Author Archives: amy

The Shoe Surgeon x <3 AK

Posted on January 5, 2012 by amy| 1 Comment

If your shoe game starts slippin’ you’ll be sure to fall but lucky for you HardKnock TV is here to catch you. We’ve paged The Shoe Surgeon to get you stitched up in proper Hip Hop fashion, back on your feet and into the game without missing a beat.

As his reputation soars to new heights and collaborations come knocking on his garage door, The Shoe Surgeon’s cutting edge approach is pulling him up by the boot straps and leaving his frayed past on the cutting room floor.

Step into the maniacally, wacky realm of The Shoe Surgeon and take a walk in his shoes as we dissect the ups and downs of a man’s artwork that skips to its own tune. Continue reading “The Shoe Surgeon x <3 AK” »

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Astronomical Kid: Loser Mixtape Download

Posted on December 24, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

The most recent prodigy in the game, X-Factor contestant Astronomical Kid a.k.a. Astro dropped his “Loser” mixtape yesterday (just a couple weeks after being voted off the American show)… Now just 15 years old we are witnessing a legend in the making. Keep an eye out for this guy. <3 AK

Click here to download full Loser mixtape

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An Industry of Innovation and Inspiration: Let the Revolution Begin

Posted on December 20, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

via inspiringpictures.com^^^^

The manifestation of creativity and endless possibility is subconsciously precipitating through the strange clouds of the music industry. We have begun to “make it rain with creativity,” as a homie of mine put it recently while on the discussion of perfecting our craft as DJ’s. Turntables in and of themselves have evolved into instruments where before they were solely the means by which we could listen to music in the comfort of our living room. The consolidation of noise from orchestra instruments into soundboards symbolizes only a small portion of what has become of music production and its distribution. Continue reading “An Industry of Innovation and Inspiration: Let the Revolution Begin” »

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AK’s Report Card for MC Imprint’s The First Impression

Posted on December 16, 2011 by amy| 10 Comments

My first impression of this track is what led me to write this review…what do you guys think of it? <3 AK

My First Impression of The First Impression

Having introduced his album almost 1 year ago MC Imprint has been on his grind to formally inject himself into the veins of the rap game with his Freshman LP The First Impression.This project provides a narration of his experiences through the depths of depression and is most visibly exposed on the tracks “Dancing in the Shadows” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” He is able to balance braggadocio and girl problems while shining a discerning light on the seriousness of substance abuse. Rather than relapsing, Imprint has conjured up a cocktail of self reflection and positive progression. His internal battles are externalized through lyrical confessions.

“I know pain and I know sufferin’// I know feinding for a fix// and having to steal somethin’…sky’s get grey and times get bad// I remember at nights I cried// wishin’ I had a dad…” Continue reading “AK’s Report Card for MC Imprint’s The First Impression” »

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J. Cole RESPECT MAG issue drops Tuesday 11/29/11

Posted on November 28, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

I can recall the very first RESPECT magazine I ever opened had two interviews in it that instantly convinced me that my calling was Journalism and Hip Hop would be my Muse. One was with Jay Electronica and the other was J. Cole. Who’d have known only a few months later both would be signed by the BIG Jay and the state of Hip Hop as we knew it would be transformed and regain a level head. Big ups to RESPECT mag for keeping it consistent with their dopeness. I will most definitely be copping this issue on Tuesday in hopes of finding some more inspiration. <3 AK

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Gilbere Forte- Eyes of Veritas Mixtape Easy Download

Posted on November 18, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

Not his most recent work but a dope compilation from the Michigan-born Philly representative. Throughout this mixtape Gilbere (pronounced Jil-bear) Forte transcends a variety of sounds. Continue reading “Gilbere Forte- Eyes of Veritas Mixtape Easy Download” »

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A$AP Rocky ft. A$AP Nast and A$AP Twelvy- Trilla

Posted on October 1, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

Produced by Beautiful Lou this steady beat has been bumping in my car for the past week and I can’t help but just cruise to it. As an early leak from their upcoming project Live Love ASAP I cannot wait to hear the rest of what these kids have in store. Check out their Deep Purple mixtape until Live Love ASAP drops (not sure when that is yet). From what I have heard so far I fully cosign the ASAP squad…<3AK

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The HeART of Hip Hop: Reviving Her Pulse

Posted on September 24, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

It is because of the Beat and the Break-Beat that Rapping has spawned and it is through the Beat that Hip Hop has survived. With the Pop market depriving Hip Hop of lyrical variety in mainstream media and while it suffocates a louder creative voice in today’s Diplomatic Sound System, the beat of her songs acts as the IV to revitalize the essence of percussion and harmony in music and life. Although commercial “Hip Pop” continues to distort radio waves with Auto-Tuned vocals and monosyllabic word play, the progressive rhythmic sounds at the foundation of this cultural movement will always be HEARD regardless of lyrical content. Continue reading “The HeART of Hip Hop: Reviving Her Pulse” »

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Dreams are a Powerful Thing…

Posted on September 24, 2011 by amy| Leave a comment

Hiii Power and Cole World united in Dreamville last night as Kendrick Lamar popped into J. Cole’s performance and spit a few bars to show support for the Cole World Tour at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. Check J’s boot… now that’s what I call Overly Dedicated. <3AK Continue reading “Dreams are a Powerful Thing…” »