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/

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/