Woody Rock Interview

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:

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

Candi Redd Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Akala Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

DJ Brandi Garcia Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Treal Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Wordsmith Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Big Game Huntaz Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Jay Rock Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Trel Mack Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Tried and True Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

A Alikes Interview

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:

http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/

TQ Interview

TQ

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.britishhiphop.co.uk/

Rise Interview

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:

http://www.dastreetbuzz.com/