In the cut with DJ Premier & Bumpy Knuckles

July 1st, 2012, was a special day for Envy Magazine as we spent a little time with the legend himself-- DJ Premier-- along with Bumpy Knuckles aka Freddie Foxxx. Ottawa was the last stop on their Canadian tour and they did it up proper for all of us celebrating Canada Day. They spoke with us about their Kolexxxion album (released in March), spending Canada Day in the capital city, their favourite Canadian artists, plus more!

Photos

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Presented By: Kapacity Entertainment | Website: fb.com/Kapacityent
Interviewer: LJ | Website: thelj.tumblr.com
Photographer: Wade Worsley | Website: wwphotography.ca
Video: Chelsea Collins | Website: fb.com/chizzlephotography

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Ottawa RBC Bluesfest 2012 | Photo Coverage

Envy Magazine had a blast covering Ottawa Bluesfest for the second year in a row. We all got to see some amazing performances and meet incredible people. We would like to thank RBC Bluesfest for giving us the opportunity to bring our readers some coverage of this year's event. From Snoop Dogg to Flight Distance, this year's lineup was a good one! We encourage everyone to gain a little Bluesfest experience at least once in your life-- you won't regret it. If you didn't make it this year or would like to relive some of the best moments this year, check out our full coverage after the jump.

Snoop Dogg

For all of us at Envy Magazine, this was the most highly anticipated moment of Bluesfest 2012. The stage was set with artificial purple haze while the DJ smoked the real stuff with the crowd. While waiting almost an hour for him to hit the stage, the crowds got hot, the media got antsy, and the security got busy (resorting to hosing down awaiting, melting fans). However, all the anxious anticipation was forgotten as soon as Snoop hit the stage (and his blunt). His set was a mix of classics and a little bit of new stuff-- all around everything we hoped for. Short and swisha sweet.

Snoop Doggs's website:snoopdogg.com

Lauryn Hill

In keeping with the anticipation theme of the day, Lauryn Hill's DJ revved up an edgy crowd with a nearly 40 minute set. When fans seemed to have almost had enough of the waiting, she came onto the stage like a whirlwind diva and took our breath away. With grace and flare, she wow'd us all and, may we add, doesn't she look gorgeous? Ms. Hill performed classics we all know and love like "Everything is Everything", "Killing Me Softly", "Ex Factor" and, of course, spit some verses for us like the boss lady she is.


Lauryn Hill's website: lauryn-hill.com

A$ap Rocky

Two words: high energy. A$ap Rocky is like that kid in the back of the class who could never sit still. The NY rapper has recently been making huge waves in the hiphop scene and us hiphop heads in Ottawa LOVE him. After performing what show-goers say was "one of the best shows of the year" at Ritual Nightclub, we were thrilled when A$ap was set to come back for Bluesfest. He kept his audience hype and himself even hypER while cat daddy-ing, dougie-ing, and cooking all over the stage. His set consisted of tracks from his debut mixtape LiveLoveA$ap like "Wassup" and "Get Lit". Not to mention, the ladies would agree he really is a pretty mothafu-- what?


A$ap Rocky's website: asapmob.com

Big Boi

One half of the legendary, mighty Outkast, Mr. Boi stop, you ain't no DJ, Sir Lucious Left Foot-- whatever you choose to call him-- really needs no introduction. Big Boi ripped the Claridge stage for a smaller yet "high spirited" (if you know what we mean) audience as the sun set over Lebreton Flats. Alongside DJ Cut Master Swift in his "YOLO" shirt, his live drummer, and his hype man, BlackOwned C-Bone, Big Boi performed with no holds barred and in your face. While he placed a large focus on performing all the "new sh--t" like "Fo Yo Sorrows" he still performed classics like "Elevators", and "Ms. Jackson". The country boy from Georgia showed his fans exactly why he's a vet in the hiphop game.


Big Boi's website: bigboi.com

Tyga

We were suprised to find "Rack City" rapper on one of the smaller stages but were appreciative to have the opportunity to see Tyga in such an intimate setting. Regardless, an impressive crowd of younger (and some older) hipster fans packed themselves in like sardines to watch the YMCMB artist's set. He performed tracks like "Still Got It", "The Motto", "Faded", and of course "Rack City". While shoulder-to-shoulder, fans still managed to get hype with Tyga and enjoy one of the funnest (if that is a real word) sets of the day.


Tyga's website: tygaworld.com

Down With Webster

The story of this band is quite simple: they formed in middle school for a talent show and have since went certified gold with their album "Time To Win, Vol. 1" and certified platinum on multiple different singles. They are a band like no other here in Canada, straight out of Toronto, with a unique style blended with rock and rap. On the River Stage, they rocked out with a predominantly younger crowd while fans had the time of their lives with Tyler, Diggy, Pat, Cam, Marty, and Bucky. They performed popular tracks like "Rich Girl", "She's Dope", and "Woah is Me" loud enough for the entire Lebreton Flats to hear; Next time, we bring earplugs!


Down With Webster's Facebook: fb.com/downwithwebster

Flight Distance

Let's just get this out of the way now: we LOVE these guys! Envy Magazine have been avid supporters of this Ottawa-based group who have won the hearts and ears of many hiphop heads in this city. They deliver energetic, engaging performances and true lyricism-- a killer combination. Both emcees of the group have a certain charisma that entices people to get lost in their shows. It was amazing to see homegrown acts such as Flight Distance and Sound of Lions perform during Bluesfest. Show love to your local artists!


Flight Distance's website: flightdistance.net

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Presented By: Royal Bank Bluesfest | Website: ottawabluesfest.ca
Photographer: Chizzle Photography | Website: fb.com/chizzlephotography
Photographer: Wade Worsley | Website: wwphotography.ca

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Envy Magazine x WYWCM Mixtape | Volume Three

1. Intro
2. 3 Kings | Rick Ross ft. Dr. Dre and JayZ
3. New GOD Flow | Pusha T ft. Kanye West
4. 60 Rackz | Jim Jones ft. Lil Wayne and Cam'ron
5. King Tut [remix] | Busta Rhymes ft. Reek Da Villain and J.Doe
6. Terror Dome | Lloyd Banks
7. Loco-Motive | Nas ft. Large Professor
8. Old School Caddy | Hit Boy ft. Kid Cudi
9. King | Young Chris
10. NY | 50 Cent
11. The Cure | J.Cole
12. New Day | 50 Cent ft. Dr. Dre and Alicia Keys
13. Summer On Smash | Nas ft. Swizz Beatz and Miguel
14. Birthday Song | 2 Chainz ft. Kanye West
15. Diced Pineapples | Rick Ross ft. Wale and Drake
16. Still Got It | Wiz Khalifa ft. Project Pat
17. Hearing Voices | Jae Millz
18. Swimming Pools (Drank) | Frank Ocean
19. Elimination Chamber | Domo Genesis ft. Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, and Action Bronson
20. Bath Salt | A$ap Ant x A$ap Rocky ft. Flatbush Zombies
21. Outro

Download Mixtape Here

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Contributer: Riki P. | Website: WYWCM.COM

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KOTD: Capital Invasion 4 | Photo Coverage

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Presented By: King of the Dot Entertainment | Website: kingofthedot.com
Photographer: Chizzle Photography | Website: ChizzlePhotography.ca

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Elzhi Live at Ritual Nightclub, Ottawa

Detroit rapper ELZHI performed yet another hype set for a small crowd this month in Ottawa. Currently on a world tour, Ritual was his first stop to promoting his new album which is set to release in the Fall. Elzhi performed classics like "The World is Yours" and tracks from more recent years like "Deadly Medley" with Black Milk and Royce Da 5'9. It was a true honor to have him back in our city for a real, raw hiphop experience.

Photos

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Presented By: Kapacity Entertainment | Website:fb.com/kapacityent
Photos and video by: Chelsea Collins | Website: FB.com/ChizzlePhotography

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The Lollapalooza Survival Guide

It's that time of the year again, Lollapalooza is upon us! Before shoving your clothes into an overnight bag and heading to Chicago, there is one thing you should know: Lollapalooza is more than just a big concert. Read this guide (before you get too obliterated on all those wine-filled water bottles you snuck into the venue) and you'll become more prepared to become a professional Paloozer.



First, some background information on what attending Lollapalooza really is like. Viewing it like it's a "just a big festival doesn't" really do it justice. There are seven stages (yes, SEVEN) and one massive DJ tent spread out over more than one hundred acres of park. That's a lot of park, so walking from one end of the festival to the other is more than a mile and will take you twenty minutes or more (depending on how many beers you've had). This year, Lolla will play host to more than 270,000 attendees and over 100 live acts. Which means you'll be battling more than mother nature to ensure your Lollapalooza experience is a good one.

The Basics

Sun Protection
"How fun, they're teaching us the importance of uv protection." We know, but this goes without saying. It's easy to forget until you've turned the same colour as a fully cooked lobster by the end of your first day; you're not going to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Shade is unfortunately scarce in Grant Park and the only shady spots are usually nowhere near the stage. So before you make a beeline for the beer tent or front row, centre of the stage, slather on the sunscreen constantly and you'll be able to enjoy the show without the 2nd degree burn.

Hell no, H2O
You tend to forget about h20 after a few brews and that's a big mistake. Chicago in August is hot-- really *#!@ing hot-- we're talking 40 degrees Celsius in the shade hot. Lots of water is a must to avoid ending up spending your Lolla in the EMS camp being fanned by a volunteer paramedic. You're allowed to bring in two sealed water bottles up to 1 litre large each or an empty camelback. There are free filling stations spread across the park-- find these and use them often.

Proper Swag
We all know you want to look "fresh to death" for the thousands of people you'll meet during Lolla, but let's be realistic: don't wear your new Jordans or heels to an outdoor festival. With the size of Grant Park and the fact that your favourite artists might be playing at opposite ends of the park, you could end up walking multiple miles every day. Be comfortable! Loose clothing could mean the difference between melting or not. Clothing that you don't mind getting wet, muddy, and alcohol soaked is always the best option-- it will happen!

(Don't) Get Lost!
We've all made this mistake before and lost friends for hours after a much needed ports-potty break. When you pack that many people into a crowded park in the heart of a major city, you will not get cell phone reception. If you do manage to get signal, your friend probably doesn't have one. We know it's kind of hard not to panic when you're lost, alone, and your fancy $800 iPhone doesn't work. A designated spot to meet up in case you get lost will ensure that you don't spend the afternoon wandering the park alone.

Bathroom Break
Speaking of potty breaks: all the washrooms in the park are that wonderful smelling portable variety. Towards the end of the day, when everyone's had a few beers and chilli dogs, there will be line-ups. Go early and often so that you don't get caught in an embarrassing situation!

Rain Gear
Have a poncho or light raincoat that won't make you sweat profusely (don't worry, no one looks good in a plastic poncho). Summer storms in Chicago are common and unpredictable. Even if you don't care about getting yourself wet, think about your cellphone, camera, and brand new shoes we already told you not to wear (tsk tsk!).

Don't break the rules
Know what you can and can't bring in before you get to the gates and have to toss something out, or walk back to your hotel. The general rules are simple: no weapons, no professional cameras (unless you're media), no alcohol, no drugs-- and bring your common sense.

The must do's while at Lolla

Stuff your faces!
Chow-town is amazing! There are tons of amazing foods to try, some you've probably never had before and others you haven't had in a while at the risk of ruining your beach body. Bring cash and try something new every day. Also, your hangover will thank you for it!

Drink like a (responsible) fish!
Tall boys of beer and whole bottles of wine in a sports water bottle make getting tipsy and enjoying the music that much better. However, drink responsibly and remember (for our Canadian readers) legal age in Chi-town is 21!



See someone new!
Rather than spending all your time just hitting up the bands that you know, come to the park early and see some of the smaller, lesser known bands. You never know who you might discover, they could be your new favourite. Think: many bigger artists have played Lolla when they were just starting out.

Go early!
Grant park is beautiful. Exploring the whole venue, getting to know which stage is which, and grabbing some food before the lines start, is all much easier early in the morning. It's also much cooler when the park first opens.

Explore Chicago
It's a world class city with tons of amazing architecture, art galleries, an awesome aquarium, beautiful rivers, and bridges, and incredible food. Spend at least a couple days before or after Lolla getting to see a great town. And make sure to eat some deep-dish pizza at least once!

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Article: Matthew Banks
Photos: Maria Escamilla | Website: mariaescamilla.com

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Wiz Khalifa Live in Toronto

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Photos: Allison Janzen | Website: electriclightmedia.ca

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Envy Magazine and Building Blocks Ent are giving away TWO PAIRS of tickets to TWO lucky winners! Enter now!

All you have to do is: - LIKE, SHARE, and/or COMMENT on this photo (click the link or the photo above) - The more you do, the greater your chances of winning - You can additionally tweet @envymgzn and @bldblocksent with the hashtag #SendMeToAction (Please follow us so we can DM you if you win!)

That's it! Tickets will be drawn on August 9th at 12pm!

If you like this event, like/follow Building Blocks ENT and don't miss out on future events!
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If you like this giveaway, like/follow Envy Magazine for more giveaways and event announcements!
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Event Info
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