Thursday, January 13

Russell Simmons Talks New Book, Oprah, and Practicing Yoga With Diddy (Forbes Video)


Earlier this week Zack O'Malley, from The Beat Report on Forbes.com, interviewed mogul Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records and creator of Phat Farm clothing, about his new book Super Rich. Check out the video below to hear Uncle Rush’s thoughts on writing, business, Oprah, and practicing yoga with fellow hip-hop impresarios.
For more on the business of music, check out his new book Empire State of Mind: How Jay-Z Went From Street Corner to Corner Office. You can also follow Zack on Twitter @zogblog.

Tuesday, January 11

THE CAPICOLA BROTHERS




Biography


New Jersey has certainly been in the spotlight these days and it hasn’t always been in a favorable manor.  But the garden state’s hottest dance duo certainly shines through the fist pumping crowds with their amazing talent.  This latest music sensation is none other than The Capicola Brothers.  Nicky and Carmine Capicola are the result of what happens if you take great musical talent, dynamic dance moves, good looks, sophistication and mix it into a big pot like you’re making a Sunday gravy.   
Carmine was born November 11, 1986 and is the older of the two.  Connie Capicola gave birth to Carmine on the boat on their way to America to start a better life.  When people talk about being off the boat, Carmine is certainly the real deal.  Originally from the tough streets of Naples, The Capicola’s settled in Nutley NJ where they would find many other Italians in search of the American dream.  
Nicky came into this world 4 years later and both brothers began to show their gift of music at an early age.  By 8 years old Carmine was already proficient with many instruments such as the accordion, guitar, recorder and kazoo just to name a few.  At the young age of 4 Nicky already knew the words to every Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Louie Prima song ever written and would perform at family gatherings.  It was then that their parents, Antonio and Connie Capicola, knew they needed to guide their sons on a path to success.  They didn’t quite have enough members to be the next Jackson 5 but they were certainly on their way to be the first Italian 2.  
Since their childhood, Nicky and Carmine competed in many local and national competitions.  As a freshman in high school Nicky had already won the Golden Nut, which is Nutley’s prestigious award given to the winner of the singing competition held every year at the Holy Family Italian feast.  Carmine was offered a full scholarship to The Julliard School of Music but turned it down to stay close to home and work with his father as a union delegate.  But that certainly didn’t stop him from continuing to pursue his talents in music.  
Today The Capicola Brothers have a state of the art recording studio filled with the latest in dolby sound and HiFi equipment.  These Nutley natives are constantly hard at work writing and producing hit records that are sure to be hitting the airwaves in the near future.  They just recently signed a record deal with Smack Water Music, which is a well established record label distributed by Universal Records.  Their first song titled “Come to Me” will be released January 2011 and a full length album will be soon to follow.  
To stay informed on all the latest news from this meat packing pair be sure to go to www.TheCapicolaBrothers.com or find them on Facebook.  For bookings and appearances please contact their manager Melvin “the red viper”  Price  at info@thecapicolabrothers.com.