Interview: Dinz

1. Salutations! Who are you & where are you from?

Dinz aka The Animal outta Toms River Ocean County NJ

2. How long have you been making music?

I got my 1st guitar around 20 years ago so I’ve been making music most of my life. I was in a punk band in my 6th grade talent show called Slinky.

3. What inspires you?

All forms of music. Art. Poetry. Anger. Peace. Love. Hate. What I love about hip hop is you get to keep it real and be honest. There’s not many genres that can do that and have it work. My work is 100% real and honest and I couldn’t do it if it wasn’t that way. Anybody who copped my 2013 release Audible Chaos already knows. The album is a fucking map of my brain.

4. If you could work with any producer in the industry who would it be? Why?

If I had a large budget and could work with anybody I’d have a few faves, but I actually prefer to work with unknown dudes who kill it. I find most of my producers by listening to a lot of underground hip-hop and finding unknown cats that murder it. Half of my last record was produced by 2 incredible teenage producers from Cali i discovered by randomly clicking on a link. I find that searching for a perfect beat and getting lucky and finding and unknown producer with a gem is more rewarding than paying a well known producer hundreds of dollars for an equally dope beat.

5. Why are you such a maniac?

I think the truth is I get bored quick and I love chaos and insanity. If I’m at a show or a party I’m perfectly in my element and everyone seems to love me. My problem is that 90% of the American lifestyle involves doing boring shit to get through the day. That’s why when I’m on stage, partying, or letting loose, I want to get as wild as possible to alleviate stress. I think that’s why I’ve actually gained a lot of fans from performing. The majority of MCs don’t too much stage antics when performing. When I perform I prefer to roll around on the ground, stage dive, pour beer on myself, and start a mosh pit in the crowd, which adds an unpredictable element to my set. I feel like a hip-hop show should be an experience and I try to provide one and put my all into every show.

6. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one item with you what would it be?

Female. Does that count as an item? If not then i guess a guitar, cuz a boom box would eventually run outta batteries.

7. Top 5 Dead or Alive?

1.Ghostface
2.Nas
3.Redman
4. Big L
5. Biggie

8. Favorite tour memory?

Throwing all of my clothes into the audience in Nashville while the crowd threw beer at us and Axl J Foley tried to flying elbow drop me and missed, injuring himself. Most rock stars don’t even have moments like that lmao

9. Best place to eat in New Jersey?

Xina, Wawa, and any seafood restaurant in Ocean or Monmouth county. They’re all phenomenal.

10. Thanks for answering my questions bro. Any last shout outs?

I hate shout outs cuz I always forget someone who deserves it immediately after I’m done, but everyone in Team Tall Cans and everyone who’s welcomed me with open arms into this rugged game we call hip-hop Oh yeh, and anyone thats copped the album. I’m working on new material as we speak and big things are to come.

Rah Digga, Chuck D, Jon Connor “Storm Coming” REMIX

Salute to the legends and the up & comers representing for the true school

Interview: Tha Soloist

1. Peace family! Who are you & where are you from?

Peace. I go by Tha Soloist, and I’m from Jersey City, New Jersey.

2. What inspires you?

I’m inspired by so many things. Inspiration can come from anywhere…

but if I had to choose a few of them it would have to be film,

instrumentals, and everyday life. The good and the bad times.

My music usually comes from a deep place, so I’m always inspired by

the events that are life changing. One more thing that inspires me is

the fans that hit me up every day to tell me that I inspire them.

That’s the best feeling in the world, just knowing that they can

relate to the joy and the pain. It makes it all worthwhile.

3. If you could work with any producer who would it be & why?

I’d have to pick two, not one. Mr. Green and Apollo Brown.

They both have mad soul. You can’t fake that. My stuff is soulful too,

so it’s only right. Green is very talented, and Brown’s beats fit me

just right. Check out my track with C-Lance, “Heart of Justice”

so you can get a better idea.

4. Top 5 Dead or Alive?

I don’t really like to pick five flavors out of the melting pot,

but I’ll give you a list of five emcee’s that are great to me.

Nas

DOOM

GZA

2Pac

Eminem

and I gotta add ODB!

5. Greatest musical group of all time (outside of Hip-Hop)

I like Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and Elton John. As for groups though

I’d have to say The Beatles. I also like Aphrodite’s Child, The Beach Boys,

and Green Day is up there as well (I grew up listening to all their stuff)

As for soul singers, I really like The Stylistics, The Miracles, and The Isley Brothers.

I almost forgot Johnny Cash! Sorry, I could go on for days.

I know I’m forgetting a lot of them.

6. Who is your favorite upcoming MC right now?

That’s a tough question. I like what Focus is doing right now.

Ron-Ron was dope too, but he disappeared. But yeah, Focus got lyrics.

The boy can spit. Trust me. I gotta throw Coal in there. I know he’s been

doing it for a minute, but he’s extremely gifted. Shout out to Dead Rabbits.

7. I admire your drive. Do you have any advice to give other artists?

Thanks. I’m always busy. I’m dead if I’m not creating. It’s as simple as that.

My advice is this…NEVER get too personal with anyone right away.

Take your time. A lot of these guys are out for blood. A lot of them want

to see you fail. It’s that crab in a bucket mentality. Just do your thing,

work hard, and be kind. Never give up on your dreams. And remember this,

a lot of the artists you admire are watching, so handle yourself like a

professional. Don’t do anyone dirty in this game. There’s enough of that

going around anyway. Try not to jump the gun, paying for verses right away.

Earn your respect and pay your dues first. Let them come to you. I’m not

saying it’s bad to support the artist, but try to build a catalog.

8. What project’s should we be looking forward to in the near future?

I’ll be on Disturbia Music Group producer Sultan Mir’s debut album dropping

in the winter (Sultans Empire)

I’m working on an LP with Focus (untitled)

I got an EP with Tone Liv on the way (Spill Ritual)

Rated R is another emcee I’ve been working with.

Me and Trilian need to get back to work on our LP (Exit Thru Gift)

and I got an album already out (The New Terrah) with Mark Deez,

Edd Bundy and DJ TMB

You can download my free LP on Audiomack (The Glorious Bastard)

Last but not least, got some tracks with Joell Ortiz, Planetery,

Death Star and more.

9. Any last shout outs?

Shout out to every DJ, Emcee and Producer that’s keeping Hip-Hop alive.

I had a good time answering your questions. “Be kind, for everyone you meet

is fighting a hard battle.”

P.S. Appetite and Mister Digital are two of my favorite producers right now!

Plus massive respect to Billy Ballantine for putting me on stage last minute

at Diabolic’s listening party. Shout out to Ixion Form, Pryme, Godilla, Eff Yoo,

Ghetto MC, UG, Lord Digga, Maze, Cliff, Coal, Tabs, Grim, Dro, Mercy Gang,

and Tones.

Peace to TMB, Madhandz and Trickalome

Interview: AWKWORD

  

1. Now for everybody out here in the digital universe, what’s your name & location?

AWKWORD. I recently moved from NYC to Upstate NY to be with my new wife and kids.

2. What inspires you to be who you are?

My mental illness, my mom’s (RIP) heart and activism, my love for nature and the innocent youth, my lifelong guttural disdain for injustice and inequality, my allegiance to and love for Hip Hop culture, and my need to write and record rap. And ILL BILLand Remedy helped me realize this could be possible.

3. Before the age/era of “super producers” most Hip-Hop album’s were handled by a DJ/MC & one “producer” (occasionally being the DJ themselves). If you could do a whole project with one producer who would it be and why?

Because he’s the GOAT, DJ Premier. But because he’s the future and a long-time friend and collaborator, I would choose the incredibly talented SRFSCHL captain Harry Fraud.

4. Where was the first show you ever rocked?

I performed at my high school when I worked with the Anti-Defamation League to create and host the first-ever/now annual Diversity Day. I performed in my hometown in Connecticut for MLK Day. I rocked mad parties and entered freestyle battles at Vassar College, while earning my degree in Sociology and English. But my first REAL performance was probably Don Hill’s in NYC or Tuxedo Junction in Danbury, CT. Can’t really remember. But I ended up doing shows a lot, opening for BLESTeNATION and The Cool Kids, J Live, Masta Ace, Grandmaster Caz, and many others.

5. How did the collaboration track “Bars & Hooks” (Produced By Harry Fraud, and featuring Sean Price, Shakespeare & The Kid Daytona) come to life?

Fraud has been producing for me for more than a decade. He and I chose the beat and agreed on Sean Price as the main feature. We got our verses recorded. And Shakespeare was in Fraud’s studio with me, so it made perfect sense to ask him to do the hook. His voice and his writing are great. And then not long after that, on Halloween I think, I was at a club in the Lower East Side of Manhattan with Statik Selektah and ATG, and we ran into Daytona, who I had never met before that. He loved the idea and recorded his part at Fraud’s studio within a day or two. And that was the start of their relationship — now Daytona is signed to Fraud’s Surf School label.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RxMJ43kdlw&hd=1

http://awkword.bandcamp.com/track/bars-hooks-ft-sean-price-the-kid-daytona-the-incomparable-shakespeare-prod-by-harry-fraud-2

6. What made you want to do a project for charity? Was that your initial plan from the beginning?

I have been an activist, community organizer, volunteer and philanthropist for years, and since I am no longer as active on the streets and in the community centers, I wanted to give back — specifically to the youth in the neighborhoods that birthed Hip Hop and keep it alive and fresh today — through my medium: rap music.

Doing this album, World View, for charity was actually was not my original plan. The concept really started through myspace more than 5 years ago. I dropped my solo debut LP ‘See the Light’ (no longer available), and DJs and producers from all over the world were contacting me on myspace asking for acapellas so they could create remixes. That gave me the idea of publicizing on myspace a remix contest, with the best submissions being used for a free remix mixtape. Realizing the global nature of this, how worldwide Hip Hop has become, I thought of the name “World View”, as the album would essentially illustrate the world view of Hip Hop. What ended up happening though was that I continued to make more and more new music and receive more and more positive press, so I expanded ‘World View’ to include 38 songs across two discs. The first, featuring mostly new music, was released February 2 through DJBooth, with all proceeds going to a 501c3 charity fighting to eradicate street violence through education and empowerment of “at-risk” youth (Guns 4 Cameras). The second, featuring a lot of new music and a number of remixes, was released March 17 through DJBooth as a FREE thank you to my supporters.

http://AWKWORDrap.com/World-View

http://djbooth.it/wrldvw

http://djbooth.it/wvbonus

7. I’ve heard from an MC I respect before say something along the lines of “Don’t let your name describe you”…Are you really awkward, Awkword?

My name is more than anything about being a tragic personality — accepting, owning, taking pride in my problems. One of them was feeling like an outcast, an outsider, uncomfortable and awkward within a community of people who were conservative, Christian, rich, racist, homophobic and misogynist. So when I chose the name AWKWORD it was a direct response to all of them, and who I used to be, as well as a celebration of being different, and overcoming the awkwardness. Today, I am anything but awkward around others. But I will always be different, never following trends, perpetually pushing boundaries.

8. If you were in the middle of nowhere, on a deserted island, and could have one THING with you what would it be?

Sunscreen or sunglasses. My partial Palestinian Jewish heritage doesn’t help — I am not a fan of sunlight or heat.

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

http://lyricallyfit.com/breaking-news-is-awkword-retiring-talks-working-w-legends-

In the home studio, recording with my talented wife and daughters. And in my library, writing.

10. Any last shout outs?

Rest in peace, my brother Praverb, who we lost yesterday completely unexpectedly. He had a wife and baby child. And he was one of the good guys in this perverse rap game. Help us pay for his funeral costs at bit.ly/Praverb-Fund

CONTACT:

[@AWKWORDrap]
Rap Singer. Activist. Sociologist. Gonzo Journalist.
NYC x Upstate NY x Worldwide

AWKWORDrap.com

DOWNLOAD THE ALBUMS:

djbooth.it/wrldvw X djbooth.it/wvbonus
AWKWORD.bandcamp.com/album/World-View x AWKWORD.bandcamp.com/album/World-View-Bonus-Disc

AWKWORDrap.com/World-View

FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE & CONNECT:

http://twitter.com/AWKWORDrap
http://facebook.com/AWKWORDrap
http://instagram.com/AWKWORDrap
http://youtube.com/AWKWORDvideos

Interview: Rich Quick

1. Peace! Who are you and where are you from?

I go by the name of Rich Quick+I’m an emcee in the Philly Hip-Hop scene hailing from South Jersey.

2. How long have you been rhyming for?

Way too long!  I started in Elementary School around second grade and took it more and more seriously as time went on.  I grew to learn the different aspects of the game, like freestyling, counting bars, recording and eventually performing.  Part of the reason that I’m so polished as an artist is because I’ve been doing it for so long.

3. What motivates you to create?

I’m not only motivated, but determined.  I have said time and time again that I’m going to make this rap thing work for me.  And I’ve accomplished a lot, but I’m not quite there yet.  That’s what keeps me going.  Knowing that I haven’t reached my ultimate goals yet.  It motivates me to go further.

4. I know you have worked with some pretty credible names in the industry…If you could work with any producer or MC who would it be and why?

I’ve always wanted to work with Busta Rhymes.  He’s a total genius and has managed to maintain his relevancy year after year after year.  I think that would be a great artist to spar with lyrically on a record.

5. I noticed yourself, and other south Jersey artists have a close association with Philadelphia. I also noticed northern Jersey artists having a close association with New York City…What do you think stops NJ from having a bigger music scene and/or major media market of their own?

Well, there’s a lot of reasons for that. I can only speak for myself in saying that; I’m not quite sure why, but in South Jersey, Hip-Hop venues are few and far between.  I can’t even think of one off the top of my head.  I was sort of forced to cross the bridge into Philadelphia in order to have more opportunities to perform. Once I stepped on the scene though, I realized the opportunity to succeed in Philly was far greater than South Jersey.  There is a much more tangible Hip-Hop culture.  And I’d assume it’s the same in North Jersey currently, in terms of New York.  But with all of that being said; I’ve still performed really awesome showz in both North Jersey and South Jersey.  It’s absolutely possible to make it work.

6. You have quite the track record..What are you working on right now that we should be expecting in the near future?

There are so many things in the works that I’m not even certain if I can speak on all of them.  I have a project in the works with CORFU Am Down brother ASK? Produced by Rob Devious.  As well as two other projects with some real heavy hitters.  More info on that as it becomes available!  We haven’t made any official announcements yet, but I’m stoked to get the ball rolling on these.  Be on the look out!

7. Any last shout outs?

Shouts out to CORFU Am Down.  That’s my clique!  And my main man Skrewtape, his album No Filter is dropping soon produced by US Natives and I’m fortunate enough to be featured on it.  Stay tuned!

NiGE HOOD & Tim Stacks “A-Train” (Music Video)

Charlotte MCs NiGE HOOD & Tim Stacks bring it back to 1996 with “A-Train,” teaming up on a slick cover to Sean Carter’s classic, “Bring It On.”  The duo dig into their childhood memories in a smoothe-groove for late summer. 

 

Listen NOW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnayy_AesU0&list=UUmhsJgdDgIi-q9YxjLmZVyA

Tyler Coxxx (@SkyBoxVisuals) shot and produced the video for “A-Train,” which is a journey through Charlotte, North Carolina’s old neighborhoods of which Nige is a native. The video brings nostalgia alive in this modern classic.

“A-Train” is featured on NiGE HOOD’s recent release, “Thoughts Vol. 2,” which can be found here on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/album/id886671038

For More from NiGE HOOD visit NiGEHOOD.com.

 

 

Media Contact

Danielle Hairston

Publicist

Phone: 704-458-2426

Email: nigehoodpress@gmail.com 

About Nige Hood

With an extensive music catalog and seven years of grassroots promotion, NiGE HOOD has positioned himself among the premier rap artists from North Carolina. What makes him stand out? It is his Art, his Music and his Message. He speaks on a listener’s level and blends philosophy, values and reality into his rhymes. With superb lyrical imagery and clarity, he is favorited by all ages and social demographics. NiGE HOOD is a man of the People, and they are who his music reflects. Nige Hood has worked with many notable names in the music industry, including rappers Kendrick Lamar and Ace Hood, and drawn crowds to his performances all over North Carolina.

Nige on Social Media

www.twitter.com/nigehood

www.instagram.com/nigehoodfool

www.facebook.com/nigel.hood.75

New Music From SKE Records!!!!!

Petter Jones follows up strong with new music week after week, the SKE Records artist is on the right track gaining new fans each day.

The “Super Saiyan” mixtape coming soon is building more hype each day and now Petter Jones hits you with the new record “Visions” produced by Iamshiine.

https://soundcloud.com/petterjones-1/petter-jones-visions

@petterjonesske, @imashiine-Twitter

youtube.com/skevideos

youtube.com/trelmackmusic

Follow @qthequestion, @trelmack, @skerecords

Petter Jones Video “Three” ft. Trel Mack & Shawn Archer

Trel Mack “Inspired By Greatness” out now!

https://soundcloud.com/trelmack/sets/trel-mack-inspired-by

Interview: Th3 Higher

 

1. Who are you & where are you from?

We are Tyme-Lis the Author and Kire da Monster. We’re both born and raised in the 704.

2. Where did the name Th3 Higher come from?

We used to go by another name but we felt as though we are art a higher state of everything: lyrically, spiritually, musically and we wanted a name that portrayed that so we came up with The Higher. We decided to change the “e” to a “3”
because the “3” represents the person that you do whatever it is that you do for. You have to push yourself to work harder so you don’t let them down.

3. I can’t pinpoint 1 direct influence in your music. What artists’ music inspired y’all the most?

OutKast, Chance the Rapper, Childish Gamino and Drake

4. Favorite movies?

Forrest Gump and Remember the Titans

5. Best producer in the game?

Our producers: Anubis Inc, L the Beat Chemist and Pooveu Beats

6. If you could work with any artist who would it be and why?

Childish Gambino and Chance the Rapper, their lyrics and writing process is out of this world. They are at the level we’re trying to reach.

7. Outside of Hip-Hop what is your favorite type of music to listen to?

R and B

8. What project(s) should the people look out for?

We’re working on a lil something something. More info coming so make sure you follow our Twitter – @th3Higher 

9. Any last shout outs?

Phazer Gang
Ghoofy the Weirdo
NiGE HOOD
Well$
DJ Daz
The Wave
The Koolest

 

 

 

TH3 HIGHER ON YOUTUBE

TH3 HIGHER ON FACEBOOK

GZA – “4th Chamber” Ft. RZA, Killah Priest, Ghostface Killah #WayBackWednesday

Not liked I NEEDED the reminder, but Godilla just reminded me of how dope Killah Priest’s verse on this song was…..CLASSIC!!!!

#WayBackWednesday

Interview: Pryme Prolifik

1. Let the people out there reading this know your name and what city you’re repping!

Pryme Prolifik aka Treetop Assassin, aka Space Creature P aka Pryme Pro the Rhyme Pro, prepping Keansburg Nj and the whole entire Rotten Garden 732, 201, 908, 973

2. How long have you been rhyming for? What was the first song that inspired you to write rhymes?

Over 20 years  since 1993 and hearing Kool G Rap “Brother On The Run”

3. Favorite producer?

Sultan Mir, Fourth Assassin, Nemisis, Rich Mahogany etc.

4. Who would win in a fight, Macklemore or Drake?

I would..next Question Please, Drakelmoore

5. I’ve heard from a very reliable source you are a master in the kitchen. What is your favorite dish to cook up?

Eggplant Parm

6. Top 5 Dead or Alive?

Kool G Rap, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, Canibus, Ghostface Killah

7. Any projects you’d like to promote?

Be on the lookout on Facebook..I will release more info soon until then look me up on DatPiff.com PEEP Out “Radient Skullz” video with Kromeatose and Squeegie O

8. Any shout outs?

Disturbia Music Group, Rotten Garden Records, Team Tall Cans, Battle Axe Warriors, BaxWar East Coast, Tre-L, Meta4 Nation, Meta4, Illiam Child, Rare Seed, Grym Galaxy (Billy Ballantine and Nick Jackelson), Laureen Wagner, Kromeatose, Squeegie O, UG (Cella Dwellas), PH, Diabolic, Block McCloud, Fresh Jones, Lord Digga, Sultan Mir, Starkastik, Ea, Feet Crack, Doc Ahk, GID Radio, Jay Drilla, Joe Bodega  & the whole staff , Lotta Bars, Staten, Jersey, Worldwide, too many to name.

CHECK OUT “LYRIKAL ARCHER” PROD. BY DJ IZZY (DIRTY CRATES, LOS ANGELES, ETC.)