FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9th, 2010

Housecall Entertainment & Ground Lift Media are excited to present the Chicago stop for Zion I’s “Atomic Clock” tour at Subterranean! Featuring local support from Notrydo.Sincere and Ground Lift Media’s own 1773! DJ sets by TREW.

Zion I Biography:

While the group’s roots are still firmly planted in hip-hop, Atomic Clock’s cavernous, atmospheric vibe recalls both the classic roots reggae of Max Romeo and The Congos and forward-thinking dub mixing of UK artists such as Adrian Sherwood. “The Takeover was a very external record and we wanted to focus on fun, party music,” says emcee Zumbi AKA Zion. “This one is much more reflective and internal. We didn’t want to just recreate what we did last album. Art is not about living in the past.”

For Atomic Clock, the duo employed live musicians to flesh out producer Amp Live’s original beats and thicken the overall sound. For many of Atomic Clock’s tracks, Amp would create the skeleton of the beat himself for the initial direction before collaborating with the group’s live musicians to complement the sound and, in certain cases, redo the track live. In stark contrast to The Takeover, which saw Amp and Zumbi e-mail verses and beats to each other to constantly tweak each song, the group and their collaborators engaged in days-long jam sessions, for the first time in their career, to best enunciate Amp’s initial idea.

“The Atomic Clock is the most precise timing device on the planet and I thought that applied to the immaculate timing and rhythm it takes between musicians in one room to make good music,” says Zumbi. “But also, I feel that time is speeding up on the planet and it seems like it’s dilating and contracting really quickly. We’re living in such an interesting time and I think time is on everyone’s mind in one way or another. Everything is exponential now.”

On “History,” the group’s most insightful and candid track, Zumbi recalls the duo’s autobiography from prior to the group’s formation until now. “We’ve been doing music a long time and sometimes you forget how long you’ve been at and how many places you’ve been,” admits the emcee. “I think it’s good to look back for a second before keeping it moving.” Keeping it moving is something Zumbi and Amp Live have never had problems doing and Atomic Clock stands as another engaging expression of the group’s mind, heart and soul.

Event Info:

Zion I “Atomic Clock” Tour ‘10
October 24th, 2010 // Subterranean 2011 W. North Ave.
17+, $15 // Doors 8pm, presales available at subt.net

…Featuring local supporting acts 1773 & NoTryDo.Sincere. DJ sets by TREW.

Presented by Housecall Ent. & Ground Lift Media…

After the successful release of Mixed Signals Volume 1 and their Sound Soulstice full-length (RCME Japan), 1773 emerge from a productive Summer with a recently-inked Korean distribution deal, fully prepared to unleash a second wave of new music for Fall 2010! With production on their forthcoming Greenlight Go! album and LuvBug EP wrapping up, ‘Round Two’ begins with the follow-up release in their Mixed Signals mixtape series

In celebration, we’ve put together a live music / dj event at Chicago’s Subterranean Lounge on October 8th, 2010. Featuring performances by a host of 1773 cohorts including Add-2, Vertual Vertigo, and Sincererly Yours. DJ sets by TREW, Mulatto Patriot, Itch13, and Red Bull Big Tune Chicago winner J.Rell. Hosted by Ms. Chicago.

FREE CD copies of Mixed Signals Vol. 2 to the 1st 25 attendees, or you can find copies at fatlace.com’s retail outlet in the Bay late next week. And as an added bonus, each download of Volume 2 includes a hi-quality 320kbps version of Just Jay (of 1773) and Moral One’s new EP titled Maxwell St. Clocking in at a brisk 20 minutes, this EP represents the ideals of hard-earned pride and ‘big shoulders,’ two defining qualities for which Chicago has become infamous.

Presented by:groundliftmedia.com

Release Party Information:
October 8th, 2010 @ Subterranean Lounge
2011 W. North Ave.
10pm-2am, FREE, 21+
Live performances by 1773, Add-2, Vertual Vertigo, & Sincerely Yours. DJ sets by TREW, Itch13, Mulatto Patriot, & J.Rell (Red Bull Big Tune Chicago Winner)

1773’s Mixed Signals Vol.1 Mixtape & Release Party (Release date: 5/28/2010)

The first of five releases of 2010, the gentlemen of 1773 emerge from the bone-chilling Chicago Winter having spent the past 5 months in full-on production mode. Featuring beatmaker talent from across the globe and a myriad of local Hip-Hop artists, their lead mixtape titled Mixed Signals Vol.1 (release date 5/28/2010) began as a single release but the overwhelming response from guest MCs necessitated two installments.

Typically, 1773 limits guest appearances to 2-3 per release, so for Mixed Signals the fellas decided it was time to up the ante. “Chicago gets branded as ‘Haterville’ but on this release we aim to transcend any superficial boundaries created by that moniker” explains MC Just Jay. Essentially a musical experiment pulling from Chicago’s varied Hip-Hop scenes; as an end result, Mixed Signals Vol.1 is more than a mixtape but rather an all-city showcase.

Hosted by Donwill (of Tanya Morgan), Volume 1 features include: Visual (Molemen/Community Service), Elevation (Fordafresh), Love Jones, MC Sick of Pseudo Slang (Fat Beats), Neak, Add-2, Sincerely Yours, Verbal Kent (Gravel), Phero, Itch13 (Superheroes of Sound), Cerebral Vortex (of Vertual Vertigo, MPM), Philip Morris, Awdazcate, and K-Sera. Certainly one of these names rings a bell, and if not consider this a wakeup call!

As a bonus, 1773 has joined forces with Austrian beatmaker Trishes whose highly regarded edits of classic Soul songs by Bill Withers (“Make A Smile”) and Darondo (“Didn’t I”) are revisited here with MC’s Just J & Wisdm O.N.E. meshing almost preternaturally with the heartfelt lyrics and Trishes’ boom-bap arrangements. Other guest beatmakers include: THIR13TEEN (South Africa), Arkiv (Australia), and the city-central Sound Prophets (Chicago).

Download 1773’s Mixed Signals Vol. 1 for FREE via music.1773live.com. Full mixtape downloads include hi-resolution cover art and liner notes, as well as an exclusive bonus track (“The Goodness feat. Othello”) from their upcoming full length album titled Sound Soulstice.

Release Party Information:
May 28th, 2010 @ Division Street Bar
2525 W. Division St.
10pm-2am, FREE, 21+
DJs TREW & Itch13, circuit bending set by Demchuk.

We’re proud to announce LITTLE BROTHER live WEDNESDAY MAY 19th 2010 at DOUBLE DOOR in Chicago!  It’ll be a legendary, yet bitter-sweet affair as they tour on the heels of LEFTBACK, the duo’s proclaimed last album together. 1773 will be performing along with local hero Pugslee Atomz for this epic concert which may be Little Brother’s last Chicago show forever!

Press inquiries please contact:
Nigel Ridgeway trew@groundliftmedia.com

Tuesday April 13 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forming in 2001 in Durham, North Carolina, LITTLE BROTHER is the pair of emcees Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh and , first appearing on the hip-hop scene with their 2003 ABB Records release, The Listening.  The album immediately struck a chord with the rap community, garnering praise from the likes of Pete Rock and The Roots, as well as catching the ears of Jay-Z, who recruited producer 9th Wonder for some production work of his own.
The Minstrel Show LP followed as a darkly humorous album that is equal parts soul and satire, presenting a fictional television network, UBN (U Black N*****s).  As emcee Phonte explains, “As rappers, we have to take responsibility for what we say…If not, we’re doing essentially what minstrel shows did: perpetuating negative images and reinforcing those negative stereotypes.”  The second album was highly acclaimed by both critics and fans as both a bold statement on the current hip hop climate, and also as a masterpiece catapulting Little Brother into underground prominence.
After inner strife which usually follows success that shines as brightly as Little Brother’s, the long-awaited final album is here.  The laid-back yet infectious first single off the album, “Curtain Call,” says it all.  Phonte explains why the long wait, “I didn’t want our last record to be a bunch of second-rate material, I wanted to walk away from Little Brother knowing that I gave our fans all that I had to give, and said everything I wanted to say. With LeftBack, I’ve done that.”

It’ll be an epic night filled with classic beats, intelligent rhymes and the raucous celebration of a short but illustrious career from truly original voices in today’s vast hip hop landscape.

Tour support TBD,  Local support includes:

PUGSLEE ATOMZ – Kinda Like a Rapper out 6.1.10!
(http://www.myspace.com/pugsleeatomz)

1773
(http://1773live.com/)

DJ ITCH 13
(http://www.myspace.com/itch13)

hosted by AWDAZCATE!!

.::Sponsored by::.

for gear!
ST.ALFRED - http://www.stalfred.com/

for knowledge!
RUBY HORNET – http://rubyhornet.com/

for street!
HAND 2 HAND – http://www.myspace.com/hand2handpromotions

for culture!
FRANK 151 Chicago Riders – http://www.frank151.com/fdl/chicago_riders/

Presented by:
This event is brought to you by Cold Grums and Ground Lift Media.

Double Door
1572 N.Milwaukee Ave
21+   doors 9pm
$20 presales available at www.clubtix.net and www.doubledoor.com
$23 day-of door

bring that beat back v2 concert flyer.

‘BRING THAT BEAT BACK’ v.2

Feat.: Blu & Exile, Tanya Morgan, Eulorhythmics (album listening party), Il Subliminal. DJs Tone B., Trew, Sean Doe, & RTC. Hosted by 1773, Ms. Chicago.

Saturday March 6th, 2010
Subterranean 2011 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL
17+, $10 presale / $12 door (www.subt.net)

The seminal Chicago Hip Hop label and artist collective All Natural Inc. & the Marketing /Event Production firms Ground Lift Media & Cold Grum Productions have joined forces to present the 2nd installment of the event series entitled ‘Bring That Beat Back.’ The launch event (Nov ‘09) featured live performances by Guilty Simpson, Black Spade and Rita J, a producer showcase and a host of supporting DJ sets.

Bring That Beat Back returns on Saturday, March 6th with performances from L.A.’s Blu & Exile, Brooklyn/Cincinnati’s Tanya Morgan, Chicago’s own Il Subliminal (of Tomorrow Kings), and Eulorhythmics, who will be previewing their new album Green St. and Avers Ave.

Hosted by 1773 and Ms. Chicago, the night will also feature DJ sets by Tone B., Trew, Sean Doe, & RTC.

The ‘Bring That Beat Back’ concept is an amalgam of All Natural’s ‘Dance to the Drummer’s DB’ beat battle and Ground Lift Media’s ‘Big Bang’ producer showcase. As separate entities, both events focused on Chicago’s untapped fountain of production talent, DJs, and Hip Hop impresarios (Kenny Keys, Tall Black Guy, The Opus) and as a collaboration ‘Bring That Beat Back’ goes one step further by involving established, respected, and nationally renowned performers. On deck for future installments of the event will feature No ID and Flying Lotus. Chicago has always been home to cutting edge, genre-breaking music, and with ‘Bring That Beat Back,’ we aim to further solidify our city’s position as a musical powerhouse within the Midwest, National, and Global music scenes.

Bring That Beat Back Press Info:

Press:

Chris Catania BTTB Feature (via Live Fix)

Rita J Interview for BTTB v1 (via examiner.com)

Photos:

BTTB v1 Photoset (by Roper)

Video:

Guilty Simpson @ BTTB v1 (via Ruby Hornet)

Blu & Exile Bio:

Blu is the leader of West Coast Hip Hop. Since the days of Pharcyde, Freestyle Fellowship, and Jurassic 5, there have been few wordsmiths that have grasped the attention of listeners worldwide. Introduced to NWA and Public Enemy by his father, Blu later was captivated by the likes of Black Star, The Roots, and Common, creating a unique balance that is displayed in Blu’s personality and music.

Blu’s first full length LP, Below the Heavens, pairs Blu with producer Exile on the Sound in Color imprint. His first single, “Narrow Path” has rocked stages across the world, as fans begin to feel the impact of Blu’s music. His delivery flows flawlessly, while the content reflects the joy and pain of working class youth everywhere. Since the release of “Narrow Path,” Blu has performed alongside Slum Village, X-Clan, Platinum Pied Pipers, Lyrics Born, DJ Houseshoes, and many others, while participating in 3 high-profile nationwide tours alongside musical family members: Ta’Raach, Aloe Blacc, and Exile.

The buzz has fans salivating for new music. Worldwide, people are looking to put hope into the ‘next’ emcee that will give them the same feeling when they first heard Black Thought, Common, or Slum Village. Blu fulfills this need, but maintains something that is entirely new, while not recycled.

Tanya Morgan Bio:

Feat.: 1773, Wes Restless (Vocal set.) DJs Trew Romance, Moral One & Only, Manny ‘Love’ Muscles.

Sunday February
14th, 2010 @ Lokal 1904 W. North Ave, Chicago, IL
9pm-2am, 21+, No Cover

Beauty lies beyond the search… Ground Lift Media and Arthur Banks (of Jugrnaut Chicago) are excited to entice you with an intimate single/video release party for the Chicago-based trio 1773’s newest song entitled ‘That One.’ Featuring performances by 1773, a solo vocal set by Wes Restless, and love song-centric DJ sets by Moral One, TREW, & Manny Muscles (Jugrnaut).

“By looking at our group’s name, it’s obvious we have an affinity for Chicago. We always try to move people’s bodies with our music, but this event allows us to interact with Chicagoans on a personal level,” states Just Jay. “Although we may still tell you to wave your hands in the air [laughs].”

As an event, Me & You evokes the more passionate side of Hip-Hop & Soul as filtered through a perspective which is distinctly 1773 – at all times representing Logan Square/Humboldt Park, ‘feel good’ music, and eclectic urban fashion. Within the intimate confines of LOkal on Valentine’s Day, 1773 unveils their new album’s lead single ‘That One’ which finds MCs Wisdm O.N.E. & Just Jay contemplating their ideal mates. However, “the search is only part of the beauty, when you find out someone’s passions, goals, and quirks… that’s the realness,” explains Wisdm O.N.E.. In addition, the group performs a short selection of their ‘romantic’ tracks, and vocalist Wes Restless (The Jordan Years) takes the stage for acapella renditions of his most recent ballads.

1773 Mini-Bio:

Multitasking as MCs, singers, producers, & instrumentalists, 1773 [Pronounced Seventeen Seventy-Three] originated in 2004 as an occasional venture between Just J & Moral One (respectively, lead MC and drummer of the live Hip-Hop band Berto Ramon) and their longtime friend Wisdm O.N.E.. But in two short years the group evolved into a full-fledged endeavor and a highly regarded live performance act who has shared stages with Wiz Khalifa, Lyrics Born, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, L.A. Symphony, SoulStice, Tanya Morgan, Ohmega Watts, Othello, Braille, Blu & Exile.

2010 finds the trio nearing completion on their next album titled Greenlight Go produced completely by Tall Black Guy and featuring guest performances by Von Pea (of the critically acclaimed group Tanya Morgan), 14KT (Buff1, Athletic Mic League), and singer Ragen Fykes. Release date: October 2010.

Sunday December 20th:

Sang presents
The Deal or No Deal Record release party

with:
Wiz Khalifa, Dave Coresh, Tha Basix, & 1773

djs Intel & Trentino

Subterranean
2011 w North ave
doors 9pm show 10pm
$13 advanced $15 door
Ticketweb.com
18+

Friday December 18th, 2009
Live On North 2028 E. North Ave, Milwaukee, WI
21+, Admission TBA (www.liveonnorth.com/)

_______________________________________________

Josh Elder (of Eclipse Produktions) and Milwaukee’s Lockdown Productions, in association with Chicago Marketing and PR firm Ground Lift Media, proudly present 1773’s triumphant return to Milwaukee. Back in September, they rocked BBC Upper Level with Chicago’s The Gents and Milwaukee’s Jonathan Frost. Once again, they’re bringing together some of the Midwest’s best hip-hop, this time they’re headlining the night’s festivities in support of their new album Return of the New (Soulspazm Records). Supporting them will be Chicago-via-Milwaukee MC Gerald Walker, who landed on URB’s Next 1000 list last year. Also representing Milwaukee will be local MCs Big Caption and Yola, a Grimetime battle veteran who recently featured on Tay Butler’s “Umbrellas Up.”

1773 Bio:
Multitasking as MCs, singers, producers, & instrumentalists, 1773 [Pronounced Seventeen Seventy-Three] originated in 2004 as an occasional venture between Just J & Moral One (respectively, lead MC and drummer of the live Hip-Hop band Berto Ramon) and their longtime friend Wisdm O.N.E.. But in two short years the group evolved into a full-fledged endeavor and a highly regarded live performance act who has shared stages with Wiz Khalifa, Lyrics Born, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, L.A. Symphony, SoulStice, Tanya Morgan, Ohmega Watts, Othello, Braille, Blu & Exile. Their 2006 self-titled debut earned them props (and an 83/100) from Okayplayer, who wrote that the group “goes beyond the stodgy expectations of positive rap… never sacrific[ing] dope emceeing for their message to the community.”

But 1773 are calling Return of the New (Soulspazm Records), technically a sophomore album, their ‘real debut’. The group agrees this album is a truer portrait of their musical selves. “Our first album was the learning experience, on Return of the New we’re a bit more seasoned and concerned with sonic reinvention,” states MC Wisdm O.N.E. The new release reveals 1773 over fuzzy bass lines and crackly drums reminiscent of vintage Jay Dee and Pete Rock. A prestigious selection of renowned beat makers contributes their skills to the album including Othello, Ohmega Watts, and Siamese Sisters. Combined, these talented producers create an ideal musical platform for the duo to speak over.

Gerald Walker Bio:
Chicago-via-Milwaukee singer/MC Gerald Walker has been building a steady buzz since he started dropping mixtapes at age 17. He borrows liberally from both rock and hip-hop, but as URB says, “Walker’s delivery and style are all his own.” After the magazine hand-selected him as one of their Next 1000 Artists of 2009, Walker released Gerald Walker’s Evening Out With Your Girlfriend (presented by illroots x 2dopeboyz.com) in September, a mixtape that features beats lifted from Matt & Kim, Arctic Monkeys, and Will I Am. The single “Everything That People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” followed in early November 2009.

10.06.2009

THREE DROPS: An All-City Album Release Party
feat. Pseudo Slang, 1773, Vertual Vertigo, DJs Trew & Itch13, Add2
Darkroom 2210 W. Chicago Ave., 9pm-2am, 21+, $5

Join us as we celebrate Pseudo Slang’s “We’ll Keep Touring” tour (Fat Beats), 1773’s Return of the New US Release (Soulspazm), and Vertual Vertigo’s US Release of Sparkie’s Bungalow.

Websites:
http://myspace.com/psedoslang
http://1773live.com
http://myspace.com/vertualvertigo

===============

PSEUDO SLANG BIO:

Buffalo, New York isn’t much known as a hotbed for hip-hop; most don’t know much about the city at all. With We’ll Keep Looking Pseudo Slang look to change that, shedding light on the blue-collar city that serves as the duo’s home base. Speaking on the city that has so influenced his own post-industrial tinted rhymes, Emcee Sick says, “Buffalo is a special place, an economically challenged rust-belt city lacking in resources that, somehow, in its blue-collar way, creates an unassuming atmosphere for expression. Untainted by sparkle and cliquey-ness Buffalo has nurtured a group of artists and enthusiasts around a very casual and honest representation urban culture.” For Sick Emcee, Tone Atlas, and the countless others inspiring the album, We’ll Keep Looking is their opportunity to present the local sounds of their unique city to the world.

On We’ll Keep Looking, a title referencing overcoming everyday struggle and the search for artistic inspiration, creativity often sparked for the duo over a plate of barbeque while listening to records at Tone Atlas’ home. Conversation led to verses, and those verses, laid over Tone’s jazz and soul-inspired concoctions, led to the unique sounds heard throughout the album, including “Broke & Copasetic,” the album’s lead single, featuring R&B songstress Vinia Mojica. It was that unique sound that caught the ear of Fat Beats Records, and now, three years after inking their deal, We’ll Keep Looking has finally arrived.

1773 BIO:

Multitasking as MCs, singers, producers, & instrumentalists, 1773 [Pronounced Seventeen Seventy-Three] originated in 2004 as an occasional venture between Just J & Moral One (respectively, lead MC and drummer of the live Hip-Hop band Berto Ramon) and their longtime friend Wisdm O.N.E.. But in two short years the group evolved into a full-fledged endeavor and a highly regarded live performance act who has shared stages with Lyrics Born, Blackalicious, Pigeon John, L.A. Symphony, SoulStice, Tanya Morgan, Ohmega Watts, Othello, Braille, Blu & Exile. But 1773 would have remained a side project if crisis hadn’t presented opportunity.

Coming full circle with a renewed passion, 1773 recruited 3 ex-Berto Ramon members to comprise their live band and released their sophomore effort Return of the New in Japan (March 2009), continuing their partnership with River City Music Entertainment. A month-long tour of Japan followed and upon their return stateside, the US release of Return of the New (October 2009) was picked up by respected indie Hip-Hop label Soulspazm Records (Marco Polo, Grand Agent, Torae).

But why name Return of the New, technically a sophomore album, their ‘real debut’? The group agrees this album is a truer portrait of their musical selves. “Our first album was the learning experience, on Return of the New we’re a bit more seasoned and concerned with sonic reinvention,” states MC Wisdm O.N.E.. Early leaks of new material reveal 1773 over fuzzy bass lines and crackly drums reminiscent of vintage Jay Dee and Pete Rock. A prestigious selection of renowned beat makers contributes their skills to the album including Othello, Ohmega Watts, and Siamese Sisters. Combined, these talented producers create an ideal musical platform for the duo to speak over. Return of the New will be available worldwide October 6th, 2009 on Soulspazm Records.

VERTUAL VERTIGO BIO:

Since 2001 Cerebral Vortex and Ezekiel38 have been constantly changing both the face and sound of True School Hip Hop. Since the duo met in Germany, they have consistantly toured and travelled the globe with invitations to showcases such as: POP Montreal, SXSW, Vans Warp Tour, WESC London, and other events held by Red Bull, Puma, and Scion.

Besides their hungry work ethic and determination, one of the main things that set Vertual Vertigo apart from other groups, is the broad selection of producers they work with, ranging from Japan to Berlin. Vertual Vertigo, reminiscent of the classic 90’s golden era hip hop , combined with eclectic new production, makes for the dawn of a new golden age for the genre.

Where others tend to rap about jewels, cars and violence, Vert’s lyrics are true stories about love, life, travel and the quest for better living. With witty punch-lines and a distinct delivery , as well as a full throttle energy, the V’s stage presence, not only keeps people dancing, but keeps people listening.

Official Site: http://www.groundliftmedia.com

I-94 Connection: w/ The Gent$, 1773, Jonathan Frost, DJ Alo
September, 4th 2009 @ BBC Upper Level (Milwaukee), Doors 9pm, 21+, $5.

The Leaders Group and Ground Lift Media bring you a night of musical acts that bridge the divide between the two great Midwest cities.

The Midwest overflows with so much musical talent that a clash of the cities was inevitable. This Friday @ BBC Upper Level, representing the best in 3rd Coast Hip-Hop and progressively-minded music, the Chicago-based trios of The Gent$ (Wes Restless, Pugs Atomz, Ill Legit), and 1773 (Wisdm O.N.E., Just J, Moral One) meet Milwaukee’s finest, Jonathan Frost for an evening of live performances and general debauchery. Bridging the divide one city at a time!