November 18, 2011

Designing a Champion...

      When it comes to music the overwhelming majority will determine one's success based on record sales, money, influence etc. Artists themselves indulge in their passion to the point where they need to make money off of their art in order to pay their bills because they don't have time to work a 9 to 5. What usually happens is artists will start to compromise the type of music they create to make their songs more radio and club friendly etc. to earn a living. Fair enough... I respect everyone's hustle and grind so in a sense "it is what it is".
      I am encouraging you for a moment to imagine what music would be like if there was no money involved. What kind of songs do you think you would hear? I am sure we would still hear club bangers because there are REAL artists who REALLY enjoy making music that gets people hype and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I like listening to bangers and I like making them too. What I am trying to say is there would be a lot less artists straying away from there true identity for the sake of making money. I have busted my ass off to put myself in a position where I don't need music to make money. House, Cars, blah blah blah... I got that, I'm set. I have no desire for materialistic shit, yeah sure it's cool if I have it but at the same time I can live without it.
       So how does this have anything to do with designing a champion?... Well... I don't need anyone to buy my music in order for me to live. Music is my meditation, it is my journal, my therapy, my love so since I don't need money from music to live I am able to keep my music pure and real. No matter what I do in this music game or where I end up on any charts I have already won because I was able to close my eyes and let go of my art the way I wanted to. I was able to create a way where I can never lose. Becoming a champion is a result of a mentality as opposed to the result of an action. One.

November 13, 2011

2003 FREESTYLE

This is a 2003 freestyle I threw on a recent beat I put together...



(warning explicit lyrics)

WHY "N" ?


        A lot of people have been asking me why I go by "N".... Well, when I started rapping I used to freestyle while my boy nicknamed "V" used to beatbox. I never liked rappers who made up corny names like "killa flo" or "2nice" or blah blah blah so I never gave myself a name... By the way, I made up those names so I apologize to anyone who may be using those names for real. Anyways, like I was saying my boy that beatboxed went by "V" so people started to call me "N" which is the first letter of my name and I guess it stuck with me. It's simple and it's real. So if you didn't know now you know.

" WE FLY " BY: N

November 08, 2011

Tell It Like It Is!

Canadian......... American........ Ummmmm I think this guy speaks for us all. I try to keep this blog as music related as possible but here and there I will make an exception. Here is one of those exceptions...

October 31, 2011

The King Who Earned His Crown

N. Raina

      It seems like yesterday we lost arguably the most influential person in music. If you have been keeping up with my blog and following me on Twitter, you probably have realized that I am extremely passionate about doing things my way and allowing my life experiences to sculpt my uniqueness as opposed to shadowing someone else’s greatness. I was just sitting in my office going over  a few things and BAM! “Thriller” comes on the radio and I start bopping my head and I completely zoned out to the song. Come on people…. Who can write a song like that and get away with it? Nobody, only the King himself could do it. I started to just think damn….” This guy wrote his songs and on top of that, did his own dance routines Michael didn’t have people telling him what to do and if you saw the  “This Is It” documentary which was video footage of him preparing for his last tour, it clearly shows how involved and creative he was. So many people started doing the entire ‘singing and dancing thing’ but we all know Michael Jackson started it. I still don’t know if he was a better singer or Dancer… The fact of the matter is he was perfect at both. This article is more like a toast from me to Michael in appreciation of all that he has done and for doing it his way. In the video below was the first time Michael moonwalked, This was the night He went from great to legendary in my opinion. Enjoy and remember the King.

October 25, 2011

Dynasty Dub --- Recorded in Dynasty 83 studios Toronto

Reggae recording artist perter Rankin records a dub plate for the "Off The Chain Medallion" project. Peter Rankin did not write any lyrics down and he did this in one take. Enjoy this exclusive footage.


October 23, 2011

Mission Statement.



Mission Statement for Dynasty 83 Records......


Enter this divine palace of righteous thoughts through soulful speech
In this great land of opportunity words have the ability to place ordinary people amongst 
The 
Legends before us
This utopia is blind to imaging and materialistic desire for it only seeks truth
Play the right notes and make them listen
Intrigue them with the words and move them the rhythm
Words are god
Words are powerful
Dynasty 83 Records... Music Created To Inspire

N. Raina


   Creativity and uniqueness stems throughout all levels of Dynasty 83 Records and no exception was made when it came to the company's mission statement. It's not about trying to be different. It's about being you...



October 22, 2011

The Dark Side Project

6IXX
   Dynasty 83 Records is currently working on 3 projects. One of the projects is N's debut album and the second project is N's mixtape entitled "Off The Chain Medallion". The 3rd Project will be Sixx's (6ixx) "Darkside Project" which is on the blueprint table right now. 6ixx and N started off in a group called S.O.C. (smoked out crew) back in 1999 along with Jerome AKA Micro. Stay close people. Be a witness.

October 19, 2011

Making It Happen

 I was sick of paying for studio time and having to wait to record something if the studio wasn't available. So I did what I had to to do. I got a diploma in Audio engineering and built my own Studio. I didn't waste money going to clubs and buying bottles all the time, I bought equipment. I am stubborn and I hate people telling me what to do so I created my own label so I could say what I want when I want and do everything my way.




DOING IT MY WAY

October 17, 2011

The Art of Creating Music

       As far as I can remember I have always had a deep love and passion for music. I may be a hip hop/ R&B producer/artist/writer, but I have always appreciated and valued all genres of music. I have always said “If it sounds good than it sounds good” and personally don’t feel like music should be segregated  nor should one limit themselves to a particular genre for whatever reason.

       While taking part in the production/creation side of music I have encountered several individuals who have certain methods and rules when it comes to creating there music and they criticize  any other way. These people are insecure bullies who like to talk ‘techy’ and call out serial numbers on gadgets because they probably are lacking in some other department or they are impressed as hell as to what you are doing and how you can do what they do, without all the money and equipment. Lucky for me I have met just as many big time producers and accredited artists who were  real enough to say that there is no right way or wrong way when it comes to creating music, as long as it is fueled by passion. The truth is everyone has there own way and all the great artists and composers have there own unique steps in regards to there creative process. Greatness in anything starts with believing in your self and acknowledging  your strengths.

       The intent of this article is to encourage those who have been side tracked or slowed down because of intimidation. If you met someone who made you feel like you need to have a million dollars to make a dream come true or that you can’t do something without  ‘blah blah blah’, then this is the wake up call you need. Yes, money and equipment help can make life easier but creativity costs a lot less and the sky is the limit when you are fully engaged. Recording artists have been recording in closets, rooms full of mattresses, dirty garages etc to give the same sound you can achieve in a million dollar studio. I am not taking anything away from those amazing studios’ and talented engineers because they are great and can make life easier, but once again if you are creative you can bypass all that  $h!t for lack of a better word. If you are laying down rap vocals on a Wave  File from a beat  you made electronically on a computer, you have absolutely no business being in a state of the art studio where they record symphonies and choirs unless you have a good connection or a bottomless pit of money. It’s not that you don’t belong there its simply that you just don’t need it!

       I have seen so many people, including myself, waste years in trying to save up for the next piece of equipment or save money to shoot a video … all while precious time is just being wasted. You should never rush anything but at the same time you should never deprive the world if your music is ready. Do not get me twisted, you should approach every situation with an open mind and one should be able to handle criticism especially in the music industry, however  you should not give anyone the power to plant the seed of doubt in your head. Keep it real with your music and be creative. Because real people relate to real things. Don’t cater to the crowd. Do you and let the crowd catch on. If you want the money and fame and you are willing to sell out and become a cookie cutter artist these words are not for you.

       This is for those who have written  songs in there darkest moments where  there ability to write lyrics or create music has pulled them through tough times. I personally don’t care for money or fame, my dream is to give back to music which has given me so much, even if it is just one album and the only buyers are family and friends. In conclusion when it comes to the art of making music we all need to remember it is indeed an art and there is no right or wrong way to do anything. Can you imagine someone telling Leonardo da Vinci how to paint the Mona Lisa?…. I didn’t think so. I would be a hypocrite to tell you that my article is %100 right because it goes against everything I have written. This is just my opinion based on my experiences. I am simply encouraging you to do you, and be confident with your personal approach and style. You have all the power you believe you have. One.