SMKA - Album Release Party (Performances)

SMKA - Album Release Party (Part -1)

Cool Kids Design - Vote for Tunde

Vote For him Here

Lavish Life Social Club... Pics from CENCI

LAVISH LIFE SOCIAL CLUB

They do it all, including documenting dope events.

thanks yall.

WOW - "caddys" performance @ Cenci

they KILLED it

SMKA -Release Party: Thanks!

CENCI and SMKA thanks everyone who made it out last night...


Performances by...
Grip Plyaz
Young Trimm
A.Leon Craft
Jay West
Savage
Gilles
Rome Fortune

Pictures Coming SOON!!!

www.whynatte.com
www.plush357.com

ATLiens phone home with SMKA's The 808 Experiment, Vol. 1 - CREATIVE LOAFING DEC 24-30

Sometimes Atlanta's new wave of underground hip-hop seems like a motherless child. Or an alien that lost contact with the mothership.

In a galaxy far away from the finger snaps that made Bankhead go pop and the traps that turned T.I. and Young Jeezy into hot commodities, there exists an alternate universe where beats are measured by the blogosphere instead of the bump produced in your trunk.

Over the past year, an emerging underworld (filled with hipster-leaning hoppers, second-generation ATLiens, and otherwise unidentifiable but fly MCs) seemed poised to forsake an authentic Dirty South sound for more of the same cocaine-laced synth lines and recycled computer love à la Kanye West. It became a desperate state of affairs.

But the new compilation The 808 Experiment, Vol. 1 from SMKA Productions proves there's still hope. By bridging the city's slicker, hipster derivative and its indigenous red clay swagger, the album may bring Atlanta's rap legacy back to the future. And a burgeoning scene could get the chance to redefine itself before some random blogger does.

The 808 Experiment features more than 25 MCs, including Gripplyaz, one of the artists on the standout track "Caddys." Once he says with a laugh, "I am not a fucking hipster" for the umpteenth time during a recent telephone interview, it becomes clear not only how frustrated he is with the label but also how much he embodies the sentiment behind the compilation. Grip, like a growing class of local acts, occupies that rare, hard-to-define space within Atlanta's underground between straight-up hood and hipster-hop.

Raised in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, Grip "grew up around the dope game [and] the skateboarders," he says. "We all hung out together."

Reconciling those two extremes through music is exactly what primary producer Blake "808 Blake" German, producer/engineer Kyle "7" King, and business manager Mike Walberg had in mind when they decided to form SMKA Productions over lunch one day at a Midtown Chick-Fil-A. The trio immediately began work on a project to highlight the range of local talent.

The three Atlanta natives and former Paideia classmates "wanted to come up with something new," says German. So they started with something old – the Roland TR-808. Introduced in 1980, the drum machine produced the menacing, trunk-rattling beats that became synonymous with the earliest strands of Southern bass music and booty-shake later in the decade.

From the outset, it's clear The 808 Experiment intends to resurrect that classic period and update it with an array of samples and melodic keys. "The Instrumental Introduction" is constructed around a 12-second loop of Rose Royce's 1978 classic "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," with its midtempo, gurgling bass line and eerie keyboard melody that almost sounds paranormal taken out of its original context. Then the voice of OutKast's Andre, sampled from 1996's ATLiens song "Elevators (Me & You)," repeats: "Now everyday we looked up at the ceiling (yep)/watching ceiling fans go 'round trying to catch that feeling off instrumentals." By the time the first 808 beat kicks in one minute and 25 seconds into the track, the curtain has been raised.

"It was almost paying a little homage to the dudes that came before us," says German. "OutKast, to me, they represent a very creative side of Atlanta that we forget about and I wanted to definitely showcase them because they provide a little bit of light sometimes [compared to] a lot of other stuff on the radio."

The CD offers a range of voices, from street-worthy (J Beans, Double R, Young Trimm) to rowdy (Supreeme, Tom P) to quirky (Rome Fortune, Wil May, o8o of Thunderkatz). With both natives and transplants represented, the album's unifying factor is its diversity.

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE!!!

Thanks CL and Rodney Carmichel

Caddys Video (Behind the Sceens) - A Motion Family Video

Thanks to everyone who made it out, and to MOTION FAMILY

"Caddys" Video Shoot this WEEKEND (come out)

"Caddys" ft. Gripplyaz, Young Trimm & A.Leon Craft

VIDEO SCHEDULE: (COME OUT)

Saturday: Rachell Tire And Wheels (12-4pm)
603 Memorial Dr

Sunday: Airport Executive Suites (12-4pm)
2459 Roosevelt Hwy, College Park
(Free Beer)

Where you Need to be This FRIDAY

BE THERE....

Album Release PARTY - DEC 27th @ Cenci

2$ PBR
3$ Jager Shots

done and done

For more Information Contact smkaproductions@gmail.com

The Red & Black - Producer showcases Atlanta music scene

Big ups to John Barrett, The Red & Black, UGA and the Rest of the World.

FROM THE ARTICLE
....Music producer and University alumnus Blake "808 Blake" German has a love for underground hip-hop, and he is dissatisfied with occupying the homogenous and well-trodden ground of present-day mainstream rap culture.

German graduated from the University as recently as 2007, but his production team, SMKA Productions, is quickly garnering a reputation within the Atlanta music community.

Alongside co-producer and engineer Kyle "7King" King and business manager Mike Walbert, German uses the project to shed light on some of the city's less recognized talent.

"These days, everyone is releasing music products like mixtapes all the time, so we wanted to showcase the underground scene in Atlanta," Walbert said.

"With his style, Blake bridges the gap between the hipster movement in Atlanta and a strong southern feel."

Elaborating on this unusual crossover appeal, German commented: "I was born and raised on UGK and OutKast, as well as the hard-driving southern bass that has been synonymous with the South and hip-hop. Then the next step is to mix those roots with different samples and influences - whatever sounds good to me."

But German acknowledged that King played an equally important role in the team's process.

"Mixing the soulful samples, taking a ragtime piano sample and being able to make something new from it ... It's the diversity of the music that we hear and the music that we put out," he said.

So far, the production trio's efforts to deliver a unique approach to the hip-hop scene have been met with a substantial amount of success.

This triumphs are embodied in the team's new compilation album, "The 808 Experiment," featuring collaborations from Atlanta hip-hop artists such as Supreeme, Gripplyaz and Jay West...

For the Whole Article Click Here

SNEAKER ME STUPID meets 808 BLAKE

One of the fastest growing and best sneaker sites on the INTRONET caught us with 808 Blake to discuss The 808 Experiment, and of course Sneaker fashion.

"This project was put together by Atlanta native 808 Blake & 7King, musically they really did there thing. This is a must hear if you love hip-hop/rap music. You can download the tracks here and get a listen all for free. I know 808 Blake from way back in the day in Atlanta and dude was always making music.



He has brought and uncovered a lost sound in the A. Everyone was speaking and sounding like they had the million dollar fye hot trap. Not saying that there is anything wrong with that but hip hop and music has more to offer especially in the A as we were raised off Goodie Mob & Kast. 808 Blake has surrounded himself with other producers, musical engineers, and even business men to get this 808 Experiment along with SMKA Productions off the ground. 808 Blake had a chance to take time out of his busy schedule to speak with me about his music and of course sneakers."

Check out the Article HERE

Mixtape Wall ---- Diwang Valdez

We have already received unbelievable feedback on The 808 Experiment: Vol 1 so it can be said that the music is a smashing success. But recently the cover for The 808 Experiment: Vol 1 has been getting a little bit of attention as well.

The concept for the album cover was a retro yearbook type theme. We wanted to give everyone on the album their shine and showcase the artists. The yearbook theme allowed us to put all the artists and (808 Blake & 7King) front and center. I couldn't be happier with the outcome...

www.diwangvaldez.com

If you do not already know... www.diwangvaldez.com a.k.a PHOTSLUG did the album cover and if we have it our way then he will be doing all of our album covers till the end of time.

Thanks diwang!!!

Dj Lissa Monet

DJ Lissa Monet reached out to us before the release of the 808 experiment after listening to "Alien (When in Rome)" ft. Jay West, Savage & Gilles

She has a great taste in music and an equally impressive blog (www.lissamonet.com) I highly recommend you check it out for new music, her regular mixtapes and plenty of other fun stuff. There are many of crap blogs out there, but this is not one of them.

She has recently posted The 808 Experiment: Vol 1 for ppl to download and give feedback. So if you haven't already downloaded the compilation then get over to her site, download it and then tell her how much you love it!!!

Thanks to our new friend Lissa Monet

(LEAK) SMKA meets Mr. Falyon - Gift of Gab

Listen to the new single from Sean Falyon - "Gift of Gab"

SMKA Productions is working with Sean Falyon on a new project titled "SMKA meets Mr. Falyon." Check back for more info on the project and don't be surprised if you hear this song on the radio in the near future.



the ish is fire!

hiphopruckus.com - The 808 Experiment: Vol 1

Hiphopruckus - Hip Hop Music, Media and such on a different level.

"I'd like to put you on to a great and eclectic compilation or mixtape as you might call it, called The 808 Experiment Volume 1. It is an independent compilation of some the best untapped talent in Atlanta that you probably haven't heard about. The names of the mcs are....Supreeme, A.Leon Craft of Da Backwudz, Gripplyaz, El Da Sensei of Artifacts, J Young, Niko Villamor, o8o of T!Katz, Fat Tony, Young Trimm, Alexandrea Lushington 2008 American Idol finalist, Jay West, Rome Fortune, Wil May and many more.."

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE

Thanks for the love hiphopruckus

Rolling Out: "The 808 Experiment: producers keep ATL hip-hop on the map"

There is no denying the bourgeoning underground hip-hop culture in Atlanta. Whether it’s hister-hop or gritty traphouse rap, the ATL has been serving up a bevy of unsigned and underappreciated artists until now. Enter 808 Blake and 7King, two virtually unknown local producers who have created a vehicle for promoting the music they love so much. Entitled The 808 Experiment, their indie release paints a perfect picture of the eclectic musical nature of the talent coming from the Dirty. From classic Roland 808’s to playing with elements of live instrumentation and extraterrestrial synths, anyone who wants to know about what the A has to offer, needs to look no further than this exceptional release. Rolling Out caught up with the producers and their business partner Mike Walberg to talk Atlanta hip-hop, the meaning behind “amoeba music” and naming themselves after Andre 3000’s offspring....

For the Full Article

Rolling Out Interview

First off, if you haven’t downloaded this CD yet, do it now. With that said, ladies and gentlemen I’m proud to announce that hip-hop is still alive. I mean come on, you can’t believe everything Nas says (hello, Oochie Wally anyone?). Thanks to producers 808 Blake, 7King, and their business partner Mike Walberg, a slew of up and coming talents in ATL have been able to showcase themselves to the industry. Not bad for three guys who were virtual unknowns 48 hours ago. The boy Billy Blog caught up with two producers via phone and the homie Walberg via, well, that part’s not important, just know that I got his version too. Below is the clip from my interview with 808 Blake and 7King and the interview with Mr. Walberg that followed. Hip-hop ain’t dead you suckas!

For the Full Interview CLICK HERE

Thanks Rolling Out and Billy Bob!!!

Creative Loafing Interview - "SMKA Productions’ The 808 Experiment: Vol. 1 reclaims Atlanta’s hip-hop identity"

Thanks to Rodney Carmichael and Creative Loafing....


"God bless the child that’s got his own.

From the outset of SMKA Productions‘ newly released compilation, The 808 Experiment Vol. 1, it’s clear that Atlanta has finally arrived.

Surely, you say, the hip-hop capital of the world is no newbie to rap’s all-encompassing map. And you’re right. But among Atlanta’s emerging rap underworld — filled with hipster-leaning hoppers, 2nd generation ATLiens, and otherwise unidentifiable but objectively fly MCs — that original, Dirty South sound had been all but bleached out and forsaken. Until now.

With The 808 Experiment, SMKA accomplishes the seemingly impossible: It bridges Atlanta’s slick, hipster-hop derivative with the indigenous, red clay swagger for which the A has always been known.

Beats simultaneously swim in bass-drunk, 808 kicks while dancing between melodic, pastel-colored keys. Even when SMKA dares to sample esoteric pop songs like Sting’s “Englishman in New York,” the resulting track ["Alien (When in Rome) feat. Jay West, Savage and Gilles] is certifiably stamped “ATL.”

Their secret weapon? SMKA producers Blake “808 Blake” German and Kyle “7King” King, along with in-house “hustler” Mike Walberg, are all Atlanta natives. Damn near unheard of in this day and age, right? Meanwhile, the compilation features plenty among the city’s rising crop of natives and transplants alike, including Gripplyaz, A. Leon Craft, and Young Trimm (”Caddy”), trio Supreeme (”I’m On Fire”), Wil May (”Sweet Confusion”), and o8o of T!Katz (”Fire in the Hole”). But some of the biggest surprises come from lesser known cats who turn in equally stellar performances, including Double R of Miami, Nuff Sed, J Beans, Dee Rail, Fat Tony, Niko Villamor, Jay West, Rome Fortune, J Young, Radcliff Hyphen, Crysis, Brandon Michael, Toussaint, Alexandria Lushington and Tom P of Decatur. El da Sensei of New Jersey-based Artifacts is also featured.

With only 48 hours since it’s release it’s impossible to say just yet, but here’s hoping The 808 Experiment represents a truly formative moment in what’s already proven to be a watershed year for Atlanta’s slightly off-the-radar hip-hop movement.

Needless to say, I had to talk to the guys behind SMKA to find out where the heck they’ve been hiding. Oh, and you’ll never guess what SMKA stands for?"

DOWNLOAD: The 808 Experiment Vol. 1

For the Full Interview....Click HERE

IllRoots.com Shows SMKA love!!!

Our new friends at illRoots.com show some big love to SMKA - The 808 Experiment: Vol 1... more info to come but here is a bit of the article.

"This project was put together by Atlanta native 808 Blake & Thing [Thing = 7King..Hahah] and it’s amazing. A must hear. You got it here first."

Thanks for the love folk... I'll halla.

To download the project click HERE

Lavish Life Social Club... Write Up

Nothin but good things to say about our friends at the Lavish Life Social Club...

Keep it up!

Check out the article written up about The 808 Experiment: Vol 1

The 808 Experiment: Vol 1 (Availible Now!!!!)

The long awaited release of The 808 Experiment is finally here. Enjoy!!!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Caddys ft. Gripplyaz, Young Trimm & A.leon Craft (of Da Backwudz)

Check out the new Caddys song off the 808 Experiment: Vol 1 at our space...

LINK TO LISTEN

The 808 Experiment: Vol 1

The Front




Listen to some tracks now....
Downloadable soon off www.myspace.com/smkamusic

New Song - Jay West

Working on a new song with Jay West. We recorded a verse tonight and its coming together. Looking for a soulful ass singer to sing the hook, if anyone knows anyone, Halla.

Hurricane Weekend Playlist - "Sweet Confusion" - Wil May

Wil May - "Sweet Confusion" is featured on the UM college mag as a featured song. Check out the article.

Weekend PlayList

First UM then the World.

"Caddys" getting a make over

in case you have been a fan of "caddys" and we know a few people that are, continue to read...

Yelawolf is jumpin off the track and making way for Head Roc. Yela is off by his own will and is looking to record another track possibly for the Next 808 Experiment... stay tuned.

Head Roc is recording a verse this weekend and we should have that to you by Monday...?

Things are coming together.... for updates check up www.myspace.com/smkamusic (as always)

"caddys" - The 808 Experiment

Alrighty... the second single of the 808 Experiment is on the Myspace.

check it out and let us know what you think.

"Caddys" - ft. Gripplyaz, Young Trimm and Yelawolf

www.myspace.com/smkamusic

Wil May - Sweet Confusion

People are starting to catch on... Sweet Confusion is a different sound with a rag time piano. If you are tired of the same old ish... then check out the new new off SMKA's - The 808 Experiment.

Wil May's Blog

Lavish Life Social Club's Blog

Let us know what you think...

for more songs you might like off the 808 Experiment, check out the...

www.myspace.com/smkamusic

MYSPACE

got the myspace up and rocking with 6 songs off the 808 Experiment... check it out

www.myspace.com/smkamusic

Sweet Confusion - Wil May & Toussaint
Caddys - Gripplyaz, Young Trimm & Yelawolf
Haters- J Young
Bang - Disciples
Alien - Gilles, Jay West and Savage.

halla, and let us know what you think

BaRock the House: Benefit Concert

thanks to everyone who made it out to the Barock the House event at Star Bar.

We raised a good bit of money and registered close to 50 ppl.

Thanks STAR BAR and everyone who came out... especially Gripplyaz, Wil May, Supreeme and Young Trimm for preforming.

1:00am on a Monday

If everything goes according to plan the 808 Experiment will be done in 24hours. hurray

www.myspace.com/smkamusic


Also, if you dont know... check out the new sneaker me stupid website, which is one of the best sneaker websites on the planet.

www.sneakermestupid.com

swazy.

"Alien"

We finished up Alien last night...

Recorded another verse with Savage, to add to Gilles and Jay West.

Shit is sounding real nice.

Check out our myspace to listen to the old version...new version coming soon.

Finishing the 808 Experiment

We are recording the final song of the 808 Experiment tonight....hopefully.

Sean Falyon is jumpin on the CD at the last minute and is recording an old school joint tonight at 10. Lets hope all goes well.

Should have some songs up on the myspace by friday so check it out, and add us as a friend.

That is all

Back in Blake - The 808 Experiment

SMKA production (MYSPACE) will be releasing there first music project titled "The 808 Experiment" on November 8th... 4 days after Obama gets elected President of the US. (hell yeah)

The artists on the 808 Experiment include:

Grip Plyaz
Young Trimm
Supreeme
Wil May
J Young
T-Katz
Yelawolf
Sean Falyon
Disciples
Alexandrea Lushington
Niko Villamore
J Beans
Double R
Fat Tony
Dee Rail
Nufsed
Tom P
Gilles & Jay West
Rome Fortune
Toussaint
Radcliffe Hyphen
Brandon Monteith

STAY TUNED...
We will be releasing a few songs before on our myspace so keep checking it out. And will be throwing a release party on November 8th. More details coming soon...