Old SOUL Entertainment and Spencer & Nate (First Fridays Indy) have joined forces to create "The Collective". This is kind of like Voltron. Ok, maybe you don't understand that reference. It's like Jay-Z and R.Kelly joining forces...wait that happened and it didn't work out. Ok, I got it. It's like Jay-Z and Beyonce joining forces. The point is, 2 of the Premier Social / Cultural / Entertainment groups have joined forces to bring you an AMAZING night...!!

The best of First Fridays and Soul Sessions in one night with a different spin on it. We can't give you all the details. You have to come and experience it. The 2 things to know are that it's going to be packed and you will be dancing the whole night. This is one you might want to be on time for.

We've also enlisted 2 of the premier DJ's in the Midwest. The sounds of DJs MetroGnome & Action Jackson will be setting the pace on the turntables (these are 2 of our favorite deejays!!).

In classic Soul Session honor, we will have a fine art gallery display from the broken vinyl artist, Lobyn Hamilton. http://www.vinylrecordartist.com/

Creating buzz throughout the country, Lobyn Hamilton's work has been in high demand. From creating the signature J.Dilla Tribute art for Old SOUL Entertainment to displaying work at Trump Resorts, he is the artist to watch out for. His signature pieces are designed from broken/discarded pieces of vinyl records. His attention to detail is unparalleled.

Join us Saturday, May 28th @ The Jazz Kitchen for THE Memorial Day Weekend Party.
5377 College Ave. Broad Ripple, Indy. 11PM. $10. 21 & over w/ID.

RSVP on Facebook ----> Memorial Day Weekend Party

Shorty you killin em hard with them lady pants
simple elegance looking better when you dance
chest to the sun with your thoroughbred stance
you gallop to the rhythms of a native drum chant
your granny must be Navajo
your mama do rodeo, your papa do the Savaro
i bite you, ain't no antidotes
the red blouse do arouse, i come at you like a matador
does attract horny bulls
all the girls are waiting to see which one he pulls
eenie meenie miney meenie prenuptial
enforcer in the Porsche in case fools wanna duel
you'll cool your freakin jets, who wanna be next?
ooh, I'll probably get life if I let
one off, so i let em go like a pro
Sir Andre with an accent 3 triple 0
Ben-jamin, Lauren is the middle name
that was given by my mama, success was on her brain
rain? Bentley Fonz got the umbrellas
Benjamin got the sweaters, hey what more can we sell em?
Sun, spring will bring the parasol
Now watch him para-sail to entertain us all

Artist: Fonzworth Bentley, feat. Sa Ra, Kanye West & Andre 3000 (of Outkast)
Title: Everybody
Released: July 10. 2008

RELEASE THE HOUNDS ! tonight the Merge is entering earth's atmosphere to illuminate Atlanta's homegrown artists. At 11pm est 
THE RUBY VELLE TRIO + 
YANI & THE 3D BAND
will bless the Sound Table with a little bit of Gritty Ass Soul and Eclectic Hip Hop.


Sound providers [Jay Smart and Enoch's Light] will be on staff to provide a nightcap with an 80 proof blend of gritty soul, funk, hip hop & disco from our private selection. BONG ! 

[date] Thursday May 12th
[venue]  the Sound Table 483 Edgewood Avenue SE.
[cover] $5 
[door opens] 11pm

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Drake's 5 Favorite Rappers By: Helen Rogers
Break Studios Contributing Writer

Of course, Drake has a mysterious and rhythmical flow that’s enough to get anyone out of their seats and bobbing their heads, but where does he get the inspiration for his hit music? Who does he look up to?!

1. Of course, it seems silly to start this list with Lil’ Wayne, but he is definitely one of Drake’s favorite rappers. At the Hot 97 Summer Jam in New York in June of 2010, Drake referred to Lil’ Wayne as the greatest rapper alive by asking fans, “How many of y’all miss the greatest rapper alive right now?” He also mentioned that he talked daily to Lil’ Wayne who was incarcerated at the time. Drake even thanks Lil’ Wayne in writing in his album! An excerpt reads, “You are my idol, my mentor, and my friend. I am by your side forever.
2. Drake built a shrine to Andre 3000 in his apartment! Yes, Drake admits that as soon as you walk through the front door of his apartment, the first thing that you lay eyes on is an immense barn door plastered with verses from Andre’s music.
3. Drake has been known to note that Phonte of “The Foreign Exchange / Little Brother” is one of the greatest rappers. It’s likely that you’ve heard it in a song, but just recently, Drake stated in an interview that Phonte is one of best rappers of all time in his opinion. Drake immediately told an interviewer this after being handed a vinyl record of “Little Brother’s.”
4. In an interview with Complex magazine, Drake reveals that Young Jeezy is yet another one of his favorite hip hop rappers. Not only does Drake even love Young Jeezy’s music, Jeezy is even a fan of Drake’s music. Young Jeezy co-signed to make music with Drake, and now they’ve already come out with a few hits including “Lose My Mind” and “Unforgettable.”
5. Drake even claimed that J. Cole from Fayettville is one of his current favorite rappers. This may come as a surprise to some because J. Cole has been thought to be competition to Drake by many. However, this is not true in the least as Drake has stated that Cole is one of his most his most favored rappers!

Who is Phonte? --> http://www.oldsoulent.com/1/post/2011/05/who-is-phonte-coleman.html

Join Old SOUL Entertainment as we welcome
The Foreign Exchange to Indy this Friday. Tickets available at http://AuthenticityTour2011IndianapolisMay6.Eventbrite.com/

In case you've missed the memo, the 2011 Thursday Night hangout in Indy is Room 929 (929 Westfield BLVD. BroadRipple. Formerly, The Upper Room). DJs Limelight and MetroGnome go in with the best in 80's 90's and current R&B, Hip-Hop & Reggae.  Enjoy Room 929's great bar staff, while relaxing in their warm loungy decor. Come chill out with friends and drinks or dance like it's your birthday. Strictly Business gives you that option. Did I mention, there is NO cover and NO dress code.

Drink Specials include $4 Heinekens and $6 Ciroc Vodkas.

Every Thursday.
Strictly Business w/ DJs MetroGnome & Limelight.
10PM. FREE!!

There is still a lot of buzz going around the Midwest about The Annual J.Dilla Tribute, Old SOUL Entertainment hosted in Indy at the end of March. People keep asking me, "Who was that band that played for The J.Dilla Tribute?" I personally know them as one of the hardest working bands in Indy. For your knowledge, they are The Native Sun Collective.

Native Sun is a soul, jazz, hip-hop collective whose common goal is to exhibit true artistry and create exciting and unique soundscapes. Based out of Indianapolis, Indiana their signature sound has been carefully refined since the group began in April of 2007. Originally taking a hard stance against political injustice, the group has since modified their sound to incorporate more "feel good" rhythms that still send a message both lyrically and musically. Their early influences include a host of jazz and soul artists such as John Coltrane and Curtis Mayfield as well as legendary hip-hops acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots and Outkast. On a journey to bridge the gap between generations and genres, Native Sun hopes that you will support their music and help Indianapolis gain a signature sound that represents its rich musical history to the fullest.

Old SOUL Entertainment is proud to announce that The Native Sun Collective has just been added to Root Movements for this Wednesday, May 4th. Also, this is the Official Listening Party for The Foreign Exchange. Not only will we be enjoying live music from Izzy A'more and The Native Sun Collective, in between sets you will hear music from all 3 of The Foreign Exchange's albums. In addition, we will be giving away tickets for The Foreign Exchange concert and after-party this coming up Friday in Indy. The only place to be tomorrow is The Jazz Kitchen.

Root Movements at The Jazz Kitchen.
Wed. May. 4th. Doors @ 7PM. Show @ 8PM $7

More info on Root Movements at http://www.oldsoulent.com/root-movements.html

Follow The Native Sun at http://www.facebook.com/thenativesun

I was looking at your photograph amazed how I favored you
I remember being young wanting to play with you
Cause you was a wild and crazy dude
And now I understand why my momma couldn't never stay with you
From the roots to the branches to the leaves
They say apples don't fall far from the trees
I used to find it hard to believe
And I swore that I would
Always hold my family as long as I could
But damn
Our memories can be so misleading
It's misery
I hate to see history repeating
Thought you were the bad guy
But I guess that's why
me and my girl split
And my son is leaving
I did chores, did bills, and did dirt
But I swear to God I tried to make that ish work
'Til I came off tour to an empty house
With all the dressers and the cabinets emptied out
I think I must have went insane
Thinking I was in love, but really in chains
Trapped to this girl through the two-year old who carried my name
I tried to stop tripping
But yo, I couldn't and the plot thickened
That ish affected me, largely
Because I know a lot of people want me
To fail as a father
And the thought of that haunts me
Especially when I check my rear-view mirror
And don't see him in his car seat
So the next time it's late at night
and I'm laid up with the woman I'mma make my wife
talking 'bout how we gone make a life
I'm thinking about child support, alimony, visitation rights
Cause that's the only outcome if you can't make it right
Pissed off with your children feeling the same pain
So, Pop, how could I blame cause you couldn't maintain
I did the same thing
The same thing  

Indy, catch Phonte, Nicolay, Sy Smith, Zo! and the full band
(The Foreign Exchange) Live in Concert this Friday. For more on
The Foreign Exchange, including tickets, click here ---> The Foreign Exchange Live

Anyone that knows me, knows that I have a very discriminating ear. I don't care how many times you tell me other wise, Gucci Mane can not rap. I've never really cared who I offend when I make my statement about quality music. There are only a few out here that can even qualify to call themselves emcees. My favorites relevant emcees are (in no particular order) Andre 3000, Black Thought, Jay-Z, Nas, Common, Cee-Lo Green, MF DOOM, Mos Def, Ice Cube and Phonte. Phonte? Yes...Phonte Coleman. Who is Phonte Coleman?

Phonte Coleman, better known as Phonte, is a Grammy nominated rapper/ singer, formerly of the North Carolina trio Little Brother and one-half of the duo The Foreign Exchange. He has also recorded R&B flavored output as a singer (often under the pseudonym Percy Miracles). His rhymes tend to be no-frills perspectives on working-class life. Phonte first met the other members of Little Brother, Rapper Big Pooh and Super producer 9th Wonder (production for Jay-Z, De La Soul, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, Wale, Drake...) in 1998 while attending North Carolina Central University, as an English major. In an interview with MVRemix.com, Phonte explained the origins of his group's name: "Tribe, De La, P.E....were like our big brothers in the game so now we are the little brothers of that movement...carrying on the tradition of good music." The three shared common musical interests and decided to form a group. "Speed", the group's first song recorded together, led to them signing a deal with the independent ABB Records, and recording their debut album, The Listening. The album's success led to the group signing a non-exclusive deal with major label Atlantic Records Atlantic Records.

The group's 2005 album, The Minstrel Show, was a concept album dealing with the current state of hip hop music. The album received with amazing regards and is considered a Hip-Hop classic.. During the recording of their third album, the group announced the departure of producer 9th Wonder on amicable terms, as well as a parting of ways with their label. Through a contractual clause they landed back on ABB Records and released Getback in late 2007.

Phonte has appeared on numerous records by other artists, often as a vocalist. He made a guest appearance on the song "Beats N' Rhymes" from producer Kev Brown's album I Do What I Do, and has also recorded tracks with producer Oddisee, both members of the Washington D.C (DMV)-based Low Budget collective. In 2006, he was featured on producer DJ Shadow's The Outsider album. In the following year he contributed vocals to rap group Playaz Circle's "Paper Chaser", from their album Supply & Demand.

In 2002 Phonte made contact with a Dutch music producer by the name of Nicolay the over message boards on Okayplayer.com and began sending music back and forth. Soon after, Phonte and Nicolay, formed The Foreign Exchange without having ever met each other in person, hence the name The Foreign Exchange.

The album, Connected, was released in 2004 and was a showcase for Nicolay's musical talents as well as an introduction to like-minded Little Brother affiliates who guested on the album. The album received strong reviews and the single, "Sincere" featuring YahZarah, was released with a promo video.

In October 2008, the group released their sophomore album Leave It All Behind. In June 2009, the group announced that Zo! is now an official artist on The Foreign Exchange Music imprint and in November 2009, YahZarah also joined the imprint. Median and Darien Brockington later joined. In December 2009, the group found out that they were nominated for a Grammy, for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the track Daykeeper feat. Muhsinah from their sophomore album, "Leave It All Behind". The group's third album, Authenticity, was released on October 12, 2010. In January 2011, the duo went on tour with Sy Smith and Darien Brockington.

Phonte is one of the most complete artist in the industry. On surface, if I had to compare him to someone to help you understand, I guess it would be Drake (because he can sing, rap and is witty). The difference in Phonte and Drake is Phonte's music is extremely grounded, meaning anyone can relate to his writing. Instead of boasting about his talents and exploits, he gives you an honest, non-judgmental look into his experiences. For this I am forever grateful. Did I mention, he is hilarious (watch the video below).
@sirdoug

Join Old SOUL Entertainment as we welcome Phonte / The Foreign Exchange to Indy, Live in Concert. For tickets, please visit: AuthenticityTour2011IndianapolisMay6.Eventbrite.com/