Mike Mass

One life to live is a popular saying that is understood worldwide. On the song “One Life To Live,” New York rappers Dynasty and Mike Mass describe their rough beginnings in life. Despite their hardships, both MCs overcame their obstacles and were able to make this song. The beat has a typical East coast sound to it, but the heavily chopped sample stands out and makes this instrumental beyond great. Check out the visuals below: - HipHopSpeakEasy.com

DJ Eclipse comes through with the best of edition of his Halftime radio show. You can download the show here and hit continue reading to check out his top 30 hip hop tracks of 2013.

Happy birthday DJ Eclipse!


Top 30 Songs of 2013 (in no ranking order)
1. Lord Digga “Murderer” prod. by Team Demo
2. DJ Skizz feat. Shabaam Sahdeeq, Rah Digga & Tragedy Khadafi “Let ‘Em Know” prod. & cuts by DJ Skizz
3. Statik Selektah feat. Noreaga & Lil Fame “East Coast” prod. by Statik Selektah
4. 7 G.E.M.S. (Tragic Allies & Tragedy Khadafi) “Without You” prod. by Purpose
5. Vinnie Paz feat. Zilla, Sino & Blacastan “Bleed For Me” prod. by ILLinformed
6. Casual “Father Figure” prod. by Jake One
7. Marco Polo feat. Artifacts “Back To Work” prod. by Marco Polo, cuts by Shylow
8. Marco Polo feat. Breezly Brewin “Parental Discretion” prod. by Marco Polo
9. Pete Rock x Camp Lo feat. M.O.P. “No Uniform” prod. by Pete Rock
10. Showbiz & A.G. “Jumpin Off The Roof” prod. by Show
11. Ugly Heroes (Apollo Brown, Verbal Kent, Red Pill) “Ugly” prod. by Apollo Brown, cuts by DJ Eclipse
12. Blame One & J57 feat. Akie Bermiss “They Don’t Know” prod. by J57
13. Ransom x Statik Selektah “Jade” prod. & cuts by Statik Selektah
14. Dynasty feat. Mike Mass “Happiness” prod. by Yazu!
15. Q-Unique feat. The Sargonites “New York Summer Time” prod. by Q-Unique
16. The Regiment & Confidence “Yours and Mine” prod. by Confidence
17. De La Soul feat. (The Spirit Of The WU) “Get Away” prod. by Pos Plug Won
18. The Godfathers (Kool G Rap & Necro) “Heart Attack” prod. by Necro
19. Fredro Starr “Ain’t No Other Kings” prod. By Audible Doctor, cuts By DJ Nelson
20. Krazy Drayz “Hold Dat”
21. Homeboy Sandman “Musician” prod. by M Slago
22. Tony Touch feat. D-Stroy “Touch & D-Stroy” prod. & cuts by DJ Premier
23. Demigodz (Apathy, Ryu, Blacastan, Esoteric, Motive & Celph Titled) “Worst Nightmare” prod. & cuts by DJ Premier
24. ILL BILL “World Premier” prod. & cuts by DJ Premier
25. CZARFACE (Inspectah Deck + 7L & Esoteric) “Air ‘Em Out” prod. by 7L
26. Jakk Frost & Malik B feat. Nima AB “Beardgang Initiation” prod. by Hank McCoy
27. Action Bronson “Live From Kissena Blvd” prod. & cuts by Statik Selektah
28. Joey Bada$$ “Word Is Bond” prod. & cuts by Statik Selektah
29. R.A. The Rugged Man “Legends Never Die (Daddy’s Halo)” prod. by Mr. Green
30. N.O.R.E. feat. Large Professor “Build Pyramids” prod. by Large Professor - BlackoutHipHop.com

« A Star in Life’s Clothing » le nouvel opus de la rappeuse New-Yorkaise Dynasty agite nos tympans depuis la mi-Octobre, du HipHop 100% East Coast sous la bénédiction de Primo.

Extrait de l’album : « Happiness (feat. Mike Mass) » est notre TOTW.

Listen Up & Enjoy ! - The Chronicles (France)

Second video from the collaborative album "Heavy Rotation" by Mike Mass & Spon
Directed, Shot, & Edited by Dustin DeVars - ThisIs50.com

Scene and Heard: Mike Mass
By Chris Ryan Davis · On June 2, 2014

Tampa’s rich music scene has talent from all types of genres. So many dope, up and coming artists who all deserve some shine.

So turn off the top-40 garbage and check out Scene and Heard, our new local music series.

Last week I had the opportunity of interviewing someone I consider truly talented, hip-hop Artist Mike Mass. Beyond being a big deal himself, his commitment to spread the word about other artists and events aside from his own has exposed me to a wide array of local talent. Just speaking to him for a couple of minutes was all it took for me to really feel his passion for Tampa, hip-hop culture and the relationship between the two.

What are your favorite and least favorite things about being an artist in Tampa?

My favorite thing about being an artist in Tampa is… Hmmm. That’s a hard question, got damn (laughing). My favorite thing about being an artist in Tampa is that there are so many producers, so many amazing producers within arms reach. Not only producers, but guitarists, singers, hundreds of studios.

My least favorite thing about being an artist in Tampa is basically the assumed wackiness of everything we do. Everyone assumes that everything is going to be lame all the time, when they don’t necessarily even go out or go want to do anything, you know? I got to put the blame on us (artists) for not putting the word out or presenting what were doing in a way that people could understand what it is.

Do you have a favorite artist? Are you inspired by any local artists?

I mean I have to give it to Blu. Blu is a big inspiration. Lupe Fiasco too is obviously a huge inspiration in my music. Not a fan of his recent work though. “Food and Liquor” is one of my favorite albums ever. Lyrically it might be one of the best albums of all time. My goal as an artist is to be a Lupe level lyricist.

And locally, ahh man definitely Cambatta, like got damn Cambatta is one of the most innovative artists, I’ve ever met. I also grab some inspiration from NIKO IS, Dynasty, umm there’s so many I want to make sure I say everyone. Rud 100, he’s from The Ruckus, he’s a producer. Beyobe, my producer, we have some dope ass chemistry. Scott Aye is also an influence.

Favorite venue that you’ve rocked in Tampa?

I like Crumb and Cork man, that’s where we do Wine & Rhyme. Beautiful event man. Three months strong.

Best concert in Tampa that you’ve attended as a fan?

Dang, as a fan? Don’t think I have one I can think of in Tampa, but Lupe Fiasco in Gainesville. Drake opened up for Lupe. Drake was a disappointment live, but Lupe blew me away.

So anything we should keep an eye out for? Upcoming shows? New projects?

Yeah man, I got Wine and Rhyme every last Sunday of the month at Crumb & Cork, the cover is 15 dollars and includes a glass of house wine. Also have my album I’m working on “Like Kings” looking for a July release.

If you ever want to get in touch with Mike Mass you can reach out to him on Facebook or Twitter.

For his music, check out his SoundCloud. - Tampa Bay Scene

MIKE MASS – I JUST GO (MUSIC VIDEO). Single from Mike’s ‘Black Ink’ mixtape. Directed by MWES - righteousdisordertv.com

Check out the visuals from Mike Mass out of Tampa. Loving the laid-back vibe on this one, but peep the hectic wordplay. I seen Mass do this live a while back and it was dope. Chill: - CLP Nation

Peace to you, This mixtape is coming to you from one of my favorite New Yorkers living in the Tampa Bay area. Mike Mass is the shit. and there you have it. This is for all you people who say hip hop is dead. Trust when I say it is alive and doing very WELL. Download link below........ - BlackXpressions

hiphopfiend:

Mike Mass is nice man check for his shit.

Posted 3 years ago - hiphopdx.com

Mike Mass and Spon have released a song that puts you in a different state of mind. Its simple and chill beat, accompanied by Mass’ soothing voice, creates a dreamy song perfect for getting lost in. He delivers a jam backed with emotion and shows us his clear and strong voice. The beat gives you a longing feeling that is fulfilled by Mass and Spon’s words. If you are looking for the perfect chill out song, you have come to the right place. Mass & Spon’s tune is upbeat enough to make it interesting and fun but is slow and powerful enough to get you thinking and feeling. Mass and Spon have proven themselves strong lyricists and definitely worthy of your listen. - Mieux Magazine

Today’s jazzy vibes are courtesy of local Tampa emcee Mike Mass. Escape is a feature off the Bronx native’s full length project, Heavy Rotation which is a joint effort between the talented rapper and Tampa producer Spon. Although the album was released sometime last summer the quality of the content is undeniable.

Mass’ lyrical capability is one that I haven’t heard in quite some. His use of vocabulary throughout his onslaught bars just goes to show how truly articulate the young emcee is. One might even find themselves lost in translation as he cleverly aligns metaphors and similes.

But, don’t take my word for it. Press play above and decide for yourself! - Gen Y Collective

Po dwóch teledyskach duetu Mike Mass & Spon, które już publikowaliśmy ("Escape" i "Amen Ra") nadszedł czas na cały album "Heavy Rotation". Wywodzący się z Bronxu, niezwykle utalentowany MC Mike Mass i dobrze go uzupełniający producent rodem z miasta Tampa na Florydzie Spon jakiś czas temu połączyli siły, czego owocem jest ich debiutancki projekt, składający się z 11 opartych na samplach numerów.

W rozwinięciu odsłuch całości oraz dodatkowo trzeci klip promujący "Heavy Rotation" - "What's Black".

Odsłuch całości i klip "What's Black" pod spodem. - Pop Killer

Tampa (via the Bronx) rapper Mike Mass has been recording since he was a teenager, with a slick, soulful style reminiscent of Lupe Fiasco or J. Cole. His performance on Apathy's No Sad Tomorrow is evidence of his propensity for unconventional beats and hooks.

Born Michael O'Halloran, Mike Mass is part of a crew called R.T.T.R. (Road To The Riches), along with Atwaters and Miss Bronx. For more on R.T.T.R., click here.

On Friday, you can look for Mike Mass at a free show with Rahim Samad and DJ Sandman at The Bricks in Ybor City. At 9 p.m., there will be a sneaker release party followed by the concert at 10 p.m. The show is 21 and up. Click here for details. - Tampa Bay Times

Contrary to the assumptions and loud cries of naysayers, Tampa Bay's local music culture is a vast and expansive, extremely tough thing to explore thoroughly. There are countless creatives whose minds are overrun by an insatiable thirst to express the thoughts and sounds that run in and out of their minds almost 24/7. As a music fan, it's impossible to not rely on promoters, press, and the very artists who spend all their time with feet on the ground, mining for the best the area has to offer.
This morning, Tampa emcee/producer Mike Mass shared a massive YouTube playlist of some of the best local hip hop videos, basically setting your listening agenda for the rest of this dreary afternoon.

"It took me about 3 hours to pick the videos in a way where they transitioned well," Mass, told CL in a message, "I included the videos I chose because of their strong identity for Tampa, a heavy fashion and art city."

The selections include some of the Bay area's most tried and true, nationally-known favorites like Dynasty, Laws, and Jinx, but the playlist also sheds light on some lesser known, yet massively talented lyricists and producers like Gatsby, Cambatta,
Atwaters, and Crown Marquiss.

Have a look at the playlist below, and join Mike Mass for his ambitious mash-up of fine wine & cheese and local hip hop when he presents "Wine & Rhyme" at Crumb & Cork (501 N. Franklin St., Downtown Tampa) next Sunday, March 30. Featured on the bill are the aforementioned Jinx, plus Mighty Jai, Good Vibes, and comedy from Kyle Porter. Cover is $15 and includes a glass of house wine. Doors open at 7 p.m. More information is available via Facebook. - Creative Loafing Tampa

For the last three years, Ol' Dirty Sundays (ODS) has been thee thing for hip hop heads to do at the end of each and every weekend, and while a new event — Wine & Rhyme at Crumb & Cork in downtown Tampa — is just a monthly, it showcases growth in Tampa's already warm embrace of the genre.
"[We] schedule our event to end between 11 and midnight, so we can all get to ODS, discuss the show, have beers and support our DJs," Mike Mass told CL in a message, "it's a family."

Mass, a 25-year-old Tampa-based emcee, is one half of the team that curates Wine & Rhyme (Tyrone Beyobe, a Tampa producer, is the other half), and he puts emphasizes the fact that nothing he does would be possible without the support of the hip hop community. Justin Lyman (aka DJ Casper), who mans the helms at ODS alongside DJ Lesage, couldn't agree more, telling CL that Wine & Rhyme is "essential" to the growing hip hop scene.

Casper perennially has his hands full with club dates in addition to a house DJ gig with the Tampa Bay Lightning, among other endeavors. He also has the three-year anniversary of ODS coming up on May 25, but he's quick to heap praise on Mass and the unique event he's trying to grow downtown.

"[It's] completely different than what anybody else has done or thought of doing before. Myself and LeSage [definitely] support anything that Mike does," Casper wrote in a message to CL, adding that events like Wine & Rhyme and ODS benefit the scene as a whole as well by garnering some national recognition for Tampa.

"There is a lot of love and talent in this city," he wrote, "and Mike is my favorite rapper in the city — yeah I said it!!!"

That love will spread to the new plate of talent scheduled for Wine & Rhyme No. 2 this upcoming Sun., April 27. Last month's edition was heavy on hip hop with a touch of live art, fashion, and comedy, but Mass brings a hint of singer-songwriter soul to the next installment by adding Jariah Higgins to the bill.

Higgins is a 21-year-old Tampa native whose husky, grown-man voice completely juxtaposes his baby face. The breadth of his material seems to utilize looping on cover songs (he does a good Michael Jackson and Ed Sheeran in addition to more traditional singer-songwriter/Top 40 fare). He even Jonny Lang-ed Bon Iver's "Skinny Love." Original material isn't online, but we'll patiently wait to see how his talent pans out. In the meantime check out Higgins' YouTube channel.

The rest of Wine & Rhyme's April 27 lineup includes emcees Dynasty, Annex, and Queen of Ex alongside art by St. Pete graffiti artist Nex, fashion from DMT Clothing and comedy from the hilarious Joe Riga (seriously, follow the guy on Twitter). Cover is $15 and includes a glass of house wine. Doors open at 7 p.m. Crumb & Cork is located at 501 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. More information is available via Facebook. Advance tickets are available here. - Creative Loafing Tampa

Mike Mass is a 25-year-old hip-hop artist who is determined to put Tampa on the map.

His music recalls the swinging rhythms and lyrical positivity of classic early ’90s hip-hop acts like A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets and Nas. You can catch him most nights of the week all over the bay area, either performing or curating events.

Every last Sunday of the month, he hosts Wine and Rhythm at Crumb and Cork in downtown Tampa. This event showcases a variety of local artists and mediums: painters, graphic artists, tattoo artists, fashion designers, and a range of musical acts.

We sat down with him and he let us in on his ideas and philosophy.

How did you first become involved musically?

I was a spoken word poet from seventh grade through my sophomore year of high school. I honestly got tired of the cliché writing, and I also started doing beats early on in high school. I was primarily a poet the longest and a rapper on the side. I realized I was pretty good at the MC thing and I became obsessed with the lyricism aspect of it. Finally, now I’m starting to make more music, as opposed to being impressive lyrically.

How did you become interested in spoken word? That’s not a common interest for an average seventh grader.

I got into it ’cause when I was young I used to write stories. I’m a writer; I’m just a writer. Spoken word was a challenge. Rhyme scheme, things like that. I love rhyme scheme, that s--- is awesome. I’m from the Bronx, (and) you have to be the best at something in New York, or you ain’t s---. I was a good MC, but I wasn’t the best out there. I was the best poet, though (laughs). I tried to be the best spoken word poet that I could be.

When you started to incorporate beats and music with your spoken word, what influenced you?

Definitely Nas. Nas is one of the reasons I started rapping. As far as hip-hop music, to this day, he still may be one of the only true poet MCs. The majority of his music is imagery. It’s not necessarily a narrative. He’ll spend eight to 12 bars on a verse just describing how something looks or feels. I thought that was awesome as s---.

I used to hate Jay Z when I was young. I grew older to understand why he’s great. It’s the way he uses words. That’s what I learned in high school AP English. I learned about alliteration, consonance, assonance, iambic pentameter and things like that. I started to realize that that’s really where the greatness of MCs came from. The same qualifications that make a great writer are the same things that make a great MC, lyrically. It’s the incorporation of those literary elements and the knowledge of them. That goes all across the board to Q-Tip, Jay Z, Nas… Lupe Fiasco is my biggest influence.

Do you sample, or create all your own music and beats?

I sample. Mike Mass the producer is very much a hip-hop purist. When it comes to beats, my biggest influence, obviously, was A Tribe Called Quest. My favorite producer of all time is Pete Rock. Hands down, no contest, no competition. He knew how to make a drum pattern that you had no choice but to nod your head. That’s what hip-hop had. There’s a swing that’s involved in hip-hop beats.

I’m getting down to the Tampa identity of hip hop, which is a combination of that old-school, jazzy soul vibe, and a southern bounce, like a UGK bounce. Tampa is a perfect place for the medium of what old school people want and that new-school bounce that young people want. We’re trying to develop the identity of Tampa hip hop right now.

Is your music topical? If so what is your focus?

I would like to say it isn’t, but it is. The primary objective of what I do as an artist musically is geared towards using the time I have the ears of the people who are listening to me, to educate them about something they would not have otherwise looked up or come across. It’s a movement of knowledge. It’s all about intelligence. It’s all about teaching people to think for themselves and stop being force-fed things ranging all the way from political views all the way to religion. It’s not just a display of lyrical creativity, but more so, I’m creating a concept that will make you think about it, that will make you talk about it, that will maybe even make you look something up, which is always my hope. Maybe you’ll do some research; maybe you’ll look something up. That’s really the goal of what I do.

-- Aaron Lepley, tbt* - Tampa Bay Times