

UNC feat. Luc Lang October 2009

Luc Lang is a fresh new voice that is changing the face of Hip Hop/R&B. Although harsh life experiences have shaped his ability as a singer/songwriter, he is introducing the nation and the world to a signature musical sound called "Rhythm & Block…"

With musical influences ranging from the late Tupac Shakur to the timeless music of Frank Sinatra, he is destined to garner attention from both young and older audiences alike. With a highly anticipated debut EP ready to be experienced by the masses, Luc Lang will without doubt make a significant contribution to the world of music.

The music speaks for itself; but Luc Lang quotes Harry Emerson Fosdick from "The Secret of Victorious Living:” “…trouble could not only be something that life throws our way; in which we should look down upon and judge as negative. It could be the finest instrument in which life itself places in our hands; fit for sharpening a person’s character until the personality itself brims with potential.”"

UNC feat. Roderic

Explosive talented performer, rapper, singer/songwriter, musician and producer, as well as actor and model. This young charismatic rapper formally began his career at the age of 12. The rap phenomena's magnetic charm and genuine star quality is evident, as he exemplifies his artistry in all arenas. His talents have matured and evolved over the years, producing a "Phresh" sound all his own. Heavily influenced by artist such as Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, The Fugees and even artist from before his time like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Teddy Pendergras this titan of sound brings magic to his generation and many to come. The Washington state born professional, a term that definitely describes this gentleman. One whom is well versed with the etiquette of the recording studio while radiating an electric energy each time he is in the studio, on the stage, at your local radio station, a photo shoot, or in front of the cameras. His maturity is and has been unmatched by most of his peers, quality easily recognized by his rhymes, lyrics, melodic flows and broad range of creative talent. He has never had formal music lessons and although he is undeniably a multi-faceted soulful prodigy, Roderic possesses a calmness about him, keeping him down to earth. This up and coming star has had the privilege of opening for the likes of Nelly, Missy Elliott, Fabolous, The Clipse Bone Thugs n Harmony, Tyrese, and even the lengendary Raekwon of Wu Tang Clan. He has also had the honor of showcasing his craft for Russell and Kimora Simmons, NFL football player Shaun Alexander, welterweight champion of world Floyd "Money" Mayweather, DJ Clue, Rockwilder, Bink of One Shot Deal and many other greats. With every opportunity, he reaffirms his worth to this industry....he is not mediocre, but a true artist embodying the star-quality, intelligence, talent, creativity, determination, and tenacity to soar through both now, and many years to come. Roderic began his formal entertainment career in his hometown of Tacoma Wa. performing at local events. One of such events being a rap contest of 40 performers, Roderic went home in first place. One of his fondest highlights of his journey thus far is performing on the Legendary Apollo stage in Harlem New York, making him the 1st Place Winner in The Apollo Star of Tomorrow Talent Search, with other dual honors to include gracing the Ebony magazine with other honored contestants. Since his journey began aproximately 7 years ago, he has had noted performances from Seattle's Key Arena to British Columbia. He realizes he has been blessed with this amazing gift of raw talent by God, as well as the privileges of collaborating with music/entertainment greats such as Neyo, Sixx John, and Bink of "One Shot Deal" and others who believe in him, and take the time to lend a hand in developing the in-born greatness of this young man. Watch for this five fold talent threat, his career promises to be an asset to our magnificent entertainment industry. Over the years Rod has continued to fine tune his craft, polishing his natural gifts and challenging himself in less dominate areas of his artistic potential. His recognition of the wealth of talent he possesses along with focused determination are qualities that have been and are propelling him to creativity expansion. He has quickly become a poignant lyricist, and producer. He credits his matured songwriting abilities to the inspiration of industry "big brothers" such as E-Dawg former member of Sir Mix-alots "Posse", Earl Hayes of Philthy Rich Records, Bink, B.Rossi and Don P of "One Shot Deal", and of course Neyo and Sixx John. This young talent has creatively channelled the influence of the greats ingredients, along with his "Phresh" flavor to produce a home grown sound unlike any other. This uniqueness is not limited to lyrical content, but expands to his production ability. Roderic began playing drums at 2 years old, and was the church drummer at 5 years old. He began playing the keys at 9 years old, although he hasn't had formal lessons yet, he has a natural gift to play extremely well parlaying it into his productions. This young man continues to re-invent himself, and work diligently to build himself inside and out, while remaining true to his character and personal convictions. Roderic delivers a star-studded message when he enters a room, one riddled with humility, magnetic charm, tempered self confidence, and the allure of royalty.

View more on Roderic at Myspace.com/RodericMusic

UNC feat. Cam

Twin Towers Presents.... Cam City.
Cameron Ferguson aka Cam City is a 80's baby born in The Golden Stated San Francisco, California. As a child Cam City was always intrigued by Bay Area Rap music. He grew up listening to San Francisco Rap Pioneers Cougnut, Cellski, RBL, and many more. In his later day in High School he decide to start writing lyrics. Years past by and in the mid 2000's , Cam City was discovered by Mike Brown an Activist and currently Head Director of San Francisco Inner City Youth, an organization gear to educated and develop Black Youth from San Francisco. Cam City came on to the Bay Area Rap scene with the classic Mix Tape "The Hood Is Me" This Mix Tape rocked San Francisco making Cam City the Bay Area hottest up incoming artist in 2006. The following year Cam City hit the scene with his Sophomore Mix tape "Baby New York" which had a great success on the street featuring Bay Area Star such as Cam City own group Killa Squad,Jacka, Jinx, San Quinn, and many more , racking up 17,000 views, plays on MySpace and still counting. over 17,000. Now it's 2009 and after a 2 year wait, Cam City is finishing up his high anticipated "Sex and The City" Mix Tape. This Mix Tape will feature Jay Ant for the Diligentz, From The Hood Stars, Cam City own group The Squad and The retro Hoodlums and many more. Keep In Touch with Cam City by logging on to www.myspace.com/camcity, www.twitter.com/camcity, www.stepitupent.com, www.camcity.me, For interviews and booking please contact:info@twintowersmanagement.com, TwinTowersSF@gmail.com,
www.twitter.com/TwinTowersMgmt, info@twintowersmanagement.com 1(510)479-1369-Office 1(510)493-5299-Laz 1(510)90-7038-Rio

UNC feat. Big Rich

Richard Bougere Jr. Aka Big Rich hails from the notorious Fillmore District of San Francisco California. A young rapper/ceo made a name for himself in the neighborhood at an early age. Working with Bay Area rap legends such as San Quinn, Rappin 4tay, RBL Posse, and JT Tha Bigga Figga all before his 16th birthday. Big Rich's professional career started in 1998 when his group "Fully Loaded" was signed by Charles Kelly and San Quinn to Done Deal Ent. His group released two successful independent albums under the the Done Deal stamp. In 2005 it was time for him and his group to part ways and pursue solo careers. That's when Big Rich and Charles Kelly (former Done Deal Ceo) started Street Cred Music Group and signed a joint venture deal with Koch Records. In 2006, Big Rich released his debut album "Block Tested Hood Approved" which was critically acclaimed by the media and in the streets. He gained nation wide exposure with his smash hit "That's The Business." The video was Jam of the Week on MTV Jams, 106 and Park New Joint of the Day on BET, and made it on the "Sucka Free Countdown" on MTV1. Also, in 2006 Big Rich won "New Artist of the Year" at The BARS Awards (Bay Area Rap Scene). Since 2006, Big Rich has became one of the front runners in the Bay Area rap game. Appearing on numerous remixes and mixtapes. In 2008 Big Rich linked back up with his longtime mentor San Quinn and along with Boo Banger they recorded one of the biggest songs in Bay Area history, the "SF Anthem." This song led to a deal with EHUSTL Ent who came in and added that fire power to an already gigantic movement. The "SF Anthem" video is currently in heavy rotation on MTV Jams. Always staying busy Big Rich is also currently finishing up his highly anticipated sophomore album titled "Heart Of The City" due out in early 2009.

View his profile at www.myspace.com/bigrich

UNC feat. Krypto

KRYPTO BIO - Hailing from Vallejo California, a city rich with musical history, Krypto has been making quality music for well over a decade. Introduced to the Rap Game as a young one, the V-Town representative has recorded eight albums, released six under his own lable and has featured on songs with some of the best the Bay Area has ever seen, including the Legendary Andre "MAC DRE" Hicks (RIP), TURF TALK, AP9 & JACKA of the MOB FIGAZ, GOLDIE of the FEDERATION, N2DEEP, PSD, YOUNG DRU, and more. He has been featured in publications such as Xplosive and 916 Magazines, on the front page of the Vallejo Times Herald and on television broadcasts of MTV's My Block: The Bay,Represent the Bay, Muzic Network and more. Entering the game as a pre-teen, like most aspiring rappers just discovering the "gift" Krypto recorded a slew of tracks that, for all intents and purposes, will never see the light of day. "I recorded so many slaps that no one will ever hear, its crazy", he says regarding the aforementioned tracks. Krypto began recording in several local studios without any real direction. At that time it was about nothing more than the love of the music. Things finally got serious in 1996 when Krypto, as part of the group .."Sumthin Serious".. released "Keepin It Green" Distributed by (City Hall Records), the album achieved local success and continued to boost his name in the street. As good as things were looking, life has a way of providing those in the inner-city with quick reality checks. Krypto was provided with such a setback not long after "Keepin It Green" was released. Just as his star began to rise in his hometown, Johnny Law caught up with Krypto. With Rap not really paying the bills, he found himself smack in the middle of the street life, "Getting down wit a lot of different cats" as he puts it. Various transgressions and probation violations landed him a two year stint in the system. Upon his release from the bricks, Krypto returned to Vallejo with a hunger and determination that could not be contained. He hooked back up with Indecent and the two went to work on their first group release "Indecent & Krypto-The 1st Chapter" Released in 2003, the 1st Chapter quickly identified Indecent and Krypto as players in the congested Bay Area Rap Game. They followed up their group album with Krypto's solo debut, "Controversy" which featured the likes of Bay Area Stars Turf Talk, PSD and more. "Controversy" served as a warning shot of sorts as it let the game know, with a loud bang, that Krypto was a force to be reckoned with as a lyricist. Later in 2005, the two released their "Quasi" Compilation entitled "The Quake". Quasi is used as a description because unlike most of today's compilations which are a group of randomly put together tracks featuring different artists and groups on each track, "The Quake" featured either Indecent and Krypto or both of them, paired with different artists on each track. "The Quake" saw Krypto get down with some of the dopest known and up and coming artists in the Bay Area and beyond. It was with "The Quake" that Indecent and Krypto really began to make noise. 2006 was a breakthrough year for Krypto. During the final stages of preparation for the release of his and Indecent's second group album, "Rap Athletes Track Meet", the Vallejo flame spitter was blessed with one of the most timely name drops an emerging artist can receive when fellow Bay Area Hot Boy Turf Talk promoted Krypto during a segment of MTV's My Block (THE BAY) You couldn't ask for a better piece of national advertisement with out some serious dollars. Capitalizing on the buzz from the MTV spot as well as that which they created themselves, Krypto and his partner saw their first single "Keep on Playin" earn significant rotations on Bay Area power station 106.1 KMEL thanks to Dj Scotty Foxx and other radio and internet stations. They released "Rap Athletes Track Meet" to rave reviews and impressive unit sales. The album, which featured a re-mixed and mastered, never before released track Krypto recorded several years back with the late great Andre "Mac Dre" Hicks, was and is currently one of the hottest albums in the Bay Area. Their work on the album garnered him and Indecent nomination for New Artists of the Year at the 2nd "Bay Area Rap Scene Awards". Never one to settle, as the buzz for "Rap Athletes Track Meet" was growing, Krypto was already hard at work on yet another project. As 2007 arrived, Krypto was poised to release his second solo/quasi-compilation, "Trunk Food", which features Krypto again on display along side some of the heaviest hitters and fastest risers the Bay Area had to offer.In 2008 Krypto brought you his 3rd solo album titled "PIECES TO MY PUZZLE" and features songs with AP9 & JACKA of the MOB FIGAZ, GOLDIE of the FEDERATION, DELTRICE, FLOSSALINI, and WILLIE JOE. With the groundwork for his career solidly laid and the Bay Area once again burgeoning, this appears to be the year Krypto emerges from the crowded landscape to stake his claim as an elite artist not only in the Bay Area and California, but nationwide. Having networked with people in power positions all over the country, Krypto is poised to ring bells from the Yay to the Panhandle. Look out for him at a record store, club, arena, television or radio network in your area. With his trademark aggressive delivery and charisma, he wont be hard to hear or find.

For more information about Krypto visit
MySpace.com/Krypto/707

UNC feat. San Quinn & Keak Da Sneak! May 2009

Keak and Quinn on UNC! Date TBA

UNC feat. Philly Slim May 2009

Philly Slim wanted to rap because of his brother who is six years older than him. Slim was in eighth
grade, and figured if he started rapping, he’d get to hang out with his brother and his friends. He be-
came the mocking bird, able to imitate rappers for his friends at school - they’d beg him to do a DMX
song that he had down cold. Life in Philly wasn’t too bad; his parents were together for awhile and his
cousins were always around, but becoming a rap star was just crazy talk. Growing up he listened to
Eazy-E, Tupac, Ice Cube, Snoop, and Dr. Dre - a true product of the second generation of hip-hop.
The bug to record would bite him after the move all the way across the country to Gilroy, California.
He hooked up with some guys from San Jose and started spending his entire paycheck at a recording
studio in Santa Clara. That’s when he became known as Philly Slim, the east coast transplant who was
in the studio so damned much the engineer finally just told him to come over and kick it. Philly Slim
is the embodiment of the idea that if you want things to happen, you have to go wherever you need to
and MAKE it happen.
So one day after he and his group had cut some tracks, his mom submits their song “California/Cali
Anthem” to a contest for radio station KMEL, and it got picked, and it made it all the way to the final
round. When the website went up with the vote totals, the other song had 70% and that’s when Slim
and the crew got to work. They spent the next two weeks handing out fliers and cards at the mall, he
had everyone in his computer lab at school vote for him, and the end result was that they won the en-
tire contest. With the new exposure Slim got to travel to LA and perform at the Derby, Hardrock Cafe,
House of Blues, and Universal Studios. He’s been to Vegas, San Francisco, and Oakland, and all of it
came to a screeching, tearing halt in 2004 when he got in a car accident.
The hospital gave him more than just a bill for his stay; he picked up a staph infection that nearly killed
him. That was the moment where he began to reevaluate what he really wanted to do in life. He had
to drop out of school, and then finally in March 2005 he decided not to return to the football field and
concentrate on his music instead. When recording his album he found Concept and came up to Sac-
ramento to buy some beats - but after working together, Slim realized he had found a true creative
match.
Philly Slim seems like a laid back guy, so you’d never expect the madness of his work ethic. He already
has three albums worth of material written, and it’s just a question of the perfection of production that
matters to him. East Coast, West Coast, wherever he is, Philly Slim gets the job done.

View more on Philly Slim at
Myspace.com/philayayboy

UNC feat. Energetik April 2009

The man now called Energetik had a typical childhood; basketball, soccer, and getting to school early before the gun-
fire started. This is what passed for a typical childhood in Liberia, where Energetik was born and raised. After being
plunged into a second civil war in 1989, the young boy fled with his mother and brother first to Guinea, then the Ivory
Coast, finally settling in Nigeria.

His father had left for America just before the war started, when Energetik was still a boy - they would not see each
other again until 2001 when he and his mother made it to the United States themselves. It was like a dream, to finally
come to the country of the rappers he had idolized in his youth. “If you say ‘rapper’ in Liberia, they say ‘Tupac’.
Everybody knows Tupac over there. I don’t know if rappers in the US realize how huge they are in Africa.” He had
been turned on to hip hop when a cousin came back to Liberia in the mid-90’s with a Snoop Dogg tape in his luggage.
Energetik plastered the walls of his room with rap posters, and even began participating in talent shows.
“There are things.. I have seen..” he says, and trails off, his eyes slitted and sideways. His art is the attempt at saying
what others will not, telling what others will not tell. The dream was not just to come to America, not just to rap and
inspire, but to one day return home to Liberia. He is an African in America, his heart is full of hope and beats, but he
seems split between two continents. How to explain it?
Every year on the east coast, there is a gathering of Liberians in America. It is a festival, talent show, and beauty pag-
eant all in one. His father was able to see him perform there, and walking around he saw people that he had known
from childhood in Monrovia. People that could well have been killed in any number of violent or slow ways - 200,000
died in two civil wars. “I can’t describe it” he says, waving his hands “to see these people from when I was so young...
it was amazing.”
When doing the polish on his first album in studio, the thing you hear the most in between takes is laughter - he is
happy as hell to be writing, recording, and living the dream he had as a child an ocean away.

View more on Energetik at
Myspace.com/getikthe1

UNC feat. Ito April 2009

The artist known as Ito has been on a journey very similar to the music that he loves. Reggaeton started in Latin America, and when it exploded in Puerto Rico, Ito was practically born into the beat of the snare. From Puerto Rico he moved to New Jersey, and when he was four years old heard his father, Sugal Boy, recording a song onto a cassette tape. He grabbed ahold of the rhythm and the lyrics and would endlessly rap that song to everyone he saw for the next four years. His father must have known that his music would become his son's music even as Reggaeton was being suppressed by the Puerto Rican upper class. Ito and Reggaeton had moved to the big stage of America where Reggaeton was set to blow up from the underground into the mainstream. Spanish is his first language but he nearly forgot it once he learned English from school and his new friends. As a teen he moved to Sacramento and decided that his music should reflect his father and the roots of Reggaeton, and switched back to rapping in Spanish. Eager to perform, he pestered the administrators at his high school for a chance to shine at a rally, presentation, anything. When they finally gave him the chance he got up in front of five hundred of his schoolmates and blew them away. His popularity in school went through the roof, and he began entering talent shows, festivals, and community events. The young man with the Spanish audio attack got questions from all sides about Reggaeton and why he raps in Spanish. "Well, first of all it's in my blood to do what I do - and what I do is rap in Spanish and to make it more interesting. I love to share my talent with not only Latin America but also the United States." In March of 2007 Ito traveled to Miami to see the Reggaeton scene. He met Daddy Yankee on Univision's Sabado Gigante with his uncle Jose Luis (aka Josenigma/The Spray Master). Because Reggaeton is only now really making inroads into the mainstream, it is hard to explain how amazing such an event is for Ito. Think of a rock fan getting to meet The Beatles onstage and having them give you music tips and you might be getting close to the feeling. Now Ito is here at Moodswinga Records, the first Reggaeton artist on the roster, and working hard on his debut album "Soy Yo" due in 2008. The title means 'It's Me', which is a fitting introduction to Sacramento and the entire US for Ito, bringing Reggaeton out of the shadows and up from the hands that wanted to destroy it.

View more on Ito at
Myspace.com/ItoMoodswingaz

UNC Features SkyWalka Friday March 13th!

;;;;;;;Skywalka Da Alien;;;;;;;;; hometown ruston la currently in the bay area "i say the game goes up and down like the mood of alcholics" ain't no way around my flow em here in yea ear drum bustn since the late 90's started off writing, freestyln now em full blown spitter you are now rocking with the best my swagger heavy like a brick em styln on every song so let me kidnapp yea ear while your hear and the rest is history. you'll know diz rappers in da game now spitn dat headache music em crowned da king till da kingdom come i am the medicine to you wack rappers. i flow the future i know where da game is going i cruise ship da flow ema veteran so let me show you"ll was good and make you a slave to what i do dont worry i use my powers for good

Visit Skywalka on www.myspace.com/skywalka318

Urban Network Connection Feat. SkyWalka

Meet Bobby Tinsley February 20th!

Urban Network Connection features Bobby Tinsley. Come out and join our studio audience to watch his live performance.
Bobby is an amazing talent. It's not often that you hear about a person that sings, writes, produces, and performs their own music. Still, even more impossible to conceive, is the fact that Bobby is only in his early 20"s.

As a Christian artist Bobby feels he has the responsibility to write songs that encourage people and bring them up, not tear them down.

Bobby grew up listening to Boyz II Men and Brian Mcknight wishing that there were more singers in their style that praised God in the pop arena. Bobby is quoted in saying, "Young people are dealing with the same relationship struggles and temptations regardless if they are Christians or not. It's important that they have music that talks about those things, yet still shows Christ's love as the most important ingredient throughout, and hopefully for someone who doesn't believe in Jesus, points them that way." Bobby was signed to a label mid 2004, but much to his shock and surprise things never got off the ground. "Many of the things that the record company told me at the time I was signed were just not true. It's sad that people do that, and that I had to go through that whole mess, but it's in times like those that you have to trust God, know that ultimately it's in His timing, and believe that He will open the right doors." What looked like a closed door actually became a blessing in disguise. Bobby formed his own music production company (More Than Hype Records) and by touring on his own and doing several radio station interviews, he was able to catch the attention of Dave and Mia Richards (MD Records).

The new CD, which was written and produced by Bobby incorporates everything you would expect in a top-notch R&B album, and then some. Honest song writing, beautifully arranged music and vocal wizardry that will have you pressing the rewind button on your CD player asking "How did he do that?" over and over again!

UNC Features Sellassie January 30th 7:30 PM

I’m Tryin’ to Make a Livin’ Not a Killin’ is the debut album from San Francisco Revolutionary Poet and Activist Sellassie, a 15 song collection exposing socio-economic inequities, political injustices and the realities of ghetto life. Sellassie is an alternative in today’s hip-hop, proof that there are young black artists that can make music that is creative, street and smart.

I’m Tryin’ to Make a Livin’ Not a Killin’ has heads bobbin’ from the jump with Newsflash, a unique track that awakens the listener to this new sound. With Mad Young Generation Here Eternally To Take Over (M.Y. G.H.E.T.T.O.) as a call to action, Sellassie inspires with strong messages and dynamic beats. Why You Worried About Me speaks to the importance of knowledge of self, individuality and the common threats of haterism, with a feel-good beat. Slap Factory, a young, imaginative crew of producers creating a new Bay Area sound, crafted all the beats for this project. I’m Tryin’ to Make a Livin’ Not a Killin' is a testament that you can come hard, produce meaningful rhymes and remain conscious without leaning on cussing or the N-word.

This album is truth. This album speaks on issues that need to be addressed. Sellassie takes a stand, will not be silenced or compromised and believes that it is important for young black men and women to have someone to be proud of again. Sellassie’s music represents survival, freedom and hope. He embodies black street culture alongside the revolutionary spirit of the Black Panthers. His music is a commitment to truth and justice in an industry of destructive messages and payola scandals.

Bringing a fresh perspective to the game, Sellassie stands firm to his message, has a charismatic presence and is evidence that not every rapper raps negatively, glorifying drugs, guns, women, money or their ego. Masterfully articulating the struggle, Sellassie’s art is poetry on hip hop beats, music that identifies with scholars and people in the ghetto alike. Sellassie is a confident emcee, riding on substance and ideas instead of gimmicks and guise.