VILLA ROSA Record Release Show
Hosted by MaLLy
Presented by CITY PAGES and FRANK 151
VILLA ROSA
Since 2008, Maria Isa and Muja Messiah have released several tracks together including "Royalty" from Muja Messiah's 2008 release Adventures of BBoy DBoy, "Cruel and Unusual Punishment" off Muja Messiah's 2010 mixtape M-16's, and "Never Let Go" off Maria Isa's 2009 record Street Politics. There's a unique chemistry between the Latin firebrand MC, singer, actor, and activist Maria Isa and Muja Messiah, a veteran of the Minneapolis indie scene who brings a heavy dose of politically incorrect satire laced with humor and narratives of daily life. With Villa Rosa these two artists unite influenced by Spanish lyricism and Latino politicswith hardcore street smarts to a full circle. Villa Rosa's debut Blue Diamond Island will be released in fall 2011 on Black Corners with production from Martin “Doc” McKinney (The Weeknd, Esthero), Benzilla, Mike The Martyr, and DJ Turtleneck. Blue Diamond Island finds the two MC's crafting a sprawling record influenced by Latins rhythms, reggae, left field pop based in hip-hop sensibility.
MUJA MESSIAH and MARIA ISA are VILLA ROSA :: TUMBLR
MUJA MESSIAH
Muja Messiah was named City Pages Best Hip-Hop Artist 2009, Star Tribune's Best Local records 2009, The Onion 's Local Artist of the decade. Muja Messiah was featured on Atmosphere's Strictly Leakage on "Crewed Up", URB Next 100, with "Beautiful" ft. Samahra (Black Blondie). Muja Messiah released MPLS Massacre vol.1. in 2008 with its more hardcore, aggressive tracks including the internet jumps "Amy Winehouse" and M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes". Working with longtime producer Mckinney (The Weeknd / Esthero), armed with new bangers from Che Vicious (Eminem / Lauryn Hill) and advice from Slug and I-Self Devine, Muja Messiah delivered the critically acclaimed Adventures Of A BBoy DBoy. He walks the tightrope between hardcore street anthems, humor laced party joints and political manifestos.
MYSPACE :: FACEBOOK :: TWITTER :: REVERBNATION
The Minneapolis-based MC known for his politically incorrect satire, combines serious comedy and street anthems to create a 'thinking man's' hip-hop. What you won't hear from Muja is politically correct lyrics, but politically charged themes like the powerful anti-Bush anthems "Patriot Act" feat. I-Self Divine and "Give It Up" feat. Black Thought (The Roots). Those themes run throughout, lyrically full of passion for the rap game and love of Minneapolis. As many youth of this generation face the anger at the status quo, through observations of social awareness, coming of age stories, tales of Minneapolis and its unique culture-clash. Muja Messiah has shared stages with The Roots, Slick Rick, dead prez, Common, Ghostface Killa, Rakim, De La Soul, Grandmaster Master Flash, KRS-One, Redman, 50 Cent, Atmosphere, Wale, K'naan, GZA, J*Davey, Camp Lo, Slum Village, The Cool Kids, Clipse and Yelawolf. CMJ, Soundset 08, Yo! The Movement, Twin Cities Hip-Hop Awards, Minnesota Music Awards and Toronto Urban Music Festival.
MARIA ISA
Beginning her arts education at El Arco Iris Center for the Arts in 1992, Maria Isa quickly progressed from the role of student to the role of singer, songwriter, emcee and performer Her 2009 release, Street Politics, has received much critical acclaim. She has been featured on the cover of Twin Cities Metro and City Pages. She is currently shooting indie film Strike One in LA with Danny Treo; then she is headed to Puerto Rico to shoot the documentary We Rock Long Distance with filmmaker Justin Schnell.
MYSPACE :: FACEBOOK :: TWITTER :: REVERBNATION
She has been nominated for a Minnesota Music “Best Hip-Hop Artist” Award, and was recognized as a 2010 Rising Star by the National Hispaña Leadership Institute for her outstanding work with Youthrive on behalf of incarcerated youth throughout the Twin Cities. She has also been honored for her involvement with Peace Jam on behalf of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. She recently received the Best Urban Artist award from Univision 13, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Governor of Minnesota for her outstanding songwriting and contributions to the Latino Community, and a David Laffyette Award for her dedication towards the peace movement through the arts. She has appeared on the International Bazaar stage at the Minnesota State Fair, as Mimi in the musical Rent at the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre and at New York’s BMI Latin Alternative Music Conference showcase. Her music has reached audiences around the world, including Asia and the United Kingdom, Latin America, the United States and Puerto Rico. She has performed alongside Slick Rick, Tego Calderon, Plena Libre, Los Pleneros de La 21, The Roots, Digable Planets, Julio Voltio, Lil Rob, Chingo Bling, La Bruja, Miguel Alegrin, Alice Russel, Bomba Esterio, Brother Ali, The Alkoholiks, Semisonic and Paracumbe, to name a few.
MALAMANYA
Malamanya is a Minneapolis-based group that celebrates the traditional rhythms and melodies of Cuban son, salsa, samba, and the country music of Central and Latin America. Our acoustic driven dance rhythms draw on the organic form of simpler times. Convivial and contagious we bring "el sabor" of times past into the present.
CARNAGE
Terrell Woods A.K.A. Carnage "The Executioner" & Carnage XXXL is widely recognized for his mind-numbing lyrical dexterity, boundless energy on stage, and uncanny ability to compose musical symphonies with his mouth through beat boxing. His unwavering work ethic, kind heart and ability to form a bond with just about any musician both artistically and personally has enabled his steady rise and current success. Carnage has earned him the respect of many of Independent & commercial music's most reputable artists.
MAYDA
4’10 ft and fit to slap some funk and attitude in some pop face! This young Korean American pop artist hails from Minneapolis, MN. After a summer of touring the Midwest, Europe, and South Korea, MAYDA released her second full length album, Tusks in Furs, with the help of world-class drummer, Michael Bland, DJ Chris Neviator, Sonny Thompson, and Tommy Barbarella (Prince, Soul Asylum, Nick Jonas & the Administration).
MIKE THE MARTYR
Minneapolis based MC & Producer. Production credits include artists like AG of DITC, Sadat-X, Termanology, Triple Seis (Formerly Of Terror Squad), Large Amount (D-Block), Slug Of Atmosphere, Muja Messiah & More.
MaLLy
Being invited to play Soundset can act as a barometer of who in the local rap scene is really pushing themselves and their craft forward. Each year a few up-and-coming artists get the chance to rock the same stage as certified legends, and MaLLy not only got the opportunity to play the festival this year, he also witnessed Slug wearing one of his T-shirts during Atmosphere's closing performance. "There's only a few things I could see ever making me cry, but looking at it and just watching it happen, I almost cried," MaLLy recalls.
