Dj City Interview - Danja & Marcella discuss Timbaland, label, upcoming projects

Dj City recently sat down with Danja and Marcella to discuss upcoming projects and many other interesting information. Check out the interview below.

Excerpt from youtube description:

"Grammy Award-winning producer Danja and Engineer Marcella Araica aka "Ms. Lago" discuss how they met at Timbaland's studio and collaborated on hits including Timbaland's "The Way I Are" feat. Keri Hilson and Britney Spears' "Gimme More." They also talk about founding N.A.R.S. Records, how it's different from other labels and upcoming projects with Luke James, Kevin Cossom, Caligula and, Wyld."

 

NARS News: Video Premiere: Luke James - Mo' Better Blues

Luke James and Kevin Cossom perform @ SOB's in NYC (videos)

Check out the perfomances of the recent showcase of NARS talent at the SOB's which included perfomances from Kevin Cossom and Luke James. Watch below as Kevin Cossom performs Overflow & Love Thru The Speakers, while Luke James performs cuts of his recent prealbum #LUKE which features the singles I Want You and Soldier, with a special encore performance of a brand new track called One of a Kind which is a smooth R&B track. ENJOY!

Kevin Cossom - Overflow

Kevin Cossom - Love Thru The Speakers

Luke James - Soldier

Luke James - I Want You

Luke James - One of a Kind

*Video Premiere* Luke James - I Want You

Check out the visuals for Luke James' first single taken of his to be released pre album #LUKE, I Want You is prod by Kadis and Sean.

Luke James - Pre-Album Trailer + credits

Looks like Danja fans will have a treat on their hands just in time for Christmas as Luke James releases his self titled pre album #Luke on NARS/Mercury/Def Jam records due 22 December . All record are produced by Danja, except for I Want You (prod by Kadis & Sean) & Signs of Rain (co-prod with Charlie Bereal).

Tracklisting Below

1. Unknown (TBD)

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, M.Araica]

2. Powerless

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, M.Araica]

3. Guilty Pleasure (Unmastered)

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, Marcella Araica]

4. Soulja/"Evol of Edam (Interlude)

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, M.Araica, E.Lewis, B.Mohammed, J.Fauntleroy, B.Bereal]

5. Signs of Rain Ft. Charlie Bereal

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, C.Bereal, M.Araica]

6. Made To Love

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, M.Araica, B.Britney]

7. I Want You

[S.Marshall, G.Spriggs, Luke J. Boyd, N.Atwell, N.Hills]

8. Evol of Edam (Outro)

[N.Hills, Luke J. Boyd, M.Araica]

www.whoislukejames.com
www.facebook.com/whoislukejames
www.twitter.com/whoislukejames

Luke James - Driven

Luke James gives you a behind the scenes look at his rise to stardom, in his new video series, 'Driven.'

Source: Luke James tumblr

Kevin Cossom Tracks + 2 No Tags (Danja produced)

You may remember in a interview recently with YKIGS, that Kevin Cossom revealed that he was featuring on a couple of tracks on Ace Hood's new album Blood, Sweat and Tears well here are the featured album cuts.

Ace Hood - Memory Lane (Feat. Kevin Cossom) [Produced by Sonny Digital]
[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/06-memory-lane-feat-kevin-cossom.mp3]

Ace Hood - Beautiful (Feat. Kevin Cossom) [Produced by The Runners]
[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/08-beautiful-feat-kevin-cossom.mp3]

Kevin Cossom - Have a Drink [Tags] (Possible Danja Produced?)
[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/kevin-cossom-have-a-drink-shouts.mp3]

Bonus
You might remember these track from a couple of posts back that featured some tags in the tracks here and here, well here are the full DJ free verions, ENJOY!

Kevin Cossom - Bad Intentions (No Tags) [Produced by Danja]
[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/kevin-cossom-bad-intentions-prod-by-danja-no-tags.mp3]

Kevin Cossom - Bloodshot Eyes (Demo + No Tags) [Produced by Danja]
[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/kevin-cossom-bloodshot-eyes-prod-by-danja-no-tags.mp3]

Who is Luke James?

Do you remember Luke and Q from the Underdogs? Specifically Luke, who went by the name Luke Boyd back then now has his own stature in music with a new label under Danja's own NARS records as well as going by the official name Luke James.

Here's some info on Luke from his facebook bio!

He’s a singer/songwriter who truly embodies the honesty and fresh, organic soulfulness that’s been in relatively short supply of late in contemporary music. Now that sounds like a pretty tall order for a newcomer to fulfill. However, the New Orleans native is very much up to the task. In fact, you’ve no doubt heard his work: he co-wrote Chris Brown’s “Crawl” and has penned songs for Justin Bieber (“That Should Be Me”) and Britney Spears (“Kill The Lights”), among others. And his growing fan base includes none other than Beyoncé, who selected James to appear in her “Run the World” video.

James’ real-deal approach to music and—more important—the craft of singing are the main attractions on his upcoming mix tape and album of the same name: “Made to Love.” Both mark the singer/songwriter’s debut on Mercury/Island Def Jam via New Age Rock Star Records (NARS), the label helmed by award-winning producer Danja (Mariah Carey, Keri Hilson) and long-time collaborator / mixing engineer Marcella Araica (Madonna, Pink, Timbaland).

“This isn’t a fad for me,” declares James. “I’m willing to go wherever with this because music is everything to me. This is my world and how I see it. My music speaks for me in a way that’s relatable and truthful.”

“Honest is the best word to describe Luke,” adds Danja, who began working with James nearly four years ago. “Every message in his songs is sincere. And Luke’s voice is another obvious factor. Putting all of that together, he possesses a universal connection that touches everyone. He’s an undeniable force.”

That connection hits home on James’ lead single, “I Want You.” Packed with interesting breaks and tempo shifts, the sparse yet bright track pulsates with an infectious, hip-hop-influenced beat. That foundation provides the perfect complement to James’ pure, arresting falsetto as he sings: “I was just a broken record of one-night stands /Til you came along with your beautiful song …”

“It’s all about the voice,” says Danja. “And that’s what he’s captured on every record. Production doesn’t matter. No matter how sparse or grand I make it, he takes control and makes it about him.”

James’ innate talent as a singer/songwriter was nurtured in one of music’s legendary outposts, New Orleans. An only child, he grew up listening to a wide array of influences thanks to his single mother: everyone from Marvin Gaye and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes to Willie Nelson and Alabama. James’ oh wow moment occurred when he was 11 years old and watching the amateur talent segment on TV’s “Showtime at the Apollo.” One of the contestants began singing Donny Hathaway’s version of writer Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.”

“I got chills,” recalls James. “And I get that feeling all over again whenever I think about that performance. At the time, I’d never said I wanted to be a singer; I just knew I wanted to entertain. And I’d never heard of Donny. But when my mother found her copy of one of his records, I knew then that I wanted to reach people that way.”

While in high school in 2001, James joined a trio that started performing around New Orleans, opening for such acts as Brian McKnight. That’s when James first met his longtime manager Frank Gatson. When things with the trio didn’t work out, James moved to Los Angeles after graduation—on the advice of Gatson—and began singing background for R&B singer Tyrese. It was through the singer that James met production duo the Underdogs and signed with their label as part of a singing duo: Luke & Q.

When Luke & Q decided to go their separate ways, James began honing his skills as a songwriter after hooking up with producer Danja nearly four years ago. Since then, he has collaborated on songs for Brown, Bieber, Spears, Keri Hilson and Brandy and worked alongside such other producers as Kadis and Sean and the Messengers. Inspired by those collaborations, he rediscovered his footing as a singer in his own right.

“I found the feeling again where I felt something fresh could come out,” says James. “Writing songs helped me figure out what my lane was as far as being a solo artist. And I’ve also learned something else: If I don’t feel it, I can’t do it.

Luke James is just about to release his first single I Want You and here is an accapella version of the song, check it out!



Hit up Luke James on Twitter or Facebook if you havent already!

Twitter

Facebook

VAFRANCE - CaliStylz vs Flo + Play Boy Energy Drink Track

New mixtape from Eskimo Summers a.k.a CaliStylz  which follows the MCtoProducer series collaborations. First it VAHUN, then VAGERM 1 & 2 now we have VAFRANCE which features productions from Flo. Check out the mixtape right here.

[bandcamp album=3239839624  bgcol=FFFFFF linkcol=4285BB size=grande3]

Download the mixtape right here.

Bonus: CaliStylz - Playboy Energy Drink (prod by Kentucky Jones II)

Check out the track http://twiturm.com/owgnz

 

 

 

Danja's 30th - Recap + Kevin Cossom's Missing Mixtape (Stylz Lost It) + Bonus Wyld Money Video

You may have already heard that Danja had his birthday a couple weeks ago, well Thomas Wilson who is Videographer for NARS Records artist Wyld Money recorded some footage of the night, this is what Thomas Wilson had to say in his caption for the  video.

"Super Producer "Danja" celebrated his 30th birthday at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, CA with a slew of special guests and old friends. As a gesture of appreciation while out working for his New Age Rock Stars artist Wyld Money, I put together a bit of footage recapping our time with Danja as well as some additional footage of previous events provided by his N.A.R.S. imprint."

*Warning* *Video Suitable for Mature Audiences!*

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/20787381]

Also as a bonus Wilson just recently also posted a funny video of Kevin Cossom and Calistylz cracking jokes about the upcoming mixtape of KC's being lost due to Cali Stylz doing a rendition of the dougie apparently. Here's what he had to say,

"At Danja's 30th birthday party in Los Angeles, a bit of a mishap occurred between Cali Stylz and Kevin Cossom of N.A.R.S. Records... That mixtape? It's out March 23rd. Cop that!"

Check out the video here!

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/20997600]

Side Note: Kevin Cossom's new mixtape BAM a.k.a By Any Means will be released on the 23rd March.

Also another quick video from Wyld Money who performs his latest track I'm So Hella in Jacksonville.

Thomas Wilson writes:

Another stop on the Loud Pack tour involved a few days in Jacksonville, FL. The Core DJ's retreat and Duval Diamond awards called for Crown Life Entertainment and NARS Records artists Mo Pain and Wyld Money respectively to grace Duval County with their presence and a few performances.

Check out the video here:

[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/20953221]

Enjoy and thanks to Thomas Wilson for the videos keep doing you thing!

Wyld Money Def Pen Interview

Check out the latest interview from Mr Chitty Bang himself Wyld Money. During the interview Wyld talks about his upbringing from his childhood to his current situation as well as what is in store for Wyld Money mixtape wise! Check it out here and enjoy!



Source: Def Pen Radio

Calistylz feat Sean Matrix - Get Loose (prod by Beatf1ya)

Check out the first single from Calistylz's second collaboration album with producer Beatf1ya called VaGerm:Reloaded.

This track is called Get Loose and features guest vocals from Sean Matrix, check out the track here.

[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/cali-stylz-get-loose-feat-sean-matrix-prod-by-beatf1ya.mp3]

This track is also for download from right here, enjoy!

Kevin Cossom - Baby I Like It feat Fabolous & Diddy

Well it didn't long for the full to come out, as Kevin premiered the track on his Tumblr here is the full track. Enjoy!!

[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/baby-i-like-it.mp3]

Kevin Cossom - Baby I Like It *Preview*

Well looks like we only have to wait one more day as tommorrow is that day that we finally get to hear Kevin Cossom's brand new single Baby I like it feat Fabolous and Diddy. Check out the preview here , can't wait to hear those crazy synth's in the chorus before it cuts what do you think? Enjoy!

[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/kevin-cossom-featuring-fabolous-diddy-baby-i-like-it-clean-version.mp3]

Also check out the new Akon feat Rick Ross - Give it 2 em, penned by Kevin Cossom. Produced by The Runners.

Travis Garland/Danja Tracks(Rough)

picture taken from TravisGarland.com

Today we have a great day, as two new tracks have finally surfaced from the Travis Garland. Remember back when Travis tweeted that he was in the studio with Danja? Well here are the fruits of there labor as we have have two great new tracks the first one is called Killer and the other one is Travis Garland's soon to be next single called Don't Leave Me Rose. Well as the title suggests these are rough version of the final track, although they both sound really awesome, especially his single worthy track Don't Leave Me Rose, the very trademark synthed Danja slow/medium banger will get u definately into the mood. Check out the tracks here, Enjoy!!!

Travis Garland - Killer

[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/travis-garland-killer-danja.mp3]

Travis Garland - Don't Leave Me Rose

[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/travis-garland-don_t-leave-me-rose-danja.mp3]

Danja and Dj Khaled on Def Jam Rapstar

Get ready PS3, Xbox and Wii freestylers as you will soon be able to freestyle on an exclusive beat from Danja called NARS. Check out the information on it here, taken from GamePro.

Rapstar collaborators 4mm Games, Terminal Reality and Def Jam Interactive revealed the latest slate of songs that will stream off the Def Jam Rapstar discs when they hit on October 5. The following seven hits are the latest additions to the track list:

"Fight The Power" by Public Enemy
"Hate Me Now" by Nas (Featuring Diddy)
"Hot In Herre" by Nelly
"It’s All About The Benjamins (Remix)" by Diddy (Featuring The Notorious B.I.G., Lil’ Kim & The Lox
"It’s Goin’ Down" by Yung Joc (Featuring Nitti)
"We Takin’ Over" by DJ Khaled (Featuring Akon, T.I., Rock Ross, Fat Joe, Baby & Lil’ Wayne
"You’re All I Need/I’ll Be There For You" by Method Man (Featuring Mary J. Blige)

Two new freestyle tracks have also been added to the game--"Nars" by Danja and "Hand's Up" by Nitti Beats.

In addition to the new tracks and artists, another retail configuration has been revealed for Def Jam Rapstar. While a microphone bundle had previously been revealed for the game, the team has confirmed that a standalone versions of the game will be available on all consoles for $10 less, running $60 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 while costing $50 on Wii.

Get Ready!!

Danja speaks to Rap-Up about New Britney & T.I

Rap-Up recently did an interview with Danja for his upcoming productions on many various artist including Britney, T.I. and NARS label artists Kevin Cossom and Luke James among others. Check out what he had to say here. Enjoy!



Cheers to J Boogie for the link!

Nipsey Hu$$le feat Kevin Cossom - Here Goes Nothing(prod by The Runners)

Image Source Sneaker Me Stupid

Nipsey Hu$$le and NARS artist Kevin Cossom team up with The Runners on this track. Check it out here.

[audio http://danjahandz.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/14421-here-goes-nothing.mp3]

Q&A Memorial Day Weekend 2010 Interview With Cali Stylz

Image Source: Caligula Williams

Recently Miami New Time conducted a short interview with Calistylz who talks about NARS and what he will be up to at the Weekend Memorial Day here what he had to say:

Nobody does Memorial Day Weekend like Dade County. But, where it used to be just South Beach that saw all the action, this year more than ever the mainland will be a major part of the festivities. From the Best Of The Best concert at Bicentennial Park this Sunday to parties at the surrounding clubs like Nocturnal, Mekka, and everything on the 11th Street Corridor, DWNTWN will be wyling out extra heavy this year.

We spoke to Virginia-based rapper Cali Stylz about his plans for the weekend as an out-of-town rapper here to network and party. He's signed to superproducer Danjahandz's label NARS Records, and is collaborating heavily with a producer out of Hungary, of all places. Hit the jump to see what Cali had to say.

Crossfade: What's your connection to Miami?

Cali Stylz: My producer Danja Handz, who I'm signed to, moved to Miami in 2003 to work with Timbaland. He bought a house and we're building a studio. I've been going since 2003. Aldo Mottolese is there too; he's my manager and he's a strong connection I have in Miami as well.

What's up with Memorial Weekend. You ready?

Yes sir, we're gon' be in full effect getting it in. Flying in Friday, we're supposed to hit up Nocturnal for the Young Money Cash Money party hosted by Ozone magazine. Then Saturday with my homie Kevin Cossom, he's a Grammy nominee -- he wrote "Love Knocks You Down" for Keri Hilson -- over at Skyline Lounge hosted by a video vixen. It's gonna be my first time going to Bicentennial. We going for Best of The Best, gon' check everybody out see what's going on. That's gonna be exciting

Any shout-outs?

Yeah, NARS Records, Danjahandz.... Marcella Lago a.k.a. the Incredible Lago, she's from Miami; she just won some ASCAP awards for Pink's album. Luke James, Wyld Money, Kevin Cossom and y'know Aldo Mottolese cause he holds me down. Check out our music, NARS is on the rise bro.

Source

Miami New Times

Props to J Boogie for the link!