Underground PR

DJ Nik Bean Interview

2008-05-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

DJ NIK BEAN

Being a sucessful DJ is far more than a nine to five job, you have to be on top of your game constantly and if anyone knows this first hand it is DJ Nik Bean, a highly succesful Los Angeles DJ bringing more heat and fire to every release than you could ever imagine.
With various projects under way including his own radio spot and the focus to release a mixtape every week throughout the first quater of 2008, it is easy to see why DJ Nik Bean is being heard on a major level. Having put out mixtapes with former Death Row member Crooked I and the West Coast’s finest DJ Felli Fel it is easy to see why DJ Nik Bean is constantly a man in demand for mixtape hosting.

The new album is also currently in production so we are sure to be hit hard with a avalanche of exclusives and raw materail when it drops hopefully later this year. Yo! Raps decided to catch up with the West Coast man himself and get the low down on the new album and what we can expect from the radio spot due to kick off any day now.

For those unfamiliar can you give us a break down of who you are and what you do?

DJ Nik Bean is the mixtape hustler, it ain´t no secret out here. I run the mixtape game out here in the streets of Los Angeles. Last year was a huge year for me. I put out the mixtapes with Hot Dollar and G. Malone when they signed their major deals. It was also their first mixtapes they ever did with a DJ. Not to mention the mixtapes with Jayo Felony and 40 Glocc. I made history because all these artist had never done mixtapes with a DJ before. I get it in out here. Ask around the streets, I'm certified!

How did you get into DJing? Was it something you always wanted to pursue?

DJing was not my first passion. My first love was playing basketball, I played 3 years of college basketball so playing in the NBA was my childhood dream and it was what I was trying to pursue. I had other responsibilities with the birth of my daughter so my basketball career was basically over. To make a long story short I had a lot of run-ins with the police while I was on the street getting money, which forced me to figure out something legit to do. I was always into hip-hop music, especially West Coast hip-hop, so with the lack of mixtape presence out here I knew I could make an impact. I got into the mixtape side of it because I saw a way to eat and not be in fear of getting pulled over and having the police search my whip. Real talk. I actually studied the game for like 6 months before I got my feet wet. It's like if you gonna be a doctor or a lawyer, you better go to school and study that shit or you gonna make a fool out of yourself. Nothings better than hands on experience though but do your research first. It don't matter what type of job it is.

Describe how the mixtape scene changed in comparison to the date before DJ Drama was arrested in a mixtape raid?

The game will never be the same. It's like if your wife cheated on you, the relationship will never be the same. Before the raid everybody was going about their business as usual, and I think it's safe to say that some people in the game took it for granted. After the bust a lot of people got scared, rightfully so, finding mixtapes was like trying to find crack, you could only find them in certain spots. Just the mixtape atmosphere has changed in general, I don't see it changing anytime soon.

Mixtapes have long inhabited a grey area for both record labels and artists. While the CDs are consistently integrated into marketing campaigns for hip-hop projects, labels do not formally condone the use of non-copyrighted music. What is your opinion about that subject and the mixtape game?

Yeah, thats a sticky situation. I think the so called mixtape DJs who put out all the Lil Wayne mixtapes and all the unofficial shit on the internet is the one that´s fucking up the game. I can understand why the record label's might not support mixtapes. There's to much crap getting put out on the net and no regulation. Everybody with a DSL connection and photoshop thinks they can do it now. The consumer is too confused. Plus most of these mixtapes you'll never see physically, they just exist in cyberworld. They are not mixtapes they are what I call "Net Tapes". Do you know how many emails a day I get for a "free download" of a mixtape? I try to listen to as many singles as posible but I don't have time to download, burn a CD and listen to these full length net tapes, but when someone hands me a finished product, I definetely try to give it listen in the whip. I know tons of people in the hood who will never check the internet for new music. Hell some people still don't even have internet access. Mixtapes started in the streetz and will always be dictacted by the streetz. The new people trying to come out come across as backward hustler's, it's like they so hungry for fame or recognition, that no one wants to put in any work in on the street. It's sad. You got to understand that anything that is build from the ground up will survive longer than something that is made in microwave fashion. A lot of the new artist coming out are becoming ringtones rappers and have no foundation or fan base to back them up if their new single is not a hit. Maintaining a strong mixtape presence can help but it's the artist responsiblity to insure their longevity in the industry and not the label's. It's also the same way for mixtape DJs, my career as a mixtape DJ has a foundation in the streetz of L.A., nobody can take that away from me. You could ban me from all the mixtape sites and hip-hop sites on the net and I'll still be able to hold it down out here.

You dropped mixtapes every week during the months of January, February and March, Man your work load was immense!

Definetly. I always like a good challenge. But I kinda feel bad because I'm taking all the work on the block. I think after this I'm gonna try to lay low and concentrate on other things especially on the recording of the debut album "The Hustler's Manual". I think it's time to let the next man eat, but then again the next man might not be ready, so well see.

What reaction have you been getting from your "The Streets of L.A." mixtape series which many consider to be one of the best mixtapes from the West?

Great feedback. The public demand is there but to be honest sometimes I feel no motivation because there's no competition out here with West Coast compilation tapes. No one does them in L.A. So I guess it would be a monopoly and that aint no fun, I enjoy competition. But then again someone's gotta do it because theres a need for it. With WStreetz of L.A. 3W, it was supposed to be a compilation tape hosted by Glasses Malone but it ended up turning into a complete tape. I thought that marked my retirement from the compilation tapes but people always come up to me and tell me what volume is their favorite and why, and ask question about songs. I decided to do another volume, so me and Felli gonna do Volume 4 with DJ Drama. We'll see what happens after that. I ain´t making no promises.

Do you feel artists on the West Coast have to work harder to be heard because the South is really dominating right now?

Right now yes, but we all have to work harder. The DJs, the producers , the managers, the promoters, everybody. I don't wanna hear excuses, that's the easy way out.

You have quite a few shows coming up lately, do you enjoy being on the road?

Yeah, I do. Being home all the time can get boring. I enjoy seeing different places, scenary, and culture because up until a year ago or so I hadnt been able to see the rest of the world

Tell us about this DVD magazine you are working with?

"Street Certified" is the name of the DVD magazine. Basically it started because of the same reason I started doing mixtapes out here. I saw a open lane with lack of representation. The Dvd magazine is big on the East Coast, but out here it doesnt hold much weight right now, so I wanted to be a part of the movement for positive change. I teamed up with some good people and we gonna make it crack. It's also not just a west coast dvd mag, we did interviews with Rick Ross, Ying Yang Twins, Trey Songz, Crooked I, Keak Da Sneak and Mistah FAB. The firsz issue will be out by the time you read this. It's kinda crazy because this whole journalism thing wasn't something that I never planned on doing. It seemed boring to me. With the DVD magazine I have had to play the role of the journalist, and to my suprise I kind of liked it. People have been telling me that I'm a natural [laughs]. Some of the interviews I have done have been questions that I came up with at the sphere of the moment. Now I'm gonna try and be prepared for the next round of interviews and really test myself. We'll see. I also did a interview with Guerilla Black on the spot for my friends at GOE Magazine, check it out in there new issue.

We heard rumors that you have your own radio show too right?

Yes! I got "Streetz Of L.A. Radio" about to crack off. I'm putting the finishing touches on the situation, so be expecting to hear more about it in the near future.

You have plans for an album I hear titled "The Hustler´s Manual", when do you plan to release it? Are there any big names going to be featured?

Yes, "The Hustler´s Manual". I just started recording some material so we in the early stages of it. But mainly right now im focusing on the production side of it and making sure we get the right sound and feel to it. You can expect to hear all your West Coast favorites but I'm also gonna get representation from other regions. You know I can't give up all the details but don't underestimate the power of the hustle. I just might have a trick up my sleeve. Stay tuned...
You have linked up with DJ Felli Fel to release more material, who else do you have lined up?
Yeah, Felli is a good friend of mine. our friendship and conversations extends outside the music, he's good people. That's one lesson I've learned about this game, I won't just fuck wit anybody. I don't care how talented you are, I don't care how much money you got or how many records you sold. If I aint feelin you or I don't think you genuine, I ain´t fucking with you. period! It's just that simple. With Crooked I, I came to him with the concept and theme for the mixtape. He loved it! Somebody tryed to tell me that we were jacking 50 Cent's idea with the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre". But to be honest I wasn't even thinking about 50, I didn't even know what the fuck my friend was talking about. I had to do some research just to figure out what the fuck he was talking about. I knew Felli could help put it over the top. Me and Fel also did this tape with Stat Quo called "Statistically Speaking". I was feeling like I was just only doing West Coast tapes and I never want to limit myself in anything I do, so we reached out to Stat. Then we got a tape we putting together with Roscoe Umali called the "Agenda", he's really buzzing out here big. Then next month we got a tape that everyone's gonna be talking about with this new West Coast artist named Problem, it´s called "Streetz Is Mine". And if you missed it check out the Spider Loc tape "Connected 2" that we released earlier in the year. So yeah we trying to stay busy.

You have had a lot of press coverage over the past months, how do you feel when you open up a magazine and see your own face staring back at you?

It's cool and we did it without a publicist. Some people need press and awards to validate success to themselves. I don't. I just like to show it to my family, my daughter likes seeing stuff like that.

Who for you is making some major noise on the underground scene right now?

As far as West Coast artist, I like Roscoe Umali because he knows how to make records for the radio, but also has a hip-hop side to him, you can catch him on the Wake-Up Show every Sunday freestyling. He has a great understanding of the game and knows how to stay in his lane. I like what Problem is doing, he has a crazy single right now called "I'm Toe Up" and he just signed a new deal with Universal. If he's considered underground, Crooked I is another artist that's making major noise, he started a trend with his Hip-hop Weekly's. He has a ridiculous work ethic, being in the studio with him and watching him work is incredible. He never uses a pen and records everything straight off the head. And of course Glasses Malone and Hot Dollar but they already have major record deals. Glasses has a huge buzz in the city and the "Certified" single with Akon is getting countless spins on the radio plus now the video is getting some burn. Glasses has the ability to become the next superstar from the city. I have heard some really dope cuts from the album, right now we trying to decide what's the next single gonna be. It's between "Go Big" featuring Mack 10 and the "Haters" joint featuring Lil Wayne and Baby. Both records are great cuts so you can't go wrong either way and watch out because the "Beach Cruiser" is scheduled to drop on July 17th. And Hot Dollar is one of the best songwriters in the game. I've seen him come up with hooks like its nothing, like a straight freestyle. His new single "Upside Down" is getting some significant airplay and his album "My Dreams... A Day In The Life" is scheduled to drop this year also.

Who are you feeling right now comming out of the Bay?

I don't get to hear to much Bay Area music, but from what I've heard and seen recently I would say Mistah Fab. He has all the right pieces in place to take it to the next level. A good team around him, relentless hustle, his hometown behind him and great music to back it up. The AllHipHop.com battle really put him on people's radar from outside the West Coast. Check out the interview I did with him for "Street Certified", it was the first video interview after the battle so he speak on Joe Budden, Saigon and Royce Da 5'9.

Which of your releases has been your most successful on a personal level and why?

I try to go all out on every tape but some will have more impact than others. The tapes with Hot Dollar and Glasses Malone will always standout for obvious reason. I'm permanetly attached to their career's forever. The tape with Glasses is still popping in the streets right now and it's been out for almost a year. A lot of people come up to me and tell me that it is a classic tape.

What can we expect from DJ Nik Bean throughout 2008?

You can expect me to make history again.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Geolani Grandz Interview

2008-05-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

GEOLANI GRANDZ

If you are a fan of Hip Hop you will undoubtebly already know who Geolani Grandz is but for those who maybe sleeping a little longer than the others let me break it down for you.
Geloani was born and raised in Yonkers NYC, growing up to the street beat of Hip Hop and artists like DMX and Styles P it’s no surprise Geloani himself became a budding CEO and artist wanting to spread the music he grew up around.

Experiencing a rough childhood has only made him stronger and shaped him into the man we know today, without it who knows we may not be sitting here reading about the artist we know as Geolani. But we are and so are many others, Geolani boasts a massive 15,000+ internet features. Now that is a man with serious grind.

Geloani is steaming ahead full throttle with projects and those around him. With 14 artists, 20 DJs and 7 producers inside the Team AFFicial camp it is no wonder they managed to rack up a huge 11 nominations at the Justo Mix-tape awards alone.

A new album/mixtape is currently under production and the time is being spent to make sure when it hits our streets and airwaves it hits with brutal force to keep us all locked down securely to the Team AFFicial and Geolani sound!
So watch this space for further updates and until then kick back and relax into the interview of surely one of Yonkers hottest rising talents... Geolani.

Who is Geolani Grandz?

Geolani Grandz is the CEO of the best team to do it in years called Team AFFicial. I was born in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers. I am a CEO, Manager, Artist, and a Boss.

Where do your musical aspirations come from?

I get my musical aspirations from my block; I grew up in Yonkers around the likes of Styles P, DMX, Sporty Theivz, and more. I use to play the park and hustle, roll dice, and watch dudes spit all day. Shout out to Mike "Dusty" and Bombay who taught me how to write bars.

You grew up in Yonkers NY, what was life like for you as a child in the big city?

My mother was doing her own thing, and my pops got murdered when I was young. So I played the block, moved from friends crib to friends crib. I never really made too many enemies, so anywhere I went I was good money. It was ruff but I think that's why I am built the way I am now, I would not want it any other way.

Tell us about Team AFFicial and your whole movement?

I used to manage Liveson (producer) from D-Block and still manage DJ Lust. People knew I was working hard for them and alot of DJs, artists, and producers kept getting at me for help or management. I told my right hand man Montega we should start something like a Movement so we can put a lot of this talent down. So I said I got the name already, let's run with Team AFFicial (the AFF in AFFicial stems from our label AdoubleF Ent.). So one and a half years later, 14 artist deep, 20 DJs recruited, 7 producers later, we are nominated for 11 Justo Mixtape Awards. We are grinding with no brakes. Also look out for So AFFicial to emerge which is the sister movement to Team AFFicial ran by Ceo Lady Lyric.

You were nominated at the Justo Mix tape Awards for "Best Underground Artist On A Mixtape." How does it feel to gain such recognition for your talents?

It feels great man; it's good to see that people recognize you are putting in that heavy work. To tell you the truth you never know how many people have heard of you until you are told by outside sources. Best believe I'm going to the Justo's to take that shit home for the team.
Do you feel your past experiences have shaped you into the artist and man you are today?
Oh yeah of course, I been around alot of people in the game and learned alot. I have seen all the bullshit that goes along with it, and I see through fake people. Shit, I talk to haters and snakes all day like they my dudes, but don't think I don't know who you are! Plus the block raised me, so I am ready for whatever this game puts in front of me.

What can we expect from the new mixtape "Zillion Dollar Boss"?

I took my time with this project, my last two mixtapes I just did joints and smacked them together. But I have been working on this mixtape/album for about six months, executive produced by Metro Beats & Montega. You will hear every side of me with this project, the last two joints I was basically finding myself and popping off a lot. With this one you will really hear Geolani at his peak and you can see the growth. I have alot of features on this project too (Stack Bundles, Skyzoo, Ransom, Freeway, Donny Goines, Sic Osyrus, St. Laz, Team AFFicial, and many more). "Zillion Dollar Boss" dropping soon.

What is the release date and where can people get it?

I pushed it back to March 2008; I do not know the exact date. But it will be all over the place when I drop, that's fo' sho. You can keep checking my MySpace for updates www.myspace.com/geolaniadouble

Is it true you have had over 15,000 site features?

Yea mang, the internet grind is bananas, shout out to St. Laz. He really helped me get out there when I was on the come up and introduced me to the internet grind.

How important is the internet for an artist like yourself?

Internet is the shit, real talk. You hear from all the people in the streets ... "You ain't in the streets so u ain't popping homie!". I'm like I just reached 30 thousands people with one email blast, people in Alaska know who Geolani is. You think I worry about what these clowns got to say? Major labels are folding right now, what's the next step for them (the internet)? Dudes need to wake up, it is 2008, cop that clk and dump the pintos. Where else can you put a mixtape out and get 68,000 listens and over 21,000 downloads?

You got props in The Source magazine as well. That must have been a great achievement for you? That magazine is seen worldwide by thousands!

Yea it was definitely a good look, it was a review for my "Mixtape Legends DVD". They gave it a good review, I stopped making DVD's a couple years back because it was time consuming. But yeah they helped me get a couple stacks off that from the exposure, shout out to the Source Magazine.

How many mixtapes did you push last year alone?

Team AFFicial probably put out close to 300 mixtapes last year. As far as me as an artist I was featured on over 1,000 mixtapes in 2007. And in 2008 I am trying to triple the grind.

What do you feel makes you stand apart from today's other Hip Hop artists and create your own buzz and following?

Well I get love from everybody, even my enemies show me love. I guess I know how to conduct business, I know how to deal with people. Alot of artist burn alot of bridges, but at the end of the day you never know where that dude could be in a day or two (he might be the one to get you that million). My presence in the booth/swag is off the scale, and my persona is just that good.

The grind is crazy, take a look at Team AFFicial and what has been done in little over a year, need I say more?

People say "Hip Hop Is Dead". Do you think Hip Hop is really dead? Or just lacking right now some new fresh vibe?

Hip-Hop just took a trip around the world, it will be back. Check the net, people are writing about us, "Team AFFicial is the best group of artist since Ruff Ryders & G Unit". Hip-Hop will be back very soon.

So what else can we expect to see from you and your team throughout 2008?

Heavy traffic and top notch product. After I drop "Zillion Dollar Boss", we will be releasing four more projects executive produced by myself (Geolani Grandz). Montega "Human Heroin Pt. 2", Lady Lyric "She's A Boss", Big Skeem "Certified", and Hood Fella "Astonishing Depression". That's just the beginning...

Any final comments?

Shout out to Yo! Raps for keeping it real with me threw my growth, ya'll were the first ones to ever interview me when I first started grinding. Team AFFicial waddup? All my DJs, Dub Floyd, 2Mello, DJ 4Sho, DJ Lust and the rest of TA DJs and outside DJs that hold us down. Shout out to 1226 Management for making things happen for ya boy, all the sites that show love.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Skoolboy Interview

2008-05-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

SKOOLBOY

Born in South Carolina but calling a lot of the South his home, it is no wonder Skoolboy really has that Southern flavor behind his music.
Currently working on various different projects Skoolboy is destined to be hitting the air waves in your area soon than you think. As well as being a determined artist within the music industry, Skoolboy is also an accomplished motivational speaker so you know right off point the words within his music have a meaning deeper than most.
Having already had the chance to work with some of today’s biggest names within music, we decided the time was right to get the full low down on Skoolboy, his past, present and future.
Yo! Raps got the 411 with the man himself so kick back relax and let us Skool you.

Give us some background info on Skoolboy?

I was born in a small town in South Carolina. As a youth I have always been in between Atlanta Georgia, and South Carolina. I'm currently backed in South Carolina working on a music project; I want my home state to get credit for breaking a worldwide record. Most importantly motivate those in my home state that you don't have to run off to a major city to become successful; it can happen right at home.

Do you feel you are a role model to others not just a musician?

I always think of myself as first a role model, then a musician. I take that into consideration when I make music. Music has given me a platform to do what I'm born to do, which is to be a great example and motivate others.

Tell us about your single "Money Callin"? You wrote it for the likes of Yung Joc but no one picked it up?

It's not that no one wanted the record, the business proposals where not what I expected for such a great record! In fact, two certified platinum artists considered "Money Callin" for their single. All considering the song proposed a complete buy-out for the song and tract, and that's not a good look! Had I been ignorant to the music industry the proposal would have seemed like a great deal, but I knew I had a hit single on my hands. Realistically I'm already financially secure with other great things in the works, so if a major label or anyone else talking money, they'll have to supersede my collateral! I first wrote the song for Mase, he needed something fresh for his new southern audience. In the process, somehow the song leaked out onto mixtapes and people were sending email blasts for the song! Plus another well known Atlanta group basically duplicated the song, and started pushing it as their single basically swagger jacking! I have the original "Money Callin" and I have my home state behind me pushing the record one hundred percent!

What do you think makes you stand out against other artists?

My image! Not to sound vain. I just have a different look, people look at me as prep or something. I don't wear air forces, and long white tees. I'm really into vintage, and I love Van's. With music, I just make music with substance that's thought provoking. With all that, I still have a strong southern swag. Even if you didn't know me as an artist, when I step into a room my presence is strong.

How would you define your musical style?

My music style is different. It's hard to compare to any other artist, I have a very distinct voice! It's southern, and in a lane by itself!

Why the name Skoolboy? Any deeper meaning behind it?

I grew up in a very poor area of my community, and I was one of the few in my hood to actually go to school without fail. So everyone around me would call me Skoolboy jokingly. Many of the boys I grew up with are either in jail or perished. I carry the name Skoolboy with me; it reminds me of where I come from and how far I've come. Plus it carries well with me being a motivational speaker, especially when in get into high schools speaking about the importance staying in school.

Do you feel the DJ really is the upcoming artists best friend?

DJs are definitely the most important part of making things pop off! I'm glad this process is going the way it is; I get to witness how a record is broken. I hooked up with DJ Prince Ice, the first to break hip-hop music in the state of South Carolina period! DJ Prince Ice is truly an original, living legend. The number one station in the state HOT 103.9 and DJ/personality H-Dub are behind the record. DJ B-Lord is also working the record; he has a stronghold on the streets, clubs, and airways. They're all the first to truly work the record, and the ones I will be taking to the Grammy's! There are many other DJs all over behind the project, which I give major props to.

You have worked with some great people within music over the years. Who has been your biggest influence and why?

I would have to say Andre 3000, he is a trendsetter. He made it a cool thing to be country and from the south. He made the world know that the south got lyrics down here too! Most importantly I admire how he always finds a way to acknowledge God in all his lyrics, and still meet the people in the streets where they are.

You are also a motivational speaker right?

Yes, I am a sought out motivational speaker, it's primarily how I make a living (www.erikvance.org). I speak at high schools, colleges, group homes, spiritual retreats, and churches. I have overcome so many great obstacles that many can relate to, and people are more open to me because of that. I have experienced adversities that most young men have been through like poverty, getting into trouble with the law, staying in the streets, and doing anything to get ahead. Those experiences made me who I am today, I wouldn't change it for the world, but if my speeches can change somebody's life, that is my goal. It would be wrong to go through all that and not be a voice to motivate people to dream big! My biggest message is there is hope and dreams do come true!

Do you have any plans to release a mixtape soon?

I have a mixtape coming soon called "SkoolDayz". It'll have a little something' for everybody. "Money Callin" is for anybody who got any business about them. Another record I´m pushing "Drop Top" featuring T.I. is for all the donk riders, that's how we ride in the South! The mixtape is a joint project with DJ Prince Ice, and H-Dub of Hot 103.9. Production on the project includes SupaFloyd Beats, BeatBanga's, and Halo of Zone 4/Interscope.

What are some projects you are working on in 2008?

For 2008, I´m doing a little bit of writing for people in the industry. I'm working on a project for DJ B-Lord; his slogan is "Happy Juice" so look out for that one soon! Most importantly I'm working on new artists too. My lil´ brother Yung swag is a hot new young artist I'm working with, he has a deep following in the Carolina's already. Also my sister I'm working with Ajah Luv, she's awesome and full of energy. Definitely keep your eyes open for these two!

Growing up was music something you were always interested in?

Music for me was like an escape. My interest in being an artist is something that grew in me over time. I really wasn't on the same page as everybody else around me. The difference was there were people who just wanted to be artists; I was destined to do this. I know I'm definitely supposed to be a part of the music industry and make a major impact.

You really do seem like you could try your hand at anything, how do you find time to fit everything in?

A lot of people say that about me! I really do involve myself in allot of things! If it´s honest, true, and we all can benefit I'm for it! I'm not all about money, more about dreams and making an impact. Favor and relationships take you far, and does what money can't do! Living by that, I got a strong support system behind me who believe in me. No matter what I get myself into, they got me.

Any final comments?

I am a new face for the Carolina's as far as hip-hop is concerned. You can download my hit single "Money Callin" free at www.myspace.com/skoolboy7. Spread the word! Hit me up on MySpace! I love feedback from my fans. Check out my video, it's also on my MySpace! No matter what, dream big because "Prayer Changes Things!"

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

http://www.hip-hopkings.com/

Stic-Man Interview

2008-04-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

STIC-MAN

This time around we proudly bring you Stic-Man, member of one of themost influential Rap groups to date. Dead prez.With numerous CD's under his belt, a book and having recently releasedhis own magazine, AMMO we decided the time was right to see what elsehas been happening with the multi talented MC.First of all Thank You for taking the time out to do this interview!Let's get right to it

tell us more about your book " The Art of EMCEEing"?

MY BOOK IS 20 YEARS OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE CONDENSED INTO 112 PAGES OFTIPS FOR EMCEES, POETS, SONGWRITERS AND WRITERS. COVERING TOPICS SUCHAS WRITER'S BLOCK, SONG STRUCTURE, LIVE PERFORMANCES, HERBS TO HEALVOCAL CHORDS,PICKING THE RIGHT BEATS PUBLISHING AND MORE. IT ALSOCOMES WITH A FREE 10 TRACK BEAT CD THAT I PRODUCED. I PUT IT OUT THRUMY BOSS UP INC PUBLISHING. AND IT IS DOING VERY WELL. COMMON DID THEFOREWARD. YOU CAN GET IT AT WWWW.BOSSUPBU.COM.

You recently released your own magazine AMMO, for those not alreadyfamiliar with the publication tell us a little more about it?

dead prez's all new .AMMO MAGAZINE is available exclusively atWWW.BOSSUPBU.COM. It's a monthly review of progressive books,practical info and helpful multimedia products from dead prez'spersonal collection. .Ammo magazine was created to "arm" subscribersby recommending direct sources of info that have and continue toinspire dead prez's music, message and RBG way of life.Topics of recommended materials are diverse and dynamic ranging fromrevolutionary politics, health, self-defence, martial arts,edutainment, spirituality, parenting, money, relationships, survival,business and much more!Other regular feature departments of .Ammo include sneak peaks of newdead prez and RBG music, exclusive freestyles and a full colourcollector's "cover" each month.And of course there will be all sorts of little extras and surprisesfor subscribers! Purchase an annual subscription for only $1 a monthand receive unlimited 24 hour password protected access.

You recently released a CD with Young Noble titled "Soldier 2 Soldier"what feedback have you been receiving from that release?

THE FEEDBACK HAS BEEN REALLY POSITIVE...MANY PEOPLE SAY THEY FEEL THESOUND, CONTENT AND CHEMISTRY BETWEEN MYSELF AND NOBLE. WE REALLY ENJOYWORKING TOGETHER AND DID U KNOW WE DID THAT WHOLE ALBUM IN 3DAYS??!!!IT WAS AWESOME...I DEFINATELY THINK IT'S A STRONG ALBUM...WEPUT IT OUT THRU AN INDIE BLACK OWNED LABEL FROM SAC TOWN CALI NAMEDREAL TALK BUT THEY HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING TO STAY ON TOP OF THEIR BIZAND THUS THE PROMO HAS NO BEEN UP TO PAR FOR A REALLY DOPE ALBUM...SOTHE ALBUM IS ONE OF THOSE CLASSICS THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO GO OUT THEREWAY TO GET IT IN STORES...BUT ITS WORTH IT, YOUNG NOBLE REALLY IS ONHIS "G" ON IT..WE WENT IN, YO...WE HAVE IT AVAILABLE ATWWW.BOSSUPBU.COM BUT IT STAYS SOLD OUT SO QUICK...IT'S BEEN DOINGREALLY WELL.

Can we expect any new material from Dead Prez in the near future?

YUP. ALREADY.

You started your own company a while back "Boss Up INC" tell us moreabout that? Is business going well?

BOSS UP INC IS DOING FANTASTIC...WE HAVE SO MUCH POPPIN AND MY HANDSARE REALLY FULLWE GOTMY NEW ALBUM "MANHOOD" ON DECK NOW3 NEW BOOKS IN PRODUCTION1) RBG FIT CLUB2) A VEGAN HEALTH GUIDE AND COOKBOOK WITH A DVD3) AFRIKAN MARTIAL ARTS BOOK BY MY INSTRUCTOR BALOGUN ABEEGUNDEALSOTHE WAY OF THE BLACKFIST DVD DOCUMENTARY ON THE BLACK CONTRIBUTION TOTHE WORLD OF MARTIAL ARTS...WITH AN ORIGINAL SCORE AND DIRECTED BYSTIC.AND I HAVE SEVERAL MOVIE SCORE PLACEMENTS , AND I AM PREPARING FOR ANEW ROLE IN AN UPCOMING MIRAMAX FILM (GANGSTER DRAMA/MARTIAL ARTSGENRE) AND DOING THE SOUNDTRACKAND THATS JUST SOME OF WHAT WE UP TO AT BOSS UP INC/WWWW.BOSSUPBU.COMBUT RIGHT NOW THE MAIN FOCUS IS MY NEW ALBUM "MANHOOD" WHICH IS OUT NOW.

You go deeper in your music than most other artists out there thesedays, who influences your style and why?

I'M INFLUENCE BY ALL ARTISTS BECAUSE I FIND SOMETHING THAT I DIG ORRESPECT IN EVERYONE... I REALLY DO.MIGHT NOT LOVE EVERYTHING EVERYONEDOES.BUT I DEFINATELY STRIVE TO APPRECIATE WHAT MAKES PEOPLES SHITWORK.AT LEAST FOR ME

Was music something you wished to pursue from a young age?

YUP.

Over the years we have lost many young and talented individuals withinthe Hip Hop community to violence, those like 2 pac and Biggie, souljaslim and Big L. What are your views on this? Do you think the violencewill ever stop?

HIP HOP IS PART OF THE SAME CULTURE THAT CREATED THE OPPRESSIVECONDITIONS IN THE GHETTO SO YES U GONNA SEE IT EFFECT THE ARTISTSCAUSE ITS BIGGER THAN HIP HOP..THIS IS OUR LIFES WE RAPPING BOUT YADIG?VIOLENCE IS PART OF LIFE. ITS ALL ABOUT PROTECTING YOURSELF FROMVIOLENCE, NOT TRYING TO STOP IT. YOU CAN ONLY STOP VIOLENCE WHEN THEIRIS A BALANCE OF POWER AND EVEN THEN IT STILL "VIOLENCE" REMAINSNECESSARY AT TIMES TO PERSERVE THAT BALANCE, THAT PEACE.I AM FOR SELF DEFENSE AND SECURITY FOR OURSELVES UNAPOLOGETICALLY BUTI THINK THE WISEST FIGHT IS EVEN BEYOND BLOODSHED...IT'S ALL ABOUTMANUVERING INTO THE RIGHT POSITIONS WITH THE RIGHT OBJECTIVES AT THERIGHT TIME, YA SMELLS ME?

You have said previously that the Autobiography of Malcolm X changedyour life, can you tell our readers how and why?

HIS STORY, HIS HONESTY, HIS INNOCENCE, HIS FAITH, HIS GROWTH, HIS WAYOF ARTICULATING OUR MANHOOD, OUR PERSPECTIVE, HIS SWAGGER, LEADERSHIP,INTEGRITY ALL INSPIRED ME...MADE ME RESPECT OUR STRUGGLE AS A JUSTSTRUGGLE..HE RECRUITED ME THRU HIS LIFE EXAMPLE TO BE A SOLDIER FOR MYPEOPLE.

Black history is something you are extremely educated in. Of all thosein the past who helped make changes, stood for what they believed inand what was right who do you most admire for their efforts?

IM A STUDENT LEARNING DAY BYDAY AND THERE IS PLENTY THAT I AM CLUELESS ON. JUST FOR CLARITY.BUT 3 OF MY GREATEST (WELL KNOWN) INSPIRATIIONS ARE MALCOLM, BRUCELEE, CURTIS MAYFIELD..ALSO MY MOM IS A TRUE G THAT I ADMIRE WITHUTMOST LOVE AND RESPECT

Any shout out's?

THANK U FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD. SHOUT OUT TO THE TEAM ATWWW.BOSSUPBU.COM AND TO MY MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR AND SCHOOL INATLANTA "EGBE OGUN" WE TRAIN ON WEDNESDAYS 7:30 TO 9PM..HOLLA ATMYSPACE.COM/EGBEOGUN FOR MORE DETAILS.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Panama Interview

2008-04-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

PANAMA

Panama hails from Baltimore / New York and has a lot of things popping off. Read the interview conducted by Danielle to find out about his acting work on The Wire, his clothing line Bmore Creative and his forthcoming mixtape “Ring Side Seats” The Weigh In...

Who is Panama?

Panama: When people ask me who is Panama I try to give them the simplest answer you know. With that being said I tell them I’m simply a breath of fresh air, one man, pure truth and real life. Not to expose my man DJ K-Dot he states, “this dude is the essence of hip hop right here. A breath of fresh air. His flows take you on a visual journeys, and timeless experiences”. Now you tell me how real is that, good look K Dot.

You are an actor as well as a musician and have appeared on our screens in the smash hit HBO drama The Wire, what was it like being part of such as successful show?

Panama: To have the opportunity to be apart of a critically acclaimed series is a blessing and for me. I just felt I was getting closer to my dreams. Sometimes you dream where you want to be, but never get a chance to see, but being on The Wire I was able to accept the success, humble myself and push forward for future prosperity.

How would you define your musical style?

Panama: My musical style is commercial reality rap and what I mean by that is I want and will market my music to a large mass, but still keep it as true and real as possible. I’m not just going to make you dance and not give you reality, vice versa. It wouldn’t be real to me, my musical style is life that people can relate too which becomes a personal journey.

You have your own clothing line called “Bmore Creative” where did the idea for this line come from? You have had support from artists like Lupe Fiasco and Method Man right?

Panama: First off the clothing line “Bmore Creative” is a movement and the CEO is Andre Williams. In all reality the clothing line consists of just us two, I’m the marketing genius and he’s the phenomenal artist, everything we do is custom made that’s why we say dare to be different. The idea originated in Baltimore because we attended school at UMBC and we wanted the clothes to appeal to our fellow residents, but still having that international appeal to the masses. Yes indeed “Bmore Creative” has quite of deal of support from various artists and Lupe Fiasco and Method Man are two of them… Big Shouts to them!

Are there any album plans on the horizon?

Panama: In the near future I will be planning to drop a mix album entitled, “Ring Side Seats” The Weigh In Hosted by DJ Blurray, DJ L Gee, DJ Edubble and DJ K-Dot… all the tracks on this mix album will be produced by my super producer BlackJab. Meanwhile I’m hosting tapes for DJs all over the USA to generate my buzz coast to coast.

You are a Brooklyn native, what was life like for you growing up within the Big City?

Panama: I am a Brooklyn native but I’ll be a fraud if I told you I was raised in the streets of Brooknam Vietnam. I spent most of my years in two cities, the Bronx and Baltimore, growing up in the Bronx makes you want it more because the competition is that strong. If you’re an artist coming out of New York you have to have your shit tight, if not you will quickly fall out the race without knowing. Furthermore, when I decided to move and go to school out in Baltimore I took my New York state of mind and applied it in the streets of Bmore. I had an upper hand in my opinion, I feel if I didn’t go hard in Bmore I wouldn’t have landed on The Wire, wouldn’t have recorded records which such artists like Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, Spot, Vic Damone and Lo Smooth and I probably wouldn’t be having this interview with you.

Who has influenced you over the years?

Panama: If you are looking for me to say some artist name that is not going to happen right now. I can say my family, Young Execs and Life influenced me over the years… no one else.

Where do you want your music to be in five years time?

Panama: In the next five years I want my music to be internationally known because the name is Panama for a reason. This music career is bigger than me.

Do you have plans for any other TV appearances?

Panama: Lets get the record straight before cats think I am simply a recording artist, I am a professional actor that has a crazy passion for acting. Acting comes first for me, this is a craft I went to school for, so with that being said I am always on the hunt for future screen appearances.

Having such a busy schedule must be demanding, do you ever find time to just be yourself and relax?

Panama: Its true that I do have a demanding schedule, but even with that I don’t feel the need to relax at this moment because I am young, fresh and ready to go. Time waits for no man and I am no exception because if I don’t get it, someone else will and like my man DJ BlackJesus states, “I’m grindin’ while y’all sleep” and “I ain’t doin’ this shit for nothing”, go get his mixtape series.

Tell us about your collabo’s with $park Dawg and Yungtexxus? You know $park is my boy! (laughs)

Panama: Oh word, I didn’t know that. Well Spark Dawg and Yungtexxus are my cousins. Both artists recently signed to Desert Storm South, so be on the lookout for them; however, collabing with Spark wasn’t a problem because we are family. I had a Southern record entitled, “Shotty Smokin” produced by the Baron Boys and I figured it will be hot for Spark to hop since he is generating a mean buzz out there in Texas. We also did a joint together called “Gimmie Dat Monkey” feat Spark Dawg and Mike Hee which I was recently told that it will appear on MTV Mixtape Monday with DJ Metro Dee.

You started writing at a young age, fifteen I think? You are now almost twenty four do you feel you have progressed with your skills over the years?

Panama: I definitely feel like I progressed over the years and truth be told with my passion for music there is no way I won’t be known as one of the illest emcees to bless the mic.

Are there any other areas within business you would like to touch on at some point?

Panama: There are a few other areas I will like to touch as I continue on my personal journey other than music, fashion and acting. As I continue to drive for success and prosperity and God continues to bless me I will start to invest in stocks, become more involved in real estate and producing my own productions for companies such as Viacom and whatnot.

Any Shout’s?

Panama: First and foremost let me shout out the man above that is making this all possible for me at this very moment. I will also like to thank my whole team Young Execs, better known as YE. Let’s not forget my dude Andre Williams (Bmore Creative) the number one designer in Baltimore right now. Big Shouts to my super producer Blackjab, super camera man Alex Prudovsky, super engineers Antonio Corcella, Steve, and Bad Samaritans (Alex, Rostnam and Jamal). Let me take this time to big up you for blessing me with this interview, I really do appreciate that you know.
Whats good Lo Smooth, Rated R, Awthentik, Spot, Vic Damone, Sha Stimuli, Skyzoo, Big Cas, St. Laz, Paysoz, Sparkdawg, Yungtexxus, Flawless and Mr. Khalia. Also to all the DJs that ever showed me love, thank you on some real shyt and last but not least to all the websites that ever took time out to write up or setup an interview for me here is a big thank you because you guys understand its all about marketing! Nap Entertainment thru the door… lets get it circuit! Bless to my family heart, mind, body and soul! Big shouts to Bottom Line Musik.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Bankroll Jonez Interview

2008-04-13T00:42:00.000-07:00

BANKROLL JONEZ

Bankroll Jonez is a Southern MC from Houston who is part of the UGK clique. He is getting a lot of heat with the release of his latest prject Scroll Muzik. Check out what he had to say to our reporter Danielle when she caught up with him.

For those unfamiliar give us a breakdown of who Bankroll Jonez is?

Bankroll Jonez: BankRoll Jonez is a young tycoon and an entrepreneur.

Where were you born and raised? How was your childhood?

Bankroll Jonez: Charlotte, NC. I was born and raised in the gutta and slumz.

Was music always your passion in life?

Bankroll Jonez: Actually it wasn’t, money was my first love.

What projects are you currently working on?

Bankroll Jonez: My new project Paper In My Pocket.

How did the link with UGK come about?

Bankroll Jonez: I was just trying to get a verse when he first got home. But it was impossible. Then I thought, "Wait, I'm a street cat and he's a famous street cat". So, I called another famous street cat, Pimpin Ken. Ken introduced us. After we did the song he invited me to Los Angeles for the "I Choose You" video shoot. Because all the major playas across the country would be there, I showed up. A month later he called me to come to Houston. The rest is history. I never left. Now I'm UGK Records 4 Life.

How do you feel Pimp C’s death is going to affect Southern hip-hop as a whole?

Bankroll Jonez: It’s a devastating blow, but Pimp raised us well.

It was Pimp C who brought you on at UGK right?

Bankroll Jonez: Yes.

Of all the tracks you have recorded which to date is your most personal and why?

Bankroll Jonez: A song called “God Bless The Child”. It was the last song I recorded with Pimp C.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

Bankroll Jonez: I see myself as a young underground legend.

You have had a lot of press coverage lately, how does it feel to open up magazines and see your own face staring back at you?

Bankroll Jonez: It’s a dream come true, but I’ll give it all back to have Pimp C here.

The south is really on fire right now, who do you think is keeping Southern music firmly on top?

Bankroll Jonez: I think we all play a part. We make muzik that’s funky with soul and depth and for the most part we network.

What other plans do you have for 2008?

Bankroll Jonez: Just mashin' 4 my rations.

Any Shout’s?

Bankroll Jonez: Bun B and my entire UGK Family.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

DJ Aaries Interview

2008-04-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

DJ AARIES

DJ Aaries is the latest artist on Danielle's hit list. Read on to find out what he had to say about his crew, the 150 deep Hood Hard Movement, his TV show, his deal with Rocawear and his collaboration with No Limit's Fiend amongst other things.

Give us some background info on your hugely successful career so far?

DJ Aaries: I’m DJ Aaries aka The Hulk aka Mr Hood Hard and I am the founder of the Hood Hard Movement. This movement consists of 150 DJs (Hood Hard Hitmakers) it also consists of artists, promoters, etc… I started this movement to help indie artists get heard. I have been on BET's Rap City numerous times already; I also have my own TV show that airs in seven states. I am the guy getting known for helping indie artists get heard.

How did the link to Rocawear come about? It was a competition right?

DJ Aaries: I was giving out a DVD that told what I did to get to where I am. I gave out thousands of copies all over the South. It gave pointers and answered questions people may have had. One day a pop up on the computer caught my attention, I uploaded it and that was that. Since it was a Rocawear popup I figured just having people see it would be a great look. Later on I get an email saying I won and it was a competition. I won by over 40,000! They flew me to NY and the rest was history! See my winning video at http://www.iwillnotlose.org/.

As a child did you want to be a DJ or was it something that came to you later in your life?

DJ Aaries: Being a DJ came later on in life (college years). I was always into music. I was around when Hip Hop started. I remember Fat Joe came out, I remember Nice & Smooth driving up and down Fordham Road, I remember Run DMC @ the Garden… I'm just trying to have had made a difference like those guys did.

Tell us about Hood Hard TV? It broadcasts in over seven states right?

DJ Aaries: Hood Hard TV is a show where indie and major artists can come get seen and heard… We also tell what we did to get to where we are… We had artists like Jay Rush, Lyfe Jennings, Alfamega, Mac Bre Z, Konkrete, OX from Belly, Don Vito, (just to name a few) call DNYCE to find out more info about the show or how to get on stage… 404 645 9143 DNYCE.

You did not win an award at the SEAs, how does it feel to only be nominated?

DJ Aaries: It felt VERY good because it was only about five of us in the South nominated for #1 DJ in the South. (Bigga Rankin, Drama, B Lord, Jelly, OG Ron C) I’m just glad to have been added to the roster... but next year…

When did you launch the Hood Hard Mix-tape series?

DJ Aaries: I started it in 2006. The first few mixtapes I did under the series were VERY successful! (Dat Boy Tragic, Willie Joe, Mason Dixie, Konkrete etc…) They can be downloaded for FREE on www.myspace.com/djaaries.

What other projects do you have planned for 2008?

DJ Aaries: I have quite a few things planned besides runnin' like a wild animal doing this Rocawear stuff, I am putting together the Hood Hard Tour, Fiends' second mixtape, Tex James' mixtape, working closely with Tight 2 Def Records and Collipark Music (just to name a few).

What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a DJ?

DJ Aaries: Blend first, scratch later… lol.

There are many top class DJ’s out there today, what do you think sets you apart from them in terms of success?

DJ Aaries: I think I just have my own agenda and I’m not worrying too much what anyone else is doing. I am also doing everything that I am doing for me and I do it because it is self fulfilling for me… Any artists trying to get heard hit me up at www.myspace.com/djaaries or http://www.hoodhardhitmakers.com/.

You work with a lot of artists in the South, what was it like working with No Limit’s Fiend?

DJ Aaries: We are very cool not just business cool, he’s real 100% with me and I am 100% with him. Most of the time we be talking 'bout other stuff not even music… But sometimes its crazy cause I would never have thought we would ever be cool a few years ago when No Limit was jumping real hard…

When do you ever find time to just kick back and relax?

DJ Aaries: I’m always on the phone or doing walk throughs in clubs, but in my down time I relax either on the plane or on the road… (I love to travel…) But believe it or not, when I am doing a Crunk event I am very relaxed and I would choose that first.

What are your vices in life? Everyone has something they have a weakness for so come on what’s yours? (laughs)

DJ Aaries: I Love electronics. I might probably spend my last $500 on an electronic device… lol.

Any Shout’s?

DJ Aaries: My Hood Hard fam, all the DJ crews, Tex James, Fiend, Hardy Boyz, Lil Jab, Lil 1, Tam Tam, Rocawear and errybody else who is supporting the movement…

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

JA Interview

2008-04-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

J.A. is an artist who started in the game at a young age and now raps as well as producing. He has been based in several areas of the US, but is now repping the South and is working with the likes of Young Buck and Young Jeezy. With plans for an LP release this year check out what he had to say to Danielle.

You have moved around a lot in your life, do you feel this shows through your music?

J.A.: I think so, I have lived in Washington D.C., NY, ATL, spent a lot of time in Chicago, and they all have big impacts on me when I create. Even in the music I rap, you can’t tell too hard where I come from. You hear different accents and slang usage here and there.

Tell us about the “On The Grind” mix-tape series?

Ja: On The Grind is a mix tape series I created back in the end of 2004. I wanted to make a series that was dedicated to the “behind the scenes” that artists go trough. On the grind is for real.

You also do production right? Who have you worked with on this?

J.A.: I do production. I have officially done tracks for Juelz Sanata, Purple City, Freekey Zeekey, and a bunch of other NY niggas I can’t think of, and Young Buck most recently.

You won a production contest also, man that must have been a great accomplishment, how did that make you feel?

J.A.: It was cool. It was nice to have a validation from a producer you used to look up to...

Is it true you are currently making beats for the likes of Young Jeezy and Young Buck?

J.A.: Yeah, I’m in the lab heavy for Young Buck right now, we got a lot of songs done. He introduced me to Jeezy, so I’m trying to make a few things crack for him too.

How would you define your musical style?

J.A.: My musical style is whatever I’m feeling at the moment, it’s definitely Southern oriented I wont lie, but it can change at the drop of a dime with no problem. It’s most definitely street music.

What other projects are you currently working on?

J.A.: Right now I’m just going hard for Young Buck, I have my own album I’m completing at the same time. I have another artist from D.C., Raydugga, gettin some things done with me. He’s the next Jay-Z, for real.

Do you have your own album planned any time soon?

J.A.: Yeah. My album entitled “Get Money Music” is coming this year for sure, I’m just making sure it’s 100% tight on all ends.

Having worked with so great names in music every one must have been a great influence but who has been the most inspiring and why?

J.A.: There are few that really inspire me, to name some, would be Twisted Black, he’s a aritst out of Fort Worth Texas, he just got a long ass sentence. Another is Mac, he’s serving some time too unfortunately. I hate that my favourite rappers I relate to get locked up.

You started within music at an early age, do you feel this really gave you an advantage to be able to progress your talent from such a young age?

J.A.: Yes and no. No matter what age you are, what age you start, it’s all about what you do and how smart you do it. You can be 30 doing this shit or be 12 and make the same moves, it’s all about “right now”.

Where would you like to be in five years time?

J.A.: In five years I hope to be a tleast five million euros richer. Living real good.

Any Shout’s?

J.A.: Shout out to Danielle for keeping it real and of course britishhiphop.co.uk!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

http://www.hip-hopkings.com/

Woody Rock Interview

2008-03-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

WOODY ROCK of Dru Hill

This time round we wanted to bring our readers something a little different, a little more individual and interesting, we bring you Woody Rock.
Now most of you will know Woody from the multi platinum selling group Dru Hill but since his departure from the group Woody has been working on projects a little closer to the heart.
Lets catch up and see what the soul man himself has been working on since we saw him last.

First up thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us at Hip Hop Kings and Underground Promotion UK.

Since your departure from Dru Hill you have been working on your own musical projects, tell us about the upcoming album you are currently working on?

Hey, thanks so much 4 having me. My new project is entitled Soul Music Vol. 2:Peace, Love, & More Soul. This time around, it's just me, no guest appearances because I want people 2 be able 2 focus on the messages that GOD has given me.

Is there a release date for it as of yet?

I'm praying 4 a December release.

Gospel music has always been close to your heart, do you feel more in touch with the music you create solo than you did with Dru Hill?

There is definitely a difference in my Gospel music & the music I do with Dru because when I sing Gospel, I sing under the annointing of the Holy Spirit.

Tell us about the real you, who inspired you at a young age?

My mom(R.I.P.) was my 1st inspiration because she put me in her choir @ age 3. After that, The Winans, Commissioned, Darryl Coley, The Williams Bros. & on the secular side, JODECI, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson & the U.K’s own QUEEN(gotta love that Harmony) & George Michael.

Is singing something you always wanted to pursue?

I actually wanted 2 be a comedian & singing was 2 be part of my act but once I saw how the ladies responded, I wanted 2 be a singer (laughs)

Going from a group of four to a solo artist was a big step and then there was the difference within the music itself, did you have any worries or doubts at first about branching out on your own?

I was never scared or nervous about being solo because I knew I was singing 4 the LORD & I knew he wouldn't let me be wack.

you got anything else you are working on besides music these days?

My next move is 2 break into the cartoon world. Doing Voice overs & things of that nature

And you know I have to ask for all the Dru Hill fans out there. Will Dru Hill ever bring us another album?

We have been talking about a reunion recently so expect the unexpected!

Shout’s?

Finally,shout out 2 everybody in the U.K. who loves real music Especially my homies from day 1 Yasmin,Aminah,Weezy & Sarah. Much love & GOD BLESS U ALL.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Candi Redd Interview

2008-03-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

CANDI REDD

Having turned down a $500,000 deal at the age of 16, Texas resident Candi Redd is now 21 and is just about to drop her Redd Turn Head album. She has a whole lot of projects on the go and is looking to make moves. Check out what she had to say to Danielle.

Give us a break down of who Candi Redd is?

Candi Redd: I’m real laid back and down to earth. I’m a [keep] to myself kind of person until I get to know people and then I open up more. I love to laugh, meet new people, go to new places, learn new things, just enjoy life, but at the same time I’m very serious about taking care of business and getting things accomplished. As an artist I can be described as a sexy gangsta. LOL.

You are busy working on your debut album “Redd Turn Head” what can we expect from the album?

Candi Redd: Lyrically you can expect a variety of topics. I’ve never been one to put out a whole project on one subject. I rarely talk about cars, clothes, money, and everything else artist talk about 24/7/365. When I do talk about these things it’s only to grab a certain audiences attention because I feel like I have to give some fans what they want in order for them to learn to want what I have to give. Now, what I have to give is something people can relate to. Music that can touch your heart and make you wanna make better decisions. Music for self-betterment and my opinion on politics and religion. Those are more the topics that I enjoy talking about but I won’t flood my whole album with it. It’s just that I challenge myself as an artist to touch on subjects outside of the box.

I personally love your style, if asked though how would you define your style?

Candi Redd: Not duplicated, ya know. I have a very distinct voice that catches the listeners’ ears. My style is switches up frequently. I can rhyme fast or slow. Sometimes I’m hard core and real street, other times I’m real laid back. It really depends on the subject matter and how the beat moves me. I just do me. I don’t try to sound like other female rappers who have paved the way although I respect them all. When you hear Candi Redd if you haven’t heard of me your first question would be “WHO IS THAT?” If you have heard me you can identify me as Candi Redd and wouldn’t confuse me with any other artist because I don’t sound like anybody else.

Your Mix-tape “Hustle” dropped back in 2006, what feedback did the streets give you on that release?

Candi Redd: I got a whole lot of support from the hood. I’m from the S.W.A.T. That is Southwest Alief, Texas for those who don’t know, lol. Soon as I finished recording (Hustle Mixtape Vol.1), I hit the streets everyday from 9am to 5pm. I took it serious like I was working a real job. I sold about 100 mixtapes per day at $5 a piece and was making in between $500-$550 a day. I looked at it like I was getting paid to promote myself. That mixtape gave me a huge buzz because everybody had it, and I didn’t have to give them all away. When people pay for your music that you put hard work into it feels good to get paid to do what you love to do way better than just working for free and giving them all away.

It seems a lot harder for a woman to make it in the Hip Hop game than it is for a man, have you had any negative experiences within the music industry simply because you are female?

Candi Redd: Well I agree with that to a certain extent. I feel like the reason behind this is because when you have so many female artists willing to perform sexual favours to get ahead, it makes it hard for the next in line because they are going to expect the same from you. Now I don’t knock anybody or judge anybody for their actions because that is not up to me but a the same time I don’t condone that type of activity. It’s also been proven time and time again that women who have sexually explicit lyrics were selling more records. I beg to differ though because the first female in the game to go platinum was Da Brat and she didn’t talk about none of that shit.
Majority of the studios are owned by men. There are very few women who own studios so you may run into some asswholes who will do things for free then be expecting to take you out in return, but that only applies to artists who carry themselves in that manner. When producers, studio engineers, photographers, graphic designers, etc. see that you carry your self as a women and not a hoe down for whatever, you get respected as a women.
I have never experienced any negative things dealing with guys in this industry. I just hate when guys say, “you go hard for a female!” I be thinking, “for a female?” Why I can’t just go hard? I really think a lot of women use that (it’s harder for a women) as an excuse, because at the end of the day if you are talented, rather you a man or a women people will be more willing to work with you and get things done for you on GP. The problem is majority of these females are just not good. There are very few female MC’s that even I listen to. I like Mc Lyte, Da Brat, Remy Ma, Shawna, and Lisa Left Eye Lopez. Those were my all time favourites.

You really are representing for the ladies out there! But what advice would you give to a woman trying to push forward in music?

Candi Redd: My advice is to do your thing ma, never let what people say get you down or side track you because in this industry there is a lot of negativity and a lot of people who don’t want to see you doing good, I think we call them HATERS. Lol. If I had a dime for every time somebody told me I was wasting my time, nobody wants to hear a female rapper, or there is a one in a million chance that you are actually going to make it, I would be rich by now.
Always take constructive criticism and use it to better your self and improve and remember that there is always room for improvement. Most importantly, young women please respect yourself and others will do the same. A square is a square and a circle is a circle. I said that to say this, if you act like a hoe, you will be called a hoe. If you act like a grown woman, you will be treated like a grown woman. Don’t feel like you are obligated to do anything to get something in return. That is the easy way out and when you take the easy way out that negativity will follow you throughout your entire career.

You released a Mix-tape way back called “Bench Warmer (I Play No Games)” has your style changed much since that release?

Candi Redd: Has it? Oh my goodness, in a major way. I dropped that mixtape my sophomore year in high school. I still sounded the exact same, maybe just a little bit younger. It’s just that I’ve matured so much and that mixtape is so lyrically immature. At the same time it has just always been in my nature to touch on topics outside of the box so although I had a lot of flossing, getting money, and whooping ass tracks, I still had something real to say on certain songs as well.

You had a Basketball scholarship right? What happened with that?

Candi Redd: My AAU coach, Fred got me a full scholarship to Lamar University in Beaumont. They came to an AAU game that I had at UH during the summer right before my senior year. They told Fred about the offer and them seeing how my season with at Elsik High School my senior year would have sealed the deal. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity because I was a little hot tail and was acting real fast and I got pregnant my senior year. Everything happens for a reason though. I just look at the bright side. I have a beautiful baby boy by the name of Darius whom will be three in April. Maybe basketball wasn’t what The Most High had in store for me. Although I love basketball, I have always had more of a passion for music anyway.

You actually had an offer to sign to All Star Entertainment at 16 right?

Candi Redd: Yes, Birdo Beats is the CEO of All Star ENT. I met him my sophomore year in high school while recording the Bench Warmer Mixtape. He was impressed with my talent and wanted to sign me to his label. The offer was $500,000 and that is a lot for a person in the 10th grade with no bills, lol. I took it into consideration but after talking to my mom I had a change of heart. After reading through the fine print, they also would have wanted me to sign for 10 years. When I asked he said no you would just have to complete 10 projects. Then I was like well the only artist dropping a project every year successfully is the Jigga man. So if you doing it like that, it could be longer than 10 years. To make a long story short, he thought I was stupid because I was young but I have always been very business savvy. This was back in 2003 and it is now 2008. I’m 21 right now so by the time my contract was up on his label I would have been 26 years old after signing at the age 16. That contact would have been from 2003 all the way ‘til 2013 all for half a mill.

Your relationship with your mother was affected by your decision to pursue music, have you both managed to mend your differences?

Candi Redd: Not so much my decision to pursue music, but more, making some of the bad decision that I made in high school as far as getting pregnant. We have never just had the best relationship to begin with but that made things worse. She helps out with my son when I have shows and need a sitter, but she has always just been so negative. She was one of the people telling me the chances of me making it were slim to none. So, it doesn’t bother me when other people come at me with negativity because I receive it from the people I love the most. She even told me, “you ain’t going to school, what would be the point in you going? You ain’t gone finish”. Those were her exact words. I still could have went to school after I graduated, just not on a scholarship. But when I tried to apply for financial aid she wouldn’t provide her tax information for me to even go. So being a recording artist was not only something I love to do, but I was also kind of forced into this. When you have so much drama in your life it gives you a whole lot of inspiration to write songs and I’ve had nothing but time and experiences to do so. She is a little more supportive of my music career now that she sees that I am dead serious about it and this is not something that I’m going to give up on.

So besides an album release, what else can we expect from Candi Redd in 2008?

Candi Redd: Well simultaneously I am working on a group project with C3. Beat King started the group. He’s a very exceptional artist and producer. He had done some of the best tracks I have heard from any producer in the south so he does all the groups tracks. We have several projects out. Mercy 1, Beat King’s solo Oblivion, Mercy II hits the streets February, and our project Texas Hammers will be in stores because that project has distribution through One Stop. Check the group out at www.myspace.com/c3texashammers. Then it doesn’t stop there. I am also working on a group project with an all female group called the Gutta Mamis with Sugar of UGK records, Kharma, and Surreall. The project is titled, M.O.N. and expecting to hit the streets summer of 2008 along with my solo project, “Redd Turn Head”. You can check the Gutta Mamis out at www.myspace.com/guttamamishouston. Of course y’all know you can check me out at http://www.candiredd.com/ or www.myspace.com/candiredd.

Any Shout’s?

Candi Redd: Yes, I wanna give a shout out to the SPC and Rap A Lot because they paved the way for artist here in Houston. I would like to give a shout out to my sister Hameria, my son Darius, K-Hood, C3, Gutta Mamis, Carissa Luckey, Djuana Eaglin, Godwin, Gangsta One of Billionaire Records, Lil Kano, Jean Baptiste with Mental Vision Graphics, Showcase, DJ Amazing, 8500 Cook Road Swat Shop, The Real DJ’s, The Hustle Squad DJ’s, The definition DJ’s, The Lord Gang DJ’s, Linda Palmieri, Syl Johnson, Hakeem, KB Lacy and Lee of L.I.G.H.T. Studios, Dope E or The SPC, Prodigy, Sean Blaze, Mac Tyme, Troy of Power Playas Magazine, Bang of Mo Bang 4 ya Buck, Sye Ellis Photography, Mc Wickett Crickett, Vee Mann Greg and Dre from S.A. of Chop TV, Everybody out there in the SWAT! (Dubs Up) and last but definitely not least my boy Willie James. Make sure y’all check me out at the following sites.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Akala Interview

2008-03-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

AKALA

With a string of successful tracks under his belt and his newest album being credited as a “hard hitting sequel for those wanting artistic reality back in there life” we had to catch up with Akala for an exclusive interview to see how life has been treating the 23 year old London born MC.

Let us start at the beginning, your debut album “It’s Not a Rumour”. That album was a huge success, did you really expect it would create such massive interest and credits?

Akala: I did not expect it as I never really expect anything but I hoped that it would be well received. I had set out to try and do something original and honest and felt that I had accomplished that but you still never know if people will agree so it’s incredibly gratifying when they do.

Your 2nd album “Freedom Lasso” which was released October 1st has had just as much positive publicity, how have you developed as an artist between the 2 albums?

Akala: I have developed as an artist in the exact same way that I have developed as a person in that as I experience more and grow as a human being I pour those experiences into my music. So “Freedom Lasso” is basically an elevation of all the themes and ideas (both lyrically and musically) that we’re expressed on “It’s Not A Rumour”.

One track on the new album entitled “Where I’m from” addresses the issue of gun crime and gang culture on our streets, do you think the U.K. is becoming too influenced through American Hip Hop? People are almost copying what they see in the music videos and playing it out in real life?

Akala: To be honest I feel that art imitates life not the other way round. I feel that social and economic factors play a far bigger role in the UK’s gun problem but the music is used as a scapegoat so that we as a society do not have to take any responsibility for the problem that WE have created. That’s not to say that music has no effect it’s just I feel that effect is greatly exaggerated.

You have been hailed as “The U.K.’s #1” how does that feel? It is without a doubt something any MC would be proud of.

Akala: Of course it is a flattering accolade as the standard of MC’s in the UK right now is the highest in the (English speaking) world.

Let us take our readers back before the drop of the first album and ask you, was music something you always dreamed of pursuing?

Akala: Always, the first time I performed in public I was about 7 and I have been addicted ever since. I love it more than anything in the world (except my family of course) and always have.

Who influenced you growing up within music?

Akala: Bob Marley, NWA, Public Enemy, Wu Tang, James Brown, Prince, Michael etc etc i.e musical legends! There are many great U.K. artists out there right now flexing their lyrical skills.

what do you think separates you from them in terms of your success?

Akala: I think a lot of people are just not honest, musically or lyrically and am I 100% so naturally even with the odds stacked against us we will continue to grow because it’s that honesty that connects with people.

The logo for your own Illa State Label is the Union Jack in the colours of the Jamaican flag, what is the story or meaning behind that?

Akala: My identity, my mum is Scottish my Dad Jamaican. Also I feel is a celebration of multiculturalism but on a deeper note I feel that a large amount of British-Born young black people still do not feel totally at home here and so it is representative of us that lost generation. To be honest even for a lot of white-British people (I know this because numerous people have said it to me) the regular union jack conjures up images of imperialism and therefore this one is more representative of us all.

As we mentioned earlier there is a lot of talent in this country right now, but what advice would you give to those who are just stepping out and are in need of some positive advice from someone they admire and respect?

Akala: BE YOURSELF BECAUSE NOBODY ELSE CAN DO THAT!!!

What can we expect to see from Akala in the near future?

Akala: More shows, more videos, more music.

Check http://www.myspace.com/akalamusic for details.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

DJ Brandi Garcia Interview

2008-03-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

DJ BRANDI GARCIA

DJ Brandi Garcia is a name known widely within the Hip Hop community. Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida the female DJ has been blasting out mix-tapes on steady rotation for the last few years as well as having a hugely successful radio show at Houston’s number one radio station 97.9 the Box.So with huge success behind her I thought it only right to catch up with the DJ herself to find out what else has been going on in the world of DJ Brandi Garcia.

First up we have to talk about your mix-tape series, “Southern Stiletto’s”. You have had huge success with this series and have delivered a top quality CD every release, did you expect your series would be as successful as it is?

Brandi Garcia: I really don’t know what I expected! Lol! I just started out doing mix-tapes for fun and was very fortunate for people to like them.

Starting out as a radio DJ when did you decide to try your hand within the world of mix-tapes?

Brandi Garcia: Well I actually used to do them back in college but really started on a larger level when a co-worker of mine (who was also a female DJ) and I did one together. One of the guys at the station showed us how to put it together and we did it!

There are no where near as many female DJ’s producing mix-tapes as there are males within the Hip Hop community, how do you think you managed to break through that stereo typical barrier and make the people recognize that us ladies have just as much game as the men?

Brandi Garcia: It’s just a matter of doing it. Less talk and more product. Simple as that. You have to respect the final product.

At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to pursue a career as a DJ?

Brandi Garcia: When I saw how much fun it was and where it could take you. You get to be a part of a lot of things in the biz and most importantly you get to provide entertainment for people! That’s the part I enjoy most. If someone was having a bad day, you can make them forget about all of that just by playing their favorite song!

You were voted “Southern Entertainments Female DJ of the year” back in 2006. That is a huge achievement, how did you feel when you won the award?

Brandi Garcia: I was excited! It was very nice to be recognized for doing something you love. Don’t get it twisted though… never let an award validate the work that you do. You should do what you do because you are passionate about it, not because you want to win awards.

Do you think there is a gap in the Hip Hop market for more female DJ’s to stand up and be heard?

Brandi Garcia: I just think that generally speaking there just aren’t as many females as males interested in DJing. Now for the females that are, they need to understand that you can’t just dress cute and stand in front of two turntables to be a DJ. A lot of people don’t want to put in the work. For those that do, they can eventually get the respect. And yes, as a female it is a lot harder to get the respect but once you get it you appreciate it a lot more.

With the world of mix-tape DJ’s being so male dominated, what advice would you give to the female DJ’s out there looking to make a name for themselves within the Hip Hop community but who are maybe put off by the strong male talent that still holds top spot?

Brandi Garcia: Grow some cojones! Just joking, that’s a Spanish phrase that I use… No, but seriously though, they need to stop being scared or intimidated by these guys and just do what you do. If you want that top spot then look at what that guy did to get that and go do the same thing! Go and get it!

What can we expect from you in the near future?

Brandi Garcia: I’m in the process of trying to put together a mixtape with LeToya Luckett & Brooke Valentine before both of their albums drop in 2008. Still working on Southern Stiletto’s 8 as well and just trying to figure out what else I wanna do when I grow up! Lol!

Any shout out’s?

Brandi Garcia: Shoutout to 97.9 The Box in Houston, NoizeMob DJ’s, The Murda Mamis, Ozone Magazine, The entire Houston, TX and R.I.P. Pimp C!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Treal Interview

2008-03-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

TREAL

Is it true you have been together since High School?

Yes! Me- Eliseo,Tsick and Cheeze went to the same high school. Jones high in orlando fl, we graduated in 2000 then we all worked at Taco Bell together, thats when we met Poetic and added him ad the forth member of Treal in 2003!

Which track was your first big hit?

It was titled “Don’t worry bout mine” a huge hit in central florida! It talked about staying out of people business, we said “you do you and ima do me” waayyyy before Rocko said it, just do ya home work and you’ll see!

You recently released a mix-tape hosted by DJ Smallz, what was that like?

It was really good the mixtape is titled “The Formula” and it has all original music on it. No wack beat jacks or phony remixes of bug artist songs we just work on our own production and write all our own projects the mixtape get alot of downloads and great reviews if you would like to download it here is the link: http://www.zshare.net/download/86118152936407/

Is there an album on the horizon? And, if so what can we expect from it?

Yes we have an album that dropped march of 2006 titled “Crunk tested and approved” it was when crunk was in bigtime we did very good regionally with that album thousands of sales, that album had hit like “Don’t worry bout mine” and “Swang on everybody” and a few others that did really good on radio and in the clubs! Now we are working on a new album titled “Showtime” slated release in 2008. It will feature hits like “Im not locked down” “Spaceship” “Zone’N/Fantasy Lady” and alot more!
You can hear them all on our myspace page www.myspace.com/trealorangecounty

How would you define your musical style?

We have a new genre of music "HYBRID"! we take other elements of musical styles, r & b, pop, rap, hip hop, crunk, soul, classical, electric and many more then put them all together to make a whole new refreshing sound of music!

You recently signed a deal with universal, is that correct? Tell us about that?

We did have a single deal with them for our hit song “Im not locked down” however they said that the record wasn’t responding well with radio and it wasn’t getting added to programing like they thought it would so the deal didn’t go any further so now we are working on an album deal with a few other labels that are getting at us till then we just gonna keep making these hot hits!

If you were put on a desert island and allowed to take one thing with you what would it be and why?

We would take our studio! Lol long as we got our studio then we can always get great music out to our fans and they can help keep our legacy alive

There are so many talented rappers out there today, what makes TREAL different?

Treal is different because we are not just rappers! We all can sing, produce, write , engineer and whatever else it takes to make the song a smash! We also dj, make graphics and all other type of thing that help cover us in certain areas in the field!

Everyone needs time to chill out and relax, what do you enjoy doing when you are not pursuing your musical career?

We all love to watch movies and play video games to help keep our nerves from goin bad sometimes we jump online and chat with the fans thats always fun!

Give us some interesting facts about yourselves?

We all put our money together to build a studio in our own apartment that all of us stay in and everyday we get up and make a new song. We try to sell beats and hooks to all artist of all genres local and major and we get alot of people hittin us up now for material!

What can we expect next from TREAL?

You all can expect some great music from us also longevity! We are a group that can change with the times and keep the sounds fresh to the listeners so mos def keep your ears open for us!

Any shout’s?

Shouts to our label Orange county committee, Dirty south management also to the dj’s that stay bumpn us and aswell all the listeners that play our music and get new people hip to the boyz thanks alot everyone, get at us anytime online or if we are in your city for shows don’t hesitate to come out and holla at us yall peace ..T-R-E-A-L!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Wordsmith Interview

2008-03-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

WORDSMITH

Wordsmith first came to the fore in 2005 with his debut mixtape and his creation of the Nu Revolution Camp. After a preiod of building he is set to release several projects this year with some well known big names. Check out what he had to say when he spoke to Danielle.

What can we expect from your debut album release ‘Vintage Material’? is there a date set for it yet?

Wordsmith: When I wrote this album in 2005, my goal was to make a project that would represent how Hip-Hop would sound if it never veered off its path and became so pop. There are singles on there, like “Special Request”, but they can still be categorized as Hip-Hop. You will hear lots of 90’s undertones and classical rhythms that will surely captivate your attention for the duration of the disc. Expect to hear a project that runs more like a score to a movie as I had my brother Professa make interludes to transition each section of the album. There is no talking or rapping over these interludes, it’s just great instrumentation that refuels your mind for the next phase of the album. Unfortunately, I do not have a release date for the album yet as I am securing either a label or distribution deal as we speak. The album will definitely come out this year, so please keep checking wordsmithmusic.com for updates.

You have moved around a lot in your life, even living in Europe at one point. Do you feel your travel has shaped you into the lyrical genius you are today?

Wordsmith: Definitely, I grew up around so many cultures that it gave me a universal appeal to my music. I am able to write music for the world and really think outside of the box rather then pigeon holing myself into one form of Hip-Hop. I believe my music is Alternative Hip-Hop and the world will see more and more of that as I progress. My first album Vintage Material scratches the surface, but it’s my second album “The Next Level Experience” that really shows the consumer the level I am taking Hip-Hop to.

Before you release the album you have 2 other projects planned, give us the low down on these?

Wordsmith: I actually will be dropping three, maybe four more projects before my album. At the end of May I will be releasing HipHopdx Presents Wordsmith “The Revolution Begins with a Takeover” Vol. 2 and my man DJ Denox out of Canada will be handling the mixing / blending of the project. That will be followed by my “Mid-Year Review” mixtape that will highlight all the top audio section tracks I put out the first six months of the year. Next, Chubb Rock and I will be releasing our collab album called “Bridging the Gap” in stores and for digital download. I will end the year with “The Revolution Begins with a Takeover” Vol. 3 and the “End Game” Review Mixtape.

To date which of your releases has been the most successful for you on a personal level?

Wordsmith: Well, I have only released my first mixtape back in 2005 called “Statements & Stipulations” and that did well enough to be chosen as a Notable Selection on MTV’s Mixtape Mondays. I love that mixtape because it was a concept mixtape, but up until January of this year I have not released anything because of a bad management situation. Now that I am free of that, I can and will drop a nice amount of material for my fans and new fans.

You have some good production behind you! Who has been the most influential producer you have worked with?

Wordsmith: Yeah, I have been blessed to probably meet the best unsigned producers around the world. Currently, my in-house producers are my brother Professa out of Vegas, Strada out of Canada, Capish out of Poland, Street Level out of Sweden, Lucki Handz out of Pennsylvania, and All-Biz out of New York. I have also done recent outside work with Rednaz Beats for my first album single “Special Request”, and Asesay for a few tracks on my next mixtape. Out of these guys probably Professa has been the most influential because he makes music that could be a score to a movie. He makes music that evokes emotions and deep thought patterns. Overall, all these producers are great in their own right, so props to them for believing in my musical vision.

Tell us about ‘Nu Revolution Camp’?

Wordsmith: I started the Nu Revolution Camp back in 2005 officially and right now it consists of six MC’s named Kontact & SoL, Black Knight, RhymeZwell, All-Biz; five producers named Professa, Strada, Capish, Street Level, & Lucki Handz, a Promoter named Cactus, a Web Tech / Graphic Designer named DJ Andrew, a Voiceover Specialist named D-Dub and a Resident Deejay named DJ Dublee. My camp basically runs like a full fledged label and everything we do is of the highest quality. We prided ourselves on being professional and most of all making innovative music that will spark a revolution in Hip-Hop. As I continue to progress you will see and hear more from the The Nu Revolution Camp, but right now they are featured on my “Revolution Begins with a Takover” Mixtapes and numerous other projects.

You're pushing your newest single ‘Special Request’ right now, give us a breakdown of this track?

Wordsmith: “Special Request” is basically a song about doing something special for your significant other. The catch is the request has to be out of the norm and something that will catch your lover off guard. In the track I am a radio DJ who has a late night radio show and I take calls from guests that would like to leave a special request for their lover. It was produced by Rednaz Beats and it has a real alternative vibe to it. A friend of mine named Kamia Collins a.k.a Chyna Doll sung on the hook as well, she can really blow and needs to be checked out as well. It will be a long road pushing this single, but it has been received well so far, so I am looking to push it for a few months until I am satisfied with the radio adds.

You have recently started working with a PR team in the UK called RVUP (Rhythmic Visions PR & Underground Promotion UK), why did you decide to branch out overseas for PR work?

Wordsmith: That is easy, I am a universal artist and I already have a decent fan base in the UK. I love it over there and I was fortunate enough to do two shows out there in November of last year. I just feel like my music needs to touch so many people and I want to be a mainstay in the UK because I feel like they will really understand my alternative approach to Hip-Hop. By forming a relationship with Rhythmic Visions PR & Underground Promotion I am gaining a valuable asset to the push of my music abroad. I have to thank Nina and Danielle from RVUP for believing in my music and potential as a top notch artist. I know we will all blossom and progress together as a team. On a final note I want to say whutsup Sam and Shocka B for their support while I was overseas as well.

Do you feel there is enough support out there for artists like yourself?

Wordsmith: Oh no, of course not. There is a certain cookie cutter look and sound labels want right now and I am not that. Sorry, but I am interested in making quality music, not fast food hits that are here today and gone tomorrow. Seriously, they should start selling those cheap gimmick songs on info commercials now. Artists can still put out commercial singles, but they have to find a way to do it without selling their souls. With that said, the way to get support for good Hip-Hop is to be relentless on pushing that music out to the masses, radio stations, and DJ’s. Easier said then done when most of the things I mentioned catch a deaf ear before they are given a legit chance.

You have had a fair amount of press coverage since the start of your career, how does it make you feel when you see your name and face in print for all to see?

Wordsmith: The best part about seeing some of the press I got is it lets me know I’m on the right path musically. People want change in Hip-Hop just like a Presidential race, but in the end it’s up to the people to make that happen. I know if I keep captivating the listeners with an inventive music and a theatrical stage show, I will be successful in this business.

What other plans do you have for 2008?

Wordsmith: Well, I am looking to do a School Tour in May, a few College tours, hopefully some overseas shows again this year, and continue to build my buzz as an artist. My hard work will never stop, so I would say 2008 will bring even less sleep, haaaa.

Any Shout’s?

Wordsmith: I want to shout out my God, my parents, my brother and his wife Michelle, my grandparnents, The Nu Revolution Camp, The Middelton family, the Guzman family, the Wilson family, the Smith family, Juanita, Harold, Malika, Chavon, Gerald, Lil G., Garth, Bob, Joel from HipHopdx.com, Dub MD from Raptalk.net, J.B., Q the Question, Kai from YoRaps.com, Trel Mack, T from HipHopHavoc.com, DJ Soundtrax, DJ Heat, D-Lott, Kev, DJ Excel, Dayana from Mixtapekings.com, Liz from Rap-Dome, L Boogie from Bronxrap.com, Konan from 92 Q Jamz, Chubb Rock, Nina, Danielle, Kamia Collins, Chad, Jeannie, Aleisha, Poot from OC 104, Zory, Deedaman, Tracy, Soulstice, and Shaun B. from Vintage Clothing Limited. Sorry if I missed anybody, God Bless.

Wordsmith is currently being represented in the UK by RVUP.For all enquiries or if you have any questions please contact:

Nina –
nina@rhythmicvisionspr.co.uk

Danielle –
upuk@hotmail.co.uk

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Big Game Huntaz Interview

2008-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

BIG GAME HUNTAZ

The Big Game Huntaz are a trio from Tallahassee, Florida who who have links with UGK and who are grinding with their Mindstate Of A Winner mixtape. Check out what they had to say to Danielle when she spoke to them recently.Tell us a little about Big Game Huntaz?Big Game Huntaz: We have three members in our group Skinny Bolo, Balla Dolla and Whitey. We currently live in Tallahassee, Florida and were an indie label.

Tell us about your new release 'Mindstate Of A Winner'?

Big Game Huntaz: We call it a mixtape album because the songs are not freestyles and not all the tracks are industry tracks. It's not something we threw together in a couple of weeks, we really want this album to hit people and leave a mark when they hear it. We put our all into this project and made it right and worth the wait. Through working with Trill Promotions we have been able to get some features for the mixtape from UGK Records artists Big Bubb (who also hosts the mixtape), Young T.O.E. and DJ B-DO. You can purchase the mixtape "Mindstate of a Winner" at www.myspace.com/biggamehuntaz.

You only formed in 2005 so are I guess a relatively new group, how did you all meet?

Big Game Huntaz: We all knew each other for years and were all in another group together. Things didn't workout with them so we decided to form our own group being Big Game Huntaz. We became closer with one another now we look at each other as brothers, we worked hard, put in plenty of long hours and by the time we made our first mixtape we realized that the chemistry was undeniable. Ever since then we've been on the mash tryin' to get it.

Your first single ‘Why U Do It Like Dat’ was an instant underground hit, that must have been a great accomplishment for you but did you really expect it to go down as well as it did?

Big Game Huntaz: That was actually the first original beat that we bought as Big Game Huntaz. We finished the track just before the first Ozone awards show pressed it up along with our latest mixtape at that time got them out to everyone we came across and not long after that we were getting calls from South Florida and various other cities telling us that they were spinning the record on underground stations. Our latest single is "I'ma Get It" featuring Big Bubb of UGK Records. Its been getting a lot of attention on myspace and internet radio stations as well as various mixtapes that have been put out in the last few months it is also one of the songs chosen to be on Tim Hampton's new book / soundtrack "He Held His Own" www.myspace.com/best_seller.It was also picked up by your High Schools, right, as a pep rally song?Big Game Huntaz: Yeah one of our local high schools used to play it in their mix at their pep rallies.

Do you feel working alongside Trill Promotions has pushed you further than you may be now without them?

Big Game Huntaz: Oh yeah we definitely feel that Trill Promotions has contributed to where we are now and we look forward to continuing to work with them. They have opened up a lot of doors for us such as numerous DJ's putting us on their mixtapes to internet promotions to expanding our fanbase to collabs with various artists as well as getting us collabs with UGK Records artists. Trill Promotions also has a mixtape comming out called "Southern Streets" which we are featured on as well as the UGK Records family and a couple other groups so be sure to pick that up to at www.myspace.com/trillpromotions. Trill Promotions keeps it TRILL.

Who influences your musical style?

Big Game Huntaz: Many of the Southern artists do, but the main influence would be the Underground Kings, Pimp C and Bun B. Some other influences are Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, Z-Ro, 8Ball & MJG, the UGK Records Posse, and any of the underdogs out there thats jammin.

Are there any plans for an album some time soon?

Big Game Huntaz: We are slowly putting together our album, right now we're more focused on working on new mixtapes and collecting songs that we do here and there for our album. We have no date or plans for an album release as of yet.

You are quoted as saying, ‘you like to spend as much time in the studio as possible’, but when you do need to take a break how do you all like to relax?

Big Game Huntaz: When we aren't banging it out in the studio we're out trying to get money, selling our mixtapes trying to get it everyday. We aren't close to where we want to be at all so we can't relax how most of y'all do, we gotta grind.

What would be your idea of a dream collaboration and why?

Big Game Huntaz: Our dream collaboration would be with UGK - Bun B "R.I.P Pimp C". We have looked up to UGK for everything they've done and all the things that they went through and overcame, they define the word 'Underground King'.

Your music does seem to appeal to everyone, but in your own words define why you feel your music is picked up so often?

Big Game Huntaz: That's a good question, but we think its because we are diverse, we make music that a lot of people can relate to. It comes from our heart and we think people can feel that. We have gone through a lot as a group and have been told, "y'all will never make it", a countless number of times, but that only makes us work harder. From our first mixtape to now, we have progressed every time and plan on continuing to do so - thanks to all our fans for your support.

Any Shout’s?

Big Game Huntaz: First off we would like to thank the Lord for taking us this far and for putting us around some real people. Next we want to give a big shout out to Trill Chris "Trill Promotions" as well as Big Bubb of UGK Records for reaching out to us and showing us much love. Shout to Young Toe, DJ B-Do, XVII, Hezeleo, Bankroll Jonez, Ivory P and the rest of the UGK Records family and a huge shout out to Bun B - Pimp C Forever. Shout out to all our friends and family, Kingpin and the whole 8filthy - Tallahassee Florida, thanks to everyone who's helped us along the way and a big shout out to all ours fans we appreciate all of your support. Make sure you check out these myspace pages for new music and updates.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Jay Rock Interview

2008-03-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

JAY ROCK

This time round I bring you one of the West Coast’s finest rising stars, Jay Rock. With a rough and raw rugged sound Jay Rock is definitely keeping the West on the map. With bangers like ‘On Bloods’ and ‘We On 1’ it’s no surprise he has a huge following and recently had the opportunity to record with the south’s finest, Lil Wayne.Being a Blood gang member Jay Rock’s music is 100% real, uncut and for the streets, Jay Rock is undoubtedly one of the West Coast’s finest MC’s.

Tell us a little about your journey so far?

Jay Rock: Long journey from bangin to hustlin and now rappin, but my journey is not complete, I have along way to go.

Was music always something you felt you had to pursue in life?

Jay Rock: Naw, I never thought about a career in music, my plan was to make millions off of hustlin in the streets, thats all I knew.

Your current single features Lil Wayne, what is it like for you to have such an established artist working alongside you on your own project?

Jay Rock: It was krazy working with a nigga like Wayne plus he’s my blood brother from another mother. Yeah, but me being a new artist I felt I had to work with a big name artist and show everybody I can hold my own with anybody. Wayne’s beast!

Who do you feel is keeping the West Coast on the map right now?

Jay Rock: Jay Rock! Naw for sure my nigga Game, Snoop and then we got the new blood thats putting it down like myself, Glasses Malone, KDot , Problem, Topic, Bo, Absol, the list goes on.
What did you think of The Game’s first album? He really did bring the West Coast back on top.
Jay Rock: It was a classic. For sho he put the West back on the map. We wasn’t getting a lot of attention until his shit dropped.

You are from the Nickerson Gardens Projects right? What was life like for you growing up in Watts?

Jay Rock: A constant struggle to survive man. You got to be strong and ready for war everyday. Shit always pops off in the Gardens, but I love my hood to death.

Do you have a release date for the album yet? What can the fans expect from it?

Jay Rock: I don’t have the exact date but its coming soon. They expect a great album and they learn a lot about me and where I come from.

The “No Sleep Till NYC” Mix-tape had a whole squad of DJ’s behind it, why so many on one Mix-tape?

Jay Rock: I had old school West coast and East coast tracks on it so I just wanted to put the hottest DJs from both coasts on that muthafucka.

What reaction did you get from the release?

Jay Rock: Niggas loved that shit. A lot of the o.g. rappers hit me and told me I killed it. They was shook to hear a young nigga have the balls to do, and not fuck up those classic songs.

Your track “On Bloods” was a track purposely made to represent the Bloods gang right?

Do you keep it red?

Jay Rock: Yea... I been keeping it red since a baby.

What other projects are you currently working on?

Jay Rock: Putting final touches on my album and I'm working on a new mixtape right now, just finish up a few features.

You seem to be on your grind 24-7, do you ever find time for yourself to just kick back and relax?

Jay Rock: Right now my nigga its all work and no play. I’m going super hard and when I rest I rest in the booth.

What are your vices in life? I mean we all have at least one. Whether it be a woman and her shoes or a guy and his cars, what do you like to spend your well earned cash on?

Jay Rock: I would say guns, lol... I spend my shit on me and for sho my moms. I got to make sure she has everything. With out her there’s no me.

Any Shout’s?

Jay Rock: Shouts out to my TDE family and all my niggas in the Nickerson Gardens, stay up blood.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Trel Mack Interview

2008-03-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

TREL MACK

Trel Mack aka Katrel Kelly is a Hip Hop artist from Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, who hangs with his homey Q. Together they run their own label – Street Knowledge Entertainment. Read on to peep what he had to say about his influences and how he keeps it real when he spoke to Danielle...

Give us a little introduction about yourself?

Trel Mack: Well, I’m hip-hop recording artist coming out of Philadelphia making moves, Me and my homie Q started our independent entertainment label, Street Knowledge Entertainment.

You take influence from a lot of the greats like 2 Pac and Biggie, but you also take note on the likes of Mase right?

Trel Mack: Yeah 2Pac is one of my all-time favorites, like his music is just captivating and it has a lot of emotion. You can actually feel what 2Pac is saying and its like that even when he speaks. Biggie also had that captivating flow, from his delivery on down to his word play everything falls into place with that dude. Now, when I tell people I’m a Mase fan they would look at me like I’m crazy, so I tell them Mase is hot.Before Mase retired to be a preacher he had the game on smash. Everyone knew Mase’s lyrics, everyone got down to his music in the club, and he went about 4 times platinum on his first album so its no reason not to show him some type of respect for his accomplishments. Even before he became the guy all the ladies loved, he was spitting. Murda Mase was dope. That’s just how I feel. Hey, you got to give credit where credit is due.

How would you breakdown your musical style if asked?

Trel Mack: Well my style is a more soulful and smooth, I just flow in a fluent motion. Where ever my mind takes me that’s where I’m going to go. I’m not a gangsta rapper, so I don’t have a gutta flow. Every once in a while I might put a little edge on it, just to keep a certain song in the right path. But hey that’s why the ladies love when I rap, they like a nigga to speak smooth to them [laughs].

You are one of the few rappers today that don’t glorify rapping about drugs and money etc, do you feel we need more artists like yourself to take away the glamour of such lyrics?

Trel Mack: I’m going to put it to you this way, everybody has their own path as to where they want to take their music and my path was just the opposite. I never experienced the drug game, I just know people who had. I can’t rap about something that I didn’t have my hands in. Every rapper wants the glamour, the money, the cars, the girls and the expensive liquids so they rap about it in their music and that’s fine, it’s ok to dream. I do it all the time and I believe you can speak things in existence; you just have to that drive that can lead you in that direction. Even I sometimes rap about it, but I just don’t give people the mistaken notion that that’s the storyline behind my music.Nowadays, if you hear a rapper that said they killed someone or they will, nine times out of ten they didn’t or they won’t, same thing apply for some rappers who talk about the drug game. They probably hung around someone who did and made it there own story, too many liars. I don’t take anything from any other artist that’s rapping about money and drugs, because that’s their thing. As I see people don’t really listen out for lyrics anymore anyway, at least not like back then when hip-hop had a meaning to it. You can have hot production and say the most wackest things and still be hot.

Tell us about Street Knowledge Entertainment?

Trel Mack: Oh SKE we are the new dynasty, the new breed of entertainment. We are the hottest label out, holla at ya boy [laughs]. Seriously, SKE came from the ground up, the name has been branded. We all over, we are killing it across the waters, we are killing it on the mixtapes, radio play, interviews, reviews. Shout out to Q the Question, we CEO’s homie. [laughs].We came from the streets and that’s where the knowledge came from, so with that being said the knowledge is us. We got a strong healthy team right now, myself, Quinton Hatfield aka Q The Question, Brandon aka Diverse as our A&R guy, C.H., DJ Trell Shells and DJ Phlash, GT & Young Nydy. We all are strong and our goal is to put a major impact on everything we do, not just music. Everything we touch.

You were born and raised in Philly right? What was your childhood like in the big city?

Trel Mack: Yup born and raised, my childhood wasn’t so bad and it wasn’t so great neither. I had my fair share of ups and downs like anyone else had growing up in their hometown. I’m just grateful for being alive and able to do what I like to do.

A lot of your music is for the ladies; give us an idea of your perfect woman?

Trel Mack: That’s an easy question and it’s a short answer that comes with that. The perfect woman for me is the female me, she don’t have to necessarily be a rapper, singer or actor. Just have my attributes [laughs].

What projects are you currently working on?

Trel Mack: Well right now I’m working a few projects. I’m working on a mixtape with Yoraps.com called “The New Dynasty”, which will be hot. I already got a few hot joints for it and so far it’s looking good. I’m going to have some of best unsigned talent on there, Fred Knuxx, Wordsmith, MarVo, Donny Goines, Clap Cognac, Rico Levant, Crystyle, Soulstice, Young Nydy, G.T., just to name a few so be on the look out for that.Also I just hosted DJ Ames new Mixtape “Grind Time Vol. 6” which is hot and its out now on Datpiff.com. Other than that I just been working on the label releases of DJ Trell shells and Diverse’s mixtape called “Locked and Loaded” as well as DJ Phlash’s New mixtape called “The Preview”. Young Nydy is working on his promotional album called “Prosperity” and that will be hot. So it’s a lot of work coming for the fans of Street Knowledge Entertainment.

What are your views on the Hip-Hop scene in general?

Trel Mack: I think the Hip-Hop scene is missing something, like I said before hip-hop is not dead it just needs some direction. I don’t hear good music anymore, honestly I can’t remember the last time I actually listened to the radio. But I’m not in any position to knock anyone’s hustle, do your thing if you think this statement applies to you because Street Knowledge Entertainment is here to change the scenery of the hip-hop scene.Where do you aim to be in 3 years time?Trel Mack: On top, what you think I’m going to tell you anything less. Me and my team have huge plans that we are working on. Street Knowledge Entertainment is going to be a major label by that time [laughs]. And if not it’s going to happen at some point because like I said before, we have a strong team and with us together there is no limit. We above the sky. We will have everything we need to build an empire in this industry. I can show you better than I can tell you.

You are on your grind literally 24/7, but when you do find some free time how do you like to relax?

Trel Mack: I like to spend time with my family, go to the movies, chill with my homies, basically anything that’s fun. I don’t ask for much. I don’t sleep, because sleeping is for dead people man.

Any Shout’s?

Trel Mack: Shout out to my whole Street Knowledge Entertainment Team, shout out to CEO productions, and Tru-Fam Records. My boy Rico Levant, Shout out to everybody who supported me you know who you are. Kai, Melanie, Shawn Skeen, Joel aka Shake, all the DJ’s who put me on there mixtapes, Thank you.Check me out at myspace.com/trelmackmusic, and the label http://www.streetknowledgeentertainment.net/ , also check out my homie Q for he keeps you lock with the latest on the hip-hop scene with his latest interviews and reviews at www.myspace.com/qhatfield.

INTERVIEW ORGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Tried and True Interview

2008-03-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

Tried and True

Tried and True are a New York based duo just about to make themselves known to us as Hip Hop’s new breed of MC. Hailing from upstate NY, the duo Kasino and Klass wanted to catch up with us at British Hip Hop to give us an insight into what we can expect from them over the coming months.

Tell us, what can we expect from the upcoming mix-tape, “bail money and lawyer fee’s”?

Kasino: Hot 16’s of course (laughs). A consistent concept we really wanted to capture the moment and allow people to hear and feel the ups and downs that our team was going through at a particular time.

You say your music reflects the “struggle, hustle and muscle it takes to overcome adversity and hardships in this world”. What has life been like for yourself growing up in NYC?

Klass: my life has been a constant struggle between good and bad. And I have the opportunity to present that to people in my music.
Kasino: life has had its come ups and downfalls for me. I was raised in a single parent household and that affected me in different ways. I attended my first funeral at 13, lost one of my good friends. I been thru a lot and I want people to know that if I made it through this then you can too if you never stop fighting and never give up on yourself.

Your new mix-tape is due out soon, but what about an album? Is that something you are also working on?

Kasino: Yeah that’s in the works. We are in the process of working on that right now. The album will be out around November of ’08.
Klass: The album will be our body of work. By that I mean that it will give you a glimpse of who we are as a group as well as individuals. It will definitely be something that Hip Hop heads need. We are excited about the album.

Who influences your Hip Hop style?

Klass: I would have to say Nas was the biggest influence on me. I like the way he flows and puts words together.
Kasino: I don’t think I can just pick one person. So many different artists influence me to make different music. But I would have to say 2pac, Run DMC & Jay-Z.

Hip Hop today is huge and full of extremely talented individuals looking to make it big, what separates you from them? What makes you stand out?

Kasino: Our undeniable passion, charisma, respect and love for the culture. You know we really want people to see what we are painting, so we try to add detail to our songs. We want to make songs that cover all aspects of life “Say a prayer”, “Day by day”,” All my life”…those are songs that will hit home wit people…and that’s one of our goals is to touch people.
Klass: We have the ability to convey a serious message to people without being judgmental.

Do you feel there is enough support out there for upcoming artists like yourself?

Klass: I mean I believe that we will get the same chance as everyone else. With that said I do think that the support system for underground artist is low. But it’s also about who you know in this industry.
Kasino: personally no I don’t think so. Some people are so caught up in the mainstream music and not realizing that music is watered down and sometimes not even reflective of the person’s life. Underground music is real music I mean it’s not made for commercials or for radio spins. It’s music in it’s rawest form.

You have both been friends for a long time, since childhood yeah? When did you put your heads together and decide music was the way forward for you?

Kasino: yeah we have been friends for minute. We decided that a while ago when I created the group Ill Tactics (Champ, Klass, Kasino & Ice). We all end up going our separate ways after high school and me and Klass kept in touch and kept each other lyrics sharp.
Klass: Kasino and Me go back to high school. Much like he said we decided that shortly after high school.

Any shout out’s?

Kasino: yeah I would like to send a shout out to VS, CHAMP, ICE, Big, Millz, Don Juan and everyone that supports Tried & True.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

A Alikes Interview

2008-03-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

A ALIKES

Ness (aka P. Red) and Karaam (aka A. Black) met in 1996 and soon after joined forces with Dead Prez and other freedom minded artists to collectively form RBG. Like many rap artists, A-Alikes uses their music to tell stories about daily struggles and hustles, but unlike others, Ness and Karaam do not omit the causal role of political structures and institutions. Check out what they had to say to Danielle Fear...

Thanks for taking the time out to do this interview with us…The last year has been immense for you so lets catch up and see what’s been going down...The new album "The Hustler And The Hunted part 2" was released recently, what feedback have you been getting from that?

The Hustler and the Hunted: Part 2 is a follow up to Part One which we did right before our last album 'I Eat, U Eat' last year. Both were mixed and arranged by DJ Victorious. We call it a street album because even when we do 'mixtapes' they have an album feel. We don’t do rap for rap sake verses or freestyles. Everything we do is concept driven and has a theme, but at the same time it’s not the follow up album to 'I Eat, U Eat'. It’s a warm up to the next album we dropping in a few months 'One Life, One Death'.We've been getting great feedback from the homies, other artists and from people who've bought it online. People been sending messages on the myspace saying they love it and telling us they favourite songs.. We get text messages, and emails on my sidekick all times of the day from artists we cool with that’s on the road telling us they listening to the CD so its all love.

What is the meaning behind the title?

The title Hustler and the Hunted was taken from a line in our bio for our last album 'I Eat, U Eat' written by one of hip hop's premier journalist Dream Hampton. She writes, "... They never judge the next man’s hustle though, and on songs like “Greyhound” and “They Wanna Murder Me” they bring depth to what it is to be both the hustler and the hunted...", that line accurately describes how we see ourselves in this world. When we say we, we talking bout our people, anybody that ain’t the oppressor. We hustling no doubt, we chasing that guap, but at the same time we being chased, we under attack, we being hunted... u know. So its like we felt that title could put our experience in the proper context... Yeah we bout revolution, we want freedom but we out here trying to survive everyday ‘til we free. Hustling and being hunted.

Your first album "I Eat You Eat" was definitely something different to what was circulating at the time, did people embrace your ideas and sound from day one?

People have embraced all our music since, "Walk With A Bop" off the 'Birth' LP with Baby J and before that when we was just rapping in the hood. We always felt it was a blessing to be able to connect with our people with our music. Some industry cats and people who ain’t ready for revolution try to say that the music is too rebellious or radical to sell a lot of units, but them people ain’t listening."I Eat, U Eat" was definitely revolutionary in a sense that we made it clear where we stand against the powers that be but it was really a human story of two brothers banding together under some crazy circumstances. We've been thru a lot over the years and we wanted to show people tha A-Alikes is more than just our rap group’s name. We lived it out. 'Comrades in the face or adversity', that was the theme for "I Eat, U Eat'.Who influences you within your own music?We influence each other, our RBG comrades Stic.Man, M-1, cats we grew up listening to like Tupac, Nas, Kool G Rap, EPMD, Mobb Deep, Rakim, rappers from around the way that you've never heard about, great leaders like Huey P. Newton, Marcus Garvey, Assata Shakur, Bunchy Carter, Father Allah and Justice, our families... life its self is a strong influence.

A Alikes are part of a larger family, the R.B.G.'z, tell us about that?

RBG is a mind state Red, Black, and Green. Revolutionary but Gansta. If u down with the code then you RBG. RBGz is a collective of like minded individuals but at the same time we aren't like a big rap group. Its way more than that. Its more like a community or a family if you will. A bunch of us grew up together and have known each other for many years so we've learned a lot from each other but this thing is worldwide. We still growing.

Your music travels deeper than that by a lot of other artists out there today, does your music represent your own life experiences?

True Indeed. The best teacher is life experience. We just sharing what we've been thru to make our point clear. Revolution is the only real solution. The system don’t love you. Be careful out here. The police is the enemy. Sometimes when you out on the grind you need that soundtrack, that theme music but we not giving you that 'glorify the grind' rap we giving you a realistic portrait of what’s really going on... the consequences, the pitfalls, the so called Trap for real, for real.

In your first single "What's Your Politic?" you in your own words, "ask the streets to stay true to whatever it is they chose to represent", what do you mean by this?

It’s a question "What’s your Politic? What you about? How do you see the world? Whats your policy on Life? What side you on? When you meet somebody ask them that question and see what they say. It'll probably save you a lot of time dealing with people that ain’t on the same wavelength or better yet you know, where someone stands and what to expect from that person. Our politic is People over the dollar. Power to the People.The A Alikes movement seems to be about empowering people, creating a strong mind, spirit and body. Who empowered you like this whilst growing up?Mom, Pop, O.G.z... reading bout strong people like Malcolm X, Black Panthers, listening to hip hop that told us to love ourselves, be proud of who we are. We need music like that now more than ever. They killed off and put in jail a lot of the 'leaders' or strong examples... the real riders.

What can we expect from the A Alikes in the near future?

We're going to continue bangin' on the system, pimpin' the system, staying alive, fighting the good fight... doing our duty. Music-wise we're working on two albums at the same time. The first album that’s going to drop is "One Life, One Death", its some real classic hip hop shit almost like a throwback album but not some dated shit. Just real back to the basics hip hop for our peoples that love that shit. If you got our album "Live or Die", which came out a few years ago, you already know. We got some surprise guest appearances, dope concepts and production... we're real excited.After dealing with Nervous Records and the WEA system with the last album we felt like we wanted to release a project without all the red tape and industry bullshit so right now the plan is to release "One Life, One Death" ourselves on our label Guerilla Nation, unless we can partner up with a label that understands what we trying to do and we find the perfect situation where we can avoid all the extra shit. Our people ready for some new music and we want to deliver it to them asap. STAY TUNED!!The next album after that is called "Us Against Them" and that’s more of a follow up to "I Eat, U Eat". Its an epic album, it has a bigger sound, more melody, more 'mainstream' producers and collabos… all A-Alikes RBG to the fullest. Some real powerful shit. We're currently shopping that album to various labels. The industry is in meltdown phase right now so we're really on our independent hustle right now. We'll be releasing Part 3 to The Hustler And The Hunted series, a few other projects ourselves and some DVD projects in the coming year.

Got any shouts?

Free all the political prisoners… Mumia Abu Jammal, Aaron Patterson, Herman Bell, Russell Maroone Shoatz, and all our brothers and sisters behind enemy lines. All my RBG comrades, The Gods, Earth, and all the children of the Universe, black and brown people worldwide, anybody on our side and ready to ride. Anybody who knows who the real enemy is, shout out to you... Keep pushing forward. Stay strong. Stay focused. RBG LOVE...A's Up!What words of wisdom and advice would you like to leave with our readers today?Everyday is a chance to make it better than the last. Any day can be your last so take advantage of the time you have on this earth. We've lost a lot of people in our life over the past few years and you realise that life is a blessing that should be cherished regardless of the circumstances. The system can’t beak our spirit, we too powerful for that shit. When shit gets crazy don’t get discouraged. Look at all the good shit that you've accomplished and use that as motivation to keep pushing forward. Real talk.RBG LOVEA's Up!If you don’t got it, make sure you get our latest CD.The Hustler and the Hunted: Part 2 on sale now at www.myspace.com/aalikes and http://www.aalikes.net/.Real shit for the people by the people!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

TQ Interview

2008-03-09T01:57:00.000-08:00

TQ is without a doubt one of the finest Singers within R&B in my opinion. We are all familiar with the recent Chris Brown’s and NE-YO’s but if you take things a little further back and across to the West Coast, Compton to be exact you will find TQ. A highly accomplished singer songwriter with unbelievable classics behind him like ’Westside’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ just to name a few.
TQ is the essence of pure R&B, music with a real flavour which I feel we miss slightly in a lot of today’s artists.
Luckily enough I had the chance to catch up with the man himself to chat about the upcoming album, Paradise, which I can tell you all now is fantastic! TQ’s best release since the Debut They Never Saw Me Coming album.

R.I.P. STATIC MAJOR!!

First up tell us about the new album, Paradise? Due out April 1st.

Well I think it’s my best work yet. I just listened to all my albums from top to bottom. I sound like a pro on this one. The song writing is slick. Mature. Accomplished. This album was done out of the confidence of being a vet in this business. I’m very happy with it.

There is a track on there titled “sexy” I personally love it! How would you describe the feel of this track?

Strictly for the girlz… I come across so many of those sexy ones… I just had to give it up! Probably going to be my 2nd single…

Who have you worked with on the new album?

Production by Static Major, God rest his soul… He tragically passed away a week ago… Deezle, DJ Tomekk, and myself. Features from Krayzie Bone, BG, Jagged Edge, Lunch and the DBoyz

Why did you decide to call it “Paradise”?

It’s all about accomplishment. I feel like I’m finally at the place that I wanted to be as an artist… and it feels great. Kinda like “Paradise”

Do you feel you have developed your skills as an artist since your first major release?

Definitely! Check the 1st question…LOL!!!!

Tell us about “House Arrest”?

Thaz my new group… My boy At-Will and Lucky. One from the Bay and one from Bama. They hot to death look for them soon… They remind me of a young OutKast

You are also working with T Hud right?

Yeah we did an album and we’re about to shoot a movie for it. Its called Family Ties… The Mid-West Project. Super hot! People are really gonna be surprised at Troy’s rapping ability and how gangsta I can REALLY get!

We have to go way back to the days of “Westside” that track is a legend, what did it mean for you?

Aw man so much! That song has taken a young cat from Compton California, all over the world! I am grateful to God to have written it. A real blessing…

Was music something you always wanted to be involved in from a young age?

I always loved music but I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do it as a job. I wanted to play football…

You have worked with some great artists over the years, who on a personal level has been the most influential in your career?

Prolly Mannie Fresh… He’s the cat that I’ve done the most music with. Unfortunately most of it hasn’t been released due to legal issues with Cash Money.

There is so much talent out there right now, who for you is making themselves seen and heard on a major scale?

I’m a Jigga fan. Jay-Z consistently makes the best rap albums since Pac died..

What other projects do you have planned for 2008?

All kinds of shit!!!!!! Lol! Check my myspace page for details… www.myspace.com/TQOfficialSite.

Any Shout’s?

Yeah I wanna give a shout out to all the members of my website www.thugpoetry.com.
The hottest site on the planet!!!!!!!
Thanks for the opportunity babe!!!!!!!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

http://www.dastreetbuzz.com/

Rise Interview

2008-03-09T01:51:00.000-08:00

RISE

Who is Rise?

I WAS BORN TOMONT WILLIAMS RISE IS A CREATIVE RESPECTFUL MUSIC LOVING LOYAL TO MY FAMILY PERSON. IM VERY TOUGH ON MYSELF WHEN IT COMES TO MY MUSIC RISE IS THE NEXT BIG STAR TO SELL RECORDS CAUSE I REALLY LOVE IT.

Was music something you always wanted to pursue?

YES ALWAYS I USED TO RECORD MYSELF TO OTHER VIDEOS WHEN JAY Z FRIST CAME OUT AND BIG WAS POPPING

What makes you stand out from a lot of the other artists making moves today?

MY MOTIVATION MY MUSIC IS SOMETHING PEOPLE WILL LOVE I DONE MADE PEOPLE WHO DON’T EVEN LISTEN TO RAP LOVE WHAT IM DOING I THINK ITS ALL THE DIFFERENT STYLES I CAN SWITCH UP TO.

How would you define your musical style?

NEW SOUTH WITH A NEW FEEL ITS BEATS THAT MAKE U FEEL LIKE U ON CLOUD NINE THANKS TO THE CHOPHOUZE

Born and raised in North Carolina what is the Hip Hop movement like there?

ITS GREAT ALL THE MUSIC HERE IS GOOD TO LISTEN TO I FEEL N-C COULD HAVE THE BIGGEST MUSIC MOVEMENT EVER JUST IN MY CITY ALONE IT LIKE NINE ARTISTS DOING IT UP AND CAN BLOW UP AT ANY MINUTE

Who influences you within music?

NO DOUBT MY BIGGEST ARE JAY Z AND BIG PAC AND PUN I LISTEN TO ALL MUSIC SO/SLICK RICK WAS THE COOLEST MARY J BOBBY BROWN AND PUFF DADDY IM THE FUTURE WITH MUSIC

What projects are you currently working on?

I GOT A ALBUM IM WORKING ON CALLED IT’S A MONEY THANG JUST DROPPED A MIXX CD CALLED STACK SCRILLA PART 2 PART THREE FINISHED ALREADY ITS JUST ON HOLD IM BOUT TO SHOCK THE WORLD

Give us a breakdown of “Come and Get it” what does the track represent?

BASICALLY IT CAN MEAN A LOT OF THINGS LIKE IF T GOT CD’S FOR SELL I CAN SELL COME AND GET IT PEOPLE USE IT IN DIFFERENT WAYS SOME PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE WORK TELLING PEOPLE TO COME GET IT SO ME TELLING THEM I GOT IT ALL COME GET IT MEANS THEY CAN DO THE SAME THING

You originally started out as a group member singed to Elektra, what happened with that?

I WAS IN A GROUP CALLED NOW CITY WE HAD THE MUSIC GOING THEN OUR A&R WHO SIGNED US GOT FIRED SO THAT PUT US ON THE BACK BURNER. WHEN WE GOT OUR CHANCE AGAIN IT WAS A BIG BUYOUT THAT GOT SYVIA RONE FIRE AND EVERYBODY SENT TO ATLANTIC WHICH REALLY PUT US ON THE WAITING LIST SO I FOUGHT FOR MY RELEASE AND 5 YEARS LATER HERE I AM

Do you feel your past experiences have shaped you into the man and artist you are today?

OF COURSE U GOTTA GO THREW TO GET TO WHATEVER U TRING TO ACOMPLISH IF LIFE WAS EASY WHEN THE STRUGGLE COME YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO OVER COME IT THAT’S WHY U LIVE TO LEARN SO NOW IM READY FOR WHATEVER COMES MY WAY

When your brother was incarcerated you changed your name from Rise and Shine to simply Rise, what was the meaning behind that?

WELL MY NAME WAS TOMONT AND MY BROTHER NAME WAS SHYNE AND WHEN HE WAS LOCKED UP THE GUARDS USED TO SAY RISE AND SHINE EVERY MORNING SO WHEN THE GUARD SAID IT HE THOUGHT ABOUT MY BROTHER SO HE NAMED ME RISE SO HE CAN THINK ABOUT THE BOTH OF US IT WAS A HEART TOUCHING THING SO I RAN WITH IT

Any Shout’s?

GOD,MY MOTHER AND FAMILY YACHT MUSIC GROUP, SKYYRISE ENT, G-STACK ENT CHOPHOUZE BEATS FLIGHT ENT GME DUNCAN BOYZ MUSIC AND EVERBODY WHO IS A FAN AND SHOWS ME LOVE YOU ALL DOING THE INTERVIEW AND E ---AND BIG BRUH KNUCK

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Imagery Interview

2008-03-08T01:07:00.000-08:00

IMAGERY

Imagery is a Wembley head who is one half of the Iron Eye Collective and has dropped a few nuggets in the last few years. From his Promo Funk Demos to his My Perspective EP its all set to pop off for this artist. Check out what he had to say when Danielle caught up with him for a chat…

You have been a major player within the UK Hip Hop scene for a few years now. To date what is your greatest accomplishment?

Imagery: I'd been rapping for years thinking how good it would be to release a really original product. I think I’ve done that with My Perspective EP. I spent a long time making it with help from producers VLM and Nutty P, and in the end I think its diverse, unique, and I hope that it can entertain the audience. Aside from that, I believe my greatest accomplishment is having the privilege to work with some really talented producers and lyricists. They help me stay on top of my game. They inspire me, and are my friends, so I feel good about the music we all create.

Your lyrical ability is truly unique, the way you use words is with sheer brilliance. Does it take you long to sit and write a track so deep?

Imagery: It depends. Sometimes I hear a banging beat and just write immediately, and in 30-40 minutes a track is complete. Other times I might get really deep and play a beat in my head over and over for days, accumulating ideas and when I’m ready, I attack the beat and finish the track in one day. When I freestyle I like to scribble down the ill lines that I remembered so I can use them for chorus' and stuff. But even if I don’t have beats don’t mean my brains not ticking over. I might write accapella and then paste it onto a beat when I find an appropriate riddim.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Imagery: Life. Whether positive or negative there is a lot of life to inhale, then I exhale on a beat. I like to surround myself with positive people, down to earth and on a level. Family and friends are my main motivation because I learn so much from them, and they do from me. The world is a big place, and the city of London is one of the most multicultural. That alone is inspiration. When I chill out or I’m on the road the music is bumping. Obviously I love my hip hop, but that don’t mean you won’t hear me rinsing Radiohead's "Ok Computer", or Jamiroquai's "Return Of The Space Cowboy".

You have performed at the same shows as the likes of Genesis Elijah, Verb T and Kashmere. What was that like?

Imagery: I really enjoy the shows because its the perfect way to express yourself in front of a crowd and get some recognition. Its even better when your name appears on a flyer alongside some lyricists who have been doing their thing on the underground scene. You know the promoters are likely to draw a decent crowd who know their hip hop. It helps when trying to put my name out within those particular markets.

Your EP was released earlier this year, what reaction did you get from it? I personally loved it! But you already know that (laughs).

Imagery: Cheers, I’m glad you do. A lot of people liked it too. The feedback has been really good from peeps on the roads. I've been able to plug a few shows to showcase the tracks, so big up the promoters who showed Imagery some love. The journalists, like yourself, who recognise real music. And in an age where radio is deteriorating, big up the DJs who been plugging Imagery through the airwaves, and also the mixtape heads who requested my tracks.

Your track "Your Majesty" was something a little different, explain the story behind it? Your played it out as though you were money right?

Imagery: Yep. I looked at myself as money in the first person. I wanted to explain a different way that shows money as the root of all evil. Money exchanges hands constantly, so I describe some of the hands I come into contact with, and what they do with me. There are some vivid examples in there to get you thinking. On the last verse I deal with how money affects people, gets inside their minds and makes them act silly. As a society we seem to be controlled by her majesty's strong currency. Its deep, and after hearing Your Majesty you'll realise that’s the way it is... if you didn’t know already.

You are due to release Promo Funk 2: The Gem-In-I early next year, what can we expect from this?

Imagery: As you know I’m a little different from other artists. Promo Funk was my first release of 5 tracks. I didn’t wanna go down the mixtape path like other at that time. But the general feedback was that peeps wanted to hear more. So now they can with Promo Funk 2. It'll be varied but its not a mixtape - its a Promo. A full length promo that will feature many of the emcees and producers I have been working with recently. And I’m not just calling it the Gem-in-I because I am a June baby... lol, but because of the Gems that are in I. I spit gems, so its only right. Oh and by the way Gemini’s are not two faced... lol. We just got a lot of different moods going on at the same time. And you can see a range of my diverse mood swings throughout Promo Funk 2. More importantly though, I wanna show people the real Imagery. A promo is the perfect way for me to express my lyrical ability the way I want to, so you're gonna get a lot of different things you may not have heard on my EP.

What other plans do you have for 2008?

Imagery: My aim is to release The Gem-in-I sometime in January. I wanna hit up some more shows and some more radio. And god willing, I’ll continue to elevate. There is another EP in the pipeline, myself on the rhymes repping UK, and Keizan on the beats repping for France. The aim is for his beats to get pushed over here and for my lyrics to get pushed over there, so that link up will be dope. As well as collaborating with my peeps and hopefully some jazz singers and musicians, I just wanna continue making good music in 2008.

What are your views on the current Hip Hop scene within the UK? You have to admit there is a lot of talent around us right now.

Imagery: So much talent, a wealth of talent. There is probably an amazing singer or rapper living at the end of your road and you don’t even know. That’s how talented we are in the UK right now and we got a lot to say. There is more opportunity now than there has ever been and the UK hip hop now has its own identity, without needing to lean on American shoulders. However, there is still no solid foundational structure for our movement. For years there has been no real support, whether from the listener, promoter, DJ, TV host or whatever. Without solid support from the British music industry the real raw hip hop in this country could be stuck in a time warp. And if we don’t start to filter out the really good from the really bad, then the market will just become even more saturated.

What is your all time favourite album and why?

Imagery: Just one album?? That's not fair... lol. Its gotta be Nas' debut for me though, Illmatic. I think its flawless all the way through. His sharp flow and deep metaphors just effortlessly described some ghetto tales without him having to be a gangster, or thug, or whatever. But being born and raised in a dangerous ghetto enabled him to see a lot, and what he saw he wrote down. Its remarkable the way he made the album as if he was observing everything from his bedroom window.

Do you have any plans for the Christmas season?

Imagery: I'm gonna chill out with the famz, eat lots of food and drink Jamaican rum. Its the party season so if you know of any good shindigs happening then holla at Image, ya heard!!

Any last words?

Imagery: I'd like to take this opportunity to shout out my people dem. Firstly my beautiful niece and nephew, and my famz. I wanna say R.I.P to my cousin Garth, and to my grandmother Esther, who both passed away recently. I wanna give big shouts to everyone who has supported Imagery's movement, especially my lyricist and producer peeps. Big up to Intrigue, CTM, VLM, Morfius, DOC4, Spirit I, Grizzy, Chico, A-Stout, FulleBlunt, Rebel, Big Cakes, Redbioul, Zoe, Avesta, Koncept, Sirocco, S.I, Adil, and my bredrins in the endz and in and around North-West London. Anyone who I forgot, my apologies, but you know who you are.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Crunk Interview

2008-03-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

CRUNK

The North of England has long been lacking behind the rest of the UK on the Urban music scene, not everything is as accessible here as it is in the south and music from the unsigned artist is harder to find. This also makes it harder for the artists here to find their path to stardom, yet one organisation has started something incredible called CRUNK aimed at under 18’s and we decided it was only right to provide some well earned exposure!!!
First of all being from the North East myself (Newcastle Upon Tyne) this interview is close to home so lets blow the door wide open and find out what CRUNK is all about.

For those unfamiliar give us a break down of what CRUNK is all about?

CRUNK: CRUNK aims to provide a monthly social event for under 18s. CRUNK provides a safe, drug and alcohol free, social space for Black Minority Ethnic and white young people to come together; communities of young people who would not normally come into contact with each other.
Objectives• To provide a non commercial under 18 event supervised by youth workers• To give management to young people• To keep admission fees low to enable young people to attend from financially disadvantaged backgrounds• To allow young people from various backgrounds to mix, for example race, religion, economic status, from all parts of the city and political status (ie Asylum, sexuality etc)
All young people living in the North East have the opportunity to attend the events. This enables young people to meet and make friendship links with young people they would not ordinarily come in contact with. CRUNK Newcastle gives them the space and opportunity to develop their own opinions about other young people from different backgrounds.
CRUNK Newcastle particularly benefits young unaccompanied Asylum Seekers and Refugees who have little in the way of an extended social and friendship group. It also benefits the young people involved in the planning and management of the events.
For over 25 years Newcastle upon Tyne has had various under 18 events in the city but many young people have felt excluded from these events on the grounds of racism therefore they have traditionally not attended.

CRUNK is one of a kind in our area, it is almost like a youth club. Do you have your own resident DJ’s, dancers and MC’s?

CRUNK: The beauty of CRUNK Newcastle is that it is run by young people for young people. It is overseen by Youth workers who work along side a group of young people who call themselves CRUNKERZ. The CRUNKERZ group recruit their peers to perform at CRUNK Newcastle events. The resident DJ is a young person themselves and there have been performances from young people that have included Beat Boxing, Rapping / MCing, Singing and Street Dancing.

Those that attend CRUNK recently released there own track, tell us about that? What reaction have you had from it?

CRUNK: The CRUNKERZ had wanted to make a CD showcasing their talents but could not afford the studio time. Then the opportunity arose for youth groups to do peer education around the issues of drugs and alcohol use of young people. So the CRUNKERZ decided to make a Rap / Song about these issues to educate their peers. They also made a DVD to accompany the song. The song has had a great effect on attendances at CRUNK Newcastle events ever since, with the number of young people checking the song out on myspace and then coming to events.

What are your plans for CRUNK in the future?

CRUNK: This year CRUNK Newcastle took part in the Leeds Carnival and is planning to do so next year. CRUNK Newcastle has linked up with Show Racism the Red Card to make an Anti – Racism Mix-Tape with many different young acts on from across the North East.
Some of the CRUNKERZ and CRUNK attendees are making their own Mix-Tapes. Watch out for rapper Silver, his Mix-Tape Day Dot is hitting the streets as we speak, Hip Hop crew B-Town hailing from East Newcastle’s famous Byker area are putting the finishing touches to their Mix-Tape. Watch this space for R & B Divas Pure Harmony, Bubz Street Dancer n and rapper, rapper K.C.2 Fresh, 3 piece rap crew The Projeck.. There is more young talent waiting in the wings.

What do you think the kids benefit most from within the event?

CRUNK: Many of the young people tell me they do not go to their local youth project for fear of bullying or racism. They like the fact that they get a say in how CRUNK Newcastle runs. Many parents I speak to like the fact that we run our events in the afternoons at weekends. As apposed to other under18 events that run on school nights finishing late at night. At other events young people get ejected from the event for fighting without the cause being resolved. At CRUNK Newcastle youth workers are there to help young people settle their differences.

CRUNK brings together everyone regardless of social background, race and sex. It is through and through an event totally blind to anything other than people coming together as one, do you think we could benefit from more events like this within our society?

CRUNK: I believe we can all learn from the lessons learnt at CRUNK Newcastle. Young people need a safe young person friendly space to explore their peers. Many young people from black minority ethnic communities have expressed to use their concern of the lack of opportunities to mix with their young white British peers. Some white young people I have spoken to have also stressed that they have used what they read and see in the media as their reference point for them to make opinions about black minority ethnic communities.

CRUNK recently had some exposure at home, a two page spread in the local evening paper, tell us more about that? What areas did it cover?

CRUNK: In a nut shell it covered racism and isolation that some of the young people who come to CRUNK Newcastle have experienced. It also looked at how positive it has been for those young people going to CRUNK Newcastle has been.

We have to represent everyone that attends the event so now is your time to do some serious name dropping… lets go, any shouts?

CRUNK: RESPECT & Thank you’s go to all the young people who come to CRUNK and CRUNKERZ and all performers. Streetwise Youth Project who run CRUNK and CRUNKERZ. RPM Records Newcastle who have supported us from day one. Tyne and Wear Connexions, especially Margaret, Jane and Khalid. Legends Night Club and Blu Bambu Night Club and we can’t forget Underground Promotions.
Long live CRUNK Newcastle and all who sail in it. Sorry if I forgot you catch you next time.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Ang£l Interview

2008-03-07T02:49:00.000-08:00

ANG£L

Originaly from Nigeria, Ang£l now represents for North West London. Formerly of the Hipnotic crew, he is now going solo with his Angel Soar With Me LP and as bult to the stage where he is supporting Ludacris. Danielle caught up with Ang£l, so read on to find out more.

You were born and raised for many years in Nigeria, tell us about your childhood?

Ang£l: It was fun, although we weren’t rich. I mainly lived at my grandparents house which was like the family home. My aunties, uncles, cousins etc… all lived there so although the house was mad crammed full of people it was nice with all the fam around. But when I first moved there it was a lil difficult for me because English was my first language so I couldn’t speak Yoruba (one of Nigeria's 3 languages) so it took me a while to adjust. Luckily I was still young so you already know kids learn languages quite quickly so I was aright after a while. Like I said we were surviving but it was all fun. I was crazy into football and we used to ball all the time too.

Originally you started out as part of a group called “Hipnotic” why did you decide to go solo?

Ang£l: My partner at the time (Kid Nasty) was a songwriter before the group so the singer he used to work with migrated to the States. He was planning to bounce too, but out there on the song writing tip because they had their partnership with that so I kinda figured even if something pop off with the rap thing he still prolly gonna bounce which I wasn’t ready to do yet, so we talked about it and we deaded the group situation, he still my boy though way before music like from young days so we still the same just minus the group thing.

You have opened up for Ludacris before, what was that like?

Ang£l: It was nuts, we just got back from NY from being out there like a month, it was our first ever show, so you can imagine most people first shows are small and here we were about to go open for a superstar like Luda on a BIG stage in front of like 4000 people at the Brixton academy. My boy was mad nervous, we still watch the video for jokes and he saying he mad nervous on that, but we went on and did our thing and tore it up, got mad love from the crowd, it was a real nice experience, big dressing rooms and all that it was dope. But to tell truth it never dawned on me till we got like the “you’re on in five mins” call. All because the month before we were supposed to open for Method Man and Redman, so we were amped about that, we went round telling everybody like the whole hood and beyond and you know everybody was real proud for us and happy for us and mad people we know were going to the show too only for us to get a call the day before the show saying we got taken off the show.I’ll never forget that night we were in KFC in Harlesden mad people coming back from the show was like what happened we never saw you guys, I was mad pissed off but during the call they also said they were bringing someone big over the next month and they def had us for that. But I didn’t believe them so I never said nothing to anybody. Only for the reversal mad people saw us and was saying we tore it down was like how come you never told me about it... lol.

Why did you pick the name Ang£l?

Ang£l: The definition of the word angel is messenger and a messenger is someone that communicates something whatever that may be. Music is the universal language and artists make music. So you put the two things together it only made sense to me and the Pound Sterling in the spelling is there to show you I’m about getting paper plus it reps where I’m from that being the UK currency.

You released you album recently, what response have you had so far?

Ang£l: The response has been crazy, so positive, I mean when you make music obviously you put so much of yourself into it so you’re not sure how people are gonna receive it but fortunately for me its been all good and all love from all over the world, UK, US, Asia, Europe, people always saying they feeling the music. I just need more opportunity for more people to hear the music and support it by going to buy. Its out at most big HMV stores, its online at all major online stores, itunes, play.com, rhapsody, asdaonline, curryonline, real music player etc… just google “Angel Soar With Me”.

You record in the States as well as the UK yeah? How did you get that opportunity?

Ang£l: Yup, well the people around me musically and that taught me about this thing from when I first got into the game have mainly been from the US so, its just when I’m over there, I just dip through their studio set-up to do my thing, plus in 07 I had a recording deal on the table from a production company in Texas so when I was out there I was putting in work too.

You also write for others, who has used your lyrics?

Ang£l: I’m a ghost-writer can’t reveal that info... SORRYYYYYY.

Are you still working with Marc B? He is a DJ for So So Def out of Denmark right?

Ang£l: Yup, Marc B is my peoples. Yup he’s the only So So Def DJ not based in the US so that shows you how he’s doing it way big. We still work together, that will never stop, he’s actually managing Kay & Ndustry who are one of the top producers in Denmark so they hitting me with some bangers now. Marc B ain't the only DJ I mess with though, the big dawg WESTWOOD shows me mad luv and hooks me up with stuff every now and then plus DJ@WAR, DJ DENOX outta Canada and DJ Midnite too.

What do you have planned for 2008?

Ang£l: Wow, I got a lot, number one on the list get rich… lol… on the real I’m about to get on my mixtape hustle, I been on mixtapes before from all over the globe but I never put one together myself, so I’m about to get on that first one should be dropping free download or sent only specifically to people on my mailing list first quarter 08 then I might start a mixtape series (www.myspace.com/angeltheartist, www.reverbnation.com/angeltheartist hurry and sign up to the mailing list).Appearing on DVDs look out for Across The Pond DVD I’ll be on that coming sometime in 08, might do one myself, hooking up to do some work with the big basketball tournament Midnight Madness sponsored by Nike so look out for that coming sooner than you think. Going to do some more videos, more shows but travelling overseas more doing that, write for a whole lot more artists, starting to do more features. I had one with Leona Lewis that unfortunately fell through in 07, plus my new album will be in the works, gonna really do my video blogs so fans get to know me and roll with me, I wanna build my squad with artists, writers, producers, models etc… When you see me in pics with my index finger up that’s my squad I’m throwing up Pole Position, P1 you already know I’m the rap Lewis Hamilton, early, but you know just generally working on a whole bunch of different projects, sky's the limit so I’m aiming past that.

Obviously every artist is proud of their work but which of your own songs are you most proud of and why?

Ang£l: Stakes Is Higher track number eleven on the album. My music is my thoughts, experiences, environment and of those around me. That track draws from all that and delivers a story with a strong message. I feel when you listen to it, its not like you’re listening any more its like you see the song. The lyrics combined with Ricochet's production on that just makes it so cinematic.What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome within the music industry and why?Ang£l: Its an ongoing obstacle, its getting the opportunity to get my music out there to the people and by that I mean getting spins on radio, TV and shows. People pay to get those outlets nowadays to be honest unless someone within the system that has power hears your music and puts you on. Me being an independent artist, I haven’t got the budget to do that. But every so often my music somehow gets to the right ears and once people hear my music so far its been nothing but luv and I get the opportunity to so a BIG show (e.g. open for Ludacris) get spins (e.g. play listed on Choice FM and other stations around Europe, going on Westwood Radio1). Another reason being there are a lot of artists who aren’t ready yet or some that are plain trash so a lot of people in the position of power to help ain’t even trying to check for up n coming talent.

Any Shout’s?

Ang£l: Da Mystri, Ricochet, Marc B, Westwood, DJ @ War, DJ Denox, DJ Midnite, Lawrence, The Council, D-Low, Little King, Shikoro, iimuch, D Boy, Lumes Flowne, Cheddah, Underground Promotions UK and a big shout to all the people that’s been supporting coming to shows buying and loving the music

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

T.R.O.N. Interview

2008-03-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

T.R.O.N.

T.R.O.N. Is a Southern USA business man / artist who has apparently penned an astounding number of songs. Our reporter Danielle talked to him to find out his business plan and to have him detail what his music means to him. Continue reading to find out more...

Who is T.R.O.N.?

T.R.O.N.: Hip Hop artist, product of the concrete, product of America and also the future of rap music.

You have gained a lot of recognition for your talents, how do you keep on top of your PR movement?

T.R.O.N.: Well its all word of mouth networking with different DJ’s and people who love Hip Hop music and also they root for the underdawg, we all love the underdawg only bad thing bout being that is they will hate you later, but its all good.

Your debut release is just around the corner, what content can we expect from the release?

T.R.O.N.: My album Da Arrival… Jus Day Away is available now at www.cdbaby.com and also myspace.com/tron3r. Its raw, street, deep and a lil political with what I would call a universal somewhat mainstream appeal, its pretty diverse. Even the legendary Teddy Riley co signed by LP.

You have written over 1,000 tracks, is this right?

T.R.O.N.: No doubt, its closer to over 1,500 now and counting, as of right now its all about promo / marketing my LP / single, but I'm also working on my second LP titled Da Sequel…Etched In Stone, I wanted to release these albums both together but I figured I separated 'em and release 'em solo since I'm a new artist, just made better business sense, so first I give you Da Arrival then I drop Da Sequel.

Where do you take your musical influence from?

T.R.O.N.: Scarface / Geto Boys, Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, N.W.A., Wu-Tang, Dr. Dre, Nas, Outkast and so, so many more, I grew up on that 90’s raw sound.

What are your views on today’s Hip Hop, is it really dead?

T.R.O.N.: Hell nah it ain't dead, just ain't no more quality albums like it used to be, its like how ya had so much quality and depth in the 90’s and now its not like that no more, it reminds me of the way the NBA is and how the Western Conference is so strong and deep and everybody dissing the Eastern Conference but they still doing they thang and it will be interesting but its just not the West where you have more thorough teams and that’s the way I look at the 90’s artists / albums compared to today.

Where do you aim to be in three years time?

T.R.O.N.: Rooted in the game in a variety of ways, but always putting my all into my albums as well as the artists on my label, music will also come first but I do want to branch off and start entities like 3R clothing, films, restaurants, etc.

With so much talent in Hip Hop right now how do you manage to keep your own thing moving against what must seem like a brick wall of other highly talented artists?

T.R.O.N.: Cuz I feel like I got A.I. game, I call myself the Iverson of Hip Hop cuz I feel he don’t get the credit he deserves and he’s one of the best to ever do it and he brings it every night and that’s how I feel I bring it on all my songs / albums, just go all out and not worry about nobody else, while I respect what everybody is doing from rapping to working a regular 9 to 5, I keep the mind frame of being peerless and that’s what keeps me moving along and focused.

Are you currently working on any other projects besides the album?

T.R.O.N.: Yeah I got the 3R: Da Birth group double album coming after my debut, then we dropping my second LP and then coming with my brother Klassik solo and then mixtapes in between albums or maybe after just to keep that buzz and stay sharp, we ain't gonna leak too much cuz you can over saturate the market and that’s not a good thang.

A lot of artists now branch out into other areas of business like clothing lines and perfume etc, is this something you see yourself doing in the future?

T.R.O.N.: No doubt, I marvel at the Percy Miller’s / Russell Simmons / Suge Knights and J. Princes of the game, they some true trend setters and legends of the Hip Hop music world and to a certain extent I will try and pattern my company after those moguls.

Who do you think your music most appeals to? Or is it versatile for everyone?

T.R.O.N.: Its for the concrete, but I feel its crosses over and appeals to everyone and that’s what I do music for, not just for my people, but for everybody cuz we all go thru the struggle, well at least a vast majority of us do, so I do that type of music they can relate and bond with and I also give the people something to dance and also something to ride to, just keep it diverse for the masses cuz people are different and some are cut from the same cloth.

Any Shout’s?

T.R.O.N.: Big up to the whole 3R / Bethel / Beatpros fam, Klassik, Shon V, Greg D, Rafay, Ponytime, Cunnell, D Bo and the whole Quad City area, all my people in Iowa and Texas, stay on ya hustle… One Luv

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT

B-Town Interview

2008-02-29T10:48:00.000-08:00

B-TOWN

B-Town are a trio from Newcastle upon Tyne making major noise in their area! With regular shows booked and a hugely successful debut Mix-tape B-Town are destined to blow up in 2008. Work is already underway on the album and new Mix-tape. Working alongside Def Jam producer Devon, it surely won’t be long before everyone has heard of B-Town!

Give us a breakdown of who B-Town are and what they represent?

B-Town: B-Town is a group from Newcastle, Byker... there are 3 of us... Orkhan, eL and Gil... but Gil is currently away from music for a bit because he is doing football professionally, there was rumours that Gil got kicked out of B-Town... none of that is true, he is still in the group and he is in couple of tracks in our upcoming mix tape The Interview, we represent ourselves, Teknicions Network and Crunk. if it wasn’t for Crunk and Devon we wouldn’t be where we are right now, they helped us a lot!.

Your first Mix-tape release was a massive success in our area, did you expect it to sell so well?

B-Town: The mix-tape was more for promotion, to get our name out in our area. We recorded four tracks and pressed 200 CDs to get some money for studio time and to get our name out there. And we sold all 200 CD’s in just two days!.. We’ve sent emails out to our fans and to all the people that listen to our music and let people know that we would be in town selling the CD’s... and people came and bought the CD’s. The CD was £3! We are really happy with that, we didn’t expect to sell the CD’s that quick.

What projects are you currently working on?

B-Town: We currently working on our official mix tape called The Interview which is produced by Devon and co-produced by Orkhan, which is already recorded, but it’s just getting mixed and mastered. But we got couple of problems with our budget... we doing key fund to press the mix tape. The mix tape got a little bit for everyone, there is different styles on the mix tape... we doing something different on there! Hopefully it will be out soon, so watch out for that one... the Mix-tape is fire!

You get involved with Crunk a lot, would you say the Crunk event is your main stage with regards to getting your music out there?

B-Town: Crunk is the way forward! Our first ever performance was at Crunk... and all the young people in Crunk loved it! Now, whenever we perform at Crunk we always get love from the young people. If it wasn’t for Crunk, all the young kids out there in the North East that listen to hip hop wouldn’t know us. Crunk helped us with a lot of things and they still helping us with things we need.

What are your views on Hip Hop within Newcastle?

B-Town: You know... Newcastle got its own lil scene now! There are a lot of upcoming artists out there. We are 100% sure that Newcastle will blow up soon and the whole UK will know that Newcastle got talent as well. And there are some really good songs and mix tapes are getting made! There are artist like Silver, Toni Marie, Kriss P, Sas, KC2fresh, Pure Harmony, Young Rydaz are doing their thing in Middlesbrough. Supanice. There are a lot... watch out for all of them. We just need our local DJ’s to play the music that is from Newcastle, because most of music that is getting played in clubs is from USA, and some from London, we need people to support our scene, play our music on local radios. If we help each other then we can make it big.

You also like to produce your own music right Orkhan?

Orkhan: Yeah I do, I’ve produced our first Promo mix tape, and I co-produce on our upcoming Mix tape The Interview and produced two tracks on Crunk’s album “Out of Many We are One”. I’ve been producing for about two years now. Right now I do music production in Newcastle College. And I’m working on my own Promo Production CD to get my name out there as a producer too. Im working with people like Sas, Roozy, KC2Fresh, and hoping to work with many more.

What was it like working with Devon (Def Jam DJ)?

B-Town: Oohh man, it’s amazing, we’ve learned a lot from him! When we say a lot, we mean it... we really stepped our game up with Devon, he taught us a lot of things and taught Orkhan about production and he is still working with us and teaching us the things we don’t know, every second next to him is a learning process. Devon is a really clever guy, he is fast learner him self!. He is amazing at production and he is an amazing DJ. Look out for him, he’ll be a big producer / DJ in the UK and Worldwide.

Where do you aim to be in five years time?

B-Town: Obviously we want to get to the top and success in our music in the UK and worldwide. We do music cos we love it. So we hope to get our name out everywhere!

You are originally from Portugal and Azerbaijan right? Is there a big Hip Hop following over there? Do either of you return home much?

eL: Portugal got a big hip hop scene, there are a lot artists out there doing their thing in Portugal. And I try go home (Portugal) every summer.

Orkhan: In Azerbaijan the hip hop scene isn’t that big, but there are rappers out there doing their thing too and I haven’t been home for 6 years now.

You had a feature on the local news not so long ago, what was it like having your face out there for the region to see?

B-Town: It was really good, cos it’s a lot for us, it’s a great feeling because you know that there is people reading about you or listening to you or watching you. The more we get on papers, radio, TV then more people know about us.

Any Shout’s?

B-Town: We want to give shout out to our parents, to all Teknicions Network, Crunk and Crunkerz, to all of our friends and people that supported us and our music, and of course to people that listen and like our music, to our fans!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Add - 2 Interview

2008-02-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

ADD- 2

Add-2 is an aspiring artist fresh from Chicago’s Southside, although still new to the game he has his mind focussed on the bigger picture and what he wants to achieve as an artist.
Not one to be boxed into a corner or labelled as an artist within a certain genre the MC keeps everything he does fresh new and individual to deliver quality music for the masses.

Add-2 really is an artist above them all and with individuality others can only dream of, not only being a rapper is what has shaped him into who he is today but also the fact that Add-2 is a playwright and one time motivational speaker. With that said it makes you want to go and hear his music and see what all the commotion is about surrounding this artist, I can tell you now you will not be disappointed.

There are many rappers out there that claim to be unique with their style and flow and a lot who demand the attention for this yet Add-2 takes it all in his stride, he knows how to be seen and heard and that is through sheer hard work and determination not claiming to be someone you are not.

We recently caught up with the Chicago native to find out more about the life of Add-2 and what we can expect from him over the months of 2008.

Tell our readers a bit about yourself?

What up, I’m Add-2 from the Southside of Chicago. I’m still kind of new on the scene but I been making a lot of moves with more stuff on the way as well.

Your musical style is very much your own, how would you best describe it?

My style is a blend of a lot of things. I try not to stay boxed in a particular style but I can definitely say its hip hop mixed with some elements of jazz. My flow is kind of hard to describe because it changes with the beat, it can be very rapid at times, but usually it’s lyrical.

You are also a motivational speaker right?

Not as much as I use to be. I’ve really slowed down since I started focusing more on rap because it was getting hard multi-tasking all these different hobbies of mine. I still enjoy public speaking I feel it gives people a chance to inspire others in a more direct way as opposed to putting a message in song, which they may or may not grasp. I would think about how Malcolm X, Huey Newton and Dr. King inspired people to strive for better not only in their own personal lives but also in their communities. I wanted to do the same cause it felt like I was watching my generation become lost within itself and I was seeing the same thing over and over. Senseless violence, drug dependence, teen pregnancy and the revolving door that we call jail. Our generation doesn’t have anyone to guide them or at least help motivate them to better themselves which is really important especially in the times we are living in now.

You had a serious accident as a child. Do you think experiences like that mould you into a stronger more focussed person?

Yea it makes you more appreciative towards life. As far as we know, you only live once so you have to live it to the fullest and not waste it. The surgery left a decent size scar on the left side of my head and when I was younger it made me self-conscious. So whenever I would go out with my friends or my parents I would get stared at and people of all ages would ask me ‘what’s wrong with your head?’ or ‘damn shorty, the barber really messed you up’ so it made me tougher cause when you’re young it hurts to be different and you just want acceptance but at the same time through that same pain with time comes strength and growth.

Did you always have a passion for music?

I have always loved music; everything I did was to music in some form or another. I listened to a little bit of everything from hip hop to old school, video game music to movie scores. To be honest though, I didn’t want to pursue music at all it never crossed my mind until I was in junior high and my best friend Jeremy would tell me to rap and I started getting real good at it then I started writing everyday which I kept up since my freshmen year in high school.

You take a lot of influence from the likes of Nas and Jay-Z but your music is so your own there must be influential artists out there in other music genres that you take note from?

Yea I’m inspired a lot by Stevie Wonder, I always wanted to be the hip hop version of him. His song writing ability has always amazed me and the simple fact that he can paint vivid pictures as well as create feelings and emotions in song was something I wanted to create with my music. I also like Terence Blanchard who uses to do a lot of the scores in Spike Lee movies. A lot of my songs have horns and elements of Jazz and God willing in the future I plan on adding more elements to my sound to create something real unique.

Tell us about being a playwright?

It’s a side hobby of mine that I’ve always kind of kept to myself. Not a lot of my fans know I write plays, short stories, scripts and storylines for sitcoms and things of that nature. I’ve been offered to put one on but as it was coming together it ran into some issues so it never came to be as we wanted it. I just always loved to write no matter what it was. Even though people have a tendency to look over theatre it’s still alive and is amazing to see.

Do you think there is a lot of diversity with regards to people’s style in Hip Hop today?

Naw not at all, to be real everybody sound like Wayne and a couple years ago everybody sounded like Jay. Now it’s like the subject matter and flow is so predictable. Maybe because I was coming up during the 94-2000 era of hip hop and I seen so many different styles at one time like Pharcyde, Biggie, Pac, Bone Thugs, Big Pun, Big L, Nas and De La Soul and Mos Def is maybe why I feel the way I feel. But back then the worst thing you could do is bite someone style now everyone does it and everyone’s cool with it, but that shit still wack to me.

What are your views on the Hip Hop world in general?

It’s grown for the good and for the bad cause in the process of growing we’ve lost some of the values we used to celebrate. Like we just said about diversity in style. It’s become more focused on money as opposed to making good music. It is beautiful that we are finally in a position where we can sell millions of records and receive the proper promotion but I would really like to see hip hop get that essence back that it had.

What projects are you currently working on?

Right now I’m in the process of finishing up the new mixtape ‘Tale Of Two’s City Vol. 2’ which is more less an album because it has only 3 industry instrumentals on it and everything else is original. We are definitely putting a lot of work into it and hopefully it gets a good response. I like to take my time with anything I do and make sure its done right. After that I may finish up the independent album "The Rise & Fall" and just continue to work on any other project that comes my way.

You have named your music, music for "everyday people." What do you mean by this?

Not everybody is pushing ki’s or got a lot of money. I choose to write about stuff I feel is more relatable by everybody as well as touch on certain things other people maybe overlooking. So I may rap about issues of a teen pregnancy then I may talk about partying or feelings of depression or acceptance because I want to make songs for every emotion and thought that mostly everybody has. I come from a place in Chicago where I felt like I seen the bad and I seen the good so it gives me a wide range to talk about.

You are also a poet right? Tell us about that venture?

Yea I started out doing poetry because I didn’t have any outlets for rap in high school. Every hip hop open mic was 21 and older so I would go to the open mic poetry spots and would try to adjust my raps to sound like poems. Some of them didn’t sound too good so I started writing poems specifically made for these open mics and it also helped me with my lyrics because at open mics the crowd is genuinely listening to what you are saying and not just the beat. I started getting better and better and that’s what actually led me to getting into public speaking. I was invited to do poetry at a lot of different spots in Chicago and I met a lot Def Poets. Chicago has a really really dope poetry scene.

What advice would you offer to someone out there trying to follow in the footsteps of someone like yourself?

Do what makes you happy, take what makes you unique and highlight it. Don’t follow the next man cause when what he’s doing aint cool no more you gotta find someone else to imitate and then when you want to be yourself it may be too late. Carve your own place. Make the music you want and let the money and shine come when God says its time, don’t force it. Don’t get caught up in what the industry wants or thinks because the real will respect you. Those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.

Let the people know where they can find you online?

Always hit me up at www.myspace.com/add2. The new website is on its way soon. I’m pretty good at getting the emails/messages back.

Any final comments?

Check out the new blogs I’ll have with Yo! Raps. Shouts out to my crew the Rascals, Slot-A, Bullet, Vanysh, Jermel, Lottery, Gerald Walker, my homie Reg, Chuck, Pj, my brothers, Dan Solomito, DJ INC, Precise Minds, Kyle and Kris and everybody who keep telling me to keep pushing and of course any other emcee in Chi-City.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Circle City Boy Interview

2008-02-22T00:38:00.000-08:00

THE CLASSICAL M.O. RECORDS LTD

The hottest group to come out of Milton Keynes is Mixed Origin, with a unique sound and great lyrical content the groups frontman
'The Future' aka Circle City Boi decided to catch up with us for this exclusive interview.

First up, for those who are not familiar give us a breakdown of who Mixed Origin are?

Yeah, we're an independent entertainment company/group and we're quickly becoming pioneers of the urban scene in Milton Keynes.
We've got 3 members, myself The Future, Daniz and D-lux who is our producer.
As a trio we got our name out by performing at local events such as Music Live, Buddha Blue, Spice Lounge and Nexus where we opened shows for Asher D,
N-Dubz, L Man and Big Narstie.
We recently got in touch with a PR company called 'MK Vibe' who've organised shows at Xscape alongside D-Fam and Vigar & Diddy.
MK Vibe has provided us with regular media attention in newspapers, websites and radio interviews.

You have had quite a journey so far, what has been the biggest obstacle you have had to face and how did you overcome it?

Errr.....examples that i can think of is the fear of facing a crowd for the first time at a UK Unsigned competition outside our endz.
We overcame that by performing at open mic nights, showcases and festivals around the country which helped us gain confidence and experience.
The major obstacle for us is bridging the gap music wise between Milton Keynes and London.
There’s been times when we felt like people weren't taking us serious which felt kinda funny because we moved to Milton Keynes from North Weezy.
We're overcoming the issue by networking with London based artists and collaborating on mixtapes and doing shows etc.

What can we expect from Mixed Origin over the coming months?

Where shall I start....erm ok we're preparing to film and release our first video, we've also recorded our second single and at the moment we're getting the company myspace page reconstructed.
I'm also in contact with 3rd Lens Productions to get our official website designed and have plans to launch a clothing line.
I'm currently working on a mixtape titled 'Back to the Future Volume 1', theres a Radio One DJ who is interested in hosting it with a lineup of Channel U/Base & my very own Circle City artists set to feature.
WATCH THIS SPACE!

You are currently in the process of shooting the video for your “Thru the Front Door” track, how is that coming along?

We were put in a position where we had to change the director and film crew so that caused a delay, I can't give an exact release date right now but the preparation for filming is going well.
The new director for the video is our close friend Nacami of Stallionz Entertainment and filming will be done by 3rd Lens.
We've been in talks with Terry Stone who invited us to a pre-screening of 'Rise of the Footsoldier' who agreed to play the character of Andy White (Rollin' with the Nines) to create a trailer/continuation of the film.
In my opinion it's an excellent idea because we don't want music to be our bread and butter and i felt this could open doors for us in the T.V and film industry as well.

What are your views on the UK Hip Hop scene right now? There are some amazing artists making their voice heard, what makes you different?

On that note some artists that people consider amazing I feel aren't offering enough, they still don't touch the hearts of their audience.
I feel that we have to destroy and rebuild because everybody wants to call themselves an artist, I'm looking at some of these grime ediats and think to myself what’s artistic about saying 'I'll bring beef to your mums house', c'mon that’s just lame.
We need to raise our standards and really think about how UK music should sound so we can present it to listeners worldwide.
The artists I give props to are Asher D, Skinnyman, Craze 24, Mike GLC, Choong Fam, Kano and Sway.
I feel what makes us different as a group or even solo is that we are business minded whereas a lot of these wastemanz think hip hop is a joke or a way to incite unnecessary violence.
Mixed Origin aim to be role models for the youts and reach out to people from all ethnic backgrounds to encourage them to be forward thinking and set themselves goals and targets by using our style and class instead of unwanted preaching messages

There has long been an association between Hip Hop music and violence; do you think Hip Hop music is to blame for the high levels of violence within our society? Or is it simply an area to point blame?

I’d be lying if I said no & in some cases I believe the gang culture has been to blame for the loss of peoples loved ones especially this year...2007.
As a rapper I know what I'm saying on a track could influence people to do things they may regret later when there staring at four walls of a prison cell.
I understand hip hop is not just music anymore; it's a lifestyle so I think people within the music circle should think more carefully on what message and image they're putting out. This brings me back to Nasir Jones destroy and rebuild strategy where we need to make changes before more innocent children are killed for unjust reasons.
On the other hand hip hop is not the only reason for the increase in violence within our communities because the same argument could be raised about video games that are sold to underage kids, alcohol, films, drugs, life at home etc. I also believe the media are focusing too much on the negative effects of hip hop rather than the positive and it's causing a stereotype against people within the urban community.
I felt Kidulthood was an accurate account of what’s really going on in a young person’s life where we have been neglected and outlawed by society.
In conclusion people need to know the difference between lyrics and real life because most MC's are just releasing their anger and frustration on a track so that they don't have to do it in the real world.

Do you feel the UK offers our own artists enough support to succeed as a multi platinum selling MC?

Well I feel the UK has still got a way to go yet before we can be talking about multi-platinum status as people are still unconvinced about hip hop in this country and theres only a small percentage of people actually buying the music. Customer’s attitudes have changed and nowadays they'd rather download for free therefore it affects an artist’s sales and profit margins. So no I don't think the UK offers enough support to artists, it can be heartbreaking to know people would rather buy a 50 Cent CD over a UK artist just because it's glossy and sugar coated.
I feel MTV Base could do more for the scene by playing more UK hip hop/R'n'B during the day rather than leaving it till 2am in the morning when no-ones watching.
Also Channel U has been a great outlet but I feel it’s time to select the best and reject the rest.

Any shout’s?

Yeah I'd like to give a shout out to Daniz & D-Lux, Nacami, Sanchez, O.b, Zeddie, Zaheer Music, Andy Jones of MK Vibe, B-Kay & Kazz, Klassik,
Red Dragon, JMC, Sam Jenkins, Justice, Nemesis & Arrogance, Green, DJ Ames,
3rd Lens Productions, DJ Limelight, Terry Stone, Peeks, Origin's Media, My Sis Olivia, Auntie B, Cousins Jason, Jermaine & Paulie plus the rest of my family in Kingston, Jamaica. Big shoutout to Danielle Fear, nyce one!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Collect Interview

2008-02-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

COLLECT

Give us a breakdown of who Collect is and what he stands for?

I’m a humble hard working man. I’m a leader, I’m a teacher, as well as a scholar. I’m into making good music. As a child I never wanted to be a rapper, I’ve always had a love for music, but I never thought that I would grow up to be a recording artist. I always wanted to grow up and run a record company. But now I’m into music from the business stand point as well as the artistic aspect.

You originally started rapping as part of a group called “Darringer” do you feel your time here helped form you into the artist you are today?

Absolutely, if it weren’t for the time that I spent as part of the group Darringer, there would be no Collect today. Like I said, I never wanted to make music. My cousin started rapping before I did. I used to help him come up with songs and lyrics. I’d tell him, “Yeah, that would sound clean if you said it like this.” It was then that I realized that I had a gift for writing lyrics. It took me a while to nail down my delivery though. I would make songs that had good lyrics but I didn’t know how to spit it right. As the youngest member of my label at that time, I spent a lot of time studying from the older cats around me. Everything was real. We weren’t just talking about selling drugs and carrying guns, we really were. That whole experience changed the course of my life. I love it!

Why did you change your name?

you were originally known as “Cash the Collector”
I decided to change my name because “Cash the Collector” sounded somewhat juvenile to me. I wanted a name that I could keep forever, something that I would grow out of. A name I could take with me around the world. Plus Cash the Collector sounded to similar to a lot of other rappers. So I dropped the “Cash the” and decided to rock with Collect.

Unlike a lot of rappers your musical calling came later in life, what was it that triggered the want to rap and succeed at it?

I’ve actually always had a love for music. As a child I played the Violin, Saxophone, and Clarinet. I always knew I would end up involved with music, I just didn’t think I would be rapping. Once I started making music, I kept challenging myself to make better music. I was never happy with my music because I knew I had way more potential, I just didn’t know how to tap into it. Now I’ve figured it out.

Your debut album “Blood, Sweat, Cry Later” was dropped by yourself right? Why did you never release it?

I don’t know, it was kind of weird. It was like…I had been rapping and making songs, But I didn’t really know how to create an album, as opposed to just 15 songs on a CD. So I didn’t think that it really represented what I was trying to be. I also had other technical issues with computers and hard drives, I lost the masters to the majority of the album and was forced to start over from scratch. I still have all of the old songs. I’ll probably release it on the Internet once I blow up, so my fans can see who I was before I became a star.

You have toured with some big names too right? Tell us about that?

Yes ma’am. I’ve toured with a lot of artists. I could sit here for 24 hours and tell you about all the different artist if toured with and worked with. But that will have to be the next interview. Lol. But yeah, I’ve worked with pretty much every major artist here in the US. Ciara, Lil jon, The Ying Yang Twins, Chris Brown, Lil Bow Wow, John Legend, Akon, I mean, I could literally sit here for an hour and tell you all the major artist I’ve worked with. Put it like this, pretty much the only people I’ve never worked with would be Jay-z and 50 Cent because they’re a little harder to get with. But its cool though, because a lot of times I have the chance to work with artists before anyone really knows who they are, or before they really blow up. I’m getting pretty good at knowing who’s going to be a mega star and who’s going to be a 1 hit wonder.

Tell us about the “Buffalo Soldier” release?

Buffalo Soldier, is crazy. The title of the album comes from the black slaves who were given the opportunity to fight for their country and ultimately fight for their freedom. That’s what this album means to me, it’s the fight for my freedom. Not so much as the vide of the album, but my mind state when recording it. I’ve got pretty much all the well-known artists from the Bay Area on my album, and the production is crazy. The crazy part is I’m still getting better. The artist I am today is only a shadow of the artist to come. I have a lot more that I want to do with my music. I’m on some revolutionary shit right now. In the future I plan to make music that’s more uplifting to my people, society and the world in general. Like a new age Bob Marley, I’m trying to pick up where Tupac left off.

You used to work in The Ambassador Lounge a club owned by E-40, what experiences did you gain from your time there?

Working at the Ambassadors Lounge was a good look for me. It gave me the ability to be in the limelight on a weekly basis. My T.V. show aired on the screens inside the club so I was always in there infront of a camera. Plus every major artist from all over the country would come through there on a weekly basis, so I was always seen with someone famous. A lot of people didn’t know me, they just knew whoever he is, he’s connected. I would always be there with whoever the weekly performer was. I’d be in VIP popping bottles and rubbing elbows. I’d say it was a pivotal point in my career

What was it like touring for the AND 1 Mix-tape 3 years running?

And 1 was another good look for me. Though I’ve stopped touring with them (This year was the first year that I didn’t do it) I think that And 1 is dope. Those guys are amazing athletes. I was able to get to know a lot of those guys personally. Those guys are shitting on a lot of the guys in the NBA they just play a different kind of game you know what I mean?

They say you are ahead of your time, do you feel you are ahead of the rest musically?

I’m not a cocky guy, but I’m not modest either. I’ve always been ahead of my time. I’m still not really making the music that I want to make. I’m making the music that people want to hear. But soon enough I will be making the music that I want to make and that’s when I’ll set my mark as a legend in this game God willing. Its crazy though because a lot of the music that is on Buffalo Soldier was actually recorded like 4 plus years ago. And it’s still current, that’s how I know that I make good music, because only timeless music last forever. I refuse to be a fad. I want to make music that people will still be listening to 25 years from now. So to answer your question yes I am ahead of my time.

Who influences your style?

I’ve had a lot of influences in my music. I listen to a lot of different music, from all different genres, I grew up listening to Snoop, E-40, Tupac, Bone Thugs N Harmony and Outkast. As I grew older I got really into Jay-Z, I think he’s a lyrical genius. As far as now a day’s. I make sure that I can swing in the same ring as Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West (oh yea, and Nas). I think those guys are Dope, I cant wait to do a song with any one of them.

What other projects are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m trying to master the mixtape game. My goal is to be able to put out a mixtape every month with a different concept. This month is Lil Wayne, so I’m putting out a mixtape with songs full of all me and Lil Wayne. Next month will have a different concept.

Any Shout’s?

Shout out to the UK, and shout out to you for having me. I’m trying to get out there ASAP. Lets set something up.

Oh yea, shot out to all my myspace fans, anyone who reads this come holla at me. Myspace.com/therealcollect

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

http://www.hip-hopkings.com/

DJ Ames Interview

2008-02-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

DJ AMES

Who is DJ AMES?

DJ Ames is a hardworking mixtape DJ that wants to hear new music and enjoys getting new and talented artists the exposure they deserve. I’m also very honest which can not be a good thing as many people easily take offence to the truth.

Did you always want to be a DJ?

I’ve always loved music and loved the US mixtape scene but it wasn’t until I was 18 that I started to make things happen, that’s when I bought my first set of turn table and started building my vinyl collection.

What has been your most successful release to date?

I class everything I release as a success even if it doesn’t make me money I look at the promotion aspects overall. UK – US WE AINT PLAYIN it’s the one I’m most happy with as it’s a transatlantic projects putting both UK & US artists together one album. Which is something not many people will do.

So far who have you enjoyed working with the most?

I have worked with so many people that have been really cool so it’s hard to say, as there so many talented artists that come to me.

You must be sent hundreds of tracks from aspiring artists for your mix-tapes, do you use them all?

No I don’t use them all, I’m very picky. If people send me tracks that have been recorded poorly ill give them advice on what to do and tell them to email with me a better quality. I do try and show everyone love and use there tracks but sometimes with the amount I get it’s hard. I’m also a member of US based dj crew THE FLEET DJ’s so I get a lot f exclusive stuff from the major labels also. Ill get tracks that won’t be heard in the UK for another 6months which is always good to have.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Hopefully in America as that’s where the mixtape game is buzzin. But we’ll see and ill take each day as it comes, I don’t like getting my hopes built up too much as it avoids disappoint. At the mo I’m still working 9 – 5 which funds all my projects so as long I’m earning money and doing music I’m happy.

Tell us one thing about you we would not know just by looking at you?

I’m more connected in the music industry than people think! (Not being big headed there just people take one look think you’re a no body and don’t give you the time of day)

Is it true you have completed over 100 mix-tapes since 2005?

That’s not true. I only started doing mix-tapes at the back end of December 06. I released my first album Raw Talent Vol 1 in August 2006 and then I did nothing for a few months.
In 2007 I’ve done over 70 mix-tapes and released my second album UK – US WE AINT PLAYIN. So let’s just say I’ve done a lot this year.

Everyone has someone they admire and look up to, who gives you inspiration?

Westwood is one person I’ve always looked up to he inspired me to get into DJ ing, but DJs like Green Lantern, Drama & Kay Slay are well established DJs in the mixtape game.

What can we expect from DJ AMES over the coming months?

More mix-tapes with major US artists and maybe a 3rd album in the summer but that’s T.B.C.

I plan to reach out a lot more so expect more interviews, magazine appearances etc.. I might even do clubs as well.

How can we contact you?

There’s the myspace which is http://www.myspace.com/djamesuk my website is under construction and that will be http://www.djamesuk.com/ when its done.

You can also email me directly at ukmixtapeking@gmail.com

Any shout’s?

Yeah loads lol

My parents first of all, they’ve been very supportive!

Klassik and all The Fleet DJ’s, Big Narstie, Maxwell D, Mad Sabre, 2Nice, cK-Ray, Sladey K, Donatella, Hunny B, Houston Boy, Dan (had to give the interviewer a big shout out), G (Frsh Ent), Will Kay, Spliss Designs, Shaan, Jacob, Nikkis Music Promotions, Stinga D & VC Crew, Nitro, Mel Gates, Downside, Donnie Cross, Grafh, Alfamega, FK, Sniper E, LATE & Tricksta of Wolftown Recordings and everyone that’s been on a mixtape or worked with me!! And finally..

R,I.P J Denzel you will be missed fam!!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Doughboy Interview

2008-02-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

DOUGHBOY

Growing up in New York City and moving to Atlanta at an early age, it’s no wonder Doughboy has a sound very much his own. With the release of his first LP back in 2003, it was obvious recognized DJ’s would be calling him to work on projects. Both DJ Drama and Khaled mixed tracks and released mix-tapes with Doughboy, and the rest as they say is history.
What is music from the street, from the heart and soul of someone who has lived the life they have? We asked Doughboy to break it down. Its perfect timing to catch up with the lyrical genius and explore more into what the fans can expect from his next batch of projects.
So without further a due Yo! Raps brings you Doughboy, a sure legend in the making… watch this space people!

Having lived in both Brooklyn and Atlanta your musical style is ‘home-grown’, how would you personally define your musical style?

With me moving to Atlanta when I was 8 yrs old, there isn't much I remember about staying in NY. But with me having a brother that was 6 yrs older than me I grew up listening to a lot of NY rappers like Big Daddy Kane. So for me lyrics were important and with me growing up in the south and being on the streets I was able to put my life in words lyrically. So I would define my music style street but lyrical.

What was it like for you as a child growing up in Brooklyn and then moving south to Atlanta? It must have been a massive change for you?

Well, I was only in the 3rd grade when I got to Atlanta. So for me it wasn't a drastic change.

You released your first LP back in 2003, do you feel you have matured more as an artist since this release?

For sure! Back then I wasn't getting the kind of records that I'm getting now so I made the best of what I had. My music now has more emotion because I have been through a lot of shit since I released my first independent album.

Your LP is currently under construction, what can the fans expect from the finished master piece?

Real quality street music! The streets embrace rappers that are from the streets. In my opinion, the niggas that are getting on are probably from the streets, but that doesn't make you a great rapper. They make good music but I'm a street nigga with the GOD given talent to be able to rap. There is a difference.

You have had some fantastic producers working you such as Jazze Pha and Khao, how did this come about?

Well, I have known Jazze for years just knowing him from the clubs and me coming through studio’s. So I saw Jazze one night In a strip club in Atl (Club Onyx) and I told him that we needed to do a record for my album. He was like I got you. One week later we were in the studio and created a hit. The record is called "So Fly". I met Khao through a friend of mine named Pacaso who manages Khao so he put me in contact with him. We recorded three records for my album.

You released the first Volume of your Mixtape "Da Cookbook" with DJ Khaled. What response did you initially receive from this release?

Niggas kept asking me how the fuck did you get Khaled to do your mixtape and you don't even have a deal?! I heard that shit every day for 2 months straight! But when niggas got a chance to get over the fact that I did have Khaled on the tape, I got some great feedback. The streets love the mixtape! Big shouts to Khaled!

Volume 2 of the mixtape was mixed by DJ Drama, are there any plans to work with DJ Drama on future projects?

Yeah. Me and Drama most definitely be doing some business in the future. I loved the way Drama blended my tape and the energy he put on the tape. Big shout out to Drama, and the Apphiliates.

There is huge talent within Hip Hop right now, what makes you stand out against the others you are competing against?

I think what is going to make me stand out is the fact that I don't fit in one category of rap, I make music for everyone. And the fact that I am lyrical and can make songs. I have the record for when you’re balling in the club poppin bottles, but I also have the record for when you’re trying to figure out how the fuck you’re gonna pay the rent! I have records for my weight men who traffic blocks and make thousands off of a play, but I also have a record for that hustler who doesn't wanna trap all of his life and doesn't feel as if there is any hope. Trust me there is hope.

Do you feel there is enough support within Hip Hop for rising stars like yourself?

Yeah, I do. The fans embrace new artist as long as the feel as if they won’t be here today and gone tomorrow.

As I mentioned earlier Hip Hop really is packed with talent right now, who for you stands out musically right now?

Right now I would have to say Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Jeezy.

Of all the tracks you have recorded over the years which are you most proud of and why?

I'm proud of all of my music. The fact that I'm able to record music instead of being in the streets is the biggest obstacle that i have had to overcome. So every time I step in the booth I'm proud of myself.

Life has it's up's and it's down's but what for you has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome in life and how did you get through it?

The biggest obstacle for me was with my Dad dying in 2004. He supported me a lot with my music and loosing some one that you are close to will fuck you up bad. I'm still not over that.

There are many rappers out there who we all know rap about a life they have never lived, what is your take on this? You rap about your own life and experiences, are those that are rapping about a false life simply misleading their audience?

Hell yeah, they are misleading their audience. If you could do a background test on the rappers in the industry the fans would be upset!!! I'm not gonna say that they haven't hustled because I'm sure most rappers have touched something. But the quantity these niggas say the have sold, wow! Liars! Now I do believe that some of the rappers have done what they say they have done, but it’s not many in my opinion.

What plans do you have for 2008?

To come in the game and make noise! I have quality street music and 2008 is the time for the world to hear it.

Any shouts?

Big shout out to Nubreed Ent, PNM and MCG. Czar Ent., B.COX and all of my fans who have been supporting me... Free my brother Conrad, free my nigga Pyscho J and my nigga ZOE.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Sic Osyrus Interview

2008-02-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

SIC OSYRUS

Few rappers branch out further than their own nation at an early stage in their career yet Philly born rapper Sic Osyrus is doing just that! With mixtape features in the UK and France as well as his native America this rapper is most definitely one to watch for in 2008.
Taking influence from the late great Tupac Shakur amongst others and with nothing more than the desire to show his son a positive way in life it is easy to see why Sic Osyrus is making noise and getting the people interested.
Defining his musical style as "if my skin could talk" I’m sure we now have your attention! So sit back, relax and take in the inspirational words of a rising star as Yo! Raps brings you Sic Osyrus.

For those unfamiliar give us a breakdown of who Sic Osyrus actually is?

Sic Osyrus is a starving artist out hear to make his mark on the music world, I'm looking to bring real experiences and life's untimely struggles to the forefront.

Tell us about your recent release "Just Heat Part 2" that you hosted for DJ Ophax. What response have you been getting?

Response has been great; you can actually download it at www.myspace.com/sicosyrus1. My overseas DJ's have been supporting my movement heavy. I'm also hosting DJ Bedtyme357's (Remy Ma's and my DJ) "Concealed Weapons Pt 2" and DJ 1 Mic's "Get Down Or Lay Down" which is an all Philly mixtape, and then my mixtape comes mid February, the follow up to my critically acclaimed "Sic-O-Nomics". I was on over 30 mixtapes in 2007, at least that I know about.

Was music something you always wished to be involved in?

Definitely, but I didn't get real serious with it until after my cousin UN passed, and then after I got locked and came home, my team Inasirkl had me running out the gate, 2007 has been an incredible year honestly.

You were nominated at this year 2007 UMA's for Best Male Rap, that is a huge accomplishment for any artist but what does it mean on a personal level for you?

It’s actually very humbling; when someone recognizes your talents on a level like that you can’t help be humbled. It was a great way to expose my brand and for us to get the internet convinced of the Sic Osyrus and Inasirkl Music Group movements.

There is immense talent right now within Hip Hop, what sets you apart from your competitors?

Well first of let me say I don't try to be different or set myself apart, I just do me, because at the end of the day no one is better at being me, than me. What makes me accelerate is my passion for making music and performing as well as having my team support me while my vision is carried out.

You were born and raised in Philly and openly admit you had a difficult childhood, do you think the experiences you had at a young age have shaped you into the Man you are today?

I would be lying if I said they didn't. Everywhere I have been, every single experience that has affected my life has affected me musically. Some call my music 'Pain' music; because Pain is the only emotion you cannot fake. That is something people must respect.

Everyone has an influence in their lives and people they look up to, who gives you inspiration?

Living a life where I don't have to do anything illegal to stay above the water is what inspires me. Living another day, spitting another verse, not getting swallowed up by the system, those are the things that inspire me. Providing a safe environment for my son. You can’t have anything inspire you more than that.

With such a busy lifestyle how do you ever find time to just kick back and relax?

We really just started, all of what we have done really took place in 2007, I was locked for almost a year and a half so we built the foundations late 2006 but all the press, collabs, music, mix-tapes, awards, shows and travels came in 2007. 2008 is going to be there year that is considered the pay off. I’m not concerned with sitting back and relaxing, I want this too bad to kick back. While I sleep, someone else is trying to take my spot, and that isn’t going to happen.

How would you define your musical style?

I would define it as if my skin could talk. If I experienced it and would Tattoo myself with its words, then I lived it and can communicate it. I just do me.

You have featured on Mix-tapes by the UK's DJ Ames, how did that link come to surface?

My team has the internet going crazy, big shouts to Franchyze and Swirv. Ames caught wind of the music and been on Vol. 10, 11 and 19 of his UK to US series, and we definitely plan on doing some things in 08 together. Big shout to DJ Pimp too in France and Germany.

To date which track from your back catalogue do you believe shows you at your truest form?

Man they all have a special place and represent who I am in a well rounded form. I can’t just pick one. But if you want to know me through my music then download the mixtape at www.myspace.com/sicosyrus1 and you can find out everything you would need to know.

If given the opportunity who would you most like to work with and why?

Probably Tupac because I feel we both show extreme passion for our love of music, but realistically I would love to work with some of the people who I looked up to on the way here like KRS-One and Redman because of what they represented and brought to the game.

Where do you see yourself being in 3 years time?

Hopefully alive and living my dream.

Do you feel there is enough support within Hip Hop for up and coming artists like yourself?

Absolutely, but I think it’s within each of us to prove ourselves first. The days of the demos are gone. Labels want to see me stand on my own two first. Plus I got a surprise for them when they come for me.

Got any shout out's?

Most definitely man, shouts the whole Inasirkl Music Group, J. Hatch, Drawzilla, Franchyze, Bedtyme357, Al Bundles, Swirv, Khadeija, Priscilya, Dejha B, Tammy Feliciano, Don Di Napoli, Ariel, as well as my Decepts, Hook, can´t forget Reem, Nice, TFL, Apple, the rest you already know!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Aaron James Cashell Interview

2008-02-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

AARON JAMES CASHELL

Born and raised in the North East of England Aaron James Cashell is one of my home town’s biggest rising R n B artists.
With music sincerely from the heart and a perfect attitude to put his best into every track he releases it’s only right he got some spot light this month at British Hip Hop.
So enjoy this interview, Aaron is definitely an artist to watch out for in 2008!

How long have you been pursuing your musical gift?

Well been singing since I was a kid so guess been wanting to have as a profession since I was young but now I am confident in talents to be success and hopefully my music will connect with people in a positive way.

Your dad was a boxer yeah? What was that like for you as a child? Did he not want you
to follow in his footsteps?

Me, box never (laughs) No my dad is tough from a young age he show me & my sister how to look after ourselves and I do actually box to keep fit and do the whole sparing too so if you see me with a black eye you know where I have got it from (laughs) but my dad has always supported what I wanted to do and he loves my music so he is happy with the career I have taken.

Of all the tracks you have recorded to date which is the most meaningful to your self and why?

my most meaningful track is PEACE which I have taking off my myspace, so I can rerecord it as its a few years old now, well peace means a lot to me as its about my parents break up, when they argued I used to sit in my bed room and turn my music it, I think I was listening to maxwell when I started to write the lyrics to it. I personally think its my best track too!

Is there an album planned?

Yeah the album is half way finished with me doing the whole prpmo tour thing I have had less time in the studio but with xmas around the corner we needed to get a move on so currently in the studio now.....FINGERS CROSSED it will be done for January 28th

You have your own street team yeah? How did you put that together and give us a break down of what it is a street team actually do?

I am still sorting my street team out now so if your’e interested GET AT ME (laughs) well
I am looking to release my first single in mid January 2008 so preparing now.
What a street team does is hit the street handing flyers about your up and coming
Releases, concerts & PA's basically what every you do they will inform people of it so to me they are a big part of a artist success.

Now you like my self are from the North of England, do you feel there is enough support where we are for aspiring artists like yourself?

I think there is as Newcastle ain’t the biggest scene for R&B music, I have found alot of support for my music which I am very very thankful for, Newcastle fans are loyal.

You recently took a trip to Dubai that was music related right? Did you make any progress?

Yeah dubai was a great trip we done the radio promo over there and I am the fastest CD/Poster giveaway artist they have had this year with in two minute the CD's were gone, apparently It took robbie williams a hour to get rid of his stuff, so I feel really proud about the success I had there, I will be back to dubai hopefully soon I meet a lot of decent people there and the country is so stunning,

Your music is very soulful and truly heartfelt, where do you get the inspiration for your tracks?

You know what my dad asks me that all the time and I really don’t know I just start singing and words just come (laughs) but I do seem to write about my past relationships and family etc my track "Dwell" is about one of my ex girl friends.

What can the fans expect from AARON JAMES CASHELL in 2008?

2008 you will see my first single "YouMe" drop in january and hopefully if I work hard enough we will see a long successful career form (laughs)

Any shout’s?

Yeah BIG SHOUT TO ALL MY SUPPORTERS AND FANS FOR THERE SUPPORT AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT MY SHOWS NEXT YEAR...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU X

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Will Trax Interview

2008-02-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

WILL TRAX

Hailing from NYC the home of HIP HOP, competition must be fierce, how did you manage to climb the ladder so quick?

I have been able to climb the ladder in the Hip Hop game pretty rapidly by making good music, staying active in the studio, and keeping the confidence in myself that my work is relevant. It's really about putting the hard work and effort behind my life long dream of making hit music.
Tell us about your single “one,two,three” it has been receiving air play worldwide yeah?
I made the single One,Two, Three for the ladies! It was about giving them a song they could feel good about, and showing them love and respect.

Your track is also the official theme for the Harlem Wizards, how did you manage to get this link?

I was able to do the official theme song for the Harlem wizards, because my partners in Black Butta Entertainment Jamel Thompson and Eric Jones serve as the MC and showman for the team. The owner heard my music and asked me to put it together, and the rest is history.

As we know HIP HOP was born in New York, who of your fellow New York rappers has inspired you the most?

Some of the New York Rappers that inspired me were KRS 1, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G, and LL Cool J. All of these artist made a major impact on the hip hop game, and they all consistently put out good music. I feel the mark of a great MC is to be able to make relevant music, be able to rock shows, and of course sell records.

Tell us about your previous CD releases?

My latest release was a mix CD called United We Stand Indicted we fall. That CD was my wake up call to the hood. The title is self explanatory, If we unite we stand tall, if we fall to the negativity that exists in our society, we will become victims to the system.

Do you have an album planned for 2008?

Well I have enough material for 6 albums, and I am still recording daily. My management team and I are just looking for the right situation to put out my music.

How would you define your musical style to those who have not yet heard your music?

My musical style can definitely be described as feel good music. I want to make the music that you can listen to on your ipod at home, work out with at the gym, or dance to at the club. Its definitely about being well rounded and appealing to a broad audience.

Is it true you have worked with Funk Master Flex in the past? And he recently gave you props for the “one, two, three” single?

I have known Flex for a long time, but it was just recently that we connected in the Bronx and really got to know each other personally. He took a liking to me and my music, and was the 1st one to play my single on the radio. Much love to Flex for showing me that kind of support.

What else can the fans expect from “Will Traxx” over the coming months?

You can expect more good music, plenty of live shows and appearances, God willing an Album release in 08.

Any shout’s?

First and foremost I want to shout out my daughter Paige, I love you. Big shout outs go to my team Black Butta Entertainment for their support and work they have put in on this project. Special thanks goes out to all the DJ's playing my song in the Club and on the radio. I definitely have to shout out my thorough Bourough The Bronx, BX Stand up! To all my fans you can down load my song on my mypsace page for .99c at www.myspace.com/traxxstarrblvd.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Blaze Interview

2008-02-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

BLAZE

Fresh off the streets of Cleveland Ohio we bring you Kev Blaze. Recently hailed as the King of street R’n’B and with a successful album to his name the young singer is keen to let the world know who he is, and rightly so.
Signed to Imperial Records out of New York City, I decided the time was right to catch up with the underground sensation and discover more about the man himself.

First of all give us a break down of who Blaze is and what sets you apart from the other talented R’n’B artists out there?

Thank You for the opportunity to speak. I am a singers/songwriter/producer of urban music. I started in music at a young age in church, and expanded into songwriting before actually becoming an artist myself., I grew up around music, my uncle is Beloyd Taylor from Earth Wind and Fire.
I think my sound sets me apart. No one has been able to bring the streets to R n B since Curtis Mayfield and Bobby Womack in the 70’s. Most
R n B songs are about love and relationships, mine focus on the struggles of life. Unlike many artists though, I try to keep things positive and uplifting. I want to make music that makes people feel good. Also, I think my sound bridges the gap between hip hop and R n B.

You had huge success with your first album “Smoke n Blaze” for those who have not heard the album give us some insight into its content?

“Smoke N Blaze” is actually my upcoming release. It’s filled with tracks about my personal struggle of getting a record deal, falling into the temptations that come with success and ultimately realizing that material things are not what matters – your family and friends are most important. The album, through the songs, shows really the range of emotions many artists go through as they move forward in their careers. The tracks tell the real story of my life as I have moved along in my music career. I called the album “Smoke N Blaze because most of what you see (money, cars, jewels) I see as smoke – when the smoke clears the real Blaze is what’s left (you, your family and your loved ones).

Your uncle was a member of the world famous group Earth, Wind and Fire, was he an inspiration to you as a child?

He was and still is. He comes out and supports me when I perform live. He’s really been the one to help me see that attaining success in music is possible. He also is the one who pushed me to be a strong songwriter, since he is best known for writing “Getaway” amongst other tracks while with Earth, Wind and Fire.

Both of your parents were ministers so you must have spent a lot of time in Church, you are dubbed as a True Preachers Kid. Did the time in church help you to define the style of music we have come to know from you?

It did, but probably not in the way you would think. In my attempt to rebel against my parents, I ran the streets with friends. Eventually, the shooting death of a close friend pushed me to leave that life behind and focus heavily on music. Many of the experiences from then are played out on my album on tracks like “Rep My Hood” and “Prankstas”

Your track “Watch how I do this” features the legendary Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs n Harmony. How did this link come to surface?

My manager, Blue, put it together. We sent Krayzie the track, and within days he laid his verse. It was really exciting for me because we’re both from Cleveland. Krayzie is a guy I’ve always looked up to. It was great that he liked the track and really brought his “A” game to it.

Your album is that of a lyrical story, each song telling something different about you and your life, which track off the album would you say is the most reflective of you as a person?

“Blaze”, for sure. It’s the first track on my album. That’s the guy I really am. Hungry and confident, without being arrogant, determined to be successful.

What are your plans for the coming months? Is there another album in the midst?

Smoke N Blaze will be out top of 2008. Until then I am doing promotions, and live performances leading up to it’s release. I am also in the studio working on tracks for a very talented and up and coming pop singer, Aubrey Cardilino – she is featured on the track “Don’t Mean A Thing” on my album.

Contact Info?
http://www.blazesings.com/

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Ms Re' Interview

2008-02-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

MS RE'

Tell us about MS RE’?

Ms. Re’ is every woman - I’m a mother, sister, friend, cousin. Ms. Re’ represents strength, perseverance, and truth. Ms. Re’ loves both life and music and fuses them together for herself and others. Ms. Re’ is the epitome of survival.......Ms. Re’ is “Da Boss Baby”......... Whoa!! I like that!! LOL

How do you manage to juggle motherhood and music?

I manage motherhood and music by combining them. I find ways to involve my children in my business, as my family did. I’m a multi-tasker by nature. Besides, I don’t have an option... I just DO IT!

Besides music what else keeps you busy?

Since I’m almost a one woman army over at Boss Baby Entertainment, “Music” is inclusive of writing, recording, mixing, video editing, marketing, promotions, performing – you name it. Besides music, of course, there’s family. I’m very family oriented and I spend as much time possible staying connected to family and friends.

Have you found it difficult to progress and succeed in this industry?

It is predominantly male after all and although there are many female artists out there the men still seem to dominate the airwaves.
It has been extremely difficult to progress in this industry. This industry is dominated by men and their money or desire of. Going against the grain will always be difficult.

Success is a matter of perception...my biggest obstacles to success are my own insecurities and personal limitations......but I’m knocking those out daily!! I’m successful everyday that I don’t have to go to someone else’s job for money – I’m living my dream and loving it!!!

Do you have a strong team behind you?

I have a sincere, talented, RESOURCEFUL team behind me. I’m small staffed, but I believe in them even more than they believe in me. I’ve been blessed with some of the most talented people you haven’t heard of yet.....but we’re going places!!!

Your current single “Walk Like A Model” is a great ladies anthem, what reaction have you been getting from this track?

Walk Like A Model has been crazy. I’ve been able to break many barriers with this track. Racial, cultural, social, and geographical – this one could be the one. I am in awe of the overseas response.

Your first Mix-tape release “Street Sweeper” was a huge street success, what can we expect from the next Mix-tape?

“Da Street Sweeper” set the tone on the streets for me. “Da Sequel” is more of the same - real life stories, club bangers, dat street heat. I’ve challenged myself this go around to sing a few of the hooks and broaden my track selection. I tried to round it out to show my fans that there’s alot more to me. I want to maintain my fan base and earn new fans with each release – so I gotta keep it coming.

When is the album?

The album is slated for a Spring 2008 release. I’m working on the demand for it by getting the streets behind me with the mixtapes and keeping the club/radio singles coming. The album is my heart and soul – it’s the real. Very diverse, something for everyone.
Tell us something about you we would not know just by looking at you?
I grew up funny looking and chubby. LOL

Tell us about B.B.E. TV?

BBE TV is my internet TV show. I broadcast a little of everything there. Thanks to the internet and Youtube, I don’t have to be rich or well connected to let people around the world know what’s going on in mine. I use it as a resource to promote myself and other artists or noteworthy events and businesses. I’ve gotten a great response. There’s even talk of me getting my own local show. Tune in: www.youtube.com/bossbabyenttv

You have been nominated for an award at the 2008 SEA’s how does that feel?

The Southern Entertainment Award (SEA) nomination makes me feel like I’m up for a Grammy!!! Real Talk. I’m so honoured and humbled. “Da Street Sweeper” was my first independent release and for it to put me in the ranks with Gangsta Boo, La Chat and a handful of other talented, due-paying females in the game.... I’m so grateful. It is definitely motivation to keep going and that confirmation that my music is appreciated.

How would you define your style?

Original. Unique. My style is MINE!!! With the game so oversaturated, it’s hard to find anything genuine these days. I’ve always had my own swag – I’m not like anyone I know. My music is no different. For every mood I have (and that’s MANY) I’ve got at least one song to match....LOL

As you know this interview will go out within the UK, how familiar are you with UK Hip Hop? You know the style is very different to the USA.

I am not that familiar with any artist in particular in the UK. I do understand that in the culture (hip hop) is very different – especially the Southern hip hop culture. UK artists seem to have embraced alot of the lyricism and passion hip hop came with. And of course, being from the South (US), we got our own thang..... I am humbled to have fans so far away from home..... much love y’all!!

Any Shout’s?

First shout to YOU for giving me the opportunity! What up Dani.......INTERNATIONAL BABY, INTERNATIONAL!!! Much love to the entire Boss Baby family. Special Shout Out to Tom, Myspace is the bizness!!!

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Lady Saw Interview

2008-02-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

LADY SAW

Born and raised in Jamaica Lady Saw has a career spanning numerous years.
With a unique flow and tracks that are literally fire the Reggae star is bound to hit big time with her newest release.
Featuring addictive tracks like “Chat to Mi Back” and “Walk Out” I recommend everyone check her out!
I caught up with the Star just last week to get a breakdown of what’s new in her world and to see how the Australian tour has been going.

You were born and raised in Jamaica, give us a run down of what lifewas like for you growing up?

Growing up in Jamaica in my district of Gallina was wonderful but thenwe moved away to Kingston and that was the worst part of my life. Dontneed to go into details but ghetto life wasn't for me. How old where you when you first realised your musical talent?At the age of 13-14 when I was in church, I reaslised that I loved tosing and people would tell me I sounded real good. Outside of church Iwould make up songs and remember the words and sing them over and overagain. From there I was fascintaed with the dancehall scenen andstarted to record music and take the mic in dances and literally clashwith men, hence I got the name Lady Saw, cut I would cut the men up onthe mic.

Had music always been something you wanted to pursue?

Yes, even from young age.

You released your first LP back in 1994, did you ever expect that release was the beginning of a brilliant musical venture?

Yes, but even at that time I never imagined I would eventually win agrammy (for my collabo with No Doubt) or travel to so many counrtiesaround the world.

How do you feel you have developed as an artist over the years?

When I first came out I was a singer, but I noticed it wasn't gettingme big recognition. Once I started singing very slack with sexuallyrics then I really bust big. If you listen to al of my albums younotice that even with the explicit lyrics I still have a soft sidewhen I sing, my music has become more personal over the years aswell.

Your style is very much your own and you lyrically bring heat everytrack! If you were asked however, how would you define your musicalstyle?

My stlye ranges from raw and hardcore dancehall to gospel, soit has a range that can't be summed up into one. The track "Chat To Mi Back" has been a huge hit!

Give us a breakdown of what the track is about?

It's a bad gyal song, instead of gettingphysical with a girl and fighting it's like saying chat to the hand...but in this case to mi back. It says that I am not one to be messedwith so we can still take it there, LOL...

You have worked with some big names during your career, who has been the most interesting person you have worked with since you first started out back in the day?

Although I have worked with people like Foxy Brown, No Doubt, MissyElliott and Funkmaster Flex the most interesting artists I have everworked with is the people we are on tour with right now. They are outof Australia, the Lilypond crew... They really know how to party and have fun and have exotic costumes and a real wild vibe.

Having been in the music industry for over 10 years now you have vastexperience and knowledge of who's hot and who's not, who are you rocking to right now?

I listen to everything and have a love for allgenres of music, I like Alicia Keys and mostly R & B. I also listen tomy own music most of the time, I have a new song on the Truck Backlabel on the Gear Box riddim called Lord Lord Lord and while on tourit gives me a lot of inspiration.

You also do song production right?

Yes, I have my own label calledHalls Production and have released riddims.

Right now you are slap bang in the middle of an Australia Tour, how's that going for you?

Have you been getting a good response?

It's going real good, Australia is a beautiful place and the people weare touring with are a lot of fun. As for the fans, the response hasbeen overwhelming. There are long time fans that know all my songs andare very familiar with my music and fans that never heard me beforebut still come out and enjoy my performance. They have an overallappreciation for music and live performances so even if they don'tknow of me they still just dance and party while I am working.

Do you have any other tours planned?

There are spot dates all over from Guyana in May to St Thomas inAugust that have been confirmed and more in between but as for longtours like this maybe something is in the works.

What can the fans expect from LADY SAW in 2008?

Well, I have been consistent over the span of my career so fans canexpect some more raw tunes and also some singing but I really want tohave a baby now so who knows, the sky is my limit.

Any Shout's?

To all my fans and friends all over the world thatsupport me and send me love. To my family in Jamaica and abroad, andfor anyone that wants to link me, I have a myspace page that I checkwhen I can... myspace.com/ladysaw.

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

DJ Smallz Interview

2008-02-15T05:25:00.000-08:00

DJ SMALLZ

DJ Smallz is undoubtedly one of the hottest DJ’s on the planet right now, with a string of successful mixtapes under his belt and various other business ventures keeping him busy we decided it was time to catch up with the Japan born DJ to see what has been happening over the last 12 months.

Hey Smallz, thanks for taking the time out to do this interview with us, let me get right to it and ask how did the DJ Smallz/ Southern Smoke brand get to the status it is at?

Well my head was really into school. I got a scholarship to collegeand everything. I was DJin' as a hobby ever since middle school and Iwas ready to get my club game poppin in high school. The firstsouthern smoke CD was really a demo for me to get into clubs. It wasthe hottest southern music put together, mixed by me. People passedthe CD around in high school and clubs, word of mouth spread and onething led to another. That's how the southern smoke movement reallybegan.

You work hard and constantly push out new Mixtapes, what is the biggest accomplishment of your career so far?

Touring overseas and really getting a chance to see my fans up close.Last year i DJ'd parties in Canada, Germany, Japan & Switzerland andit was crazy! I just came back from Japan as a matter of fact, i did4 shows there over labor day weekend. Wait until you see the footagewe got for Southern Smoke TV that will be debuting on our YouTubechannel next month (SouthernSmokeTV.com). It's the 2nd time I went ontour in Japan... I was there last summer for several shows in Tokyo.This year I went over there and smashed shows in four major cities inJapan --- Osaka, Tokyo, Fukouka and Okinawa. "It's Southern Smoke youbastards!!!"

Tell us about the College Tour CD, I hear you are pressing up 25,000 just to give away?

Yes, the first annual Southern Smoke College Tour is incredible.We're hitting up 9 major homecomings throughout the South, primarilyin Florida and we are adding on more dates as we speak. It's the firststreet brand with its own tour, and its been in the planning stagesfor the last 9 months. We are breaking artists on every tour date!Flo-Rida (Poe Boy/Atlantic), Kinfolk Kia Shine (Universal Records) andFoxx (Trill Ent/Asylum) are the headlining acts this year, and it'shosted by Delicious & Tango (of "Flavor of Love" & "I Love NY" on VH1)as well as the cast of "College Hill" from BET last season. Inaddition to breaking new artists on the tour, we are also breaking newtalent with 25,000 cds i put together just to give away! I startedthe contest a month ago and received hundreds and hundreds of songsfrom new talent across the South. Throughout this overwhelmingprocess we found 20 records we are really excited about! You candownload the Tour CD for free on djsmallz.com october 20th.

You have had the benefit of working with some of today’s hottest artists, who inspires you within the music world?

Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew inspired me in entreprenural ways as he isalways promoting a new product or investing into another endeavor.Young Jeezy inspired me by the way he marketed himself incredibly inthe streets and how he invested his money wisely to do so. Lil' Waynehas inspired me as of late, with his constant grind and using hisincredible talent to open doors for his own team (cash money records).These are just a few examples of many.

Did you always want to be a DJ from a young age?

Yes, from about middle school foward. I was actually into thepercussion side of things early on in my career. I can play a 12piece drum set like Travis Barker (laughing). Honestly though, i cantune by ear and read music notes. I've been into music from the verybeginning as long as i can remember.

For those who are no familiar, you were actually born in Japan. When did your family move to the USA?

I was born on a Navy base in Japan where my father was stationed whenhe was serving our armed forces, i moved to Florida when i was 3 yearsold and been here ever since - hurricanes and all!!! (Laughing)

You recently released a track featuring 30 artists, what was that all about? Is there going to be an album to go with it?

It was really hard to keep a record of this magnitude from leaking inthe streets and making this a real industry surprise. This record isamazing, I'm even gonna go all in and call this record a streetsymphony!!! I recorded over 60 different verses for this record from60 different artists across the state, and I only released 30 of themso far... the record took 2 months to create and I produced the trackmyself! It was great to see it finally release during the Ozone awardsin Miami this year. I'm representing every hood, county and artist onthe grind thats the "Future of Florida"... matter of fact, 2 artiststhat were on the gunshine state record signed to major deals after wereleased the record the very next week! Treal from Orlando, FL signedto Universal Republic and Haitian Fresh from Daytona Beach, FL signedto Wyclef Jean's new venture with Universal called Sak Pase Records...I'm really workin right now Florida!!!

If given the chance to work with alongside anyone within the music world who would you chose and why?

I have two artists that come to mind.... Andre 3000 and Scarface.These guys are legends, its only right that we get together and makehistory at some point.

You recently created a link with Underground Promotion UK, tell us about this? How did the link come about?

It was an easy link, especially when i saw Underground Promotion UKdoing its thing from day one, its only right that the #1 DJ in theSouth got with the #1 UK Promotional Company in the UK!!!

What can we expect from you in the future?

Expect the unexpected!!! (Laughing)... Look out for the "SouthernSmoke College Tour" this fall... as well as "Southern Smoke TV" withQD3 (creator of the "Beef" series" at the top of the year... and ofcourse the "Southern Smoke" album summer of 2008, with the firstsingle featuring your favorite rappers leaking very soon. Also be onthe lookout for my production game... I'm shopping beats to a lot ofmajor artists from Ludacris to Young Dro... so be on the lookout forthat as well.

Any shout out’s?

Don't forget to check out the official website DJSmallz.com. I lovebreaking new artists and new music. If you need a CD Hosted hosted oryou need me to DJ your party or event, please send me a messagethrough DJSmallz.com. Big shout to British Hip Hop for holding medown always!!!

For DJ Smallz contact in the UK please visit
www.myspace.com/undergroundpromotionuk
or e mail
upuk@hotmail.co.uk

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT:

Paul Wall Interview

2008-02-15T05:18:00.000-08:00

PAUL WALL

Is an introduction really needed when it comes to one of the south’s biggest and best rappers? Ok well for everyone out there, this time round I bring you Paul Wall, Texas undisputed champ!!! With a massively successful music career and an online jewellery store bursting at the seams with precious metal and stones I thought the time was right to catch up with “the people’s champ” and get the 411 on his past, present and future!

Hey, thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us at www.britishhiphop.co.uk Let me get right to it, You are without a doubt one of the pioneers of Southern HIP HOP, at what point in your life did you realise your talent?

When I was in high school we used to rap for fun on the school bus. But it was just a hobby. But I just followed the lead of Michael 5000 Watts and grinded hard

You used to do street promotion for Def Jam and No Limit records when you were a teenager, do you think street teams really do help with the hype?

Yeah it taught me the importance of promotion. I used to bust my ass for somebody else’s record sales, and we never really got appreciated for it so I make sure I show appreciation to the street teams who promote me

Tell us about the Grillz, man everybody wants a grill, how did you come to literally be the king of Grillz? Where do you start with an empire like that? You have a full online jewellery store as well now right?

Yeah its www.grillsbypaulwall.com It all started when I was about 16 I wanted a grill because they were real popular where I was from. This guy named Crime moved to my neighbourhood from Brooklyn and started selling these removable style grills. I got a job working for him doing promotions and he eventually he showed me the ropes on how to make the grills, now me and him are partners with my boy Johnny Dang. We sell grills worldwide now thanks to www.grillsbypaulwall.com and also we have a store in Houston Texas called TV jewellery. We do all kinds of custom jewellery. We also have our own line of watches

How did the link with Michael “5000” Watts surface?

He was a real popular DJ around my neighbourhood and on the radio in Houston. He used to put out these mix-tapes with Slim Thug free styling. He also used to throw these real crunk parties and I used to promote for him so he took me under his wing

The legendary PIMP C passed away recently, how do you think his death is going to have an affect on Southern HIP HOP as a whole?

He's gonna really be missed. He was one of the greatest

Tell us about the “Get Money Stay True” album?

We got some great callabo's on there with Trina, Juelz Santana, Freeway, JD, and LL KEKE. We really grew a lot on this album compared to the previous ones. I'm really happy about its success. We also released a special screwed and chopped version that my boy Michael Watts remixed that's off the chain

You have released 6 albums since you started over 10 years ago, to date on a personal level which has been your most successful release?

Probably my most recent release Get Money Stay True. We worked hard to put it together and we really came out with some great songs. We stepped it up a lot on this album, you can hear how much we've matured

When you are not making smash hit music or custom made jewellery how do you like to just kick back and relax? Are you a big family man?

I love baseball, especially my hometown team the Houston Astros. I'm a season ticket holder! You can catch me there chearing on my team and cursing out the other team

You have a vast car collection or as they say down south a wide selection of SLABS, for those unfamiliar what does SLAB actually stand for? And which car in your fleet is most precious?

Yeah we call our old classic cars 'slabs' in Texas. For me I love Cadillacs a lot. That's all I have. My favorite right now is this 1991 Fleetwood. Its painted candy by 3rd Coast Customs, and its sittin on '84's and Vogue tires with tv screens falling down from the roof and the trunk adjar with neon lights breaken em off

I heard you recently linked up a group? “Expensive Taste” tell us about that?

Yeah its me, Skinhead Rob, and Travis Barker. Travis does all the production and me and Rob do the rapping. We've been in the lab for a while now coming out with some good stuff. We also got a clothing line that we released. Our website is http://www.expensivetastemerch.com/

What can the fans expect from you in 2008?

Same thing for me, just grinding hard with this music and these clothes and these iced out grills

Any Shout’s?

Shouts out to my boy Roger Clemens. Also everybody make sure you check out my website www.grillsbypaulwall.com and www.expensivetastemerch.com www.myspace.com/paulwall

INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SHOWN AT: