Toxic Brush Productions Expanding to Hip Hop Arena

Toxic Fog picture.  Attention to Detail

As you learn and grow as an artist, you find out how important visuals are to help add value to any project you are working on.  Whether it is an Album/Mixtape Cover, posters, flyers or business cards, a quality job on the artwork makes them all much more effective.

Many try to handle this task on their own to save on cost.  In my opinion, I'd rather pay for the professional. It saves us time and we know that we are going to have a crisp, professional look that with catch the eye of those who are getting paid to pay attention to detail.

Toxic Brush Productions is a company that can take care of your design/artwork needs.  Artist Andrew Peterson is a beast with the graphic design game, and has recently put out some work that is starting to circulate not only locally but nationally.  We got a chance to sent down and chop it up a bit with the man behind the design.


GoodLifeCampaign:  Where did you learn Graphic Design??

Andrew:  I taught myself graphic design.  I just decided one day that I wanted to create cool looking sh*t, and just started learning how.

GoodLifeCampaign:  What sets you apart from others that create things??

Andrew: I take my time to do the tedious tasks that are normally skipped over.  I reinvest into my passion and work on high resolution scales that most don't have capabilities to do, so my work is of a higher quality when it comes to print and post.

Album Cover for Artist F.L.A.K.E.S.

WhiteBoyWasted Flyer

GoodLifeCampaign:  What do you like about working with Hip Hop artists??

Andrew:  I like working with a variety of music artists because everyone has an unique vision of what they want to portray to their fans.  Some like to project a goofy, get wild sort of outlook while others want a more serious, professional look.  Some even want to go super hood rich like Cash Money back in the day.  Whatever they are wanting to project I enjoy pushing my imagination and turning someone else's idea into an image for an album, flyer, vfx for music videos or whatever other graphics are needed to help each artist start to build their empire.

GoodLifeCampaign: Any Special S/O's???

Andrew:  I would like to give a big S/O to A.N.T. and the rest of the T.T.M.G crew for helping me get my motivation back in order.  Sugr Shane for pushing me over the years to keep at my craft at those times of lost focus.  Also a special S/O to every one of my haters who drive me to do better!!  Thank you!!

Cover to Single of A.N.T's upcoming album

If you are looking to have some high quality graphics done and want to get in contact with Toxic Brush Productions below are the links!!!

https://www.facebook.com/ToxicBrushProductions

If you like the FB page and contact, you will receive the GLC lookout!!!

Email

ToxicBrushProductions@live.com

S/O Sugr Shane!!

Mountain Lion

Dark City

BARS on Location!! Chicago, IL Shawn Crutch

What's the deal GLC fam?  Still moving around, still staying true to what we do no matter where we are.  Was in the Windy City last weekend and ran into a lyricist by the name of Shawn Crutch.  He heard about the movement we are gaining in Michigan and wanted to show some Chi-Town love.  Hip Hop is a beautiful thing.  I love the fact that the art of storytelling and the thirst to hear it is still alive.  Look no further than all the response Kendrick Lamar got for simply calling out rappers to step their BARS up!!  Lyricism is on the upswing and that can never be a bad thing.

Shawn Crutch is a guy with a story to tell.  I don't need to tell it, he can do so perfectly fine himself.  Crutch started making a name for himself in Chiraq(Chicago for those not in the know) battling on the south side.  Check out the videos below!!  #GLC

You got BARS??  submit something to goodlifecampaignmusic@gmail.com

GLC @ The One Press Conference

If you are a follower of our site, you know that we are avid sports fans.  Boxing happens to be a sport we follow closely because it serves two purposes for us.  Excellent entertainment and an opportunity to continue showing what is the best in our state.  It just so happens that the best fighter in the game is from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Whenever we get the opportunity we try to become apart of this unique experience.  Whether it is going to Vegas for the fights, supporting basketball showcases, or in this case, going to the press conference.

Floyd Mayweather made Grand Rapids one of the stops on his 11 city press conference tour to promote the super-fight between himself and Mexican megastar Canelo Alvarez aptly named "THE ONE".  Both fighters are undefeated and the winner will be considered mostly likely boxing's best.  This fight is projected to push astronomical numbers and threaten the PPV all time record number for any fight.  That record of 2.4+ million buys belongs to Oscar De La Hoya and Mayweather.  It was quite funny to see Grand Rapids in the mix along with cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, Mexico City, and Los Angeles, but Floyd Mayweather insisted on bringing this press conference back home.

Grand Rapids is a fight city, and it was a treat for all fight fans that came out to support the hometown kid, or the Mexican challenger(when you watch the video that will make more sense).  Not only were the two combatants on display, but it was also an opportunity to meet another big names in the sport.  Oscar De La Hoya was also in attendance, along with the World Middleweight Champion, Grand Rapids native Peter Quillin.

While waiting in line for the event(no we haven't tried to use the media card yet) we met a cool kid that was in line right before us.  When we got there, he was one of maybe 10 people in front of us.  Soon the line was around the block.  As we waited in line, I started to poke fun at the kid for wearing Beats by Dre headphones.  The point I was trying to make was that kids nowadays just want things because other kids have them and don't know the origin or history of them.  I often use Jordans, or Beats by Dre headphones as a prime example.

I tapped the kid on the shoulder to quiz him a bit.  I asked him his name and what does he know about the creator of his headphones.  His name is Ulysses Campos, and he proceeded to tell me about Dr. Dre's first album and how Dr. Dre helped put on Snoop Dogg and Eminem.  I was proved wrong, but it was pretty cool!!  Found out that Ulysses is an aspiring boxer and a huge Floyd Mayweather fan.  He trains at the same gym Floyd began his boxing career at, MGGA gym.  Seeing the excitement in this young man's eyes was something I wish the entire world could have seen.  He was proud to be there.  Proud to be from Grand Rapids, home of the best pound for pound boxer in the world.

I see a lot of hate, or people that discredit the things that Floyd does, because he is from here(Grand Rapids).  They always want to speak on some of the wrong they may have seen, or say that he doesn't do enough to give back to this area.  I didn't see any of those people here at this FREE event.  I seen a community of people supporting the champ, along with some rooting for the challenger.  I also seen so many young people soaking up the entire experience.  From the inflatable events, to the music, to the prime seating, Mayweather focused on showing the youth of Grand Rapids that he cares.  You never know what spark he may have ignited that Wednesday morning at Houseman Field.  Sometimes all it takes is to really see someone from your hometown do it, in order for you to know that you can do the same.  Floyd spent some extra time after the press conference to sign autographs for those that stuck around.  I was happy to see that not only did Floyd Mayweather sign Ulyssess's gloves, he also brought him up on stage and gave the young teen some words of encouragement.

This is one of the reasons why the GoodLifeCampaign will always support Floyd Mayweather Jr and all endeavors he is associated with.  Is he without fault, no.  But he is real.  To be honest, Floyd Mayweather is just another guy from Grand Rapids.  What is different about him is that he seen his dream and did everything in his power to make it happen.  He did not let anything hold him back and he became as successful as he wanted to be, despite being from a conservative Western Michigan city.  I see him as motivation not only for boxers in the area, but artists also.  Anybody that wants something, do not let where you are from define you or your success.  Make it happen!!  Thanks for the added motivation. #GLC

Below is the video we took from the fan perspective at the press conference.  Enjoy!!

Fruitvale Station: A Must Watch Film

  Jan. 1, 2009, Oscar Grant III was shot in the back by a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer.  He was unarmed, and lying on his stomach at the time of the shooting.  Video of the incident was caught by on lookers and went viral sparking national outrage and protest.

Fruitvale Station is a film about the events leading up to Grant's untimely death.  The film has recently won the highest honors at the Sundance Film Festival, and many critics are also talking Oscars!!  Opening nationwide on July 26th 2013, the timing couldn't be better.  It gives a very human depiction of a victim we have grown to know all too often.  A young black male whose death was unjust, and the punishment for those responsible all too lenient.  It's hard not to think that the value of their life is respected when things like this happen.  The officer who shot Grant only spent 11 months prison.  

What I hope people get from this film is that Grant was real.  Not just a media, headline grabbing, race dividing topic, but a father, a son, a good guy.  He wasn't perfect, but who is??  The story is very real, and makes me more aware of how all too often we forget about those affected in tragedies like this.  

We suggest that you google Oscar Grant and learn a bit about the story if you are not too familiar. 

Below is a trailer of the film.  Check your local theaters and make time to check this out!!  #GLC

  

Happy Birthday Tupac!!! GLC Pays Tribute to the Legend!!

Kind of ironic that the Legend's birthday happens to fall on Father's Day.  Being serious many artists became inspired to pursue hip hop based off of this man's work.  The late great Tupac Shakur would be celebrating his 42nd Birthday this weekend.

Screenshot from "Poetic Justice"

Tupac was more than a rap artist.  Several things we are seeing done today, the influence hip hop artists have in American Culture today, is a direct after effect of the work Pac put in years ago.  He successfully showed versatility not only in the rap arena, but also gave powerful, unforgettable performances as an actor.  He was outspoken, charismatic, and vulnerable.  His music had a sense of reality that EVERYONE could relate to.  He made Thug Life universal.  Henny the cognac of choice.  Throw up Westside, who do you think of??

Famous Screenshot from Movie "Juice"

Many young folks may not know or understand the effect on the game Pac had.  Why do so many people still put him in the Top 5 dead or alive category??  I say if you don't know, Google, and really dive into the albums.  Me Against the World is still a personal favorite.  Hit Em Up is still the best diss song ever created(Nas Ether is second).

The untimely death of Tupac was my first "where were you at when.." moment.  Watching several people you don't know crying, hugging each other, mourning the death of someone they did not know personally, it was powerful.  As an artist, I hope many strive for making something timeless, and not just be passing time.  Again, Happy Birthday Tupac.  Thank you for all you have given to the game.  #GLC





 Both Soundtracks contained great music!!  Google and check them out!!

Attention SneakerHeads!!!!! Air Jordan V "Black Grape"

Attention Jordan fanatics and sneakerheads alike!!  Just one more day until the catch of the summer, The Air Jordan V "Black Grapes", are released Saturday morning June 15th.  This shoe will only drop at select Jordan Brand stores.  Check your local stores to see if these shoes are dropping there.  So, what do you guys think??
Cop or Not?????

Matching socks to complete the 'fit

Wow!!! 2 Chainz got Robbed!!! Shots Fired!!

Always crazy when you hear stories like this.  It is being reported that Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz was robbed in broad daylight in California over the weekend.

According to a report from TMZ:

"2 Chainz was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight Sunday in San Francisco ... TMZ has learned ... and police say the rapper's entourage fled "like cockroaches" when it all went down.

A San Francisco PD sergeant tells TMZ ... cops responded to a shots-fired call just after 4:30 PM. We're told when they got to the scene, 2 Chainz wasn't cooperative ... saying he wanted to handle it himself.
Chainz told police his wallet was stolen and that's all that happened.
Police reviewed surveillance video ... which revealed Chainz was clearly the intended target.
We're told video also shows Chainz and 14 of his people all "ran away from the incident like "cockroaches running from a flashlight."

Crazy Story.  I'm sure we will get more information on this as it comes out.  One thing these rappers and entertainers should know is that it is real life out here.  Those 2 Chainz can do a lot in someone's life that don't have a pot to p*ss in.  Please be careful.  #GLC

Still Buzzin..... WhiteboyWasted 2 Mixtape Release Party

Whiteboy Wasted: Neighborhood Kid and E-Dub The highest level of being f*cked up and doing anything and everything unimaginable if you were sober... done mostly by white guys with alcohol and/or other drugs.  This is the Urban dictionary definition.  The City of Grand Rapids offered up its definition Saturday night at Rocky's Bar on Ottawa.  Grand Rapids duo Neighborhood Kid and E Dub released their second joint mixtape under the Trump Tight Music Group label aptly named "Still Buzzin...Whiteboy Wasted 2".  Every person that came through the door was given a FREE copy of Still Buzzin, and enjoyed a showcase of great homegrown talent.  Neighborhood and DJ Dean Martian DJ Dean Martian set the vibe for the night, and many from around the city came out in support of the T.T.M.G duo. The night was about releasing the mixtape, getting the first live listen to it's content, and also enjoying some great performances from a loaded roster of performers. B-Flippa and E Spellz Buggy Billz and Kwase The night of performances started with GR rappers E Spellz and B Flippa coming out the gates strong to help get the party hype.  E Spellz new mixtape I Do It 4 Hip Hop is available now.  Then came another T.T.M.G labelmate Kwase to add more fuel to the fire.  Kwase came through and shared a few singles off his next project.  Back 40 also represented and made sure the crowd knew what that Loud is about.  GoodLifeCampaign's own J Rob also blessed the stage Dolo, Yeah Dolo (Reference:  A Leader Chasing A Dream mixtape on Datpiff) and held it down.  Grind2$hine came out with the team and shared a few solid singles folks need to be on the lookout for this summer.  Then came the Neighborhood Kid and E Dub to put the finishing touches on the night in unmistakeable Whiteboy Wasted fashion.     The mixtape is hype and fun, many songs you can hear played in several different party scenarios.  Certainly holds true to the theme of the mixtape.  Bottom of My Cup, a crowd favorite, shut down the night of performances making sure everybody left satisfied.   Nych G and Elevate One other unique thing about tonight was the crowd present.  Several other great performers were also in attendance showing support and taking in a night of good entertainment.  Nych G of High Rise Records, Elevate of Black Spade Ent., and of course T.T.M.G's own A.N.T all came through to get Whiteboy Wasted.   The entire night lived up to the party name and was great look for the city.  Another successful Hip Hop event thrown with nothing but drinks, laughter, and entertainment being the only things folks left for home talking about.  Starting to notice more and more that several artists and labels are starting to work with one another, for the sake of bringing quality shows to the people that want them.  Time will tell the outcome, but we should be encouraged with the direction.  Special thanks to the T.T.M.G camp for putting this event together.  #Salute  #GLC Grind2$hine!!!! Back 40 doin work!! A Leader Chasing A Dream I'm so 100!! It's Yodie!!! So Disrespectful!! Neighborhood Kid Mechie, E-Dub, J-Rob, and Drey B-Flippa, J-Rob, and Sugar Shane

JUICE DA GAWD IS "HOT"

THIS IS JUST A MIXTAPE. YA BOY JUICE DA GAWD GO HARD WIT THIS ONE. THE GUN RU BOY HAS BEEN GRINDIN TO SHINE AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE YOUNG BOY IS SHINING BRIGHT. GO CHECK HIM OUT AS WELL AS THE MIXTAPE ON YOUTUBE @ JUICEDAGAWD45. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR THE DIRECT LINK TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL. ALSO CHECK OUT THE VISUALS TO ONE OF HIS TRACKS BELOW ALSO. GOODLIFECAMPAIGN APPROVED. SALUTE. YOU MIGHT OF SEEN HIM BATTLING, BUT HE CAN MAKE TRACKS AS WELL.

                                               
                                                      VISUALS FOR "HOT"

 http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=juicedagawd45&oq=juicedagawd45&gs_l=youtube.12...13100.19157.0.22209.13.12.0.1.1.0.309.1362.5j5j1j1.12.0...0.0...1ac.1.11.youtube.Ka6quJj5y6M

Shots Fired!!!! Foreign Dictatorship

Nothing wrong with a little verbal warfare from MCs.  It wouldn't be Hip Hop without cats taking their craft seriously and being willing to make an example of any MC claiming to be better than.  Not exactly sure how this battle started, but it has made its way to the visuals.

We posted Ajax Stacks "5AM in Athens" video where Stacks made clear whom his target was.  Elevate.  Now there is a response to the "5AM in Athens" record.

Elevate counters with "Foreign Dictatorship"  Here it is.



Be sure to also Check out Ajax Stacks "5AM in Athens", and you tell us who looks to have the edge in Round 1!!! (I know this is just a trailer, but I am interested to hear the rest of the song)