Sacramento hip-hop artist 5th Ave may say he has “99 problems” like Jay-Z, but the difference, he raps, is that he has “infinite options” to outweigh them. This positivity is woven throughout his rhymes, in a fresh, laid back way that isn’t too squeaky-clean. The 24-year-old rapper is the leader of Neighborhood Watch, a collective of seven up-and-coming Sacramento artists. In his mix tape, Coolest Hoods in the City of Trees, he unites with some of these local artists and flows about bills, the consequences of taking pills, and his “dope” rapping skills. A beatnik sound and hip-hop nerd look make 5th Ave evocative of Lupe Fiasco, while his accent, closer to New York than Northern California, evokes Q-tip. His sexy voice and beats sound underground, but the smoothness and perfection of his tracks suggest that he should make be, as he says, “close to spectacular” in no time.
Vanessa Labi of Urb Magazine
'NO MORE HEROES' OUT NOW!!!
Liner Notes:
It may be true what they say – that being a big fish in Sacramento is
a very small pond situation – but 5th Ave, veteran capital city emcee,
takes it in stride the way he tends to most things. And considering
the accomplishments tucked under his belt, it isn't too hard to
understand what keeps him on a pretty easy tread (his rabid
word-murdering not withstanding). In a few scant years the intensely
self-motivated 5th parlayed considerable notoriety as a top-contender
for the nationally competitive city slam team into a music career
that's seen him co-found the all-star artist collective The
Neighborhood Watch (handling most of their initial road and business
duties by himself), rock shows more often than your dad takes out the
trash, AND share the stage with the likes of NaS, Pete Rock, Little Brother, Killah Priest of Wu-Tang, Dj Qbert, Planet Asia, 2 Live Crew, Pigeon John, and C-Rayz Walz. So, y'know, it may not be a major market or anything, but the young man
ain't exactly suffering from it, far as we can tell over here.
Let's pause. 'Cuz something's missing, right? I mean, where's the
bragging? Where's the boasting? Where's the "women wanna fuck me"
and "y'all can't see me" and "i'm takin' over"?
Where's the ignorant shit we like?
Sorry. He's probably busy grinding right now - possibly helping set
up another show, or working 40+ hours a week on some
grown-ass-man-who-pays-his-bills-on-time business. Or maybe helping
younger Sacramento artists develop their sound with some precious,
free studio time. Could be he's just pressed fresh copies of his
critically lauded, Sacramento showcase mixtape "The Coolest Hoods In
The City of Trees" and is out hand-to-handing them by his lonesome.
Hell, duke may even be out doing something truly unique in this game –
challenging himself with some good ol' fashion reading.
But whatever he's doing, he's doing it for the love of the craft. For
5th Ave, hip-hop is a discipline – something to be lived, manifested
in every step. It's something to help build, hence his
community-based approach, and not just be selfishly consumed.
So let's review: A ridiculous work ethic + quick-witted wordsmithery
+ community consciousness + experience assembling and micromanaging an
entire organization + a performance resume that stretches up and down
Northern California?
Now, we don't like recklessly throwing the phrase "one-man movement"
around in these parts…
…But I'll be damned if I have any idea how else to finish that sentence.
David Scott
The Coolest Hoods in The City of Trees Mixtape vol.1 is available now. The mixtape features Sacramento's finest: Dahlak, State Cap, Plush Lush, Random Abiladeze, Mainetain, Mahtie Bush, J-Freeze, Mr. E, Jo-El of L.O.G., and more... With original production by Adam Bomb, Jon Reyes, Nicatyne, Dj Oasis, Rockit Productions, Mahtie Bush and more...
Disclaimer: 5th Ave does not endorse or promote the use of the word "crackkk" in reference to his first release "The Coolest Hoods..." However, if one was to refer to this body of art as crack, piff, dope, marijuana, heroin or pcp he would feel honored.
"It's like taking a trip with a pack of art-loving, blunt-smoking, beatnik comedians." Josh Fernandez (SN & R)
Smallz & J-Bloodsaw Album release CONCERT! At The cosmic cafe 524 main street placerville ca, 95667 saturday December 26th from 7:30 PM-2:00AM Come Join the party! album $10
Album Title: Double Or Nothin' Album Release Date: 12-26-09 Album Features: T-Nutty, Magik, AMH, Double HC, Lush, Tycoon Mr.E & Sanova) Be Sure To Cop It!
And listin to the singe on my profile "Double Or nothin(Rough Draft)
(click the itunes link below to Purchase my album) Smallz
check out the add for our sandbar show this friday @ the sandbar on our
page sponsored by 98 rock! Have free tickets to get you in free of
charge or swing me names and I'll put you on the guest list! hope to
see you there! also check out the new song my shoes ft. J-freeze
Maguyver and Express, let me know what you think!
We have two big shows coming up this Holiday weekend! First we have a
21 and up show put on by 98 rock @ the Sandbar in Citrus Heights from
9-10 on friday! Give us names of who you think can come and we will put
you on the guest list so you can get in free of charge! Then on
Saturday we have the battle of the bands @ Club Retro! This is an All
ages show and we need all the support we can get! Hit us up for tickets
only 8 dollars! Thanks to all and have a yahtzee of a Holiday! ..
TGIF! Hope that all is well in your world on this fabulous Friday!
Please take a peek at the updated WEDDING PRICES just posted in my blog when you have a free moment. Feel free to pass along any contact info to people you know who may need any genre of photo services!
Just dropping a line to friends I havent checked on in a minute. Hope all Is well. You know me I'm still doin the same old shit, getting ready to drop this New EP. Peep the First video off the joint. Its Called "Fire in the Sky"
PICK UP A COPY, VIEW ONLINE OR SUBSCRIBE AND WE WILL MAIL TO YOU:
PICK UP COPY OR SUBSCRIBE BY E-MAILING US! WE WILL LET YOU KNOW NEAREST LOCATION TO PICK UP OR YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR MAILING ADDRESS. ONLY $9.99 A YEAR TO SUBSCRIBE!
Come see SMALLZ this friday, headlining at the cosmic cafe! Featuring: Magik, J-bloodsaw, Amh, Double hc, Madness, D.a., Djb, Dj namelss faceless & Random Abilities! Holloween PARTY/Concert! Dont forget to wear your costumes! $5 at the door $4 at the door (If Suited In Costume!) Tell all your friends!
Location: Cosmic Cafe 594 Main Street Placerville CA, 95667 8Pm-2Am
(click the itunes link below to Purchase my album) Smallz
See you doing big things out there in sac town just wanna to show love in the release of the album know im kinda late but work got me pressed for time but i fit music in where i can feel like im clark kent living to lives lol but word up on the album and all the success wish noting but more for you always ZYON
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