Welcome to another edition of the Paid x Popular Q&A section. We now bring you to Brooklyn,NY home of rap luminaries such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and the stomping grounds of emcee extraordinaire Skyzoo. In between shows and recording tracks he sat down with us for a bit speaking on...You're just gonna need to read and find out for details. That and get your hands on the Cornerstone Classic mixtape hosted by Mick Boogie and DJ KaySlay. Action!
1. Introduce yourself, where you're from, resume, accolades, etc.
I'm Skyzoo, and I came up in Brooklyn, NY. I started rhyming at age 9
and I'm 24 now. I've been all over through shows and tours and things
like that. I've worked with everyone from Dj Premier, and 9th Wonder to
Ron Browz, Don Cannon and Buckwild to Dame Grease, Black Milk and
Illmind. I dropped an EP with 9th Wonder last year called "Cloud 9" and
we did the whole 12 song project in 3 days flat. My new mixtape "Corner
Store Classic" is hosted by Dj Kay Slay & Mick Boogie, and it's been
getting flawless reviews and ratings in everything from XXL and The
Source magazines to AHH, HHDX and more, and I've been named as one of
the top 10 emcees alive in the game by NY's Hot 97 radio station, and
I'm the only unsigned artist on the list. I guess you can say I've done
a few things. Haha.
2. How does it feel being ranked amongst the top 10 rappers/mc's in the
game right now?
It feels good. It's a blessing. To do what you love and be recognized
for it is something everyone wishes for, so being looked at in those
high regards is an honor that I don't take lightly. I'm beyond
appreciative for it all and it also makes me work hard to keep it all
up.
3. What is the difference between a rapper and an MC to you?
A rapper is what you see on TV. The star, the celebrity, the brand. An
emcee knows the elements and the history of the game, and respects and
appreciates them. There's nothing wrong with being either one, as they
both contribute to the game heavily. The key is being both at once.
That's what I consider myself; both a rapper and an emcee rolled into
one.
4. Amongst all your qualities as an artist what are your best and worst
(be honest)?
The best would be my versatility as an artist and my knowledge of the
music. Being able to adapt to any style effortlessly is not an easy
task, and it's something I take pride in. Being able to do it all on the
mic, no matter what the record calls for. It's my versatility and my
authenticity. The worst would probably my love of the game. I love this
music and this culture so much, sometimes it's hard to watch it go
through what it goes through. So I would say the worst is loving the
game a little too much. But at the end of the day it's worth it.
5. HOW did you end up getting beats from hip-hop luminaries such as DJ
Premier, Illmind, Black Milk, etc.?
Just being on my grind and showing and proving. Every producer I work
with, I have some sort of personal relationship with. It's more than
just the music. I can call preemo and kick it with him about whatever.
Me and illmind chill all the time outside of the booth. Black milk is
like family to me, anything he need I got him. So it starts with the
music and then it turns into something else. Be it preem, black and
illmind or buckwild, khrysis and 9th, it's all crew love.
6. Your album with 9th Wonder (Hip-Hop Producer) is hailed as a classic
by some. What was your thought process while creating it?
I was really just bored with the music scene at the time. I honestly
made that EP for me and 9th to bump in the track. It wasn't planned out
or pre-thought at all. It was just on a whim. 12 songs got done in 3
days and we said "fuck it, lets give it to the world". So for it to be
held in the light that it's held in is an absolute blessing. I didn't
really think too hard on it. I just did what I do.
7. 2007 is almost over. How would you rate the year on a 1-10 scale and
why?
As far as hip hop, I'd rate it a 7.5-8. We came up this year for sure.
You had your slapstick artists here and there but for the most part we
were on a good recovery road. I'm excited to see what happens in the
next 2 months before the year closes out.
8. What we REALLY want to know is what's poppin' for 2008. Let us know!
I'm just working on some new music in general. Locking in this major
situation and maybe a few indies and mixtapes before '08's over as well.
It's gonna be a great year.
9. We've heard that you're a fan of the late, great J-Dilla. What is it
about Dilla's work that makes you hold him in such high regard?
He was and still is the best. The epitome of versatility and reinvention
and thinking outside of the box. I had the pleasure ofmeeting him,
switching numbers, and kicking it with him pretty regularly on the phone
and all that, and his humbles made him a class act. He's a legend, and
his drive is an inspiration to anyone making music. To craft beats on
your death bed, literaly, that's unparrelled.
10. What is your advice to anyone with a dream that's trying to be "Paid
and Popular"?
Have the love of the music in order first, but know that it's a
business. Anything you put out with your name on it has to make sense in
the market you're aiming for, but you still have to be able to look at
yourself in the mirror and know that you repped that. So keep the
balance right. And grind, grind, grind! I can't stress that enough.
11. Any plugs, shout outs, drunken confessions?
Shout out to my whole team, my manager Rick Caps, NyceTrax studios,
everyone who holds me down.
12. What's the best way to send you music, inquire about collaborations
and all that other good stuff?
The best way to reach me is on the net at myspace.com/skyzoo I'm on
there everyday personally. I don't have friends or management running my
page, I do it all myself. So hit me on that. And thanks to everyone
who's ever listened to me at all. I appreciate it more than you probably
know. And shout out to everyone at Paid and Popular for the look.
Holla.
10.31.2007
Q&A with Skyzoo
10.28.2007
DunkXchange MIA
It's here already. DunkXchange Miami 2007 part 2! You knowwww I'll be out there as usual.
Location: Studio A - Downtown Miami
Cost: $15 at the door
IT WILL BE HOT ... don't wear hoodies, you will melt to death.
Hope to see some of you out there!
10.27.2007
Q&A with Drake
Paid x Popular Presents: The Q&A series which features up-and-comers from all parts of the globe showcasing talent and unstoppable work ethic. To start it off with a bang, we got up with Toronto rapper/songwriter/actor Drake (real name: Aubrey Drake Graham currently featured as Jimmy Brooks on the hit television show Degrassi) to talk about his resume, upcoming projects and his viewpoint on modern hip-hop. Did we mention that he has a new mixtape out (Comeback Season) and that you can cop it here? No? Partake.
Q(Paid x Popular):Whattup Drake, break down your musical resume so far and let us know what it is with the city that YOU rep.
A(Drake):Well I rep the greatest city I've even been too...thats Toronto. And my resume is short but its got some substance. Trey Songz, Clipse, Little Brother, Slum Village, 9th Wonder,DJ Don Cannon, Nottz, Dwele, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Divine Brown...I've worked with some great people so far. Sat in some big offices, drove some big cars, been with some beautiful women...life has been good to me.
Q:Who's poppin' to you in the Toronto scene and Hip-Hop in general right now?
A:Well Kardinal is doing it the biggest as far as moves...other than that I am always impressed by Slakah. His vibe is on the next planet over. Boi 1da is going to crush the game too...and D10 is on some timeless R&B.
Q:Tell us about some collaborations you've done so far or in the works!
A:I want to suprise people on the album...plus I dont really know yet. lol
Q:What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an artist in 2007 from your standpoint?
A:In Toronto its just that nobody is willing to be a fan. Nobody is willing to fall back and just listen cause listening just motivates them to start rapping...so we got rappers and people who dont listen to rap music...no fans. Other than that its just the fact that money making oppurtunities get noticed faster than classic music thats made with integrity does.
Q:If your album were to drop tomorrow, what would be the ONE thing that you think would convince our readers @ home to get it?
A:The fact that my marketing, image, and my music will all be consistent...most artists can only get one of those three things on point. And also just to see me talk shit more often...
Q:Beyond music, what else do you get up to?
A:I eat alot of good food. I still love the acting thing and I am always looking for new ways to make money.
Q:What's going on with ATF?
A:We're just turning profits and waiting for the right time to shut our city down...I wanna do it more legit than anyone before me so I'm pacing myself.
Q:You and Trey Songz have done quite a few collaborations, will there be a duet album or mixtape in the works with you two? And would you sign him to ATF or jump to his label (Songbook) if given the opportunity?
A:I think the Drake and Songz album is something people will see. I just need to get my stock up as a rapper so that the time and effort that goes into it will be lucrative for both parties. He got Trey Day out right now so thats a good look. I'm trying to jump on the remix for Missin You. As for him on ATF or me on Songbook...who knows...we both down for whatever makes money.
Q:In that same vein, who in your opinion has the most talent on their record label?
A:I assume you mean Atlantic cause Trey is really the only artist on Songbook...but you know I'mma ride for Trey over any other r&b dude.
Q:What are your plans for the end of 2007 and the entirety of 2008?
A:Make as many songs as I can and form the masterplan for the rest of 07...2008 is my year.
Q:There's been word of a Toronto rap group called "Wiseguys" with you and other artists. Can we expect some form of compliation coming from that side of things?
A:Nah.
Q:If given the budget and opportunity, who would you like to work with from a musical standpoint?
A:Toomp and Pharrell on the production end but I got a LIST of R&B features I wanna get...I like working with r&b singers more than I like working with rappers.
Q:When IS your official album coming out and who will be on it (vocals, production)?
A: 2008 and you gotta check the credits!
Q:Any plugs, shoutouts, shots to take?
A: Shot to 4040 and Oliver. Shot to Inquiring Minds. Shot to T Rexxx for getting his whip game proper for the fall. Shot to Mario at Vivoli for making sure I eat good. Shot to Kandice. Obviously the whole ATF...shot to Joliet Illinois cause we bout to rock tonight!!!
Q:Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wanted to be in the music business or simply "Paid and Popular"?
A:Make sure you profit from EVERYTHING and when you think they should be paying you 2 thousand ask for 5 'cause eventually somebody will say yes.
10.23.2007
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Just so we're clear, Paid x Popular is still active. The restructuring process ain't easy folks. Just to let you know what we've got in store, it goes a lil' something like thiiiiis....
INTERVIEWS
Skyzoo
Drake
Kid Sister
J. Shotti of Shotti and Lefty Prod.
Kavinsky
Wale
The Cool Kids
DJ Klever
DJ Jaycee
Mickey Factz
Nick Catchdubs
MIXES
Savile
Main Event
Chris Kredible
Experienced Clubbers Only
Features
NYfashionconnect.com
Production Corner
and we can't give away the WHOLE plan just yet... Stay Tuned
10.12.2007
PRESENTING:
Along with the new redesign, we are launching a gang of monthly features in the coming months: one of these features we are most excited about is the Barometer Mix.The Barometer Mix is a monthly mix series comprised of the newest house, electro, and club tracks and remixes from around the world, seamlessly blended, edited, and remixed exclusively for P&P by our in house dj, Savile.
These half-hour mixes are a veritable play-by-play of what to expect flooding floors from New York to New Delhi, and we're a little late this month, so don't waste any time - head over to sendspace and grab your dance lesson for this month!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/1hvmwc
(tracklist in comments)
