If you're a serious up and coming artist and have set foot in the NYC, chances are you've probably been in some shape or form, affiliated with this multi-tasked gentleman. D.W.I has been running his side of town for quite some years now and has had a heavy impact in the underground world, along with up and coming artist, labels, producers and anything else that is associated with the industry. Is he an Up and Coming producer/engineer/radio host? You be the Judge...
CHECK OUT AN EXCLUSIVE PXP INTERVIEW WITH D.W.I BY CHRIS KREDIBLE
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
4.21.2008
PxP Interview with D.W.I
3.24.2008
Q+A with Dot Da Genius
In true PxP style, we had to sit down with up and coming producer Dot Da Genius. Showcasing fresh talent and watching them grow into future hitmakers and industry movers is part of what being Paid & Popular is about. Watch and learn.
L-R: Dot Da Genius, Kid Cudi
1. Out of everything you could've been doing, why choose a crowded field like music production?
I love music, and my dad loves music just as much. He always wanted to play an instrument but didn't have the opportunity to, so he just made me and my siblings go to music school. I didn't really get into making my own music until freshman year in engineering school. My roommate actually produced techno music and he gave me the cracked version of fruity loops. Since then it's just really become an obsession.
2. Breakdown your current production setup.
I have the Korg Triton LE workstation, Yamaha motif, MV 8000 and the Novation synthesizer. I sometimes use fruity loops and reason too. I also have various virtual synthesizers.
3. How did you meet Kid Cudi?
We were introduced to each other through a mutual friend. He came to my studio and we worked on a couple of joints and the chemistry was crazy. We've been working on music ever since.
4. "Day & Night" is picking up steam single-wise yet it doesn't sound like the usual NYC mixtape track or southern club banger. Why go for a "stoner" feel instead of going straight pop?
Whenever me and Cudi get in the studio we try to make our own sound. Cudi especially is conscience of the music he makes, he tries not to listen to what's current so his ideas are all his. He came to me with the idea of the track and I just put the beat together.
5. Sampling in 2008. Good move or bad idea?
I do both, but I really try and chop the sample up so it isn't really recognizable. The majority of my beats are original though. I would say making original beats is a lot more rewarding and it also shows more creativity. I don't knock any producer that samples though; sometimes the only way to get a certain feel to a track is to use a sample.
6. Getting back to Kid Cudi, how does Fool's Gold and G.O.O.D. Music play a role in both his and your careers?
Fools Gold is the label ran by A-Trak who is Kanye's DJ. It just so happens that Cudi's manager is Plain Pat, who is Kanye's A&R. So there definitely is a G.O.O.D. Music affiliation. The affiliation definitely helps Cudi and Pat having the industry affiliations he has gives me the heads up on possible album placements.
7. As long as we're talking about careers, what's the next move for Dot Da Genius? Are we only going to hear your work on Kid Cudi songs or can we expect Mariah Cary duets and co-production duties with Akon featuring T-Pain?
Well I'm handling a major portion of production responsibilities on Cudi's album, but I'm also getting my music heard by the right people who have taken interest. So definitely expect major placements this year.
8. Take us through the beatmaking process Dot-style.
I would definitely say I'm more melody based then percussion, but that changes depending on how I feel. Usually I like to come up with a solid melody or an interesting sound and build my drums around it. If I sample, I start with the sample and build around it. I like to make a track so that if I remove the sample the track still feels complete, so I tend to do a lot of layering on my sampled tracks.
9. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to be "Paid and Popular" like you?
When I first started making music seriously I thought it would be an overnight success story. That is the story for some producers but to be a complete producer it takes years of working and perfecting your craft. I've been doing this for about 5 years and things are now just starting to pick up. Don't feel the rush to be successful right away. Take your time and make sure you really understand the art of making music and making a solid record. Most importantly keep yourself surrounded by people that believe in you and that have positive energy. There are so many people that destroy people's dreams with their words. Get those kind of people out of your circle cause that can only bring you down.
10. Plugs, shout-outs?
Shouts to my whole Headbanga Family, JR, Lex, Eva. Cudi's EP dropped on itunes on Feb 5th so go out and support it, look out for the album which should be dropping this year fourth quarter. Also stop by myspace.com/headbangamuzikgroup any artists that are tryna get their career moving holla at me!
1.08.2008
Nicolay & Kay Interview on The Mission Radio Show
So last night on my show I got a chance to conduct a live interview with Nicolay and Kay who are currently promoting their TIME:LINE album. Overall the interview was entertaining and informative. Listen to the full interview below and shout outs to Nicolay & Kay for showing love.
Tune into the mission Radio Show every Monday from 7-10 PM. 88.1FM, 95.3FM, 96.9FM in Miami, FL or online at WRGP.ORG
TIME:LINE February 12th, 2008
12.24.2007
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."
12.17.2007
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
12.05.2007
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
12.03.2007
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."
11.07.2007
Q&A with Mickey Factz
Part of our philosophy here at Paid x Popular is to showcase new talent that brings a sense of innovation to the arts. Bronx MC/rapper/songwriter Mickey Factz has done that by rhyming over what some would call "unconventional" music in the newest chapter of his hip-hop lifestyle entitled "Heaven's Fallout". The interview , in pure Paid x Popular style, reveals more about this much-talked about project.Partake.
PxP: How you livin'?
Mickey Factz: I'm living really well man, we go thru this every month yo lol. This time around the name and buzz is building even more since flashback. im enjoying
everything.
PxP: You already know. What's this new project of yours about?
MF: Heaven's Fallout! Thats basically an angel falling from heaven to change the way music is percieved by the masses. As well know people think hip hop is dead or has fallen from the way side.. well i'm here to be the change and make sure you don't believe that anymore.
PxP: And you're gonna do this...how?
MF: Well, with Bottles Up! which was my first mixtape ever, I was really recklace and had no direction. Kings of the Bronx I became Mickey Factz and introduced people to an extravaganza. In search of the N.E.R.D. was me gaining momentum and creating a fan base. Flashback was me paying homage to old school by giving ya'll a taste of whats to come. Heavens Fallout is the sound that will define Mickey Factz from now on!
PxP: The first single "Talk Your Ish" is getting heavy rotation in the underground mix scene. What was the thought process behind that song?
MF: Well, I came across this record. I said to myself, I gotta chop this up and turn this into hiphop. So me and Whytebone produced it. I had already had a vision for the song as far as lyrics. So I wrote the record with a mindset it gotta be gaudy and over the top with swag. I basically talked my ish. And people are LOVING IT...I'm very happy with it
PxP: Yeah, you definitely got your point across there. Is the whole "Heaven's Fallout" gonna be you rapping over electro beats?
MF: No. Heaven's Fallout is a culmination of music put together. Never Fallout is far from electro. As is the "You Remind Me" and "Stop Me". We basically are making creating our own lane of Hip-Hop. It's no longer a simple boom bap. It's going to be a new experience for the listener. So if you like those 4 singles I released, Y'all are gonna love Heaven's Fallout!
PxP: True. What's this I'm hearing about you doing shows overseas and appearances in Fader Magazine?
MF: I performed in china in september. An experience I'll never forget. It was amazing. Lights, fireworks, fire from the stage, staying in a mountain. Just a mind blowing experience. As far as Fader goes, I was in their japan issue. LOL.
PxP: For those of us who can't read kanji (japanese print), when can we expect some stateside magazine love?
MF: This January. I'll be in a publication that everyone will be able to see.
PxP: Can we get a hint? A vowel? Something?
MF: Lol. I just had the photoshoot yesterday for it. I did my interview for it. Its a magazine seen all over by fashionista's. I was also in the Trace. Which is seen by alot of people state side.
PxP: Haha, ok looks like we'll see in January. 2007 is almost over, what would you say impressed you on a musical level this year?
MF: Kanye's album impressed me. Jay-Z album impressed me. Uffie's album impressed me. The emergence of hipster music is impressing me. My music is impressing me daily. lol
PxP: Define "hipster" music for our friends reading this.
MF: It's like music that taste-maker's of our scene. Tastemakers are the guys the fashion designers come to, to get ideas from. This 80's shit, tastemakers were doing it in 04, 05. We're not even doing that anymore, we're gearing up to give you guys some great music.
PxP: So seeing as the neo-80's movement is something that tastemakers have been up on, what do you think the next trend/wave will be?
MF: I can't disclose that information. But I do see guys wearing cardigans now alot. lol
PxP: Cardigans you say... So the next movement is more ... upscale, fashion-wise? And what would that say about the music?
MF: Music is gonna be everything you hear on heavens fallout. In about 2 to 3 years... thats what hiphop is gonna be.
PxP: So in essence, Heaven's Fallout is Flashback vol. 2?
MF: Heavens Fallout is nowhere near Flashback vol. 2. Flashback was the past. Heavens is the future of music.
PxP: Gotcha. Who's impressing you in hip-hop these days who doesn't already have national recognition or a record deal?
MF: Curtains is definetly impressing me with his music. My boy Kapps is mean with it. The Cool Kids, Kid Sister, Kid Cudi. These guys are the future of whats coming for Hip Hop. Mark my words.
PxP: What else inspires you outside of the music you yourself create?
MF: Life in general. The pursuit of happiness.When I see successful people, I get inspiredWhen I see homeless people I get inspired. Everything inspires me. My team GFC inspires me the most though.
PxP: Big up to GFC and homeless people. Seeing as we at Paid and Popular are dedicated to helping individuals become sucessful, what advice would you give to those aiming to BE paid and popular?
MF: STAY TRUE TO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN AND WORK HARDER THAN ANYBODY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
PxP: Any shout outs?
MF: Shout out to people in general. If you know me, then you get a shoutout.
10.31.2007
Q&A with Skyzoo
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.
10.27.2007
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.
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