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Joe Stern-McGovern: Hail to the King April 28, 2010

Posted by universalartists in Black Flock Gang, Joe Stern McGovern, Shaka Productions.
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www.universalartists.net

Joe Stern-McGovern: Hail to the King

“The King is dead, long live the King,” announces the imperial court crier from yesteryear? No, strangely these words come from the harshest of Joe Stern-McGovern’s critics over the years. Often known as a “Media hound”, the icon, Joe Stern-McGovern, has frequently been cast as the creator of media darlings and would be stars whether warranted or not, making the unknown known overnight and bringing charisma to even the lowliest of knaves. Within the ranks of colleagues and subordinates, his knack for the superlative has often brought criticism from the ranks. This said, within the space of several months, the former rogue agent has been cast in the most revered and benevolent of status with the creation of the charity driven site, http://www.endhivaids.com.

With the tragic death of his oldest child, Kenneth McGovern, who lost his battle with AIDS at the close of 2007, Joe Stern-McGovern became a man with a mission. He chose to pick life over greed and excess, using his talent for verbage with a sprinkle of magic dust to make the world a better place for all of mankind. Uniting with his partner, Shaka of Shaka Productions, the duo set out to create an entity which would collect funds for various charities, some of which include AMFAR, the Children’s Hospital, but primarily the cause of pediatric AIDS through the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, http://www.pedaids.org in honor of Joe Stern-McGovern’s late son.

www.endhivaids.com

Kenneth McGovern, c. 1989

On the site, http://www.endhivaids.com, the charitable consumer can find a wide variety of today’s freshest urban hip hop ala the sounds of dirty south act and ingenues, Black Flock Gang, soon to be found at their chic and unique site, http://www.blackflockgang.com. On the Black Flock Gang site, the consumer will find varied selections from the hottest act to hit the market in years, with numerous links to the http://www.endhivaids.com site. Indeed, fans will be able to purchase not only their singles, but their latest CD compilation, BFG: Anthology, a bold name to say the least for an act only established within the last several years, a title such as one would expect from the master of the grandiose, Joe Stern-McGovern.

BFG

Hood Shuttlesworth of the BFG

The BFG: Anthology site is a project which has roots coast to coast, as the album is produced by renowned genius and master on the wheels of steel, DJ Funk Daddy, http://www.funkdaddy.com. With Seattle producer Funk Daddy’s super touch, the act is rocketed to new heights, and figures to be Joe Stern-McGovern’s one-two thrust into the future of hip hop.

Generally speaking, Black Flock Gang is a group of artists hailing throughout the Deep South, from Houston to Florida and then up to N. Carolina, with its core to be found within the major cities of Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, the oft claimed, “Capital of Crunk”. Its founding members are the FAM Boyz (For all Money), and Dem Hardheadz, blood brothers and masters on the microphone. Together, Hood Shuttlesworth, Facts, Lo, DO, and Pain blaze the path of tomorrow through deft lyrics and accomplished delivery coupled with the element of raw and vibrant intelligence. Yes, the Black Flock Gang might just be Universal Artists, International, Joe Stern-McGovern, and Shaka Production’s crown jewel.

www.universalartists.net

Shaka of Shaka Productions

For further information on Black Flock Gang, please visit the site http://www.blackflockgang.com which is expected to be erected from construction in early June 2010, as well as at the parent site, http://www.universalartists.net, and of course, http://www.endhivaids.com.

Show your own measure of benevolence and charity today by visiting Joe Stern-McGovern’s monument to the human spirit, http://www.endhivaids.com, and its refusal to cave into the tragic and seeminly insurmountable  and purchase a single for mankind and for your own entertainment by the Black Flock Gang, http://www.blackflockgang.com.

For booking the BFG, please contact Universal Artists, International directly on the contact page of http://www.universalartists.net, as well as for press queries, wholesale and retail queries, as well as fan requests.

Joe Stern-McGovern, hail to the King, and good show!

Blake Contreau, Freelance

www.wordpress.com/universalartists

Joe Stern-McGovern Announces: www.endhivaids.com November 7, 2009

Posted by universalartists in A-Dub, Africa, AIDS, BFG, Birmingham Alabama, Black Flock Gang, Booking, Christian Levi, Coalition, Crunk, Dem Hardheadz, Dirty South, DO, Eric Zay, FAM Boy$, Gay and Lesbian, Health, HIV, Hood Shuttlesworth, Investment, Joe McGovern, Joe Stern, Joe Stern McGovern, Los Angeles, Ms Fame, Ms. Kesha Lee, New York City, Obama, Pediatric AIDS, Peter Damian, Pure-Records, Quick Time Studios, San Francisco, Seattle, Shaka Productions, Stern McGovern, The Bionic Rapper, Tokyo, Uncategorized, United Nations, Universal Artists International, Universal Soldier Records, World Health Organization, www.endhivaids.com.
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In the event Joe Stern-McGovern, President of Universal Artists, International, hasn’t made this point clear, in the name of the betterment of mankind, it is his intention to guide UAI into even further ventures of charity through the medium of the arts.

Coming early in 2010, please look for the World Mixtape, brainchild of Joe Stern-McGovern of UAI and Pure-Records of Tokyo fame, as well as various contacts throughout Western Europe. The agency’s coalition of sorts intends to release the mixtape, an American phenomenon which creates not only entertainment for the common man of the streets, but a vehicle for the next generation of hip hop artists to display their wares at an affordable price in the name of world health and the relief of the human condition.

For further clarification of the definition of a mix tape, such as those which helped launch the careers of heavyweights such as Nelly and Ludacris, look for postings which clarify the concept from several of Universal Artists, International’s own top acts such as Mouf Piece of da City, one half of Dem Hardheadz, blood brothers, and the notorious lyricist and frontman, Mr. Hood Shuttlesworth of the FAM Boy$ out of Birmingham, Alabama.

Such concepts, as defined by authentic masters of the game, should help apply validity to Universal Artists, International’s product as one of genuine quality and true to the game. Along with the products defined, our guests to the major charitable site under construction, www.endhivaids.com, will find educational links to help increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, as well as methods of prevention and sites which to donate or participate in the uphill struggle against the disease.

All about Ms. Fame

It's all about Ms. Fame

One feature of particular interest to fans of Universal Artists, International and Shaka Production’s lineup of stars such as Black Flock Gang, A-Dub and Lil’ J, Christian Levi, Ms. Kesha Lee, Nya aka Not ya Average, Black and Haze, Casey Rankin, Funk Daddy, Gallas One, JJ Cruz, Dem Hardheadz, FAM Boy$, The Bionic Rapper, Peter Damian, and the dubious and provocative C4 of Houston fame is the availability of downloads, CDs, merchandise such as apparel, posters, etc. with company logos and the names of your favorite Universal Artists, International and Pure-Records’ favorite artists at reasonable prices, with wide selections, and various proceeds going directly to benefit the duo’s favorite charity’s.

Peter Damian

Peter Damian: The One and Only

Please make sure to track Universal Artists, International’s progress as we continue to use our funds and your www.paypal.com donations to payments@universalartists.net towards the creation of the www.endhivaids.com site which will lead to global efforts to eradicate a wide array of world maladies and injustice through donations meted out according to need, with special consideration given to our personal choice, pediatric AIDS.

For more information, please visit us at www.universalartists.net, www.myspace.com/universalartists, www.youtube.com/universalartistsintl, www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern, www.myspace.com/universalshaka, and www.myspace.com/blackflockgang in addition to our global blog, www.universalartists.wordpress.com.

For any opportunities at your own stab at stardom, please direct your A&R queries directly to the form on our contact page of www.universalartists, or for matters of production, shaka@universalartists.net. For domestic bookings, please call 1(619)757-1301 at our San Diego/LA Metro office, or by writing to blackflockgang@myspace.com. For international bookings, matters of retail or wholesale, or any similar kind, please contact Joe Stern-McGovern’s personal assistant at joesternmcgovern@myspace.com.

www.gallasone.com

Gallas One: UK's Finest via Glasgow

If you are another label or corporation interested in sponsoring Universal Artists, International in our efforts, please write to guy@universalartists.net or info@universalartists.net.

Help support Universal Artists, International (www.universalartists.net) and Pure-Records (www.pure-records.com) with  www.endhivaids.com, the first step towards positive global change and awareness, as well as careful consideration for the social conscience of manking and betterment of society.

Tokyo, Japan

Pure-Records in conjunction with Universal Artists

Smack Talking of the Day: $ Cash Battle $ October 11, 2009

Posted by universalartists in 731, A-Dub, BFG, Birmingham Alabama, Black Flock Gang, Cash Battle, Christian Levi, Crunk, Dem Hardheadz, Dirty South, FAM Boy$, Freestyle, Hood Shuttlesworth, Joe Stern McGovern, Lake County, Lil J, MADD, McDonalds, Ms. Kesha Lee, Rodney Smalls, Shaka Productions, The Bionic Rapper, The Los Angeles Times, Tiptonville, Trap House Coalition, Universal Artists International.
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Facts of the BFG: Let's Do This

Facts of the BFG: Let's Do This

In 1985 or there close within, a young rapper named LL Cool J burst onto the scene with his fresh, innovative, and ultimately brash single, “Rock the Bells” under the label Def Jam. Who could possibly forget such classic lines as, “You bring the woodpecker, I will bring the wood”? Our favorite line from the single, however, would be that of, “I will battle anybody, I don’t care you tell…” And with such a boast, LL reigned supreme for years with Earl, the DJ whose hand was like a shark’s fin on the wheels of steel.

There has been enough smack talking from the likes of many platinum heavyweights to last a lifetime, and frankly, Universal Artists, International and Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of the company, have decided it’s time to call all bluffs, to stop those who would deal from the bottom of the deck, to prove their own worth, and to reign supreme, just as their ancestor, LL Cool J, did in the mid-80s. With an eye towards cornering the rap market by somewhere around 2014, Universal Artists, International has announced to the world, “You think you can touch this, you talkin’ to me, well then let’s cash battle, sucker DJs”*.

Joe Stern-McGovern: A Challenge for Charity

Joe Stern-McGovern: A Challenge for Charity

Beginning January 2010, Universal Artists, International’s heavyweights, Black Flock Gang aka BFG from the self-titled smash CD, BFG, and their oft featured artists, Christian Levi and Ms. Kesha Lee, will set out on the road to battle all comers to prove their dominance in the highly competitive world market. Sucker DJs globally, be prepared to be shut down, to have your mama thoroughly disrespected, to bow your heads in shame, and to wipe those saline tears of miserable failure away as you have your proverbial asses handed to you Dirty South Style courtesy of the BFG.

DO: Ain't No Other

DO: Ain't No Other

Is this a claim on behalf of the notorious, infamous, and supreme BFG that the South trumps east, west, and midwest? Certainly not. Why might one ask? Simply said, with the versatility of the BFG, they consider themselves masters of every variation, bringing due respect and paying homage to each in their own way. Not only will the Black Flock Gang break out in verse to make the hardest of the Eastern seaboard suffer whiplash, they will rock the richter scale until California falls off and into the ocean as the next largest island of the world. If they fail to show restraint, California might entirely become the next Atlantis.

Fans Awaiting the BFG Concert

Fans Awaiting the BFG Concert

Sucker DJs of every realm, bow down in reverence as the kings who came to save the game pass before your mortal eyes. You name the place, you name the date, you name the style, and watch yourselves stepped on like a petulant red ants on a picnic blanket. The BFG will demand nothing short of your full measure of respect. Show them a line and they will cross it in a minute. If you can see them, it’s too late to run.

The Honorable Hood Shuttlesworth

The Honorable Hood Shuttlesworth

“Disciples of soul, godfathers of rap, our rhythm is down as your mama is whack,” claims Japan’s lead envoy for Universal Artists, International. Yes, the BFG have already made their way overseas and leveled the best the Japanese market has to offer in exhibition shows against some of the greatest styles in the manner of Ludacris, Lil’ Jon, Slim Thug, Ice Cube, and even the tattoed poet himself, Lil’ Wayne.

No one can bring the energy of the BFG, no one can match their verbal skills and delivery. The BFG will make a grown man cry to any of the numerous beats by Tiptonville, Tennessee’s own A-Dub, conqueror of crunk and his cohort, 731 joker of Lake County and pop’s answer to the age old question of the chicken and the egg, Lil’ J.

A-Dub & Lil' J: I Been On

A-Dub & Lil' J: I Been On

Is this challenge by Joe Stern-McGovern of Universal Artists, International belligerent? Not at all, it simply underscores the supremacy and dominance of the BFG for any of the unenlightened, ill spoken, disrespectful, or simply “act a fool” MC. Like Hammer said in his time, “Can’t touch this,” and from the likes of Public Enemy, “Don’t believe the hype,” and Vanilla Ice…well, let’s not even go there…

In words of caution from those under the Shaka Productions camp in Birmingham, Alabama, “Man up, fool, check your D, because you’re ’bout to feel the fury of the BFG, B!”

In a quote from Joe Stern-McGovern, he summarizes his own take on the legends come to be publicly, collectively, and individually as the BFG,

“You cannot hold down the human spirit any easier than you can surpress the intellect. Give it some time, and it’s certain to rise to the surface and beyond your wildest dreamsn and expectations”.

When asked about the BFG and their lyrics, methods, and take on life, the company’s President, Joe Stern-McGovern, gave the following response,

“When I was a youth myself, we realized we were doing many sectors and slices of society a disservice, socially and politically speaking. These children were fed on the lies, corruption, and propaganda of forces supposedly larger than themselves, but they’ve risen, risen from the plumes with a message which won’t be swept beneath the carpet.” 

Joe Stern-McGovern: President of Universal Artists, International

Joe Stern-McGovern: President of Universal Artists, International

Joe Stern-McGovern continued to state,

“Their lyrics are a social commentary, a take on their lives in a society which has tried to mold them into what they wanted them to be, pawns and worker ants to the queen, but they have a message to send with their own take on the turn fate has handed them.

If the world, let alone any invidual has taken up issue with the BFG? In a quote from Joe Stern-McGovern,

“Society has made their bed, now they can lie in it. If the powers that be cannot deal with the indignance of the disenfranchised who refuse to be categorized or smothered by sweeping generalizations, let them do better next time, and try harder with future generations”.

Lo of the BFG: The Usual Suspect

Lo of the BFG: The Usual Suspect

In a quote from Joe Stern-McGovern,

“The dye is cast with this lot, and now society will face their full fury, as well as their sometimes poetically beautiful take on the human condition.”

In one word from one journalist, “Wow!”

The black flock gang has arrived, and will continue to reign supreme as long as they care to carry their message, and once having done so in a manner of haughty arrogance coupled with humility, the saviors of the hustle many call rap will pass on the torch to their own sons and daughters for millions to thrill to in future battles. 

Mouf Piece of Da City: In the Penthouse

Mouf Piece of Da City: In the Penthouse

For more information about the Black Flock Gang, please visit them at www.myspace.com/blackflockgang or www.universalartists.net.

To book the BFG, either nationally or internationally, contact Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant at joe@universalartists.net.

For more information on the BFG’s favorite charitable organization, please write to universalartists@myspace.com or blackflockgang@myspace.com.

For information regarding retail distribution or wholesale of BFG CDs and merchandise, please write to payments@universalartists.net.

*All cash battles are for purposes of charity.

Lil’ J: Lake County Joker or Pop Idol? October 4, 2009

Posted by universalartists in Lake County, Lil J, Lil Joseph, McDonalds, Tennessee, Tiptonville.
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I enter the Jemison Flats on 1st Ave. N., a $40 million renovation consisting of 3 buildings combined, one of them being the old Chamber of Commerce Building. Although quite a sum has been invested in the project, it is still surrounded by a notoriously perilous neighborhood just 3 blocks shy of the local downtown Birmingham Police Station. While the building is claimed to be the newest level for the nouveau riche, I’m not impressed. It smacks of a ghostly element, filled with snobs and low intellects attempting to escape their plot in life as largely disenfranchised struggling to break out of the pathetic caste they’ve inherited through genetics and personal ignorance.

I await Lake County’s Lil’ J aka Lil’ Joseph aka AK-47 aka J Glock of the 731, not realizing he’s seated in an ashtray he calls his, “Point A to B ride”, a low profile, souped up Impala. He revs the beast’s engine and I turn to escape the rigid, infamous halls of the Jemison Flats with a gasp of relief. Lil’ J honks the horn jokingly, shouting through the open glass, “Get a step on it”. Clearly, Lil’ J is either Lake County’s joker or the bone thug many portray him to be.

“Look at these hoes outside the Jemison Flats,” Lil’ J kids, “You’d better eat your carrots, silly rabbit, if you want to see these hoes. They’re elusive”.

I can barely decipher his Tennesse venacular, yet I shake my head politely as if to concur with the legend known as Lil’ J. A police squad car pulls alongside the white Impala, and Lil’ J just grins and revs the V6, as if to challenge authority. The officer chuckles, then speeds away. Was it casual disrespect on the part of the police, or fear of the dangers involved in messing with the likes of Lil’ J?

Lil' J: Pop Idol or Pimp?

Lil' J: Pop Idol or Pimp?

We make a turn down 14th and roll towards McDonalds, where there’s a back up of middle class suburbanites frequenting the facilities of this hospital city. The line is a mile long, and it affords this journalist the perfect opportunity to hone in on the real issues facing society today as captured through the eyes of Lil’ J.

“Look at this back up”, Lil’ J mumbles.

“Is this normal?” I ask.

“Yeah, shit, what else is new,”…

I laugh inside at the bravado of this Casper the Ghost like legend, pale as a white sheet, yet filled with the soul worthy of the reverence of any hip hop fan. He spits out a lug of Kodiak chewing tobacco as he ponders the future.

Lil' J: Private Moments

Lil' J: Private Moments

“Yo, you eating your chocolate chip cookie, dawg? I’m only gonna ask you once…”

“Are you threatening me, Lil’ J?”

“I’m warning you. Just real talk…”

“Yes, Lil’ J, I’ll take a large Hi-C, fries, chicken McNuggets off the dollar menu, and 6 chocolate cookies which I promise to share with you.”

“That’s right!” Lil’ J mumbles.

“Lil’ J, please,” I reply.

“Naw dawg, just jerkin’ your chains, so chill.”

How is it this middle class youth of reasonable existence and higher than usual intelligence has come to live a life so tawdry and filled with the drama of a dirty homicide squadron? One can only wonder, but upon reflection, they’re left with the conclusion, Lil’ J is who he is, and there’s nothing that can dislodge or rattle his aura or mentality. We approach the drive-thru speaker.

“Would you like to try our new Angus burger?”

“How do you know I’m not a Vegan?”

“Is that a no?” the worker asks.

“Hell na!!!”

“What would you like today?”

“My man say he take da large Hi-C, four piece McNugget off the dolla menu, fries, 6 chocolate chip…”

“Cookies?”

“That’s right, bitch? Damn, she’s testing my nerves!”

“I can hear you, sir.”

“Good, then get me a double cheese burger with no cheese, no ketchup, no mustard, no beef, ya’ feel me?”

“So you’d like a burger bun?”

“Don’t give me lip, hoe.”

“Is that everything, sir?”

“Damn right, that’s everything, shiiit!”

Lil' J on the mic!

Lil' J on the mic!

I can tell Lil’ J is upset with the cashier’s approach, and Lil’ J complains vehemently about the alleged brow beating. He pulls up to the window, guns the engine over and over again until the cashier gets the point he’s pissed off, he grabs the white bag with the golden arches, then spits some Kodiak onto the ground in full view of the shocked cashier.

“Clean that shit up…”

We drive back to the so called flea bag someone has called the Jemison Flats where I promptly exit the Impala. I thank Lil’ J for his time and the insight as he revs the engine. With my keys in hand, I make a brisk break for it. From behind me, I can hear Lil’ J barking with full bravado.

“That’s right, you better run!”

 

Freethrow Masterson, freelance

Birmingham, Alabama

Freethrow Masterson, Journalist

Freethrow Masterson, Journalist

Lo: FAM Boyz’ Rising Icon September 14, 2009

Posted by universalartists in Uncategorized.
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At the core of every legend there is always some element of truth. In the case of FAM Boy$’ Lo, there’s more than a shred, there’s a foundation made of bedrock, stable and certain to stand the test of time. Armed with poetic yet sharp and stinging lyrics which are capable of disrespecting and shutting down any rival who attempts to share his shine, Lo of the FAM Boy$ is far from a mild mannered Clark Kent. Lo oozes of that star quality to which all talent aspiring for fame and fortune dreams of. A lady’s man, he swoons even the hardest of the hearts. A man’s man, he appeals to the importance of self-respect and the quest for self-control.

Straight out of Birmingham, Alabama, Lo was discovered by Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of Universal Artists, International through the genius we’d come to know as Shaka of Shaka Productions. At the very least, it can be said he’s made his two benefactors proud and propsperous, and he promises to generate revenue and reputation for anyone with the wits and savvy to utilize his talents.

A stallion in Universal Artist, International’s stable, Lo is poised at the gate to bust loose and break for glory. Can you keep pace with this phenom?

Look for more of Lo of FAM Boy$ as Shaka Productions and Joe Stern-McGovern prepare for the sequel launch to the wildly popular and critically acclaimed debut album, “Welcome 2 da Bams”. From the depths of your pocket you will find consumer heaven in the magic of Lo of Birmingham, Alabama’s FAM Boy$ in the very near future.

For more information on Lo of the FAM Boy$, please visit www.universalartists.net or www.myspace.com/universalartists today.

Lo of FAM Boy$: Lady's Man & Icon

Lo of FAM Boy$: Lady's Man & Icon

Preacher Boi: Mouf Piece of Da City September 13, 2009

Posted by universalartists in Uncategorized.
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Word from Universal Artists’ insiders report that Preacher Boi aka Pain aka Mouf Piece of Da City has captured the eye of heavyweights throughout EMI. One half of Dem Hard Headz, Preacher Boi is said to be savvy and high in intellect, as well thoroughly versed in the game. Negotiating on 2 fronts, Joe Stern-McGovern is currently pushing his chess piece to markets throughout East Asia and Europe in an effort to further stimulate movement in the North American market. With Preacher Boi’s future said to come pure as platinum, Hollywood insiders all have an ear to the ground in anticipation of one of the Dirty South’s premier acts to have emerged in the last several years. Look for future activity throughout Atlanta as Preacher Boi and his blood Brother, DO aka The Deacon work their way throughout the circuit at the forefront and beneath the underground in a bid to elevate their compadres, FAM Boy$ of the Black Flock Gang, into a dimension so high it will make even the hardest naysayer’s nose bleed. Photo courtesy of Shaka Productions, Birmingham, Alabama.

Preacher Boi: From Bham to ATL & Back

Preacher Boi: From Bham to ATL & Back