The Versatile Educated Hustlers

Photo Courtesy of JWR Photography

They are young, they are talented, and they are known as Educated Hustlers. Educated Hustlers is a Hip-Hop duo hailing from Tallahassee. The duo is comprised of Justin Harris (Stage name Timbo) and James Wright (Stage name J. Write) and both are graduates of Florida A&M University. It was through their fraternity Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated where the duo met and started creating music together.

Hip-hop fans that appreciate southern artists such as Big Krit, Bun B, David Banner, Devin the Dude, and the popular rap group OutKast will connect with their music. Their sound embodies the southern culture of glossy cars, good marijuana, and having a great time with friends.

However, do not put these two in a set category or consider them as bubble gum rappers only rapping about money and a fast lifestyle. Attached to the wonderfully produced beats are soulful conscience lyrics. Their lyrics have a true message behind them, such as the music industry agenda to promote a detrimental lifestyle to the people. They also have an interlude dedicated to the injustice pertaining to the Trayvon Martin case and the racial ignorance that is still prevalent in our country.

The versatility that Educated Hustlers possess is their strength. The ability to speak upon social injustices and conscience ideas and still sound credible when making feel good music for the masses is a hard feat to accomplish, but they accomplish it well. Their latest mixtape D.O.P.E. (Doing Our Part as Emcees) is a great example of their versatile skills. Take a listen to tracks like HITW (Hole in The Wall), Pimps Up Hoes Down feat. Le$, and Pause feat. Jax they are personal favorites that exemplify their talent.

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The future is bright for these emerging Hip-Hop artists. If they continue to stick to their strengths and continue to produce quality music, the music industry will have to make room for these rising stars. Remember, good music should be a standard not an option. 

The SXSW Conference and Festival

I usually dedicate this blog to emerging hip-hop artists that are making strides in their respected paths within the music industry. Today though, I want to share with music lovers, artists, and music industry executives about a conference that has helped artists and industry folks make an impact within the music industry. It is the South by Southwest Conference and Festival.

I am only going to cover the music portion of the event, but the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference and festival is geared towards the music, film and interactive industry. The SXSW music conference is geared to educating and inspiring artists from all genres. It is filled with discussions with panels of industry executives discussing a wide range of topics such as the role that music plays in advertising campaigns, improving your social reach and engagement with fans, copyright issues, and more.  Whether you are just a new artist beginning your career, a fan of music, or even a veteran in the music industry, there is something you can learn and enjoy at the conference.

In the past, attendees visit from all over the United States and over 50 different countries around the globe; so networking opportunities for your band or company are there. You might even find that lucky big break you were waiting on while you attended the conference.

Besides the discussions that SXSW provides the other cool features SXSW has is the Music Gear Expo Store, the Startup Village, and the Music Showcases.  The Music Gear Expo Store is an opportunity to test out and purchase the latest equipment such as drums, keyboards, DJ equipment and more. The Startup Village is a showcase event where current and future entrepreneurs can network with investors, digital creators, and media representatives that can help you with your startup business. 

Furthermore, the Music Showcase is one of the largest most anticipated events in the conference. A wide variety of artists have performed on the stages at SXSW. Alumni performers include 50 Cent, the Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill, Wiz Khalifa, and many more.

If you are serious about the music industry and want to have the opportunity to network and learn as much as you can about this industry; I would advise attending the SXSW conference. It will be a truly entertaining and insightful event that you will not regret! See you in March!