The Best Microphones

In this post, we will be going over some of our favorite microphones. If you are a recording artist, these microphones will really up your game!

1. Neumann U87

The Neumann U87 is said to be the industry standard for microphones and has been for years. This is especially true for rap vocalists. The combination of its present mid-range and full body along with its three polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8) make it a great choice for so many recording applications. For rap, lead or background vocals it’s by far one of the biggest champions in the industry.

My go-to mic for rappers is the Neumann U 87. It works for pretty much any lead vocals. It’s the standard and just has that ‘sound’! I never need to do much to it — just plug and go regardless of the preamp.

Eddie Sauncho

The U 87 is probably the most used hip-hop mic in history and for that reason any rapper using it will instantly recognize the sound from their favorite records. It’s able to capture aggression really well, keeping the rawness of the performance intact. Many mics tend to dull out the transients or sound harsh and ess-y, but the U 87 keeps chugging.

IsReal Foster

2. Lauten Audio Eden

The Lauten Audio Eden is said to be very versatile. Just like the above microphone it features multiple polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8), but it also brings to the table a 2-stage pop filter for both kick or vocal. With this mic you also have the ability to select Forward, Neutral, or Gentle with the onboard Multi-voicing switch. This really helps to hone in on the right sound for your rap vocals. It allows you to bring to life either a classic sound or a modern sound.

Lauten Audio Eden is my favorite condenser mic. I love it a lot. I can throw that mic on any of my artists. Big body — when I put it on someone’s vocals, I can get the bigness out of it. The high end is super easy to control. I like the tube feel, and it also has three different settings, so you can get an older feel or newer feel. That’s a very cool feature.”

Jacob “Biz” Morris

The Eden has become my new favorite. Recently my friend and Grammy award winning rapper Lecrae tried out the Eden, which blew his mind. They shot it out against all of the classics: U47s, the Sony 800G, the U 87. It beat out all of them. They used the Eden on his vocals for his last album, which recently sold 500,000 records.

IsRael Foster

Mojave Audio MA-50

The Mojave is perfect for rap vocals by bringing incredible presence and diction. This helps your vocals to cut through on just about any track that you’re working on. Because of the transform-less design of this 3-micron, large-diaphragm, fixed-cardioid condenser it makes it a contender to greater priced alternatives. With the high SPL handling you will not have to deal with distortion even if the vocals are coming through very loudly. This device is on the cheaper side as well.

For those just starting out, I have had great success with the MA-50. For the same reasons I like the U 87, it’s very articulate and has a way of pushing the vocal forward without sounding thin or harsh. Rappers HATE thin-sounding vocals, and the MA-50 keeps the body of the vocal intact very good.”

IsRael Foster

Honorable Mention: Sony C-800G

This mic brings with it a certain status within the genre and it certainly backs it up. So many rappers are quick to say that this is the best mic for rap vocals in their experience. Rappers like Dr. Dre and 50 Cent can be found in interviews talking about this mic.

I like my vocals to sound ‘crystal. I use the Sony C-800G for vocals because it has a clean sound and about 85% of the people that get behind it sound great.

Dr. Dre

We hope this short list is helpful – but remember, always take the time to do your own research and ask around for advice on what is best for your music. Happy shopping!

Other Resources

The Best Recording Software

Tips For Promotion

Shows In Your City

The post Best Mics For Hip Hop Artists appeared first on Afton.

We are very excited to officially release the Afton Summer Mixtape! It is our first ever mixtape that we are releasing as a booking agency. We teamed up with a lot of artists that work with us on the Afton Team. We hope you like it! Below you can check out the 3 featured artists and then below that are all the other artists that are on the Mixtape.

Afton Artists On The Mixtape

Featured Artists

JessieTheGoat

The first artist on our Mixtape is Joshua Neloms who goes by rapper name JessieTheGoat (JTG) for short. He is 25 years old and is from Milwaukee WI. On this Mixtape he contributed the song ‘Doin Too Much’.

Instagram

Twitter

SoundCloud

Mack OC

The second artist on our Mixtape is Mack OC who is from Minneapolis. He contributed the song ‘Jackson Mack’.

Twitter

Instagram

SoundCloud

Manic Phase

The third artist on the Mixtape is Breslin Logan who goes by the artist name Manic Phase. He currently resides in the Los Angeles area but is originally from Ohio. He is contributing the song ‘2’.

Twitter

Instagram

SoundCloud

Other Artists On The Mixtape

Creation

Seattle HipHop/Rap Artist 24 years old Co-Founder of Troublesome 206.

Instagram

SoundCloud

3Letters

Ohio’s own independent rapper, Ali aka “3letters” formed his lyrical talents at a young age. Free-styling at local house parties, local clubs & private venues. He developed his form over time by constantly writing and rapping, and then releasing “Entering the Ring Vol 1” to all major platforms, hoping to one day create a major hit to show his true talent in the Hip Hop community. With that being said, his music is inspired by multiple musicians and lyricists dating back from the early 90s and the late 00’s.

Instagram

SoundCloud

Micstro

Micstro is a Rap Artist/Songwriter based out of Seattle, WA. Micstro is not signed but currently working and recording with B.O.C Music. While expanding his fan base with his unique Hip-Hop blend of energetic fun yet smooth lyrical vibe Micstro is ready to change the music game.

Instagram

YouTube

Von-T

Channing Taylor AKA Von-T is a talented artist from the Atlanta area.

Instagram

SoundCloud

OPA Tay Forye

Hailing out of Milwaukee, WI, new up and coming hip hop artist O.P.A.(One hundred Percent Approved) Tay Forye has been “hip hop genre’s chart topping artist” according to Reverbnation. Check him out on all platforms!

Instagram

SoundCloud

Baki Kasai

“I’m  Jalen Thomas aka “Baki Kasai” , i’m a rapper/producer from Detroit, MI. I’ve been making music since I was about 16 yrs old and I performed my first show at the age of 25. I’ve become addicted to perfecting my craft and I’m gonna share my Track “Go Ghost” with the world.”

Facebook

SoundCloud

King Kid

“King.Kidd here from Dallas, Texas. First launching my professional Artist/Song-Writing career in 2015, I released my first EP Royal Family January 2019 with video We Are Kingz. Currently touring around Texas and working on my 2nd album that will be a 3 part series called “Elevate and Educate”. Royal Family EP is available on all digital platforms.”

YouTube

Facebook

Wolfɇ

Multi-talented in everything from art and game design to sound engineering, Wolfɇ is the perfect example of “you can do anything you set your mind to.” He never planned to be a rapper but his friends at SlaughterHouse Ent. showed him the ropes, starting his career in 2006. Since then, he’s only gotten better, even showing his talents in R&B music with naturally raised vocals. These days he works solo, funding all his work, including radio shows and travel; constantly putting out hits for different tastes, so anyone can enjoy.

Facebook

Soundcloud

Yung Blazer

Young Blazer is an artist from Worcester Massachusetts. Originally Blazer in 2012, he changed his stage name in 2014 after being incarcerated. He was released in June 2017 and has continued making music since his release.

Facebook

Soundcloud

Dru Yates

Dru recently completing his second solo album “The Urban Resume” and is wrapping up his third solo project, “The Memorandum” with 2 new singles scheduled to release in June 2019. Driven by the dreams of success and sheer determination, Dru is moving forward with his musical aspirations and he has no plans of slowing down as he reaches for his goals in the music industry.

Twitter

ReverbNation

NoNameLn

NoNameLn 26, “I grew up all over the U.S. giving my music a vibe from “all coasts” so to speak. I know your going to f**k with this! ENJOY.”

Instagram

Soundcloud

M.u.r.d.a. Blanka

Worldly-wise East Saint Louis bred rapper, songwriter and entertainer M.u.r.d.a. Blanka is a maverick in the rap music world. As an artist he can’t be conveniently pigeonholed.

Website

YouTube

Nasir Jr.

“My name is Nasir Imodagbe Jr. I go by the stage name Nasir Jr. I’m a rap singer who’s originally from the city of Abuja, Nigeria. Since immigrating to Canada, Winnipeg has become home. My sound is built on genre fusion with Hip-Hop being the backbone of the music.”

Instagram

Soundcloud

Emcee Monte

Emcee Monte is a talented MC, Producer, DJ, Songwriter, Spoken-word artist and all around Entertainer from the south side of Chicago. He is one of Chicago’s finest underground MCs. He is known for his versatile rhyming and his powerful, positive messages. Influenced by the pioneers of Hip Hop, Emcee Monte delivers a phenomenal performance with the essence of the originators and old-school greats like Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, and Rakim fused with the style and flare of new school artist like Common, J. Cole, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell and Missy Elliot.

Twitter

YouTube

Tee Ennay

“I am Z.O. CEO for Z.O.Entertaianment rapper/producer for Beat vultures. I been making music since 1989 from Clayton NC you can check some of my music out on Sound Cloud below. Also check out my rapper / song writer Tee Ennay (also with Z.O.Entertainment) photo is above.”

Soundcloud

Where to Listen

We have made the full Afton Summer Mixtape available to listen on our YouTube page, on our Afton Soundcloud page, Our Spotify Playlist as well as available for download on Drop Box. Mixtape will soon be available for free download on the Myafton.com website as well.

Spotify

Soundcloud

YouTube

Drop Box

Feel free to download the full Afton Summer Mixtape HERE

We just want to thank all of the artists that have made this mixtape possible and are so happy with how it turned out!

Make sure to keep an eye out for the announcement of the Fall Mixtape! We will have further info about it soon, but we are planning on having it released around October. Check out our STORE for more news!

Other Resources

Album Review: Longanimity

Album Review: 19

Local Shows

The post Afton Summer Mixtape appeared first on Afton.

This Months Review

We are very happy to bring to you our Afton artist album review of Longanimity by Kreative. This one we highly recommend to any listener that is looking for some new music to check out!

Artist Background

(Alexander) Kreative Glover is an emcee who speaks the truth through his music. Born in the south suburbs of Chicago Illinois, Kreative always had an ear for music. In the 90’s, he was introduced to Hip-Hop through Shaq’s first album Shaq-Diesel. However, his passion for Hip-Hip was truly developed when he discovered the Wu-Tang Clan. “I heard my uncle playing Wu-Tang’s Enter The 36 Chambers, and I remembered sneaking to listen to that album”. From that point forward, Kreative was hooked on hip hop. Writing rhymes and poetry at an early age, he knew he was gifted. When things got tough in life, music and comics were always an outlet to escape.

Kreative has a very eclectic taste in music. He’s always explored various types to influence and sculpts his rhymes and poetry. Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Linkin Park, Coldplay, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common and Wu-Tang Clan were and remain to be his favorites and iconic lyricists. “Music is about self expression, I feel your music should represent who you are and your real life experiences”. “Thats the truest element of the art. When I write, I think about things I’ve been through, and I always stay true to what I believe”. “Hip Hop has many different components, and I want to focus on the positive, because my city already has a negative image”.

Album: Longanimity

Kreative takes his listeners through such a story with his album longanimity. He is beyond talented with his flow in this 12 track record and remains a strong lyricist through out the entire album.

The album has some pretty great features as well including artist Andrew DeMuro who appears on track number 4 titled ‘Wishin’. The other feature is artist 1ToDial who appears on the 9th track titled “Mumble”.

My stand out tracks from the album are ‘Mumble’, which to me has one of the strongest instrumentals on the whole album. Another would have to be ‘Wishin’ which tells a story and has a fantastic chorus filled with Andrew DeMuro belting over the track. The final stand out being ‘Roses’ which is just a really fun listen.

Be sure to keep an eye out as he is surely next to rise! You can follow him on social media and check out his music links below:

Follow Artist: Kreative

Album Link: Click Here

Instagram: Click Here

Twitter: Click Here

Facebook: Click Here

Soundcloud: Click Here

iTunes: Click Here

Spotify: Click Here

BandCamp: Click Here

Also check out our past Afton artist album review for Big Nic HERE

The post Afton Artist Album Review: Longanimity appeared first on Afton.