The Maine is an alt-rock band from Tempe, Arizona. In two short years The Maine has managed to have sold out concerts and be on the front pages of magazines such as AP (Alternative Press Magazine) and Substreem . Their first album Cant Stop, Wont Stop  has been re-released with new songs and videos which you can find on iTunes’s or any electronic store. They also have two EPs including  their cover of Akon’s “Wanna Love You”.

The five member band is made up of lead singer John O’Callaghan, lead guitarist Jared Monaco, Pat Kirch on drums, Kennedy Brock guitar and vocals and Garret Nickelsen playing Bass. At first John O was really scared performing in front of people then he over came his fears and look  at him now! As for how The Maine originally formed their band it was the incredible work of Pat Kirch. Their major influences are Third Eye Blind, Death Cab for  Cutie and Ivory. The song “Coast of the Maine” by Ivory was the where they got their name. 

Their hit songs are “Into Your Arms” and “Everything You Ask For”. The band writes all their own songs putting their heart into their music. Although the songs seems like they're about girls  in an interview John O said their songs are more about going through life and experience and going in and out of relationships. When listening I know their music touches many hearts because the sound and the lyrics are amazing. The Maine is currently on tour through November, 2009. If you’re a fan go see them live! I recently went to see them play in San Francisco, they are amazing, their chemistry and energy on stage is outstanding. The Maine sounds just as good live as on their recordings.

Listen Here, To Into Your Arms:

R&B bombshell Melanie FIona gives a rushed Top 5 and freestyles over Biggie's "Who Shot Ya".

Melanie Fiona's debut album The Bridge is available now on iTunes.

Hip Hop journalist Davey D spoke with one of the most respected MC's ever, Pharoahe Monch, this past Saturday @ DeFremery Park in West Oakland, California. In the conversation Davey D compares Monch to James Brown in regards to his live performance! I'm not ready to co-sign that one, but this is still a compelling interview about hip hop, church, and live performance.

Pharoahe Monch's third solo album W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) coming soon.

via: 38th Notes Read more...

The year was 1999. I was 13-years-old when my mother bought me Things Fall Apart. I only knew The Roots music from catching their video for "You Got Me" on Rap City. At that time, they were the only dose of live instrumentation in hip hop. The fact that it was able to capture a 13-year-old's mind alongside Juvenile, Puff Daddy, or Dr. Dre is a testament to how good The Roots are. The Roots are still the only successful hip hop band providing a true alternative within the scene. So when their new LP  How I Got Over drops, buy it!

from All Day Play on Vimeo.

DJ DeeEnZee of The Amazing Zoo Crew shows us how he freaks the Akai MPD24 & Torq in his live DJ sets.

Featured Song : Lauren Hill - You Just Lost One

Listen to Amazing Zoo Crew live on iTunes every Wednesday @ 5pm PST or download the podcast at amazingzoocrew.podomatic.com 

Ryan Leslie Show SOLD OUT. Quik and Kurupt gave a near flawless performance up until Quik decided he was going to backwards stage dive in a crowd.

Streets is Talking host D Nastee interviews DC rap phenomenon Wale at the Mezzenine Club in SanFrancisco. Wale discusses being one of the top 10 freshman on the cover xxl magazine, go-go music, professional wrestling, twitter and more...