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

That question was answered today when out of the blue, Wrekonize took to his Tumblr to reveal the tracklist & guest appearances for his first official solo album, The War Within. Here’s the post from Wrek:

As i type this there’s 35 DAYS, 7 HOURS, & 23 MINUTES between you, me, and the release of my biggest project to date in my entire career. THE WAR WITHIN drops JUNE 25TH.

For those who want to see what’s on the way…Here’s the blueprint. Hope you enjoy it all.

1. Intro (Dr. Chosis)
2. We Got Soul
3. Paper Trails (feat. Bernz)
4. Typical
5. Freak (feat. Tech N9ne)
6. Can’t Be Alone
7. Floating Away
8. Adrenaline (feat. Crooked I)
9. Haunted (feat. Bernz)
10. Anxiety Attacks
11. Galil
12. Modern Man
13. Neon Skies
14. Church Road (feat. Posdnuos of De La Soul)
15. Easy Money (feat. Bun B.)
16. Better Things
17. Rise (feat. Liz Suwandi)

We don’t know about y’all, but this has us more excited than ever for an album that we were already pretty damn hyped for. There’s no way that Bun B-featured track isn’t gonna be the dopest thing ever.

Click HERE to pre-order Wrekonize’s Strange Music solo debut ‘The War Within’!

• Which feature are you the most excited about?
• What other artists would you like to see Wrek work with in the future? 

Let us know in the comments below! 

We decided to collect 10 other angry voicemails on YouTube and put them in a single place where they could all be enjoyed.

From angry ex-girlfriends to irate cab drivers to heavily-disgruntled video gamers, they’re all here.

A pissed-off father absolutely hates it when his son doesn’t answer his call. This is the result.

This cabbie doesn’t like being screwed out of a fare.

Neither does this one.

A very drunk and sexually disgruntled female leaves this message for her boyfriend, displaying a shocking range of emotions in a very short amount of time.

This guy won’t be able to calculate his adjusted growth income…very angry.

Just another instance of a Quad Spawn (?) during round one of Modern Warfare multiplayer and the effect it can have.

This is played before the movie starts at the famous Alamo Drafthouse movie theater in Austin, Texas. Needless to say, they have a strict no-texting policy.

Guy tries to set up a date and gets increasingly perturbed. Chances are he’s still single.

This woman has an issue with her college transcript and will not back down.

Stay away from this woman’s husband.

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONNY VALIANT

• Which one was your favorite?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

SEND PICS OF YOUR STRANGE MUSIC TATTOOS TO FANS@STRANGEMUSICINC.COM

• Which tattoo is your favorite?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

We decided it would only be proper to list some of those songs out for your glass house enjoyment. Get your iTunes and CD burner ready.

2Pac – “Picture Me Rollin’”

When 2Pac got out of prison on a bail paid for by that of Death Row records, he had a lot to say and did it in a very short amount of time. His album All Eyez On Me was the result of that cathartic release, and shrouding just about every song on the sprawling double-disc classic was a middle finger: “Picture Me Rollin’” is one of those songs. Set to a smooth and laid-back Johnny J beat, 2Pac sets the mood from the jump: “Picture me rollin’ in my 500 Benz.” For anyone that made it to be behind the wheel of a fine automobile despite the naysayers (i.e. “haters”), this is the track to bump.

ScHoolboy Q – “Hands On The Wheel” (Feat. A$AP Rocky)

Out of all the songs on this list, Schoolboy Q’s “Hands On The Wheel” has probably encouraged the most reckless driving (and reckless behavior for that matter). A dizzying ode to consumption and doing whatever-the-fuck, this hit was ready-made for the car and a heavy foot on the pedal, just be sure you’re not actually on the things that ScHoolboy Q and A$AP Rocky are rapping about while you take your car out to this song.

Kanye West – “Drive Slow”

Some driving songs aren’t meant for the highway but for the strip. As the title implies, Kanye West’s “Drive Slow” is meant for “crawlin’ like a caterpillar” as guest lyricist Pall Wall states in his verse. This song is a celebration of automobile admiration, a meditation on the features of a whip that draws passerby attention. The optimum way to bump this song is leaning back in a big-bodied Cadillac, driving through your city’s entertainment district as slow as possible.

Dr. Dre – “Let Me Ride”

Arguably the most quintessential driving song that hip hop has ever made. All the pieces are in place: the song about driving on the greatest album from the coast that’s best for driving. Besides the obvious subject matter and the way it’s supported with Dre’s charismatic flow and delivery, the song is made into a gus guzzler by its instrumentation: an outrageously funky bassline, restless hi-hat and the patented g-funk synth floating above it all make this song the soundtrack for highway flossing.

Rick Ross – “Maybach Music” (Feat. Jay-Z)

Luxury, palm trees and opulence are all captured in style with the first and best entry into the “Maybach Music” song series. Backed by a stellar and cinematic production from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Rick Ross and Jay-Z describe life as it revolves around their passenger status in their very own Maybachs. The lifestyle as a boss in your own world is given a soundtrack, to what sounds like carefree triumph in behind the curtains and tinted windows in one of the most sought-after luxury vehicles in the world.

Devin The Dude – “Lacville ’79″

For anyone that’s ever had a whip that’s falling apart and has cost more in repairs than a brand new car would, here’s the song that’s dedicated to your pride and joy. Devin The Dude, Texas’s most likable stoner and emcee, throws down bars dedicated to the car that he just can’t get rid of. Over a laid-back southern groove with subtle guitar licks to support the head-nod-inducing bassline, Devin breaks down the mechanics of his Cadillac and translates the joy of driving one like only a Houston-native could.

Ludacris – “Move Bitch” (Feat. Mystikal)

Okay so maybe THIS song has encouraged the most reckless driving (or behavior, once again) out of any on the list. If there’s one song to take your everyday driving and turn it into a game of Grand Theft Auto, this is it. Over a stomper of a beat crafted by legendary southern producer KLC (“Make ‘Em Say Uhh!”, “How Ya Do Dat”, “Bout It Bout It II”), Ludacris and Mystikal channel scrapping and road rage in fine southern-rhyme fashion: dropping lines like “I’m doing a hundred on the highway, so if you do the speed limit get the fuck out of my way,” making this the perfect song to get you pulled over, arrested, or both.

Lost Boyz – “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz”

Long before Lloyd Banks dropped “Beamer, Benz or Bentley” came this gem from Lost Boyz. The fact of the matter is, nothing in the Lost Boyz verses give any indication towards driving whatsoever, but the mid-tempo groove and anthemic chorus make this an eternal summer jam that can only be fully appreciated in the breeze of a dropped top or an open window.

Freeway – “Rolling Down The Freeway”

The most sinister of all the songs on this list belongs to Freeway in this overlooked classic from State Property Presents The Chain Gang Vol. II. This Bink-produced banger has Freeway relating all the ways that crime pays and uses the freeway as a metaphor to be the means to dirty work. The mid-tempo groove quickly picks up speed by a shattering violin that makes you feel twice as big and want to drive twice as fast.

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONNY VALIANT

• What did you think of this list?
• Which songs did we leave out?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

We had Rittz LIVE on the air on Monday, May 13, 2013 to answer our questions and take calls from the fans!

Here’s how it all went down.

We asked Rittz about the “Switch Lanes” music video featuring Mike Posner. The hit single from The Life And Times of Jonny Valiant is blowing up the web as we speak.

Yeah man it’s huge. Everybody seems to be feeling it man. I love the video personality. To take a break from tour and to go to LA and shoot it with Mike. As you can see by the visuals we had a good time. I’m just glad it’s out there now. I love the record, love the song. I’m just happy everybody got to see it.

Rittz disclosed the conditions behind the making of the music video. As it turns out he shot the video on one hour of sleep, proving once again that Rittz is no stranger to the grind.

Rittz also told the story about how him and Mike Posner linked up to make the anthemic, car-friendly track. Rittz didn’t know a lot about Mike Posner’s music before meeting him, but of course knew about him, which was enough to cause them to meet in Los Angeles after going back and forth on Twitter.

Rittz shared that he hopes to work with Mike again, and given the results of their first go-around, that’s something that should definitely happen. Rittz also discussed any hesitation he dealt with by writing “Switch Lanes”, not wanting to look like he was making an attempt to go pop-friendly. “It kind of happened naturally” the Slumerican emcee said. The consequences of that being a song with huge crossover potential that is gaining traction on the radio. “This is the song we’ve been wanting” Rittz told us Tech and Travis O’Guin said upon hearing “Switch Lanes”. The evidence of this is the song going against Bruno Mars for airplay on an online radio contest in Wisconsin. Whether the song becomes a hit on the radio or not Rittz would probably have to find out through social media and his people, for he admits to being a CD guy over everything. “I’m not a radio hater, I just don’t listen to it that much,” he said.

“That was so amazing” Rittz said about Cheeto’s expedition to buy every copy of The Life And Times of Jonny Valiant from all of Gwinnett County’s Best Buys. “Cheeto made it to where the radio had to call us the northside” Rittz revealed, reciprocating his respect for the Gwinnett County legend. “I would do the same thing if the shoe was on the other foot.”

For the rest you’re going to have to check out the podcast.

Listen above!

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JONNY VALIANT

• What was your favorite part of the podcast?

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¡MAYDAY!’s secret weapon strikes again.

Here’s NonMS in Erika Jayne’s music video for “Get It Tonight” featuring Flo Rida. The upbeat and party-fueled music video is aided by the assistance of NonMS’s otherworldly dance moves. With an electric backdrop and constantly-moving imagery, NonMS breaks it down and puts on a clinic on getting the party started.

Click here to pre-order ¡MAYDAY! – Believers

• What did you think of the video?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

We’ve got Stevie Stone’s New Kid Comin and ¡MAYDAY!’s Stuck On An Island now available at www.strangemusicinc.net.

These are the CDs that got the attention of Strange Music to sign these dynamic acts in the first place. If you don’t have them, you’re sorely missing out on two classic albums filled with hits that are still performed to this day.

Stevie Stone’s New Kid Comin’ features a chock-full of bangers like “Midwest Explosion” (featuring Tech N9ne), “Wait A Minute” and “Aint Playin Round”. If you’re looking to get a club, house or any kind of party jumping, all you really need is this album and the “repeat all” button.

Stuck On An Island is ¡MAYDAY!’s sprawling epic that has enough music to last your stay on any deserted island. With songs like the rocking “Worst Case Scenario”, the smoothed-out “Picture Perfect” and the psychedelic “Fire”, you have a song for every mood there is, making it a perfect album to have around at all times.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE STEVIE STONE – NEW KID COMIN

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ¡MAYDAY! – TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

• Have you heard these albums? What do you think of them?

Leave your opinion in the comments section below!

The music video from their Strange Music debut album Constant Energy Struggles is now up for vote against heavyweights in hip hop and R&B including Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys and Chris Brown. With Strange Music on their side, it’s only a matter of time before “Juice” gets in the daily rotation.

The day the video was set to air, we had a chance to talk to Ubiquitous only hours before the broadcast. Ubiquitous shared his surpassed expectations, the feeling of breaking the television barrier and he also tackled the idea of the possible fame that could result from this exposure. A few other things were touched on along the way (the tour bus has DIRECTV?)

Your music video is going to be on 106 and Park today, what does this mean for you? Is it a validation? CES Cru’s music has never felt like a straight up act of appeal towards mainstream audiences, even while it is accessible. Is this something that you expected to happen in your dreams of your career?

I totally wasn’t. It’s not a contrived idea or something that I premeditated. I never thought to myself “Ah this is going to get on BET…” You know what I mean? Never. Never once. Shit never crossed my mind which is maybe why it’s happening! It’s a dope validation. To be on 106 and Park is something I’ve been watching for I don’t know how many years. It’s pretty cool. Just like the MTV thing but I don’t want to take light off of BET because that shit’s tight.

Are you going to watch it?

Yes. 5 O’Clock.

Where?

I am in Des Moines sir and I will be watching it on my bus…in Des Moines.

You guys don’t get cable.

We have DIRECTV buddy.

Okay. So as far as we know you guys are the second act on Strange Music to get on 106 and Park. Out of all the acts you guys are the second one to break that barrier. How does that feel?

Oh, it’s super fresh. I appreciate the nod. I don’t need to be entirely oblivious as to why we’re on 106 and Park. I guess I’d like to think that it’s just good music. But yeah, I don’t know why us – but fucking great, you know? We’ve been pushing the CES Cru brand for years and years and it’s a dream to break through to major media. I guess we’ll just see what people think of it!

How are your friends and fans back home responding to you being on the big TV? I can imagine they’re pretty geeked out.

Oh all the way on the big TV! These motherfuckers don’t know what the hell is going on with me! You know what I mean? I put it up on the social networks and shit and our fanbase is in tap with it but like, friends and family are not super aware! There’s just a handful of people that know that this BET thing is happening. I may blast it out a little bit today before it does happen so those that are in tap with my networks will know but yeah man, I haven’t had that conversation! None of my friends have blown me up like “Dude! You guys are on BET!” Nobody callin. Phone’s dead. You know? So…I don’t know. I think they’re sleep.

Is that disappointing to you?

No. I don’t care (laughs). Not at all. I don’t care at all. I don’t need the adulation. I really don’t. Not that I wouldn’t take it if it came, I’m super humble and appreciative. Not seeking it in any way shape or form.

You’re not waiting for text messages?

No. I’m not waiting for text messages.

You’re not staring at the phone, hoping that it rings from old friends?

No, mostly when the phone rings my anxiety goes up. I would say 90 percent of the time.

Why is that?

Because man you never know what’s coming next these days! Things are poppin’! It seems like every time the phone rings it’s something crazy. It’s not like I’m constantly getting bad news or anything but it’s just it’s sort of the feel of a roller coaster, you know what I mean? You’re going up a hill and you’re like “Oh man I’m about to drop down this big ass hill, it’s going to be fun!” but you might catch a little anxiety, you know what I’m saying? Like “Oh shit. I’m about to hit this hill, I’m about to hit this loop!” So that’s what it is.

Now at this rate you might not be able to go out in public without getting recognized half the time, is that something that would be cool for you?

Um…you know I feel a couple of different ways about it. It’s super cool for people to come up to me that they appreciate my music when I’m just walking around and doing stuff. That’s super cool. And this is pre-tour, I have experienced a couple times where I felt some-what violated because someone was approaching me, kind of bullying me for my time while I was with my kid and shit or if I’m out with a young lady, you know, and then people are encroaching on that.  And I don’t mind doing a little picture or something like this but if turns into a five minute conversation, you know, it’s a little too much. I’m trying to entertain, whether it be my family or a nice young lady. So other than that man I love it, I love it when people come up and let me know that they’re about us. It’s a super cool feeling and I like to connect with my fans and especially like it when they say things that are poignant as opposed to random “Oh y’all tight! Y’all tight!” Like, that’s cool, but say something. Say something that means something. Tel me that “Seven Chakras” has helped you get through your relationship problems. Like that’s tight.

Have you been touched in ways that make you feel uncomfortable during the tour?

Is this like a Catholic thing? What do you mean?

No, I mean have you been groped by the female fans?

Have I been touched in ways that bother me…um…you know a couple girls have tried to pull a little slick shit, you know what I mean? And I wasn’t bothered by it, I’m flattered but I done had some girls just like kind of grab my ass or something like that. So I’m like “Okay…” you know? “Cool…cool. A little conversation goes a long way. Hey!” You know? “You want to talk to me, talk to me, or just come over here and grab my ass…I guess.” But no I haven’t had any Danny Brown experiences with you know, fans trying to deliver fellatio while I’m on stage rapping, nothing like that.

Well I think the venues were too big for that, but back to the subject at hand here, this news that you’re going to be on the big TV, how has Tech responded to the news?

Tech is ecstatic! I feel like honestly him and i really haven’t gotten to have the celebration conversation yet. We talked about it briefly a few minutes the other day and we were just all smiles about it really. I’d like to clink glasses at some point and toast to that shit so I haven’t had the opportunity to do that yet, but I know that that’s the weather though. Everybody’s super excited, super happy that we’re breaking through on that level.

It’s kind of Strange but this video is arguably Tech’s most accessible look for people watching BET and it’s through you guys.

Right and I’d like to think it’s the same for us. Our most accessible look is through him, you know what I mean? It’s kind of reciprocal in that way. Being not only part of the song itself but being our masthead and label and giving me the opportunity to even get where I got. I don’t know! It just sounds like good business to me.

Before we get out of here, is there anything you want to say to the fans?

Yeah I got something to say to the fans. Just…thank you. Thank you to everybody who has opened themselves to me on tour. ALL over the country, just all over the country. There wasn’t a place that I went where I didn’t feel genuine love. So just thank all the fans for coming out and expressing that and for saying things to me like “I love Tech Nine, I love strange music, but I’m here to see YOU. I”ve never seen CES Cru, I want to see YOU tonight. I’m excited about Y’ALL.” That’s DOPE. Not to feel like the sideshow even if we are opening I get this main attraction feel from some of the fans, it’s dope.

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