Anyway, if you frequent these parts, then you’re pretty familiar with my magazine game; I GETZ THEM EARLY, LOL! This time, I didn’t hit my secret newsstand, I actually swiped it from an associate at an event several days ago. Since this issue doesn’t hit stores until February 17, I think I’m WAAAY ahead of the game with this issue. Others may have it (VIBE employees), but like always, your exclusive preview is available here……..FIRST!

Looks like VIBE is on that fresh sh*t because all the contents in this issue are geared towards the fresh and the FRESH ONLY. The Evolution of Andre Benjamin: FRESH! The White Tee: ReFRESHing! The Tattoo: SEXY FRESH! Terrence Dean breaks down The J-Sette (the dance routine seen in Beyonce’s, “Single Ladies” visual), while Memsor Kamarake rebirths and re-styles “The Black Model”.

Of course, an issue on Style wouldn’t be complete without the 31 Most Stylish individuals in the game. And since I’m not THAT much into the style realm, I’m not sure how valid these rankings are. Now I could sit here and reveal the entire list, but that would probably piss off B.W., D.Smith and the homey J.Cummings, so I’ll just list a couple names sans their rankings. Also, this list isn’t in any particular order, I’m just randomly naming the participants involved; Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kanye West, Alain “A-Trak” Macklovitch, Yung Dro, Vashti Kola (IM GOING TO MARRY HER), Wale, Solange, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Travis McCoy, Keri Hilson, Estelle, Neyo, MIA, and many more!

Oh, and I can’t forget the cover girl herself, Keyshia Cole. This isn’t one those interviews (where’s your life at now, how is Young Jeezy doing, is your show scripted), this is a FRESH interview. Keyshia discusses the evolution of her style, the influences that make up her style and where she’s headed (style wise). Check out what she had to say……

Keyshia Cole on developing into the person she is now….

“I used to be real passive, no matter what it was–my performing, everyday living, a man, family. Now, it’s like I’ve got to put my foot down. I’ve come too far to keep accepting a lot of anything. I’m comfortable with myself.”

Keyshia Cole on her mother influencing her style…..

“Not necessarily, because my mom…..it depends. [My adoptive mother]Yvonne Cole, definitely. Definitely more than my biological mother because while I was around my mother my entire life, she was really gone. I’d see her, I would find her and in the next 10 minutes she would be gone. She was constantly moving. But Yvonne taught me everything about being a woman that I need to know. Everything. Don’t go to church without a slip. All of that.”

Think you feel fresh now, wait until you devour the entire issue. Once again, VIBE Magazine proves why they’re always one step ahead. (WHAD UP DANNY?).

Sincerely

Low “I’m So Dope Boy Fresh…I Think” Key  

Do I have a favorite? Nah, not yet, but I do know each and every one of these artists have already commenced a huge following in their own right. Below you’ll find our picks for The Class of 2009 along with a couple of ditty’s to get you familiar with their specific sound. ENJOY!

Kid Cudi – Down & Out

Heaven & Nite 

PAC Div- Woman Problems

PAC Div- Fat Boys 

Jay Electronica- Swagger Jackson’s Revenge

Jay Electronica- Exhibit A (Transformations)

Asher Roth- The Lounge

Asher Roth- Roth Boys  

Jay Rock- Depression

Jay Rock ft. Papoose, Joell Ortiz, Stacy Adams & Graph- East Meets West

Wale- The Crazy

Wale- UK Freestyle 

U-N-I- Hollywood Status (Cool It Now)

U-N-I- My Life A Love Supreme 

Cory Gunz- All About Mine

Cory Gunz- Ain’t I Freestyle 

Mickey Factz- Block Em

Mickey Factz- Rocker 

Charles Hamilton- Brooklyn Girls

Charles Hamilton- DSW 

B.O.B.- I’m Dat N*gga

B.O.B.- Generation Lost 

Blu- Never Dream

Blu- Blu Collar Worker 

Tiron- Throwing My Money

Tiron ft. Ayomari- Sydney 

As of late, the duo is constructing hits for DC hip hop rookie, Wale, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes, and a flurry of others. Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of their creative sessions for my new segment, “Studio Sessions”. Since LowKey used to dibble and dabble on the production side of hip hop, I found this studio visit extremely exciting. Seeing them create magic on the spot reminded me why making beats was so much fun.

Remember, Studio Sessions will FREQUENT the pages of SoundOff. If you’re a fan of hip hop production and how it’s conceived, Studio Sessions is the perfect spot for you.

Big shouts to Young Sav for the access, and of course, Sean C and LV for letting me capture some incredible footage!

Sincerely

Low “If this writing thing doesn’t work out, check a couple album credits in 2009, you just might see my nam, lol” Key

Studio Sessions: Sean C & LV (Grind Music)

 Unknown for it’s hip hop roots, Washington DC has produced it’s first OFFICIAL (IMO) hip hop shining star. DC Native, Wale, officialy announced last night on DC radio station, 93.9 WKYS (Whas good Angie Ange?)  that he’s inked a joint venture deal with Allido Records and Interscope Records.

Estatic about the prospect of being propelled on a national level, Wale said of his new partnership with Interscope Records          “Look at thier track record. Dr. Dre, Em, 50, Pharrell, Timbaland, Soulja Boy, Black Eyed Peas and the list goes on.”

His yet untitled debut album is rumored to feature contributions from Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, Kanye West, Pharrell and a bevy of others, which will be released this coming fall. Mark Ronson will take on executive producing duties for the project.

And just incase you have the slightest clue on who this young lyrcisit is, check out some material below! You can also check out his myspace page here….

Does he deserve the deal, or can Interscope do better??? SOUND OFF PLEASE!

-LowKey

Wale ft. Bun B & Pusha T- Back In The Go Go

Wale ft. Lil Wayne & Evidence- Nike Boots (Remix)