CD Tradepost has announced a VIP Experience Package and ticket giveaway to the Wichita, KS stop on the Summer of Strange Tour at the Cotillion!

Six pairs of tickets and one VIP Experience Package will be given away!

To enter simply LIKE WICHITA CD TRADEPOST on FACEBOOK

Good luck!

Don’t miss out on your favorite

• Jerseys
• T-shirts
• Tank tops
• Music*

and more at an incredible discount – get your favorites before they’re gone!  Click here or head over to strangemusicinc.net and load up your cart with the freshest Strange Music stuff during the S.O.S. sale!

S.O.S. sale begins at 12:01AM EST on Friday, May 24^th. Quantities, selection and sizes are limited.

*Sale does not apply to 2013 album releases, album preorders or VIP packages. Does not apply to previously placed orders. Orders placed for items that are out of stock will be refunded via the original payment method.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO STRANGEMUSICINC.NET

With Believers on the way, a few of the guys from the 6 headed hip hop monster took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse behind the scenes of their latest video shoot.

While details on what song this is for or what’s really going on are few and far between, the dudes of ¡MAYDAY! have given us no prior reasons to not trust in their ability to produce all things dope, so for now we’ll just enjoy these cool pictures and await the eye-pleasure that is sure to come.

Click HERE to pre-order Believers

• What’s your favorite ¡MAYDAY! video?
• Are you catching the Summer Of Strange tour in your city?

Let us know in the comments below! 

In the interview, Ubiquitous and Godemis talk about Constant Energy Struggles and their lane at Strange Music (which we all know by now as “Strange Hop”). The two-page interview is very in-depth and provides an insight into the motivation behind CES Cru and why they make the music they make. A very telling quote addresses this very issue:

“Many quote unquote regular rappers have an aim that is just to make the money. That is all they want to do, so if that is your mindset then once you find that thing that works are just gonna keep doing it. For us it has to be fun and it has to be constructed in a way to where we want to be entertained too. It’s not all about that dollar so the motivation is to create something that is genuinely entertaining and different. That is the recipe and alchemy for great music. When we make our music if we are not entertained or having fun ourselves then you’re probably not going to hear that song. everything that we do comes from a place where we are amused or entertained ourselves.”

Click here to read the entire interview.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE CONSTANT ENERGY STRUGGLES

• What did you think of the interview?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Look inside the album and you’ll see a drawing from another prime example of someone who’s never wavered from his dreams: artist Davis Graham.

The 18-year-old artist from Chilliwack, British Columbia, has been drawing nearly his whole life and the dedication has paid off. Little did he know when he drew a portrait of Rittz that he would eventually be asked to do another drawing for the Gwinnett County’s debut album, spreading his artwork across the entire world.

We tracked down Davis to hear his story, one that every aspiring artist should pay attention to.

When and how did you first get into drawing?

I guess when anybody starts is elementary school with assignments and stuff. I’d be the one that was walking around and helping everybody with their drawings. My first ever portrait was a drawing of my friend Caleb and I was seven years old and my mom knew who it was and stuff and she couldn’t believe I drew it. So when you hear that kind of praise at seven years old you’re just going to stick to it so I just kept drawing portraits all the time and now here I am 11 years later, still doing portraits, but now it’s paying off.

So when you look at that first portrait, how does it look to you now?

(Laughs) It’s brutal but it still looks like him. I can see why my mom would be shocked. It doesn’t look like a seven year old drew it, that’s for sure.

Did you ever have any formal training or was this just all you growing up and learning it on your own?

Yeah this is just me on my own. I just hung out outside and drew a lot. That’s just my one hobby that I have. So, no training.

On your Facebook you have a lot of your drawings are that of emcees and other hip hop figures. I would assume you like the music very much. What draws you to hip hop so much?

What draws me to the music is just the realness of people expressing themselves and being honest. Through all other music there’s that, but in hip hop people are really raw and don’t hold back and that’s why when I draw somebody it’s somebody that I idolize. I just idolize a lot of hip hop emcees because they speak the truth and it touches my soul so that’s why I draw them.

Do you have any favorite emcees that you could list off?

Yeah I could easily do that: R.A. The Rugged Man, Rittz of course and Big Daddy Kane. I’ll do one more…let’s see…I just love all of Wu-Tang Clan so I can’t pick just one of them.

That’s quite the list you have, from old school to new school. What do you like about Rittz specifically as an artist and emcee?

The first time I heard Rittz I heard “Sleep At Night”. I heard that song and I’d seen pictures of Rittz and I just never looked into him because I’d just browse past him. I just remember seeing him with a picture of R.A. The Rugged Man and then I was like “Alright I’m going to give him a shot” and then I heard that song. First and foremost, his voice and his delivery was like the best. Then I got his mixtape and I listened to it and just the fact that he’s like, he’s just so honest and it’s the same way that I respect any other emcee, just being honest and not holding back and just the fact that i Just love, there’s nothing more that I love than blasting his music. I learned all the words and rap on time with him and he’s the most fun to rap on time with because he’s just so quick. I just love how real he is and he doesn’t ever try to be something that he’s not by any means.

How did you get this opportunity to have your drawing in the Rittz Album?

Oh I listened to his music for the first time and was like “I’m going to draw him.” I posted on Twitter “Just listened to @therealRITTZ for the first time, I’m going to draw him tonight” and he re-tweeted me and then responded right away with like “Looking forward to it!” I was like “Clearly I picked the right guy to draw!” He pays attention to his fans which is another reason why I love Rittz. He cares about people that are making him who he is.

So I drew him and put him up and I put the drawing up and then that night he shared it and got me like thousands and thousands of likes on my page. He got so much attention on my page. Ninety percent of the fans on my page are Rittz fans. Then he tweeted me asking for my e-mail and then right away he asked me if I could do work for his album. Then he sent me pictures and I drew it up and we kept that secret until he published it in his album. I just did it for free and all of the sudden I got a check in the mail from him and I didn’t ask for anything in return so that was really nice. I didn’t ask for anything because I thought “I’m getting my work in Strange Music.” That’s all I needed but he still sought to send me some money so I thought that was really nice of him.

How does it feel to have the opportunity to have a piece of your artwork spread all over the world through this album?

I never even thought about it that way. I never even considered it being in everybody’s hands because yeah that’s pretty amazing. I just love working with somebody that I admire, like getting my artwork on a real musician’s album. I choose to put my artwork on the inside of his album before Lil Wayne or anybody like that. That’s not what I care about. I just want to collab with people that I admire and actually listen to on the daily.

More than anything you do it because you love it and you respect his music, that’s awesome.

Hell yeah.

Other than that though obviously it’s had to do good things for your exposure. How has it affected your exposure and your reach as an artist?

Besides the fact that a hundred up and coming rappers message me once a week asking me to do mixtape covers and stuff like that. That’s helped a lot. I think it’s added to my portfolio. I can say if I want to get a job with another rapper I can be like “Well I did Rittz’s” and it’s just really helpful having that under my belt. A lot of people can take me seriously if they don’t already by looking at my artwork, and I just want everyone to know that I’m really open to stretching my abilities and trying new things all the time. I’m not strictly pencil artist. I’m doing graphic designs and stuff like that too. It’s just really helpful.

What did you think of the album?

It’s unreal, of course! I loved it. I think my favorite track is, I love the “My Interview” song, I live for it. I love the “Intro” too. I love all his music, I can’t even pick a favorite. White Jesus is a classic but I love it, it’s a great album.

My last question, what do you want to do ultimately with your talent? What are your dreams and goals with it?

Well I started a company called P.A.R.K., which is the Public Affiliation of Reckless Kids, and we’re a corporation that’s trying to counter against corporate greed and we’re trying to make every other corporation look bad. We’re pretty strong in my city right now and we’re hoping to move to Brazil and New York, but that’s my dream right now to express myself through my company so that people can wear the lifestyle on their shirt and represent what it means and what it means is to be reckless and follow your dreams and not end up at a desk job that you don’t want. We sponsor kids who are following their dreams so we can give them exposure and a reason to do what they’re doing. What I want to do is, you know, what I’m doing now is collabing with artists that I like and appreciate with similar mindsets. Strange Music, that’s why I was so excited to work with Strange Music because it’s the same deal. You guys just follow your dreams and that’s what I want to do. I want to hopefully become successful enough to live on my own with my company and my artwork and music also.

• Like Davis Graham on Facebook
• Follow Davis Graham on Twitter: @DavisGrahamArt
• Follow Davis Graham on Instagram: @DavisGrahamArt

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONNY VALIANT

• What do you think of Davis’ art and the drawing he did for Rittz’s album?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

The thing about Stevie Stone is, when you haven’t heard from him for a while it’s usually a good thing, because it means he’s cooking up some monster type shit in the studio.

As the anticipation for the follow up to Rollin’ Stone builds, Stevie Stone took to his Instagram to share some pictures of his home away from home for the time being: Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s due to a few reasons. Not only did Rittz spend some time there both working on his new album and hanging out with an awesome kid, it’s also the studio where Tech met up with Yelawolf for his verse on “World Wide Choppers” and actually met/heard Rittz for the first time. The rest is history.

While we wait for Stevie Stone to put the finishing touches on 2 Birds 1 Stone, which is scheduled for an August 13th release, we do have the tracks from the Independent Powerhouse Sampler, and if those are any indication of where this new album is heading, it’s going to be Stevie Stone’s Banger-Fest 2013.

Click HERE to purchase Rollin’ Stone!

• Who do you hope to see featured on Stevie’s album?
• What did you think of his tracks on the sampler?

Get at us in the comments below! 

While the venue has printed off some tickets that say the show is on on June 17, the OFFICIAL DATE for the show is June 18, 2013.

All tickets that say the show is on June 17 will be honored on the 18, so rest assured that your purchase still counts towards seeing the hottest tour this summer that hip hop has to offer.

ALL OFFICIAL TOUR DATES CAN BE FOUND AT STRANGEVIP.COM

Then Monster Energy is giving you a hook up!

How To Win a Monster VIP Pass

Post up your best Monster photo on the ¡MAYDAY! Facebook page . If you are chosen as a winner – your Summer Of Strange Tour ticket will get upgraded for to Strange Meet and Great session along with a bag of fresh Monster swag!*

In order to win, in your post – you must indicate what show you are attending and must have already purchased a normal show ticket.

Also – pay attention to some special announcements from the guys during their set on the tour – you might just get some new free ¡MAYDAY! music – courtesy of Monster Energy!

For more updates on the Summer VIP Experience – go to maydayonline.com

*No Strange gear included in the upgrade.

06.05        WICHITA, KS                            COTILLION BALLROOM
06.06        SPRINGFIELD, MO                THE OUTLAND
06.09        TULSA, OK                                 CAINS BALLROOM
06.11        ALBUQUERQUE, NM             SUNSHINE THEATRE
06.12        TUCSON, AZ                               THE RIALTO THEATRE
06.13        TEMPE, AZ                                   CLUB RED
06.14        FARMINGTON, NM                 THE TOP DECK
06.15        LOS ANGELES, CA                    LOS GLOBOS
06.16        SANTA ANA, CA                         THE YOST THEATER
06.17        BAKERSFIELD, CA                   B RYDER’S
06.18        SANTA CRUZ, CA                      THE CATALYST
06.19        SACRAMENTO, CA                    ACE OF SPADES
06.20        MODESTO, CA                            FAT CAT MUSIC HOUSE & LOUNGE
06.21        RENO, NV                                       KNITTING FACTORY (RENO)
06.23        PORTLAND, OR                          ROSELAND THEATER
06.25        SPOKANE, WA                            KNITTING FACTORY (SPOKANE)
06.26        BOISE, ID                                       KNITTING FACTORY (BOISE)
06.28        GRAND JUNCTION, CO         MESA THEATER & CLUB
06.29        DENVER, CO                                 MARQUIS THEATER
06.30        COLORADO SPRINGS, CO    THE BLACK SHEEP
07.01        FORT COLLINS, CO                   AGGIE THEATRES
07.02        CHEYENNE, WY                         FORUM 619
07.05        SAINT PAUL, MN                        STATION 4
07.07        SIOUX FALLS, SD                      BOONIE’S BAR & BBQ
07.09        DES MOINES, IA                         HOUSE OF BRICKS
07.10        JOLIET, IL                                      MOJOES
07.11        LOUISVILLE, KY                         THE VERNON CLUB
07.12        SAUGET, IL                                     POPS
07.13        COLUMBIA, MO                           THE BLUE NOTE
07.14        INDIANAPOLIS, IN                    OLD NATIONAL CENTRE
07.19        CLERMONT, FL                             CLUB BOA
07.20        SAINT PETERSBURG, FL        STATE THEATRE

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND VIP PACKAGES!

• What do you think of the Summer Of Strange tour lineup?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

We received a fan letter from Charity Love about her battle with her inner-demons and how Tech N9ne’s music pulled her through, inspiring her to be a rapper herself and channel all of her anxieties out in the form of music. Upon hitting her up, she was more than happy to share with us her struggles in her quest to become whole again.

This is her story…

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Charity. I turned 16 on May 10. I’m currently a student at East Wilkes High School in North Carolina. I’ve lived in North Carolina most of my life, and my dream is to become a musician. Rapping is my passion, and I also love to write.

What kind of rejection and neglect have you grown up with?

When I was growing up, I noticed that everything I felt accomplished of was constantly rejected. I felt as if I was non-existent because my personality drove people away. Every time I was in desperate need of a friend, I was either stabbed in the back or rejected. I felt emotionally neglected from my parents. When I needed to talk about my suicidal thoughts, they didn’t listen…ever. This caused even more pain, and frustration for me, which affected my self-identity greatly. I wouldn’t have became the person I was if none of this occurred.

You said at 13 you became severely depressed, was there anything that triggered this depression or did it just come out of nowhere?

I believe what triggered it was both my past, and stuff that happened at school. I also constantly fought with my mom. My parents divorced when I was younger because of violence. Seeing the fighting and the punches thrown really got to me. Once I became older, things were rough at school. I was failing and I was often bullied. I was always fighting and trying to defend myself. My mom and I had fights on top of that. There would be times we would physically fight, and times where it was just verbal. My dad is also an alcoholic. He was always drunk, and popping pills. Everything was just falling apart.

How did you first come across Tech N9ne’s music?

I believe I was looking for inspiration for my own rap one day, and I came across Tech N9ne’s “Suicide Letters”. Right then and there, I was hooked on his music, and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since. This was just last year.

How does his music help you? How does it help you deal with the pain that you have been going through?

Tech N9ne’s music always puts me in the greatest mood. No matter how I’m feeling, his music never fails to take my mind off of reality. Whenever I feel upset, I just listen to his music, rap along and I feel so much better. I can really relate to Tech in his music, and it makes me feel awesome to know that I’m not alone.

How is your outlook on life nowadays?

I’m still battling anxiety and depression but the suicidal thoughts have almost come to a stop. I’m starting to love life more and more every day, and best of all, I no longer dread waking up and having to face the world.

If you could say anything to Tech N9ne, what would it be?

I would tell him how grateful I am to discover an amazing artist like him, and I would thank him so much for sharing his stories through his songs. I would tell him how much he has greatly affected my life and that I love him dearly for that. I know it seems illogical for a song to save your life, but you’d be amazed how much the smallest thing can turn everything around when you’re suicidal.

Would you share a piece of your favorite writing or your favorite rap that you wrote?

I often write about my feelings, thoughts and dreams. I usually write a fast-paced, aggressive rap when ever something is wrong, and it helps me cope with my suicidal thoughts and often prevents the urge to harm myself.

This is the first verse to my rap “Dance with the Devil”.

Everything went downhill and turned to shit when I turned thirteen
That’s right about the time I noticed that I started hurting
I started doing norco and I  slit my wrist to ease the pain
when I talked to someone about it they’d laugh like it was a fucking game
They thought I was insane, or maybe I was the one to blame
but they never would have guessed how stressed I was or knew I was ashamed
to be the one asking for help, nobody ever knew how I felt
nobody ever saw when I mentioned my flaws how much I hated myself
But now that I see that I’m not alone in this depressing state
I’m no longer longing to wake up in front heavens gate
I’ve come to realize there are more eyes looking beyond the sky
other lonley souls with empty holes wishing their body would die
Every day I would imagine how my closest peoples life would be
if they would care, go to my grave and stare cause I took the breath from me
Is there anyone out there who could simply fucking understand me
Anybody at all with a suicidal call, who else can fucking stand the…

(Chorus)

Call of the devil
Come to my level
End your pain
Cut the vein
Be buried with a shovel
No worry in the world to hurt you anymore
Just shut the door
Fall to the floor and come dance with the devil

How has Tech N9ne or Strange Music affected your life?

Send your stories to fans@strangemusicinc.com