For the first time since 2005, Nico the Beast slowed the assembly line of punishing, technically flawless lines released on a consistent basis to his growing fanbase. A near fatal car crash in April of 2009, which resulted in the loss of a dear friend, put Nico in a temporary holding pattern. Nonetheless, five days after the accident and not even two days home from the hospital, he was back on stage with one good leg supporting him, wowing the Philadelphia hip hop community through sheer will.
The message was clear: not even a brief visit with death would stop him from his passion.
Barely a month after the accident, he was performing in Miami with The Rap Pack and flew home just in time to witness the birth of his third child and first son Domenic Zarrella Jr. Though the physical and psychological toll of the trauma hadn’t worn off from the crash, a new child appeared to bring light to a rebuilding man.
Sadly, Domenic Zarrella Jr. passed away without warning, not even 8 weeks old, from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). We all stopped everything. Suddenly, music meant nothing. It still has been hard to stay motivated because all our hearts and prayers are with the entire Zarrella family almost five months later.
But the Beast survives and endures. Though he’s been relatively quiet to the public, he has been laboring away in the studio as always, for therapeutic purposes, sure, but also to prove something: he is never satisfied. Even recently, before Christmas, another close friend of his passed away prematurely from a rare heart disease (RIP Jamal Thomas). Death keeps calling, but Nico keeps walking. He has no other choice but to shine for himself, his family, and his close friends who have held him down for years.
These few tracks give you an idea of what happened recently, and is what happening next to South Philly’s finest rhymer - all records mixed by Rhythm J
Never Stop (prod by Korn Swagger) : A call to arms, a future showstopper, dare we say “anthem” produced by iStandard Producer finalist Korn Swagger of North Philadelphia.
Make Believe ft. Vixion (prod by Vanderslice) : An introspective converstaion with God on the past year, the aftermath of tragedy still in his sights, with an accent of Vixion on the hook. Produced by industry vet Vanderslice.
Wake The Beast (prod by Vanderslice) : Right for the jugular. No bones about it — just vicious “come see me” ish. Don’t wake a sleeping giant, nor a beast.
Golden ft. Vixion (prod by Stupid Genius) : An uptempo potential crossover song warning current rappers to stay honest rather than exaggerate to get on. Produced by iStandard Producer vet Stupid Genius of Miami, who also handled “It’s Your Choice” from No Beast So Fierce.
We at Beat Garden THANK YOU for all the well wishes, prayers, and donations made to the Zarrella family and for your continued support of Nico the Beast’s music. Make sure you follow Nico on Twitter and check out his Reverb Nation page for more new music!
Already remade into video game characters, the Beatles are now one step closer to getting the modern 3-D treatment. Director Robert Zemeckis has reportedly zeroed in on the cast for his computer animated take on the 1968 film "Yellow Submarine."
The Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit has the details, revealing that Dean Lennox Kelly, a Brit who has appeared in a string of U.K. television programs, has been tabbed for John Lennon. Perhaps the biggest name to audiences on these shores with be "The Princess Bride's" Cary Elwes, who is targeted for George Harrison. Peter Serafinowicz, most recently in "Couples Retreat," is in line to portray Paul McCartney, and Adam Campbell is set for Ringo Starr.
Kit has more details on his blog, including side-by-side pictures of the new cast with their Beatles counterparts. Of the music in the film, he writes:
The Beatles tribute band the Fab Four will be motion-captured as the ensemble for the musical performance sequences though -- since actual Beatles music will be utilized (licensed from Sony/ATV and EMI-Capitol Records) -- they won't actually be performing the 16 songs used in the movie.
Those angling for a more real-life glimpse of a Beatle will want to find a way to worm their way into the Grammy Museum on Jan. 19, where Ringo will appear for an interview and brief performance. The event is sold out, and resale tickets on Craigslist are currently in the $140 range.
D.O.E. C.I.G.A.P.O.M. Adversary & Napoleon Da Legend - Sinking With The Ship from Darren on Vimeo.
Posts
All Comments
