A Taste:

2pac, Pantera, Stone Temple Pilots, Z-Ro, Michael Jackson

Rock n’ roll needed a gangsta.

For a long time, there’s been a void for a badass with real attitude, swagger and talent to step in and take over. Houston-born, L.A.-based MC Hyro da Hero seized the moment, and he’s ready for both hip hop and rock supremacy.

Hyro is armed with a fiery flow and a rock n’ roll intensity that makes his “gangsta rock” simply explosive. Looking at his playlist, it’s clear that Hyro knows his shit when it comes to both rock and rap. He opened up his iTunes for ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive feature. Check out Hyro’s playlist below and be sure to keep your eyes on him…see his video for “Dirty South Rock” below!

Hyro da Hero’s Playlist:

1. Hyro da Hero — “Dirty South Rock”

One must always listen to something amazing to start the day!

See the video here!

2. 2pac — “Nothin’ to Lose”

I love this track! I can’t find it in good quality so I always listen to it on Youtube.

3. At the Drive-In — “One Armed Scissor”

Amazing song, amazing CD, awesome band…and they rep Texas like I do!

4. Pantera — “Cemetery Gates”

I sit back and close my eyes and vibe to this all the way through. The Dimebag strings at the beginning make a brother lose it. I repeat it over and over—Texas reppin’.

5. 50 Cent — “Baby By Me”

Both versions—the song is catchy!

6. Flight of the Conchords — “The Most Beautiful Girl in the Room”When I first heard this I laughed so hard. Some girls are the most wonderful human beings, depending on the street.

7. Michael Jackson — “PYT”

An iPod is not complete without this!

8. The Bravery — “Believe”

The song had me hooked right at the beginning, I bump this when I’m skatin’ in LA!

9. Stone Temple Pilots — “Plush”

I loved the song already, but then I saw them in concert and loved it even more.

10. Z-Ro — “Too Many N*****”

If you are like me and come from where I’m from, you’ll dig this.

—Rick Florino
11.12.09

Check out Rick Florino’s new novel Dolor available now for FREE here…

Check out Hyro’s video for “Dirty South Rock” below!

A Taste:

Stone Temple Pilots, Guns N’ Roses, Phil Collins

Adelitas Way make down n’ dirty rock n’ roll with heart.

On their self-titled Virgin Records debut, the Las Vegas rebels churn out one anthemic banger after another. These Sin City mavericks definitely are on their way towards to the top of hard rock. Singer Rick DeJesus sat down with ARTISTdirect.com and shared the perfect rock playlist with us in this exclusive feature.

Check out Rick’s playlist and pick up Adelitas Way now!

Rick DeJesus’s Playlist:

1. Stone Temple Pilots — “Sex Type Thing”

Scott Weiland is a rock star, and the riffs on this song are amazing.

2. Motley Crue — “Dr. Feelgood”

Who doesn’t love the Crue?!

3. Phil Collins — “In the Air Tonight”

Phil is a genius.

4. Incubus — “Make Yourself”

This is definitely a band you can play full records at a house party on repeat.

5. Minus the Bear — “Knights”

It’s our drummer, Derek’s favorite band right now!

6. Def Leppard — “Love Bites”

I’m a sucker for an 80’s love song.

7. Bon Jovi — “Living On a Prayer”

C’mon it’s Bon Jovi…ultimate party music.

8. Eddie Murphy — “Party All the Time”

We love Eddie Murphy!!

9. Guns N’ Roses — “November Rain”

One of the best videos of all time!

—Rick Florino
08.27.09

A Taste:

Alice in Chains, Guns N’ Roses, Stone Temple Pilots

James Hart has always had rock n’ roll pumping through his veins.

Even while fronting metalcore mavens Eighteen Visions, Hart had a whole lot of swagger that distinguished 18V from their peers. Burn Halo gives him a chance to fully realize all of those rock inclinations. On its self-titled debut, Hart’s new band hearkens back to ’80s arena bombast while nodding to grunge simultaneously. However, it’s a potent concoction all its own.

Hart shared his very rawk playlist with us in this exclusive feature. Check it out below.

James Hart’s Playlist:

1. Guns N’ Roses

This is probably the obvious choice for any fan of pure rock n’ roll. This band had danger written all over them. My favorite rock vocalist and guitarist of all time are in GNR. Their solos are timeless. Their rock songs are dirty, and their ballads are epic. The danger element finally caught up to them as they ended up imploding. Damn shame since they could’ve ruled the world for decades.

2. Stone Temple Pilots

I love the attitude and swagger that came along withthis band. They wrote great rock songs and ballads that were just as good, if not better. What I love most about this band is their musical progression from album to album. They weren’t afraid to try new things. Their fan base may have decreased because of it over the years, but it’s definitely something I can appreciate.

3. Alice In Chains

They’re my favorite early ’90s grunge-era band. I absolutely love the vibe they created and stuck with throughout their career. I can’t think of another band with two vocalists that complimented each other as well as Layne and Jerry did. Great riffs and very deep, painful lyrics..this band just felt more real to me than the others that sprouted up at the same time.

4. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Great songwriter. I love how simple his song arrangements are. Good, pure rock and to the point. I think he has a different, but very cool sounding voice. It’s super laid back, and I really like how he builds his melodies and harmonies.

5. U2

Musically and lyrically, U2 is inspiring. There is so much depth and meaning behind their songs. I think they do a better job than anyone of building a song from a tiny vocal and guitar then adding to until it becomes this wall of beautiful music.

—Rick Florino
07.27.09