Mikkey Halsted

I recently had the chance to perform for 800 youth at the 2nd annual The Safety Networks Youth

Town Hall Meeting, which is an Illinois Department of Human Services initiative meant to address

youth violence. There were shorty's from all around the state of Illinois and Chicago neighborhoods

with high incidents of violence including, Englewood, Roseland, Auburn-Gresham, Humboldt Park,

Little Village and others. It was great to see so many young people come out on a Saturday to talk about

what kind of things they can do help make things better for their communities. As we know gun violence

and youth violence are negatively impacting too many young people across the US, and Chicago has been

all overthe news for too many  incidents of violence. 

      

After the youth handled their business and had their voices heard by representatives from CLTV (Garad Mc Clendon),

Fox news, ABC and NBC, the big homey Twista and I treated them to a little bit of entertainment to conclude

the afternoon.  I was glad to see so many in the audience relate to some of my songs with heavy social messages like

"Liquor Store" and "You're Gone". Big ups to Xavier Williams from The Safety Networks and Javin Foreman of 4Management,

who were responsible for coordinating this event. The homey's DJ Toure and DJ Timbuk2 also kept the crowd charged up

with all of the current hits. Not only was this a great positive event, but The Safety Networks raffled off 35 lap-tops and

gave away 300 mp3 players.  As I said to the shorty's in attendance we have to stop waiting on other people to come in our

communities and solve our issues, we must roll our sleeves up and work together to find solutions.

   

 

 

Much Love,

 

 

MH

"Those That Know...Know"

 

 

If you haven't made it out to the freshest monthly hip-hop event in the mid-west then let me show you what you are missing. If you like a diverse crowd, good hip-hop and an exclusive venue, then you'll love "The Fresh Produce Beat Battle".

Check it out. There are still a few slots left for producers to jump down. Get all of the entry details in the post below. If you are an artist send your single over to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the Subject "Fresh Produce single". DJ Toure will be reviewing the entries and playing what he feels is hot.

 

 

The only producer battle that pays you to produce is BACK at you. The March battle was  H E A V Y. Shouts out to the homey Greystorm who pulled it off in the clutch. If you didn't get a chance to see The Legendary Traxster run through his deep catalog, and the classic free-style session with NoTryDo, Me, Big Wiz, Q-Billah, and Twone Gabz, then you have to be in the place this time. This battle promises to be just as exciting check the details below and get your crew ready for The Fresh Produce Producer Battle, as always each rounds winner is judged by crowd response.

The event will be hosted by: NoTryDo SINCERE and Que Billah. There will be a special segment with B-Crucial (Shawna, Ludacris, Bump J, Young Jeezy). Music by DJ Toure and DJ Broadwaystreetz

Registration: To be considered to battle send your phone number and 2 tracks to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Make the subject of your e-mail "Producer Battle Entry". The first 25 producers to submit 2 dope tracks and buy their (13) crew tickets and FP flash drive for $75 will be entered into the battle. You will be contacted to make arrangements on how to pick up your package and given further instructions.   Registered producers can purchase additional crew tickets for $5 (limit 20).

Prizes: The winner will receive a prize pack including $100 CASH, a 250 GB hard drive, blank CD's, 2 hours of studio time from Sound Scape studios and more....

Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Time:  Friday April 23rd  10pm doors, 10:15 producer check-in, 10:30 Producer battle

Door: $7 until 11pm, $10 all night

Venue: Reggie's Rock Club 2105 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60616

FORMAT

- Producers will play 1 track per round, the winner (based on audience response) will advance to the next round. In the event of a tie producers will play a 2nd track.

- Bring at least 10 tracks on the Fresh Produced usb flash drive provided.

There will be opportunities for MC's to participate during the beat battle and producers will be selected for a chance to participate on the Fresh Produce mix-tape, which will be distributed monthly.

If you don't get the chosen to compete this month. Come through anyway. There are opportunities for MC's to spit and producers to get selected as a wild-card producer entry, not to mention great networking opportunities, and a chance to have your single played during the evening.(send your records to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for consideration).

Chicago let's come together, show our talents and build our own industry by supporting each other.

While I was in NYC for a recent "Leaders Of The New Cool" performance I was

able to get it in with the fam at Creative Control. I have known the homey Coodie

and always wanted to get something in with him. That whole trip was like a blur.

I have some really good footage that I am keeping in the archives.

So much great stuff went on that I almost forgot I shot a video. This song

is one of my favorites from "The Best You nEver Heard" mix-tape.

If you've been to one of my shows lately, you've probably 

seen me perform it. Shout out to the homey SC for the track. Enjoy the video. 

 

Mikkey Halsted - Best You nEver Heard (Intro) by Creative Control