www.twitter.com/thaddwilliamsSC
Born in South Carolina and reared in Virginia, Thaddeus Williams brings a rare palette of business acumen to the industry, which boasts 14 years of entertainment experience and 4 years of military service. As an Inspirational Speaker, Artist, and CEO of Mic Fiend Music, Thadd has accrued an extensive resume that includes opening for T.I., Young Jeezy, Lil’ Wayne, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Jadakiss, MC Light as well as working with DJ Drama, DJ Chuck T, DJ B-Lord, DJ Mick Boogie and The Mic Fiend.
Thadd has also generated major radio play in two regions, performed at the SEA Awards and garnered multiple award nominations. Having developed a love for music early on and rapping since the age of 10, it seemed a natural progression to pursue music. Motivated by family and success, Thadd has incessantly thrown himself into his craft over the years, with a work ethic that rivals many.
“I think I’m addicted to succeeding. I don’t mean money, but just the respect and love from knowing that my music touched someone,” he adds. Described as humble by peers, Thadd extends a unique perspective through his music, one void of gimmicks. He elects to stay true to himself during an era where imitation is glorified on the radio airwaves. His plans include establishing the Mic Fiend brand as a force in the industry, releasing a series of tapes and gaining fans worldwide. “I’m not concerned with a deal, as long as I give the people what they want. I want to soon have my official first release ready and packaged for the world to enjoy. Within the next five years, you gotta mention me among the top 5 dead or alive. Don’t have to get the money, but I definitely got to get the love,” he adds.
Embracing the many challenges that come with business ownership within the music industry, Thadd approaches it with an audacious spirit of achievement. The very talent, creativity and tenacity that has served as his catalyst for success thus far, will inevitably catapult him to unforeseen heights in the future.
www.twitter.com/broadwaymiller
Hailing from Chadbourn, NC, Broadway Miller is a well-rounded artist that unites an east-coast lyricism with a country swagger. Bringing lyrical prowess to the hip-hop game, Broadway brings a much-needed substance to the ever-present crunk of the south. An avid listener of rhythm and blues, at the age of 6, Broadway developed a love for music greats Roberta Flack, the Delphonics, and Gladys Knight. As the soulful beats of rhythm and blues sparked Broadway’s musical interests, hip hop artists such as Pastor Troy, Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep heavily influenced his development as an emcee. His unique style and diverse influences can be heard through the smooth and sharp delivery of his lyrics. Known first as Bliss One, Broadway transformed Miller into Broadway Street, eventually giving birth to the name Broadway Miller. Broadway began garnering respect by free-styling at the tender age of nine, but began writing poetry and lyrics two years earlier. Using the neighborhood baseball field as a venue for honing his craft, he began to develop a name and personality for himself. Broadway’s everyday life is inspiration for his lyrics and motivation to grow.
With exceptional drive and vision, he set out to prove nay-sayers wrong. "I’m fierce whenever it comes to emceeing, but Nas said it better than anyone” explains Broadway. ‘People fear what they don’t understand and hate what they can’t conquer.’ (Nas, Hate Me Now). Broadway seeks to fully understand the concepts, issues and situations that inspire him to create music before he attacks with words. Research, leveraged by awareness, enables Broadway to perfect his talent. By using this approach, Broadway captures the raw essence of musicianship, reflecting the mature and controlled style of a true emcee. From North Carolina to Washington, D.C., Broadway has performed at various venues while establishing credibility and fan base. Broadway’s first live performance at Fantasy’s Night Club in Chadbourn, NC, proved to be a pivotal moment in his career as he gained local respect from battling other emcees. Broadway has created buzz with performances at venues along the east coast, including opening performances for Waka Flocka Flame, Rick Ross, Jeezy and Trey Songz. As an up and coming artist, Broadway Miller is destined to put his stamp on hip hop and encourages other emcees on the grind to "Catch Up or Get Caught"!
"'Catch Up or Get Caught'" is significant to me in various ways. This mixtape shows growth...I know many artists say that project after project, but it's true. From the lyrics, to the content, to the hooks, to the beats selected, anyone who knows me can see that I'm growing as a man and as an artist. When I did "Chillin Wit Customers"(2005) I was just rapping...with an ill punch line and distinctive style that appealed to most. The team I was working with on "Gets It All Day"(2007) helped me grasp the concept of composing a "song" in reference to formatting, placing hooks and understanding how to create music to reach multiple demos. Now, with "Catch Up or Get Caught", my game is better. I used to say, "Catch Up or Get Caught" to people…just talking trash. Now, I use the saying as a self motivator to remain ahead of the game. I'm older, I've experienced more, and I’m wiser. That being said, I have created an ill mixtape that shows ME...what I’ve been, what I am, and what I aspire to become! " – Broadway Miller
B. MILLER DISCOGRAPHY
www.twitter.com/SHATiFFDMV
Born and raised between DC and SC, SHATiFF whose given name is Steven Jenkins showed an impeccable gift of maintaining a rhyme over a beat without flaw at the early age of 8. By 18 he along with his group the Universal Souljahs released their studio album titled Just-Us. During the following years internal differences amongst the group caused them to split and the remaining members including SHATiFF formed the Strugglaz. Together they recorded the “Raw Form” album and SHATiFF sold 4500 units out the back of his car. During this time SHATiFF and his music began gaining popularity in the streets, as fate would have it, his dealings in the SC underworld lead him to serve time in an SC state penitentiary. It was during this time that SHATiFF focused his priorities and dedicated himself fully to the music.
In the increasingly competitive hip-hop scene SHATiFF has found his lane and he’s sticking to it. He makes music for those who still rock Shooters, Mukunu, and Madness, for the people keeping it Gangsta at the Go-Go, and who still go hard for them Redskins. SHATiFF makes music for those long trips up and down 95 for you to sit back relax and just listen. He makes music for them down south cats who party hard at the VFW, sip yak out of red cups, and eat late night meals at the waffle house. He simply makes music for everyday working folks that weave seamlessly into the tapestry of their lives and that’s what makes him authentic.
And that’s how SHATiFF’s keeping it. You won’t find a whole lot of sing song lyrics, big chains, or loud colors over here; what you will find is a creative flow, witty lyrics, and clever metaphors from an artist who takes his craft seriously. It’s with this creativity and drive that SHATIFF has managed to gain the stamp of approval from some of DC’s top power players including Kenny Burns, Judah Beats, and Backie Thomas to name a few. With the release of his upcoming album “All IN: The Vow” produced by Judah Beats, he plans to add many more to that list.
www.twitter.com/dakennel
www.dakennel.com/
Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Da Kennel is determined to put their city on map. As a nine -man collective compiled of 6 rappers and 3 in house producers, they have the breeding ground for something real and worth the listen. Bringing the heat with their scorching lyrics and tracks, they offer up a pool of talented individuals all focused on the progression of one sound. Already drawing comparisons to other all male collectives like the St. Lunatics, Wu Tang, and Slaughterhouse, Da Kennel looks forward to setting themselves a part and showcasing their talent.
“We’ve been doing this for a long time and for us it’s all about the music,” says Skillz. “Our songs have developed so much in the last few years, from doing shows to making mix-tapes, and that growth can be heard on our record.”
Although the guys have known each for years, Da Kennel didn’t become official until a few years ago. While Unknown, Mage, Gram Citi, Skillz McNeilla, Kuntry, and Leland Ray bring out the groups lyricism; Dat Boi Pizz, Rip Rugga, and J.C. provide the music that allows them to showcase the bark and the bite that makes them Da Kennel.
“We basically started out as a bunch of friends just freestyling,” says Unknown. “But, soon we started buying equipment, making our own beats and the songs just started coming.”
Living in a house together, along with their pet pit bulls, could get grimy at times, but all their feelings and emotions were translated into hard-hitting songs. “We were rapping on a daily basis,” says Citi. “We had our little beat machine and played them on a little stereo until our styles were perfected.”
Fully representing North East, Ohio Da Kennel uses the different elements of life to spark their creative juices. “For instance, somebody could say a sentence and that will start one hook or even just a melody will start a hot song,” states Mage. “We are influenced by rappers of the late 80’s and 90’s, each other and every day life experiences. With there being so many of us your guaranteed to get a different feel from each member of the group”
Currently backed by Elite Music LLC, the release of their new mixtape Hood II Hood is due to give the streets exactly what they’ve been looking for. With their new single “Model” continuing to receive spins and ads across the region and in the South, Da Kennel is positioned to aggressively stake their claim in the industry.
