The wait is over fam. I am finally ready to unleash my first mix-tape since 2008..... Wow I can't believe it has been that long. Don't think Halsted is sliipping though, I dropped alot of new music in 2009 and I have already dropped about 3 records in 2010. I dropped so many dope records in 2009 that many of my people that hit me on fb and twitter are always surprised when they come across a gem that they may have missed. The only person that I think may have actually heard EVERY record I dropped last year was my man Andrew Barber at Fake Shore Drive . My guy Drewski is truly a music lover and stays current on everything that Chicago artist have going on. In 2009 I have done a few "Closed Session" projects with Ruby Hornet, collaborated with artists like Rhymefest, Juice, Twone Gabz, Marvo, Skooda Chose, Big Pooh, Truck North, Kamilah Sumner, Mic Terror, Naledge, Scheme, Sly Polaroid, Freddie Gibbs (GI) and most recently Khari Lemuel and Ari for a Haiti benefit project with DJ Booth.
I decided to title my new mix-tape "The Best You nEver Heard", because I feel that so many people are still sleeping. I read one blog where a guy commented that he was surprised that my music was good and that he had never listened because the name "Mikkey" sounded like a tight pants wearing hipster. I really feel that this mix-tape will showcase all of the work I have been putting in and give new people the opportunity to listen to a full body of work. DJ Toure Stylz is mixing the project and he has it sounding amazing. The homey DJ Pappa Smirf has been inst instrumental in providing input along the way.
The release party for "The Best You nEver Heard" is going to be incredible. Many of the artist I named above that I collaborated with will be in the building to celebrate with me. We will also have a producer battle for all of the dope up and coming producers in the city and a showcase by several of my favorite producers in the city. I feel that it is important to highlight the guys that have been really putting in work and provide a forum for the up and coming artists and producers. Below are the rules and the process if you would like to enter the Producer Battle.
Rule #1 DON'T BE WACK. If you know you're tracks aren't ready don't take a slot from a guy who has been honing his craft and is ready for an opportunity.
Rule #2 Send 2 tracks (mp3's only) to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it along with your name and phone number. The subject of your e-mail should be "Producer Battle entry". All potential contestants are required to be at the venue no later than 9:45. All entry's must be in by 2pm on 2/10 for consideration. The event host will call out the names of the 16 contestants, if someone is not there an alternate will be called. If you are an MC or singer you are encouraged to be there early as well. Rappers and singers might get called up to participate during the beat battle in an effort to judge flowability.
Rule #3 Bring a CD with at least 8 tracks on it along with your name clearly written
- There will be 16 slots and 4 rounds of competition.
- Contestants will be judged from crowd reaction. It is advised that you bring out some people that know you are HOT, have loud voices and clap LOUDDD!!
- The winner will receive the following: A write up on Fake Shore Drive, Opportunity at being a closed session producer for a Ruby Hornet session, A collaboration with Mikkey Halsted, 4 free hours of studio time and a $25 gift card to a Chicago boutique + more.
THE EVENT IS 18+ COME OUT AND ENJOY THE SHOW AND GET A FREE COPY OF THE MIX-TAPE WITH YOUR ENTRY.
Shout out to all of my sponsors and partners: Ruby Hornet, 4Management, DJbooth.net, DJ Moon Dawg, Dave Jeff (PHLI), LDRS, Fake Shore Drive, Sound Scape Studios, Sole Mates/Sir & Madam clothing, DJ Moe, DJ Toure Stylz, Toussaint Werner, Big Wiz, Sound Scape Studios.
