Real HipHopHead: Gina La Diva - Last To Know

Real HipHopHead: Gina La Diva - Last To Know: In 2007 Gina competed on the 7th season of American Idol. She made it through several cuts beating out thousands of contestants after being ...

Exclusive World Premiere Video From K.I.

NEW VIDEO FROM MUSIC UNLIMITED'S K.I. THIS SINGLE IS NAMED VOICE OF THE PEOPLE OFF OF K.I.'s NEW ALBUM ENTITLED "IT'S PERSONAL"

Do You Really Matter

At the end of the day, we as citizens forget that the government works for us and we never hold them accountable for their actions. Elections are held for citizens to say: yes you're doing a good job, here's an extension or hey, you're doing a terrible job and you're fired!!! 

We let the government run the election process that they are supposed to be judged by. That's the same as letting a prison inmate tell the parole board whether or not he deserves to be released. Or, The person looking for a job telling the interviewer whether or not he's going to hire him. The government constantly lies to us and we stand around and hang on their every word like it's gospel. This country is made up of 300 million people, how can we let just a few stiff, out of touch men and women control it all?


The media controls public opinion and the media is controlled by the huge corporations with solid and traceable links to political parties. Dedicated news and business channels preach fear and rhetoric in order to make the public do what they want, buy what they sell and believe what they say. 


We are way to concerned with what goes on in our lives exclusively. We think that if something doesn't effect us directly it doesn't matter. But life changing situations happen when things effect your life indirectly because those are usually the things we have no control over. 


The government and large corporations rely on the fact that 99% of this country can't see outside of their own little circle of life. They understand that we don't read the "small print" because we are simply to lazy to care. We take everything at face value unwilling to look any deeper because if we do we may find something that needs fixing and then we may actually have to take a stand that is unpopular to the masses.


I ask each and everyone of you how do you look at yourself in the mirror with pride? How does it feel to know that you didn't take your education seriously enough and now you children are suffering because you don't have the career to really provide for them. How does it feel to know that you aren't living, but merely surviving? 


I ask you; how does it feel to know that you are the "INDIRECT" reason why this country fails to learn from every life lesson?

First The Shelter, Now The Board Room

2002 seems like an eternity away for most people. Nine years can seem like a lifetime. So much has happened between then and now. Nieces and nephews have been born, relatives and friends have passed away and, for me, I've gone from the shelter to the board room.

Yes, you read the last sentence correctly. The Founder & CEO of Music Unlimited International was once the resident of the New York City shelter system. Before I elaborate further understand that no, there was no drug abuse or incarceration involved that landed me in the hole that I was in.

Remember these four words: pride, immaturity, irresponsibility and fear. These four words are the reason a young college graduate with a professional resume to be applauded and a booming social life ended up in a shelter. I never considered myself "homeless" because I had plenty of friends and family that, if they had known my situation, would have gladly taken me in. But, that's where the pride came in. I was to proud and embarrassed to ask for help. So, I traveled the road of redemption alone.

No one had any idea I was living in a shelter. Not the executives I worked with on Wall Street, not the guys I promoted A-List parties with in NYC and definitely not my friends and family. It was my little secret until I could find my way out of the storm. The shelter that I was in was considered a "working shelter" which means you had to work to live there. It's a place where drug addicts are sent to get clean but can't afford rehab. It's a place for newly released prisoners that must have a permanent residence for parole purposes. And, it was a place for people that had just fallen on hard times. Another stipulation was random drug testing. What in the world was I doing there. To this day I have never touched a drug, I have never spent a night incarcerated and I had a good job and extra money coming in from party promotions.

Well, the answer to the aforementioned question is immaturity and inrresponsibility. It doesn't really matter how much money you're bringing in if more is going out. I was living a champaigne lifestyle with beer pockets and it finally caught up to me. My life was a facad. I was working for a financial firm giving out great advice to millionaires that I never took to heart for myself. This was pure stupidity. There is no other way to phrase it.

Ironically while in the shelter I started Music Unlimited Records, later to become Music Unlimited International. Of course I didn't tell anyone in the shelter because I didn't want anyone to give me the obvious reasons why it wouldn't work. On my lunch break at the financial firm I would head over to the library and do research. I studied Russell Simmons, P. Diddy, Bill Gates, Jay Z and John D. Rockefeller, amongst others, like I was studying for my life's final exam. And, I guess that I was. Since I was 8 years old all I ever wanted to be was my own boss. Answering to someone else just wouldn't do.

I had hit rock bottom. One thing I forgot to mention was that living in the shelter meant I had to go through their work program of sweeping the streets of New York City each weekend. Talking about humbling and humiliating, I was now sweeping the streets right where I once partied. But, I swallowed my pride and did my job without any complaint because I remembered the night before I checked into the shelter I slept in the Chase bank ATM lobby on 72nd and Broadway because it was raining and freezing outside. So, I swept the streets gladly for about nine months. Then, I finally did something I hadn't done since I was a kid... I saved money!!! That meant that I could now move out of the shelter and rent a small room in drug and crime infested Washington Heights, 144th and Amsterdam to be exact.

Sitting in that little room each night gave me a lot of time to think and plan my comeback. And, I slowly and methodically did just that. My past came back to stare me right in the face. My childhood past. I guess I could use the excuse that my father was a pimp and my mother a known drug abuser, but it would be just that... an excuse. Yes, I was raised by my grandparents, but in upper-middle class Connecticut where our dinner table was always full and I attended the best schools. So what was my excuse? Those four little words I told you to remember earlier, pride, immaturity, irresponsibility and fear.

My pride kept me from asking for help, immaturity is the reason I never saved money, irresponsibility was me putting things off until the next day and fear kept it all a secret because I didn't want the world to point their finger at me and laugh.

Also, the falsehood of the "American Dream" played a part. I was unaware that there were different dreams for different races, but that's a totally different story for another time. As for my record label started in 2002? Well, I researched like crazy, combing the internet like a mad man for information. I was so precise and calculating that I didn't even sign my first artist until seven years later in the summer of 2009. Patience is a virtue and good things come to those that wait.

Well, you may be wondering how I'm doing now. Let's fast forward to present day 2011. As I sit here and type this open letter from my home office in midtown Manhattan I now have three great artists and an incredible producer signed to my label. And, for that first artist I signed... well, you may of heard of him. His name is K.I. and he's been tearing up the internet over the past year with hits like Troubled Waters, Take Off and Just Leave to name a few.

So, yes at the end of the day I can honestly say that I went from the shelter to the board room. It took me almost a decade, but I'm here now and not going anywhere any time soon.

RAPPER K.I. STEPS OUT OF THE E.R. STRAIGHT INTO THE BOOTH

Rushed to the hospital with severe chest pains, afterwards K.I. heads directly to the studio to finish recording his forthcoming album.

Hip Hop artist K.I. was rushed to the hospital in Bridgeport, CT late Sunday night with severe chest and back pain. K.I. was with his producer/business partner DJ Invizible as they headed to the studio to put the final touches on K.I.’s forthcoming album “It’s Personal” when he fell ill.


“The pain was paralyzing”, K.I. stated. “My left arm went completely numb followed by pains in my chest and back.” Even though K.I. had recently gotten into better shape by beginning a fitness program this was a wakeup call. “I thought I was head to the upper room.”

Known for his incredible work ethic K.I. handled the experience the only way he knew how. After leaving the hospital, even before heading home to rest, K.I. continued on to the studio to wrap up recording his highly anticipated sophomore album. Though his EKG test read his heart was beating “funny”, K.I. is feeling much better as the other test came back negative. Visit http://www.whoiski.net/ to learn more about K.I. and his music.

Hip Hop Was The Link

On this nice Saturday afternoon I reflect back upon my life, the twist and turns, ups and downs humbly and with humility. It seems that throughout my time on this earth with it's experiences and while friends, acquaintances and opportunities have come and gone, the one constant thread to bind them all has been hip hop.

Every person that I can remember coming in contact with for a significant amount of time in my life has at some point or another liked at least one hip hop song. From my white friends on Wall St. and my Asian friends back in college to my black and Latino friends in my hometown of Norwalk, CT. Though the taste in songs were different, we all liked hip hop. And, it has played a huge part in my life even when I left it behind in favor of alternative rock in the late 80's.

Like hip hop I have always done my own thing, moving when I wanted to move and where I wanted to move always delivering organized chaos to my own beat. When other kids wanted to play basketball I played baseball. When my friends wanted to party and stay out late I relaxed in the house reading and dreaming. And, when guys and girls I knew were becoming teenage parents I was sifting through athletic scholarship offers from major colleges.

Leaders are born, not made and I was fortunately born a leader. Though I play the background at times it is with a purpose for a designed outcome. This is where hip hop has helped me breathe. Hip hop has always played the background in the eyes of the media and society though it is infused in everything moving in the world from soundtracks on political news shows to the Food Network channel. Those that dismiss hip hop as nonexistent subconsciously use it daily.

Hip hop funded my dream, but in a different way than you may think. In junior high while my friends in my neighborhood were dreaming of being  rap stars, singers and DJ's I was dreaming of being a CEO, the owner of my own enterprise. And, even thought I played baseball at high levels, and even worked on Wall St. as a well respected credit analyst with a top financial firm in the back of my mind my dream never faded. I used all of my life's work and personal experiences to prepare me for the day I would call myself "The Boss."

Today I write this post from the desk in my home office and I have paperwork stating that Music Unlimited International, LLC is a registered limited liability company in the United States of America and I occupy the titled of Chief Executive Offficer (CEO) and Chairman. Before the money started coming in, before the interviews and media write ups, even before signing my first artist my dream had come true. You see, I didn't dream of being famous and wealthy. I just dreamed of being in charge of my time, decisions and destiny. So today I can sit here and thank hip hop for being the thread attached to every person I'm spent time with and for being the equation inwhich my dream was the answer. Hip hop was the link.

Prominent Rapper Sonnie Seegz Inks Worldwide Record Deal With Music Unlimited

Label adds the Connecticut emcee to its ever expanding Music Unlimited roster

July 28, 2011 – Sonnie Seegz has just signed a recording deal with Music Unlimited. Full Length mixtape ready to hit the streets fall 2011.

Sonnie Seegz, signs an international record deal with Music Unlimited International. The label is setting up the Bridgeport, CT recording artist, for a late fall 2011 release of his forthcoming mixtape to have its songs released as a free download internationally.

Singles by the Music Unlimited artist, along with new videos, will be released prior to the mixtape release. And, in addition, all of Sonnie Seegz songs and music videos will be released worldwide through Music Unlimited International’s own distribution department in the fall of this year.  

The new international recording deal with Sonnie Seegz and Music Unlimited will have an aggregate customer/viewer base that is worldwide and the label head, A.V. Hodge says that “having the ability to sign artists from my home state of Connecticut, and having the opportunity to then reach out to an international consumer fan base, is exciting for me.” Hodge then says, “making sales internationally is also gratifying to me because that allows me to find out what type of music consumers from around the world truly want.” And, Hodge explains that he is also “working on building a team that shares the same vision for my short and long term plans at the company.”

About Music Unlimited International:
Music Unlimited Records is a division of privately owned Music Unlimited International, LLC. Music Unlimited Records is one of the fastest growing independent record labels on the scene today. M.U.I.’s divisions, and its global operation, acquire, develop, and distribute independent music recording artists worldwide. M.U.I.’s four major divisions are Music Unlimited Records, True Focus Media, H & W Holdings, and Music Unlimited Marketing.

Issued By:

A.V. Hodge

Music Unlimited International

248 W. 62^nd Street, Suite 6B

New York, NY 10023

av@musicunlimitedrecords.com

Highly Anticipated Album From Hot New Rapper K.I. Now Available

NEW YORK, NY, April 16, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- April 15th emerging recording artist K.I. officially releases his debut project "Writing Is My Therapy." The 15 track opus is the collection of his audio memoirs, as he delves deep to bring you this honest piece of artwork.

"Writing Is My Therapy" is not skinny jeans, rainbow colored sneakers music. It's fitted cap crisp white Nike Uptowns music. Since we live with our eyes and ears this is the life of K.I., what he's seen, heard and lived.

This album is the story of a young man learning about himself with each life experience while dealing with conflicts such as love, heartbreak, empowerment, ignorance, lifestyle & loss." K.I. explained, "it's about reaching climactic highs, dramatic lows and taking unexpected turns, "Writing Is My Therapy" is nothing short of an autobiographical thrill ride!"

In K.I.'s music you will find that you are envisioning a story so real and full of life, revisiting a feeling you have felt, and a sound you will want to replay over and over again. K.I. recognizes his eagerly awaited album as his opportunity to showcase his skills, implying that "this project is the culmination of years of practice and progress."

DJ Invizible produced and shaped the sound of this project. K.I. also serves as Executive Producer along with A.V. Hodge (CEO, Music Unlimited) and Joshua Miranda (DJ invizible).

Here's the music video for the first single "Troubled Waters":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc77r5xNyMU

"Writing Is My Therapy" is available for purchase via link:
http://www.whoiski.net

Track List:
1. Troubled Waters
2. Money Talks
3. I Want In ft. Vil Dig'It
4. Can't Get Her Off My Mind
5. Writing Is My Therapy
6. Mind Games
7. I want To Get To Know You
8. Drippin
9. Harder Than Ever ft. Reese
10. Letter To You
11. Sexy Face ft. Merchant & Reese
12. Living Life Fast
13. Take Off
14. Earth ft. Merchant
15. Don't Let The Money Make You

WATCH THE WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO RIGHT NOW FROM MUSIC UNLIMITED ARTIST K.I. "TROUBLED WATERS

Growing Indie Label Music Unlimited Records To Re-Launch Sites For K.I., Gina La Diva and DJ Invizible.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2011 10:00 AM

PRESS RELEASE:

Growing Indie Label Music Unlimited Records To Re-Launch Websites For K.I.,

Gina La Diva and DJ Invizible.

A.V. Hodge; Founder/CEO of Music Unlimited Records announced the re-launch of the official websites for their artists K.I., Gina La Diva and DJ Invizible: www.whoiski.net, www.ginaladiva.net and www.inviziblebeatz.net.

The newly designed websites now have many special features that make it the first and last stop for all information for the 3 artists including music, videos and online store.

The sites give thousands of fans great inside information on their favorite Music Unlimited artists. Fans that sign up for an artist’s mailing list will have opportunities for free concert tickets, visa gift cards, exclusive music downloads and more.

Also on the website is the Chatango© chat box where fans can chat with the artist or other fans. And, there is a Twitter© section where you can once again interact with the artist or other fans. Both sections are in real time.

The websites are predicted by most critics and bloggers to record close to a 500,000 visitors combined within a few months of re-launch.

K.I., Gina La Diva and DJ Invizible have burst onto the scene with the growth of new music on the internet. With the re-launch of their websites fans can be a part of their skyrocketing careers.

About Music Unlimited Records:

Music Unlimited Records is an international digital record and production company connecting it’s roster of talented artists with their fans and music industry insiders. The company is in the forefront of having its artists in regular rotation on internet radio stations throughout the world.

Music Unlimited Records is a subsidiary of Alvito Hodge Company located in New York City. It is the sister company of True Focus Media and Hodge Holdings.

For more company information visit: www.musicunlimitedrecords.com,

email: av@musicunlimitedrecords.com or call: (646)683-0735