It's Almost Time to Celebrate!

How do you plan to ring in the New Year? Share your plans here...

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New Music Mondays: "Trophies" by Drake [Audio + Download Link]

October's Very Own, Drake drops his new single entitled "Trophies." Once again, Drake uses the "Versace-flow" he invented on this track. Fire as always!

Check it out and make sure to download absolutely free!

Live Leaks

At the Palace of Auburn Hills...

"Yeezus" 

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays everyone! Over the next couple days we will be going on a hiatus from posting blog posts. Thank you for sticking with us. See you in a couple days.

GRIFFINSYNC - Merry Christmas Happy Holidays [Music Video]

Just in time for Christmas, the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team put together a little holiday music video to brighten your spirits. Shot and edited by Michigan Made Music's Nathan Hone. Happy Holidays! 

Music: "Merry Christmas Happy Holidays" by NSync

Live Leaks

Check this out!

Ibn Jasper is Kanye West's personal barber since he was 17 years old and has earned his way into Kanye's inner creative circle. Now he is the conceptual designer behind Diamond Supply Co.'s premium VVS line, has had a Louis Vuitton shoe named after him, and is a important taste-maker in street wear fashion.

Today I was given his newest shoe and posted a picture of them on Instagram. 30 minutes later, Ibn Jasper regrammed my picture. Pretty dope. It's all about that 6 degrees of separation. 

"Jaspers"

Learn more about his story here:

Shhh Freestyle Fat Trel ft. Tracy & Rick Ross [Music Video]

A DRE Films exclusive, this freestyle over Future's single 'Shit' is a straight banger. Not an all around classic, but Fat Trel definately earned my respect with that verse. Worth a listen, love the editing.

Live Leaks

"North to South"

Cleared for Takeoff: Nike's LunarENDOR Quickstrike Snowboard Boot

Check out Nike's newest top-of-the-line snowboard boot. The boot is one of the most technologically advanced snowboard shoes available. They feature 30 LED lights in the swoosh and are powered by an embedded lithium ion battery.

The Nike Snowboarding LunarENDOR QS will be available mid-December in limited quantities at nike.com and at local Nike SB retailers.

What do you think? Totally Trendy or Totally Cool?

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BLUE OUT!!!

"Lions hoping for a frenzied atmosphere at Ford Field tonight." #BlueOut

Read more about tonight's Monday Night Matchup HERE.

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Music Mondays: Who Did it Better?

This week it's G.O.O.D. Music vs. Young Mooolah Baby. Who did it better tho?

The first track is from Mike Posner's upcoming album "Pages."  His song, "Top Of The World", is produced by Diplo and features Big Sean boiii. Available on iTunes tomorrow.

The second track, entitled "Loyal", is an R&B banger by Chris Brown featuring verses from French Montana and Lil' Wayne. The track is set to release on his new album X set to release next year.

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Beyonce - Drunk in Love (Ft. Jay Z) [Music Video]

Boom! Bam! Shazam! After her self-titled album dropped last week Beyonce gives us this official video featuring Jay Z compliments of Hype Williams. What more can you say? This song is killing them on every level. A genuine work of art, an unbelievable actress looking like she has a 20 year old body, amazing production and the swag that is the Jigga-man.

You can purchase the complete album HERE

Eminem - The Monster (ft. Rihanna) [Teaser]

This teaser is definitely got me wanting more. No more needs to be said, we'll just wait for the full video. Tell us, you think it's going to be hot or not?

2013: The Year in Photos

I was looking through The Atlantic's collection of what they call, "some of the most memorable events and images of 2013," and I came to the conclusion that we are so sucked into our own egos that we fail to recognize what is going on in the rest of the world. Maybe it's just my generation of ignorance or maybe the media is focused way too much on celebrity gossip, but one thing is for sure, we are blind to the fact that our world is full of death and destruction.

In just one year, our human race (and natural disasters) has caused the shape of our world the change forever. With that being said, I challenge you to become more informed of global issues and try to create peace in our world.

Take a look at some of the most memorable photos below and check out the entire collection HERE.

A police vehicle falls off of the 6th of October bridge close to the largest sit-in by supporters of ousted President Morsi in Cairo, Egypt, on August 14, 2013. 

The wrapped bodies of two dead people hang from an overpass as three more dead bodies lie on the ground in Saltillo, Mexico, on March 8, 2013. Three of the five male bodies were hanging from the overpass while two others were lying on the ground when they were found early Friday, according to local media. While drug-related violence in Mexico is slightly down from recent years, it remained high throughout 2013. 

During a time of dangerous levels of air pollution, a bright video screen shows images of blue sky on Tiananmen Square, on January 23, 2013 in Beijing, China.

Anti-government protesters give roses, through razor wire, to security personnel guarding the Defense Ministry as protesters gather outside it in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 28, 2013. Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra breezed through a no-confidence vote in parliament on Thursday as confusion emerged over the goals of an anti-government protest movement massing at government offices.

A white shelf cloud caps brownish dirt from a dust storm, or haboob, as it travels across the Indian Ocean near Onslow on the Western Australia coast.

Virtual 3D Sculpting App

The Leap Motion Controller - $88.90, senses your hands and fingers and follows their every move. Freeform is an app that lets you sculpt 3D objects on screen much like you would if a chuck of clay, metal, or glass were sitting in front of you.

This is the type of technology that needs to be implemented into primary schools to help the next generation of students become smarter and more versatile learners. 

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NEW: "Breathe" by The Specktators [Audio]

On the verge of their upcoming tour, The Specktators (originally from East Lansing, MI, now living in California) give us a little taste of what to expect on their new album, The Parlay dropping December 17th, 2013. Their new song, "Breathe" has a soulful and spaced-out feel. Keep it up boys and good luck on your tour!

#MichiganMade

Live Leaks

Master G in the studio...

"Freestyle"

Hip Hop Santa Sweater

Ho ho ho who said Santa Claus was white? Get in the spirit this year the Afrocentric way with Shredders' Hip Hop Santa sweater. The design is classic with a twist of humor and culture. I like how the clothing line pokes at the taboo subject of race in a unique, creative way.

After all, I think the majority of the world is thinking the same thing; it's time for racism to genuinely die and love and unity to live on. The sad truth is i'd guess most people would call the cops if they saw a black santa breaking into their house christmas eve. I say middle finger to those people, in the end we are all one beautiful race. Seriously wanting to purchase this one...

Buy yours HERE for $79.

Tracing Skylines in Detroit [Video]

Poor Boyz Productions takes street skiing to the Motor City. Featuring the skiing of Karl Fostvedt, Khai Krepela, and Max Morello. Things like this brings awareness to our bankrupt city. There is still hope and promise for our sacred land.

One Direction + Big Bird = Creepy

As if five boys with highlights in a pop band wasn't creepy enough, One Direction made sure to make a pit stop on Sesame Street recently. Does this remind anyone else of the rumors surrounding Barney the Dinosaur when he was accused of molestation? Although we preach love and unity I think it's safe to show a little hate to this Disney band. They represent everything in pop culture we are trying to destroy.

Kanye West 'YEEZUS' Rant

Twenty minutes of raw footage from Kanye's 'Yeezus' tour in Phoenix, AZ. This post is definitely for the die-hard West fan who will appreciate what he is getting at. For the average viewer, I suggest fast forwarding to the 9 minute mark and watching a few minutes of his views on the Grammy's.

Aside from the ranting what I appreciate is the experience he is bringing to his live show. This is not just a rap concert, it is an open book, an open discussion, an open look at taboo subjects in society. The average person is too nervous to break rules and look stupid in the process. You want to take a twenty monologue? Do it! I would argue the average rapper doesn't talk like this because they are too ignorant to have relevant material to talk about.

Definitely envious of anyone who gets to experience this once and a lifetime show.
What are your thoughts?

NEW: "Hollow" by Eryn Allen Kane [Music Video]

Eryn Allen Kane is a talented young musician born in Detroit. She graduated from Farmington High in Farmington Michigan and went to college in Chicago. Her dream is to be an actress/singer.

Her beautiful new song is an acapella masterpiece. Directed, shot, and edited by Austin Vesely who's worked with Chance the Rapper. Produced by: Fox & The Mule, V.S.O.P studios, and Eryn Allen Kane

Listen.Share.Support.Love.MichiganMadeMusic
   

Git'cher Meatcard!

Ever thought of getting yourself a nice set of business cards to give to clients, show off to girls, or to just seem legit? Well now you can do all that and more with the meatcard! The meatcard is a custom laser-etched slab of real beef jerky with your info on it.

All orders are custom. No standard pricing yet. Everything’s negotiable. To get your meat hooks on a set of these, contact meatcards HERE.

Maestro Knows - Episode 3 (Los Angeles)

First and foremost, Maestro is the man. I've been following his show for awhile now & I'm soooo envious of his life.

In the 3rd episode of Season 4, Maestro stops to talk to four fellow creatives about their artistic process and their ultimate goals. The creatives he talks to have similar ideas in music, video, and fashion that we do that it's scary. Take a look to see what it's like to be a creative and be inspired to follow your own dreams ...
   

Live Leaks

Caption this:

Which Drumming Video is Cooler?

Check out these two drumming videos. The first one, entitled "the Wikidrummer," shows Julien Audigier on Natal drums playing in various locations to create unique natural reverb. The second video shows the IRKUTSK ethnik percussion group playing on the frozen water of the deepest and oldest lake (25 million years old). Amazing!

But which one is cooler? Comment!

Master G - New Slaves (Remix)

The first single off Master G's 5th studio EP, "Iconoclast."
Music video by Master G performing New Slaves (Remix). ©: On.The.Rox Records 2013
 

"Iconoclast" by Master G Dropping January 1st, 2014

On.The.Rox Records proudly presents "Iconoclast," 30 minutes of thought-provoking art that will tear down traditional ideals of our culture. Listen at your own risk.

Dropping January 1st, 2014. Stay tuned...

Police mugshots in the 1920s.

I was almost in disbelief when I stumbled across these gems of mugshots from the 1920s. Not only are they an interesting piece of history but I find it remarkable that none of the accused are in jail attire during their mugshots.

Now I pray none of our followers know this first hand, but in the modern day, once you are arrested, you are forced to change into jail-issued clothing and you are searched from head to toe before you are ever processed, fingerprinted or photographed.

It seems ever so odd that these men were allowed to remain dignified and stylish moments before getting locked up...

To see more 1920s mugshots click HERE

Live Leaks

Found at the Aston Martin charity event this week, this mini Aston Martin sports car for kids comes with a price tag of $15,000 and a custom James Bond 007 license plate.

"Westin Martin"

A-Minus "Anfernee Hardaway" [Official Trailer]

One of Michigan's most fresh, A-Minus returns to the blog with his official trailer to his upcoming video "Anfernee Hardaway", one of my personal favorite pieces out of his art collection.

Video directed by CECI, this is definitely a teaser because we can't wait to see the final product!
Rest assured that we will be some of the first to post it though!

Until then, Download his latest project; Pop Quiz - NoDJ : HERE 

Her - Official Trailer 2 [HD]

In the future, Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, purchases an artificial intelligence system after a divorce with his wife. Upon meeting "Samantha" (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), the two begin an unlikely friendship that turns into romance. Featuring new music by Karen O and a score from Arcade Fire. Directed by Spike Jonze. Her opens in select theaters December 18, with a full release on January 10.

 

Live Leaks

The legendary Jeremy Ellis and Master G met at the Majestic in Detroit during one of Jeremy's shows last week. Jeremy Ellis is known for his improvised beat making on Native Instrument's Maschine.

"Backstage with Jeremy Ellis"

Kanye West + Anchorman 2

As an owner of a studio, I am almost obligated to subscribe to Rolling Stones annually and this months edition features a cover photo of Ron Burgundy with an in depth, six page interview with director Adam McKay and actor Will Ferrel, where they cover everything from improv to Kanye West.

Yes, Mr. West is making a cameo in the new movie that is being called, "The most anticipated sequel in comedy history". It's not the first time Ye and McKay have linked up though, they also shot a pilot for a Curb Your Enthusiasm- inspired HBO comedy some years ago. "Kanye was great. He really locked in. He asked me a ton of questions. He's super-interested in the process - he's a big fan of comedy. He took private lessons in beginner's improv with a friend of mine in Chicago a few years ago."

Interestingly, shooting for the film overlapped with production of Kanye's most recent studio album, Yeezus and apparently the cast and crew were some of the first to hear the works in progress, 

"He rapped us a new song, then rapped it again for hair and make-up - so awesome."

I am excited to see how my biggest inspiration does on screen in a film like this one. I believe in the mastermind, but it will be interesting to see how he handles acting in a comedy of this magnitude.

To read Rolling Stones complete article click HERE 

NEW: ERERs - Swedish Satisfaction [Video]

The ERERs are an up and coming Michigan Made rock trio from Troy, MI. Pulling influences from Queens of the Stone Age, The Black Keys, The White Stripes, and Arctic Monkeys, these guys are the real deal when it comes to the next generation of rock coming out of our state.

In this video they teamed up with Michigan Made Music's own Hone Films and came up with a stunning, professional, entertaining piece of art that should undoubtably help the group turn ignorant listeners into genuine fans. Hone combines well thought-out shots with top notch editing/effects and a story line that keeps you watching.

If you aren't current on your ERERs check them out HERE on Reverbnation and make sure to repost this and show some love to the Metro Detroit based group:

NEW: Nolan The Ninja - Apparatus [Music Video]

No introduction needed, if you aren't up on Nolan the Ninja you are behind on your Michigan Made Music. As one of our favorite local artists, we consistently anticipate his new material and every time the emcee connects with Respect the Shooter it seems to create a recipe for success. 

This new piece of art combines stunning visuals with old school clips from our culture, many of which may fly right over the head of the common youth, but that's what I love. Ninja finds a way to pave his own lane while genuinely embodying the persona of a classic emcee which is refreshing. We need more artists who respect the art of hip-hop, past and present.

Definitely worth a watch and a repost, salute to duo on this one:

Lions Wired for Sound: Week 13 vs. Green Bay [Video]

Who watched the Lions shred the Packers on Thanksgiving? The whole world did, that's who! If you watched the game, now you can heard the sounds of the game courtesy of the Detroit Lions. Check it out:

"Sore Today, Strong Tomorrow" Shirt collab - G Apparel x Royal Oak Gym

These shirts are only available at Royal Oak Gym in Royal Oak, MI. Lindsay likes hers, "#BestShirtEver #ROGym #ILoveIt." Thanks!

 Need a custom order? Contact us for a quote!

 

NEW: "True Colors" by Drew32 [Music Video]

Drew32 is back with his new self-produced (all but 2 songs) mixtape entitled The Batch Vol. 1. To help celebrate his birthday Drew dropped these visuals for his lead single "True Colors." Dope! I love the bright visuals, clean concept, and that big ass snake!

Listen.Share.Support.Love.MichiganMadeMusic

Live Leaks

"Cats eye view"

GoPro Office Soccer Tour [Video]

GoPro is one of my favorite inventions of all time, so naturally I love when people make cool edits with their GoPro footage. In this clip, former MLS players and GoPro employees Davis Paul and Demitrius Omphroy tour the office and display their soccer skills.

Hopefully no one got fired!

The Future of Amazon

Amazon is the world's largest online retailer, serving 225M customers worldwide. But what's next for the company that prides itself on innovation and expansion? 60 Minutes sits down with Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos to discuss their products, distribution centers, their new grocery and fashion service, a new delivery drone straight out of a sci-fi movie, and more.

Amazing meets commerce. Watch below:

Leschi Cat Minina Heat Pack

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Rarely would I think that a heat pack would be worthy of a blog post, but as a parent to two male cats I could not resist. For around $34 US dollars this cute, warm, useful piece of art can be yours!

Arguably a necessity in every house; after all, everyone has those days where they come home and crash on the couch, muscles and mind both aching from the days trials and tribulations, now you can do it in a style your roommates will be envious of!

Purchase yours HERE

What do you think? Cool or corny? Comment Below.

Live Leaks

"Detroit"

My Thoughts Monday: Strategy Behind Making A Record

This week on My Thoughts Monday I wanted to take a look at the strategy behind making a record in the music industry.

Now, let's assume that all artists go into their album production with one goal: To make good music that is enjoyed by the masses. 

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The goal is common but the execution is what truly defines the artist. Much like a play or a movie or clothing collection, a record takes minimally 6-8 months to complete and can carry out over multiple years of production. Of course, this is not an absolute but it is a good testimony to the work and planning that goes into bringing together a professional body of work the size of a iTunes-worthy record.

What I am really focused on talking about here is the importance behind pre-production of a record. What this means is if I am Katy Perry, for example, I may sit down with my label rep, my manager and executive producer and say, "[This] is my concept and I want to make an entire album with an uptempo, inspiring, top 40 feel to it." 

Opposite of her you might find Pusha T, for example, in the same discussion situation saying, "[This] is my concept and I want to make and album with a raw, timeless, anti-radio feel to it." It is obvious how these discussions mold an album before sound ever exits an amplifier or speaker.

Now, lets back up even farther into the life of an artist. What I believe the average listener is genuinely naive to is that there is another step to this process that is less obvious. I call this, 'pre-pre-production'. What I am really referring to is the thought process any professional artist goes through months, sometimes years before a project ever gets to pre-production that says, "I am going to make my next record uptempo and powerful, then follow that by an EP that is introspective and mellow, then follow that by an album that is focused on modern day religion and has zero top 40 songs on it."

When you start to put yourself in the shoes of the artist you begin to respect how much thought and planning goes into these projects. It also should lead you to be more empathetic and lets critical of an artist because you now realize that, although you may hate one work of art, you can respect it and be hopeful that the next work of art will suit your taste better. Everyone paints with different colors.

In conclusion, something that took me two years to cultivate may only ever get twenty seconds of your time and that is the sad truth. I wrote this post today in hopes that you, the listener, will forevermore slow down and force yourself to take a ride with whatever artist you stumble upon. These works of art are much like books, all with different story lines, messages, moral guidelines and general purposes. When you can break down that thought process it is hard not to respect any professional artist, which is how it should be.

At the end of the day Kanye West said it best, "We dedicate our entire lives to creating a better world.." "..there's only one thing you can say, "Thank you..""

-G Martini

Zane Lowe, Pusha T Interview - 2013

"I always have to go against the grain,
against what's going on in hip-hop" -Pusha T

This 14 minute interview is worth every second. Anyone who's not up on their Pusha T it's a good, quick look into his world and his career, which spans across decades. As the new generation of hip-hop it is inspiration to our culture to connect with an artist who purposely goes against the status quo and writes music that is specifically not tailored to the radio. We respect Pusha's music and agree with Lowe when he says Pusha's album is, "Top 3 hip-hop albums of the year."

If you haven't heard 'My Name Is My Name', it is a hip-hop classic and is undeniably something you should support with a iTunes purchase. Check out the interview and let us know what you think:

Live Leaks

Our second G Apparel collaboration and first piece in a retail space. Happy!

Look out for these at Royal Oak Gym in Royal Oak, MI.

Secret Project

2013 On.The.Rox Records

BLOG SEASON!

Welcome back to the new TheMasterG.com!

Blog Season has landed and we are back bigger and badder than ever! After a six month break, the group that has consistently brought your state years of reliable, relevant blogging is gassed up and ready to go!

As always, our goal is to bring you as much original content from all corners of relevant culture in a way that is interesting and thought-provoking. We encourage as much interaction as you are willing to give us! Comments and user submissions completely steer the direction of our content, so the more we get the more we can tailor this site to genuinely represent all of Michigan Made Music.

Make sure you take the time to look around the new site, meet the masterminds, and look into the dozens of services we now offer to the public. We are a spitting image of a young, motivated entrepreneurial group and we are determined to grow into the most respected art community in the state of Michigan.

We are amped to be back and anticipate your comments, submissions and shares!
Remember; Individually we are all great artists, together we are all great culture-

-G Martini & Mista Matt

The Jibreel Price Project

I stumbled on Jibreel Price through his lead producer, Ace Boogie, who produced a track on our latest album, Listen, with Nolan the Ninja.

As new listener, I was immediately drawn the the rawness and realness to Price's delivery. His production met his content flawlessly and from the first track, Take Me Far, it is impossible to deny that you are locked into a real peace of sonic art.

I found myself not skipping a track, and by the end of the project clicking 'Download' on impulse. Jibreel Price has the full respect and support of Michigan Made Music and he is definitely on the top of our artists-to-collaborate-with list.


Show some love to the Pontiac-based 4StarZ and make sure the check his project below:






What do you think of Jibreel Price?? Comment Below.