Nappy G

Links: www.myspace.com/nappyg

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Nickodemus

Bio: From the early days of Giant Step, to today's Turntables on the Hudson parties, Nickodemus has been a key element in the NYC dance music scene for over 10 years. As a DJ & a producer, he explores the intersection of Urban & World Music with sounds of Funk, Folk, Jazz, Hip Hop, House & Dub- all with a message of peace, awareness & love for the dance.

Links: www.turntablesonthehudson.com
www.nickodemus.com
www.myspace.com/nickodemusnyc

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Nigel Richards

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Princess Superstar

Bio: Inspired by the 70s soul and classic rock that was introduced by her parents, Concetta Kirschner returned to her native New York at the age of 17 and soon after cut her first demo; with that, Princess Superstar was born.

Her first album, 'Strictly Platinum' was released on indie label 5th Beetle under co-producers Greg Talenfeld and Godfrey Diamond. Her sophomore effort, 'CEO,' defied critics' expectations and music industry categorization; she followed that with 'Last of the Great 20th Century Composers' and found herself performing alongside artists such as N.E.R.D., Bjork, Z-Trip and KRS-1 as she promoted this album.

She then teamed up with Alexander Technique, the king of mash-ups, to create the avalanche known on the dancefloor as DJs Are Not Rockstars; the self-titled mix of 46 tracks mashed into 17 was unofficially released on Gigolo Records. In 2005, Princess Superstar released 'My Machine,' an epic futuristic concept record whose producers include Armand Van Helden, Mighty Mi, Alexander Technique, Boris Dlgosh & Michie Lang, Junior Sanchez, Jacques Lu Cont (LRD/Madonna), Malito, and more; legendary Arthur Baker (New Order, Afrika Bambaata) was Executive Producer.

The Mason vs. Princess Superstar remash of 'Perfect' on Ministry of Sound came out January 22, 2007 and debuted at 3 on the UK pop charts; February 2007 saw the 'Gigolo' mix CD featuring 10 years of Gigolo Records and highlighting artists like Vitalic, Miss Kittin, Traxx, Arbotique, Hell and more. The song 'Licky' with Larry Tee has made everyone's party playlist: from Justice to Errol Alkan to Switch and etc. etc.

Notable events for Princess Superstar in 2008 were touring the world and recording on Grandmaster Flash's first album in 10 years, planned to drop this fall and called "The Bridge."

Aside from being a fiercely talented artist, the Superstar is an animal rights activist who works with organizations such as Farm Sanctuary and the League of Humane Voters. She is also a proud supporter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and urges everyone to get a little brother or sister and make a difference in a child's life.

Quote from the Artist: I think it is important for each person to take responsibility for other human beings and for all living beings for that matter (which is why I am vegan.) Too often we are caught up in the ego- what can I get, what can I do for ME- and not thinking about anybody or anything else. The consumption in wealthy nations is completely out of control. It is crucial in this day and age that we think of others' health and happiness and not just our own. It's time to get out of our comfort zones and really take a look at what is happening in our world. There is so much suffering and we have a responsibility to change it. So I do what small part I can which never seems like enough!

Links: http://www.myspace.com/k7princess

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Raul Campos

Bio: Raul Campos, a native to Los Angeles embodies the spirit of the city. He hosts the week-nightly show Nocturna on KCRW, the station at the heart of LA's music scene as well as Saturday night's mega-mixes for Power Tools on Power 106 FM, the longest running underground mix show in Los Angeles. Working On-air has been a dream of Raul's since childhood. In search of a more independent vehicle, he took on a position at Southern California's #1 public radio station KCRW. Station Program Director and mentor Nic Harcourt took heed of Raul's potential and he was soon filling in for On-air talent in prime time positions.

Raul is also in great demand as a club DJ and has been billed at some of LA's biggest parties with many of the worlds top DJs including Paul Oakenfold, Ron Trent, Static Revenger, Armand Van Helden and Mark Farina. He can also be found spinning at various special events around the country for clients such as Jaguar, Nokia and Fredericks Of Hollywood. Raul has also opened for musical acts including Stevie Wonder, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, Sheila E, Supreme Beings of Leisure and Lionel Richie. He is currently busy producing music with his production partner Jake DeVere. Known as Brothers Behind the Light, they are currently slotted to release their first E.P. featuring The Supreme Beings of Leisure and F.A.M. on Binary Soul. Raul Campos has the soul and the drive to put Los Angeles on the map.

Links: www.kcrw.com/music/programs/no

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Rithma

Bio: An LA transplant who received a warm welcome (not to mention a record deal) in the Bay Area, this young DJ/producer is currently working on his debut release for Om Records. Rithma was born Etienne Stehelin, and got his early training in jazz guitar. He names Miles Davis as his single most significant musical influence -- except perhaps his musician mother. Rithma's star has ascended rather rapidly so far: it was only in 1997 that he produced and self-released his first track, titled "Rithma 001." The record was largely a practice run; it wasn't until the second attempt, "Rithma 002", that he received any real attention from the music community. Follow-up tracks produced in collaboration with Scott Finley, a longtime friend and former bandmate, got released on Fiji Records in 1998 and 2000. The best-known is probably Rithma vs. Scott Finley. Stehelin's solo attempts got released through several underground dance labels including Tweekin Records in San Francisco and Beau Monde in the UK. He also contributed to Sounds of Om Volume 2 and released two EPs, Caffeine Sunshine and The Escape, on Om Records. Both title tracks received an excellent response from the dance community, inspiring Om to sign him to a multi-album deal.

An ardent world traveler with a quirky sense of humor and plenty of stage presence, Stehelin makes waves wherever he goes. As an Om artist, he plays some of the best venues in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He constantly pops up at smaller venues and underground parties however; he'll often give impromptu, unannounced performances that last for hours. This DJ became known for live sets of hard-hitting, energized tech-house. He continued to contribute to compilation CDs, including The 4AM Sound of Tech House, and began work on a full-length slated for release in mid 2003. ~ L. Katz, All Music Guide

Links: www.rithma.org
www.blue-collarent.com

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Ron Trent

Bio: Probably the only Chicago house producer to rate one of the best techno singles of all time, Ron Trent recorded his classic acid workout "Altered States" in 1990 but gradually moved away from mechanistic trance-state dance to embrace a deep house sound with plenty of African percussion. Born and raised in Chicago, Trent learned much about music from his father, a disco DJ. Still of high-school age when he recorded "Altered States" for Armando's Warehouse label, Trent reissued the track on the Dutch label Djax-Up-Beats in 1991, with remixes by Carl Craig.

He released a few other singles during the early '90s before hooking up with Detroiter Chez Damier, who'd recorded with techno star Kevin Saunderson and owned the legendary Music Institute club during the '80s. The pair recorded singles for Saunderson's KMS ("The Choice" as Chez 'N Trent, and "Don't Try" as Ron & Chez D), then opened up their own Prescription Records. The label made waves in deep house circles with its first release, Romanthony's "Wanderer." Trent and Damier also contributed to the label, with the Prescription Underground EP. The duo also recorded a pair of singles with Maurizio, the Berlin producer whose productions for Chain Reaction launched a wave of experimental techno singles.

Trent gradually moved from solo productions or collaborations with Damier to recruit a team of producers and vocalists named USG, for Urban Sound Gallery. Later based in Brooklyn, Trent and USG debuted with a beautiful deep-house cut titled "N Came U" on Clair Audience. He also gained a different partner, Anthony Nicholson. In 1999, two Trent full-lengths appeared on British labels. The first, USG's African Blues, was released on Distance, while the proper solo debut, Primitive Arts, appeared on Peacefrog. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

Links: http://www.prescriptionworld.org

Quote from the Artist: It is an African proverb that says ‘It takes a whole village to raise a child', following that philosophy it is our responsibility as parents, adults, and human beings to take care of the youth that needs our time and energy for survival.

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Roy Davis Jr.

Bio: Added on board the Chicago house production team Phuture as a replacement for DJ Pierre, Roy Davis, Jr. later followed his mentor to New York and worked at Strictly Rhythm, recording his own singles for Force Inc., Big Big Trax and Power Music. Originally born in California, Davis moved to Chicago's south side early in his childhood. After being turned on by legendary acid-house pioneers like Phuture and Lil' Louis, he became a DJ and began recording as well with his first single, "20 Below," recorded for the Jack Trax label.

When DJ Pierre began producing for New York-based labels like Jive and Strictly Rhythm during the late '80s, he decided to leave both Chicago and Phuture. Davis spent a year in New York as well, working A&R and production for Strictly Rhythm before moving back to Chicago and stepping into DJ Pierre's place. Davis debuted with 1992-93 Phuture singles like "Rise from Your Grave" and "Inside Out," both of which were recorded for Strictly Rhythm. While Phuture was temporarily on hold in 1994, Davis began concentrating on his own productions again. He released People from Mars for Power Music, and recorded singles for Large and Big Big Trax as well. The Big Big Trax Compilation was collected in 1996, and Roy Davis, Jr. & DJ Mix appeared in 1998. A Phuture reunion (as Phuture 303) resulted in the 1998 album Alpha & Omega, after which Davis left the group once again. Soul Electrica followed on Peacefrog in 1999. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

Links: www.myspace.com/roydavisjr

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Stacey Pullen

Links: www.myspace.com/staceypullen

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Ultra Naté

Bio: Ever since Ultra Naté released the internationally renowned deep house classic "It's Over Now" with the Basement Boys in 1989, she has been a perennial force in dance music. Considering the ephemeral nature of dance and electronica, Naté's endurance attests to her musical acumen; over the last 20 years, she has collaborated with an array of acclaimed and varied producers, musicians, and visual artists including Masters At Work, David Lachapelle, Lenny Kravitz, Deee-lite, Blaze, Eric Johnson, Armand Van Helden, Soulshock, Nona Hendryx, 4 Hero, Bart Everly, Attica Blues, and D-Influence.

While in college, Naté met producer Thomas Davis of the Basement Boys, who were looking for singers to accompany their house tracks. The first song Ultra recorded with them, "It's Over Now," quickly spread from Baltimore to London and became such a global phenomenon that she was signed to Warner Bros. in the UK. In addition to being a singer, songwriter, and producer, Ultra is a DJ and Club Promoter. She's been gracing DJ booths for about five years and has had gigs in Australia, Russia, Spain, Italy, Romania, Montreal, France, and Brazil. Even more exciting than the opportunity to perform abroad is when she hosts her popular party, Deep Sugar, at the famed hotspot the Paradox in Baltimore.

She attributes her longevity to her solid songwriting and being a true artist as opposed to an anonymous voice. Next to her instantly recognizable husky voice, her sheer versatility serves as a high trump card. On her current album "Grime, Silk & Thunder," she ranges from glittery, anthemic gems like "Give It All You Got" and "Star," to the technosoul of the Pointer Sisters cover "Automatic" and the bouncy, electro pop ode to her new son, "Falling". With all its stylistic variety, "Grime, Silk & Thunder" proceeds like a bona fide album versus a collection of unrelated singles. Naté and longtime manager and co-producer Bill Coleman also made a conscientious decision to ensure that each song showcased her distinct and varied personalities in addition to being right for the dancefloor.

Naté and Coleman recruited an international cadre of A-list producers alongside some very talented newcomers. The 14-song collection features contributions from the likes of Eric Kupper, Quentin Harris, Dajae, Andre Levin (Yerba Buena), Mood II Swing, N’Dea Davenport (Brand New Heavies), Morgan Page, and 2007 Grammy nominees GoodandEvil (Naty Botero).

Quote from the Artist: I really love and respect what NextAid is doing for the children in Africa. It’s time for us all to stop burying our heads in the sand and letting this tragedy continue to be a just a 2 minute headline on CNN. We have to respond with whatever power we have as individuals and as a global community. It’s easy to look at the big problem and feel too overwhelmed to help but just an act…even a small one will begin to make a difference…it’s time to believe in our power to change the world.

As a mother I can’t imagine my child being orphaned AND left with a deadly disease. I would only hope that someone would care enough to help him. The bottomline is even on our worst day…emotionally, financially, physically…it only pales in comparison to the reality of their everyday existence.

Links: www.ultranate.com
www.myspace.com/ultranatemusic

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Wiseacre

Links: www.myspace.com/onewiseacre

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Zeb

Links: www.myspace.com/zebthespyfromcairo

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