BAROMETER MIX: DECEMBER

"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."

Apologies for the late posting, but here is what you've all been asking for, the newest Barometer Mix from our in house DJ, Savile.
Another half an hour of the newest jawns to keep you moving.
This is the sure fire party starter for New Years!

P&P Barometer Mix: December
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5992512aaf0ea6/


And if you missed last month's mix;
P&P Barometer Mix: November
http://www.zshare.net/audio/48832755dbdb45/

(tracklist in comments)

beasy.

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Franklin Mint

Greetings all...
As I'm sure most of you've noticed, P&P blog is now officially a dot com venture.
Readership has been steady on the rise and all of you have been extremely supportive in these fledgling months. On behalf of the whole family, we wish you all a great holiday, and encourage you to get some rest to prepare for some reallll-llll-ly real moments from the Paid & Popular in '08 (-cough-launch.party-cough-)!

Expect Savile's December Barometer Mix on Wednesday, just in time to brighten up those post-holiday woes... it may not heal the papercuts from copious unwrapping, but it'll damn sure numb the pain!
Almost 5000 of you downloaded the mix last month, so props to all of you who enjoyed the goods, and be sure to check back in a few days for the next installment of our monthly series.

until next time.
beasy.
//

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Clever Kings

Paid and Popular headed down to the design district early last week to check out Culture Kings, one of Miami's premier sneaker/clothing boutiques. The owners were extremely cool and the store itself is on point. Here's a transcript of the interview we conducted with the owners Mike and Chris. Shoutouts to DJ Louie Arson for helping out!



P x P: What’s your names, introduce yourselves.
C: My name is Chris.
M: -silent-

P x P: So how’d you come up with the name of the shop, what was the inspiration for it?
Chris: The name for the shop basically was a tribute to my graffiti crew CK (Clever Kings). Traditionally the crew initials usually change up; find different meaning for the initials. I thought culture kings tribute to the crew embodies what we represent as more than sneaker culture; it represents all cultures and sub cultures of hip hop.

P x P: Where are you guys from?
C: Originally from South Florida.

P x P: Since you said the shop was Hip Hop influenced, what are your favorite MC’s or era of Hip Hop?
C: My favorite era of Hip-Hop has to be the early to mid 90's, that’s Hip-Hop at its pinnacle.

P x P: Do you guys have any other stores?
C: The Orlando, FL store. The Miami store opened up September of 2006 and the grand opening was the last week of August. The Orlando store opened in March of 07.

P x P: Do you have any other jobs/side hustles etc. or is it Culture Kings all the way?
C: Culture Kings is number one priority, no other jobs.

P x P: How many times do you visit the Orlando store?
C: I try to get out there as much as possible. Lately it has been real tough, twice a month.



P x P: Why did you guys decide to open up a sneaker boutique?
C: I Opened up Culture Kings because it was a goal of his for a long time; since I was in college. Prior to Culture Kings I was a financial advisor for Merryl Lynch and hated it. The corporate world wasn't really for me, I felt like I’d lost myself.

P x P: How did you financially ready yourselves to open up shop?
C: I made a few investments prior to the whole real estate market crashing and while I was in the financial industry; it helped me out big time and I had money from past ventures saved up. With that and a little help from a loan I got it open.

P x P: I’ve seen pictures of the infamous bathroom, what was the inspiration behind it?
C: Mike was the inspiration for the bathroom sticker design. That’s how he does his artwork; by putting a collage of pictures from early 90’s magazines. It was his rebellion for the color of the store.



M: You go to the bathroom and do your 30 seconds of business you get to travel back in time. The only thing you can see in the front is product and artwork. In the bathroom you get to go into your own little world. The bathroom is a different world you go in there and you go threw a little journey back in time.

P x P: How long did it take?
M: It started off in pieces. I get in a zone and I just won't stop I can do it pretty quickly. The thing about it is it took a long time to do complete the entire wall. Everything that is in the collage was a collection of things that I’ve collected from magazine ranging from the last 10 years. In reality it took a lifetime but physically it only took a couple of days.

P x P: Why did you pick the Design District area out of all the other possible locales?
C: First, we’re in this area all the time. We have a lot of artist friends and with the account I wanted I had to be a certain distance from Shoe Gallery and Arrive.

P x P: What’s your relationship with the Anti-Kulture Gallery?
C: The owner Rob is a good friend of mine. We have the same background and “click” on similar things. Also our success determines on the area’s success. More than likely if someone comes here they’ll probably like the things we have here and vice versa.

P x P: What do you do outside of the sneakers?
C: We do fashion shows, co-host parties… We did Hot Import Nights over the weekend that just passed. We did Hoop it Up and things like that. It's just not sneaker events. We do art events. We just do things that we like and embrace.
M: You can't just deal with sneakers because you kind of isolate yourself into one thing and one type of customer. We have the opportunity to touch so many people and so many areas. Like he said, we did the Hoop it Up thing with 99.1 Jamz; They approached us about it and I was like “let me know about it”. I made a Michael Jordan collage basketball hoop that we presented out there. We didn't make much money but it was just a cool thing to do. The whole goal about it was to reach out to people we don’t know. Same thing with the fashion shows. We've done it all.

P x P: What’s your history with sneakers?
C: Well for us we probably started this whole shit on Jordans more than anything. Not just Jordan but NIKE. Their marketing team and strategies. Us growing up watching those commercials. Nike epitomized that with Jordan. All your role models were wearing Nikes it's a common way to identify it. Basically Nike and Jordan’s were how we started collecting. I kind of don't understand the hype behind all of this stuff. I understand why it's happening but not so much the success of it. For the younger kids most of them are interested in SB's but they're interested in Jordan’s too. It's the hype with the internet they've never experienced Jordan.

M: Dave Chappelle kind of covered it with Michael Jackson. It's like a 13 year old has a dying wish to see Michael Jackson but why? He doesn't remember Thriller but it trickles down from generations before, and they feed off of that from their older brother’s cousin, but the sneaker thing is just like how a lot of other things that have blown up with the internet. The hottest sneaker magazine back in the day was Eastbay that shit was like Sole Collector. Things like that, Nike Talk, Just For Kicks, you already liked sneakers but back in the days you did it just for the love.


P x P: Why did you choose the brands that you carry?
C: Nike, just because a lot of products like AF1 are classic sneakers. The products they released were classics back then and because they were leaders with the culture, you're going to chase after what was popular back then. Nike has always been doing that even when it was a small niche they were doing collabo’s with artists and boutiques. They weren't doing it because of the market, they did it because they could. Nike doesn't make money off that shit; they make money off of mass production and mass sales. They get a white shirt and put a black check on it. They just do this shit because they can, and luckily they hired the right people.



P x P: Where’s the balance between finance and art? How do you choose what you want to have in the store versus what you have to sell?
C: When I first opened up, the brands I carried were really cool to me. You kind of have to dumb it down. It was 70% of brands I like and 30% of things I think think the public would like. Miami is pretty slow with new trends, styles, etc. so you have to dumb it down. A lot of brands we carry I wouldn't carry if it were my ideal store.

P x P: How would someone approach you guys about carrying their product?
C:We have a lot of no name brands like growing pains. A lot of them have come and gone. We are always looking for new brands. A lot of time these brands can't keep up with the rest of the season, and a lot of new ones pop up with strong graphics and do things that aren't be done.
M: If you want to get your shit into Culture Kings, it's not hard to do. You would have to do a lot of thinking ahead of time. Where do I want my shit? Arrive, Culture Kings everywhere in Miami, or do I want it in just a few stores across the country? You don't want your shit everywhere then just build a relationship. Then have your shit together. You have to be able to present yourself in a proper way. We look at anything. No one is going to go out of their way and come here to cop some corny shit. If it's hot we call them back like “Yo your shit just sold out, bring them back”. And it's up to the people but they aren't up on their grind. We are regular people you come in and talk to us and it's happened a lot and we've helped a lot of people.

P x P: What are your future plans?
C: Open up some more locations in cities that don't have too much in their area but have a strong scene. Places like Portland, and Phoenix. Places that see or contain more of an urban demographic. At one point it was really only a major city thing. There are a lot of areas out there with kids that would spend every last dollar on a place like this. It's just a matter of finding a place, finding a partner, and finding someone who can keep the integrity of the place."

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If anyone is....

looking for something to do on New Years Eve, here's an event.

Monday, December 31st, 2007
7pm - until
YUME BKNY
925 Bergen Street (btwn Franklin and Classon)
Loft 406
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Rahsaan will be performing along with Print, Outasight, and Kapps!
Music by DJ Shark (in from Japan)

$20 Cover all night long
FREE refreshments before 12am

And it's going to be extra exclusive so you guys can e-mail me at assataSAYS@paidandpopular.com or artisluv@aol.com for the secret password. If you don't have it, you def won't get in. SEE YOU THERE!!

YUME is also having an END OF THE YEAR SALE a few days before the party. With 50% off jackets and tees for $15, and brands such as Kiser and Garbege, you may want to check it out.

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And if you're in D.C. tonight....

Friday, November 21, 2007 marks a special edition of A-List Fridays at Fur.

WALE will be killing the stage.
Hosted by Angie Ange of 93.9 WKYS.

Music by DJ Goldenboy & DJ Quicksilver

Dress Code: FRESH...NO ATHLETIC WEAR!

Fur Night Club
33 Patterson Street NE
Washington, DC

Ladies Free Before 11 (W/ Flyer)
Fellas Discounted Before 11 (W/ Flyer)
18 to chill.
21 to spill.

For more information log on to lgi-ent.com.
Guest-list provided by LGI Ent and DMV Events.

MYSPACE ON WALE!

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XMAS SEASON AT WALL STREET

Maybe because I'm a Native New York, I don't really get a chance to really realize how amazing NYC could be. For those who didnt know, I work by Wall street, NY's capital of capital. Every X-Mas, Wall street always puts up public display of Holiday decorations all around Wall Street, but this year they did something I thought was cool and original. Check Out the Pics...







If you plan on going to NYC anytime soon, Be sure to take a tour of the Wall Street area in Downtown Manhattan...

Happy Holidays!!!

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If you missed....

Louie Arson's DJ set on GrindTime Radio this past Saturday, don't fret cuz it's right HERE!




Arsonist Mix 1

More Fire (Mix 2)

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Q+A With Lupe Fiasco

Teddy Ruck-Spin x Lupe Fiasco

Paid and Popular correspondent Teddy Ruck-Spin chats with Lupe about The Cool, Cornel West, and... Tom Waits? Check the clip for an exclusive interview. Shouts to Peter S. for the camera work.

Teddy Ruck-Spin
Check out his article in The Michigan Daily "The cool nerd":
"The Cool is a continuation of the story in "The Cool," a song from Food & Liquor. The character, also known as "The Cool," is a deceased street hustler who has risen from the dead and returned to his old block. In his appearances on The Cool, the phantom hustler is depicted in sharp contrast with the dope-boy archetype that is celebrated or championed in much of today's rap. "

Cornel West

Tom Waits

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Why New York Isn't NY Anymore...

You see those ' I Love (Heart) New York shirts.' Get rid of em. Bye Bye!



Rocking those shirts is showing that you rep your city and that's great. I've never rocked them though. Not because I think their corny or anything of the sort, but because the love is gone. ITS GONE!

Its no longer there because when I was in love with New York, it was original. My love left for this city a long time ago. Originality is the reason why.

Me and my compadre J.T.W. (Initials Sound like a Premium English Dress Shirt company) (myspace.com/thegameneedsjames) were walking thru Soho a few months ago and I was complaining about NY. Because despite the fact it probably has more to do then any other city and is so culturally diverse, the originality in this city has been squeezed out. Plus, I just needed a change of scenery. I'm still here though. Gotta make it here before I break. Back to originality though. Its been barren for a while out here.

As I kept preaching to Watts, he just listened and went ahead and blurted out he wants to create a shirt that has the heart broken instead of intact. He's from Jersey folks, but he chilled in NY all his life and he saw exactly what I saw.

New York in rap, baseball, basketball, and originality is a thing of yesteryear.

For God sakes, Boston is running sports. Isn't that enough?

This city aint the same city it used to be in relation to Hip Hop culture and fashion. Honestly, New York has never really been the trendsetter it brags it is.

It was in the 80's without a doubt. That was the era where NY swag and style was on that McGwire ish. With the Dapper Dan's and the gold rope chains, etc. You see how a lot of these cats tried to bring back the 80's across the country in the last few years. Didn't work huh?

Let me go back to elementary school.

The last real thing NY cats really put dudes onto in my opinion was the Fila Grant Hill's. Ever since then, I began spending time in Philly and Jersey and even Frisco and saw that cats out there have been overshadowed for years. Robbed of credit. Bamboozled as Nasir would say.

Before I get to fashion though, we all know rap has died out especially when we start copying the South. Nothing against my compadres below DC, but to make it back to the top, you got to be yourself. Obviously, New York isn't doing that.

Onto the clothing though. The superficial part.

For example, throwbacks and fitteds.

That's a Philly thing. Me and a bunch of NY cats used to jump in the cavalier and roll out there to buy tons and tons of fitteds twice a month. We respected their style. Didn't think it was fucking with NY, but respected it. Plus, they were trendsetters. Cats at Total Sports on South St knew us by name and kept inventory for us. We had the best fitteds in NY by far and wouldn't let the cat out the bag. Not braggin, just the truth. Pink shirts? That's a Philly thing way before Cam'ron. I seen cats with the Pink horsies (PRL) way before dudes out here even dared. Even the homey Fat Joe admitted it before on Philly radio when they pressed him on how Philly gets copied. Dickies? That's a LA thing first and foremost before anyone else. NY bit it just recently. Miskeen Shirts? I should know because I was one of the first dudes in this city up on that. Went to Philly and dropped 60 on joints monthly. Then a year later, I seen dudes rockin em. A lil late huh buddies?

Jersey brought the Gore-Tex's to the table and the all-green long coats. Not the army fatigues. Ya know what I'm talking about. Ya seen Jada in videos with it on. The Carhartt looking ones. Years later, NY copied.

Today, NY cats is looking like Frisco cats with all this hypebeastery and nudie's (brand of jeans) and Supreme caps, etc. I'll let Wale tell you where Nike Boots started ( D.C), because it sure wasn't here.


What about slang?

Beans once said:

'City of Philly know that city brought your city the slang'

"Early. Holla at your boy. Bul. Ak. All philly slang used in NY at later times." I still hear cats in NY saying "Early" like 5 years later and claiming the shit started here. SMH.

Then people say this is the hardest city. Brooklyn this or Harlem that or SBX that. I'm just trying to mirror the ignorance of most of the cats on the street and tell them who cares what city is the hardest? Ya'll killing your own people at the end of the day. Cats earning imaginary stripes in the hood for killing cats. So let me be ignorant again, NY ain't the hardest. Not even close.

Oakland, N. Philly, Southeast DC, South and West Side of Chicago, Gary Indiana, Detroit Michigan, East St. Louis, NOLA. Like, we like one of the best cities when it comes to crime. Don't hit me with this BS that our city is tough or the hardest anymore. I'm glad our city is safe, but for the ignorant ones who love arguring: "We were tough in the past, but not anymore."

Anyways, I'm tired of typing. Don't wanna hurt the buttons on the berry. Before I leave...

I'm not hating on my city. I love NY. I'm just telling the truth. I hate seeing people take credit for shit they don't deserve to bow for even if its as miniscule as gear and slang.

El Ranchero.

"

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Guest DJ set by...

Louie Arson b.k.a. DJ Matches on GrindTime Radio later today @ 1pm EST



Best of 90's hip-hop, reggae & R&B!!!!!!

Don't miss out!

Bonus: Joe Budden - Mood Muzik 3

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Try it! It's good for ya!

Tickets are going fast so get yours while you can @ Going.com. It's an eco-friendly event so don't worry about anything besides noise pollution from fans and people cursing you because they couldn't attend!

As a bonus:


Troublemaker of Backyard Bangers Presents: Your Face

This is an experimental lil' mix produced by 1/2 of the Backyard Bangers. In a year full of mixed marketing ploys with sounds in 'em (ringtone rap, 360 artist deals), this pushes the envelope on what we call 'shut up and let it bang' music. Definitely something to expand your musical palette.

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Kardinal inna yah AREEEEEEA!!!

If you haven't been to any of the previous 9 Kardinal Offishall Christmas Events, come see what all the fuss is about! Good vibes, good music, and good people!

As always Kardi Klaus will be giving away thousands of dollars worth of gifts in the Christmas spirit.

Hip Hop Rules will be highlighting the golden era of hip hop, the best in R&B, and Reggae.

Who better to freak the golden era of hip hop than the living legend himself, the Chocolate Boy Wonder, # 1 Soul Brother...Pete Rock!

Tickets On Sale Dec. 5th!!!

Ticket Locations: $20 Advance
Play de record - toronto - 416.586.0380
nappy's - brampton - 905.453.3037
nappy's - mississauga - 905.949.6787
nappy's - markham - 905.948.0884
big it up - eaton centre - 416.597.6773
big it up - yorkdale - 416.785.3770
big it up - square one - 905.803.8407
broadway fashions - scarborough town centre - 416.296.0609

Doors: 10pm
Dress Code: Your best 90's gear
Mature Clientele - 23+

See you December 23rd.

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Slip underneath the covers

Art Basel's offical afterparty hosted by Culture Kings (check out the Vans exhibit they got at the Antikulture Gallery) and 6 Degrees Magazine @ Club Bed.

Today's the last day that Art Basel is accessible to the public so pull out those $30 for the full day or if you get there after 5pm, hit up the $15 for a two hour viewing. The Fame-Collective afterparty @ Club Mansion was insane so you DON'T want to miss out on this one.

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Spray Paint and Ink Pens, I Use to Write In Every Color I Think In

TheFame-Collective is a group that consists of the members in the ad above, an INSANE team of artists that are coming together in Miami tomorrow evening for the weekend of Art Basel. Good luck getting in though, the event is "invite only" so start hittin' up your Miami connects. Don't miss out on Art Basel though! The price is steep, $30 for one day and $15 after 5pm, but with exhibits like these it's worth every penny

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Q+A with Sickamore

We've gotta be on a roll this week music-wise... Mick Boogie, Little Brother, and now the Director of A&R for Atlantic Records/former mixtape DJ and all around hustler/entrepreneur *drum roll* Sickamore. Sick, who just happened to be in my hometown of Miami, FL came through to show support for the Paid and Popular team. Partake.




Sickamore x Paid & Popular Interview Part One Download


Sickamore x Paid & Popular Interview Part 2 Download

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Oh yes!

Cross ya fingers and pray you see me in here!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 @10pm
ELEMENT
225 Houston Street
btwn Ludlow and Essex
New York, NY
21 & OVER (we'll see)

Kid Sister, A-Trak, & Kid Cudi in the house!

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funny story....

So by chance I found this Triple5Soul Sample Sale yesterday when I was on my way back to school. They weren't open for business yet so I grabbed a flyer and made a note to go back. I don't think I can read because the flyer clearly states December 6th as the opening day but I returned today, credit card in hand. It's too cold to make silly mistakes like that.

Anyway... if you're in the New York area in the next two weeks, drop by and pick up some goodies.

TRIPLE 5 SOUL HOLIDAY 2007 SAMPLE SALE

December 6th - 18th, 2007
Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday 11am - 8pm

290 5th Avenue
Btwn. 30th & 31st Street
New York, NY

I got this jacket (in black and white) last year from their Holiday sale for more than 50% (off) the original retail price.
photo via Nitrolicious

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R.I.P PIMP C (Dec. 29, 1973 – Dec. 4, 2007)

It's sad to say that another living legend's life has ended in the Hip Hop world. Today, Houston Rapper Chad "Pimp C" Butler, was found dead in his hotel room at Hollywood, California. Firefighters responded to a 911 call, only to find Pimp C dead in his bed. His cause of death is still undetermined. He was only 33.

Pimp C was one half of the rap duo "UGK" along with group member "Bun B". UGK has been a huge influence to the hip hop world, coming up as underground rappers from the south. UGK has most recently released a new album, "Underground Kingz" dropping the Billboard smash "International Players Anthem". It is sad that with success taking place, a tragedy occurs. I will not talk about all other details of his life, because I don't believe in emphasizing the dark periods of someone's life during a tragedy. Pimp C will be greatly missed in the Hip Hop world.

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The mysteries of sweatboxin'...

Review of the Little Brother concert @ PS 14

Little Brother, a duo of hulkish giants hailing from the land of mythical North Carolina performed @ PS 14(sultry night spot/sweatbox located in Downtown Miami). Rapper Big Pooh and Tiggalo bka Phonte headlined the "Get Back" tour with an abundance of openers which were pretty lackluster outside of Evidence (of Dilated Peoples).

This concert was unlike any other i'd ever experienced, well except for the 9pm advertised start being pushed past 10:30pm. An abundance of amable fans in attendance actually communicated with one another instead of keeping to their respective cliques, "mean mugging" one another til holes were bored in their neighbors heads. Also, Evidence, Alchemist and LB kept it 100 by dappin' everyone up before and after the show along with taking flicks/autographin'/rappin' with anyone that approached. Rappers and fans need to take notes...but start on time! mfers need to work in the mornings!



Fast forward to the headliners starting with Evidence. DJ Flash held down the vinyl to get the crowd properly amped for the Cali native. The audience was pretty much the antithesis of hype up until that point, discounting the one drunk on the left side that blew out many ear drums with the constant whistling that rivaled the pitch of sorority calls. Evidence hit up about a 40 minute set, really knew how to work a crowd, and brought out the Alchemist in the middle of his gig. Homey even decided to bust out his medical marijuana card to prove that Cali is a BEAST to us Floridians, yeah...i'm definitely hating.

Finally the main event, pun intended, had arrived and Little Brother had that hole in the wall rockin'...sans the geology. They covered at least 4 tracks from each album, including some mixtape cuts. Choreography was clutch and the mock preaching about how in the hell we're supposed to pay our bills was entertaining. The chemistry of the duo was off the charts. Phonte also proved that his singing wasn't all studio (i.e. T-Pain) by going back and fourth with "the only man on tour thats allowed to wear smedium shirts", Darien Brockington. From the first to the last song the crowd was energetic and did the hip-hopaerobics with the put your hands up regimine and even brought them back for an encore. The speech of the night belongs to Tiggalo when he told the crowd to boo other rappers off their respective stages if they didn't perform as hard as LB, and that rappers are emotional beings so "there's no armor for being called wack".



I'd easily pay more for the show than the 12 bucks charged, especially if they gave away the product that sponsored the tour (Microsoft Zune).

Intentional Faux-Rumor of the night just for shits and giggles: Joe Scudda was left off the tour for not having heeded LBs warning that his fitted cap was too large. Scudda then repeatedly attempted to sabatoge the bash brothers through laxatives being placed into Phonte's bannana pudding shake and his side of hush puppies...hence, this face



***I must mention this also: after the too much $ for parking fiasco @ the Prefuse 73 show, i must give MAJOR props to PS 14 for their free99 parking in the desolate parking lot where my homey MC Just Got out the Bing held it down and watched my car for some silver

"

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Q+A with Mick Boogie

Yes, we know he's gotten a ton of exposure via mix downloads on PxP. Yes, we know that he does many cool things (that's why he GETS the interview). But what we don't know is the man behind the legend. So, Paid & Popular presents a Q+A session with Cleveland Cavaliers DJ, mixtape guru and all-around classy guy, Mick Boogie. Par-tock-ay.



1. Let us know who you are, where you rep and how you're at where you're at.


My name is Mick Boogie and I'm out of Cleveland. I've been DJ'ing for 10
years now. What got me to where I'm at is just good work ethic, talent and
networking.

2. How's the DJ game treating you?

It's been really great. I dropped some great mixtapes which I'm really proud
of such as my Kanye West tape I did with 9th Wonder & fellow League Crew
member Terry Urban. I also am about to release Dillagence with Busta Rhymes
with pays tribute to the late great J Dilla. I've also been traveling a lot
rockin parties throughout the U.S., Canada & Europe, as well as holding down
The League Crew radio show on Sirius.

3. Many people trying to get into the music business constantly talk about
"politics". What does this phrase mean from your standpoint?


People talk about politics in music but it's really no different than in
most aspects of business and life. Some people get treated fairly and some
don't, no matter if you are a DJ, Artist, Promoter, A&R, etc...What I
believe the best way to get though politics is most importantly stay true to
yourself, be honest, do what you believe is right and lastly let talent will
shine.

4. Is the mixtape scene TRULY dead?

Honestly, it's not the same. It's been oversaturated for a long time and it
seems to get even more oversaturated as time goes on. Stores are paying less
to DJ's & bootlegging is at an all time high. What I try to do is adapt with
the change and take advantage of the technology. I have been putting out
most of my tapes online for the past few months for free download as true
promotion for the artists I have been working with. I also have been taking
a different direction such as the Detention mixtape I did with Kidz In The
Hall and we put it for sale on iTunes.

5. You have a Master's degree in business. How important is strong business
acumen in music and what advice can you give to those who are lacking?

It's definetly very important. I believe success is a combination of good
business & true talent. It's hard to succeed is you have talent but can't
handle your business and vice versa. The advice I have is just absorb as
much as you can on both general business and the music industry. In this
time alot is out there to learn from such as numerous books, websites,
videos, etc...

6. When you first started out, what were your goals back then as opposed to
now?


When I started out I just wanted to grow and be successful. I had a love and
passion for the music, I just wanted to be the best DJ I could be. I
practiced all the time trying to get better and took the time in the
classroom to learn as much as I could about Business. Now I just want to
take DJ'ing as far as I can. My goals now are to do more touring, more shows
all over the country and do more international shows all while releasing
creative mixtapes and growing The League Crew.

7. In your opinion, who is the next artist to become "Paid and Popular"?

Kidz In The Hall, 6th Sense, Termanology, Chip The Ripper, Al Fatz, Skyzoo,
and more.

8. What does Mick Boogie listen to that would surprise the fans?

I am a big fan of Rock. I listen to a lot of classic and contemporary rock
such as Modest Mouse, Radiohead, RHCP & Led Zepplin.

9. 2007 is near its end, what'd you think of it and what's poppin' for '08?

It has definitely turned out to be a good year. I've done a lot and can't
wait for 2008 where I hope to hit more cities and do more international
dates. You can also expect more mixtapes with more of your favorite artists.
The Sirius show with the League Crew is going great and look for my team do
do big things in 2008. Also I'm working on moving to NYC sometime next year.


10. What is it that you bring to a project that makes people go "I can get
down with this"?

The total package is what I think I bring. They know I have a strong
presence in the mixtape world and I have a proven track record time and time
again. I put together great tapes of all kinds, working with artists ranging
from Kidz In The Hall to TI. I have a love & appreciation for a wide
spectrum of hip hop and I think that is a great advantage. A big key is my
creativity with intro's, creative MB style mixes and blends that are unique
to my tapes. Also the whole package comes together nicely with great artwork
which I have an active hand in.

11. Name one thing you would change about the music business.


That the music being put out would be more balanced and that people would be
themselves. A lot of artists being put out sound the same and have the same
story. Everyone seems to want to be like the next man and not be an
individual. Back in the day, everyone wanted to be acknowledged for their
own personality and would hate to be confused with someone else. You
wouldn't confuse LL Cool J with KRS One or MC Shan for Flavor Flav, would
you? People were different and still saw success.

12. Being the Cavs DJ must have it's perks. Any crazy tales you can share
(that won't get somebody in trouble!)?

Haha...its just a great experience. The people ive gotten to meet, the
places ive gotten to go. I love hiphop and i love basketball...so combining
them is fantastic.

13. What's going on with some upcoming collaborations?


The one I'm most excited about is Dillagence with Busta Rhymes where we
honor J Dilla's great contribution to music. Busta and Dilla had a great
working relationship and collaborated on a frequent basis. Busta & I linked
up and are about to drop a classic mixtape of unheard gems that we are
excited people will get the chance to hear. Also in the works is a mixtape
with Young Chris of the Young Gunz which will definetly impress people.

14. Any shout outs, plugs? And what advice would you give to a young
up-and-comer on how to be "Paid and Popular"?

Shouts to Paid and Popular, The League Crew, LRG, Sirius, my homie
Christopher Truth, Lebron James & The Cleveland Cavs. The advice is what I
mentioned before, practice, practice, practice on your craft and never stop
practicing even after you start to progress in your field. Also take
advantage of networking and don't burn bridges. The most important thing is
just be true to yourself."

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