With two previous compilations featuring artists from the East Coast and West Coast, respectively, digital promotions company Block Starz Music’s latest project will highlight current and emerging rappers from the Midwest.
Bayer Mack, co-founder and president of Block Starz Music, explained, “We have a few surprises lined up as far as big name guest appearances.” One of them is Chicago rapper Rhymefest, who has already signed on for the project to promote “Say Wassup,” the first single off his sophomore album El Che due out May 18.
While the company has featured other established artists such as Snoop Dogg, Fabolous, and E-40, Mack added, “The purpose is to showcase exciting new independent talent.” To that end, Ohio-based emcees Machine Gun Kelly and Slick Watts will appear on the compilation, two artists who have gained regional praise but have yet to supplant themselves with wide-range success.
With room left on the compilation (due out April, 28), Block Starz Music is opening up their track listing for independent submissions. Those interested can apply here. The submissions deadline is March 31.
In other news, West Coast rapper Kurupt is set to release his sixth studio album Streetlights on April 20.
With guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Problem, and Xzibit, production on Streetlights will come primarily from Terrace Martin, as well as DJ Quik and Lil Jon.
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Describing his latest release as an introspective look into his life and career, Kurupt stated, “I was looking outside at the streetlights just gleaming…My whole life was just passing me by and the streetlights were just passing me by.”
Using streetlights as a metaphor, he added, “There’s so much real life footage that you would capture — all kinds of stuff passes by one light. Each one, if they had a camera, would depict a different aura of life.”
Streetlights will be released through Pentagon/Fontana/Universal Records.
Finally, Complex.com recently put together a list of women New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne has allegedly been with over the years.
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With descriptions of sightings and rumored accounts, included in the list of 13 are Antonia “Toya” Carter, Lauren London, Keri Hilson, Trina and Solange. You can view the full list here.
