Well known in his home town of Cleveland, C.J. is a living definition of the word hustler. His love of music, money and progression, not necessarily in that order, fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. By the time he graduated high school he was running 3 successful businesses and had established himself as a proven event’s promoter through out the mid west and further extended himself to the east coast. With a swagger that easily matched that of the acts he was promoting at the time (Lil’ Flip, Fabolous, and Beanie Segal to name a few.), C.J. was often mistaken for a rapper himself. Being young and focused on fast money, C.J. was unimpressed by the constant barrage of people asking for his autograph at events, or by the record executives that often approached him; he was on a paper chase his way, but his passion for music never subsided.

CJ FEATURING CHIP THE RIPPA PARTY PACK

After a minor set back gave him the time he needed to focus, C.J.’s love of music fueled his ambition and he delivered his first mix tape release Get It and Go, Volume I, which generated over 15,000 sales and solidified himself on the Cleveland music scene. But making the move from underground to mainstream music, while maintaining street credibility, can be an impossible feat at best for most rappers. Only a chosen few have the ability to stay true to their roots and posses the business savvy to be a success with out “selling out”. As one of the newest additions to this “big boy league”, C.J., is making this transition seamlessly. In his debut singles “Party Pack” and “Paper Man” C.J. gives us a glimpse into the life of a true hustler. His trademark blend of street conscious lyrics and intricate rhyme scheme has quickly earned him respect through out the hip hop community. In “Going Back to Dewitt’s” he pays homage to his hood and gives props to his favorite jeweler, Cleveland’s own Dewitt’s Jewelry made famous by many of Ohio’s sports and entertainment figures. Unlike many of today’s artist, you will find no rented “ice” and “whips” in this young man’s repertoire.

Obviously once this young man is on task, there is no stopping him. C.J. has stepped on the scene with the unmatched swagger of a seasoned professional and rising star. Now working with platinum producer Kickdrums, who has created hit after hit for the likes of 50 Cent, Slim Thug, Young Joc and countless others; we can only and enjoy the ride as we listen to the sounds that embody this self made professional, always ready to “Get It And Go”.

Contributed by Burmy

Britni Elise has been involved in the music business for much of her life, performing across her hometown of Cleveland in two R&B trios.  After both groups broke up, Britni set off on her own, eventually signing a deal as the flagship artist of former Major League Baseball All-Star

BRITNI ELISE SATISFIED VIDEO

Kenny Lofton’s K-Lo Entertainment.  Despite her newfound national success, Britni’s not about to abandon her soulful roots. On her latest single, Britni pays tribute to a man who keeps her Satisfied (and then some) over a ‘90s/early-‘00s-style instrumental by Charles Farrar (who also co-wrote the single).  Needless to say, this smooth cut is sure to strike a chord with fans of classic R&B (myself included).  If you fall into that category, you’re in for a treat when Elise’s currently-untitled debut album hits online retailers (and a few record stores) this July.

SPLIT MOB MODEL WALK VIDEO

LEVERT AND TOMMY JOHNSON AKA ZERO

Born in Cleveland, Ohio Tommy hails from a musically inclined family who taught him to play the piano and nurtured his Muse for music since the age of three. While coming of age, he continually honed his craft, graduated from the Cleveland School of the Arts and began to make a name for himself locally singing, writing, producing and performing songs for himself and others. His self-generated buzz caught the ear of the Rude Boys’ Joe Little who would pass the praise to Gerald Levert during a studio session. From there, the Domino effect continued when Tommy toured with Gerald (and later with both Gerald and Eddie Levert) knocking out city after city around the globe providing background vocals and even landed spots on 2001’s “Gerald’s World” and the 2002 “G Spot” album where he wrote and produced a track on the CD entitled “Your Smile.” And after Gerald joined forces with fellow Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill for part two of their LSG venture, Tommy tagged along loaning his voice and creative talents to the group’s 2003 single “Shakedown.” Over the years, Tommy has developed a plethora of accolades and these days you can find the Los Angeles-based artist playing various venues around the city including Cozy’s, The Cellar, The Viper Room, The Temple Bar and a host of others with his eclectic band, Medical Card. To check out clips from recent performances and to find Tommy Johnson in a city near you visit www.myspace.com/tommysnyourear or follow him at www.twitter.com/tommysworldcl