Drift Chronicles: The Producers ~ 8Track

Drift Chronicles has been getting so much love! Thank you all... It wasn't an all Driftee show though...during the next few weeks I will be introducing you to the men behind the music - the producers - via a brief Q & A complete with pics, contact info and links to their music.

8Track

The first producer is 8Track, a caribbean production monster who was introduced to me by our lawyer Karol Russell.

8Track's music is the exemplification of creative diversity.  Our lawyer sent me a beat file that contained tracks from several producers. I picked what seemed to be stellar opposites in an attempt to give Drift Chronicles a more universal appeal. I soon learned that  the very tracks I thought were sooooo different were produced by the same man. That's dope. 

8Track produced two of my favorite tracks on the mixtape -- Welcome and R.A.W  (SN: R.A.W are 8Track's initials - I didnt know that when I wrote the song - hell of a coincidence right). And, he is a cool humble, down to earth dude. Check out our Q&A below.

Rude Awakening!!!! This is Georgia!

As most of you know, I’m a hybrid. Born in Savannah, GA and raised between Brooklyn, NY and Essex County, NJ. I have a diverse group of friends and associates, I went to SCAD, worked in Corporate America, hell - I was even a Peer Minister in High School. So I consider myself to be somewhat evolved for my age. The idealist in me expects those I encounter to embody that same evolution.

Last Friday, I was rudely awaken. I was reminded that I did live in / was born in Georgia. Not the Georgia we see on ‘Single Ladies’ or the Georgia us urbanites enjoy, but the Georgia we learned about in Social Studies and History.

This is what happened.. I went to see my family in Savannah on Thursday. After visiting with them it was time to head back to the A. No sweat right, all I had to do was hop on I16 west and I’d be home in 2.5 - 3 hours.. Fate had other plans and I had a blowout.

I called roadside assistance. They were very accommodating, polite and such. They advised me that a someone would be out in 45 mins to change my tire. (If you know me - you know I’m not changing a tire. Sorry. No haps).

The tow truck driver calls me and asks me if I had a spare. I said “yes, I have a donut”. She said “ok, where are you?”. I explained to the woman that I was between mile markers, but was definitely in Statesboro, GA. Statesboro, GA has three exits on I16, so my thinking was if she went to the first one and drove west she would find me. She again said ok, and told me it would take her about 45 mins to get to me.

I didn't trip. I pulled out my blackberry and decided to get some writing done. The tow truck driver then calls me back and asks for my location again. I again explained that I was between mile markers - meaning there were no mile markers, or exits around me - but I was in Statesboro, GA. I don't know if her phone started to break up or what but she began to get frustrated. I didn't reciprocate, after all - I need her to come change my tire right. So I tried to explain my location again when bad reception hits.

I could hear everything she said but she couldn't hear me. I kept saying hello to no avail. Something told me not to hang up the phone as she may not be able to get a signal to call again. So I stayed on the phone and kept saying hello in hopes that she would hear me.

She must have thought I hung up on her because she flew off the deep end and called her dispatcher (with me still on the phone mind you) and said “She’s a bitch”. She went on to say “and she’s a nigger”. No wait there’s more “I aint riding up this road to change no nigger bitch’s tire”.

That was the first time I was ever referred to as a “Nigger” by a white person in my life (to my knowledge). I called her back - no answer. I called her dispatcher - no answer. So I called roadside and got another tow truck driver. It was sobering but mostly sad. I say its sad because an we are both adults and I’m sure she works because she needs money. What’s sad is some people - all over the country - still don't want “nigger dollars” in this day and age. I always thought that the only color that matters is green. Maybe that’s just me. I could’ve called her back and “blacked out” but what would that prove. I just made a complaint with the insurance company and hopefully they will no longer have a contract.

Here’s my thing. It’s 2011 the President is black and cats is mad. Period. Stay on your toes people. Ignorance is still bliss and rampant.

Ignorance can not defile you if you refuse to let it. One to grow on.

Be Brave - Be Blessed - Be Great!!

What will Driftee do tonight??? Hmmm

FACE OFFF!!!!!

MJQ...ATL...LEGGOOOOOO!!!!!!!

MORE!!!

Greetings & Salutations!!!


As you may know, the release of DNA (Drugs n Adrift ~ A Tribute to East Coast Hip Hop) has been rescheduled for September of 2011.


Don't fret though, click the below artwork (by Mister Soul) for a free download of the the first single - MORE.


Below is the link to download More as a full length single (radio, extended, etc).

https://rapidshare.com/files/3032022234/MORE.zip


The video for More (Directed by Rick Foy of DVID Films) will be out in about two weeks.


If you can't wait that long check my previous blog post (Y'all Ready!!! Leggooo!!!) for behind the scenes photos.


Thank you for your continued support throughout my career.


You are greatly appreciated!!!!


And, don't worry I have a few surprises for you all in the interim ---> Pudding Face!!

BE BLESSED - BE BRAVE - BE GREAT,
DRIFTEE

First single from my forthcoming EP - DNA ( DRUGS N ADRIFT ~ A Tribute to East Coast Hip Hop) - which was produced exclusively by D.R.U.G.S. (Dope Real Undaground Sh*t).

DNA is scheduled to be released in September 2011.

Home Sweet Home!!!

Whats Hoood!!!


I just got back from a much needed visit to my beloved New Jersey. It was the best of times - its was the worst of times - it was the realist time. I am strong believer in knowing where you are from and never forgetting the place that made you who you are. That's probably why I go home so much. Atlanta is a great place to live. However, for most of us, it serves as an escape (if you will) from our often harsh roots. The bricks (and the Oranges & Irvington by extension) aren't all bad. In fact, its all good. Had it not been for that beautiful realism of these places - Adrift wouldn't be Adrift.


Gotta shout out my kinfolk who always have a room ready/car for me drive when I come home - The Abrams family (Jahfee, Kattina, Quadir, Quamel, Gotti & Gorgeous). I love yall to pieces. I'm sending a carton of stoges soon!


This journey has taught me alot (I mean the whole journey). One thing I've learned is that you have to surround yourself with those that celebrate you. So that you can have the confidence, love and support to go out and do what you are called to do. With that, I would like to extend my love and thanks to my brother by another mother Bill$, his girl Danelle, and both their families. Bill$ and I have been friends for over a decade and from day one he has been the big brother I never wanted..hahaha...just kidding. He's a nag - its only cause he loves me. Friends are the family you chose for yourself. #Trustory


Big shout to Keisha for the awesome road trip!! You da best homie!! I think we both needed that!!


Peace to Aunt Lois, Tahirah, Jhanene, Mona, Boogs, Reg, Rell, Tronya, Rabihah and everybody else I chilled with (or spoke to) this past weekend. Yall dont know - every time I see yall my batteries are re-charged & I feel fortified. I love and appreciate each of you. Be Blessed - Be Brave - Be Great!!!!!

Here are some pictures taken by my bum berry!!

Thats right!! Thats a big ass pink bus that reads "KNUCKLE BUS"... #OIN (Only in Newark)

On our way into Newark (downtown) we found the last pay phones in the country...being used by Poppy... Please note, how Poppy is chillin' like that's his personal phone...#handsanitizer


Cook out prep...Danelle and her twin nephews...I think they were trying to do an on going taste test and she wasn't having it.. #Goodtimes

Bill$ making his secret BBQ sauce..I told him I'm getting him a chef hat for this B-day...he was so sincere about this bbq

My contribution to the festivities was assisting in making the best macaroni salad EVER...i chopped 46 tomatoes, 27 onions, 16 bell peppers, & 32 red peppers...How did they get me to do this you ask...they kept playing my favorite club hits...ok I didn't chop that many vegetables- it felt like it though...


Notice the elders to the left...in the shade..across from the liquor and away from the sun...these queens had me dying ...they got up and did they two step and everything...#iluvrealppl

Meet Shareef Solider world...Shareef Solider meet the world... Whats a cookout without a pitbull laying around...he's beautiful...wanted to take him home w/ me
Bill$ had grills on deck...the middle one are the ribs..nobody eats pork back home... Me and Danelle do...YUMM!! #Dontjudgeme

Yeah, I eat a lot at the cook out. I wasn't leaving home without having an Italian Cheeseburger...Beleeeeeeee Dat!!! Peace to Sandwiches Unlimited..if you are ever in Orange, NJ - Check em out..right off Main Street.



That's all folks!!! Its time to get back to work...I got a lot of people pulling for me back home...And, that feels amazing!!!!

This is how I vibe!!!!

I am always asked ...who's music are you digging right now Adrift...

Here's what I'm digging....

Nas "NASTY"








Kanye West "MAMA's BOYFRIEND"









CyHi Da Prynce "NEW GIRL"








King Mez ft. Skyzoo "THE REBIRTH"







Jadakiss "LIL BRUH"








Jadakiss "BY YOUR SIDE"








Jadakiss "WE GON MAKE IT"

Efffff yoouuu!!! Pay Meee!!!

Haha!!! Cheba Cheba!!!!

Adrift Da Belle ft. Methuzulah "Cheba Cheba" Music Video from Will F on Vimeo.

Sixo De Mayo (The Morning After)

What a nite!!!

See Me See Trouble --- Allllll WEEK!!!

See Me See Trouble Week is 5/8/11 to 5/14/11

Come check ya girls!!!

#DNA

#DNA [The EP] will be released in July 2011...it will feature production by D.R.U.G.S (Dope Real Underground Shit) EXCLUSIVELY... here's a taste of the song that started it all.

Can U Feel It (Performance footage from 09 A3C)




Click here for a free download of 'Can U Feel It'

I'm from Jersey!!!!

I had a chance to talk to Waka and Sway yesterday on MTV.Com's RapFix...wanna see it here it is

MTV Shows

Photo Shoot - Schmoto Shoot!!

DOPEST SHOOT EVVVEEERRR!!!

Big Shout to Kim Roseberry of SHEDriven Photography (www.she-driven.com) and Mello Dyme (www.modelmayhem.com/mellodyme ), stylist extraordinaire, for the the DOPEST shoot I've had in a while... It was fun and they captured all dimensions of Driftee!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE..
Here are some previews......

DRIFTEE JOINS DMG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
DMG Management (404) 419-6959 | info@damumusicgroup.com

Dungeoneze’s female wordsmith Adrift Da Belle has joined forces with Atlanta based DMG Management

(ATLANTA, GA – March 9, 2011) Dungeon Family’s second generation collective Dungeoneze has but one female artist, the hard hitting Jersey girl Adrift Da Belle. Now the hip hop purest is under the guidance of Atlanta based DMG Management. She adds to an already stellar roster including legendary female emcee staHHr, and the up and coming and fiercely lyrical emcee Arablak. This new partnership is formed to continue to bring Hip Hop fans around the globe the best of the best in Hip Hop music. With this new addition of the multi talented Adrift Da Belle, who by the way is not only an emcee but also a gifted songwriter, DMG is sure to become the premier location to find Hip Hop’s next sensation. The team at DMG Management is poised to push Adrift Da Belle’s career to new heights of awareness, popularity and of course profitability.

The Jersey bred, Atlanta based Adrift Da Belle is truly a hip hop enthusiast, and her music embodies the evolution of the B Girl via gritty, realistic word play from an urban woman’s perspective. So much so that in 2006, Adrift was hand picked by Organized Noize’s Ray Murray to be the only female member of the legendary Dungeon Family’s second generation collective Dungeoneze. Under Ray Murray’s tutelage, Driftee is realizing her potential as a songwriter and composer. Adrift wrote and arranged the two R&B songs, “Higher” and “Better”, on her acclaimed sophomore LP, Garden State Parkway. Adrift has graced and rocked with countless artists on countless stages such as opening for KRS One at The Loft, opening for Rakim at The East Atlanta Icehouse, performed with the Dungeon Family at Drunken Unicorn, headlined at The Apache Café and many more.

In 2009 Adrift broadened her artistic abilities to include acting, and landed a supporting role in the indie film Pathways [Sean’s Lament]. In 2010 she released her second LP, Garden State Parkway, to critical acclaim. Garden State Parkway features production from Organized Noize, DRUGS, and Akon’s DJ Benny Demus amongst others. The club banger “Dun-Ez” was featured on the score and soundtrack of the MTV Original Movie: “My Super Psycho Sweet Sixteen”. Adrift’s underground hit “Can U Feel It” has become infectious on the national underground Hip Hop scene since her unforgettable performance of the hit while opening for Rakim at the 2009 Atlanta based A3C Festival.

Adrift is currently completing her much anticipated EP, #DNA (DRUGS n ADRIFT), which will feature exclusive production by DRUGS. #DNA is scheduled for release in June 2011. DMG Management is part of the Damu Music Group which specializes in monetizing indie artist talent and bridging the gap between current reality and future possibilities.

DMG Management is excited to present our new roster of amazing and talented artists and is looking forward to continued success in enhancing the Hip Hop culture on the global music scene.

###

MARCH 13th CLOUD IX - DRIFTEEE

You need to know: Adrift Da Belle

During my interview with Empress Journee and Bish of Bangnat Radio we discussed my favorite tracks from Garden State Parkway, being a female MC in ATL and mature love...click the play button above to listen.

Adrift Da Belle Ft. Methuzulah "Cheba Cheba"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 8, 2010

***

CHEBA CHEBA (ft. METHUZULAH) MUSIC VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

***

One of Ray Murray’s (Organized Noize/Dungeon Family) Dungeoneze apprentices; Adrift Da Belle, announces the official video for Cheba Cheba (ft. Methuzulah) is now available online. Cheba Cheba is the second single from Adrift’ sophomore album Garden State Parkway (released 3/2010).

Atlanta, GA, October 8, 2010 – Adrift Da Belle (THE OTHER FEMALE MC) prepares for the release of a candid, music video for the ATL underground smash hit Cheba Cheba. Cheba, the song, features Hip Hop veteran Methuzulah (formerly Mojo Swagger) and production by Illastrate. Cheba, the video, shows a lighter side of the ATL Underground Hip Hop community with humorous cameos from some of Atlanta’s most popular indie artists. Both artists hold their own on the track, reminding naysayers of how true to their artistry they are, while visually making light of themselves for viewer entertainment.

YouTube (the first link is HD)

Adrift Da Belle feat. Methuzulah - "Cheba Cheba" Music Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW7Ox7fJo8Y

Per Adrift, she and director Will Feagins, Jr. (of High Impact Multimedia) did not want to create another predictable rap video. “The entire project [Garden State Parkway (The Album)] is different. I’m not a typical Hip Hop Artist and I wanted the video to reflect that. I didn’t want to ride down the street in my car or rap into the camera. I wanted ATL underground fans to see how much we enjoy our craft and appreciate their support. I didn’t want to give them the typical hip hop video fare…riding in my car, rapping into the camera.”

Cheba Cheba’s release comes as a natural progression for Adrift. The “GARDEN STATE GREAT” successfully released her sophomore album earlier this year and its first single Can U Feel It garnered critical acclaim. Cheba Cheba, its second single, begin to grow wings early this summer when it after being featured on several mixtapes and indie radio shows such as DJ Rasta Root’s Face Off Friday Promo Mix and Jayforce’s Beats and Lyrics Radio Show. Garden State Parkway (The Album) is currently available on ITunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, Zune and other Internet music retailers.

Adrift Da Belle is an Atlanta based Indie Artist and Dungeoneze member. She is known to most underground ATL Hip Hop heads as Driftee. Adrift was born in Georgia and raised in East Orange/Newark, New Jersey. Since her arrival Adrift has established herself as a musical force to be reckoned with. Adrift’s best known for her passionate performances, distinctly sweet voice, and clever wordplay.

Contact Information

Eljay Williams, Manager

P: 404.512.0220

E: thenewcontent@gmail.com

E: adriftdabelle@gmail.com