Systematically, it is normal for top music industry stakeholders in particular markets to consolidate current music releases and forward it to the masses within that market. Bloggers, deejay pools, well-known producers and deejays, journalists, and radio personalities are responsible for delivering new music to the audience. Although this is an effective model, some areas often have a slower movement related to the advancement of music as a whole within their area.
A year ago, New Orleans stakeholders addressed that concern by developing a music union, New Orleans Union For Entertainment. Within one year, ten releases via mix tapes have been presented locally and nationally online.
Several articles have been written by Arlene Culpepper of The Heat Magazine, and music has been added to rotation on Robgradio.com by Legendary Dj Erv. Original Ice Mike 1200 has mixed several independent artists’ mix tapes, and also released his individual mixtape series, High Definition, via Coast 2 Coast mixtapes. Bigg Ramp has spread the word regionally with his executive Christopher Roberts of Phat Phat N All That. Socialite and community activist Kali Red has promoted NOUE within the southeast region also. The movement is equipped with a multitude of services including LaJoan Williams of Dream Management who offers email marketing, management services, etc.
Now with a NOUE solidified movement, KCRR, owned by Charlie Martin, a NOUE member, just added a new radio show featuring Cise HD. Cise HD, a well known producer from New Orleans responsible for production on Mystikal, Ghetto Twiinz, and other classic New Orleans releases, adds another dimension, “The Hot Boy Radio Show” to NOUE.
As it relates to artist development, a cast of hot growing artists have branded or added to their name and sound. Majesty Sozey, Redd, Marcy, Da U Boys, Youngest 1s, Jack Spratt, Jay Jones, TNC Boys, L.A.W., Choice Rhymez, Phat Coast Records, ViGi and Trinidad, Young Torrento, Hoghead Productions, Ape Squad Divaz, Bruce Lee Roy, and others have etched their insignia on the New Orleans scene and the mixtape circuit internationally via NOUE. Accompanied by veteran artists such as Partners N Crime, UNLV, Ms. Tee, Bigg Ramp, Mr. Serv On, Juvenile,UTP Skip, Lil Cali, Fiend, Kunta Fly Snooka, Currensy, Ice Mike, Sess 4 5, Ghetto Twiinz, Devious, and more, the NOUE All Stars have become a mainstay within the industry.
“Heart of The City” , NOUE’s anniversary edition mix tape, represents the deeper meaning of the union which is to “collectively advance.” As the release date nears, NOUE continues to realize the vision that true New Orleans artists share which is to preserve and promote the heart of New Orleans urban talent locally and abroad. New Orleans Union For Entertainment has been in operation since June of 2011 and has quickly developed over a short period of time in hope of a more productive music scene in New Orleans.
Follow the union @NOUE1. For more information, contact Dion Norman at itsdevious@yahoo.com.
