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THE B.A.R.TENDER: SERVING TOP SHELF ARTISTS FOR 2014
2013 has been a great year for some and even better for others. As Memphis music is taking its rightful place on the frontline of entertainment, its no wonder there are so many talented indivduals making a statement that we will no longer live in the shadows of the neighboring Nashville and Atlanta industries. Here's a glimpse of a few artists that are gauranteed to shake and stir music in 2014 Beyond Average Radio.
Hailing from Westwood, Omega Forte has broken all sterotypes that seem to have loomed over new generation Hip-Hop. The way he pairs convoluted rhymes and an inherent ability to effortlessly 'ride out' a beat, is nothing short of amazing. In an effort to mark his territory for 2014, Omega has spent 2013 promoting his fan favorite Journey to Success mixtape, been featured on "No Guts No Glory" (which is from KingPin Composer's upcoming Fantastik Superhero project), and participated in the Welcome to the Jungle Cypher, which features a few breakout emcees from the Mid-South. Like a shot of Macallan 25, his newest single "The Night" ft Jhene Aiko is rich and robust, providing intensity for the musical palate.
Since the days of Big Boi and Andre 3000, the emergence of powerful hip-hop duos has been somewhat extinct. This year, I met S.O.U.L for the first time and was in complete awe. During the set up of the Summer In September release show, I asked the two emcees, Teco and Idi Aah Que, to spit 16 each. Without hesitation, they freestyled on the corner of Crump and Lauderdale like it was nothing. The duo, backed by DJ Dalair on production, is making their name in Memphop royalty, having appeared in every major hip hop show this year. With a hectic touring schedule and musical releases in the near future, this double shot looks forward to prosperity in 2014
Listen to
"Feeling It" by S.O.U.L.
Mix handsome looks, dancing, singing, acting, with humility and top if off with a heart-melting smile, and you have yourself a Zephaniah. There isn't anything this guy can't do. His richly flavored tenor voice gives you a transparent view straight to his soul. Zephaniah has embarked on a journey that is taking him straight to the top. He's peformed in front of hundreds in the local sector, been a semi-finalist for Lovenoise Presents: Open for Brandy, and most recently, he took center stage at the world famous Apollo theatre in Harlem, New York. Possibly the greatest "full threat" performer to come out of Memphis, Zephaniah is sure to become a household name by the end of 2014.
Listen to
"Say You Won't Go" by Zephaniah
By far the most underrated emcee in Memphis, head of Speak-rRr-Freak Entertainment Pyu has been making noise in local hip hop for years. Recently, he and his crew have been taking over the Bluff City's entertainment industry with R&B, Hip-Hop, and even Rock. Also a singer, the versatility of this smooth artist will take your musical taste to new heights. His fan pleasing performances with Virghost on the party anthem "Can't Deny It" and with his SRF artist ChoZen on the motivating "Jettison" (both produced by KingPin Da' Composer) have proven tha Pyu is taking feel good music to a new level.
Listen to "Pharaoh Shit"
by Pyu
Mtenzi award for "Best Singer" winner LaShawnda Smith has been singing her heart out the entire year of 2013. She's released 4 soulful single's including the hits 'Be My Lover' and 'Happy, Lovely, Beautiful'. LaShawnda's style is new, but classic, and refreshing. A work-a-holic and humble spirit, LaShawnda is soaring her way to the musical forefront in Memphis
Battle Rapper Extrodinaire Grizz Guru has completely taken the reigns on this lyrical sport. Bar after bar, Grizz Guru has annihilated his competition. The current champion of the Iron Mouth Battle League has a style that is rich, smooth, composed, yet complex. With his recent success, Guru will be one of the most talked about artists of 2014. Thus placing him on a path beyond battle rap success
Emmy Award winning singer Keia Johnson offers a unique flavor and versatility to new age R&B. The Former Miss Arkansas Miss Congeniality has mixed beauty, poise, and a warm heart to her regal talent. While she has previously been recorded among the thousands of hopefuls of The American Idol franchise, Keia is setting herself apart and creating her own name in the industry. This year, she has appeared in the Sound of the City concert where she gave a knockout performance of the Rufus classic 'Sweet Thang', and also writing and singing hooks and verses as part of the Memphis Queens: Hustle and Flow cypher series. 2014 has a promising outlook for this artist who seems as if she just can't be stopped.
Listen to "Be My Lover"
by LaShawnda Smith
He brings the authenticity of party Hip-Hop paired with a luxurious flow into the local music scene. Tyke T is the all around "Good Time" guy. Dropping the overly anticipated Overlooked EP in 2013, he made it clear why it is necessary to Call Tyrone. Having one of the most genius album covers, the EP is packed with jaw dropping rhymes and production. Tyke T has spent the past year touring the college circut and make several television appearances. Laying the blueprint to attainable success, he is paving the way for himself and those who will follow
Listen to "Call Tyrone"
by Tyke T
Talent knows no age barrier. 21 year old Marco Pave' exemplifies talent, knowledge and a community service stature. Even at a young age, Marco has a career that many of his senior peers have only been able to dream of. The North Memphis native has dedicated himself to building his artistry as well as the neighborhoods around him, often volunteering to help with urban development. Recently, he signed a contract to use an original song for MTV's True Life docu-series. Marco is and somewhat of a classic, yet highly innovative emcee. He has spent this year performing and spreading the buzz about what's to come for the Marco Pave' brand
Listen to "Friday Night"
by Marco Pave
Arguably the best female battle rapper out of Memphis, Ms Murk gives you straight shots of sweet bars, leaving her apponents feeling sour. She's been one of the most talked about battlers in the the all female Queen of The Ring battle league. With plans to head home to Memphis in the Spring for a cliff-hanging battle with one of the Iron Women(or men. Her opponent has not yet been announced), she is ready to take on the challenge. This queen of the ring has seen several highs and minimal lows in battle rap, having met only a select few bar builders who were out of her league. Win, lose, or draw, Ms Murk leaves her all on the battlefield and proves to the competition that she isn't a lightweight
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December 20, 2013
By Clarissa Antoinette
View Similar Article:
10 OF MEMPHIS' MOST INFLUENTIAL FEMALE ARTISTS
Listen to "The Night"
by Omega Forte ft. Jhene Aiko
s.o.u.l.
Ketel One- Double with a Twist
Zephaniah
Long Island Iced Tea
pyu
Remy V.S.O.P
LaShawnda Smith
Ciroc Cosmopolitan
Grizz Guru
Johnnie Walker Black
Keia Johnson
Bombay Sapphire
Tyke T
Grand Marnier
Marco Pave'
Crown Royal On Ice
Ms Murk
Patron Margarita
Listen to "Movin' On"
by Keia Johnson
This list would not be complete without an appearance from current Artist Above and B.A.R.
Archangel