NEW RELEASE: The Myriad "A Clean Shot"

They say that every living creature has a soul, even the most hideous monsters. The beast that's terrorizing a forest of nice lil' creatures in this strange and surprising adventure clip not only has a soul, but flashbacks reveal a whole human-style life, complete with a wife, a job, a baby and all the others entrapments of society. That doesn't sway The Myriad, however. They show the same tenacious drive that got them 2007 MTV2 Dew Circuit Breakout band competition. They get "A Clean Shot" on their prey and they take it. --> watch "A Clean Shot" via YouTube or Quicktime plus a "making of" at YouTube

The Myriad "A Clean Shot" (Koch)
Josh Forbes, director | Justin Benoliel, producer | Winch + Pulley, production co | Lanette Phillips Management, rep | Steven Drypolcher, DP | Ryan Bartley, editor | Ghost Town Media, post | Romaire Studios, puppet

SHOT: Yung Berg - Taj, director

artist: Yung Berg
song: "Do Dat"
label: YB/Epic/Koch
director(s): Taj
production co: AntiParticle

NEW RELEASE: In Flames "The Mirror's Truth"

The concept of this video for Swedish metal band In Flames surely reveals something of their attitude toward the video process itself:  A gaggle of literally baby-faced bubble-heads churn out treatment revisions and handle every aspect of the video production process under pressure from some Big Brother types. The spirit of metal prevails in the end, of course, as the babymen revolt and tear the building apart piece by piece. George Orwell would be proud. Or scared. --> watch "The Mirror Truth" in Quicktime or Windows Media or MySpace

In Flames "The Mirror's Truth" (Koch)
Popcore Films, director/production co

NEW RELEASE: Skillz "The 07 Rap Up"

Take one underappreciated rapper, throw in some news clips, build it around a singular concept and you've got a recipe for a clip that should get people watching and talking. Just ask Ice Cube. The formula also works for Koch artist Skillz, whose annual recap of the year in urban music was finally augmented with a well-deserved video. The Virginia rapper reminds us how many ridiculous things can happen to famous people in 12 months, while the video uses file footage and hilarious recreations of the year's shakers, movers and losers. Director Mr. Roboto brings a polish to Skillz DIY-style, but leaves the rough edges sharp enough to cut a pompous celebrity down to size. (review by Craig Belcher) --> watch "The 07 Rap Up" via MySpace or YouTube

Skillz "The 07 Rap Up" (Koch)
Mr. Roboto, director | Amanda Fox, producer | Robot Films, production co | Robin Frank Management, rep | Joe Provenzano, DP | T. David Binns, editor

BOOKED: The Myriad - Josh Forbes, director

Winners of the 2007 Dew Circuit Breakout "battle of the bands" competition, sponsored by MTV2 and Mountain Dew. Previous breakout acts from the contest include Halifax, HelloGoodbye, Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard and Hawthorne Heights.

artist: The Myriad
song: "Clean Shot"
label: Koch
director(s): Josh Forbes
production co: Winch + Pulley
rep: Lanette Phillips Management

BOOKED: Jim Jones - Dale "Rage" Resteghini & Capo, directors

The Capo is back...

artist: Jim Jones
song: "Love Me No More/Byrdgang Money"
label: Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini & Capo
production co: Raging Nation Films

BOOKED: Sean Kingston - Ray Kay, director

artist: Sean Kingston f/ Elan from The D.E.Y. and Juelz Santana
song: "There's Nothing"
label: Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch
director(s): Ray Kay
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: Sheek Louch - Todd A, director

Having already delivered a hit video for Lox/D-Block  member Styles P, Todd A is set to work with Sheek Louch, also of the influential NYC crew. Could Jadakiss be next?

artist: Sheek Louch
song: "Good Love"
label: Koch
director(s): Todd A
production co: Raging Nation Films

SHOT: Big Noyd - Kevin Custer, director

artist: Big Noyd feat. Kira
song: "Things Done Changed"
label: Koch
director(s): Kevin Custer
production co: Raging Nation Films

BOOKED: Ray J - R. Malcolm Jones, director

artist: Ray J feat. Yung Berg
song: "Sexy Can I"
label: Koch/Deja34/Knockout
director(s): R. Malcolm Jones
production co: Factory Features (R. Malcolm Jones is signed with @radical.media)

BOOKED: Baby D - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

artist: Baby D feat. UNK
song: "I'm Bout Money"
label: Big Oomp/Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Reseghini
production co: Raging Nation Films
rep: Yell Productions

NEW RELEASE: DJ Khaled "I'm So Hood" (remix)

This is a remix. How can you tell? Because DJ Khaled shouts it at you for the first forty seconds of the clip. While Khaled does not add much vocally, he does bring an epic beat that rattles Altima windows all over America AND the ability to attract a super-star studded list of guest rappers. Khaled, his cast of thousands and the nearly six-minute run time rep hoods from all over the country, so it makes sense that they went for a CG-green screen version of the various artist-specific streets, ending up with a moody vibe that feels just a bit like Duke Nukem’s hood. (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "I'm So Hood"

DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman & Rick Ross "I'm So Hood (remix)" (Koch)
Dayo & Rush, directors | Taj Lewis, producer | 305 Films, production co | Labuda Management, rep | Christopher Vitt, DP | Adam Rush, editor

NEW RELEASE: Styles P "Blow Your Mind"

I'm pretty sure the song title "Blow Your Mind" can be taken two ways — well, maybe three ways, but this ain't that kind of site. 1) "Blow Your Mind" as in it's meant to impress. And it does, by the way, drifting pretty far from the standard rap video template. 2) "Blow Your Mind" as in a reference to getting stoned and, sure enough, this does seem like the results of a serious bakedown session. The basic setup is: Styles P of The Lox dozes off on a park bench and has some random dreams that jump from Shark Week, secret agent action and, in the one thing that's actually real, recording sessions with producer Swizz Beatz. --> watch "Blow Your Mind" (directors cut)

Styles P f/ Swizz Beatz "Blow Your Mind" (Koch)
Todd Angkasuwan & Styles P, directors | Raging Nation Films, production co | Zeuss Morand, DP |

SHOT: DJ Khaled - Dayo & Rush, director

With nearly every hip-hop artist in Atlanta for this weekend's BET Hip Hop Awards, the time was right for another run at breaking the record for most cameos in a video. In addition to all eight featured performers, this new DJ Khaled clip also boasts walk-ons from Swizz Beatz, KRS-One, Plies, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Yung Berg, Yung Joc, Joell Ortiz, Webbie and on and on. Not present for the occasion: T.I., who was nabbed in an ATF bust.

artist: DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Big Boi, Fat Joe, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Birdman
song: "I'm So Hood (remix)"
label: Terror Squad/Koch
director(s): Dayo & Rush
production co: Picture Perfect

PHOTO: On Set With Sean Kingston, Gil Green & Dayo

Director Gil Green, teenage phenom Sean Kingston and 2nd unit director Dayo on the set of "Take You There" in Miami. This is slated to be the third video off Kingston's breakthrough Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch self-titled debut album.

Video was produced by Picture Perfect. Director Gil Green is repped by Labuda Management and signed with  Merge @ Crossroads. Photo taken by DerickG.

PHOTO: On Set with Styles P and Swizz Beatz

Executive Producer Dale Resteghini, Swizz Beatz, director Todd Angkasuwan and Styles P on the set of the Styles P video "Blow Ya Mind," featureing Swizz Beatz.

BOOKED: Sean Kingston - Gil Green, director

artist: Sean Kingston
song: "Take You There"
label: Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch
director(s): Gil Green
production co: Picture Perfect
rep: Labuda Management

NEW RELEASE: Bizarre "Fat Boy"

D12 jester Bizarre lampoons the web and almost anything else that comes into his shower cap covered mind in the video for "Fat Boy." YouTube becomes TubeSteak, a place to watch the rapper in an oddball caricature of Beyonce in Dreamgirls or having a dance battle with his impostor. PerezHilton.com becomes PervezHilton.com — complete with a shot of Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf in the header — where Bizarre recreates the classic David Hasselhoff burger incident. The other prominent target here is Vh1's Celebrity Fit Club in which Bizarre finally comes clean about his actual exercise/diet plan of "watching TV and eating Hot Pockets." --> watch "Fat Boy" in Quicktime, Windows Media or via YouTube, of course)

Bizarre "Fat Boy" (Koch)
Todd Angkasuwan, director/editor | Christina Angkasuwan, producer |  TNT Digital Media, production co | Matt Workman, DP

BOOKED: Styles P f/ Swizz Beatz - Todd Angkasuwan, director

artist: Styles P f/ Swizz Beatz
song: "Blow Ya Mind"
label: Koch/D-Block
director(s): Todd Angkasuwan
production co: Raging Nation Films

NEWS: Koch Announces Raging Nation Imprint

When we said director Dale "Rage" Resteghini was "driven and determined," it may have been an understatement. Koch Records has announced the formation of Resteghini's own imprint, Raging Nation Records. The first release through the Raging Nation/Koch aegis will be for Knoxville, TN metal band Straight Line Stitch.

Koch senior VP of marketing John Franck says in the press release, "In addition to bringing new acts to the table, Raging Nation will serve as a creative hub under which we'll funnel any and all visuals pertaining to the music acts that Dale helps bring in -- Straight Line Stitch is the perfect band to get it started with. Raging Nation will be responsible for the creation/execution of all visual aspects of the SLS project including photo shoots, videos, exclusive mobile/digital content, TV commercials, web design etc."

BOOKED: Sean Kingston - Justin Francis, director

After scoring a massive hit with his "Beautiful Girls" interpolation of "Stand By Me," Sean Kingston looks to go two for two with "Me Love," which reworks the Led Zeppelin classic "D'yer Make'r."

artist: Sean Kingston
song: "Me Love"
label: Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch
director(s): Justin Francis
production co: HSI
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: DJ Envy & Red Cafe - Edwin DeCena, director

Edwin DeCena directs DJ Envy and Red Cafe on the Brooklyn set of "Things You Do." Supports the duo's forthcoming album The Coop.

artist: DJ Envy and Red Cafe
song: "Things You Do"
label: Koch
director(s): Edwin DeCena
production co: Pure Productions

SHOT: DJ Khaled - Gil Green, director

On location in Miami for the new DJ Khaled collabotastic "I'm So Hood" video: (from left) Baby aka Birdman, Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, T-Pain, director Gil Green (crouching, like the tiger), Rick Ross and Plies. Clicking the picture makes it bigger, so click it.

artist: DJ Khaled (feat. everyone aforementioned)
song: "I'm So Hood"
label: Terror Squad/Koch
director(s): Gil Green
production co: Picture Perfect

SHOT: Horse The Band - Roboshobo, director

Director Roboshobo looms in the back (fourth from left, in the back) with the heavy hardcore/Nintendocore rockers Horse The Band on the fluorescent set  of "New York City." Click the photo to enlarge...

artist: Horse The Band
song: "Roboshobo"
label: Koch
director(s): Roboshobo
production co: The Revolver Film Co.

BOOKED: Circus Diablo - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

There's always room for another rock supergroup. New band Circus Diablo boasts an all-star lineup with some familiar names in some unexpected roles. The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy is on lead guitar as you would expect, but former Cult bassist Billy Morrison is on vocals, former Fuel lead singer Brett Scallions is on bass and The Almighty frontman Ricky Warwick is on rhythm guitar. Drums on the album were handled by Matt Sorum, who you know from Velvet Revolver, or maybe Guns N' Roses or The Cult. He gets around.

artist: Circus Diablo
song: "Loaded"
label: Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

BOOKED: Bizarre - Todd Angkasuwan, director

D12 member Bizarre — and former Vh1 Celebrity Fit Club contestant — is prepping his debut video on Koch Records...

artist: Bizarre
song: "Fat Boy"
label: Red Head/Koch
director(s): Todd Angkasuwan
production co: TNT Digital Media

SHOT: Lil Mo f/ Jim Jones - Gabriel Hart, director

artist: Lil Mo feat. Jim Jones
song: "Sometimes I"
label: Honey Child/Koch
director(s): Gabriel Hart
production co: Southern Trees Film Group

BOOKED: Yung Berg - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

artist: Yung Berg feat. Jim Jones, Rich Boy and DJ Khaled
song: "Sexy Lady" (remix)
label: YB/Epic/Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films
rep: Yell Productions

NEW RELEASE: Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls"

What if there was such a thing as a guaranteed hit record? A mathematical formula that dictated what concoction of beats, melodies and tones would stand the best chance of achieving mass appeal. Without contracting a company — Platinum Blue, for example — that provides exactly that kind of "Music Xray," to verify my gut feeling, I think you'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better blueprint than Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girl." The song is based on the Ben E. King hit "Stand By Me,"  one of the most recognizable melodies and musical vamps of all time. The production is kind of hip-hop, kind of pop and kind of savvy  in that it that can be a hit at nearly any mainstream format except country and rock (unless it gets covered or remixed). The singer is Sean Kingston, a 17 year old crooner from Jamaican, and the subject is "Beautiful Girls," a subject as universal as it gets. Add it up and it's obvious: Resistance is futile. It's a hit. Your mom will love it, the kids will love it and you will fall in line. It will be inescapable at all summer and will probably live on in the children beauty pageant circle for years to come. Anyway, as for the video, it perfectly capitalizes on the nostalgia inherent in any track that faithfully pays homage to a song from 1961. Kingston performs at a diner where he and his fellow teens alternate between being from the malt shop past and the hip-hop present. --> watch "Beautiful Girls" in the Musicbox Flash player, Quicktime or Windows Media

Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls" (Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch)
Marcus Raboy, director | DNA, production co | Ketil Dietrichson, DP | Jarrett Fijal, editor

PHOTO: Keith Murray "Nobody Do It Better"

It's a sunny scene on the set of Keith Murray "Nobody Do It Better" featuring Tyrese. Pictured from left: Tyrese, Keith Murray and co-directors Vem and Elliott Lester.

The video was produced through No Protection Limited and will support Murray's new album Rap-Murr-Phobia (Fear of Real Hip Hop), to be released July 31 by Koch.

SHOT: Sean Kingston - Marcus Raboy, director

Director Marcus Raboy and Sean Kingston on the set of "Beautiful Girls."

artist: Sean Kingston
song: "Beautiful Girls"
label: Beluga Heights/Epic/Koch
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: DNA

BOOKED: Keith Murray f/ Tyrese - Vem & Eliott Lester, director

artist: Keith Murray feat. Tyrese
song: "Nobody Do It Better"
label: Koch
director(s): Vem and Elliott Lester
production co: No Protection Limited

NEW RELEASE: KRS-One "Hip Hop Lives"

There is a segment of the hip-hop community that will always be the true believers — the Knights Templar of the turntables— watching the bling fetishism that infuses much of the current rap landscape with a skeptical eye. KRS-One has always been on-point letting the world know exactly what  he believes to be true hip-hop, and this time he brings ultra-producer Marley Marl along to show the young ones know how it is done. Director Todd Angkasuwan does a good job of creating a visual  hip-hop timeline – from its roots in the Bronx, to the seminal Style Wars period and out to the West Coast and then the world. It is territory any true hip-hop fan knows well, but it's always nice to have the master leading a guided tour. (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "Hip Hop Lives" in Real or Windows Media

KRS-One & Marley Marl "Hip Hop Lives" (Koch)
Todd Angkasuwan, director/editor | Marquette Williams, producer |
TNT Digital Media, production co | Matt Workman, DP

BOOKED: Hell Rell - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

artist: Hell Rell
song: "Streets Gonna Love Me" 
label: Diplomat/Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

NEW RELEASE: Yung Berg "Sexy Lady"

Although Yung Berg is a name that verges on the edge of acceptable rap handles  — what's next, Ol' Dirty Gottlieb? — the kid has the CV you like to see in a potential rap star. Originally discovered at age 16 by DMX, Yung Berg is the first artist to come through a new joint venture between major label Epic Records and hip-hop powerhouse KOCH Records. Director Dale "Rage" Resteghini uses the video as an opportunity to clearly prove Berg's pop appeal, showing him mix it up with the sexy ladies at a late night diner hang. The coda takes a harder-edged approach, showing off the rough staccato phrasing that probably caught DMX's ears. --> watch "Sexy Lady" in Quicktime or Windows

Yung Berg "Sexy Lady" (YB/Epic/Koch)
Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director | Kim Resteghini, producer | Raging Nation Films, production co | Joe Labisi, DP | Vem/Sweat Shop Editorial, editor

SHOT: KRS-One - Todd Angkasuwan, director

DP Matt Workman (left) and director Todd Angkasuwan (right) with the legendary KRS-One on the set of "Hip Hop Lives." The video supports the rapper's forthcoming album, which is also entitled Hip Hop Lives and executive produced by the equally legendary Marley Marl.

artist: KRS-One
song: "Hip Hop Lives"
label: Koch
director(s): Todd Angkasuwan
production co: TNT Digital Media

NEW RELEASE: DJ Khaled "We Takin' Over"

DJ Khaled might not have yet attained the crossover celebrity status of Scott Storch, Timbaland, Pharrell, or Funkmaster Flex, but one look at the star talent he was able to lure out for this video is all the proof you need to know that he is indeed in that upper tier of hip-hop hitmakers. Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby and Lil Wayne all contribute parts to the track and appear in a glorious tribute to the classic Notorious B.I.G. video "Hypnotize." Whole scenes are replicated or referenced as Khaled and crew outrun forces that are dead set on silencing hip-hop in his hometown of Miami. Not only is hip-hop saved in the video, but the actual video itself — and its popularity — is a sign that the outlandish and action-packed rap video template still has lots of life left in it as well.--> watch "We Takin' Over" in Real or Window Media

DJ Khaled f/ Akon, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby and Lil' Wayne
"We Takin' Over" (Terror Squad)
Gil Green, director | Picture Perfect, production co | Thomas Marvel, DP | T. David, editor (production note: This video was produced outside of Partizan, where Gil Green is signed)

SHOT: DJ Khaled - Gil Green, director

artist: DJ Khaled feat. TI, Akon, Lil' Wayne, Baby, Fat Joe and Rick Ross
song: "We Takin; Over"
label: Terror Squad/Koch
director(s): Gil Green
production co: Picture Perfect

Gil Green is signed with Partizan. This video was produced through production company Picture Perfect in Miami.

NEWS: iTunes To Exclusively Debut New Jim Jones Video

KOCH recording artist Jim Jones will have the honor of being the first rapper to receive a music video world premiere on the iTunes Store. The new video "Emotionless" will be exclusively available this Tuesday, March 13 at a limited-time price of $0.99 and bundled with a short form "making of" special.

This is the second clip off Jones' hit album Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product Of My Environment). Like "We Fly High," the video for "Emotionless" was directed by the team of Dale "Rage" Resteghini and Jim Jones, and produced by Resteghini's Raging Nation Films.

PROFILE: John Franck, Koch Records

New feature on Video Static.... Every week we'll annoy somebody in the music video world with a few quick questions and print the results. Commissioners, directors, editors, dancers, caterers. OK, maybe not dancers. Here goes...

name: John Franck
company:  KOCH Records
job/title:  Sr. Vice President of Marketing

First Video:  First real video I ever commissioned at KOCH was for Stabbing Westward "So Far Away," directed by Shawn M. Foster.

Strangest Video: Man, where do I start...there's been so many. One that comes to mind is "You Ain't Mad Iz Ya" which we shot down in Memphis shortly after 9/11 with Gil Green directing. The video was for a female artist on Hypnotize Minds called La Chat. This was a Three 6 Mafia project and every moment of all three days was just like an out of body experience. I can't get into the details of it here (because a lot of it is not fit for print), but it was very, very surreal.

What's Next:  We're getting ready to shoot "We Takin' Over" with DJ Khaled down in Miami. It'll feature T.I., Akon, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne and Baby. That should be great. We just signed Styles P, we have a new Dipset project coming in April, followed by Hell Rell and a new video from Tha Dogg Pound which Snoop Dogg just co-directed for us. We are also aggressively getting back into hard rock this year, so we hope to have a bunch of coals in the fire on that end as well. In terms of where our business is going, as a label, we'll keep doing what we're doing. As the physical goods business continues to shrink, it's opening up a world of opportunity for Indies like us. Digital sales (both singles and ringtones) are becoming a huge piece of our business, especially on the Urban side. Strategically, we're putting a lot of time and effort into making sure we're competitive in that world. Video production-wise, I'm always looking for fresh talent and to bring people together. New DP's, editors, directors, colorists, etc, etc. I'm all about giving people the shot if the project makes sense.

PHOTO: UNK "2 Step" Video Shoot

Hanging on the set of UNK's new video "2 Step" are Dee Sonaram of Koch, DJ Montay, co-director Will Horton, UNK, rappers Big Korey and Baby D, and co-director Dale "Rage" Resteghini.

BOOKED: UNK - Dale Resteghini + Will Horton, directors

Shooting in Atlanta...

artist: UNK
song: "2 Step"
label: Big Oomp/Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini & Will Horton
production co: Raging Nation Films

BOOKED: Jim Jones - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

artist: Jim Jones feat. Juelz Santana
song: "Emotionless"   
label: Diplomats/Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films
rep: Yell Productions

NEW RELEASE: Jim Jones "We Fly High" remix

It's not just a collabo video for this remix of "We Fly High." It's a coronation of Jim Jones as the hottest rapper on the scene right now. Paying tribute and spitting verses here are T.I., Diddy, Juelz Santana, Baby aka Birdman, and Young Dro, not to mention cameos by Lil Wayne and other hip hop A-listers. The video follows the basic "Flava In Your Ear" remix template, with a couple of added twists: Fistfuls of Benjamins get tossed around, women take tape measurements of a man's true manhood (ie: the diameter of his rims) and Jones bench presses one of the sexy models to make sure he passes the bar. -- watch "We Fly High (remix)" in Real or Windows Media

Jim Jones "We Fly High (remix)" (Diplomats/Koch)
Dale "Rage" Resteghini & Jim Jones, director | Raging Nation Films, production co | Joe Labisi, DP | Zuk, editor

BOOKED: Jim Jones - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, co-director

Director Dale Resteghini looks to recreate that classic "Flava In Ya Ear" remix vibe with this star-studded video for  the remix of "We Fly High." Shooting next week in Atlanta, prior to the first annual BET Hip-Hop Awards.

artist: Jim Jones f/ Diddy, T.I., Young Dro & Baby
song: "We Fly High" (remix)
label: Diplomats/Koch
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini & Jim Jones
production co: Raging Nation Films

Resteghini is repped by Yvette Lange of F.M. Rocks

IN DEPTH: Jim Jones "We Fly High/Ballin"

Director Dale Resteghini tells the tale of what happens when you take a NYC rap star like Jim Jones to the West Coast for "We Fly High/Reppin' Time," a larger than life video that boasts the kind of plot you'd read about in an Elmore Leonard crime novel.

This was my 8th video for a Dipset project and by far the most elaborate. We had access to Gulfstream IV jets, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, helicopters, mansions and, most importantly, a 4 day shoot to fit our mini movie story line in the video.  In short, Jimmy is on the hustle in Los Angeles, where he hooks up with his crew to rob a bank. They celebrate at a mansion party where he finds out his hot mami is actually an undercover Fed. She locks him up , but he beats the rap in the end!

Getting Juelz Santana and Cam'ron to fly to L.A. for the day was a treat. We had to shoot their scenes in less than 10 hours — which included 2 company moves — but we made it work.  The idea was that Dipset from NYC takes L.A., which from a hip-hop stand point is a complete "fish out of water" situation. They are so East Coast... I mean, the equivalent might be getting Snoop and Ice Cube to shoot in Harlem for a week.

--> Watch "We Fly High/Reppin' Time" in Real or Windows Media

credits: Dale Resteghini & Jim Jones, directors | Kim Resteghini, producer | Raging Nation Films, production co | Joe Labisi, DP | Zuk, editor

NEW RELEASE: DJ Khaled "Grammy Family"

DJ Khaled featuring Consequence, Kanye West & John Legend
"Grammy Family" (GOOD/Terror Squad/Koch)
Bernard Gourley, director/editor | Jeffrey Brown , producer | Immigrant Film, production co | Joe Maxwell, DP | Description: Despite the plethora of music award shows these days, nothing impresses mom like a good ol' Grammy award — which despite a few notorious missteps (Milli Vanilli: Best New Artist?) is still considered the ultimate indication that a recording artist has truly made it. Terror Squad super-producer DJ Khaled rounds up Grammy kingpins Kanye West and John Legend, plus well-respected cohorts Common and Consequence for a celebration of criticially-acclaimed stardom. The classy b&w video mixes plain studio shots with footage of the performers on and around Hollywood Boulevard. -- watch "Grammy Family" in Real or Windows Media

SHOT: Xzibit - Little X & RT, directors

This first video rapper Xzibit's forthcoming album Full Circle focuses on a spiritual journey that contains numerous surprises — including a choreographed kung fu battle. Shot in Toronto... 

artist: Xzibit
song: "Concentrate"
label: Open Bar/KOCH   
director(s): Little X & RT
production co: The Revolver Film Co.

NEWS: Koch Promotes Executive John Franck

KOCH has announced the promotion of executive John Franck to Senior VP of Marketing. Formerly the label's VP of Marketing, Franck will report directly to Executive VP/GM Alan Grunblatt.

Franck will continue to create and implement all day-to-day marketing activities, in addition to commissioning the label's music videos and overseeing all other aspects of visual marketing and creative services.

BOOKED: Jim Jones - Dale Resteghini, director

artist: Jim Jones
song: "We Fly High/Reppin' Time"
label: Diplomats/Koch
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

BOOKED: DJ Unk - Michael Mfumay, director

DJ Unk will represent for long-running Atlanta hip-hop tastemakers Oomp Camp in the video for the crunk cut "Walk It Out."

artist: DJ Unk
song: "Walk It Out" 
label: Big Oomp/Koch
director(s): Michael Mfumay
production co: Decon

BOOKED: DJ Khaled - Dayo & The Green Room, directors

artist: DJ Khaled feat. Trick Daddy, Pitbull & Rick Ross
song: "Born N Raised"
label: Terror Squad/Koch
director(s): Dayo & The Green Room
production co: Partizan

SHOT: DJ Khaled feat. Kanye West - Bernard Gourley, director

Pictured on the set: Consequence, Kanye West and DJ Khaled.

artist: DJ Khaled feat. Kanye West, Consequence &  John Legend
song: "Grammy Family"
label: Terror Squad/Koch
director(s): Bernard Gourley
production co: Immigrant Film

DVD Giveaway: S.M.A.C.K. The Album

KOCH has been kind enough to provide a few giveaway copies of the new CD/DVD set S.M.A.C.K. The Album: Volume 1. This offshoot of the hugely popular underground S.M.A.C.K. DVD Magazine features exclusive videos from every artist on the CD portion of the set, including DMX, Lord Tariq, Bleu DaVinci and a reunited Def Squad (Redman, Keith Murray and Erick Sermon). A full track listing and audio/video samples are at the S.M.A.C.K. e-card.

To enter to win a free copy of S.M.A.C.K. email your name and address to smackme@videostatic.com. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 28. 

SHOT: JR Writer - Dale Resteghini, director

artist: JR Writer
song: "Grill 'Em"
label: Diplomats/Koch
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

SHOT: Tha Dogg Pound - Damon Johnson, director

artist: Tha Dogg Pound feat. Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Snoop Dogg
song: "Cali Iz Active"
label: Doggystyle/Koch
director(s): Damon Johnson
production co: Geronimo

SHOT: DJ Kay Slay - Dale Resteghini, director

DJ Kay Slay is the debut artist for Shaquille O' Neal's new label Deja 34, which has a marketing and distribution deal with Koch. The video will feature Kay Slay alongside fellow performers Bun B and Papoose, in addition to Shaq, Remy Ma, Baby and other hip hop notables.

artist: DJ Kay Slay feat. Bun B & Papoose
song: "Can't Stop The Reign"
label: Deja 34/Koch
director(s): Dale Resteghini & Kenneth Bailey
production co: Raging Nation

BOOKED: Purple City feat. Jim Jones - J. Jones & Andre Wilkins, directors

artist: Purple City feat. Jim Jones
song: "Trap"
label: Babygrande/Koch
director(s): Jim Jones & Andre Wilkins
production co: Burning Bush Films

BOOKED: DJ Khaled - Malcolm Jones, director

artist: Terror Squad presents DJ Khaled feat. Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe, Pitbull, Rick Ross &  Paul Wall
song: "Holla At Me"
label: Terror Squad/Koch Records
director(s): Malcolm Jones
production: Rich Films

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: D-Block "Devine"

Director Dale Resteghini of Raging Nation Films (second from left) and John Franck of Koch Records (second from right) on the set of the Sheek Louch feat. J-Hood video "Devine" with the rappers of D-Block.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: B.G. "Move Around"

Pictured on the set of the B.G. featuring Mannie Fresh video"Move Around" for Koch Records: Assistant Director Lisa Cunningham, co-director Dayo, B.G.and co-director Gil Green.

BOOKED: Sheek Louch - Dale Resteghini, director

artist: Sheek Louch feat. J-Hood
song: "Devine"
label: D-Block/KOCH Records
director(s): Dale Restighini
production co: Raging Nation

BOOKED: B.G. feat. Mannie Fresh - Gil Green & Dayo, directors

Shooting next week in Atlanta and New Orleans...

artist: B.G.  feat. Mannie Fresh
song: "Move Over"
label: Chopper City/KOCH Records
director(s): Gil Green & Dayo
production co: Partizan

NEW RELEASE: Tiffany Foxx & Snoop Dogg "Shake That"

Tiffany Foxx feat. Snoop Dogg "Shake That" Doggystyle/Koch
Mike Taylor, director
Cat Restrepo, producer
Robot Films, production co
Robin Frank Management, rep
Description: This new video from the compilation Bigg Snoop Dogg presents Welcome To Tha Chuuch - Tha Album is a showcase for newcomer Tiffany Foxx. The rapper struts her stuff on a stage, writhes in a posh banquet booth and trades verses with her boss Snoop Dogg.

NEW RELEASE: DPGC "Real Soon"

DPGC "Real Soon" Doggystyle/Koch
Anthony Mandler, director
Box Fresh, production co
Description: Snoop Dogg resurrects the Dogg Pound with Daz, Kurupt and Nate Dogg as the DPGC aka Dogg Pound Gangsta Crew. This lush black & white video follows Snoop, Kurupt and Daz as they take a bus to visit their cohort Nate Dogg in jail. Koch Records has an ecard for the new Snoop compilation Welcome To Tha Chuuch - The Album, which features lots of content, including a cut of the video with an introduction by Jamie Foxx.

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: On the Set with The DPGC

The Dogg Pound Gangsta Crew hangs with the production crew on the set of "Real Soon."

Pictured from left: DP Eric Larson, Kurupt,  KOCH executive John Franck, Snoop Dogg, director Anthony Mandler, AD Jonas Morales and Daz Dillinger.

BOOKED: Tiffany Foxxx feat. Snoop Dogg - Mike Taylor, director

Bigg Snoop Dogg will show off newcomer Tiffany Foxxx in this video in support of the rapper's upcoming album Welcome To Tha Chuuch That album."

artist: Tiffany Foxxx feat. Snoop Dogg
song: "Shake That"
label: Doggystyle/KOCH Records
director(s): Mike Taylor
production co: Robot Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Bleu DaVinci f. Fabolous & Young Jeezy - Juwan Lee & Bleu DaVinci, directors

artist: Bleu DaVinci feat. Fabolous & Young Jeezy
song: "Streets On Lock"
label: BMF Entertainment/KOCH Records
director(s): Juwan Lee & Blue DaVinci
production co: Decon/BMF Entertainment

BOOKED: DPGC aka Dogg Pound Gangsta Crew - Anthony Mandler, director

artist: DPGC (Dogg Pound Gangsta Crew) feat. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Daz and
Nate Dogg
song: "Real Soon"
label: Doggystyle/KOCH Records
director(s): Anthony Mandler
production co: Box Fresh Films

SHOT: Dean Miller - Dale Resteghini, director

Country artist Dean Miller travels from Nashville to New York City on a hunt for his artist girlfriend.

artist: Dean Miller
song: "Hard Love"
label: KOCH
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

NEW RELEASE: Jim Jones "What You Been Drankin' On"

Jim Jones feat. Diddy, Paul Wall & J'ha J'ha "What You Been Drankin' On" Diplomats/Koch
Jim Jones & Scott Franklin, directors
Fred Films, production co
Labuda Management, rep
Description: Jim Jones and a group of rap celebs incite chaos inside a sweaty bar in the Little Haiti section of Miami. Jones trades verses with Bad Boy impresario Diddy and Houston hot shot Paul Wall, while singer J'ha J'ha handles the chorus hook. The action moves from the bar to a back alley, where  Jones proves himself a brawler in street boxing match. Keep an eye out for other rap stars among the crowd, including Fat Joe.

BOOKED: Sheek Louch feat. Carl Thomas - Rick Carmona & Scott Franklin, directors

artist: Sheek Louch feat. Carl Thomas
song: "One Together"
label: KOCH
director(s): Rick Carmona & Scott Franklin
production co: Fred Films
rep: Labuda Management

SHOT: At All Cost - Pax Franchot, director

Influential thrash metal label Combat Records relaunches under the auspices of KOCH with a video for At All Cost.

artist: At All Cost
song: "Death To Distraction"
label: Combat/KOCH
director(s): Pax Franchot
production co: The Lodge Pictures

NEW RELEASE: Jim Jones feat. Max B "Babygirl/G's Up"

Jim Jones feat. Max B "Babygirl/G's Up"  Diplomat/KOCH Records
Jim Jones & Andre Wilkins, directors
Burning Bush Films, production co
Description: Whether he's in his crib, out on the block or at a club, women and weed are definitely the constants in the life of Jim Jones. The video's main song,"Babygirl," segues to a performance of "G's Up" with people in controversial "Stop Snitching" T-shirts.

NEW RELEASE: Sheek Louch "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye"

Sheek Louch feat. Styles P "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye"  D-Block/KOCH Records
Rick Carmona, director
Fred Films, production co
Description: Rappers Sheek Louch, Styles P, Jadakiss and J Hood represent for the D-Block crew in this video for "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye." The foursome don military gear and plot their moves to spread the D-Block through the hood.

SHOT: Jim Jones feat. P. Diddy - Jim Jones & Scott Franklin, directors

Shot in the Little Haiti section of Miami, "What You Been Drankin' On" takes place in a seedy underground bar. Diddy arrives just in time for a big money street fight in which Jim Jones lands the knockout blow.

artist: Jim Jones feat. P. Diddy, Paul Wall &  Jha' Jha
song: "What You Been Drankin' On"
label: Diplomat/KOCH Records
director(s): Jim Jones & Scott Franklin
production co: Fred Films
rep: Labuda Management

Pictured on-set are: Jim Jones, KOCH Records exec John Franck, director Scott Franklin and P. Diddy.

BOOKED: Cam'ron - Dale Resteghini & Beth Melillo, directors

artist: Cam'ron feat. Lil' Wayne & Jr. Writer
song: "Bird Call"
label: Diplomats/KOCH Records
director(s): Dale Resteghini & Beth Melillo
production co: Raging Nation

SHOT: Dipset - Scott Franklin, director

artist: Dipset featuring Juelz Santana and Cam'ron
song: "The Best Out/Get Down"
label: Diplomats/Koch
director(s): Scott Franklin
production co: Fred Films
rep: Labuda Management

SHOT: Sloan - Chris Grismer, director

Two parking valet's decide to express their displeasure at Sloan's cheap tip by taking the vehicle on an insane and destructive joyride.

artist: Sloan
song: "All Used Up"
label: Sony BMG (Canada)/Koch (US)
director(s): Chris Grismer
production co: Spy Entertainment
DP: Jon Choi
editor: Jay Deschamp

SHOT: Master P - Bernard Gourley & Master P, directors

artist: TRU feat. Master P, Silkk The Shocker, Halleluyah
song: "Where U From"
label: New No Limit/KOCH
director(s): Bernard Gourley & Master P
production co: New No Limit

Uhhhh!

SHOT: HED p.e. - Dale Resteghini, director

artist: HED p.e.
song: "Represent"
label: KOCH
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

Director Dale Resteghini (center) with HED p.e.