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

Ty Black – “Killer Cops” (R.I.P. Eric Garner)

“Killer Cops” (R.I.P. Eric Garner)

Interview: Ricky Ramses

1. My G! What’s good? State your name and where you’re representing.

        What’s up bro. Ricky Ramses from Cliffwood, NJ.

2. Coming up in New Jersey do you feel the pressure of being overshadowed by NYC? 

        Not at all actually man, I pretty much feel that I have my own lane in this music so I don’t really feel “pressure” from anyone. They should probly feel pressure from me though Hahaha.

3. Where did you perform your first show?

       Church, when I was like 11. Haha nah but I performed at the VFW in Neptune,NJ.

4. If you could bring back any MC from the dead who would it be and why?

       Tupac, definitely Tupac. He was more than just an “MC” in my opinion. I mean, he died when I was like 5-6yrs old so of course when I was younger I only recognized his music. But now looking in retrospect as a man, and seeing how this world really is, and the moves he planned on making, he was an activist … A revolutionary. He wanted to make moves bigger than music, he wanted to make change for the people, that’s bigger than hip-hop to me.

5. Favorite spot to eat in NJ?

   Wendy’s haha I’m a simple brother, or coldstone or something like that.

6. Are you working on any project’s right now that the people should look out for?

       Yeah, I’m actually wrapping up the production of my next mixtape, ‘A New Beginning’ which will be dropping within the next couple months so look out for that. Also, I just shot the music video last week, for my 1st single off the mixtape, “Bounce” which will be dropping August 5, 2014, so definitely look forward to that!

7. Any last shout outs?

      Yes of course, my bros, Snacks, Bop, Phamee. Everyone at Paradigm. The women in my life. The almighty woman. My man Rich Mahogany, and last but not at all the least, me! Haha follow me on IG @rickyramsesthegreat. Twitter @rickramthegreat. Hit me on Facebook, Ricky Ramses. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, Ricky Ramses. Much love, respect, and blessings to Liberation Live Radio!

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Interview: AG Da Coroner

1. Peace fam. For the people reading this, who are you and where are you representing?

I am AG Da Coroner and I’m representing East New York Brooklyn and New York in its entirety actually.

2. I assume you’ve been doing this for a while. What inspired you to start rhyming?

Well it has been a while actually…18 years to be exact.

What inspired me was watching the all time greats of the culture do what they do so well that people would become intrigued on so many levels and give them that respect…no better feeling than earning the respect of not only your peers but legendary MC’s,producers and harsh honest fans.

3. How did you originally link up with Outdoorsmen?

Through J-Love….met Meyhem through J-Love as well as Animal, Jay Steele, Science, Take-it, Killa Sha, Prince Original and Bam Bam Bronson….things just kept moving from there.

4. Who is your Top 5 Producers of all time?

Havoc, Premo, Buckwild, Alchemist And Just Blaze.

5. Word that Top 5 is really similar to mine family. Word. So yo, I know you’ve been doing some travelling. Out of everywhere you’ve been where is your favorite place to go? and why?

Los Angeles is hands down my favorite, the great weather, laid back vibe…it’s like New York, except there’s Palm Trees, no tall buildings and everyone seems high.

6. Your favorite DJ of all time?

That’s a tough one but I’d have to say Its a tie between DJ Kast One and my homie DJ Get Live.

7. If you could do a record with anybody, dead or alive, who would it be?

The Matrix himself Jay-Z…only so that I can test my own metal against him.

8. What project are you working on right now? Are you still with Man Bites Dog Records?

Still with Man Bites Dog. Those are my people, This album is big, so it’s been a little difficult getting it together but we’re on track for a late 3rd or early 4th quarter release, so “Sip The Nectar” is coming soon.

Also working on some very special collaboration projects with some homies whose names I can’t reveal just yet but stay tuned.

9. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this interview man. Any last shout outs?

Appreciate you guys for having me…shout out to the whole universe and everything living….

Free SAG…Peace.

 

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LISTEN TO “CRUSHED GRAPES” BY AG DA CORONER

MCA DAY 2014 – Littlefield Brooklyn (By Yug Tom)

MCA Day is a FREE, Brooklyn-based fan-organized event intended to provide a space to honor and celebrate the life, music, and legacy of humanitarian, artist, rapper, musician, Sasquatch, filmmaker, activist, snowboarder and Hörnblowér – Beastie Boy Adam “MCA” Yauch (08/05/1964 – 05/04/2012)

 

The event started at 11AM on Saturday, May 3rd in the Littlefield event hall located at 622 Degraw St in Brooklyn with “HELLOOOOOOO BROOKLYYYYNNNN!!!”

So far there was three events:

MCA DAY 2012 ~ Union Square ~ Manhattan, NY ~ May 19 ~ Table & Boombox
MCA DAY 2013 ~ Brooklyn, NY~ May 4th ~ Littlefield Performance & Art Space
MCA DAY 2014 ~ Brooklyn, NY~ May 3rd ~ Littlefield Performance & Art Space

This year, just like all the previous – the event was organized by Danny Boy O’Connor from House of Pain and La Coka Nostra with a little help from friends such as Knocko Nolan, Tom McCarthy, Steve Mona and others.

This was one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever attended. From the Buddhist Monk breakdancers on Union Square to the “Free Tibet” foundation petition through a graffiti artist doing a live on-site piece over DJ-ing of Frank White reminding us of all those incredible futuristic sounds that are the Beastie Boys.

A lot of known and unknown people came to pay respect to the unique personality that MCA was. In the crowd you were able to meet and great the likes of Danny Boy O’Connor, Apathy, Celph Titled, Mix Master Mike, Ill Bill and many more.

This event is an amazing experience and I highly suggest it to anyone. It is free. It’s beautiful. It’s for a good cause! For more information on the upcoming events and also on the one’s you might have missed click HERE.

The event usually takes place in the beginning of May, and it is really something you don’t want to miss. So much positive energy and good vibrations. So many famous faces that act humble in the light of paying respects to one of the pioneers in the game. I finally had a chance to personally meet and shake the hands of some of my childhood heroes. I couldn’t stop talking about it for days. It made a huge impact on me. It’s been two months since it happened, but, I still needed to record it online to pay my respect to somebody whose music I grew up on. I still bump Beastie Boys in my car daily. Paul’s Boutique and Check Your Head still make my rear view mirror vibrate with that old school bass!

Make sure you’re on the lookout for the next years event and come to pay respect to one of the best that ever was – Adam “MCA” Yauch!

Contributor: Yug Tom (SickSideSS)

 

Interview: Squeegie O

1. Peace fam! What’s your name & where are you from?

Peace peace they call me Squeegie O. Live from the slums of New Shaolin, Staten Island, NY

 2. How long have you been rhyming for?

Lets see. I started around 13/14
So I’ll say about 15, 16 years.

3. Who’s your biggest inspiration?

Honestly I respect a lot of dudes in the industry but the people is what keep the bars going.

4. Coming from Staten Island, I imagine Wu Tang had a lot of impact on you.

Do you feel there will be another movement that will put S.I. back on the map?

Yes. We are that movement; Altered Beast / New Shaolin … the new age of the boom bap.

5. Favorite spot to perform in NYC?

I like Lit Lounge. It has this shitty grunge but it’s live. Another spot I like is Sullivan Hall that’s another dope spot.

 6. What did you think about 5 Pointz being painted over?

I think it’s wack shit to take something that’s a milestone in Hip-Hop/Graffiti and make private housing out of it. But, in these days and times, if there’s no fight for what’s right, how can you expect a dope spot like that to survive. Hip Hop is only as strong as the people who support and show respect to it.

7. I appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions bro. Any last shout out’s?

New Shaolin
Altered Beast
Dangeroom
MMOB
State land
Everybody out here grinding
Staten Island
Richmond hood
The whole NYC, all 5 boroughs, Long Island and upstate
Big up my Jersey peoples. Team Tall Cans, Morning Starz and all that dope shit
Brown Paper Bag coming soon

9. How can the people get in touch with you?

Facebook.com/deandabean
Soundcloud.com/itsobitch
Twitter.com/squeegie_o
Instagram: @squeegie_oblong
Daolockman@gmail.com

Google me lol

Interview: NiGE HOOD

1. What’s your name? What city are you representing?

A: My name is NiGE HOOD, and I represent myself by way of Charlotte, NC.

2. As a lyricist, who would you say is your number one influence?

A: Nas, I would say the foundation of my flow came from him.  Nas had a slow delivery, he used the multiple syllables of words, broke them apart, and smoothly lays them down over the beat to construct his verses.  I adopted that flow early as a youngin’ because it allowed me the room to fit all of the deep ideas in my head over a beat.  As opposed to me rapping like Ludacris or something, lol, my songs would sound a lot different.

3. Top 5 Dead or Alive?

A: I’m gonna cheat and instead give the 5 pillars of what made up great Hip-Hop for Myself as a fan:
Nas, UGK, Outkast, Eminem, The N.W.A. lineage (Cube, Dre, Eazy) and A Tribe Called Quest

4. Do you feel Charlotte is going to get the attention it deserves in the industry?

A: I believe that attention is attained via talent, presentation, luck and hard work.  Charlotte definitely has the talent to entertain America and the larger world.  More and more rapidly, the quality of our projects, videos and overall presentation of our artistry is improving.  If we continue to work, work HARD, all we need is the will of God and good timing.  That’s how every movement gains force.

5. Best place to eat in Charlotte.

A: I rocks with Maddie’s Diner and of course I’m getting dessert at Amelie’s French Bakery. Jack Beagles in NoDA has some DANK Mac n Cheese!

6. Are you working on any projects? What do you have out now?

A: Right now I am promoting my recent release, “THOUGHTS Vol. 2”, available on iTUNES, GooglePlay, Amazon and Spotify.

You can find my past projects at www.Soundcloud.com/NiGEHOOD/Sets

7. Any shout outs?

A: Shout out to my team at BLVCKUNIVERSE.com!  The Charlotte music family, Mic Iver, King Callis, Joe Sig, Elevator Jay, Jay Pluss, Quent Young, SeniorYr, Tim Stack$ just to name a fraction of the talent that we have out here in the city.

Shout out to Domo from iKnoDomo.com who holds me down on her site whenever I have a new release or update.  Shout out to my incredible videographers Devon Jackson (@Dev_ShotYa) and also Tyler Cox (@SkyboxVisuals).

Shout out to Durham, NC, Virginia, California and Washington, DC.  I have major support in those spots just to name a few.

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Interview: Joe Sig

1. State your name and the city you are representing!

-Joe SIG, North Carolina..Charlotte, WESTSIDE to be exact

2. What was the first record you remember hearing as a kid that drew you into Hip-Hop culture?

Brenda’s Got a Baby

3. Do you think that this next generation of hip-hopper’s are going to change the culture in a positive or negative manner? What is your take on these younger artists?

Well I’ll be really specific… The youngsters that I know are all about the culture. The art, the style, the soul, the knowledge. I only know about Charlotte youngsters and they are definitely pushing the culture forward in a positive manner. Some might disagree but every bottle has it’s own top.

4. How does your sound differ from other artists in the south?

I’m Joe Sig and they are emcee such and such… That’s the main difference.
I sound like me that’s the major difference.

5. Who is your top 5 favorite producers? (Any Genre)

Noah “40” Shebib, Swizz Beatz , The Alchemist, Big K.R.I.T., Just Blaze

6. First song you memorized?

Ambitionz As A Ridah by 2Pac

7. What projects are you working on right now? And what do you have out right now that is available? (Feel free to provide all links)

Right now I’m working on an Untitled EP with producer Rare Seed.
LIG 2 is available on BANDCAMP

http://igobyjoesig.bandcamp.com/album/lig-2 

Go get that dope muthufucka

8. Any last shout outs you’d like to throw out there?
HYFR s/o #CVO #Spidermob #FBN #Blackpeace #BlackUniverse #UZN #TheWave #GIFTEDMUSIC #7thsoana and you guys Liberation Live. Peace.

 

FOLLOW JOE SIG ON TWITTER