Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

So, it sometimes dawns on me randomly that I know a lot of cool motherfuckers that make some amazing music – but since I look at them as comrades first, I forget, I should interview these assholes. …such is the case of this kid they call Thelonious Martin. Check this shit out.

Who are you, where are you from, and, well, what the fuck do you do?

My name is Malcolm J. Martin, but if you like music you know me as Thelonious Martin. From Montclair, NJ via Chicago, I am a music producer, I make heads nod.

Alright, you’re not exactly from a hip hop Mecca. …how did you get into hip hop and eventually fall into beat making?

Started off rapping in middle school, but got more interested in the making of music, and it always interested me even before then I used to get in trouble for beat boxing and making sounds, so I eventually got all my equipment in like 2008 and I’ve been creating ever since.

Where might we have heard your production before? Who have you worked with? Beat compilations? …all that shit.

I have released a couple beat tapes, (Life Of A Teenage Champion, 1UP, Dusty Cartridges). Done production for K.Sparks, Quest, and Moshadee just to name a few, and even featured on the TV Themes Flipped Vol 1&2 with Curtiss King and a cornucopia of producers as well.

Love Lost from Thelonious Martin on Vimeo.

In terms of production, who are your favorites? Who do you look up to and who are you trying to model yourself after?

Growing up I was in love with whatever my dad was playing in his car during the summer, so it ranged from Wu-Tang we used to get crazy with to the Floetry we played when my little sister was in the car. As I grew up a bit more people like 9th Wonder, Dilla, and Dj Premier were people I really looked to in terms of style and a foundation to start my own.

Who is the one MC that you would throw a very sharp dart at a baby animal, let’s just say, a puppy (for specificity), to have rap over one of your beats?

Right now, there is a few artists I’d nudge cute cuddly animals into highway traffic for, The Money Making Jam Boys would be one even though its a whole group, yup thats right I cheated. I saw them perform at the Brooklyn Hip Hop fest and they really killed it. Same with Curren$y, yeah its a tie between them.

What do you love and/or hate about hip hop?

I love the music, hate the people who front like its some giant living off in the woods, hip hop is the people, however the people are, thats how the music and culture are gonna be.

So, what’s the plan? …where do you go from here?

Long term goal is a grammy, I do music for myself though. My music is an escape and relaxing process whatever emotions i have go into my beats. Hopefully 2-3 years from now my music be on radio’s nationwide, I’ll be a even better producer, and I’ll be in college.

If we could crack into your hard drive (or whatever ungodly place you keep your music), what would we find? Basically, who are you listening to? …please feel free to NOT limit that to just hip hop.

Honestly if someone got into my itunes they’d shit their self. it’s over 11,000 songs of everything, mainly because my mom and auntie used it too. It’s about roughly 1/3 songs i acquired hunting for samples and the rest is straight up good music. Not saying you won’t find a mainstream artists or two but hey music is music each song you can look at differently and puts you in a different state of emotion. Artist wise in my itunes though there is all of OFWGKTA, Hodgy Beats, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator. There’s an astounding J Dilla library, some Janko Nilovic, Dexter Wansel, Dwele, Black Milk, Kanye, Lupe, Brandun Deshay, N*E*R*D. Lets just say its a lot.

What do you want to know about you, you young motherfucker? …what should we walk away from this interview knowing?

I just want people to know that I make feel good music, I turn eighteen on the nineteenth of next month so even though I’m “young” its still from the soul. Oh and that you should download everything from http:theloniousmartin.bandcamp.com/ and look out for Just For Kicks and Player 2…I guess thats it…Shout outs to my people in Montclair, Chicago, and the Left Coast

Peace.Love.And Dilla.

So that concludes my interview with newb Thelonious Martin. …this boy has a few beats that are near and dear to my heart (I know it’s awkward, thinking I have a heart. …and it may or may not be true, but you know what I fucking mean). You DEF need to give his music the old college try (check him out HERE). Peace.

A few months back I was at the Red Bull Beat Battle qualifying competition in San Francisco. I went out there to support a homie who was battling, but I have to be honest and say, when I saw this kid roll up in his Ma Dukes shirt, he kinda won me over. …who would have ever thought he would be one of the winners (there was a tie). Anywhos, this interview is with that kid, Cam’rox. Check this shit out.

For people who maybe don’t know you yet, tell us who you are, where you’re from, and little but about what you do. …oh, and how old are you anyway?

My name is Cam aka Cam’rox and I’m a producer and musician. Basically, I make beats and have been doing so for 9 years now, since I was 11 years old. I’m 20 now. I play the keys as well and have been doing that since I was about 16 or 17. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada which is where I currently reside.

So, you recently kinda came up. …how did that come about?

I flew out to San Francisco to compete in Red Bull Big Tune a couple weeks ago and I ended up making it all the way to the final round where I tied for 1st place with Hitmakers. It feels so weird saying that right now, because I remember when I used to watch Red Bull Big Tune on the internet wishing I could participate one day. It was a surreal experience to say the least. I got to meet & chop it up with DJ Toomp & Jake One about production, and even Nottz gave me props on my beats. It really felt like a dream haha. It was great to meet all the producers that were in the competition too. I’m still in touch with a lot of them actually.

So – Vegas? Is there a hip hop scene out there? More so, how did you get into beat making?

Yes, there is a thriving hip hop scene out here. I admit, I wasn’t much into it until more recently and I’ve been getting involved with it a lot lately producing for various local artists on the rise. I feel that the hip hop scene out here is better now than it has ever been before.

I got into beatmaking by pure accident pretty much haha. We had a family computer at my house when I was little. It was a Compaq Presario desktop PC with Windows 95, 4 GB of hard drive space, and 48 MB of RAM lol. One day my older brother came home with a CD that had a very early version of Fruityloops on it. He installed it on our computer and the very first time I messed around with the program, I fell in love with it. I had no idea what I was doing, but I enjoyed it. After a few months of messing around, I decided to dedicate myself to it so that I could one day become a professional music producer. That was almost 10 years ago and I haven’t stopped since.

So who are some of your inspirations? Whose music made you want to get into this shit?

My favorite producers of all time are The Neptunes, hands down. They’re my biggest influences and the first producers who really inspired me. I was up on them when I started making beats and I’ve always been a fan of their sound. It’s because of them that I decided to learn to play piano and study jazz. Because I did research and found out that they were both jazz musicians too. Besides them, there are the usuals: Dr. Dre, Premo, Bryan Michael-Cox, The Underdogs, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Timbaland, Khalil etc. And also the other 2 guys in my production team, Young Cee and Ralphie-O. Those two dudes are just ill. I’m very glad that we’re all on the same team haha. They’re definitely a problem.

*ahem* …what about Dilla?

Of course Dilla. How did I forget him? He’s a true master of his craft. I like to refer to him as te Miles Davis of Hip Hop. And Raphael Saadiq and Q-Tip and Rich Harrison. Those are some more dope producers just off the top of my head that have also influenced me.

The Making Of Watch TV from SkyH!gh on Vimeo.

So what’s the deal with Red Bull Big Tune? …you’re going to Chicago in the Fall, what do you have planned? I’m assuming you’re planning on winning, what’s your strategy? Did you real from your experience in San Francisco?

It would be great to win in Chicago so I’m definitely gonna try my best to do so. That is by simply feeling out the crowd and playing what I feel is the best work I have in my catalog and not holding back. But at the end of the day, it’s just going to be a great honor to be able to simply compete in Chicago in the finals. I’m more concerned with turning that into something somehow. I know I’m gonna meet a lot of industry folks while I’m there, so I plan to do a lot of networking and exchanging info with some of those people so that it could hopefully lead to something big for me regardless of whether I win or lose. I definitely want to make this trip worth while and I believe that can only happen if I’m proactive about it and make it happen. So that’s my plan for Chicago.

What are your plans for after Big Tune? Is it dependent on whether you win or lose?

I’m not too sure what’s going to happen after Big Tune. I guess it all depends on how it goes. But in the meantime, I’m not going to sit back and waiting on it. Like Muhammad Ali once said, “Don’t count the days, make the days count”. I’m going to try my best to make something happen for myself before I even leave for Chicago. That way, I don’t have to rely solely on my luck in the Big Tune Finals in order to jump-start my career. The more options I have, the better my chances are of breaking into the music industry.

So the site is called Your Taste In Music Sucks, so you had to know this was coming. …whose music, you know, sucks? C’mon, you can tell me.

As far as whose music sucks? I’d have to say Lil B the “Based God” (I still don’t know what that means. Nor do I care lol). But yeah, he’s garbage on the mic. He wouldn’t get a beat from me unless he’s paying TOP dollar. I have special tax rates for wack artists. It’s funny because normally I’d have a laundry list of people for this, but I just can’t think of any right now haha. However, I will say (and I’m a huge Kanye fan), that Kanye West’s newest leak “See Me Now” kinda sucks. I mean, it has a lot of potential, and I understand what he was going for with that record, but I feel like he sorta missed the mark. In my opinion, Beyonce and Lex Luger were a mistake. Well, Beyonce wasn’t so bad, but Lex was a definite hell no. Lex Luger and No I.D. just don’t mix well together. I think that if he replaced Lex with DJ Toomp the beat could’ve actually been dope instead “almost dope”. As far as Beyonce, I’d either take her out completely or, if he really insisted on a female singer for the track, I’d replace her with Keisha Cole. No diss to Beyonce, it’s just that Keisha Cole and Kanye already have a history of dope records together, so she’d know exactly what to do to take it over the top. It wouldn’t be so awkward with Beyonce saying the “N” word and all. Oh and Kanye’s self-indulgent, talking at the end of the record has got to go as well. It doesn’t help the record at all, nor does it do anything to help Kanye’s image either. The only producer who can talk on a record and make it better is Timbaland.

But if those changes were made, I’m sure the record would’ve been fire!!

Who are 5 MCs you would shoot an endangered species to have rap over one of your beats? …and why?

Hmm, I have more than 5 and they’re not all emcees haha. Here they are, in no particular order: Kanye West, Q-Tip, Mos Def, Drake, Jay-Z, Jadakiss & Styles P. (together), Black Thought, Amerie, Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, and Justin Beiber. Why? Because they all have a certain aura about them and they always make sure their presence is felt on every track they perform on. Whether it’s their unique delivery, tone of voice, flow, or wordplay, they always bring a memorable performance to any and every track you hear them on. I say Justin Beiber because I need to pay the bills lol. But that’s not to say he’s not a talented singer. Personally, I’m more interested in how he’s going to sound when he’s a little older.

Download: Watch TV – Trade Voorhees (prod. Cam’rox)

What do you want the world to know about your young ass? …no, seriously, how are you separating yourself from the sea of other up and coming beat makers out there? Why you?

I think what separates me from all the other producers out there on the rise is the fact that I really know how to “play from the heart”. And when I say that, I mean I know how to make music that I can honestly call a true product of ME, regardless of the style I’m doing. A musician’s journey doesn’t end once their skills on their instrument finally reach virtuoso status. In classical music, for example, once you learn how to play, the next thing you need to do is learn how to play from the heart. That’s the only way a classical musician can set themselves apart from all the other musicians out there who play the exact same repertoire. Although they’re all playing the same music, they all don’t have the same heart. I apply that same philosophy to producing. If you know how to play from the heart, you’ll never have to worry about setting yourself apart (that rhymes lol). You have to put yourself in the music somehow. That’s what music is all about. I think all the greats in music from Miles Davis to Timbaland & J Dilla truly understand what it means to play from the heart. I try to do that every single time I sit down to make a record. And I encourage every other aspiring producer out there to do the same.

So that concludes my interview with up and comer Cam’rox – and tho I feel a little weird calling a nearly grown man ‘Cam’rox’, I have heard the kids music, seen him battle live, and have absolutely no problem saying he is definitely one worth supporting. Check him out. Peace.

If you know me at all, you already know who Hexmurda is. …real talk, my MOM knows who Hexmurda is, and she is a small Jewish lawyer, but she knows me, so she knows him. I feel like he is the taskmaster of Detroit hip hop (which, as you already know, if my most favorite). Almost a year ago now I traveled all the way from the Bay to Detroit to support this asshole when some real shit happened to him, and honestly, it was probably one of the coolest experiences of my life, and that trip, and wanting to be like this dude, prompted me to start this site. He writes, he manages, he murders things, and just in general, he’s kind of a big deal. …check this shit out.

So, first of all. …who the fuck are you, where are you from, and what do you do?

No. First of all, Big Proof & J Dilla FOREVER. Now, I’m Hexmurda from Dietroit, and I manage Guilty Simpson, eLZhi (along w/ JBG), and Black Milk. I also talk a lot of shit.

How long you been, you know, runnin’ Detroit hip hop?

I don’t run shit but my mouth. Let’s get everybody who deserves to eat, eating, and then watch who’s directed to the head of that round table. Then you’ll have an answer to at least half your question.

Who are you currently representing, and what do they have out currently or in the works?

Guilty, eLZhi (along w/ JBG), and Black Milk.

Were currently gearing up for Black Milk’s “Album of the Year”, out on 9.14. My co-d Sean Price landed today to put the finishing touches on the Random Axe LP with Black & Guilt. I think eLZhi is just going to be content with being better than 99.9% of these rap niggas. He’s gonna wait for the smoke to clear, then make it real ugly for these niggas.

Why do you hate. …everything?

What’s there to like about anything? Fuck stuff.

So, I came out to Detroit for the first time for a benefit/show in your honor. …cause some type serious shit happened with you. Wanna speak on it?

I got fucked up – Devil tried to kill me. Pontine stroke. For some inexplicable reason, God saved a nigga, brought back from the point of no return. I’m fucked up, tho. Can’t talk or walk, the whole nine.

Rep for your city. …who are your favorites comin’ out of the D right now? Be they new kids or people who have been around for a while and maybe just haven’t gotten the attention they deserve.

Shit, that’s easy. Guilty Simpson, eLZhi, Danny Brown, King Gordy, Fat Killaz, TrkTrk, Black Milk, Royce Da 5′9″, D12 & Eminem.

You have to know that you have inspired a whole group of people to ‘not give a fuck’ – at least that’s the image they put forth on Twitter. I remember when I first stumbled upon you on Twitter, I put up a picture of me giving the finger to the camera, and a homeboy tweeted me talkin’ about how my photo was ‘Hexmurda style’. …took a look at your avi with the classic middle finger salute up, and let him and you know mine was influenced by my favorite photo of Pac. That’s when we started following each other. …how does it make you feel now that there is an ENDLESS sea of people with middle fingers up in their Twitter pictures (inspired by you) who think you’re the be all end all when it comes to, well, how life is. Clearly, people have come to appreciate your sense of don’t give a fuckness, what are your thoughts on that?

That’s some cool shit – niggas just respecting my reality. You know, sometimes you just gotta say “fuck it”.

How do you feel about the Detroit hip hop scene in general? I feel like there is soooooooo much talent there, but so little recognition. Why do you think that is? Why is Detroit hip hop, which is vastly superior to the hip hop coming out of most regions right now, not getting the same amount of praise/support/etc – even by people IN Detroit?

Because people confuse “rap” with “hip hop”. Rap is hugely popular right now. Hip hop music – not so much. The whole music business is like the movie “Idiocracy”. The dumber the better. Stupid music rules the day, while Detroit is frowned upon like a bunch of useless rocket scientists. But we’ll be here when this planet is all fucked up & they need to know how to make rockets to get to another galaxy.

I’ve had a sneaking suspicion for a while now that you’re going to, you know, murder me. …correct, or?

Watch your fucking back, dog.

So what’s the deal with you now? Are you back on your feet, still recovering, etc? Are you back to work, and if so, what means do you use to do what you do? Clearly the internet. …what else? And how do you use shit like Twitter to your advantage?

Naw, I’m still fucked up. Can’t walk and shit. Only have use of my left hand for typing and shit. Use my blackberry to orchestrate shit and harangue label niggas. Twitter is just a way to let niggas know I’m still here, still popping shit.

You could tell me a cool story about Dilla right now. …that would be dope.

I’m the last muthafucka to hand Dilla a mic state side at the Hollywood HOB, at the end of a Slum Village/Phat Kat show in LA. Nigga went out & did his verse on “Raise It Up”. I had to basically hold his fucking arm the whole show so he didn’t sneak away.

So, musically speaking, who are some of your personal favorites? Both rappers and producers. …even non hip hop shit.

I’m a weird nigga – I actually like my rappers able to rap & my singers able to sing. So of course all the niggas I’m down with, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, eLZhi, Royce, Danny Brown, TrkTrk, Phat Kat, Fat Ray, FK, Dwele, Big Tone, Nametag, Ketch P, Paradime, Melanie Rutherford, Ms. Monica Blaire, Invincible, Miz Korona, Eminem, Obie Trice, Sean P., Pharoahe Monch, Ras Kass, Bishop Lamont, Talib Kweli, Black Thought, Eric Roberson, can. Producers? Denaun Porter, Wajeed, K. Riggins, Dabrye, Apollo Brown, Quelle, NottzRaw, Alchemist, Pete Rock, Vitamin D, Khrysis, Marco Polo, MoSS, Jake One, 9th Wonder, Just Blaze, DJ Toomp, Emile, DJ Green Lantern, DJ Babu, Evidence, M-Phazes, OhNo, Madlib & DJ Khalil.

Now on to something completely different. …given the name of the site, I’m wondering, whose music do you think is total garbage?

There’s so much garbage out it’s hard to say just one, but me being the nigga I am I gotta keep it 1000. I think Drake is the worst nigga to come out. Just because of his acting past & he was over hyped. Don’t get me wrong, the nigga can rhyme. So could Brian Austin Green. If he won Canadian Idol or some shit I wouldn’t have shit to say. But niggas actin’ like he’s the best nigga doin’ it? Not as long as Royce & eLZhi are breathing. And if niggas are co-signing you as the best rapper – rap. Don’t come out singing with “a smidgen” of auto-tune on the vocal. But that’s what sells now, so I guess the nigga is winning.

Ummmm, do you hate rappers?

Fuck a rapper. 99% of those niggas are professional rhyming liars. I BELIEVE Sigel. I BELIEVE The LOX. I BELIEVE Blood Raw, I BELIEVE Birdman. I BELIEVE Nipsey. I BELIEVE 40 Glocc. I BELIEVE REDD EYEZ. I BELIEVE 50. I BELIEVE Fat Joe. & I BELIEVE IN every nigga I’m down with. Shit changed after that incident w/ Jay-Z & Un.

You’ve been, you know, vocal, to say the least, about the ‘situation’ regarding Slum Village, though you, nor anyone else, has actually said what the situation is. What’s the fucking situation? And, ummmm, tell’em why you mad son.

Man, good luck to T3 & whoever the fuck else is in Slum Village.

Where did the name Hexmurda come from? …cause Imma be perfectly honest, that’s not like, a normal nickname.

I have no fucking idea.

Lastly – what do you want the world, or, you know, at least the dick bags that come to this site, to know about Hexmurda?

Fuck yo life, Black Milk’s AOTY, Sept 14th, with his AOTY release party/the Hexmurda Homecoming Saturday Sept 18th at the world famous historical St. Andrews Hall in Detroit.

Die slow.

P.S. God likes me better than you.

You’re welcome.

Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. The realest motherfucker I ever interviewed. …there isn’t much else I can say except you should A. follow him on Twitter here. B. Listen to every word he says cause he is smarter than you. C. Check out his site/blog here. …aaaaannnndddd we’re done. Peace.

A few weeks ago I was in my favorite place, Detroit, and I had the extreme pleasure of interviewing the amazing DJ, producer, and all around knowledgeable motherfucker we all know as House Shoes. …check this shit out.

So, in case there is anyone out there on this site that doesn’t know – impossible, but whatever, tell us who you are, where you’re from, and what you do.

House Shoes. Detroit, Michigan. …relocated to Los Angeles four years ago. DJ. Producer. Heavy supporter of the Detroit hip hop scene, Detroit hip hop artists, and artists who create good music in general. Kinda the resident DJ for Detroit hip hop from 94/95 up through 2006 when I left. Carried the burden – carried the load.

Invincible – Locusts (feat. Finale) (prod. House Shoes)

Okay, so you moved to LA. …what are you doing out there in particular? Especially, what are you doing differently than you were doing here (in Detroit, where the interview took place – in case you hadn’t gotten that memo)?

Not being as burdened by the scene as I was when I was here. I went out there and just kinda lived, you know? I take care of cats that I feel need some help and support from afar, but it’s kind of a real pick and choose situation. Out there, you know, I got a baby, I got a girl – I got a family I’m takin’ care of. Basically, I’ve done a lot more traveling since I went out there. The world don’t really pay attention globally unless – the coasts are a much better platform for people to pay attention. Since I moved to LA I’ve been to Europe, fuckin’ like, 8 times and shit. Australia, New Zealand – it’s crazy, I made a list the other day of like, all the places, all the countries – fuckin’, I’ve been to like 25 countries. It’s pretty wild. In the heat of things, you know, you’re just having fun with it, but then sometimes you sit back and go ‘damn’, it’s really blessin’ to be able to see the world – not only to see the world but see the similar, like minded people all around the world who have a taste and a hunger for the shit that we do in Detroit. It’s definitely a blessin’.

Do people just like – know you everywhere?

I mean, it ain’t no Drake shit, you know what I’m sayin’? It ain’t no commercial platform – but, you know, as a motherfucker who’s basically been a one man show for a long time. …I definitely thank the internet.

Marv Won – Stomp (prod. House Shoes)

So, producing? I’m a big fan of your production – I like what you did with Marv Won, I like what you did with Invincible. …what’s goin’ on with that? Are you working with more people? I heard you put a beat out that I heard on one of your mixtapes a minute ago.

A looooooooooooonnnnggggg time ago! Real talk, I ain’t made a beat in well over two years, you know what I’m sayin’? I gotta lot of shit stacked up. Just recently got a hold of some new shit, so I’m about to get back on the beats. You know I started making beats at the same time I started DJing for the most part – a couple home beats. Making good shit – I paid attention, watched, and learned the ropes, and stacked’em up. You don’t see a lot of my shit on records throughout the years because I come from the school of Dilla, where you gotta pay to play. But shit, you know – there’s definitely more to come. …the Do-Over 10” came out in January, sold out in like two days – 1000 copies, retail 18 dollas’ a pop for a 10” single, so that was dope.

I hear your doing something with Crown Nation? A 12”?

Yeah, you know the homie Quelle, his crib burned up and shit so – when real life shit happens to people I work real well under those situations to help out. Got on the horn, spread the word. Got some money up. …and a cat on twitter hit me up like ‘yo, I got a couple dollars stashed away, I wanna do a Quelle record’ – and, you know, I put out records before so I kinda schooled on him on it real quick, told him how he should do it. So basically it’s a Houshoes presents – 7/8 joints, a couple instrumentals and really good to have Quelle on vinyl. Quelle’s definitely one of my favorite artists – one of my favorite dudes.

So what’s up with the mixtapes you’ve been co-signing and hosting? Like Marv Won, Crown Nation, etc.

Basically I’ve got a platform that I’ve created. …and I don’t fuckin’ rap – I use my platform to assist those who I respect and have love for. So Marv, Marv’s always been one of my favorites. You know, a lot of cats back home that don’t know how the machine works. How to present your shit to people, get it out, get your buzz up, so – that Way Of The Won album was something that he had been sittin’ on for a minute, and one day I’m just like ‘fuck this shit, lemme hit up Marv and put some heat up under this shit’, you know what I’m sayin’? It’s like, I hit up Frank at Rappers I Know (rappersiknow.com) – he helped me get the word out, did posts on Rappers I Know, and I put the shit out on Twitter, you know. …leaked the Blue Monday shit out on Twitter. Just pushin’ the homies shit. Like I said, I’m not an artist, I’m a producer and a DJ. I play the records. I’m trying to get the records as much attention as possible so that when I play’em they can already be appreciated. You know?

Production wise, you said you hadn’t made anything in a while, but when you were making something, who would have been the person you would really have wanted to rap over your shit? Like, who would have been your ‘I’ll fuck somebody up to have this person rap over one of my beats’?

What, like industry cats?

Whoever.

Whoever?

Whoever.

Ummmm…

If you say Drake this interview is over.

I fuck with Drake – I can’t even front, I fuck with Drake.

(laughter breaks out)

Do you REALLY?

I’m not about to – I’d be really. Shit, it’d be dope as fuck to have a song with Drake, I can’t front. That’s fuckin’ – a million people that would know my name.

True.

But uh – Guilty, Quelle, Jay Electronica, Moe Dirdee. …me and Moe Dirdee workin’ on some shit. Royce. I fuckin’ LOVE King Gordy. Motherfuckers don’t know about King Gordy. King Gordy’s a fuckin’ monster.

Fat Killahz.

Yeah definitely. You gon’ seem some records, I’m trying to get these old catalogue beats out – keep increasing my platform production wise, so when I do drop a record with an artist, I won’t have to – it’s not gonna be as much work, you know what I’m sayin’?

So, I think, in my personal opinion, the most talent in hip hop is coming out of this area that we’re in right now (Detroit).

…it’s been goin’ on like that for 15 fuckin’ years.

BUT, my question is, why doesn’t snybody else know? Like, why isn’t it looked at as a place like New York or. . .

The funny thing is that it is – among the artists it is. Like motherfuckers know that Detroit got that shit, they scared. It’s just for some reason the labels haven’t ever taken advantage of the jewels we have in this city for some odd reason. You know, you got Em, you got Royce, but it’s a fuckin’ – such a heavy squad here in the city. That for some reason – I mean you know, cats in Detroit just really are not business minded.

Is that what it is?

Yeeeaaaahhhh – really not business minded at all. It’s just a wild fuckin’ city, and the life is heavy around here so, a lot of cats is on some day to day, week to week, month to month shit. When you deal with all that stress and drama it’s hard to get your head in a position, like – on some business 101. Shit that’s real easy to me is so far out of someone else’s mind. They’re worried about fuckin’ getting’ a couple dollars up for studio time ‘hopefully this motherfucker will give me a beat, or this guy will give me a beat. Should I even approach them and ask them to give me some shit for free or should I just fuckin’ try to stack up for a couple months – cash out’, so. You’re definitely gonna see – it’s funny man, cause in America these motherfuckers don’t know shit. It’s so cliché when you talk to underground artists, these motherfuckers don’t know nothin’. Fuckin’ rats chasin’ the cheese. …but on a world wide scale – the first time I went to fuckin’ Paris, I walked up in the club at like 10:30 and the DJ’s playin’ Marv’s joint off Sound Of The City, and motherfuckers is reciting the hook. That shit damn near brought a tear to my eye, just knowing that motherfuckers is back here and they have no idea that they gettin’ love half way across the planet.

In Detroit, there’s no support – there’s no radio support for this real shit. Motherfuckers don’t know who Slum Village is, they don’t know who Dilla is, they don’t know none of that shit. You Know?

That shit hurts my feelings – I mean, I expect that where I live at, but not here.

Oh no, Cali motherfuckers no the deal all day. …that’s why J (Dilla) went out there, because between Toronto and Cali, you know, they gave Slum so much love when they first got on. J was anonymous in this mothefucker – he moved to LA. …signin’ autographs at McDonalds.

If you go to a liquor store (in Detroit) and ask a motherfucker who Black Milk is, he’ll be like ‘Chocolate milk!’.

(death inducing laughter breaks out)

‘like what is that shit?’.

Fuck that – you don’t do shit for your city, you gotta make global music.

Yeah, you’re def right – a lot of Detroit music is REALLY localized.

You can spend your whole fuckin’ life tryna’ get a motherfucker two blocks over to know who the fuck you are when you got motherfuckers in Austria and Germany and Amsterdam and Paris, fuckin’ Australia that know every word of your shit.

House Shoes – Newports

So who are some producers that you like? …who are you favorites?

Black Milk, Quelle, 14KT all day, ALL DAY 14KT, great dude. Chanes – just produced Miz Koronas whole album, he’s real dope.

Damn, I hate that question because afterwards I always think of people like ‘I shoulda’ said him, I shoulda said him’.

You didn’t name any of the classics – that’s usually who people go for first.

Everybody knows that. Pete Rock, Premier – I try to keep up to date with who the next motherfuckers are. …ain’t no point in beating old ass 20 year old records into the ground, I’m tryna’ try to represent motherfuckers that will be playin’ 20 years from now that just came out, know what I’m saying?

I fuck with Dakim. I don’t know where the fuck Dakim is at, but Dakim got some shit. Oh yeah, this guy Dilla. …you might have heard of him. Jay Dee or some shit.

I don’t – I don’t know about that. I don’t know who that is.

Ummmm………..

My boy Paul White, he got some shit.

Shoutouts! SHOUTOUTS!

House Shoes got some shit – if he ever made beats. Khalil – Khalil is a fuckin’ monster, outta LA. Of course Madlib, of cours Oddisee, Khrysis. I can’t front, I like Drake’s producer – with that emo shit. …I fuck with that shit.

I liked you so much before we started the interview.

(laughter)

I don’t fuck with that whole album, but he got some joints on there that I do fuck with.

…

That’s about it.

So you’re a highly regarded DJ, what’s it like just to do what you love? You get to play music for people for a living – how is that?

I just find good music I like and I play the shit for motherfuckers that like good music. I don’t play radio shit – like, there might be a radio joint here or there that I might like, I’ll play the shit. I’m not like ‘I’M NOT GONNA PLAY ANY RADIO SHIT’. …there’s some good shit on the radio.

Like Drake?

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell yeah – Fireworks! I fuck with that. Fireworks is my shit. …I wouldn’t play that shit though. That’s the difference, stuff you fuck with at the crib – you know?

What do you love about it and what do you hate about it? What is it to you besides just playin’ music?

It’s just runnin’ shit. Like, you in control and shit. Like, you got a room full of 300/400 people and they’re at your mercy. …and, you know – I mean c’mon, I get paid fuckin’ thousands of dollars to fuckin’ play a record.

I’M SAYIN’!

Records that I LIKE.

I would gladly trade places with you.

I get paid thousands of dollars to play this shit that everybody, quote, unquote, wants to hear. I’m a big fan of everything I’ve ever played – that’s a fuckin’ blessin’.

Yeah.

The travel shit is kinda – it can be fuckin’ stressful. It’s fuckin’ fathers day, I’m in Detroit, my babies back at the crib (in LA) – that’s some bullshit.

So, what’s your take on the Detroit music seen? What are your thoughts?

Well, we are the best, let that be known.

Agreed.

It ain’t just rap shit, it’s everything. Even back in Motown and all that shit. …it’s just fuckin’ – it can be real irritatin’ knowing there’s so much talent in my city and have it go undiscovered. Unfortunately it probably will not be discovered, just due to the forces that be, and due to the machine, and what not. Cause musically and lyrically this city is so far ahead.

What do you think makes you guys so much better?

Cause we don’t give a fuck. …we don’t, you know? I’m sayin’ like, New York, New York fell off when they started followin’. That’s who everybody else looked to for guidance over the years – then you had New York motherfuckers makin’ down South records. Fuck that. We don’t do that shit. We’re gonna fuckin’ make some shit that’s gonna make your face scrunch up, it’s an escape – you know? We give you an escape from that real life shit out here. So when we do that we’re not gonna point it towards the mainstream when it’s strictly for us.

If you wanna get your shit together, ask somebody whose shit is together. …they can tell you some shit, you know? We the elders in this shit. You know? Detroit is – I call my shit humble arrogance. We’re an arrogant city, but at the same time, it’s a lot of humility in the city too. It’s real people. It’s a real regular crowd – it ain’t that funny Hollywood shit, you know what I’m sayin’? At all.

That’s why I like it.

…rrrrrriiiiigggghhhhtttt.

Blogger note: There was a question here about Dilla, but given recent events with people acting stupid and reckless with regards to Dilla, it was asked that this part of the interview be omitted. …all I can say is, at least I got to hear it, and, respect the legacy motherfuckers.

The name. …is it as obvious as it seems?

I used to wear house shoes all the time

I had to ask.

What do you want people to know about House Shoes?

Pay attention. …you know? That’s a very multifaceted statement. Pay attention as in, if I’m in your city, pay to come see me. If I got a record out, pay for that shit. If I got something on the internet, iTunes, pay for that shit. Just, listen to what the fuck I say, cause I don’t waste my breath. I speak my mind 100% – Imma very honest person. …and, you know, you might see me go on some rant shit, but within that rant is a very good point. I don’t fuckin’ wild out over petty bullshit. You know what I’m sayin’?

Ummm. …I have good taste in music. And it ain’t just with rap shit. If I tell you to listen to somethin’, listen to what the fuck I’m sayin’.

I’m the shit. Period.

(laughter)

…it’s that simple. You ask any of these motherfuckers man, like – I gotta big family out here. I gotta big family around the world, you know? It’s a reason motherfuckers fuck with me.

So that concludes my interview with the illustrious House Shoes. …did REALLY was droppin’ knowledge, shit that people in Detroit and beyond could learn from, so take the mans advice and pay attention. Also, follow him on Twitter here – and check out his podcasts here. PEACE!

In some weird world where I get to interview amazing producers, someone took it upon themselves to allow me the opportunity to interview producer Marco Polo, a beast in his own right. …check this shit out.

So, for people who may not know, which seems unlikely, but whatever, tell us who you are, where you’re from, and a little about what you do.

I go by the name of Marco Polo – producer, originally from Toronto, Canada, now residing in Brooklyn, NY. I produce for people such as Scarface, Pharoahe, Masta Ace, Large Professor, Boot Camp. I’ve released many of my own albums including Port Authority back in 2007, Double Barrel with Torae and eXXecution with Ruste Juxx, and now the Stupendous Adventures Of Marco Polo on Duck Down Records dropping this Tuesday (TODAY! COP THAT!).

Marco Polo – Nostalgia (feat. Masta Ace)

Mmmm, Canada huh? That sucks. I mean – nice! So, given that producers aren’t always the ones getting notoriety over the tracks they create, tell us where we might have heard some of your beats?

The biggest song I have to date is with Masta Ace called Nostalgia – one of the singles off Port Authority. The video got like 1.2 million views so that took on a whole life neither of us expected. On Double Barrel people might be familiar with the self titled track, or Hold Up feat. Sean Price & Masta Ace. …or Party Crashers. With Ruste Juxx, you might be familiar with our single Nobody – had a video out recently. Or Rearview – you know, I’ve done a lot of work with Duck Down and Boot Camp and Heltah Skeltah.

Marco Polo & Ruste Juxx – Nobody

So, you do some hard ass beats. The albums with Ruste Juxx and Torae were straight up and down grimy. Even though I know you vary it, especially with your solo shit, do you feel like that’s your strength, making these really sort of aggressive beats that work well with a really aggressive flow?

I definitely have a knack for making some hardcore street shit. Which is funny because when people see me or meet me in real life, I’m like this skinny white kid from Toronto – then they hear my music and they’re like ‘WOW. You’re music sounds like a monster truck holding a knife with a gun and a grenade.’ – it doesn’t match up. You know? It really depends on how I’m feeling that day, that’ll dictate what type of beat I make. I definitely love that sound, I really did two albums back to back of that type of hardcore, aggressive sound with Double Barrel and eXXecution and I really got it out of my system. Now with Port Authority 2 which I’m working on, it’s gonna be definitely more of that, but definitely a mix of some other styles too. I like to try and be as versatile as possible. The drums are always gonna smack you in the face – that’s one thing I never really stop doing, but you might have the melodic, more storytelling beats, or some more mellow shit mixed in with the real dark, grimy street bangers.

Who are your favorite producers? Current vs. all time.

Currently – well some of these guys aren’t brand new, I consider them to be part of the new school. DJ Khalil, who’s definitely not new, but he’s definitely on a major label getting the shine he deserves. Jake One, Kev Brown, those are some of the newer guys that really – when I hear their stuff I’m like ‘wow, I need to go make some beats’. Truly inspiring. Then you know, the legends – I feel like a broken record because I say the same people all the time but I don’t eve care like – DJ Premier is honestly like number one to me of all time. That’s just a personal preference. Then there’s all the legends like Marley Marl, The Bomb Squad, the Beatnuts, Large Professor, Pete Rock, and of course, J Dilla. The whole diggin’ in the crates – you know, Buckwild, Diamond D, Showbiz, Lord Finesse. I was raised on that East coast sound.

People say you chop a sample like Primo – I can see it. …how does something like that make you feel? I’ve read Primo is a huge influence of yours, and, you know, you just said that so..

Yeah, I’m a Primo fan boy, which is weird, because he is one of my best friends. At this point, it’s crazy having my number one influence being a regular acquaintance. I have to step back sometimes – it’s hard not to just be a fan. I’m definitely influenced by him. I’m totally fine with giving him his props – cause he deserves it. You know? Everyone’s so concerned with being cool – not dick riding. It’s not dick riding, it’s paying homage to the greats. He’s the reason why I’m doing what I’m doing now. He definitely inspired me to learn how to chop samples and really freak shit, you know? Every day I learn something new so, if people give me props on that, it’s much appreciated.

So what do you have on deck? I hear there is new shit comin’ soon, tell me about it?

The Stupendous Adventures of Marco Polo dropping June 29th (TODAY! COP THAT!) on Duck Down Records, and basically, that album is a collection of real solid material that I have in the stash. It was all stuff recorded in between the last four albums that might have missed the album deadline. It might have been a remix, or a b-side, was only released on vinyl or not realeased at all – I put too much work into this stuff for those songs to just sort of slip through the cracks so. I wanted to compile them all, get them properly mixed and mastered and put together a project that kind of documented all the music I was doing in between albums, cause it’s good stuff. And for the humble fan base I have, they have the opportunity to get it all in one shot now – and really have everything I produced. I’m excited to give it to the people, and all the artists on it are great. I’m lucky to have the outlet with Duck Down to be able to put out projects like that, so definitely you should check out that.

Then I’m working on Port Authority 2 right now – everything’s going into that album, which is a pretty big task. …because, when you’re not dealing with just one MC it kinda slows the process down, and I have like, instead of one MC, I’m working with 45.

WOW.

I’m not saying it’ll be that many, but it’s a ton of artists and I’m trying to do more posse cuts on this record. You know? I wanna change it up. I don’t wanna make Port Authorty 1 again – I did that. I wanna use that concept, that vibe, and take it to another level. It’s gonna involve a lot of work, because I’m proud of the first one, but I have to literally shit on that one with this new one.

(intense laughter breaks out)

Good attitude.

You know?

If you’re not gonna get bigger and better, then there’s no point.

Marco Polo & Torae – Party Crashers

Okay, you have the shit with Juxx and the shit with Torae – who’s another MC that you would love to team up with?

Masta Ace. …I been buggin’ the crap outta Masta Ace to do an album with me – I think that would be really special.

(special? …pause.)

It’s definitely something that could happen, but not any time too soon. He has some projects he’s working on and me as well. …but that’s someone I’d love to do an album with. Besides that – there’s just a lot of MC’s I’d like to work on an album with. Roc Marciano is another guy that – we’re supposed to do an album, but it’s just all a matter of timing. I gotta do Port Authority 2 so, that’s gonna take me a minute. …so before I can even think of another project, I gotta knock this one out.

I’m just gonna throw in my bid for Sean Price – cause your beats and his verse sound amazing together. …just throwing that out there.

You know I actually just spoke to him today over e-mail and I got a beat on Mic Tyson – you know, he’s a really picky dude. That’s family. Just for the record, of course I would do that in a heartbeat. Sean knows the deal – I’m ready.

I’m just sayin’. …that’s what I’m laying in bed at night thinking about – that collab, so, if that ever goes down.

Next time you see him in person you tell’em!

Definitely. (…never gonna happen. Retraining orders and all.)

How do you feel about radio hip hop? Do you wish it was something it’s currently not? Is it not even on your radar?

Ummmmm. …well, if we’re talking about commercial radio, there’s not a ton of it I can relate to – doesn’t mean I hate it, it’s just my opinion, I don’t connect with a lot of the stuff I hear on commercial radio, especially in New York. Especially knowing all the types of hip hop that are made in New York, it would be nice to hear more of a balance. I think there’s room for everything – there used to be room for anything. With the Vanilla Ice’s, and the Young MC’s, you would still hear A Tribe Called Quest. It would be nice to get more of a balance. But then radio could also mean college radio, where there are shows dedicated to playing really underground, independent stuff that I make – they definitely help get my name out there and show a lot of support so. …yeah.

How does Port Authority compare to Stupendous Adventures Of Marco Polo?

The Stupendous was not an album that was created to be – like all those songs were made in different times. …like, people wanna call Port Authority a compilation – but I disagree, because Port Authority, to me, is an album because I recorded everything with a certain project in mind. If you were going to throw the term compilation around, the Stupendous would be more of a compilation, because it’s different time periods. None of those songs were meant or planned to be all together on an album, it just ended up that way – and that’s exactly what it is. A bunch of songs that are really dope that I compiled together to give to the people. The Port Authority albums are crafted to all flow together from song to song. It’s like one listening experience that was meant to be that way – everything will connect.

So, the name of the site is yourtasteinmusicsucks.com – now is your chance, tell the world (or at least the assholes who read this site) who you think makes garbage music.

(laughter breaks out)

WOW. …you know what? I’m gonna have to pleas the 5th on that one.

Nooooooooooooo!

I’ve never been big on being a negative person. All I can do is focus my energy on – if I hate something, I take that energy and put it into making my music extra dope. So, all I can say is, if your music is wack, then step up your game, but I’m not gonna mention no names.

(laughter)

Tryin’ to throw me under the bus!

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a very opinionated person and, you know, but. …there’s a difference between opinion and hate. I try not to hate anything, that’s just a wasted emotion.

I feed off of it a little bit. Nah, kidding. …sort of.

It’s fun, I’m not gonna lie.

What do you want the world to know about Marco Polo – the beat maker, not the explorer.

I guess the first thing I want people to know is that I’m a fan. Every day I’m trying to learn and study where it (hip hop/music) came from, where it’s going, and how I can be part of the future. You know what I’m saying? I definitely keep in touch with the internet and peoples comments on my music, and I see people calling it throwback or old school, and that kinda bothers me a little bit because I’m not trying to take anything back. I’m not trying to resurrect the 90’s or the late 80’s, I’m just trying to be myself and take influences from that area and move it forward into 2010 and beyond. It’s almost like being influenced in that area with my personal updated twist on it – with my little stamp. I’m definitely trying to move things forward while paying homage and showing respect. It’s really important, even with the young kids now, to do your research, you know? I didn’t grow up in the park jams in New York, I was like 3 years old, so obviously I can’t be faulted for that, but once I got into hip hop and started listening to it, I made sure to go back and do my research and see how it started and where it came from. I’m still learning. It’s really important, and not even just for hip hop but for all the genres, cause if you, if you look back into all the beats – I know I’m going on a tangent right now so pardon me

Don’t worry about it. …you’re good

You have to, you know – all the producers that I looked up to, they’re open minded to all genres of music because those are the samples they used to create the sound that have made classics. So, you talk to someone like a Marley Marl or Primo – they’re big rock n roll heads just as much as funk and soul and jazz. As a good producer you gotta be in tune with all genres of music – new, old. You gotta absorb that energy and find the sounds that you love and incorporate them into your own style and be unique. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing because we always have that, that’s already there. Don’t worry about what they’re doing. What are you gonna do that’s gonna make you stand apart from them and do something unique? We gotta Primo, we gotta Nottz, we gotta Dr. Dre, what are you bringing to the table?

So that concludes my interview with Marco Polo, the skinny white boy from Toronto who makes beats that sound like ‘a monster truck holding a knife with a gun and a grenade’. This was a dope interview with some definite lessons for you up and comers, so I hope you enjoyed it. Much thanks to Marco Polo himself, very funny, VERY talented guy. Peace!

A long, long, LONG time ago I asked Apollo Brown for an interview – then he kinda blew up a little bit, so I just recently got the interview back. …that being said, he is way more well known now then he was then, but his talent is still spectacular so, fuck it. Check this shit out.

For those who don’t already know, tell us about who you are and what you’re doing with this hip hop shit…

The name is Apollo Brown. I’m a producer representing the mighty city of Detroit. I’ve been doing this for about 14 years now. It’s been a long time coming. I signed a production deal with Mello Music Group(MMG) in January 2010. Shortly there after, I signed 4 albums deals for the 2010 year for Myself, The Left, UPS and Daily Bread. “The Reset” is out in stores everywhere now, and the other 3 albums are coming soon!

Danny Brown – Contra (prod by Apollo Brown)

You’re from the Mitten (MI)! There are some pretty amazing musicians coming out of your state… How are you setting yourself apart from them?

Detroit (Michigan) is where it’s at right now. Detroit (Michigan) is where it’s always been for good music. I love the fact that I can contribute to such a great legacy and sought after sound. I think the main thing that sets me apart from other Detroit producers is that I don’t actually have a Detroit sound. I don’t tend to have that Detroit swing and/or bounce to my production. I grew up listening to mainly East Coast hip hop in the early-mid 90’s, so I was all about that grimy, static-filled, hard drum, filtered sample sound. I used to eat, sleep, and breathe that shit. I STILL do. I think my sound reflects that alot.

Apollo Brown – We Almost Lost Detroit (RIP J Dilla)

In your opinion, who are the top five beat makers? (all time vs. current)

All time: DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Dilla, Da Beatminerz, and DJ Muggs
Current: Oddisee, 9th Wonder, Kev Brown, Black Milk, and 14KT

If you could model yourself/your career after any producer/s, who would you choose? Why?

I’d have to say either DJ Premier or 9th Wonder. Mainly because both of these producers continue to maintain an underground sound but understand that it’s sometimes necessary to move into the mainstream for a “quick” dip in the water. DJ Premier accomplished this with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5, Kanye West, and Craig David. 9th Wonder did this with Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, and Erykah Badu. The difference between these producers and a lot of others, is that they don’t try to stay in the mainstream. They shit and get off the pot! They both are still highly respected in the underground hip hop community. I’d love to be like that.

Apollo Brown – Brainwash (remix) (feat Yu, Grap Luva, & Finale)

Pick one of the projects you are working on currently, and lay it out for us. What’s it all about?

I’ll just speak a little about all 4 projects for 2010. Right at this moment, everybody should be looking out for “The Reset”. “The Reset” is an old school-style compilation/rework album that features some of today’s premier underground artists over some of my more soulful production. It’s out right now in stores everywhere and also everywhere online. Next up is an album I’m doing with the ill emcee Boog Brown. Together we’re called “UPS” and the album is called “Brown Study”. This album is perfect for hip hop heads and the masses alike. There is something for everyone on this and we’re looking at a September release. Following that is the mythical album “Gas Mask” by my collective called “The Left”. The Left is comprised of myself, a dope emcee named Journalist 103, and DJ Soko. This album has been done for a while now. The anticipation is crazy, but the release is slated for October. Rounding out the year, will be my album with Hassaan Mackey, one of the baddest emcees period. Together we’re called “Daily Bread”. This album is gritty, raw, and straight to the point. Beautiful shit! Each of these releases are on the Mello Music Group (MMG) Label.

Besides hip hop, what kind of music inspires you?

I listen to a lot of old soul, 60’s psychedelic, and 70s-80’s soft rock. I grew up listening to a lot of soft rock and easy listening music. Journey, The Carpenters, Phil Collins, and others were a big influence on me. I always say that I grew up on the Seals & Crofts version of “Summer Breeze”, not The Isley Brothers’ version.

As I mentioned previously, your state is kinda on the map right now because of this hip hop shit… What are your feelings about that, and who are some of your home state favorites?

Like I said earlier Michigan is where it’s at right now. Everywhere I look, it seems as though Detroit is what everyone is checking for. I love being a part of this underground movement. I love being a name that someone says when they mention Detroit hip hop. I’d have to say that my home state favorites include Guilty Simpson, Finale, 14KT, Invincible, Ohkang, Magestik Legend, Black Milk, The Regiment, Cream of Beats, and Street Justice, just to name a few.

Who’s an MC that you would delete all your drum kits for a chance to work with?

Right now, that would be Jay Electronica. This guy is a monster.

What’s one thing people need to know about Apollo Brown? Something personal as well as something about your music.

I naturally think that my music and/or production is considered good quality hip hop. So when I tell someone about it, they can usually hear the passion in my voice. I’m from an era that I think is the best ever in hip hop, 1991-1996. I unconsciously reach for a lot of those influences when making my music. If you like good samples, hard drums, and lots of static, check for me! Oh, and I have the worst stage fright in the world! The mic and I don’t get along at all.

I have to give a shout to my family and friends for the support system. I want to give a shout to Mike at Mello Music Group and the rest of the MMG Family. I want to give a shout to all of the fans, radio stations, websites, and blogs like this one that support me and my music! I also have to give props to all those who still love and respect good hip hop!

Go check out my:
Myspace (www.myspace.com/thevintagemovement)
Facebook (E. Vincent Stephens)
Twitter (@apollobrown)

Go get “The Reset”!

And that concludes my interview with producer Apollo Brown. …if you have yet to check his shit out yet, you’re playin’ yourself, so get on that. Peace.

Every once in a while I come up on a rapper that, when I hear them for the first time, I am truly just like, what the fuck? How are you this talented? This dude, who I was fortunate enough to nail down for an interview, is one of them. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Locksmith. …check this shit out.

So, for those who don’t know, though, if they know me, I don’t know how they could not know cause I talk about you ALL THE TIME, who are you, where are you from, and what do you do?

This is Locksmith – from Richmond, California. You know, representin’ Richmond, representin’ IMGMI, Frontline. I’m an artist, MC, rapper, all those things – song writer.

BAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY AAAARRRRREEEEEEEEAAAAAAA! Represent. …so, off tops, how do you feel about the hip hop coming out of the Bay?

I feel like hip hop, I mean – music in general coming out of the Bay Area, this is just such a diverse market. …and I think that it’s just like, thriving with a lot of innovative sounds, ideas, artistry. It’s just about – you know, like any other place, it’s about getting’em out there. When you’re an innovator, when you’re being creative, you gotta work that much harder to get your music – to get your art form, out there. You know? So, I feel like there’s definitely a lot of talent, there’s a lot of diversity, there’s a lot of creativity going on. …but, you know, you just have to – you gotta work hard to get your vision out there. That’s what I’m doin’, so that’s what I would tell anybody. That’s how I feel about the scene right now.

Who are some of your favorite artists right now, both Bay specifically and in general?

Of all time or just right now?

…gimme both. All time. Right now. Whoever you’re feelin’. If I were to listen to your iPod, what are you listening to?

I’ll start with the Bay Area. I got a new artist that I’m working with named Frank Nitty (not to be confused with Frank Nitt of the Detroit Nitt’s that I have previously interviewed on this site) – that I’ve kind of taken under my wing. He’s just a dope MC, dope rapper, dope performer. …just a great artist man. I think that he finally, once he gets to the point where – something I think is gonna really – people are gonna take notice. Out here and beyond too.

Of course my camp, Frontline. My brother Left, EASki – we’re all like really workin’ on some creative stuff. …so those things inspire me. Other artist out here – you know, they workin’, and I see’em workin’ that I feel are dope – the Hoodstars, those are dope artists. Laroo from Richmond, and a lot of up and coming dudes that are making noise and I’m just lovin’ it. I love see young cats – young dudes in the game. You know what I mean? Pushin’ that creative boundary though.

As far as outside of the Bay Area – man, I listen to a lot of different stuff. You know what I mean? A lot of different genres. As far as hip hop is concerned, I like J. Cole, I like Jay Electronica, I like Drake’s stuff, but I’m kinda waiting to hear the album because – I go through those spells where I hear a certain kinda song, and I hear it over and over again, so I really wanna see what he’s gonna do – creatively. You know what I mean?

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhtttttttttttttt (no).

Cause sometimes he – you know Drake is. …it’s no fault of his that he’s part of that machine. When you part of that commercial machine you have to crank out a certain kind of song cause people wanna hear it. …and I understand – I’m just kinda lookin’ forward to hearing his album.

Of course, you know, my boys Slaughterhouse. Royce, Crooked, Joell and Joe Budden – I had the pleasure of workin’ with some of those cats. Their stuff is real dope. I always pay attention to what they doin’.

I’m just open to all kinda stuff, you know?

Locksmith – Man Up

I heard the new single, Man Up, and to me, it sounds different than your earlier stuff. …what’s up with that? Are you switching up your style, or is it just for this one track? What are you trying to do with this song?

Well – it’s really just me. You know what I mean? It’s really me. …like, I’m – I consider myself a diverse artist, you know what I mean? It’s kinda like – it has its plusses, and to me, the pluses outweigh the negatives. Of course people wanna hear more of the like underground kinda stuff – people who love that, they love that, and that’s me – I’m also a person that likes having a good time too. I can speak on various issues and different parts of my life, so, you have to be able to do that as an artist. To me, you have to be well rounded – so when you hear a song like Man Up, it’s really – it has more of a good feel. …and it has more of a broader appeal, to me, and what I feel. I wasn’t trying to make it like that, but that’s what comes out. I don’t go into premeditating records, songs. You know what I’m saying? Like, ‘this gon’ be my song for the bitches’.

(laughter breaks out)

…or ‘this gon’ be my political song’. I do what I feel is in my heart at that time, you know what I mean? Recording that record and coming out with that record just felt good to me – it just felt like something I wanted to do. …and, you know, the response has been good.

It’s like, I always like to keep my fans and my audience guessing and on their toes. I don’t wanna be like, ‘okay, You know what? Rare Form 1, 2, 3. Therapuedic.’, you know what I mean?

Yeah, not just coming out with the same track over and over.

Yeah. …it’s a whole bunch of just like – I wanna – I think like, great artists always keep you on your toes. Always diversify. I think that’s gonna be a reflection of my album – I mean, it’s gonna be diverse, and that’s what I want to do. Those are the kinds artists that I love. People that do things that are diverse. But, at the same time, I’m always doin’ me. I’m always staying true to my foundation and what I believe in, you know?

What’s in the works?

Man, I just been workin’ this album. I been workin’ on this album – I been really just in the stuio really – like I’m really focused and really happy with what’s gonna come of this album. …but at the same time, I’m still just workin’. I don’t know exactly when I’m gonna put it out, but I know when it does come out it’s gonna be right.

I’ve been really just working on that, and, of course recording Frontline material with my partner Left. I’m working on Frank Nitty’s album, EASki’s album, which is really, really incredible – I think it’s gonna really shock a lot of people, really knock people on they ass when they hear this new sound that we developing.

And, ummm, man just working. A lot of people – I did a short movie for EASki’s project. It’s called ‘No Problems’. …a lot of people saw the commercial on TNT. It’s a short movie with Danny Glover. It’s been accepted to some film festivals, so we’re excited about going out and performing at some of these film festivals. Just bringin’ it out man. I just shot the Man Up video. …which I feel real good about. A lot of things – I don’t like to speak on a lot of stuff before it comes out, you know what I mean? I don’t like to like show everything I’m doing until the time it comes. I like for people to get surprised by it.

Locksmith Grind Time Battle

People say that battle rappers shouldn’t make records. …what do you say to that?

I think what it is is that people think battle rappers can’t make songs. So, to me, I don’t really even think about that – I don’t care about that. I just do me. Like, I didn’t set out to be a battle rapper, it’s something I just developed into. It’s something I – you know, it just happened naturally. A natural progression, and then it’s something I was able to do and somewhat successful at it – people take notice to it. …and ummm, shit, Imma use it to be able to do what I need to do. It’s one of the facets – one of the dimensions of being a rapper, of being an MC as far as I’m concerned. That’s a facet or a compartment of that that I was able to be successful at – and ummm, I take pride in it, I love it, I love doin’ it, but I love making music at the same time to. My passion for both are at a high level. To me, I don’t even focus on that. A lot of non-battle rappers can’t make good music.

OKAY?!?!

Good music is scarce period.

OKAY??!!?! (internally I was yelling PREACH!!)

(laughter ensues)

That’s just a scarce scene period. …so, you can put it on the battle rapper but – ummm, after a while battle rappers do get that, that negative – they just leave a bad taste in peoples mouths. If you’re a battle rapper, it’s just automatically – people write you off as ‘oh, your music is wack’. …and, most of the time it is wack. But most artists – with rappers, if you had 100 rappers, probably 10 of’em are gonna be something that you feel are worth something. The same with battle rappers. There’s a lot of wack shit everywhere.

(PPPPPPPPPPRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCHHHH)

It’s not just within’ the battle rap community, you know?

Riiiigggghhhhtttt.

A real, dope artist is a scarce commodity anyway.

What do you love about hip hop?

Man, that is a broad question.

…gimme something!

What do I love about hip hop? I just love freedom of creation. I love the creative process. I’m talking about the musical aspect of hip hop, I love the creative process, I love being creative, I love thinking of new concepts, I love when a new idea comes to me, I love when a new flow, or when I hear a new beat that inspires me, or any – from anywhere, I just, you know, I love that inspiration and I love that creativity. …and that’s the thing that – if I didn’t have that then I’d probably wouldn’t even be doin’ music. Cause, you know, this is a tough game. Especially in this market that we’re in. We’re talkin’ about financial and we’re talkin’ about industry – you know, industry standards or whatever, it’s a tough game. …but I love creating, I love the creativity, I love it. That’s what drives me and that’s what I truly love about hip hop.

What do you hate about hip hop?

What do I hate? I hate. …I mean I don’t really hate nothin’ – sometimes I get irritated by hip hop. You know what I mean? I get irritated by the fact that it’s so accessible, you know what I mean? That everybody can do – that anybody can just record something and just say they’re a rapper. I hate when people – I hate when people don’t love hip hop, you know what I mean? When you love hip hop and you’re sincere about what you do it’s gon’ come through your music. …whether I don’t like it or not, you’re not my taste, but I can still respect you cause you’re being true to who you are and that comes from love. Love for the music and love for being creative – you know?

I hate when people take advantage of hip hop.

I’ve never heard that one before, that’s a good point.

That’s what I hate. …when people take advantage of the game – and hip hop.

I thought you were gonna say you hate sexually frustrated niggas on the internet that question you.

(intense laughter breaks out)

That’s just in general. …that could be just niggas.

I know you work with Ski, who is, of course, a legend, but who is another producer that, you know, you would choke an endangered animal to work with?

Oh man – there’s all kinda dope producers. I’ve been working for some time now with Jake One, who’s just an incredible producer. He’s always been one of my favorites as far as what he does, he’s just dope. There are so many cats – there is this cat that actually works with Jake One, his name is G Koop. He’s from the Bay Area – from outta Oakland, and he’s just dope, you know? Dope producer. Dope instrumentalist.

Of course you love, you know – Dr. Dre, Premier, Timbaland. …I mean Dilla, of course. Rest In Peace. Incredible.

(He doesn’t realize it but he just cemented his place in my musical heart forever. …moving on)

Hi-tek is hella dope. …my boys outta Stockton – Hallway Productionz. Dope. You talk about some cats that know how to fuckin’ give you like a music landscape. I mean, those dudes out there are dope.

It’s a lot of up and coming cats – a lot of dope cats.

I like your diversity in taste, that’s what’s up.

Yeah, I mean that’s just me though. …I don’t like to get – I wanna be challenged too, I don’t wanna just do the same shit over and over and over again. I mean, I like a challenge myself because to me that keeps me on my toes. That keeps my creativity sharp. You know?

Okay, so my site is called Your Taste In Music sucks, so I have to ask you…

By the way that’s a dope name. Love that.

Thank you.

So, whose music do you think sucks?

Man, I’m not even about to go into that – you not about to get me into that.

C’mon SON!

You know what, even if somebody’s music sucks, they may have some – even when something sucks to me, I can understand why somebody else – why it can win and why it can work. I mean I can sit up here and say all this music that I think sucks, but, man, I’d be here all night. It’s just – that doesn’t matter, it’s irrelevant. What matters is that they’re doin’ what they’re supposed to do to get their music out there – and can people appreciate it? You know what I mean? …that don’t matter.

Mmmmhmmmm.

I can’t be so stubborn and so pig headed that – to where I’m just like ‘that fuckin sucks!’, and I’m in my own world, and I’m just isolated and alienating myself from grownin’ as a musician, as a artist. You know what I mean? So I have to be like, yeah, I don’t like that, but why the fuck do people like that? Okay, it has those elements, I understand – then I have to take that in and incorporate that in my own way. Not do what they doin’, but how I would do it. You feel me?

People who have to compensate with tricks and gimmicks and do all these things for they music – because they’re insecure with their music, those are the ones that fuckin’ suck. And they know who they are.

…aight, I’ll accept that answer.

But that’s what I get tired of – I get tired of people doin’ all this other shit that has nothin’ to do with the music, because they’re tryin’ to compensate. I appreciate good music, I appreciate – whether it’s the gutterest, Gucci Mane club shit, or the most abstract Kool Keith, Jay Electronica shit, or whatever. Whether it’s rock, or pop, or whatever, if it’s good music, and it’s dope, and I feel like it’s coming from a sincere place, I fuck with it. …I like it.

Locksmith – Rare Form

How do you come up with some of the shit you say? I mean, ‘lie in a white hammock and write like I like Xanax’? What the fuck dude? …you’re a lyrical beast, how do you do it?

You know what? Shit. …I don’t know. I guess it partially has to do with the rhythmic pace of the songs. Like I said, I always try to challenge myself – whether it’s from beat selection or flow or lyrics, sometimes I can go overboard and I have to watch myself. I don’t wanna just be too crazy where people don’t understand. Sometimes I might just let it go and say fuck it, you know what I mean? That line that you’re talking about from Rare Form, that’s actually one of those times where I’m just gonna, just like, what the fuck, you know what I mean? Like, I don’t care. Imma just vibe and flow and whatever I wanna do. It’s really just me being me and just expressing myself. Whether I’m a little frustrated or a little irritated. Whether I’m a little – zoning in on something and I just wanna pinpoint something and attack it. That’s one of those songs where I just kind of like let it out – rhythmic wise, flow wise, lyric wise. It just kinda comes – I dunno, it just kinda comes from my brain and what I’m feelin’ at the time.

Frontline?

Well, you know, we still a group. Me and Left still work together. He produces as well, so he’s definitely producing some stuff. Actually, I just worked on some songs, just got done, and I’m really happy with that. Frontline, we have tons of material. New material. It’s just about, man – we’re just not those type of artists that will do somethin’, upload it online, people download it, blah, blah, blah. Like, we’re very precise about how we pinpoint and how we do shit, so we decided, okay, you know what? I’m back in the battle scene, people are knowing my name, Imma get out here and work on this solo album, promote this, Frontline, we got that on deck. Frank Nitty, we got that on deck. …and of course, EASki is about to come and smash the game. It’s just strategic how we do shit.

What do you want people to know about Locksmith?

Man, just that I’m a person that was true to himself – and just true to his passion and his artistry. You know? I try to do what I feel – and what I feel is needed for myself. I don’t expect to appease everybody, but I do expect to appease this person, which is me. …hopefully people can relate to that. As an artist, I always do music that’s sincere and that’s from me, so when you hear some shit, it’s some shit that I felt was necessary for me to do, you know? When you look back, even if you don’t get it now, when you look back you’ll say ‘that shit was dope!’. You know? That’s our whole camp – Left, Frontline, EASki, that’s how we do – you know?

So that was my interview with lyrical miracle Locksmith. …if you for some reason haven’t yet, check shit shit out, I pretty much guarantee you will not be disappointed. You can check him out on: IAmLock IMGMItv Twitter. Shoutout to the man himself for giving a great interview. …also, this nigga said ‘premeditating’. Done and done. Peace!

So, I was fortunate enough to catch producer Jake One one fine even, and I took full advantage of it and asked him like 54.9 million questions. …dude not only makes incredible beats, but honestly, he has a very realistic and down to earth view of hip hop, and is kinda of a fly interviewee. Check this shit out.

In case there is anyone in the world who doesn’t know (that would be looking at my site, I mean, c’mon, this is for my real niggas only) – can you introduce yourself, tell us who you are, and what you do?

My name is Jake One, I’m a producer from Seattle, Washington. …I really pretty much make beats – I DJ a little bit, but, that’s pretty much my thing, makin’ beats.

…where might we have heard you?

I’ve worked with a variety of people – some of the bigger names would be 50 Cent, De La Soul, Scarface, you know, pretty much everybody on G-Unit. I have my own album called White Van Music that I did in 2008, and then this year I came out with an album with Freeway called The Stimulus Package.

…you didn’t mention DOOM!

Yeah, I’ve worked with DOOM a lot.

…I’m a little DOOM obsessed.

(awkward)

Jake One – Trap Door (feat. DOOM)

So, White Van Music. I gotta be honest, that name is a little. …it sounds like a sexual assault in the making kinda. Like, what’s up with the name?

The first song I ever did in high school with a friend of mine – we did, he was talkin’ bout his white van or whatever. So, I dunno why, I just call all my beat tapes White Van Beats. …and then eventually I just ended up putting that for my publishing, when I first started putting stuff together professionally, and – for whatever reason I decided I wanted to call it that. But there’s really no meaning behind it at all. It’s funny though, people came up with a lot of interesting theories on the shit. I guess, to me that was cool. You know, people in the car that I’m riding with – they think it’s White Man Music. They came up with that one.

(intense laughter breaks out)

You know, I think it’s good that it created some kind of random made up stories. Imma come up with some new ones – even better.

You had sooooo many people on that shit. …like, you had 50 million features on it. How did you do that? Was it super dope working with all those people? (yes, I actually talk like that) …like, I can’t even imagine.

You know, some of the songs were done for some of those artists records, and they didn’t get used for whatever reason – album never came out, etc. Some of them I did specifically for the project, so, it was just a long process. Some of the people I reached out purely just to work with on this album. Freeway, I actually reached out to him. We did maybe like 3 or 4 songs – he ended up using one of them on his album and he ended up giving me a couple for mine, so, that was actually something that just happened from doing the album, which was cool. DOOM – I think I’d been working with him already. I think he was actually doing a song – I was trying to get him to do a song, and, he’s notoriously difficult. I sent DOOM some beats for this project, and he ended up rappin’ to all of them. So, we had these songs, I ended up getting the Trap Door one – I think Get ‘Er Done was the one he originally did for me, and then he ended up using all the other ones on his album.

It’s funny cause I haven’t listened to the album in a minute, so I don’t even remember – I know M.O.P.’s on it, Keak was somebody that when I was living in the Bay that I worked with. We did like a ton of songs together so that was uh – you know, a lot of the stuff I just had.

It’s random, I mean. …you’ve got like, everything from Royce (da 5’9) to Young Buck. It’s an odd mix.

It is. I thought, to me, the thing that was gonna tie it together is I did all the beats. So at least that was consistent in sound. Because, there’s definitely like, people – you know, for some people, they just didn’t wanna hear some of those rappers.

Yeah…

But I personally – it was all people that I like. I kinda wanted to show I could work with all those people and make it my shit, you know?

Freeway and Jake One – She Makes Me Feel Alright

So you and Free. …just put out The Stimulus Package. I think it’s super hard. I think it’s super ill. Is it going the way you thought it was gonna go? Is it getting the reception you thought it was gonna get? How you feelin’ about it?

You know, it’s kinda hard to say cause, you know, the reception has been all positive.

Right.

Which is good. …we’re not selling as much as I wanted but, it’s still going, and I think it’s something that’s not gonna die. It’s not something that’s gonna die in like, the next 2 months or whatever – I think it has a long life in it. I think the one thing we didn’t do was make a hit song, per se. But, we weren’t really trying to do that. I think that might have held us back from getting some more shine out of it or whatever, but I’m really happy with the record. No matter what happens Free’s gon’ be family forever – we’re always gonna work on whatever it is. You know, the future. He’s already workin’ on a new album right now, and we’ve already done a bunch of tracks for that.

So you went from G-Unit to Rhymesayers. What’s up with that? …how’s that working for you?

You know, it’s funny, I did a bunch of songs for G-Unit, but I was never actually signed to them. I never got like a monthly check from G-Unit, so to me, I never really felt like I was that much apart of it. I was doing beats for it – I did a lot of beats, and it was great to be a part of it on that level, but, it wasn’t like I was really in the studio with those guys. I didn’t feel personally attached to it. Rhymesayers, you know, I actually know all those guys personally, have relationships with them, so it’s just a different kind of thing. I feel way more invested in it, you know? And I get to do what I want. …like, there’s definitely things I did on there (Rhymesayers), it’s not like I could have sent that beat to 50 and he would have been on it. …though you never know – he surprises me sometimes with the stuff he raps on. I just, I wasn’t really thinking from that mentality.

Favorite producers? …current and all time.

Current, I’d say DJ Khalil. It’s crazy cause we’ve done – we’re about the same age, we’ve worked with a lot of the same people comin’ up so, he’s always been a good friend of mine. Just seeing him grow – it’s just crazy. He’s just making some amazing shit. I think what’s dope about him is he’s really got his own sound. …these days that’s kinda rare, so, he’s got his own sound AND it’s actually dope.

Let’s see, Justus League I like a lot – they’re from Florida. Do a lot of the Rick Ross stuff. Just super powerful – I dunno, it just sounds like some shit you just wanna run up some stairs too or something. I dunno, it’s just very inspirational kinda music.

Nottz, he’s an incredible producer to me. …he’s been good for a long time, so he’s even somebody, when I first started tryin’ to do the G-Unit stuff, and stuff in that realm, he was kinda one of my role models as far as that. Because, you know, I’d buy like whoever’s album – that I didn’t necessarily think was that great, but he would have like one dope song on there, you know, like whoever it is, some commercial – he was doin’ it on that platform, but then he was doin’ stuff on Fat Beats. …you know, everything. And that’s kinda how I try to approach my career.

Okay gimme one all timer.

All time?

Yeah, ALL TIME.

There’s so many were dope to me, I mean, Dilla. Jay Dee was like – he definitely changed my whole viewpoint on how even to make beats, and the rules and stuff. To me he’s the first guy to have the hard East coast drums but like, musicality – he’s kinda West coast in a way to me, the way he plays bass lines and stuff, so he kinda just combined a lot of shit that I like.

Dr. Dre – before I even knew what producing was I was loving the stuff he was doing. There are so many people like that, like, it’s weird to listen to it now, I know what they’re actually doing. …but back then I just listened to it for the music.

It just sounded good?

Yeah! It just sounded good to me for whatever reason, and, it’s weird now – I feel like I know too much sometimes. I appreciate things in a whole different way I guess.

So who’s one MC that you feel like just MURDERED one of your beats?

Hmmmm. …probably Elzhi. Elzhi, he’s, he just got his own shit. He just – like, I’m not into like, rappers that have super lyrics and all that shit. For the most part, I don’t even really look for that, but he’s just so fuckin’ good. …and shit. Like, everything has a meaning, and the flows are really impeccable. He’s definitely one.

Yeah, people love El. …people REALLY love El. It’s kinda, I dunno, it’s kinda surprising, but people just love’em.

Yeah, I mean. …he’s just gotta put out more music, that’s what I always tell him.

(laughter breaks out)

He’s not like, you know – the rappers now, they’re putting out like, you know, something all the time to keep them hot, and he just doesn’t really do that. It kinda – you know, he’s gotta catch up and get more things out. BUT, in the same way, the stuff he’s doin’ is not something you’re just gonna write in a day. You’re not gonna go in and do four songs (in a day) rappin’ like he does.

Right. Quality over quantity. …absolutely.

Which I – I’d rather somebody give me five good songs than one hundred mediocre ones.

I really like how Free raps on my beats – I just think we have a good chemistry. Somethin’ a little different. He always, on the flow side of things, does something really unorthodox, which I just appreciate.

So, what are you doing now? …what’s on tap for you?

I’m working on White Van Music 2 actually. …other than that, gotta record I’m working on with Brother Ali, which is getting close to being done. Working on Freeways next album – don’t know what that’s gon’ be, but, workin’ on it. I mean, there’s a bunch of people I’ve given beats too, and they might have a couple songs on their album by me. To me that’s just kind of like side hustle stuff – I’m really more interested in doing these things where I can have – something a little more – bigger involvement.

One producer, one MC?

Yeah, producing the whole thing, or at least being part of the whole process. Actually have an album that I’m working on with Mayer Hawthorne right now – it’s probably like my favorite shit I’m doing right now.

Oh WORD? Doin’ a little r&b type thing?

Yeah, it’s more – yeah, it’s like some. …it’s like the music I grew up on; Cameo, SOS Band, it sounds like some of that kinda shit. Or at least that’s what I want it to sound like.

So he’s not doin’ his DJ Haricut thing or his Athletic Mic League thing?

Nah, he’s just singin’. …it’s turned out really good so far. Hopefully we can finish it up and get it out – he’s just SO busy. It’s crazy. It really is crazy seeing all this happen for him.

That’s dope though, it should be an interesting combo.

It definitely is. …when people hear it they won’t think I did it – for sure.

Oh really? Is it like super soulful or?

Yeah, and it’s not really hip hop. …I mean, it’s hip hop in a way – it has the drums and stuff, but, there are no samples in it and stuff like that.

Okay, so, who is the MC that you would like, literally, smother a kitten to have them rap over one of your beats?

At this point – man that’s hard. …it’s crazy like, all the people I’ve said before I end up working with. So, I think Jay-z is the only one that I really want to work with and never got the chance to do anything with. But I don’t even know if that would mean as much to me know – per se. Right now, it’d probably be Rick Ross. I really think Rick Ross is – I dunno, I get a lot of shit from everybody but, I just like the way he sounds on the beats.

Rick Ross is really hit or miss. …like, I think that’s what people – you know what I mean?

You can’t take everything he does and like – like anybody, you know? I just try to take the stuff I like from somebody, and he is consistently making stuff I like. He is, he really is. …and actually, I think he’s on some real rapper shit too. I think he’s very underrated on that side. He’s trying, you know? It’s not ‘My chick bad’, ‘dog, cat, hat’.

(laughter ensues)

Takin’ shots at people huh?

In the trap – you know what I mean?

(intense laughter)

No, you know what I mean? That’s a whole different style. …they’re not trying. That’s a whole different style of music down there. And that has its place – when I go out and I hear it, I like it, so. …but, it’s not something I’m necessarily gonna zone out to and like, analyze.

You know – Ross does his thing on some tracks, people just get caught up in his personal shit. …I think that’s half the battle with him.

And I think, at this point, I really try not to let that shit factor into whether I like anything.

OKAY?! …it’s so stupid, what does that have to do with it?

What does it really matter?

Riiiiiiigggggghhhhhhhhhttttttttt.

You know, making music is genuinely like you’re creating some sort of fantasy – whatever it is. No bodies ever done all of what they talk about. …and if they are, for the most part, their life isn’t interesting enough to talk about.

Good point.

You know? …truthful about everything.

Speaking of truthful, you’re like. …a white guy from Seattle. Has that ever been a problem for you in this business?

I would say being from Seattle more than being white makes it more difficult. But, you know, there’s definitely people I’ve met, artists, that are definitely surprised that I’m white. That definitely happens. But – I don’t think that necessarily held me back or anything. I’m not the kinda person that’s just gonna try and be what you want me to be, you know? Like, just to impress a rapper or whoever it is. …that’s just not my thing. But uh, Seattle, we haven’t really had much history with hip hop. It’s crazy, cause now we got multiple people that are doin’ good stuff. So, its definitely changed. But you know, we do have people like Ish (Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler) from Digable Planets – he’s from Seattle, and like, you know, to me he’s had a great career. …and still doin’ good shit.

And then you have like, the producers Tha Bizness, who are from Seattle. …people probably don’t know that. But, they’re making hit songs so – it’s startin’ to change a little bit.

The name of the site, Your Taste In Music Sucks – tell me honestly, who’s music do you think is garbage?

Like PERIOD?

Yeah.

Like, in rap?

…yeah.

It’s weird because – it’s hard for me to say it’s garbage. To me, if I don’t like the beats, I just don’t listen to it. So there’s a whole group of people that I think people think – that I hear, and like a lot of my friends like or whatever it is – I just have no interest in it. The music just doesn’t do it for me. You know? So, I will definitely listen to Rick Ross before I listen to Lupe Fiasco or something – ALL DAY.

You’re the only other person that I think I’ve ever heard say something like that! …I’m not a Lupe fan either.

I acknowledge him as a good rapper.

So do I…

He just doesn’t do it for me for whatever reason. I can’t say he’s garbage though – no. I think he’s good, and he has songs I’ve heard that I think are good, but as a whole it just doesn’t capture me. I think I’m into people that just have more of a character. I grew up listening to a lot of Bay rap, and – In the Bay everybody’s just such a character. You know what I mean? Just in general.

Who are you tellin’? …that’s my home.

(laughter erupts)

Like, that part of it to me makes it interesting or not. I don’t want to hear something that’s just average. You know? That doesn’t really do it for me.

Alright well, since you brought up the Bay, who are some of your favorite Bay artists?

I mean, 40 – obviously. 40’s the king. I really probably grew up – like, my prime Bay favorite shit was like the early 90’s shit. That’s the stuff I was listening to back then so, that stuff for whatever reason just has a special place in my heart.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww! We love you too!

The Click, all that stuff, I still listen to it – B Legit, you know, I know the words to all that shit. I think it’s just that music that you listened to when you were younger and you just associate it with that time or whatever. I mean, everybody does it for whatever they were into at that time. But, you know, even now, I feel like Turf Talk is one of the more underrated dudes out there, period. I really want to see him make it – cause I just think he’s dope.

Jake One – Home (feat. Vitamin D, Note, Maneak B, & Ish)

What’s your favorite track of yours?

Favorite track I’ve done – hmmm. I don’t know, everybody would probably say Rock Co.Kane Flow. …that’s the one people most come up to me about or ask me about. Ummmm, I would probably say the song Home on my album just because of what it meant to me. Just to be able to do a song like that – when I started those were the guys I looked up to and, you know, was around, so doing the song with them, it kinda was dope. …and, you know, after all these years I thought that was dope.

Imma Trap Door fan – just to throw that out there…

Trap Door was made with a guy from the Bay actually. …my boy G Coop did the instruments on that one. Actually, I think we did that beat down there.

I LOVE THAT TRACK. …instrumental or with the DOOM verse – that shit drives me crazy.

Yeah, DOOM – you know DOOM is pretty much gonna be good on whatever because he’s such a – he’s just so left field. He’s always gonna say something – I remember when he sent me some of the songs from his album, I’m looking at the e-mail and I’m like, Ballskin? Like, yo, that’s what you’re callin’ the song?

(unabashed laughter breaks out. …for several minutes)

Like, who’s gonna call a song Ballskin? You know what I’m sayin’? Like who does that?! But him, you know?

Nah – for sure, people either totally love him or just do not get it at all. …and, I don’t know, I’m just one of the one’s that loves him.

He’s an individual. …you know?

That’s for sure.

What do you love about hip hop?

What do I love about hip hop? You know, I – it’s weird because I was talkin’ to some kids the other day in high school, you know, and we’re talkin’ bout like hip hop or whatever. …I just think I associate hip hop as part of my energy, so I don’t even look at it like that. It’s like the music that I’ve loved – you know, basically my whole life. You know? Since I can remember liking music. So like, everything in my life I can associate with a time in hip hop. You know? Even now. To this day. But, when I hear something that I really like I still get the same feeling I got when I heard fuckin’ Sucker MCs, Jam Master Jay – back then. …and I still get excited. As long as I still get that Imma still keep doin’ it. You know?

What do you hate about hip hop?

I just think that there came to a certain point where everything is just looked at as a hustle. …and people are just doing things purely on a financial basis. Albums are getting made in a way – just for what people think is supposed to be a hit. Or, you know, following whatever the trend is. …and they’ve always done that, but there just became this elusion that you could get rich if you made beats or rapped – and I think it’s changing because people are not getting’ rich like they were. …so, I think in the next couple years you’ll see more people doin’ it from a truer place. And, you know, to me it’s like, Gucci Mane, the songs he makes – that’s probably really from his heart. You know? That’s probably really what he fucks with.

That’s scary.

…but it’s a problem when guys that have no relation to what Gucci Mane raps about, or even, you know, his music or whatever, decide that instead of doin’ song like Jay-z they switch to Gucci Mane. “We need a South song cause Gucci Mane’s hot.” …and that’s when shit got kinda fucked up. When everybody just blatantly was like, ‘Oh, well, the South is hot so I need a South record’ or ‘I need a weed record’, or ‘I need a song with Neptunes on the hook because everything they got is noticed’.

You know, it just gets generic. …like anything. To me, hip hop is not about that. It’s supposed to be some shit that’s fresh, you know? Like, just in that word – and, it’kinda, you know. …it’s definitely changed, but I still feel like there’s people doing innovative shit. So. …it just might not be the shit that’s selling tons of records or whatever.

What do you want people to know about you?

I don’t know, I don’t usually think about that shit. I make music more form the prospective of a fan then as like somebody that – you know, like I’m this figure and people need to fuck with what I think or, you know, needs to be able to convince people to like what I like.

I think I’ve done my whole career just trying to do stuff that I like and, you know, my ear is hopefully in tune with all these people. …which, if it isn’t, then fuck it.

(laughter)

I’ll go get a job or whatever – you know? That’s life.

So that concludes my interview with that guy Jake One. …honestly, dude was droppin’ science, and if you didn’t like something he said, you should just take a nap or some shit, because he was on point. I’ve never, during an interview, found myself screaming internally “YES! Yes LORD! That is EXACTLY correct!”. …seriously. Also, on a final note, I almost entitled this interview, simply, Ballskin. Peace.

In case you hadn’t realized, not everyone I interview is from Detroit. …or a rapper. I was fortunate enough to get into the mind of Bay Area beat maker Nima Fadavi – check this shit out.

To kick this off right, can you start by telling us who you are, where you’re from, and a little bit about what you do?

My name is Nima Fadavi. I’m a hip hop producer from the Bay Area, heavy on the grind.

…so for people who don’t know your music yet – where might we have heard you? Alternately, what are some tracks we should check out?

Some more recent tracks I’ve produced are Pep Love – “Change Is”, Sunspot Jonz – “Hug Bacardi”, and 3 tracks on Andre Nickatina’s new album “Khan.”

Pep Love – Change Is (produced by Nima Fadavi)

You definitely have a unique sound. …kinda – honestly, I don’t even really know how to describe it – which is dope to me, because some many people are trying to fit into this specific sound modeled after their favorite beat maker. Is that what you’re going for, just sort of coming out of left field with your beats, or is that just my rahtarded opinion?

Thank you. I just have fun making music and what comes out comes out the way it does. I’ve been influenced by a lot of boom bap style producers and that definitely pointed me in that direction with my style.
You’ve worked with a lot of dope people already. Nickatina, Del, Pep, Killah Priest, etc.

Who would you sell an organ to have rap over one of your beats?

Haha, there’s a huge list, but at the top of the list are definitely Dilated Peoples and Swollen Members.

In your opinion, who are the top 5 producers of all time, and why? …and just for kicks, who is a newbie you are feelin’?

It’s kind of hard to put them in order of who’s the best but I’d definitely have to say A-Plus (Souls of Mischief), The Alchemist, Evidence, Joey Chavez, and Rob the Viking. I’ve always been a fan of sample based production and really liked their style. A new upcoming producer I’m really feeling is Unjust. He’s the producer in the group Chosen Few that just signed with Hieroglyphics Imperium, and a very talented dude.

Sunspot Jonz – Hug Bacardi (produced by Nima Fadavi)

What’s on deck? Projects, shows, collabs, solo work? What should we be looking for from you?

Some free downloads that are currently out:

“Behind the Beat” feat. The Grouch, Pep Love, Killah Priest, Sunspot Jonz, Sab, & more.

http://www.nimafadavibeats.com/go/music-album-download?id=26305

“The Instrumental Files”

http://www.nimafadavibeats.com/go/music-album-download?id=35531

“Here & There” feat. The Grouch, Pep Love, Sincere, Alexander Spit, & more.

http://www.nimafadavibeats.com/go/music-album-download?id=37320

New iPhone app available for free in the iTunes store:

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYXBwcy5tb2JiYXNlLmNvbS9uaW1hZmFkYXZp

I also have a new I produced entirely for Sincere called “The Calm Before the Storm” coming this fall. Also coming this summer Behind the Beat 2, and The Instrumental Files 2. Recent releases that I produced tracks on: Sunspot Jonz – Darkside Ov Heaven, Sunspot Jonz – Fight Destroy Rock 1, Andre Nickatina – Khan. Production on upcoming releases this year from Sunspot Jonz, Pep Love, Raashan Ahmad, Sincere, Toki Wright, and more.

What are you trying to do with your beats/ Is the goal mega stardom? Local fame? …do you have a specific goal, or are you just going with what comes?

I want to make a good living doing what I love to do while having fun with it. I want to be known for trying new things and being innovative and original with my production.

Nima Fadavi – Ahead

So, you know the name of the site. I mean, you better, you are interviewing for it. Whose music is hot garbage in your opinion? C’mon. …they’ll never find out. Probably.

Haha there’s way too much hot garbage out there and I wouldn’t want to mention any names on this site to attract any more attention and recognition to them. Haha.

What do you want the world, or, at least the assholes that read this site, to know about Nima Fadavi?

I’m a very hard working hip hop producer from the Bay Area. Check out my website/blog for free downloads, updates, merchandise, and more: nimafadavibeats.com.

So that concludes my interview with Nima Fadavi. I just want to say something, and that is, people, look into what your area has to offer in terms of musical talent. All I ever hear from people in the Bay (and outside it for that matter) is that our talent is limited when it comes to this hip hop shit. …it’s not, people just aren’t looking hard enough. Nima Fadavi is a perfect example of that. His beats are unique, intriguing, and the rappers who have laid verses over them have been solid. He makes good music. Period. Get familiar with what your area has to offer in terms of music – you might be pleasantly surprised. Motherfucker. Thanks to Nima Fadavi for letting me bother him. Peace!

If you don’t somehow already know – I interview a lot of people out of Detroit. Mainly because Detroit has a lot of fucking talented people in it. …here is yet another one. Meet Magestik Legend!

Okay who are you? I mean, people are already going to be making assumptions about you because you are being interviewed by me. Like that you’re from Detroit (or somewhere in MI). …and that you’re a rapper. Both true in this case, but give us a little run down of who you are and what you’re about anyway.

I am Magestik Legend. The MC. The Producer. The Songwriter. The Entertainer . I’m also a member of many creative collectives including ‘9-2-5 Colony’ with Nick Speed & Elzhi and the ‘Subterraneous Crew’ to name a few. My main goal is making Timeless music. No trends, no gimmicks, no tricks, just the best music that I can honestly create from my perception.

Magestik Legend. …basically just fuckin’ around (it’s type dope though).

…let’s jump right into it. How are you different than the other rappers comin’ from your city/state? What sets you apart?

What sets me apart from anyone in my state or on planet earth is…I’m ME. There’s only one me. So instead of trying to figure out what formula worked for someone else or changing my style to fit into an environment or label…I just do me. Love me or leave me alone. I’m my only competition. I set my own standards. I aim for my own sound instead of trying to study a sound that already exists. I feel like the greatest people in history paved the future at some point in time.

You’re a producer and MC if I’m not mistaken. …which really has your heart, producing or rappin’?

Rapping or emceeing has my heart first. The art of rap allows me to fully express myself. I get to vent, cuss, laugh and scream my point across through rapping. Its all therapy for me and production is more of a healing process. I usually start off just making beats to listen to and someone will hear it and want to use it.

Magestik Legend – What Would You Do

What are you plans to make it? There are a lot of great musicians coming out of the D, but it seems like a lot of them are kinda stuck in limbo. People know them, the are recognized as being great by people in their city/state, and people like myself who just happen to love Detroit hip hop, but overall, not that well known. How are you going to break out of that and into the mainstream? Or is that even the goal? I guess what I’m asking is, what IS the goal?

I could care less how popular I am in my hometown. My plan is world domination. I go where the money is. A lot of cats in my city have never left the state…let alone the country. They don’t know what’s out there. If you travel enough you will develop your own army of supporters. Every soldier will not be from the same area code. You can’t just sit back and wait for them to find you. You got to get up, get out and get something. I only sit still enough to finish projects. Other then that I’m touring and seeking respectable lucrative opportunities for growth. Keep it Moving.

Top three MCs? (current vs. all time)

I’m not good at the Top 3 lists. I’ve liked MCs at different times for different reasons. Tupac is one of my favorites of all times. Nas, KRS One and Rakim are up there somewhere. Andre from Outkast is a current top lister. Ice Cube and Slum Village equally had a big influence on me at different times. Pharaohe Monch. Scarface. E-40. Dogg Pound. Redman. As you can see its hard for me to narrow it down…

Does your music have an overall theme or message, or is it kind of just a collection of who you are, how you feel in the moment, etc?

Actually you answered this one for me. My overall theme is a collection of who I am and how I feel at the moment. I like to think of my songs as the “TheMe Muzik” to my movie called “Life”. Everything is derived from real experiences.

Magestik Legend – Thanks To…

How do you feel about mainstream hip hop in it’s current form? Do you listen to what’s popular, or is that not even on your radar?

I listen to mainstream hip hop as much as I do underground/independent hip hop. I just check in every now and then to see what everybody else is doing. Sadly, nowadays…both mainstream and underground can be equally depressing to me. There’s a lot of bullshit on the airwaves whether its on college radio or commercial airwaves.

Tell me the one rapper you would love take make a beat for, and the one beat maker you would love to spit a verse over. …go!

I would say…Pharaohe Monch and Dj Premiere…but we’d have to jump in a time machine and go back over a decade. I’d need the Pharaoh Monche from “Equinox” and the Primo from “Moment of Truth” atleast…

Let’s be real, you are in the not so glamorous phase of being a musician right now. A lot of musicians never get out of this phase, but some do. Hopefully you will. I’ve heard your music, and not only do I think you can, I think you deserve it. …but for now, what’s your motivation? What’s getting you through not being super famous with cash coming at you from every angle and everyone wanting you on one of their tracks? What keeps you from saying, ‘fuck it, Imma go work a 9-5’

I look at WORK as work. Its all the same to me. My income comes from the Creator no matter whether Im a rapper, farmer, or doctor. This music is what I was blessed to have talent for. So I feel I have no choice but to make it my job for life. I think the key is to always take this music biz as serious as you would your job. I work for myself harder than I would ever work for anyone else. So its only natural for me to see progress.

Rep for your city/state. Who’s doin’ their thing musically that deserves a shout out?

Shout out to everybody in Detroit…everybody in Michigan…everybody worldwide making future-changing music. Right now my right hand peeps from my area are iLLite, Fes Roc, T3, Buff 1, Jordan Rockswell, 14KT, Invincible, Houseshoes, Apollo Brown, Nick Speed, Ro-Spit…I could go on for days with a list of peeps that need to be shouted. Im glad to see alot of cats from Detroit actually making power moves now.

…what’s the one thing you want people to know about you (that will hopefully inspire them to check you out)?

www.magestiklegend.com

…and on that note I would like to thank Magestik for the interview. Definitely check out what he is all about musically, and take note that he likes 2pac and Nas – I think he is like the only person in Detroit that feels that way. Kudos. Peace.