Stic-Man Interview

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:

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

Panama Interview

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:

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

Bankroll Jonez Interview

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:

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

DJ Aaries Interview

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:

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

JA Interview

JA

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.britishhiphop.co.uk/