Highlights of CTR2, Part 1: Walnut & Mara Bettencourt

Check The Recipe 2 is my latest mixtape which features 18 musical talents from the 781 area and beyond. I'll be giving some background info on two of the people involved in CTR2 in this entry. Sit back and take in some insight on the Recipe.

From left to right: Walnut, G. Jonz and Blak C admiring the beauty of Mara Bettencourt.

Walnut is a veteran in hip-hop culture. For over 20 years, Da Lyrical Geni has solidified in his name in the Boston area as one of the most diverse and conscious lyricists to ever hold a mic. CTR2 isn't the first time that Walnut and Sunspot have crossed paths. Walnut made an appearance in C.Luk's Extradimensional album as well as the critcally-acclaimed short film, "Captain Asian America." G. Jonz and C.Luk also lent a hand in producing two songs ("Next On the Mic" and "You Need to Stop") from Walnut's 2011 release - "Love Is In Your Face." C.Luk performs on "Next On the Mic" along with Big Brotha Sadi and Zullo Crew.

During the calendar year, Walnut hosts a series of Community Building parties where artists of all genres come together and promote positivity, have jam sessions, and generally have a good time. This is how G. Jonz met the vocalist/musican/songwriter Mara Bettencourt.

The Chef brought up the idea of making a second mixtape and explained that he wanted to expand his skills as a producer and delve into pop. Bettencourt agreed to help with this and stated that she wanted a sound that would be reminiscent of a "celestial" dance pop sound. About a week later, the beat was brought to Mara and the aural artist of Azores went to work on creating the lyrics. Soon, Love At First Sight was created and was instrumental (ha.) in leading the pop sound on CTR2. Mara's newest CD is scheduled for release sometime in January 2013.

You can listen to Walnut and Mara and get free downloads right now! Keep checking for updates as I highlight the remaining 16 voices of Check The Recipe 2!

The Cool Spot In The Heat

The story behind Sunspot Productions starts in 1999 when C. Luk decided to try the art of rapping. He chose G. Jonz to help him with beat-making. They started off simple, using the MTV Music Generator. Soon after, they named themselves the Plutos as a parody to the Neptunes.

A year later, The Plutos and Right Hook met through a mutual friend (shout out to Miguel), but G. & Hook knew each other from elementary school and lost touch with each other. This unexpected reunion was only the icing on the cake when it came to the musical chemistry the three had. Not only was Right Hook an MC himself, but he brought a new sound and new technique to beat-making. After a few months, the newly-established trio were known as Sunspot Productions. Right Hook has been a triple-threat (writing, producing & performing) for Sunspot ever since, including the hits "Let's Ride," "Seven 81s," and, more recently, "Light It Up."

In early 2001, Runna signed on with Sunspot, adding an R & B element to the roster. As the leader/founder of the ITM Step Squad and Dance Team, he brought an extra level of showmanship and an energy like no other. His protege, Quiet Storm, better known as QS, joined in the fall of 2002. QS gets his name from his demeanor being usually calm, but when he gets on the mic, his flow is lightning in a bottle.

Over the years, Sunspot Productions has brought a cutting-edge sound to the hip-hop scene of the North Shore and beyond. The Sunspot family seem to know no limit as to what they can do creatively and musically. C. Luk, Right Hook, and QS bring the lyrical flavor that won't make you say "it's just another rap song." Runna gives you that smooth R & B tip or the high-energy fire to hype up a track. G. Jonz, along with the other four, can cook beats "that's boiling hot."

Everyone brings something different to the table, but there's one thing they all have in common: delivering high-quality music & entertainment like no one else can.