KCR Turn Up No. 3: AUptic

Welcome to another round of KCR College Radio Turn Ups at San Diego State every Thursday in front of the SDSU Farmer’s Market from 12-1 p.m. If you are a fan of eclectic music that can’t be heard from listening to the radio don’t miss out on our Turn Ups. Last Thursday AUptic paid a visit to our campus and showed off his musical talents from singing to playing guitar. However, he is no stranger to KCR Turn Ups and our campus as this was his second time performing on our campus.

Now you may be wondering where did such a name as AUptic come from? That is exactly what I asked him after he finished playing his set. He laughed and told me that the A and U in AUptic stood for astronomical unit and that optic in its literal definition represented behaviors and properties of light. This cosmic-inspired musician definitely bestowed his wisdom on me as we talked from the lows and highs of his life.

This is not surprising from someone with 33 years of life experience under his belt. This conscious rapper knows there are not many like him who chose to not rap about making money, cars and the many women one has had sex with. He found it interesting that many artists feel the need to share everything and it was just noise to him.

“If it doesn’t improve around silence keep it shut,” he said.

I enjoyed that he was not afraid to speak his mind this was by far one of the most intimate interviews I’ve had.

I wondered if his love for music ever got in the way of his relationships. Artists are constantly on the road and it can take a toll on both parties.

“It’s really hard. I definitely broke up with a lot of great people that I have been in love with that didn’t correlate with my busy lifestyle,” he said.

However, when it came to his career and music he was extremely optimistic and driven.

“I have to go where the opportunity is best for where I want to do,” he said.

AUptic mentioned that he was open to the idea of starting a Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign to fund his musical endeavors. He also pointed out that many artists are starting to be self-sufficient and using resources available at their disposal to get their music out there. It didn’t bother him that he is an independent artist, but he did wish he had more connections as do the artists that are signed. However, he finds that being an independent artist has allowed him to be a one man show, which means learning how to maneuver in the music industry.

When it comes to his music this artists makes sure every lyric and beat is a reflection of his current mentality. The human condition changes and so does he.

“I don’t write anything I don’t think is useful,” he said.

He wants fans of his music to gain something by listening to his songs. This artist has definitely gone through many ordeals surviving Hurricane Katrina and following his dreams from then on. Apart from being a wise man he’s also a wise entrepreneur in order to keep his musical dreams alive.

If you still need another reason to check out this lyrically galactic artists check out his Soundcloud for more out-of-this-world beats and lyrics:

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/192479502″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

 

Check him out on FacebookTwitter, Soundcloud, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram as well as on ReverbNation! Also, stay tuned for a review of next week’s artist as we continue to explore each and every artist. This has been your weekly Thursday Turn Up interview by Maria del Carmen Huerta. Enjoy!

 

 

KCR Turn Up No.2: Nick Jordan

For those of you that enjoyed last Thursday’s KCR Turn Up at the San Diego State University Farmer’s Market it was one to be reckoned with. Every Thursday KCR College Radio brings some of the baddest and most unique performers to grace the concrete stage of Campanile Walkway from 12-1 p.m.

With the hustle and bustle that comes with Thursday’s at SDSU these local and out-of-town artists bring some much needed energy to our campus.

Last Thursday Nick Jordan came through and showed off his impressive lyrical skills. This 24-year-old rapper from Oklahoma who now resides in the city of angels has much to look forward to as a new found rapper. His new venture is just another extension of his multifaceted persona. He has an impressive musical ability as a previous drummer for Assemble The Skyline.

If this name sounds familiar that is because his previous band was featured on Vans Warped Tour 2012. He definitely is no stranger to the music scene. However, he is well-versed in hip-hop naming some of his few musical influences with me such as N.W.A., but don’t underestimate this artist he is more than just a white rapper.

He wants fans to know that he embraces the hip-hop culture and ultimately it comes down to making more music and music that provides a different style listeners can vibe to.

I’m pretty sure he was feeling the SDSU vibe with these pictures that were taken of his set last Thursday.

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After his Turn Up set he was able to catch his breath and talk to me about his recently released EP The Night and what he plans to do with his music in the next couple of months.

“Really owning (rapping) that I feel I have a long ways to go,” Jordan said. It’s not surprising that this artists wants to perfect his craft especially when he does have his work cut out for him. However, he does have some help from his fellow producer Alex. When describing their collaboration he mentioned that the two of them get s%$t done and he hopes the good times keep getting better.

His new EP, which was released four months ago in late October is available on iTunes and on SoundCloud  for your listening pleasure.

Here are my top three tracks from his album, but I recommend listening to the whole album you will not be disappointed.

1. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172776331″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

2. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172776327″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

3. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/172776311″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Check him out:

Websites:

Email:

Stay tuned for more KCR College Radio Turn Up coverage brought to you by Maria del Carmen Huerta this spring semester. If you like my articles don’t forget to share the post and use #KCRTurnUps

Kid Ink House of Blues San Diego #MyOwnLane

This April the Ones to Watch with Skype: My Own Lane 2014 U.S. tour is coming to the San Diego House of Blues with headliner Kid Ink and special guests King Los and Bizzy Crook. This is the fifth stop in the #MyOwnLane U.S. tour as Los Angeles native Kid Ink takes the stage next month. Kid Ink is well-known for his collaboration with Chris Brown in their club smasher “Show Me” that put him on the radar and introduced Ink’s impressive verses and versatile lyrics to the airwaves.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108863442″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kid Ink holds producing chops under his belt working with hard-hitting entrepreneurs such as Sean “Diddy” Combs and  Sean Kingston to name a few. He earned his producing chops at the age of 16 according to his bio on his personal website. Working to build his credibility this album shows Ink’s versatility and business mind-set by collaborating with other successful and relevant hip-hop artists.

Here are some of the artists he collaborates on this album:

  1. “I Don’t Care” feat. Maejor Ali
  2. “Murda” feat. Pusha T
  3. “No Opinion” feat. King Los
  4. “Iz U Down” feat. Tyga
  5. “Main Chick” feat. Chris Brown

This is a great year for hip-hop as upcoming artists begin to make a name for themselves. With his album My Own Lane Kid Ink makes it known he is paving new grounds in this industry. Why not attend a concert with at trio of artists to watch for 2014?  If you are attending the show here is some valuable information you should know.

Where: San Diego House of Blues

When: April 7

Address: 1055 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101

Time: Doors open at 7 p.m.

Show starts at 8 p.m.

Price: $20.00 – Gen Admin Standing Advance
$25.00 – Gen Admin Standing Day of Show
$60.00 – 4Pack (4 GA tickets) Advance only

All Ages Show!

Kid Ink has much to look forward to this year as his upcoming #MyOwnLane tour unfolds. From all the support he is receiving from fans and other artists such as Chris Brown, he also takes the time to interact with his fans via Twitter.

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Follow Kid Ink on Instagram  @kidinkbatgang, Twitter @Kid_Ink and Facebook @KidInk for the latest on this upcoming hip-hop strategist.

Don’t forget Kid Ink’s album #MyOwnLane is available now on  iTunes.

If you would like to be featured on Carmen’s Hip-Hop weekly please feel free to email, Tweet or Facebook message me. Next Tuesday I will have my first featured interview with local San Diego hip-hop producer and @KCRCollegeRadio DJ @BeatsmithResist.

Stay posted for some in-depth narrations on his current projects, his KCR radio show The Beat Bombardment and much more.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you ready to turn up for this hip-hop playlist?

San Diego is known for its beautiful weather. However, this year this city is currently experiencing summer in February. If this is of any concern to us San Diegans one thing is certain, the music this year is getting hotter and hotter. Summer can you be here all ready! I recently discovered Rdio from a fellow KCR College Radio DJ Adriana Arce, and this website has given me the opportunity to explore my musical tastes, set up my “To Be Continued Future Summer” hip-hop playlist and most importantly share this playlist with you.

Any playlist that incorporates songs that I can dance or study to are a must. I would like to point out that this is the first playlist I publish. This week I wanted to stay away from the usual concert preview and do a lighter piece for Carmen’s Hip-Hop Weekly. Aztecs feeling the heat this February need a playlist that can set the stage for spring break and summer.

The inspiration behind this playlist was the desire for warm weather, less clothing and to bring back the ecstasy of those great summer nights. Let’s begin shall we.

These 10 songs should be on everyones playlist this year as the weather begins to warm up and the parties begin to pop off. Aztecs, if you are looking forward to summer just like me, here are some great songs to have at your disposal this week.

Carmen’s Top 10 Hip-Hop Songs to Pop Off this Week:

1. PWD- Pop It For A Player ft. E40, The Game, Tech N9ne, Ryan Bowsers & Ryan Anthony (Official Remix)

2. Sean Paul ft. Damian Marley-Riot

3. Naughty Boy- Think About It ft. Wiz Khalifa, Ella Eyre

4. Schoolboy Q- Man of the Year

5. DJ Holiday “Miley” Ft. Wiz Khalifa & Waka Flocka

6. Pretty Tony- Pull Up ft. Que

7. Sean Paul- Pornstar ft. Nyla

8. Young L- What I Live By

9. Sean Paul ft. Juicy J & 2 Chainz- Entertainment

10. Wiz Khalifa- Taylor Gang

I hope my “To Be Continued Future Summer” hip-hop playlist serves you well. I know it definitely helped me shake off some of the February blues. Now, here is to hoping that the weather continues to cater to San Diego because I’m ready for that spark this year. If you enjoyed my playlist please feel free to comment below!

Make sure to also tune in to my show #STATEPROBLEMS every Friday from 10-11 a.m. on KCR College Radio with my beautiful co-host @salas_jocelyn as we showcase SDSU professors and students doing big things around campus this semester. If you have any recommendations for upcoming stories or would like to be featured on Carmen’s Hip-Hop Weekly feel free to email me at carmenhuerta2011@gmail.com or Tweet me @MadelCamHuerta with the hashtag #CarmenDoIt

Photo by terencechisholm /CC by