Originally from North Carolina, Ee-De gave up a promising career in basketball to pursue music. He got his big break at a talent showcase held by NME Records in Atlanta. His athleticism is evident in his lively stage performances, which include four dancers and a choreographer. “I act like every show is my last show,” he explains. “As a new artist, you’ve got a lot to prove. I gotta get out there and force people to listen to me.” Recently, while finishing up his first promotional tour, Ee-De put on an impressive performance at TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Record Pool meeting which captured the attention of many DJs in attendance. While Ee-De’s ballads could compete with most A-list R&B singers, he describes his style as “crunk love,” a powerful blend of up-tempo tracks and vocal abilities. “I’ve got a lot of energy, but I know when to calm down,” he laughs. With looks, charisma, and talent, Ee-De could have easily shopped his demo to a major label, but he’s confident that NME Records can bring him to the next level – and vice versa. “With an indie label, there’s more focus, especially here because they really want to win and they take pride in my music,” Ee-De says. NME Records is poised to become the next major independent label out of the South, boasting an impressive combination of financial backing, experienced staff, and a marketing and promotional campaign that rivals many majors. Ee-De’s single, “Let’s Get To it (Krunk Love Song)” has been steadily gaining spins in the Southeast. Look for his debut album to be released regionally in July and nationally in September. – Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com
 

Originally managed under The Beatnuts in New York, Nitty Cane landed a record deal at Loud Records and thought he was on his way to the top. Things were looking bright for the young, gritty rapper, but trouble found him instead. An altercation left him shot nine times, confined to a wheelchair, and incarcerated without a record deal. But Nitty used his time wisely. Not only did he have to learn to walk again with the help of a cane (hence the name), he came out of prison with renewed ambition. “I want nothing but to make shit happen. You don’t have to sell out to make it happen in hip-hop.” Nitty moved South, settling in West Palm Beach, FL, where Triple J took notice of Nitty’s skills and set him up with an audition in front of Scarface for Def Jam South. Nitty’s influences include his grandmother (an internationally-acclaimed tap dancer) and his mother (a popular merengue dancer). But Nitty’s still raw, spitting lines like, “I’m naturally crude / Most times angrily rude.” He started writing as a way to take out his anger and frustration. His “Anger Management” has been featured on the nationwide Slang mixtape, the “West Palm’s Finest” DVD, and has received steady airplay on West Palm’s WMBX. His latest single, “Bang, Bang,” was produced by Terror Squad’s Street Runner and is currently a top 10 staple on WMBX’s Local Love countdown. His buzz extends from West Palm, to Brooklyn, to Alaska. “People are sick of wasting their money on trash. Every record you’ll hear, I’m hungry. I am that person you can trust, but never cross.” – Katerina Perez, Katerina@freshentertainment.net (Photo: JB)