Maino talks "The Day After Tomorrow," Atlantic Records, and E1 Music

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In less than a month, Maino will deliver the world his second album, The Day After Tomorrow. Unlike his debut album, released in 2009, If Tomorrow Comes..., the new album will be released through both Atlantic Records and E1 Music. His debut was released straight through Atlantic Records.

In the eyes of many, Maino dealing with E1 Music is a step back. While E1 has a roster full of stars, the label is independent, while Atlantic Records is a major. Maino recently explained this. The Brooklyn rapper said E1 is helping him land more radio play, as Atlantic will handle distribution.

Maino also spoke on his own label, as his role as the head of the label. While he could have handled things on his own, through his Hustle Hard label, Maino said it would take him time to build his brand up. Not having much time, Maino decided to add E1 Music to his team in a joint venture with Atlantic Records.

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Maino gives info on Guest Appearances and Production for "Day After Tomorrow"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Two years ago, Maino posted his "All the Above" hit single with T-Pain. At the time, many were looking for a new artist from New York City to take over. After the hit from Maino, many looked to him as the future of New York hip hop.

Maino promised fans he would release a new album every year, following the success of If Tomorrow Comes... Last year, Maino planned to release Day After Tomorrow. But, his label, Atlantic Records, had other plans.

After missing a year of productivity, Maino is back and ready to release his second album. His single, "Let it Fly," featuring last year's sensation, Roscoe Dash, has been generating significant buzz.

The goal is for this album to be the best of 2011. With such high goals, Maino feels he has to record the album without many guest appearances. The few guests on the album include Lil Wayne, PUSH! Montana, Lloyd Banks, Mouse, and Black Flag City. Production will come from Dangerous LLC, Mista Raja, GQ Beats, and Coalition Forces.

Maino said this album will take a different turn than his 2009 debut. The release date for Day After Tomorrow is October 4, 2011.

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Maino ready to become King of New York

Ever since Jay-Z initially retired following The Black Album, there has been the search for a rapper to inherit his throne. Multiple rappers have tried to fill the void. Even when Jay-Z was in his prime, a lot of people felt Fabolous would eventually inherit the throne. However, as time went on, it was clear that he was not on that level. In 2007, some people felt that Mims could possibly fill the void left by Jay-Z.

While everybody was searching for someone to fill the void left by Jay-Z, Maino was working hard to get himself into the game. At the time, he was still trying to get a record deal. Much like when Jay-Z was trying to break through, record labels were not looking for a New York rapper. Instead, they were looking for a rapper from the South. With no one willing to put him out, Maino created his own label, Hustle Hard Entertainment.

Years before his debut album came, Maino began releasing mixtapes through his label and he built a solid following in New York. Some of his music found its way into the hands of 50 Cent and 50 decided to help him out. Because he had his hands full at G-Unit, 50 Cent lobbied for Universal Records to sign Maino. After hearing his mixtapes, the label quickly agreed to add him to their roster.

However, after one year it became clear that they had no intentions in actually allowing Maino to release an album. Upset with Universal Records, Maino fought to get off of the label and he ended up signing with Atlantic Records. Due to his friendship with T.I., the label signed him without too much of a hassle. Initially due for 2008, his debut album, If Tomorrow Comes… was delayed into a summer 2009 release.

When the album came out, it showed just how hungry Maino was. Feeling his hunger and some comparing it to 50 Cent in 2003, Maino’s album was met with much success. While the album did not sell many copies, it was critically-acclaimed. Following the release of the album, Maino promised to release an album every year for the fans. With his next album, The Day After Tomorrow, on the way, Maino is ready to assume the title of king.

Unlike other New York rappers, Maino has the youth and consistency to drop an album each year for the next ten years. Currently, his single, “Bring It Back DJ,” is circulating the radio waves.

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Maino hypes Sophomore Album

Often, when people speak of a comeback from New York hip hop, they say that someone outside of Jay-Z has to step up. That person is going to be Maino. His debut album, If Tomorrow Comes..., was a critical success and it solidified his position on the scene. Recently, he spoke about rappers, such as Jay-Z and T.I. He credited their success to their consistency. It was then that he promised to release an album every year for his fans.

Maino began working on his sohpomore album, Day After Tomorrow, last fall. While his debut album focused on his rise from the streets and into fame, his second album will focus more on his life after making it big. Maino has been recording this album while he has been touring the world. He said that this album will be a part of the series that he created with his debut, but with a new mindstate. The fact of the matter is that he is no longer on the streets.

Following the success of his debut album being released in the summer, Maino plans to release Day After Tomorrow, in June 2010 through his Hustle Hard label and Atlantic Records.

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