December 01, 1995|By SAM MCDONALD Daily Press
These days, it seems like everybody's a gangsta. But Kool G Rap is no faker. He helped pioneer the G style back in 1986. And now the hip-hop world is recognizing his contribution. His newest album, "4,5,6," is a hot seller. It entered Billboard's R&B; Albums chart at No. 1.
"Fast Life," is the newest single and video from "4,5,6." The cut features Kool along with Nas . Directed by Brian "Black" Luvar, depicts the two players living large as they plot the construction of a mythical "Fast Life Hotel and Casino."
Watch for it.
Meanwhile, Kool's old partner, DJ Polo , has also surfaced. He recently re-released the single "Freak of the Week." He hosts a radio talk show in Cleveland, according to Vibe magazine.
HE'S ALL THAT.
Jason Davis is doing pretty well for a 17-year-old high school kid. The Hampton resident has recorded an R&B; single, "Are You Ready," that received an encouraging review in Billboard magazine last month.
"His honey-soaked baritone is a delight and is strong enough to distract the ears from the song's overly simplistic ... lyrics. A voice of this quality deserves way better material than this," wrote a critic. Davis wrote the song.
His CD single is on BSE Records, a label started by Newport News rap/R&B; entrepreneur Reynard Pringle. The two connected by chance. In April, Pringle was a guest speaker for an after-school Project Discovery class at Hampton High, Davis' school. There, Davis approached him and gave a quick audition - an a cappella version of Johnny Gill's hit "My, My, My." Pringle was impressed. "Jason is an extraordinary talent and I immediately wanted to work with him," Pringle said.
Pringle has been a player in the Hampton Roads music scene since 1988. To start BSE Records, he teamed up with music producer and Newport News native Terrence Thompson. Thompson's credits include production on the single, "On The Down-Low," by the Newcomers, a group on the Atlanta label Ichiban Records.
Pringle said he will be shopping Jason's music to major labels over the next few months. He said interest has been strong so far.
Also, BSE intends to release songs from two additional artists later this year.
