TL Cross - Audience (Official Video)

Check out the latest video from awesome talent TL Cross. Dope video dope concept. I believe this will be an international hit. I know the world will feel the same.

Darq - Back To Risk It All (Official Chuck Platinum Album Review)

I have a special invested interest in MC's (not rappers), but emcees from The BX. One of the most important reasons of course is because I myself am a Bronx native, but another because although The BX is where it all started unfortunately for many years we have been overshadowed in the industry because of politics and label hierarchy or whatever you want to put your favorite lame excuse here ( ) either way there are plenty of rappers that deserve to be heard which leads me to this current album review for the BX's own super talented artist Darq.

So let's take it back a couple of years ago. I first officially got to know Darq through mutual acquaintances and I didn't really get to hear his music. Anyone that knows me knows that for me to really check something out it has to be co signed by another talented artist because usually most artists run together. I had begun to see Darq at several shows and showcases and what really got me locked in was his performances. He was a very passionate artist and I really enjoyed his stage presence so I decided to check out his first project Risking It All Willingly which was a very very solid project and immediately I became a fan and made it my duty to build a relationship with this talented brother.

Fast forward it is now 2013 and Darq is now a multiple award winner and has been co-signed by many top industry heads in the underground market and what better way to capitalize off that momentum by releasing another stellar project which is titled Back To Risk It All. Overall the production on the album is great. The production is a big stand out from the production from the previous project. You can tell that Darq took his time and looked for the perfect back drops to satisfy his listeners with the emotion that was put forth into this project. What also stands out on this album is the near perfect sequencing. Sequencing is something that a lot of people in the game do not master, but song placement on an album is the most important part of making a record besides the mastering.

The album opens up with the track "Save Me" and the first voice you hear on the track is songstress signed to RAW Entertaiment Amy Davis who is also on the stellar title track of the last album R.A.W. It continues with Darq explains why he is back to risk it all. This track also has a strong feature by the homie G. Fisher (Murder G. Wrote) who delivered a dope 16 on this well produced track. If you know Darq you know that he is not an advocate for pop music, but the next track "Doin'It" feat. Naza & D Dave could be an easy single if he wanted to go in that direction. Of course favorites like "Get A Win" featuring Mr. Gat was HUGE as a promotional single and a dynamic collaboration with REAL on "Never Enough" was a brilliant move to release these two songs while still promoting his first project which kept the ears fresh with new Darq music as we patiently awaited this new release.

My favorite track hands down on this project is "Cross Them Off The List" this track is fire! Knowlege created a backdrop I could actually see Hov as a guest on this song and he is spitting one of the realest raps I have heard in a while. I am sure that this was inspired by some inside things going on that happens between friends that turn foe. What also makes this track so fire is the chess references. How can you lose when you have a whole 16 dedicated telling people how you are going to checkmate them from beginning to end in a metaphoric way that parallels a chess game with life. With lyrics like Life like a chessboard make the wise move /Don't let it be a dumb choice causing you to lose/ The queen protect king so king can claim rule /And scream out murda everytime he check you FIRE and the rest of the verse just flows like that all the way through! True lyricism!

Other favorite tracks on the album are Running Out Of Time, Welcome Aboard, and the dope track Hello which was produced by Music Mystro. I also was feeling the track Crazy Place which was also produced by Knowlege who produced 6 songs on this project which features Rsonist of the Heatmakerz & Sinsay.

As far as the rating is concerned I give this project a 4. The lyrics are there with great production and great features. I still think that as an artist Darq is still in his comfort zone and that he needs to reach in a little deeper so that he can break out into the national market. He has to find a balance between the mainstream and the underground because by the sounds of this project it sounds like production wise he was experimenting with more mainstream sounds which is a great balance, but I think the fans would love to hear Darq lighten up a little bit and put some more personal emotion in his project, but I guess with the room he has to grow we can expect that emotion to be put forth on his debut album.

Back To Risk It All will be available on iTunes in the 1st qtr 2013. You can look forward to Darq performing in several regions next year! In the meantime you can check out his first project R.A.W. available now!

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Watch the epic 2012 All Star Music Award Winning Video

Flow Water (Instrumental) Produced By Chuck Platinum

My latest work of art enjoy and comment. If you want to purchase exclusive beats please email chuckplatinumbeats@gmail.com serious inquiries only. Also mix and master services

Chuck Platinum's Message Of The Day (Video)

G. Fisher - Murder G Wrote (Chuck Platinum Review)

So originally when I was asked to review this album ( I can't even really call this a mixtape) I was going to give you the whole number to number run down of what I thought about the tracks individually, but I am not going to do that this time first of all I am going to give you what I love about the album and make it a little fun so I am going to break down my favorite songs and why and then I am going to give you a conclusion and a rating.

The overall production of the album is superb big shouts to Mike Spits over at EQ Studios which I have gotten a chance to visit recently. So I took an initial listen then I lit up a nice blunt and started to get into the mind of the man that is called G. Fisher who is the son of the original owner of the famed Apollo Theater Guy Fisher Sr. I had a pleasure of working with this brother last year on my own project and to see his professionalism in the booth I have heard different material from him before, but this time I was being blessed with a full body of work.


So let's start out with my absolute favorite track on the album "Mission Impossible" (prod. by Big Boy Trakz) this track from the intro it is very very smooth and the production is super big I love how this track comes in it took me back to the first time I heard Politics As Usual by Jay-Z and I was wondering who did that beat then I heard Fisher come in with some smooth lyrics that was reminiscent of "Can I live" when you hear this track it makes very much sense as to why this was the first choice to be picked in the beginning it's a track that is the full package.


There was a pattern of production going on that stood out to me on this project and I kind of figured out when I heard "Money Is King" (prod. by Big Boy Trakz) this track is some true street music. Almost every rapper has their gettin' money rap bravado, but what makes this track different is the fact that this track embodies what it means to have money and why it is so important in our society and what effect it takes on our communities. How the power of finance affects us on all levels from poverty stricken to the richest billionaires. The backdrop to this track makes so much sense as to why Money Is King this track is definitely another rewinder.


People have problem with New York rappers rapping over trap beats, but I have come to think that NY rappers actually sound very decent on trap beats when they are not trying to emulate what the south is doing on their track. On "Rap Game Needs" Fisher boasts I'm so cool in my blue suede shoes/ I made moves then my moves made moves/ My whole crew spray tools when that pressure ensues/ Better pray to Je-sus that I don't catch you in Suez these are the kind of bars that had me check Fisher out in the first place. With another heater by Big Boy Trakz this is what trap star music is about.


Other tracks like "Psycho", Bulletproof & Summer School featuring another talent BX artist coming up in the game Elus has the two rappers going back and forth schooling these emcees why they have to show respect to the new and up and coming talent coming out of NY. Bulletproof took that Z100 track and made it into a dope hip hop track courtesy once again of Big Boy Trakz gives Fisher the perfect easel to paint a vivid picture of real street activity and why he is still here today to make great music for you


Calling up some heavy hitter producers such as Dax, Music Mystro, & Unknown to round out the big production duties on Murder G wrote on tracks like "Runaway" "Hood Stories" & "Da Bizness" feat. Naza Da Great gives this mixtape the ground to stand up and compete with most of these mainstream mixtapes that are coming out right now. You can tell that G. Fisher took his time in making this music and he was careful with the production that he picked out for this project which brings me to the track I wanted to save for last which is "Gotta Feel This" I really respect D-Dave as an up and comer in the game and he really stole the show with this collaboration which is very difficult to do when Fisher is at the helm, but this track was able to do something that artists get maybe one or two good tracks in their career to do especially in the indie market and that's a track that can bring out the best in you and G. Fisher & D-Dave give a heartfelt rendition of lies, trying to find yourself, fake friends and success on this epic collaboration.


I would give this project a 4 out of 5 and the only thing that kept it from getting it a 5 is the fact that he gave this away for free. This is the kind of music that the public is waiting to hear and needs in rotation. If you are going to make street music then the music has to be believable to me. A lot of street music sounds too much, but with Murda G Wrote you are getting unapologetic real street music with a combination of dope beats, superior lyricism and a nice sequence for you to ride out to. I would definitely recommend this tape to all of my fans.

-Chuck Platinum



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So Free

I feel so so free. I don't think I have ever felt this free in my life. I am definitely blessed. I have wonderful careers, fantastic bright children, great health, and a wonderful family to match what more can a brother ask for. I am learning to become even more humble and more grateful for the things that are happening to me because it all has been met with some sort of struggle. This was an absolute beautiful summer nothing crazy happened, but everything crazy happened that probably doesn't make sense or maybe it does, but it has been a wonderful summer. I learned a lot about my patience and who I am as a person and what I would like to be to the world. I don't think people really think about that much. After you figure out what you want to be for yourself you have to figure out what would you like to be to the world and when you determine that you begin this process...a growth process that you can not turn back from once you go in this direction. A lot of people give up before they even begin the process because things do get a little hard. If you have some mess that you need to deal with and you have to clean up some things it's going to happen. Once you can face that with ease then everything else just becomes a stepping stone and a learning experience. The key word is discipline. Discipline can go a long way when you learn about how much self control you have. Self control adds value to your life because you begin to hold yourself accountable for your actions. You begin to learn that whatever is happening today is a result of the things that you decided on yesterday. It puts a new meaning to "You reap what you sow." I would say that I am reaping benefits of some great decisions, but it did come with some storms. I had to really humble myself in times where I could have been totally humiliated, but instead stayed head strong and faced things head on and it was hard. Sometimes I cried, or I would get angry and just had no choice, but to go through it. Once you get through it though? everything else becomes a breeze. The mistakes that we make are not permanent unless it is against the law and depending on how detrimental it is you can still do the right thing even when your past didn't permit it. A lot of times we don't succeed because we live in regret of who we once were or maybe we still are and wanting to be better. There is no reason to feel guilty for things that may have gone wrong in the past, but when you can forgive yourself and move forward in an honest direction? What will the things someone thinks of you matter? When will an opinion matter? When will growing and moving on be something that will become a part of your everyday? When I made that decision my life changed drastically. I am still learning and growing, but I am certainly proud of the man I am today and I will continue to keep my eyes, ears, mind and heart open to all the possibilities life has to offer. We only have one life and no one can dictate the direction of where your life is going. We choose to accept the things that come to us. Most of the time we can not control the circumstance anyway so we will just have to deal with it. Be free. Be YOU.

The Overcoming (Peace Of Mind)

Today May 26th, 2012 marks 4 years since I made a life changing decision to leave California and come back to NYC. I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was the worst memorial day weekend that I have ever experienced in my life. Back then I felt really lost, alone, confused I didn't know what to do. It felt like my world was just caving in on me. Everything that I had built in the last 2 years of my marriage was just going down the drain and although I wanted to stick it out I felt like I had given everything I had. I got on the road in my car and drove 3000 miles back home on faith and didn't look back. I remember feeling hurt and ashamed because I felt like I had failed God by abandoning my marriage, but I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do. I was basically living out of my car and thanks to my brother Duce who literally begged his mom to give me a place to stay it was a while before I could even settle in and get myself together. Ever since being homeless I have had several occasions where I had to beat the odds and get myself back on track and it was not an easy step. I decided that I was going to get my CDL and make sure that whatever decision I made that I will always have job security and I had given up my car so that I could live below my means and work towards my dream. It wasn't easy giving up my baby because anybody that knows me knows that I didn't do public transportation I had always had a car since I was 16 years old, but I knew deep down inside that if being in music was what I really wanted and if I was going to be in it I would have to take it seriously and sacrifice certain things so that I can get to the big picture. After I made that decision I had worked several little jobs over the years and also got my driving experience up working at Greyhound while at night I worked to build my name back up in a city where new young cats were coming up and doing things in the underground circuit. I had to humble myself and say the prodigy you once were because you had left your city you would have to come back and prove yourself once again. So I stayed quiet. I put my hat on and got into something that I never thought that I would do and that was radio. Going into radio had to be one of the best decisions I made in my career because it allowed me to meet people and gain access to places that as a rapper I probably wouldn't have gotten in those doors as fast so it was a blessing. Now we are here 4 years later and so much has changed for me. I had worked at 2 great radio stations, interviewed so many legends in the game, helped numerous artist in their career get their music exposed, traveled, had a beautiful son, got blessed with an international coffee business and everything God lined up for me. Today I realize that I was meant to be here and all of these things were meant to happen to me ever since my accident back in 2005. God changed me a lot he put me in a place where I had to struggle so I can really appreciate the blessings that he has given me. The overcoming is the best part of the journey. Overcoming obstacles makes us stronger, it builds a backbone and rounds out our character. If we lived life with no struggle then there would be either no reason to celebrate or we would be celebrating in vain. It has humbled me so much and has given me a purpose in life to succeed. Before 2005 I was just doing things because I knew I could and I felt like I could be great at anything I do, but today lies a man that has a big purpose to be able to continue building a legacy for my children. When I die I want people to remember me as someone who was always willing to help and make sure that they were good because thats whats in my heart. I totally embrace overcoming my struggles and I have so far to go, but the journey and the lessons are unreal. I have become smarter and are making smarter, sharper decisions and I am not afraid anymore to speak my truth. It feels great to be comfortable in your own skin that whether a person likes you or not they have to respect you for who you are. Never be afraid of the new. Never be afraid of change and NEVER be ashamed of the struggle. Overcoming is a blessing from God to humble ourselves so that we can give and inspire others to be. What a beautiful journey. I am so blessed!

Dope art by director Linette Lucas

Dope art by a good friend and supporter director Linette Lucas. If you need that new edge hit her up on twitter @ll_creations or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/lucaslinette

Craze A 730 feat. Lady Lyric & Charlie Clips - We Run This (Video)

This is a new one from the homie 2011 UMA Best Male Rapper award winner @CrazeA730 from Lay Em Down Records. He is about to release a highly anticipated mixtape called "Winners Circle" with 2011 UMA DJ Of The Year @NOENYC aka DJ N.O.E. This first visual is directed by next to blow director @millsmiller and features a very talented songstress Lay Em Down's own Lady Lyric @IamLadyLyric and Battle Rap Champ @Charlieclips. Video is high energy as they take it back and forth Jada & Styles P esque. You know I will only share what the streets want to hear. Video features Blokworks own @FREDTHEGODSON. You can catch Craze on Crazy Mob Squad Radio April 25th on http://www.xtreme104fm.com

Warren G interview with Crazy Mob Squad Radio

Last night my comrades and I got to do an exclusive interview (shouts to the Fleet DJs for making that happen) with West Coast all star hip hop icon Warren G. We talked about everything from working with Dre & Snoop, the chronic, coachella and making the new hit record with Jeezy & Ne-yo check out this classic interview. Shouts to DJ Swurv, Music Mystro and the whole CMS & Xtreme fam!

Decisions Decisions

Sometimes I write slow sometimes I write quick! Life is good! It's great that my mind is opening up more and I am dreaming more. Becoming more humble and aware of my surroundings and environment. Of course there have been and still are challenges that I have had to conquer, but when you have the gift of life there is no other way to go, but up. A simple decision can make a big difference in my life and I can admit that in my younger days I didn't make the greatest decisions although I don't regret any of them. No matter what or how many times a person tells you things the bottom line is that the decisions you make are your own. Each and everyday I have to look in the mirror at myself and really get down deep into me and empty out all the trash that's inside lingering. The old thoughts, the feelings, the things that were holding me back and currently holding me back. The journey has been an interesting one and as you get older you realize how things can affect you. Unfortunately for the same reason some people become homeless or when someone is completely unhappy with their lives. I have learned how different cultures do not because they want to, but because they have to. People who have lived in so much poverty that if I give them an opportunity to change their life they won't think about it or not see because they are saying listen if you're saying this is going to help me then show me how to do it so I can be successful. It's truly amazing and I even thought about myself because I have always had a roof over my head, I was always involved in some kind of program or school working so when I think about my own life I realize by reaching back that I am very very blessed. Your decisions are the reasons for all of your situations. Be more conscious of all of your decisions you can slow down and walk and view the world. Recognize the beauty of the world and with people and get more involved in your energy and you will have everything you want

Definite Purpose

For a long time I didn't know what my purpose was. I knew that I was meant to be here, but I didn't understand why I was here or why God made me. Now when you talk to some people they will say "Don't worry about that appreciate life the way it is now." When I think about that though I believe that you must have balance when you are discovering your purpose in life. In my 30 plus years on this planet it has been a very challenging journey. A lot of times I would ignore signs for the sake of being comfortable where I was, but at the same time I would do things that would be successful and be amazed when it was. I was looking up some things about myself and I discovered that everything that I am doing I was meant to do. Now some of you may say well isn't that what we were put here for? The truth is most of us are unaware of that. Its a beautiful feeling when you have those moments of clarity where everything begins to click. I have looked at my adversity and really broke it down to what I did wrong in all instances of my life where I have felt hurt, alone, broken, suicidal (yes suicidal at one point of my life), lost and I had to painfully say what did YOU do to cause these things to happen in your life. It's a very scary reality when you have to look in the mirror and fix yourself. The great thing about life though is you can fix yourself and you can change. When you discover your definite purpose you have something to live for. It doesn't come in the form of a spouse, or a child, or a parent. It comes from within so that you can be the person to be great for everything and everyone that will come into your life and be whatever purpose they are to you at a particular time. Definite purpose is focusing on something and going for it. A burning desire that will not cease no matter how much the world beats you up. A point of acceptance that some things may be good, bad or ugly, but as we continue to develop our minds we find that it starts transforming and becomes different. My life has changed drastically. Even from when I was married to before I was married I have seen so much since then and I haven't even scratched the surface. I am beginning to understand myself and people. I can truly appreciate a person more now that my mind is free and I love it! Whatever you love do it. Don't waste your life trying to figure out if its right, but try it so you can see if its right for you. Grab definite purpose hold it, squeeze it, embrace definite purpose as your best friend so that you can succeed. Life is a beautiful treasure!

Express Your Expression

I guess it would be appropriate to say happy new year? It's been so long since I have blogged, but now that my media situation is currently up to date now I can continue to blog how I like and share things that's on my mind without being limited to 420 characters or even worse 140 characters. The world has become so express. As I type this I realize that express can mean so many things to many different people. Back in the days it took so long for information to travel. You had to get mail delivered by horse then train, then plane & trucks now we have emails and social networking which I think is amazing depending on how you use it. But today I didn't write to give you small talk. I always write when I have specific things going on in my life that deserved a few lines to express some thoughts....the point above though was like the set up...follow me. I have been having a lot of responsibilities put in my lap. I am currently co owner of a fantastic radio broadcasting station (shouts to DaMatrix for everything that was taught to me), people are really starting to recognize my music and I am back to doing what I love which is performing and it feels great to be on stage. I had recently performed in Boston and I must say that I have fallen in love with the Boston music scene. They have a lot of dope artists out there that are really grinding and doing their thing and I look forward to collaborating with a lot of the artist from the Bean! I have also jump started my coffee business and its been received very well and I am very happy about that. When I became a distributor at Organo Gold I knew that the fundamentals of the business made sense, but I really didn't know exactly what to do with it so I always worked the business at a certain pace, but as I turned it up it immediately started taking a life of its own and I see a bright future with this business. 2011 was a great year for me. I had finally stepped out of my comfort zone and added some different things in my portfolio to expand. I had to make some critical decisions about the future last year because I was at the turning point of my career and also at a familiar crossroad of what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. At this very moment I definitely feel like I made the right choices and that makes me very very happy! My latest venture with my partner DJ XXXotic Mami is doing very well. I am so proud of the progress we have made in the last few months and look forward to a bright future with the company. When you leave things in God's hands and not be afraid to achieve a certain level of success more responsibility falls in your lap. I used to wonder why things didn't happen for me, but I see it was because I needed to prepare for these moments that I am embarking on right now. Its a funny process this thing called life because just when we think we got things together and we have everything figured out God comes in and switches it all up and we have to go according to what He wants for us out of our lives. Am I worried about express? No because both meanings have a significant affect on my life. Express is quick and fast and convenient which if we live a high powered life that's how we want our lives to progress and that's exactly how my life is progressing. All green lights all express and moving. Then you have the other meaning of express and I feel like at this moment I am beginning to learn how to express myself and not be afraid of shining because of my talents. Between me and you I used to be ashamed to show my talent because I didn't want to seem like I was trying to be better than anyone, but Thursday showed me that people really love and care about what I do and I should show off and show what I can do so I can help and inspire other people. Definitely a great lesson learned. So the moral of this writing is express yourself always. Never be afraid of expression it is what makes you different and gives the world light of your existence and why you are a part of this world. I thank God for my talent and for now on I will continue to express my talent to the world one fan at a time!