[Video] Frankie Payne – By Myself

New self-directed video from Frankie Payne.

One of the lead singles off the CLARITY album. The video tells the story of real people, facing real adversity. It’s about standing alone against adversity and win or lose, and weathering the storm. Over a powerfully soulful instrumental courtesy of Tone Mason Frankie Payne provides an authentic Toronto style Flow with soul quenching melodies that are infectious.

D-Sisive and Tone Mason release Raging Bull EP

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Raging Bull is a new EP from D-Sisive and producer Tone Mason.

A week before Christmas, and two days before the release of this record – I was laid off from my job. Never has time been so appropriate to release a project like this. Sure, my albums are never filled with sunshine, but this flame came from a different pit.

Two months ago, I was contacted out of the blue by Grammy nominated producer, Mellenius [Tone Mason], via Gmail chat. It was a message so straight to the point I thought he messaged me by mistake. “I’m going to send you some new beats in a minute.” The last time we spoke was when I received a similar message from Toronto legend, Saukrates, to work with him on one of his new TM produced songs, Wednesday. Even then I don’t think I communicated with Tone Mason. Thrown off, I replied, “I think you have the wrong person,” and waited for an answer. I waited for three hours until I finally heard the notification bell. I clicked to the Gmail screen and read “No. I have the right person.” Next thing I know, my inbox was filled with monsters. Cinematic savages.

“We need to capture the rage,” Mellenius said. He brought up the movie, Raging Bull, and suggested the film be our foundation. I love the movie, and was totally down with the concept. We agreed to release the project on December 19th, the films 33rd anniversary. At the time, I was reading George Chuvalo’s autobiography, a Toronto-born boxer with a story similar to Raging Bull’s Jake La Motta. Everything clicked. I started writing.

A week before Christmas, and two days before the release of this record – I was laid off from my job. Never has time been so appropriate to release a project like this. I’ve always been fueled by struggle, and now my tank is full.

“So give me a stage where this bull here can rage.
And though I can fight, I’d much rather recite.” –Jake La Motta

That’s entertainment.
Derek

PURCHASE: D-Sisive & Tone Mason – Raging Bull (Bandcamp)

Hype releases Can’t Calm Down LP

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Motive Music’s Hype has released his debut full-length project, Can’t Calm Down. The LP features appearances from Set2, Trish, S. Davis, Haze P., Dusty Wallace, Gee Wunder, Tre Nyce, Yaygo and others. Production duties were handled by Heavy-Weight Bangers, Tone Mason and T. Major.

PURCHASE: Hype – Can’t Calm Down (iTunes)

Maestro releases new album, Orchestrated Noise

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As I mentioned in the last post, Maestro released his new album Orchestrated Noise on Tuesday. This is the 7th LP from Maestro over his 25 years in hip hop and it features artists from a variety of genres including Kardinal Offishall, Sam Roberts, The Trews, Divine Brown, Classified, Saidah Baba Talibah, Glenn Lewis and opera singer Measha Brueggergosman. Fellow hip hop legends Sadat X, Kool G Rap and Chuck D also make appearances. Production credits include Gameboy, Lord Quest, Rezza Brothers, Vanguards, Tone Mason, Classified, Rich Kidd, Bix and Saukrates.

1. Look for Me in the Whirlwind ft. King Reign and Saukrates
2. Gladiator ft. Rich Kidd
3. Symphonia Destino ft. Measha Brueggergosman
4. Dearly Departed ft. Kardinal Offishall
5. Desire ft. Lights
6. History Repeated ft. Sam Roberts
7. See You on the Weekend ft. Sadat X and Glenn Lewis
8. Black Trudeau (Rap Prime Minister)
9. The Conversation ft. King Reign
10. Salute (Additional Vocals by Chuck D)
11. Reach for the Sky (Try) ft. Classified
12. I Wanna Know ft. The Trews
13. Longevity (Get Up Remix) ft. Adam Bomb
14. Timeless ft. Divine Brown
15. Stranger ft. Saukrates
16. Pyramids in the Sand ft. k-os, Rezza Brothers
and Saidah Baba Talibah

*BONUS
Born Original ft. E.D.G.E
Legendary ft. Kool G. Rap and Rezza Brothers

PURCHASE: Maestro Fresh Wes – Orchestrated Noise (iTunes)

Frankie Payne releases new LP, Clarity

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A little late in posting this one as the release party was a week ago tonight, but Frankie Payne’s new album Clarity is available now. The LP features appearances from Theo3, Trish, Erin Reece and Cause The Problem and production from Tone Mason, Snaz, Rich Kidd and Big Sproxx.

“CLARITY is a collection of short stories that describe the answers that were revealed to Frankie Payne during his moment of clarity. With the help of some of the best producers and artists in Toronto a masterpiece of the urban elements (spokenword, hippo,R&B,reggae etc.) has come to life. The Album could easily be the most realistic, and well rounded representation of Toronto culture ever created. Every Track seems to speak directly to soul of the listener and creates a connection that allows you to visualize the things Frankie Payne is saying. In a time when music of substance is a rarity this album promises to be a gold mind of knowledge, Experience, and Great Artistry. You decide.

PURCHASE: Frankie Payne – Clarity (iTunes)

[Video] Famous – Let It All Out (ft. Brent Jackson)

“Let It All Out” is the latest video from Famous and features Brent Jackson of The Junction. Famous also handled direction duties while Tone Mason provided the beat.

Seeing how it’s #AntiBullyingWeek it’s only right I release this video as a reminder to those who are facing issues and feel they have knowone to talk to, to Let It All Out!

[Audio] Famous – Let It All Out (ft. Brent Jackson) (prod. Tone Mason)

New track from Famous featuring Brent Jackson and produced by Tone Mason.

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DOWNLOAD: Famous – Let It All Out (Hulkshare)